Ms. Cook
4th Grade Science
A Year to Imagine, Invent, Inspire
"Any fool can know. The point is to understand." - Albert Einstein
Hello, my name is Darby Cook and I am the 4th grade science teacher at University Academy. This is my second year teaching here at UA. I set high academic expectations for all of my students. Together, I want to build a classroom that values mutual respect, rigorous academic content, and real world relevancy.
Family communication is very important to me. Feel free to call or email me with any questions.
I am currently pursuing my Master of Education degree from University of Missouri - St. Louis. Prior to this, I earned my Bachelor's degree from New York University. While attending NYU, I had the opportunity to both study and volunteer abroad. These experiences were a major highlight of my college career. I am committed to helping my students' on their pathway to college so they can have similar experiences.
In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, guitar, and cooking. I also like spending time with my family back home in Michigan.
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What's happening in science?
In the Classroom
We will be studying the environment until the end of the year. We will focus our study on the structures and behaviors of organisms and the relationships between one organism and its environment. The driving question for this final module deals with structure and function - How do the structures of an organism allow it to survive in its environment? Students design investigations to study preferred environments, range of tolerance, and optimum conditions for growth and survival of specific organisms (both terrestrial and aquatic).
Current Assignments
Students are expected to complete a weekly homework log that contains work from each teacher on the 4th grade team. It is due Friday morning. Failure to turn in the homework log on time will result in a loss of dojo points, which may affect whether that scholar qualifies for Fun Friday time.
At this time, there are no specific science assignments - please check back later in the quarter!
Classroom Expectations
Listen and follow directions the first time they are given
Raise your hand and wait silently for permission to speak
Stay in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise
Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself
Respect the learning environment
Schedule
7:22-7:42 AM Breakfast
7:50-8:10 AM Morning Meeting
8:10-8:50 AM Homeroom
8:55-10:15 AM Block 1
10:20-11:40 AM Block 2
11:43 AM -12:02 PM Recess
12:05-12:30 PM Lunch
12:30-12:35 PM Restroom Break
12:40-1:35 PM Reading Intervention
1:40 PM-2:30 PM Specials
2:40 PM Dismissal
Standards for 4th Quarter
During the Environments Module, scholars will be tested on the below standards:​​
I recognize that animals and plants have structures that serve various functions in growth, survival, and reproduction
I can explain how organisms gather information about their surrounding environment
I can infer which environment an organism will thrive, survive or struggle in
I can explain environmental interactions with living things and with nonliving factors
I can explain why individuals of the same kind differ in their characteristics, and the advantages of those differences
I can investigate and conclude how certain organisms adapt to the environment, and why others fail
I can plan and carry out investigations with certain materials and resources
Promotion Standards
In order for a student to be promoted to the 5th grade, they will need to meet ALL of the standards established by the promotion standard
Students must pass ALL core classes (ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies) with more than 70% of all standards for each subject mastered Students must have 95% attendance
Students must score 60% or higher on Benchmark 4 or the Summer School EOC Test, or should score Proficient or Advanced on the State MAP Tests in ELA, Math and Science Students must be reading at a Level T and hold a SRI score between 625-650 Students must receive recommendation for promotion from their grade level team and principal, based on satisfactory classroom performance throughout the current school year. Administration must approve all team decisions.
Parent Expectations
We all know that educating a child takes more than one person; it takes a village of individuals that care to see the student do well. As the parent or guardian, you will be a key player in the success of your student this year. You will be expected to:
-provide a safe and nurturing home environment with adequate nourishment and rest
-ensure that your student is on time and attends school regularly
-encourage your student to solve conflicts in positive ways
-establish a time for homework and review it with them
-maintain an interest in what your student is learning as well as knowing their progress in school
-communicate and work with school staff to support, encourage, and challenge your student.
Resources
Beyond Minecraft: STEM Games
FOSS Web
FOSS Web gives you and your student access to online tutorials that reteach some of the standards we have learned in class. It also gives you and your student access to virtual investigations that let your child practice some skills.
1) Click "class login" and enter our username "Gryphons2018" and the password "Password".
2) Click on the Soils, Rocks, and Landforms Book
3) Feel free to explore the online resources like the tutorials and virtual investigations
Field Trips
In order for students to attend field trips for the 2018-2019 school year, the following items need to be given to me:
-Permission slip (needs to be turned in by the first field trip -- October 3rd)
- $33.00 field trip fee (this is due by October 19th -- the day of parent teacher conferences)
We want this process to be seamless for you but also your students. Please contact me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
Science City
October 4th
Negro League Museum and Jazz Museum
February 15th
Kauffman Performing Arts Center
April 3rd
Sky Zone
Spring 2019
Reach out today to learn more about joining one of our activities.