6th Grade Newsletter

December 5-9

Semester Exams: The countdown is on for the Semester Exams. The 6th Grade team is finishing up with the curriculum for the 2nd Nine Weeks and the information we are teaching this week, will be on the exams.

READING: Students will finish their unit on Expository Literature analyzing different types of expository text.

MATH: Students will continue their unit on Statistics, Graphing and Measures of Central Tendencies. This week students will create a Bar Graph It! Project for a Major Grade. Projects will be completed in class and are due Wednesday. Students will have a quiz over Mean, Median, Mode and Range this Wednesday. The quiz will be one of the last daily grades for the semester. Students will begin working on their math review in class this Wednesday.

SCIENCE: Students will complete their unit on Earth’s Structure and Processes and The Rock Cycle. A test will be given over Plate Tectonics and the Rock Cycle this Friday.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students will continue to apply the 5 themes of Social Studies to North America and Canada. Some of this unit will carry over into the 3rd nine weeks.

WRITING: Students will complete their final drafts for their Literary Response papers. Papers are due this Friday for a Major Grade.

TUTORIALS WILL BE HELD THIS WEEK. SEMESTER EXAM REVIEW’S WILL BE HANDED OUT BETWEEN WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY OF THIS WEEK.

Science Test Coming Up

There will be a test Chemical and Physical Changes, Density, Mixtures, Solutions, & Compounds next Monday, October 31. I am covering Physical and Chemical Changes tomorrow, and everything else this week will be a review for Monday's test.

I have also updated the blog with some of the pictures from our weekly Science Labs with explanations. I am sorry that I have been unable to keep my blog updated until now. Thank you for your understanding.

Lab: Scientific Process

While studying scientific process and Properties of Matter I brought in two different color eggs. I had students do a simple egg drop and make a hypothesis as to whether color effects the the rate at which an egg breaks.

Changes in Our Grade Level

You have probably heard by now that we lost one of our sixth grade teachers. Ms. Leibert was reassigned to teach second grade due to an influx in students in the lower grades. I am now teaching three 85 minute blocks of Social Studies.

Lab: Measurement Tools

We conducted a lab to show the difference between how to weigh an object using a Spring Scale and how to find the mass of an object using the Triple Beam Balance. This is a concept that is somewhat confusing to students, but I wanted to make it clear to the students by bringing in something that they would not forgot. To show that weight is really the force of gravity bearing down on an object I brought in a whole fish. Students used a Spring Scale to find the weight of the fish.

Students also used a variety of measurement tools to find different temperature values. One beaker contained room temperature water. We added ice to the same water to see how much the temperature of the water changed.

Penny Lab

While studying the Scientific Method we looked at the miniscus on the surface of a penny when we added liquid to it. We wanted to discover how many drops of liquid could sit on the surface without overflowing. The variable was water, and then we added liquid detergent to the water to see if it changed the number of drops that could be added to the penny. Just ask one of our sixth graders to see wwhat the results of this experiment were.

Science Labs

We had our first Science Lab last Friday and I was somewhat concerned when I graded the lab sheets this weekend that students did not take full advantage of the time that they were given during lab to complete the assignment and respond according to the directions in their lab sheet. This was a graded assignment that several students did not do very well on. Had the students taken the time needed to complete it during lab, rather than "play around" this would have been an easy grade for them. I will be talking to students about this lab and hopefully they will take this Thursday's lab seriously. We will be measuring how many drops of water can fit on the surface of a penny.

Progress Reports go home sometime next week. We are waiting to hear what day.

Please Bring Back Your Welcome Packets

It is very important that every student bring back their signed papers that were included in the Welcome Packet that was sent home the first day of school.

In this packet was our district's Acceptable Use Policy for Computer Use both in and outside of the classroom. We will be doing projects in the lab on a regular basis and we would like for everyone to be able to participate. Our first project is scheduled for this week. Students will be making and illustrating a lab safety poster that will hung in the sixth grade science lab.

Welcome Back to a New School Year

We are very excited for this year and the changes to our grade level. In order to prepare students for a middle school environment, we are now departmentalized which means I will have four classes of science. Students will now have a teacher in Science, Math, Social Studies/Writing, and ELA.

Our Sixth Grade Teachers are:
Mrs. Hitzel - Math
Mr. Rocha - Science/Math
Ms. Leibert - Writing/Social Studies
Ms. Gordon - ELA

We are looking forward to a great year.

Sixth Grade Semester Exs

I just wanted to let you know that semester exams start next week. Please remind your child to be reviewing each night. The exam will count as 1/7 of the course grade.

Sixth Grade Dance

This Friday is the Sixth Grade Dance. The cost is $6.00 per ticket which includes a t-shirt, admission to the dance, and food. As always, we will have a great DJ and students will be able to make some great memories in their last days as a student at QVE.

