Day 4 – Prime & Composite Numbers and the History of Electricity

Mme. Carol was away today. Students used French time to write a paragraph about something they did this summer. They were asked to include all the parts of a paragraph. They were not told what these parts were as this task was a test of their paragraph writing knowledge and skills.  

We then continued working on our whole numbers math unit by first taking up Friday’s homework. Some students need to correct and complete Friday’s work. It was hard to get through all of today’s math lesson. We learned about prime and composite numbers. Parents, please quiz your children to see if the can explain the following math terms: multiples, factors, prime numbers, composite numbers, and prime factors. We did a number of examples together to ensure everyone has a solid understanding. The class has been told that they must list factors in order from least to greatest. We also did a lesson on mental math. We practiced three mental math strategies – compatible numbers, breaking numbers part, and working from left to right when no grouping is required. Grade 6s know to show all the steps they would take mentally when responding to a question that asks them to do so. We practiced this in class to ensure everyone understands how to show their thinking. Students did very little of the practice work in class. They are asked to complete the remaining work for homework on p. 20 - 23 of their MMS Practice and Homework books.

Grade 6s continued exploring line – one of the elements of design. Their goal was to complete their sample sheet before heading to gym. Most students managed to do this.

During our inquiry time, students used their devices to research Luigi Galvani and Allessandro Volta. We discussed the importance of understanding what you are reading when doing research and recording notes that are in your own words. The class was required to cite the source/s of their information. We reviewed how to write a MLA citation for a website. The class began working on an electricity timeline where they will add the contributions of famous people to the development of electricity. Students who did not complete this work in class are required to complete it for homework.

Students should be working on their IB Learner Profile poster and be ready to present these on their scheduled date. Kian will be presenting tomorrow.

Homework and Reminders

·        Math p. 20 – 23, Math test is likely to take place on Sept. 21

·        Complete your electricity research and timeline if you did not get done in class

·        IB Learner Profile Posters

·        Return the signed last page of the student handbook if you haven’t already done this

·        Read for 20 minutes

·        Saturday, September 16^th is SJA’s Annual Back to School Kick-Off Event.