6th grade science
3.10.17
Sixth grade is very excited to attempt a new project for their ocean unit this year. We are going to create a life-sized, walk through exhibit of the ocean floor! There will be more details to come, please speak with your child about the preliminary ideas we have. Students should come to school on Monday with three ocean floor regions they are willing to be an expert on. The regions will be assigned on a first come basis, so be sure to arrive on time!
2.22.17
Sixth grade has begun their study of oceans. This unit will take several weeks and will culminate with their trip to Outdoor School where they will get the chance to interact with oceanic life and get hands one with fantastic creatures of the deep. http://prezi.com/sqhqzm04nh4x/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
2.15.16
Test day!
2.13.16
Today we discussed the distillation process. This process uses energy and phase changes, both things we have been studying. http://prezi.com/lmr88gy6ez8f/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
2.8.17
Today we learned about how matter changes through different phases using temperature, pressure, and energy. http://prezi.com/q2vb-geqon3f/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
2.1.17
We made Oobleck!
Today in science class we made a non Newtonian fluid, commonly called Oobleck. The Oobleck is in a plastic bag, in their backpack. Please make sure it makes it out of the backpack so as to avoid a possible mess.
The recipe for Oobleck is 1 cup water, 1 cup (or more) cornstarch, and food coloring if desired.
Unfortunately, I did not have enough cornstarch for every student's Ooblek to form. Please help them to add more, in small amounts, until it becomes liquid when left alone, but firm when punched or squeezed quickly.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Have fun!
1.30.17
Today students learned about the various phases and states of matter. We also discussed non Newtonian fluids (fluids that do not adhere to Newton's Laws).
http://prezi.com/cz9rkx31kjcu/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkLn2gR7SyE
1.25.17
Students learned about chemical energy today. Please see the following websites and videos to see the information that was shared.
http://www.softschools.com/facts/energy/chemical_energy_facts/391/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLCF7vPanrY (an interesting video that I usually share with 7th graders during our WWII discussions but 6th grade really enjoyed it)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWAsz59F8gA (we did not get a chance to watch this one, but I recommend it for a better understanding of nuclear energy)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fusion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioactive_decay
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fission
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power
1.18.17
Today students learned about heat energy in class, see presentation below. They will learn about nuclear energy at Reed College during their field trip this Friday.
http://prezi.com/y5pj0qetcsqz/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
1.4.17
Today we reveiewd what we had learned about Energy before the break. We then played a game of Energy Jeopardy. The class did very well and all seemed to enjoy the experience.
12.5.16
Today students began their investigations into Energy. We introduced the concept of energy, what it is, and what forms it comes in.
http://prezi.com/6hzx7bn4i_9p/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
11.30.16
Final Assessment Day!
11.28.16
Today students got a chance to review their Astronomy Exams to see what they did well and what they could improve on. We then spent some time reviewing the materials from our plate tectonics unit in preparation for Wednesday's assessment.
11.21.16
Game Day! Students spent their science time sharing and playing one another's games. I am very impressed by the designs they come up with and we had a great time!
11.16.16
Students spent the day working on their games. Games are DUE Monday, November 21st and will be played in class.
11.14.16
Today we completed our investigation of plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Please see the presentation below.
http://prezi.com/xugqttywqt3h/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
11.9.16
Our day was spent designing games that will help teach our classmates about tectonic plates, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Students are working in groups of 3 or 4 to create a game that can be played by 3 - 4 people. The game must teach the players about science as well as test them on their knowledge. Several students are using game models that already exist (such as Monopoly, Sorry, Jeopardy, etc.) and others are coming up with their own game designs.
Games are DUE: Monday, November 21st!
11.7.16
Today students investigated Earth's tectonic plates. http://prezi.com/e7autzl7ebsb/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
11.2.16
Students completed their Earth Layer cards. Any students that did not complete their cards in class will need to do so over the weekend and turn it on Monday.
10.31.16
This week students learned Earth's layers. They created wonderful pop-up cards depicting the different layers.
http://prezi.com/b4-qwifav6ey/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
10.26.16
Today students investigated the movement of the earth's surface over the millennia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_supercontinents
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B39ueaYVCQk
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pangaea
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurasia
http://www.nationsonline.org/bilder/continents_map.jpg
10.24.16
Students have completed their Astronomy studies and begun their investigations into Plate Tectonics. Please see today's presentation through the link.
http://prezi.com/ypojl-4kfpr4/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
10.12.16
In class today students learned a bit of background information about dark matter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYH_nFwMXRM
We then discovered the Andromeda Galaxy.
http://space-facts.com/andromeda/
http://www.space.com/28195-best-andromeda-photos-hubble-telescope.html
http://earthsky.org/clusters-nebulae-galaxies/andromeda-galaxy-closest-spiral-to-milky-way
And finally students learned about quasars.
http://www.universetoday.com/73222/what-is-a-quasar/
10.10.16
Students spent today learning about the Milky Way Galaxy.
http://prezi.com/nrjbo4x4hnvb/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
Star maps are due on Monday!
