Sixth Grade Scoop
Sixth Grade Scoops No Comments »Reading
We worked on Lessons 23 and 24 over the past two weeks. In lesson 23, students read a Chinese legend, The Dragon King. While reading the selection, we discussed the author’s use of literary devices (symbolism, dialogue, tone, and irony) to enhance the meaning of the story. In lesson 24, we read an expository nonfiction, Secrets of the Sphinx. While reading this selection, students completed a K-W-L chart to aid their comprehension of the information presented in the text. We also discussed how the author’s use of imagery helped set the tone and create a mood.
This week students also had the opportunity to present their book projects to the class. Each student read a summary of their book and then presented the project they created. It was entertaining listening to everyone’s presentations, and what a great opportunity for the students to practice their public speaking skills.
Math
In Mrs. Johnson’s pre-algebra class, students have been learning about powers and exponents. We also talked about how to prime factor algebraic equations in order to find the greatest common factor. We started learning about ratios and rates and how to use dimensional analysis to solve a problem.
In Mrs. Mitchell’s class, students have focused on finding the area and perimeter of parallelograms, triangles, and circles. We also learned how to find the volume of prisms and how to calculate surface area. A test is on the horizon. Students should be studying the formulas to find area, perimeter, and volume.
Science
In the ecology unit, we discussed food webs and energy pyramids, focusing on how energy is passed from one organism to another. We then discussed human impact on a community, and how even small changes in our day-to-day living can have a positive effect on helping to protect our environment.
Our last two topics of discussion were the water cycle and carbon dioxide- oxygen cycle. Students learned how water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen are continuously “recycled” in our world. The unit test is scheduled for next week. Encourage your child to study daily.
Social Studies
Our Mexico unit is over. A fun end to this unit is the fiesta which takes place on June 3 from 1:15-2:15. Students will be sampling Mexican cuisine, making a craft, and breaking the piñata. Thank you to all the parents that have volunteered to donate items! The fiesta would not be a success without your generosity.
During our final unit, students will be learning about Canada. They are currently researching a province or territory. With their group, they will make a map and a presentation using Google Docs about their province or territory.
Writing/English
In Mrs. Mitchell’s class, we have been continuing to learn about adjectives. Students took their first quiz this past week on the first have of the chapter. During the second half of the chapter, the focus will be on comparing with adjectives, using negatives correctly, and how to decide if the words is an adjective or adverb.
In Mrs. Johnson’s class, students were feverishly working on their biome research reports. The reports were submitted today (Friday). Before submitting them for a grade, students had the opportunity to read their report to a small group of peers. It was interesting listening to all the facts students discovered in researching the various biomes. (I look forward to reading all of them this weekend!)
Additionally, we continue to work on Daily Language Review each day to practice grammar skills.