Ms.

Christy Armstrong
2016-2017
Course Description:
In fourth grade, the basic facts of all four operations (+, -, x, and, ) will be
used regularly and should be memorized in math class. This year (20112012) Baltimore city will be focusing more on the common core standards
which will take full effect in 2014. Therefore, I encourage you to assist your
child at home to master all skills especially the ones marked common core
below. These are the topics to be covered before MSA.
Common core standards are marked *
4th Grade Math Topics:
Unit 1: Whole Number Concepts
Read, Write, Represent Whole Numbers*
Place Value and Expanded Form of Whole Numbers*
Compare and Order Whole Numbers*
Unit 2: Whole Number Computation 1
Add Whole Numbers*
Subtract Whole Numbers*
Estimate Sums and Differences*
Compare Values of Mixed Currency
Unit 3: Number Theory and Computation 2
Multiples
Factors
Multiply Whole Numbers*
Divide Whole Numbers*
Estimate Products and Quotients
Divisibility Rules
UNIT 4: Algebra 1
Numeric Patterns
Repeating Patterns
Growing Patterns
Solve for Unknown Quantities
Function Tables
Unit 5: Fraction Concepts
Proper Fractions and Mixed Numbers
Compare and Order Fractions and Mixed Numbers
Fractional Number Lines

Add and Subtract Proper Fractions and Mixed Numbers*

Unit 6: Statistics and Probability
Probability
Median, Mode and Range
Line Plots
Coordinate Grids
Line Graphs
UNIT 7: Algebra 2
Write Expressions
Equivalent Expressions
Write Relationships
Unit 8: Geometry 1
Angles
Transformations
Unit 9: Geometry 2
Geometric Solids
Nets for Cubes and Pyramids
Unit 10: Decimals
Read, Write, Represent Decimals
Place Value and Expanded Form of Decimals
Compare and Order Decimals
Add Decimals
Subtract Decimals
Estimate Decimal Sums and Differences
Unit 11: Measurement 1
Measure Length
Determine Equivalent Units of Length
Unit 12: Measurement 2
Perimeter
Area
Start time, Elapsed Time, and End Time
After MSA Math Topics
Unit 13: Fraction Concepts 2
Least Common Multiple
Equivalent Forms of Fractions*
Add and Subtract Proper Fractions with Unlike Denominators*
Unit 14: Simplify & Compare Fractions
Identify GCF and Simplify Fractions
Compare and Order Fractions with Unlike Denominators*
Unit 15: Decimal Notation for Fractions
Express a fraction with denominator 10 as an equivalent fraction with

denominator 100*
Use decimal notation for fractions with denominators 10 or 100*
Compare two decimals to hundredths by reasoning about their size*
Unit 16: Whole Number Computation 2
Multiply Whole Numbers*
Divide Whole Numbers*
Science Topics
This years science curriculum has been infused with the STEM program,
(Science, Technology, Engineering and math). This program is designed to
encourage students to be critical thinkers so that they will be in line with
the technical age that we are living in today. The following are the units that
will be covered in the 4th grade science curriculum.
QUARTER 1
Unit 1: Material and Processes that Shape our Planet- STEM Unit- The
Grand Canon
Unit 2: Earth History
Unit 3: Astronomy
Unit 4: Hydrosphere and Atmosphere
QUARTER 2
Unit 5: Thermodynamics
UNIT 6: Mechanics- STEM Unit- Sheep in a Jeep
Unit 7: Organizing Matter
QUARTER 3
Unit 8: Diversity of Life- STEM Unit- Name that shell
Unit 9: Genetics
Unit 10: Evolution
QUARTER 4
Unit 11: Flow of Matter and Energy
Unit 12: Ecology and Environmental Issues -STEM Unit- oil spills
Grading Scale
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: 59 and below

4th Grade Behavior Expectations

* Respect self and others
* Be prepared with work and materials
* Keep the classroom clean

* Follow direction and work quietly

* Follow all rules as stated in the BCPS Handbook
**** These are five basic fourth grade rules that all students will be held
accountable to. Additionally, I expect my students to enter my room quietly
and do no unnecessary talking, get materials out, have two sharpened
pencil, and begin working on their morning drill. There will be rewards for
students who follow the all rules and consequences for those who dont.
Make-Up Work
If your child is absent, he/she is responsible for obtaining the missed work
from me and return it in a timely manner; normally the following day, unless
we have agreed upon a specific date.
Homework
Students will be expected to complete weekly homework packets which
are designed to have students practice all the skills needed to be
successful in the MSA.
Homework should be completed only with pencil and must be signed by a
parent. Students may start their homework in class if they are finished with
all other assignments, that way I can clarify any questions or concerns they
may have. Home work is collected every Friday and the new packet
handed out. If students are absent that day they can turn in their packet on
Monday and receive the new one for that week.
Students can also turn in their packet early if it is completed. They will
receive one No Homework Pass for each completed packet which can
only be used for one day homework.
Quizzes/Drills & Tests
Student will receive a basic fact drill each morning before the lesson
begins. Students will receive a pre and post unit test to determine what
knowledge they already have and what they learned. They will also be
required to complete a post test for each topic that has been taught. This
will be graded, but it will help me to determine who needs further help with
that particular topic. Those who need further help will be re-taught and will
be given a second chance to retake the test.
Students are expected to bring all material home to adequately prepare
themselves for all tests. I will be available for any assistance your child
may need to prepare.
For the science curriculum students will be required to complete a pre-test
in September and post test in May in the form of a benchmark assessment

as well regular class tests that are designed by me. They will be required
to complete numerous projects and carry out regular experiments.
Students are required to follow all safety rules for science class. Please
assist your child with at home projects and turn them in on the stated due
dates, but do not complete the project for your child.
Journals
Each student will be required to have a spiral note book for math journal
keeping and a composition note book for science. Journals will be kept at
school and students will be prompted on when to complete an entry, what
needs to be entered and how it should be done. All journals must be kept
neat and clean at all times.
How to contact Ms. Christy
I am available, by appointment, during my planning block between 9:00
and 9:45 or immediately after school at 2:30 on most days. I can be
reached by phone during these times or anytime afterschool (410-9006246). You can also contact me through email at
Christyarmstrong@bcps.k12.md.us, which I check daily, except on the
weekends. You are also free to write me a letter if that works best for you.
I want you to know that I am committed to helping you and your child in
any way possible, so please do not hesitate to contact me.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please sign and return the bottom to
acknowledge that you have read and understand the above procedures.
Students Name:______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:_______________________
Date:_______________________