10.5.16
In class today we talked specifically about constellations, investigating a few of the different star maps that come from different cultures.
http://prezi.com/-fb4e72nv_f4/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
We also watched a very interesting documentary about the importance of constellations to human history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMTZXXFRDa8
10.3.16
Today we began talking about constellations. Students were given a project to be completed by October 17th. Please see the details below:
Map the Stars Project Directions
Directions
Types of maps may include:
Planisphere
is a star chart analog computing instrument in the form of two adjustable disks that rotate on a common pivot. It can be adjusted to display the visible stars for any time and date. It is an instrument to assist in learning how to recognize stars and constellations.
Astronomy calendar
of celestial events contains dates for notable celestial events including moon phases, meteor showers, eclipses, oppositions, conjunctions, and other interesting events.
Star chart
or star map is a map of the night sky. Astronomers divide these into grids to use them more easily. They are used to identify and locate astronomical objects such as stars, constellations and galaxies.
Galaxy map
is similar to a star chart but on a much larger scale, only depicting the galaxies of the Universe.
Constellation map
represents the constellations of a region during a specific time of year, as they are related to one another.
Celestial bodies map
gives the general position of celestial bodies as they relate to the earth, constellations and one another.
Star atlas
combines several different celestial maps in one location (usually a book).
6.E.1.11
Composition and Structure of the Universe and the Earth's Place In It. I construct a model or diagram of how Earth interacts with various extraterrestrial forces and energies such as gravity, solar phenomena, electromagnetic radiation, and impact events that influence the planet’s geosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere in a variety of ways.
Map the Stars Project Score Sheet
Assignment Due
Monday, October 17, 2016
Name:_______________________ Assignment/Unit:_______________________
Content Score (Degree to which understanding of the content covered was understood): _________
Map submitted on time _______
Chose a large-scale region (at least 3 constellations) _____
Map is 3D and symbolic ______
Includes title and compass rose_____
Includes neatly written explanation_______
Gradebook Standards Score (Degree to which work met the learning standards)
SCORE:____ [6.E.1.11
Composition and Structure of the Universe and the Earth's Place In It. I construct a model or diagram of how Earth interacts with various extraterrestrial forces and energies such as gravity, solar phenomena, electromagnetic radiation, and impact events that influence the planet’s geosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere in a variety of ways.]
SCORE:____ [68.SL.6 Presentation. I effectively present information in a focused, coherent manner that is appropriately adapted to my audience and task, using formal English when necessary.]
9.26.16
Today students learned about supernovas, black holes, and stellar movement. Here is the presentation: http://prezi.com/uehvqwteaqlo/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
9.21.16
We started our day in the basement, viewing a demonstration of binary star systems. We then continued our conversation from last time, analyzing the ratios on our star list. Then we moved to binary star systems, recognizing how scientists are able to use the changing brightness of a binary star system to measure the size of the two stars in the system.
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/educators/lessons/star_size/
9.19.16
In science today, sixth graders began to look at stars. We watched a wonderful video about how scientists learn the sizes of stars. Then we organized a list of stars in order of their size by radius. Students were to then find the ratios of each stars' radius to it's mass. Tomorrow we will discuss what this ratio indicates.
http://prezi.com/azerwi-jnq4s/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
9.14.16
Today sixth grade was introduced to the lab. We practiced safety procedures and learned the various rules of the lab.
9.12.16
Today we began our studies of Gravity, discussing Newton's law of Universal Gravity and touching on the Theory of Relativity as the extension on Newton's Theories.
Please visit the link to see today's Prezi: http://prezi.com/qfvibbubmvff/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
9.8.16
Today students were introduced to 6th grade science. We began with a discussion about gravity as it relates to astronomy. Astronomy will be the focus of our studies for the next several weeks. Please check here often for regular updates.
Sixth grade is very excited to attempt a new project for their ocean unit this year. We are going to create a life-sized, walk through exhibit of the ocean floor! There will be more details to come, please speak with your child about the preliminary ideas we have. Students should come to school on Monday with three ocean floor regions they are willing to be an expert on. The regions will be assigned on a first come basis, so be sure to arrive on time!
