"aMAZEing" Engineers!!!

After our engineers planned and built their models, it was time to test them!  Groups tested their mazes in three sessions: Session 1 allowed students to use their hands to maneuver the box top to guide the marble through the maze.  Each group tracked data using a small, medium and large sized marble to determine how this would affect the success/time of their trial.

Session 2 was quite the learning experience...groups had to track their data but were not allowed to use their HANDS to maneuver their box top!!   Creativity was flowing in Team Wilkinson, as some groups used scissors or pencils to create handles; straws were used to blow air to get the marble rolling; or pencil erasers served as putters!!

In Session 3, groups traded mazes with each other and had to record their trials and compare them to their peers. 

I hope your student shares their experience from this week with you this weekend!!  Team Wilkinson is building a community of Scientists and this was a great kickoff to our adventures in fourth grade!   

Sketch...Plan....Sketch....Plan...Build...Repeat...

It's been an a-MAZE-ing week in Team Wilkinson!!   Ask you child about their experiences as engineers--what have been the strengths of their group (or areas of improvement), how does having a blueprint or plan assist them, and in what ways can they continue to use this process in the future??

Check back later this week for more updates on our mazes!!!

Book Buddies!

Kicked off our morning with Book Buddies with Beaty's class!!    Awesome synergy this morning!!

Second Day Selfie

First day craziness got the best of us...Day 2 provided an opportunity for a team pic!! What a wonderful start to the year we've had!! 

1st night HW/Reading Log

WE SURVIVED!!!

Your kiddo came home tonight with their "Take Home Tuesday" folder; inside is the Handbook.  Please sign  and return the following forms as soon as possible, as some effect blog/technology practices.

-Student Behavior Code, pg. 41 (parent and student signature required)

-OCSNET Acceptable Policy User Agreement, pg. 42 (parent and student signature required)

-Photo Release, pg. 43   Select 1 option (careful--there are 2 "yes" options, you must select one or the other).  Parent signature required.  

Homework tonight: Read for 20 minutes and log (2 sentences).  Parents, please initial each evening to confirm that you have seen the agenda.  I frequently write notes here and this will also help our students develop good homework habits.  Feel free to jot me any questions you may have as well!!

Welcome to Team Wilkinson!!!

Wohoo!!!  You found our Blog :)  Here you will find all things TEAM WILKINSON...take a few minutes to explore the pages on the right side of the page.  Here you will find:

            -Contact Info

            -Scheduling information and links

            -Homework and Book Challenge info (to be introduced in September, officially)

            -Current Wish List items...this page is updated as donations are sent in...quantities are not listed because I absolutely will take the leftovers you are stashing at your house, it doesn't have to be a full class set!  Have 12 tongue depressors that you aren't using, send 'em in.  I'm sure our mad Scientists will use them.

Photos are uploaded regularly, allowing you to get a glimpse into our day from your phone or computer and we love to hear feedback--feel free to comment on our posts.

It was a pleasure meeting all of you at Kenwood Kickoff this evening and I look forward to an exciting year in 4th grade!!  If you haven't already, please introduce yourself to our new Principal (Mr. Davis) and Assistant Principal (Mrs. Garrett)...they are WONDERFUL!  Just a reminder that school starts on Wednesday August 19th--at a new time, 7:40am--have a great weekend!!