Holiday party

Field trip

We went to the Zach Scott Theater and it was SO MUCH FUN!

We saw Holiday Heros. 

Measurement

A large part of our measurement unit is just understand the concepts of how much a gallon can hold, and how long an inch really is.

The questions below were on the fourth grade math STAAR in 2014.

Well if you've never really done a whole lot of cooking (which is pretty typical of a fourth grader...) this could be a tough question. 

Again, this problem seems really easy. Except, if you don't have a mental picture of how large these measurements really are. 

If you're ever interested in looking at some STAAR questions, here's the website.

Here's a really neat website where you can zoom in and out and compare sizes.

In order to kick off the second part of the measurement unit (the first part was area and perimeter) I wanted to give my kiddos the opportunity to play with experiment with the different tools of measurement.

I had three different stations.

Measuring length
Measuring weight/mass
Measuring volume

The fabulous Dr. Dower, my dad, came to visit and help out.

I love when we're able to do hands-on activities but it often gets a little wild and crazy so I'm always grateful to have another adult.

Robots

For a fun activity, we're making our own robots and then finding the areas and perimeter.

I made my robot a Sadie Lady Robot.

New Unit

Our new unit is all about measuring area and perimeter!!

Here are the TEKS:

4.5 Algebraic reasoning. The student applies mathematical process standards to develop concepts of expressions and equations. The student is expected to:

4.5C use models to determine the formulas for the perimeter of a rectangle (l + w + l + w or 2l + 2w), including the special form for perimeter of a square (4s) and the area of a rectangle (l x w);

4.5D solve problems related to perimeter and area of rectangles where dimensions are whole numbers. R

Here are the essential questions:

Why can a mathematical formula work for determining perimeter and area for all rectangles?

How can you use formulas to find the perimeter of a rectangle?

How can you use formulas to find the area of a rectangle?

Here's the youtube video I'm showing the kiddos.