Math Test this Monday

This Monday students will be taking their last major math grade besides the final. Students will be tested over multiplying and dividing fractions. Students will have an opportunity to work on a study guide on Friday and the remainder will be sent home in the form of a worksheet. This would be a great opportunity for students to boost their grades before final exams.

Please note: I have put tutorials to help students work out problems for the upcoming test on the Math Tutorials tab of this blog. It would be a great idea for parents and students to check these out to refresh your memory on how to work these problems out before Monday.

Build Your Dreams

Upcoming TAKS Tests

We will be taking the Math TAKS this Tuesday and the Reading TAKS on Wednesday. We want everyone to have a good healthy meal the night before, and a good night's sleep (No Xbox the night before). We've worked really hard for this and we know that everyone will do a good job.

I told the class that I wanted them to work on the Jeopardy game below as a TAKS review over the weekend.

Parents: Because this is intended to be Jeopardy PPT game with hyperlinks, students won't be able to click for the answer. Instead, the answers are on the top of each slide with the question, starting with "What is..."

Thanks for helping your students take time to complete this.

Jeopardy - TAKS Review 2007

Monday's Last Minute Review Ideas

Monday is our last day for review before the TAKS. Is there anything left that you would like me to do a quick review over?

What is the toughest Math concept for you on the TAKS?... at AnswerGarden.ch.

Who's Reading My Blog Survey??

I'm going to start a new feature on my blog.  I will post a short answer survey to help my blog become more interactive.  I would also like to get a feel for who is reading it.  Let's start with something easy... my students should be able to answer this.  Your answers will be anonymous. 

Math Night

We had a great turn out for our Math Night, where we made fresh fruit smoothies.  I was very proud to see that the majority of the students who attended Math Night from sixth grade came from Ms. Brackett and my class.  Thanks for the support.  In the next couple of weeks I will be doing the same activity as a review of fractions.  I will be asking students to help bring in ingredients for this activity.  We will need vanilla or plain low-fat yogurt, frozen fruit, fruit juice, and oatmeal.   

Extra Credit Assignment

I offered a 10 point extra credit assignment to students in my classes today that is due on Monday, March 28.  The 10 points will be applied toward any of their lowest math or science TEST grades for the 4th Nine Weeks. 

I feel that as a teacher it is not only my responsibility to prepare students academically, but also educate them for life.  There are many times that I teach "life lessons".  These are some of my students favorite lessons that I teach, where I share stories of things that I have gone through personally or come across in my life. 

In an effort to help increase kindness towards one another, I have assigned the following task to students.  The extra credit assignment is neither math or science related.  I've asked students to complete two acts of charity.  They are to write a one page reflection afterwards that includes (to be turned in):
1.) What they did
2.) Why they did it
3.) How they felt afterwards

Field Trip this Friday, March 25 and Science Test Thursday - Forms of Energy

This Friday we are taking a fieldtrip to QVMS.  Please look at the letters posted below that explain important procedures for this trip.  I have also included a copy of the field trip permission slip for you to fill out and send back with your student.  If you have problems printing please let me know.  I can repost the information in a different format tomorrow.  (Click on the forms to make them larger - they will open in a seperate window where you can "zoom" in again)

Our 6th Graders Are Clicking to Assess

Our students are getting to evaluate their math skills in a manner slightly different than what they are used to.  The students used the latest version of the CPS response pads (a.k.a. “clickers”) and accompanying software to show how much they know.  Our school currently has three sets that can be checked out from the library.

The clicker system allows students to respond quickly and see instant results.  Each student is given a clicker that is remotely connected to the teacher’s system. 

A question is displayed on the screen and students answer using the clicker system.  Within seconds they see the whole classes results which gives them instant confirmation and or correction. 

Pictures courtesy of:  www.integratedclasstech.com/images/cps_class.jpg

  

Calendar Updates

I know it has been a couple of weeks since I have posted, but wanted to fill you in on some of the things going on lately.  We are planning a really fun Math Night, this Thursday, March 10.  It will pay to come out.  We've changed it up a bit this year, and will be mixing things up this year.  Come out and see what we'll be "mixing" up. 

Students are taking a Math DA on Friday, March 11.  We have been reviewing for it each day in class using "clickers".  These are individual remote control devices each student can put their answers in, and receive immediate feedback.  It is important that students come to school on time each morning, because as we get closer to TAKS time this is our spiral review time to cover concepts taught during the school year in our daily warm up. 

Last, but not least... SPRING BREAK is next week.  I know we are all looking forward to it.  I will be posting a review slide show of Math concepts that we have studied this year if you would like to have your child work at home.  I know everyone needs a little break, and I will be taking my own. 

Forces,Motion & Simple Machines Review

Ø Equal forces acting on an object in opposite directions. Will not change an objects motion.

Ø When a net force changes an objects motion causes an object to move.

Ø When an objects distance from another objects is changing.

Ø The overall force acting on an object.

Ø A place or object used for comparison to determine if something is in motion.

Ø Both the speed and direction of an object.

