Electromagnets

Day 2

Grade 6s enjoyed beginning their day in Music class with Mr. Andrei.

In math we continued working on whole numbers. We took up yesterday’s homework, with special attention to the word problems. The class understands how important it is to show your work, use sentences in word problems, and how they will be graded in tests. Today`s lesson was about division involving a 2-digit and a 4-digit number. We had a discussion about which methods the class prefers and the consensus was the standard algorithm for long division. Students shared mnemonics they use to help them remember the steps in long division. We then began tackling the practice problems. Students who are strong in this area were free to begin working on their own. Students who needed extra review or support worked through the problems step-by-step with me. We expect that today`s homework will take longer than usual. Students are reminded to place digits in the correct place value and to work extra neatly to avoid making careless mistakes. Grade 6s are asked to complete practice questions on p. 70 - 71 of the MMS textbook. The class will be writing a whole numbers unit test on Wednesday, September 28.

During UOI time, students took time to finish their reading of static electricity and electromagnets that they began yesterday. Groups that did not build and test the electromagnet yesterday did this today. Groups had the opportunity to play with magnets to feel the invisible magnetic field by bringing the magnet close to the like and unlike poles of another magnet. Students found it super cool when we used iron filings to see the magnetic field. As some groups worked on these investigations other groups began a writing task related to electricity. They are writing a paragraph, using correct paragraph structure, describing what a day in their life without electricity would be like.

 

Students received their electricity tests today. Please take time to review the test with your child, sign it, and return it to school. Students who need to will be writing a retest on Monday.

Today was Alffino`s turn to make her presentation on what it means to have confidence. She used Thomas Edison as an example of a person who had confidence. She led the class in a discussion where they shared stories of their lives where they had had confidence. Thank you, Alffino!

 

Our last few minutes of UOI time was used to watch a Youtube clip that showed how to make an electric car. We will be watching more clips over the next week to help students generate ideas on how to accomplish this task and for their thumbnail sketches.

We will need devices for UOI time tomorrow. We will be entering data into spreadsheets and generating graphs. Your child will need a device access to Microsoft Excel, Google sheets, or similar software.

Students also attended French and Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

·         Math p. 70 – 71

·         Electricity test coming home today – review, sign, and return

·         Math unit test on Wednesday, September 28

·         Label all gym and uniform pieces

·         Read for 30 minutes and record your reading in your log

·         Learner profile assignment – be ready to present on your assigned day

·         Science Fair:   

o   Find a box to store your materials

o   Begin collecting materials that were suggested in the letter and in class today

·         Signed last page of student handbook is past due

·         Friday: Reading logs are due, French class, Devices needed –we will input data into spreadsheets to generate graphs & will need access to Google sheets or Microsoft Excel

·         Wednesday, Sept. 28: Whole Numbers unit test, Casual Day

·         Thursday, Sept. 29: Terry Fox Run

·         Friday, Sept. 30: Music forms are due, October hot lunch forms are due