Science

September and October: Scientific Measurement
Students investigate how scientists measure while engaging in a variety of hands-on activities. Classroom projects reinforce use of the metric system and develop an understanding of mass, volume, and density.

November through January: Electrifying Science
Students investigate basic circuitry and electromagnetism. They build series and parallel circuits, electric quiz boards, flashlights, electromagnets, and motors.

February and March: Exploring Our Universe
Students learn about outer space with a special emphasis on our moon and solar system. Through a variety of observations, simulations, and experiments, they investigate basic concepts of Astronomy.

April through June: Light and Color
Students study the properties of light and color by experimenting with lenses, mirrors, and prisms. Projects include building kaleidoscopes and color wheels, developing photograms, and investigating chromatography.

 

Art

Children in fourth grade explore basic elements of art including line, shape, form, pattern, texture, and color. The goal is for students to work with a variety of art mediums and to have ample opportunity to develop skill, craftsmanship, and confidence through experimentation. Fourth grade art classes work on projects designed to develop skills in drawing, painting, printing, sculpture, collage, and mixed media. Although the process of making art is the primary concern in the art classes, increasing emphasis will be put on producing a well crafted final product. Students are asked to be responsible for their assignments and to follow their work through to completion.
There will be several opportunities to work on small group activities with the purpose of developing the skills that are needed to work with others.

Throughout the school year, student work will be displayed in the Lower School hallways, the library, the GA Book Fairs, and the Arts Center Gallery. Tours of professional artist exhibitions in the Arts Center Gallery and visits from artists will enhance the classroom experiences. In the middle of the school year and at the closing of school, student art work will be sent home. Sketch books are given to all fourth grade students for in class use. Student art work will be continuously scanned and placed on "On-line" portfolios which can be viewed on the GA Homepage under Lower School Art.

Lower School Art Department Home Page

Music

During bi-weekly music classes, fourth grade students develop an understanding of the elements of music (rhythm, melody, form, and timbre) through singing, playing instruments and movement. Music is a language as well as an art and emphasis is placed on musical literacy. Active listening skills are taught through great works of classical music. In addition to music classes, students also participate in the choir or orchestra. It is through participation in a performing ensemble that students have the opportunity to use their skills in an artistically expressive endeavor.

Aspects of music such as singing and movement are developmental. Some children sing in tune and move with rhythmic coordination quite naturally, while others may be less comfortable with these skills and learn them with training according to their own developmental timetables.

Music theory and musical listening are cognitive skills that require attention, effort, analysis and abstract thinking. Disciplined practice is important in learning to sing well, to play instruments and to participate in an ensemble.

The curriculum calls for a music program that will help the students develop interest, discipline and literacy. The ultimate goal of the music program is to give children opportunities to participate in musical activities so that they grow to appreciate and enjoy music and make it become a vital part of their lives.

Performances during the year include the CSO Holiday Program, the Winter Program, the Lower School Spring Concert, the Grandparents' Day Assembly, Final Assembly and various Lower School Assemblies throughout the year.

 Lower School Music Department Home Page

Physical Education

In physical education class students are introduced to individual and team oriented sports. Activities covered in the school year are track and field, swimming, lacrosse, speedball, fitness, volleyball, ropes and cooperative games, aerobics/dance, and tumbling. Units are divided into three- or four-week intervals depending on season and space available. Children are encouraged to learn and develop the essential skills pertinent to the sport or activity. In addition, students are taught the rules of the game, safety factors and tactical aspects which are appropriate for each level.

Lower School Physical Education Home Page

 

This web site is maintained by the fourth grade teachers of Germantown Academy, David Nagel, Graham Martin, Julia Blumenreich and Susan Sarshik.  Please contact David Nagel or Susan Sarshik.  with questions or comments.