2.22.17
Sixth grade has begun their study of oceans. This unit will take several weeks and will culminate with their trip to Outdoor School where they will get the chance to interact with oceanic life and get hands one with fantastic creatures of the deep. http://prezi.com/sqhqzm04nh4x/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
2.15.16
Test day!
2.13.16
Today we discussed the distillation process. This process uses energy and phase changes, both things we have been studying. http://prezi.com/lmr88gy6ez8f/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
2.8.17
Today we learned about how matter changes through different phases using temperature, pressure, and energy. http://prezi.com/q2vb-geqon3f/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
2.1.17
We made Oobleck!
Today in science class we made a non Newtonian fluid, commonly called Oobleck. The Oobleck is in a plastic bag, in their backpack. Please make sure it makes it out of the backpack so as to avoid a possible mess.
The recipe for Oobleck is 1 cup water, 1 cup (or more) cornstarch, and food coloring if desired.
Unfortunately, I did not have enough cornstarch for every student's Ooblek to form. Please help them to add more, in small amounts, until it becomes liquid when left alone, but firm when punched or squeezed quickly.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Have fun!
1.30.17
Today students learned about the various phases and states of matter. We also discussed non Newtonian fluids (fluids that do not adhere to Newton's Laws).
http://prezi.com/cz9rkx31kjcu/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkLn2gR7SyE
1.25.17
Students learned about chemical energy today. Please see the following websites and videos to see the information that was shared.
http://www.softschools.com/facts/energy/chemical_energy_facts/391/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLCF7vPanrY (an interesting video that I usually share with 7th graders during our WWII discussions but 6th grade really enjoyed it)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWAsz59F8gA (we did not get a chance to watch this one, but I recommend it for a better understanding of nuclear energy)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fusion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioactive_decay
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fission
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power
1.18.17
Today students learned about heat energy in class, see presentation below. They will learn about nuclear energy at Reed College during their field trip this Friday.
http://prezi.com/y5pj0qetcsqz/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
1.4.17
Today we reveiewd what we had learned about Energy before the break. We then played a game of Energy Jeopardy. The class did very well and all seemed to enjoy the experience.
12.5.16
Today students began their investigations into Energy. We introduced the concept of energy, what it is, and what forms it comes in.
http://prezi.com/6hzx7bn4i_9p/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
11.30.16
Final Assessment Day!
11.28.16
Today students got a chance to review their Astronomy Exams to see what they did well and what they could improve on. We then spent some time reviewing the materials from our plate tectonics unit in preparation for Wednesday's assessment.
11.21.16
Game Day! Students spent their science time sharing and playing one another's games. I am very impressed by the designs they come up with and we had a great time!
11.16.16
Students spent the day working on their games. Games are DUE Monday, November 21st and will be played in class.
11.14.16
Today we completed our investigation of plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Please see the presentation below.
http://prezi.com/xugqttywqt3h/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
11.9.16
Our day was spent designing games that will help teach our classmates about tectonic plates, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Students are working in groups of 3 or 4 to create a game that can be played by 3 - 4 people. The game must teach the players about science as well as test them on their knowledge. Several students are using game models that already exist (such as Monopoly, Sorry, Jeopardy, etc.) and others are coming up with their own game designs.
Games are DUE: Monday, November 21st!
11.7.16
Today students investigated Earth's tectonic plates. http://prezi.com/e7autzl7ebsb/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
11.2.16
Students completed their Earth Layer cards. Any students that did not complete their cards in class will need to do so over the weekend and turn it on Monday.
10.31.16
This week students learned Earth's layers. They created wonderful pop-up cards depicting the different layers.
http://prezi.com/b4-qwifav6ey/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
10.26.16
Today students investigated the movement of the earth's surface over the millennia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_supercontinents
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B39ueaYVCQk
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pangaea
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurasia
http://www.nationsonline.org/bilder/continents_map.jpg
10.24.16
Students have completed their Astronomy studies and begun their investigations into Plate Tectonics. Please see today's presentation through the link.
http://prezi.com/ypojl-4kfpr4/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
10.12.16
In class today students learned a bit of background information about dark matter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYH_nFwMXRM
We then discovered the Andromeda Galaxy.
http://space-facts.com/andromeda/
http://www.space.com/28195-best-andromeda-photos-hubble-telescope.html
http://earthsky.org/clusters-nebulae-galaxies/andromeda-galaxy-closest-spiral-to-milky-way
And finally students learned about quasars.
http://www.universetoday.com/73222/what-is-a-quasar/
10.10.16
Students spent today learning about the Milky Way Galaxy.
http://prezi.com/nrjbo4x4hnvb/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
Star maps are due on Monday!
