Math: Sixth graders continued their study of ratios and rates this week. They began by applying their knowledge to a real world concept called “Fermi Problems”. These types of problems were named after Enrico Fermi who was an Italian physicist that devoted his time to thinking of and discussing problems that are impossible to measure directly, but can be estimated using known facts. We started off practicing as a class to answer the question, “How long would it take to paddle across the Pacific Ocean?” Next, sixth graders created their own Fermi Problems in groups and used their critical thinking and reasoning skills to find a reasonable answer. From there, students also put their problem solving strategies to use with an Exemplars problem involving planning a holiday meal. They were provided with a list of menu choices and asked to determine the cost per person.
Writing: In writing, students continued working on their fantasy stories. First, they thought about symbols that help bring a story to life. Students explored ways to incorporate meaningful symbols to drive their stories. Next, they worked on their drafts to include specific details that create mental images of their fantasy world for readers. Finally, sixth graders used peer editors to revise drafts.
Reading: This week, students worked hard to close read the poem, “Casey at the Bat”. They started by examining unknown vocabulary words and using strategies to determine their meanings. From there, sixth graders read the poem again focusing on the author’s use of figurative language to help readers understand the emotions portrayed in the text. Next, the class thought critically about word choice and the impact it has on revealing characters. Finally, the last read focused on author’s craft techniques used to reveal the theme of a poem. This concluded our study of narrative fiction. Next week, the class will begin work with nonfiction texts.
Science/Social Studies: Sixth grade scientists continued their exploration of the declining lobster population in Connecticut. They explored a virtual model of the earth to look at ocean currents. Students combined this knowledge with an article about ocean density to develop an understanding of how ocean currents form and move.
Writing: In writing, students continued working on their fantasy stories. First, they thought about symbols that help bring a story to life. Students explored ways to incorporate meaningful symbols to drive their stories. Next, they worked on their drafts to include specific details that create mental images of their fantasy world for readers. Finally, sixth graders used peer editors to revise drafts.
Reading: This week, students worked hard to close read the poem, “Casey at the Bat”. They started by examining unknown vocabulary words and using strategies to determine their meanings. From there, sixth graders read the poem again focusing on the author’s use of figurative language to help readers understand the emotions portrayed in the text. Next, the class thought critically about word choice and the impact it has on revealing characters. Finally, the last read focused on author’s craft techniques used to reveal the theme of a poem. This concluded our study of narrative fiction. Next week, the class will begin work with nonfiction texts.
Science/Social Studies: Sixth grade scientists continued their exploration of the declining lobster population in Connecticut. They explored a virtual model of the earth to look at ocean currents. Students combined this knowledge with an article about ocean density to develop an understanding of how ocean currents form and move.