Mr. Steinbach's Class Blog
Fourth Grade
Trouble with Double-Digit Multiplication?
May 14th
The fourth grade is currently working on double-digit multiplication. Here are some things to check out to help you while you learn…
WebMath - This is a great resource that will walk you through the steps of doing multiplication with ANY math problem, including those on your homework. Just remember, this is a learning tool, and not a finish-my-homework-early tool. 
Double-Digit Multiplication Practice - From the Math Playground website, this activity has you practice answering random multiplication problems using the format we have taught in class. You’ll need a pencil and paper handy
Khan Academy - Here are some links to Khan Academy activities that will help you practice multiplication. If you are using these links for my math class, please make sure to log in first to save your progress!
Khan Academy – Multiplication 2 (2 digit by 1 digit)
Khan Academy – Multiplication 3 (2 or 3 digit by 2 digit)
Khan Academy – Multiplication 4 (2,3,4 digit by 2,3 digit)
MAP Testing Schedule
May 11th
Next week we will take our last MAP tests of the year! Our class will be following the schedule below. Please make sure to get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast each morning!
Tuesday Morning: Math
Wednesday Morning: Language Usage
THURSDAY EARLY RELEASE – NO TESTS
Friday Morning: Reading
Southwest State/Capital Quiz – May 16
May 9th
As the school year winds down, we are going to finish our tour of the United States by visiting the southwest and west regions. Since the southwest region only contains four states, I’ve scheduled our quiz for a week from today. Students will be quizzed on capitals, abbreviations and state locations on May 16th. A study sheet went home today with the kids. Here are some links to practice online:
The Southwest Region - NEW! (5/9/12)
Southeast Online Quiz – Due SATURDAY
May 3rd
Welcome to our online Southeast Region quiz!
Your job is to comment on at least five of the pages in the VoiceThread below (not the cover page). Your comment can either be with voice or through typing. Explore and be creative! For each comment, you must share at least one interesting thing that you learned when we visited that location. Your comments should be FACTS and NEW information that you learned. Please refrain from comments such as “It was really cool!” or “I learned that the space shuttle launches here.”
Ready to get started? Great! Follow the steps below to get going…
1. The big arrows on the left and right will move you between the pages. There are eight stops listed. Feel free to comment on any (or all) of them)
2. To sign in, click on the “Sign in or Register” button in the bottom right corner. Use the following information:
- E-Mail -> bsteinbach@nssd112.org
- Password -> nssd112
3. Then click on the picture of me and choose your own photo.
4. Now you’re ready to comment!
5. Click on the comment button of ANY page and choose whether you want to type or speak your message. You need a microphone on your computer if you want to speak your message. When you’re done, you can hear your comment by clicking on your picture on the side of each page.
6. If you want to start your comment over, click on your picture on the side of the page and then on the trash can.
7. You can listen to your classmates’ comments by clicking on their pictures, too. Make sure not to accidentally delete comments that are not your own.
8. If you have problems, make sure to let me know. You have until SATURDAY to complete this activity.
Mad Science Rocks!
May 2nd
Today Mad Science came to visit our class to talk about rocks and minerals. Students got an inside look at the layers of the earth. We also created volcanoes using baking soda! Students used scratch tests to classify different rocks while in their table teams. We had a blast with Mad Science and can’t wait to do more hands-on activities next year!
Continuing Our Tour of the Southeast
Apr 26th
Yesterday we finished our trip through the Southeast region of the United States. Click on the pictures to learn a little about the places we visited. We will have a mini quiz on the information next week.
Also, don’t forget that our state and capital quiz is on Monday!
- Gulf of Mexico Oil Rig – New York Times Article about the Oil Spill of 2010
Natchez, Mississippi - BrainPOP video about slavery
The French Quarter - Nat Geo Kids video about Mardi Gras
The Civil Rights Memorial - PBS info and documentary about the Freedom Riders
The Mississippi River Delta - Conservation video about the river delta birds
Our Friend, Martin - Full length video of Our Friend, Martin
Let’s do the wave!
Apr 19th
Today we continued talking about sound waves in science. The class acted out two different kinds of waves: transverse and longitudinal. We learned that sound waves are longitudinal. Here are some videos of each type:
We also discussed how bats use sounds and echoes (sonar) to navigate and find food in the dark. Here’s a link that talks about how scientists are studying bats to help create new technology for the military. There will be an ad at the beginning of the video.
Author Visit – Sarah Weeks
Apr 13th
Today our school was visited by acclaimed children’s author, Sarah Weeks. She is the author of books such as So B. It and Pie. The students learned about the creative process Sarah uses in writing her novels. She focuses on a story arc to keep her stories from being boring. We also found out that she gets inspiration from a variety of places, including old homes. You can find out more about her books at her website, SarahWeeks.com.
Our Tour of the Southeast
Apr 11th
We’re in the midst of traveling through the Southeast region on a giant tour bus. Click on the pictures to learn more about those topics!
Coal Mining
Jamestown, VA
The Kennedy Space Center
The Everglades
Hurricanes
iRead for 112 Foundation
Apr 5th
This is just a reminder that the read-a-thon officially ends this weekend. I’ve told all students that they need to bring their logs in on Monday. The absolute last day for collection is Wednesday. All students are required to turn in a log sheet with their minutes and a parent signature. Monetary donations are optional, but very much appreciated. The 112 Foundation supports a variety of projects/programs/author visits through the district.