10.5.16
In class today we talked specifically about constellations, investigating a few of the different star maps that come from different cultures.
http://prezi.com/-fb4e72nv_f4/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
We also watched a very interesting documentary about the importance of constellations to human history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMTZXXFRDa8
10.3.16
Today we began talking about constellations. Students were given a project to be completed by October 17th. Please see the details below:
Map the Stars Project Directions
Directions
- Choose a type of map to create (see list below).
- Choose a region to focus this project on. For example, the map could be of just the night sky above the US in winter, the entire southern hemisphere, or any other large-scale region.
- Conduct a bit of research to guide your work.
- Use a variety of materials, scraps, ingenuity to make a 3D model. Materials could include light strings, glow-in-the-dark paint, or paper.
- Neatly write an explanatory paragraph (like at a museum or art gallery) that explains to viewers what is on your map. Include a title and compass rose for your map.
- Present it informally to the class. We will display them and walk around and appreciate the class’ work.
Types of maps may include:
Planisphere
is a star chart analog computing instrument in the form of two adjustable disks that rotate on a common pivot. It can be adjusted to display the visible stars for any time and date. It is an instrument to assist in learning how to recognize stars and constellations.
Astronomy calendar
of celestial events contains dates for notable celestial events including moon phases, meteor showers, eclipses, oppositions, conjunctions, and other interesting events.
Star chart
or star map is a map of the night sky. Astronomers divide these into grids to use them more easily. They are used to identify and locate astronomical objects such as stars, constellations and galaxies.
Galaxy map
is similar to a star chart but on a much larger scale, only depicting the galaxies of the Universe.
Constellation map
represents the constellations of a region during a specific time of year, as they are related to one another.
Celestial bodies map
gives the general position of celestial bodies as they relate to the earth, constellations and one another.
Star atlas
combines several different celestial maps in one location (usually a book).
6.E.1.11
Composition and Structure of the Universe and the Earth's Place In It. I construct a model or diagram of how Earth interacts with various extraterrestrial forces and energies such as gravity, solar phenomena, electromagnetic radiation, and impact events that influence the planet’s geosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere in a variety of ways.
Map the Stars Project Score Sheet
Assignment Due
Monday, October 17, 2016
Name:_______________________ Assignment/Unit:_______________________
Content Score (Degree to which understanding of the content covered was understood): _________
Map submitted on time _______
Chose a large-scale region (at least 3 constellations) _____
Map is 3D and symbolic ______
Includes title and compass rose_____
Includes neatly written explanation_______
Gradebook Standards Score (Degree to which work met the learning standards)
SCORE:____ [6.E.1.11
Composition and Structure of the Universe and the Earth's Place In It. I construct a model or diagram of how Earth interacts with various extraterrestrial forces and energies such as gravity, solar phenomena, electromagnetic radiation, and impact events that influence the planet’s geosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere in a variety of ways.]
SCORE:____ [68.SL.6 Presentation. I effectively present information in a focused, coherent manner that is appropriately adapted to my audience and task, using formal English when necessary.]
9.26.16
Today students learned about supernovas, black holes, and stellar movement. Here is the presentation: http://prezi.com/uehvqwteaqlo/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
9.21.16
We started our day in the basement, viewing a demonstration of binary star systems. We then continued our conversation from last time, analyzing the ratios on our star list. Then we moved to binary star systems, recognizing how scientists are able to use the changing brightness of a binary star system to measure the size of the two stars in the system.
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/educators/lessons/star_size/
9.19.16
In science today, sixth graders began to look at stars. We watched a wonderful video about how scientists learn the sizes of stars. Then we organized a list of stars in order of their size by radius. Students were to then find the ratios of each stars' radius to it's mass. Tomorrow we will discuss what this ratio indicates.
http://prezi.com/azerwi-jnq4s/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
9.14.16
Today sixth grade was introduced to the lab. We practiced safety procedures and learned the various rules of the lab.
9.12.16
Today we began our studies of Gravity, discussing Newton's law of Universal Gravity and touching on the Theory of Relativity as the extension on Newton's Theories.
Please visit the link to see today's Prezi: http://prezi.com/qfvibbubmvff/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
9.8.16
Today students were introduced to 6th grade science. We began with a discussion about gravity as it relates to astronomy. Astronomy will be the focus of our studies for the next several weeks. Please check here often for regular updates.