Ø Meter

Ø All over the world

Ø Speed- the distance traveled by a moving object per unit of time. Avg.speed- total distance traveled compared to the total time. Constant speed- speed that does not change.

Ø Divided the distance an object traveled by the time it took to travel.

Ø 30km/s

Ø Incline plane, wedge, screw, lever, wheel and axle, pulley.

Ø a flat slanted surface , a ramp.

Ø an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder, bolts, faucets, jar lids.

Ø an inclined plane that can move, instead of an object moving along an inclined plane. The inclined plane itself moves. Example- zipper.

Ø a simple machine made of two circular objects that rotate on a common axis. Example: screwdriver or doorknob.

Ø a rigid bar that is free to rotate or pivot on a fixed point. A force is exerted on one end and the other end goes in the opposite direction. Example: removing a lid from a paint can.

Ø a grooved wheel with a rope wrapped around it.

A fixed pulley is attached to a structure.
A moveable pulley is attached to something you want to move.

Pulleys are used to lift objects.
Example: window blinds


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Items Needed

We are in desperate need of tissue and hand sanitizer.  If you could send some with your child, we would really appreciate it. 

Thank you in advance for your help!

Math Retake

I just wanted to let you know that the kids did a lot better on their Math Retake test that I gave today. I am very proud of them. I want my students to be responsible and held accountable for their actions. For the most part, I could tell that students studied and prepared for this test. Way to go!


Progress Reports went home last week. Make sure you've seen your child's grades.

Parent Teacher Conferences & Progress Reports

It's that time of year again. Our spring Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled for next Wednesday, February 9. Please plan on coming with your child. Students will be dismissed at 10:45. Sign up sheets went home today with directions for you to choose your top three choices in times. Rememeber to turn the sheet in as soon as possible, for the best chances to get the time that you prefer.

Progress Reports went home on Friday, February 3.

Solar System Projects (Newsletters) were due on Monday. Many students still have not turned this major project in.

Science Test Friday, January 28 - Study Guide Below

The Science test is on Friday. Below is the study guide (as a Powerpoint) that we went over in class. Parents, please use the study guide with your child to help them prepare for the test.

As I stressed in class if you study the review and know it, you should do well in the the test. Study the diagram of the sun and know how to label the parts of the sun.

Components of the Solar System-1

Mr. Rocha's Birthday (Posted by Mrs. Rocha)

This message is from Mrs. Rocha--- (I'm telling you this up front, because Mr. Rocha would never in a million years post this...)

Mr. Rocha's birthday is tomorrow, Tuesday, January 25. Please make sure that you make his day special. He works very hard, and not a day goes by that he doesn't talk about teaching and what he is planning for his students to help them. Just a simple, "Happy Birthday" or card will do the trick. He deserves it.

Progress Reports Go Home This Week

Your grades have now been posted, and those of you that have not turned in your Science Solar System Rough Drafts received a "0" for the assignment until it is turned in. I just want to remind you that this is a major grade, and each day that it is late 5 points will be deducted from the assignment. Many students are now failing science, because they have not turned their rough drafts in yet.

Please make sure that you turn it in. The final written assignment is due this Friday, January 28, but you must first turn in your rough draft in order to receive a score for the assignment and receive feedback. (I have extended the deadline for the final project.) We will be going to the computer lab on Thursday to give students time to merge their final drafts into a newsletter in Publisher. Do not wait until the last minute.

Math Test: Monday, January 24 - See Review with Answers Below

You should have worked out these problems that were assigned in class and also posted to the blog earlier in the week. As I mentioned in class, you will find the answers to the review questions to help you prepare for Monday's Math test. Please use these answers to check your work and go over your needed corrections with your parents this weekend. Good luck!

Ch 6-7 Review Answers

Chapter 6&7 Review

Solar System Assignments *LATE*

The Solar System Rough Draft was due Friday, and only about half of my students turned them in. Students who turn them in on Tuesday will have 10 points taken off of their assignment. Each day that the paper is late, points will be deducted. It is very important that this assignment is turned in as it is 30% of your grade in Science. It is also an ELA grade in Ms. Brackett's class.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Solar System Project

Students will be required to write a research paper on the Sun, one of the planets, asteroids, meteors & comets or auroras and eclipses. The students’ topic will be selected by a random drawing. Students will need to research their topic from reliable sources such as library books, encyclopedia, internet, science book, etc. Students are required to include the following information in their project:

Topics were assigned Tuesday, January 4, 2011. Students will need to check out a library book about their topic on their next visit to the library. Students will need to do a good portion of their research at home. Students are required to turn in a rough draft of their research paper no later than Friday, January 14, 2011. Once the rough draft has been edited, the students will create a Newsletter in Microsoft Publisher in the computer lab. Students will then present their newsletter.
Dates to follow

6th Grade Math/Science Team
Mr. Rocha
Mrs. Hitzel

Solar System Research Project

Solar System Rubric