Math: Sixth graders continued their study of surface area and volume this week. They began by constructing nets of a given prism or pyramid and using data to find surface area. From there, the class utilized unit cubes to contrast surface area and volume. Students discovered that figures with the same volume can have different surface areas and vice versa. We continued our study with an exploration of perfect squares and perfect cubes. Specifically, writing and explaining the formula for the volume of a cube, including the meaning of the exponent. To end the week, sixth graders wrote and explained a formula for finding the surface area of a cube.
Writing: In writing, the class continued to work hard on personal narrative drafts. Students analyzed their pieces to create internal and external story arcs. This led to adding new details that answered the question, “What is my story really about?” Next, the class focused on including purposeful paragraphs in appropriate places in the text.
Reading: This week, students worked with an article about Antarctica on Achieve3000. In addition, the class focused on strategies for strengthening written responses. Sixth graders analyzed sample responses from past students. Together, they developed a list of “must haves” for their writing. The “must haves” include: an opening sentence, at least three pieces of specific text evidence, at least one direct quote from the text, and a closing sentence. Next, the class returned to their study of characters. Students examined the difference between character traits and emotions. To end the week, sixth graders read texts carefully to find character traits that impacted the majority of the story.
Science/Social Studies: In social studies, sixth graders enhanced their map skills by creating a model of the Earth. Sixth grade scientists began their new unit with an in depth study of scientific claims and evidence.
Writing: In writing, the class continued to work hard on personal narrative drafts. Students analyzed their pieces to create internal and external story arcs. This led to adding new details that answered the question, “What is my story really about?” Next, the class focused on including purposeful paragraphs in appropriate places in the text.
Reading: This week, students worked with an article about Antarctica on Achieve3000. In addition, the class focused on strategies for strengthening written responses. Sixth graders analyzed sample responses from past students. Together, they developed a list of “must haves” for their writing. The “must haves” include: an opening sentence, at least three pieces of specific text evidence, at least one direct quote from the text, and a closing sentence. Next, the class returned to their study of characters. Students examined the difference between character traits and emotions. To end the week, sixth graders read texts carefully to find character traits that impacted the majority of the story.
Science/Social Studies: In social studies, sixth graders enhanced their map skills by creating a model of the Earth. Sixth grade scientists began their new unit with an in depth study of scientific claims and evidence.