On Friday we did a fun lab where students measured the affect of heat on sand and water. They collected data and drew conclusions based on that data. As scientists, we use CER (claim, evidence, and reasoning) to communicate our findings. Today students filled out a graphic organizer that will take them step by step in creating a CER. Most students did not complete their writing in class and will need to finish it as homework and turn in tomorrow. We will go over it in class. They will be keeping their work as a sample on how to create CER's in the future. They will revise the constructed response from their last test using the CER format on Friday. For more information on CER check out the Resources tab in Science Units.
Tuesday and Wednesday we will be learning about air movement and pressure. Don't forget to ask your students is wind 'sucks' or 'blows'. They should know the answer after tomorrow.
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Yesterday we had a wonderful opportunity to take a break from the project and go to the media center and learn about Light Box. Light Box is a set of interactive books students have access from any where online and interactively explore! It was a great time and the kids really enjoyed the presentation. I will definitely use the resource in class.
Today students broke into 2 groups and completed peer edits and did an activity regarding the Coriolis effect. Peer edit: Students critically reviewed their peers papers. This process allowed the students to review the material as well as assist their fellow students. They completed a check list of missing or incorrect content and make comments. If students were not done, they were allowed to work on the project. However, they missed out on the peer edit. Coriolis Effect: Students modeled how the Coriolis effect works by using a balloon. They drew lines traveling down the balloon while it was spinning. This concept is confusing and extremely abstract. However, it is the basis for our global winds and ocean currents. There is a good video under the Science Units tab for more information. If students did not finish the scaled side of their project, it should be finished as homework. They will work on placing the correct items in the correct atmospheres tomorrow. The project will be due on Wednesday at the beginning of class.
Vocabulary is also due on Wednesday. If they have lost the list, you can find it below. Students should write the definitions only. Students don't even have to log into the online text book. The reading I gave them is from the book and they can find all words there. Atmosphere vocab (Pages 448 to 457) Atmosphere Air Pressure Water Vapor Troposphere Mesosphere Stratosphere Ozone Layer ions Radiation Thermal Conduction Convection Convection Current Greenhouse Effect Global Warming Radiation Balance We are starting a new unit that begins with the atmosphere. Students have been reading articles and collecting information to put on a graphic organizer. They will use this organizer to create a project comparing the different layers of the atmosphere. We hope to complete this in class, however, we may not be able to due to early release. I will let you know if it comes home to complete. This project will take us through the rest of the week and into next.
Unit 2 Re-Test: If student's scored below an 80 on the Unit 2 test, they have the opportunity to retest. (I had a personal conference with them all on Friday of last week). They must complete a review packet as a 'ticket' to retest. Once the packet is complete, they have 2 options to re-test. 1. They can take it during tutoring from 7:45 - 8:50. They do not need to do anything more than show up, turn in the packet, and take the new test. 2. If they cannot come in early, they may come to my room during connections tomorrow and take the test again. However, they must tell me in advance that they will be coming so I will be here awaiting them. We have all been working hard to finish up seasons. Seasons are very confusing but the kids are doing a great job. I am posting a key (in Science Units tab) so they can double check their station study guides.
Review: Tomorrow we will have break into groups and study for the test. I expect most students will have questions on seasons. Therefore, we will have 2 rooms they get to choose from. Study materials: As far as study material, they have the review guide and seasons station sheet. They also have notes on moon phases, eclipses and tides in IAN. They also should have the completed vocabulary. Remember, there videos summarizing each topic in the Science Unit section. I will be picking up the vocabulary, study guide, and season station sheet on Wednesday when they test. Early release: This Thursday is early release and all middle school students will be dismissed at 1:30. Don't forget conferences are next week and students will also be dismissed at 1:30. If you have not scheduled a conference with your homeroom teacher, please go to their blog and schedule. My signup genius is: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094da8aa2babfb6-parent Weebly has been down and I have not been able to post much so this may be a little long.
In class: We have finished up with moon phases, tides, eclipses, and seasons. The kids completed a 2 day activity lab that allowed them to see how seasons work. I am hopeful this will help them understand the concept. Seasons is always a hard topic, however, I think these activities will help connect the dots for them. What's due: Vocabulary 3 is due. I will collect IAN and grade while they are testing on Wednesday. I will always ask for vocab to be due several days before a test. This will ensure students are familiar with all the terms prior to study guides and reviews. Seasons worksheet is due Monday. Most students finished or almost finished the activity write ups. We will be grading them in class and they will serve as additional study material for the test. Study guide is due Monday. I gave this out Friday and it is pretty short and sweet. We will go over it Monday and I will be taking completion grades. I hope that their answers are correct, however the main goal is that they see what they did not know. They will have the opportunity to correct any answers to ensure they will be ready for the test. What's coming up: Unit test on Wednesday: We will be doing our major review on Tuesday. The 6th grade science team is trying a new model this year that is working really well. Students spend half of the class in their classroom reviewing. Then they have the opportunity to decide what concept they are most uncomfortable with. They will then transition to the classroom that is specifically teaching that concept. This model gives the students the ability to choose what they need and get specific support. As teachers, we can go into greater detail and specifically help the students that are in our rooms. Parent conferences October 16-20: You will have to opportunity to meet with your child's homeroom teacher this week. If you would like to meet with another teacher (periods 2-6) please contact them directly and schedule a time to meet. If you are in my homeroom, I sent out letters about conference. However, I did not schedule you a time. (I did not like teachers scheduling times for me so I do not like doing that to my parents). Please copy this link to my Signup Genius: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094da8aa2babfb6-parent You will be able to see available appointments and pick one that is best for you. Today I came in with a very hoarse voice. I thought it would get better throughout the day. However, I managed to completely loose my voice. ALL my students were amazing! We used our classroom procedures to continue to learn. They also read information for me as I highlighted various ideas. I am so proud of their behavior. They are maturing to become wonderful adults.
Conference week October 16-20: On another note, I have started scheduling conferences. Copy the below ULR that will lead you to Sign Up Genius to schedule a time that works best for you. If there is no good available time, please email me and we will work something out. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094da8aa2babfb6-parent I hope you all had a relaxing and restful break. I sure enjoyed my time with my family.
This week we will be finishing tides and begin seasons. Students will be doing a 3 day station exploration on seasons. They must practice good time management to get through all the stations. I am hopeful they learned this skill after the planet project. |
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