This week, the students conducted an experiment to explore how struts and ties affect a structure’s strength. Working in pairs, the students first created a basic cube structure using toothpicks and jumbo gumdrops, then tested its ability to support a load (duotangs, books, pencils, etc.). The students then designed and built a second cube (with additional toothpicks and gumdrops) and used struts and ties to strengthen its structure. As you can see from the pictures below, the students were really engaged in the activity and demonstrated some ingenuity in their designs!

Last week, the students used charcoal in art class to draw famous structures from around the world (a cross-curricular art activity as part of our study of Strong and Stable Structures in Science). We discussed how charcoal is a wonderful art tool for creating works with dark and light areas, tones (value), and shades of grey. I printed various dramatic black-and-white photographs of famous structures for the students to try to draw. I was delighted with the striking images the students created! Here are some photos. They did a great job!

W. Erskine Johnston is the place to be,

It’s the best school for you and me!

This Friday is school colours day.

Wear green and yellow if you may.

Let’s shout out loud,

Because we are proud!

To be a part of a school,

That is really, really cool!

Hip hip hooray,

For WEJ Wildcats day!!

W. Erskine Johnston students entering grade 4 in the fall can either continue in the English program (with 40 minutes of Core French daily) or enter the Middle French Immersion (MFI) program (67% French and 33% English). Parents are asked to complete a letter of intent form on which they will indicate their choice for their child. This form was sent home last week.  Please look out for it!

Please complete this form and return it to me by February 6th.

In Math, we will have our end-of-unit Patterning Test on Thursday. To review for the test, the students can do the following:

• Complete the following online quizzes at Nelson Math 3 (click here): Chapter One –  Lesson 1: Repeating Shape Patterns; Lesson 2: Exploring Patterns, Lesson 3: Patterns in 100 Chart; and Lesson 4: Patterns in T-Charts.
• Complete the Patterning Mission in Knowledgehook if they have not already done so.
• Complete the questions under Patterns in Math 3 Under the Sea

As you can see, there are many ways the students can review for this test! We have also spent some time in class reviewing for the Math test.

Next week, our math focus will shift to 3-D geometry and 3-D measurement. Students will compare, describe, identify and measure 3D objects and space. They will examine the relationships among prisms, pyramids, cylinders, and cones and their attributes. Later on, we will look at the concept of measurement involving mass (the amount of matter in an object) and capacity (the amount a container will hold).

In addition to our weekly Math work, here are some other related activities you and your child may like to try at home over the next little while (these are optional!):

• Your child can look around the house for examples of prism and pyramid shapes (e.g., tissue boxes, milk cartons, cookie containers). They can name the shape and count its faces, edges, and vertices. They can also practise drawing the net (the flattened shape) to make that 3-D shape.
• You and your child can play Name that Shape, where they either give or receive clues about the shape and try to guess its name.
• Your child can find various containers of different masses in grams (g) or kilograms (kg). They can estimate the mass of each and then check the container’s mass.
• Your child can also estimate the capacity of various containers. They can compare the sizes and units of measure in millilitres (mL) or litres (L).
• Show your child some recipes and discuss the listed measurements. Encourage your child to measure the ingredients.

Also, look for a new assigned mission in Knowledgehook on Geometric and Spatial Reasoning – coming soon!

In our Science unit on Strong and Stable Structures, the students learned that tall structures are less stable than shorter ones. On Friday, the students explored ways to stabilize a tall structure. Students were organized into groups of two or three. Each group was given the following materials: two paper towel tubes, a square piece of cardboard, some dried beans, an elastic, masking tape, and some tissue paper. They were asked to devise a procedure to modify one of the paper towel tubes to make it more stable (when placed in a box lid and tilted slowly) using the given materials. The groups then tested their idea three times to see if stability in the modified tube was increased. Observations were made, and their findings were discussed. Afterwards, we did head-to-head stability tests to determine which group had designed THE most stable tube in the class!

Look at the picture below. Which one do YOU think was the most stable design (and why)? Ask your child to explain what they learned are the best ways to increase the stability of a paper towel tube (or any tall structure)! (There are more pictures of this activity in our Google Classroom)

(Answer: Add a broader base to the tube and weight to the tube’s bottom!)

The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) announced this morning, Jan. 15th, that all school buses and vans are cancelled today due to poor weather conditions. All Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) schools will remain open. If parents choose to send their children to school, they will be responsible for transportation to and from school.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am excited to share with you the importance of our Dance Curriculum and an upcoming activity that promises to be engaging and educational.

Dance is an integral part of our curriculum, offering students numerous benefits beyond physical exercise. Through dance, students enhance their coordination, rhythm, and physical fitness. More importantly, it fosters creativity, self-expression, and confidence. Dance also encourages teamwork and helps students develop discipline and perseverance.

We are thrilled to announce that our class will participate in an exciting event called Luv2Groove. Students will take part in four dance workshops led by an experienced dance teacher, with sessions designed to make dance both fun and educational. Students will engage in various dance styles and routines to help them apply the skills they’ve learned in a lively, supportive environment. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talents and work collaboratively with their peers.

The Luv2Groove sessions will be a memorable experience for the students and an excellent way to highlight the importance of dance in their overall development. We encourage you to discuss the event with your child and enthusiastically support their participation.

The school has secured a discounted rate of $6.75 for your child to participate in these guided dance workshops, tailored to their grade level and abilities. Please use School Cash Online to pay the fee. If paying in cash is your preference, please send the money with your child to school.

Here is the link to School Cash Online

These dance workshops will serve as the foundation for our dance unit next term, as students will apply what they learn in Luv2Groove to create original dance routines in collaborative groups. Thank you for your continued support in making our dance program a success. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Sincerely,

Shaw Jackson

A week ago, to help wrap up our Forces and Movement Science unit, the students enjoyed the challenge of designing and building a device that slowed the time it took a foam ball to reach the ground when dropped from about 2.5 metres! ALL groups successfully slowed the ball’s descent with their devices. (The average time it took the unaltered foam ball to hit the ground was 0.64 seconds.) Each group decided to build a parachute to slow the ball. I have posted a few videos about the science behind parachutes in Google Classroom for students to see how their designs could have been improved. Students are encouraged to build their own toy parachute at home as an extra challenge! Feel free to send a video if you take this on! Here were our final results: