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.