Happy November everyone!
Last week, our team had the pleasure of Mr. John LaFree visiting our class and talking to the students about how he uses simple machines in his line of work as a Physical Therapist. The students were able to connect their simple machines vocabulary with real-world examples of how simple machines are used to help others with everyday tasks. A few pictures are attached, and a HUGE "Thank You" goes out to Mr. LaFree!
Here's a look at what's going on this week in 6th grade PBL...
6th Grade Math: Students will begin adding and subtracting fractions. They will be completing lessons on Digits and have a quiz on Friday. The specific Digits lessons can be found HERE.
HW: Complete 60 minutes of IXL
7th Grade Math: Students will need to complete their Digits lessons on ratios by Wednesday. There will be a quiz over ratios on Thursday.
HW: Complete 60 minutes of IXL
Language Arts: Students will begin reading our novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, this week! Students will be working on making inferences (especially because so much of the story is told through pictures!) and identifying elements of plot as the novel progresses. We will typically read two chapters a day, one in LA and one in PBL time. Students will have a few short answer and longer written response questions each day.
We will also be reviewing/working on common and proper nouns and different types of verbs. Students will be able to learn these grammar skills through reading our novel.
There will be a Common Assessment over Story Structure on Friday. Students should study their Plot Flip Books we made last week in order to prepare for the test.
HW: Read 30 minutes each night for Riverside Reads, complete two Achieve 3000 articles at 75% or higher with well-written thought questions.
PBL Work Time: Students will continue reading The Invention of Hugo Cabret. By the end of the day, students should have completed chapter 1 and 2 of the novel. The students will also be using their simple machines notes (from last week) to complete a simple machines quiz on Monday.
Additionally, students will begin an inquiry-based science project in which they will plan and construct a race car with everyday materials. Many of these materials will have to be used as simple machines. Students will have to use innovative thinking in order to create energy with the limited materials. The items students will be using are attached. On Monday, Ms. Chudzynski, the art teacher, will be conducting short workshops on how to draw a 3-D blueprint of the cars. Students' final blueprints will be due on Tuesday at the end of the day.
We are also hoping to have Mr. Saunders, a local race car driver, come to speak to the students about creating cars that run quickly and effectively. This would give them a more relevant understanding of how simple machines are used in more complex machines. By Friday, students should have a car (1 per group) completely built and ready to race next week. This may take a few different attempts! If you have any extra empty two-liter pop bottles or large water bottles, please send them to school with your student. We will need at least 25!
Also, by the end of the week, students should have read up to chapter 8 in their books. As previously mentioned, there will be time in class for reading. Many students have asked if this book will count as one of their Riverside Reads books, and we have decided that it will count for one of their four required books as it is rather long and a bit challenging.
Other Important Dates and Information:*This week at school is Digital Citizenship week! Information and resources can be found HERE. *The 1st Quarter Roster party is on November 5 at Showland Cinema. *Picture retakes on November 8.
One last thing... a huge change for us as teachers and probably for your students and you as parents of PBL students is the shifting of our mindset. We talk often of wanting the students to grow and learn and adapts as the year goes on, rather than just getting an A and moving on after each project or lesson objective. This can be confusing and challenging at times. Attached is an infographic that clearly and succinctly shows what we are striving for as teachers and with your students. Thanks for keeping an open mind and adapting how you think of "school" as well!
Have a great week,6th Grade PBL Facilitators
Last week, our team had the pleasure of Mr. John LaFree visiting our class and talking to the students about how he uses simple machines in his line of work as a Physical Therapist. The students were able to connect their simple machines vocabulary with real-world examples of how simple machines are used to help others with everyday tasks. A few pictures are attached, and a HUGE "Thank You" goes out to Mr. LaFree!
Here's a look at what's going on this week in 6th grade PBL...
6th Grade Math: Students will begin adding and subtracting fractions. They will be completing lessons on Digits and have a quiz on Friday. The specific Digits lessons can be found HERE.
HW: Complete 60 minutes of IXL
7th Grade Math: Students will need to complete their Digits lessons on ratios by Wednesday. There will be a quiz over ratios on Thursday.
HW: Complete 60 minutes of IXL
Language Arts: Students will begin reading our novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, this week! Students will be working on making inferences (especially because so much of the story is told through pictures!) and identifying elements of plot as the novel progresses. We will typically read two chapters a day, one in LA and one in PBL time. Students will have a few short answer and longer written response questions each day.
We will also be reviewing/working on common and proper nouns and different types of verbs. Students will be able to learn these grammar skills through reading our novel.
There will be a Common Assessment over Story Structure on Friday. Students should study their Plot Flip Books we made last week in order to prepare for the test.
HW: Read 30 minutes each night for Riverside Reads, complete two Achieve 3000 articles at 75% or higher with well-written thought questions.
PBL Work Time: Students will continue reading The Invention of Hugo Cabret. By the end of the day, students should have completed chapter 1 and 2 of the novel. The students will also be using their simple machines notes (from last week) to complete a simple machines quiz on Monday.
Additionally, students will begin an inquiry-based science project in which they will plan and construct a race car with everyday materials. Many of these materials will have to be used as simple machines. Students will have to use innovative thinking in order to create energy with the limited materials. The items students will be using are attached. On Monday, Ms. Chudzynski, the art teacher, will be conducting short workshops on how to draw a 3-D blueprint of the cars. Students' final blueprints will be due on Tuesday at the end of the day.
We are also hoping to have Mr. Saunders, a local race car driver, come to speak to the students about creating cars that run quickly and effectively. This would give them a more relevant understanding of how simple machines are used in more complex machines. By Friday, students should have a car (1 per group) completely built and ready to race next week. This may take a few different attempts! If you have any extra empty two-liter pop bottles or large water bottles, please send them to school with your student. We will need at least 25!
Also, by the end of the week, students should have read up to chapter 8 in their books. As previously mentioned, there will be time in class for reading. Many students have asked if this book will count as one of their Riverside Reads books, and we have decided that it will count for one of their four required books as it is rather long and a bit challenging.
Other Important Dates and Information:*This week at school is Digital Citizenship week! Information and resources can be found HERE. *The 1st Quarter Roster party is on November 5 at Showland Cinema. *Picture retakes on November 8.
One last thing... a huge change for us as teachers and probably for your students and you as parents of PBL students is the shifting of our mindset. We talk often of wanting the students to grow and learn and adapts as the year goes on, rather than just getting an A and moving on after each project or lesson objective. This can be confusing and challenging at times. Attached is an infographic that clearly and succinctly shows what we are striving for as teachers and with your students. Thanks for keeping an open mind and adapting how you think of "school" as well!
Have a great week,6th Grade PBL Facilitators