Monday, October 5, 2015

Science Fair Engineering Design Projects


Our day started with math. We used class time before recess to take up Friday’s homework on Input/Output Machines. After recess we completed a lesson on Number Patterns. Students practiced identifying the kind of pattern, stating the pattern rule, and extending the pattern. Students had some class time to get started on practice problems. They are asked to complete practice problems on p. 10 – 12 of the MMS textbook.

We began discussing this year’s science fair. Grade 6s have learned that they will be doing an engineering design project for this year’s fair. Their task is to design and build an electrical car that can move at least 1 m. They will also be building an electrical switch that turns the car on and off. The car must be environmentally friendly. Students should materials from their recycling bin to build their car. Students may not use materials from kits or take existing model cars apart for supplies. They should start collecting materials such as bottle caps, tissue boxes, pop bottles, Styrofoam trays, aluminum cans, etc. This project will be completed in class, but we would love for students to discuss their ideas with parents. Your child will be supplied with a motor, an AA battery holder, 2 wires with crocodile clips, and a pulley. These materials will remain the property of SJA. Students will be responsible for bringing in remaining material, such as an AA battery, materials for the car’s body, wheels, axle, etc. Please take time to look through the design portfolio your child is bringing home today and talk to your child about this project. The science fair takes place on November 26, but we would like to be finished this work much earlier than that.

We used our UOI time at the end of the day for students to describe the science fair challenge in their own words. Students who completed describing the challenge in their own words, worked on writing the first draft of the narrative paragraph they planned out on Friday.

Your child is bringing home the results of their term one Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) graph today. Please look for this information in your child’s agenda. Also look out for Scholastic orders coming home today.

Grade 6s attended Art and Gym class this morning.

Homework & Reminders

  • MMS p. 12
  • Friday, October 9 – PD Day. No school for students
  • Monday, October 12 – Thanksgiving Day, no school
  • Friday, October 23 – SJA Parent Guild Movie Night
  • Tuesday, October 27 – Picture Day
  • Wednesday, October 28 – Casual Day
  • Friday, October 30 – Halloween Spirit Day

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