Math: Sixth graders continued their study of ratios and rates this week. They began by using tables of equivalent ratios to solve problems about unit price and unit rate. Next, the class thought about the pros and cons of using tables vs double number lines. Students evaluated situations and chose the best representation. In addition, sixth graders worked on their first “Info Gap”. This activity involved problems with missing information. During the activity, the partner with a problem card asked specific questions of the partner holding a data card. They used the information gathered to solve the problem. To end the week, students created tape diagrams to reason about situations involving a ratio and a total amount.
Writing: In writing, students worked to finalize their personal narrative stories. Those who were done or waiting for a conference continued drafting fantasy texts. First, they thought about issues that are important to them and ways to translate these ideas into a story. Next, sixth graders focused on creating outlines so their writing would have a specific direction. Students worked to develop their characters in meaningful ways. To end the week, sixth graders imagined the sights and sounds that bring their fantasy worlds to life and included them in a rough draft.
Reading: This week, students worked with an article about a small, unmanned submarine on Achieve3000. It connected to our work in science regarding ocean temperature and salinity. They also looked carefully at their writing about reading and set new goals for themselves. In addition, sixth graders thought critically about themes in literature. Students examined books they have read previously as well as a new picture book introduced in class for this important work.
Science/Social Studies: Sixth grade scientists continued their exploration of the declining lobster population in Connecticut. They completed an activity to discover what would happen when a bottle of cold water and a bottle of hot water were put in a tub of room temperature water. This led to an in depth discussion of convection currents. In social studies, students learned about Gettysburg Address in preparation for our first Skype session with Miss Rachel from Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Writing: In writing, students worked to finalize their personal narrative stories. Those who were done or waiting for a conference continued drafting fantasy texts. First, they thought about issues that are important to them and ways to translate these ideas into a story. Next, sixth graders focused on creating outlines so their writing would have a specific direction. Students worked to develop their characters in meaningful ways. To end the week, sixth graders imagined the sights and sounds that bring their fantasy worlds to life and included them in a rough draft.
Reading: This week, students worked with an article about a small, unmanned submarine on Achieve3000. It connected to our work in science regarding ocean temperature and salinity. They also looked carefully at their writing about reading and set new goals for themselves. In addition, sixth graders thought critically about themes in literature. Students examined books they have read previously as well as a new picture book introduced in class for this important work.
Science/Social Studies: Sixth grade scientists continued their exploration of the declining lobster population in Connecticut. They completed an activity to discover what would happen when a bottle of cold water and a bottle of hot water were put in a tub of room temperature water. This led to an in depth discussion of convection currents. In social studies, students learned about Gettysburg Address in preparation for our first Skype session with Miss Rachel from Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.