Erosion Experts

In our most recent science unit students have been working in new groups of third and fourth graders learning about how forces like weathering and erosion shape our earth. This week we headed to the Allen Brook to observe how this land form has changed over time. Some of our big take-aways were how the shape of the river is a direct result of the river banks eroding and how the river is considerably wider then it was even two years ago.

Students then used models to investigate how wind affects sand dunes. We collected data of dunes with just sand and dunes with sticks used to represent plant life. Students will use this data to represent their findings in graphs and think like engineers to solve the problem of erosion washing away land and homes in areas like Cape Cod. What would you do to reduce the impact of erosion and weathering if you home was in a vulnerable area?

Next week students will be taking the SBAC assessment starting Monday, May 14th and wrapping up Thursday, May 17th. Students can feel free to bring extra snacks to school with them during these days. This assessment is a way to provide schools with a big picture view of what students understand and how they show this understanding in a test setting. The results help us to think about instructional goals and objectives at the district, local, and state level.  With that being said, they are not the only way that we assess your student's growth and they cannot measure things like confidence, creativity, perseverance, and critical thinking. We ask for students to try their best, but the SBAC shouldn't cause any unnecessary stress.