Friday, November 18, 2011

Models & Designs, and Hands on Equations

We have started two new and exciting units in class.

In science we have started the models and designs unit. We are currently working with Black Boxes, and hum-dingers. A black box is a system in which structure and behavior are not completely understood. In the first investigation, students were given small black plastic boxes with a marble inside. Students worked with partners to use clues to make a sketch of what the inside of the box might look like. Next, they joined groups with the same box and collaborated to create a consensus drawing. The following day, students were given empty black boxes, cardboard pieces, and a marble, and were asked to recreate what they think the inside of their black box looks like. Then they compared the black box, and their box to see if they seemed the same. They again met collaboratively to revise their consensus drawings, based on their findings. What the inside of the black boxes looks like still remains a mystery!

Next, students were shown a "drought-stopper" a pretend invention to solve droughts. Inside a cardboard box was a mystery contraption. When I poured 100ml of water into a funnel, 500ml of water came out. Students worked independently and collaboratively to try to create a conceptual model (drawing) of what they thought the drought stopper might look like. Here are a few examples:






Most recently, students were shown a sealed paper bag with a string hanging out. When the string was pulled, a motor hummed, when the string was released a bell dinged - a hum-dinger! Students worked in cooperative groups, and were given a bag of parts to create a contraption that did the same. Such an engaging investigation that promoted higher level thinking, collaboration and great conversation!





Next week, students will work to create small go-carts that can travel a certain distance, and complete simple maneuvers.

In math we finished level two of Hands on Equations and are working on Unit 3 - variables, formulas and graphs. The learning targets from this unit are:


• I can write and solve expressions to model a mathematical or real-world situation.
• I can use expressions and tables to demonstrate how two quantities are related.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Lots of learning...

Hello! :) I realized how long it has been since I have updated the blog, especially since I had a draft hanging out from a few weeks ago that I thought I had published. Sorry about that!

We've been doing lots of exciting things in math and science. After starting the year with Hands On Equations (Algebra) we've moved on to unit 1, which focuses on data analysis. Students are reading, interpreting, and creating many different types of graphs and data types.

In science, our Environments unit is keeping us busy. We've been studying how environmental factors impact one another, and the environmental preferences of plants and animals.

Here are a couple of our new friends:


Darkling Beetles


Isopod


Our fish (kind of a weird picture with the reflections.) We've had a fish survival issue ='(


* We also have snails and aquatic plants, but the photos won't upload. I'll try again later. :)
IMPORTANT NOTE: The math and science grades should be updated on the Campus portal this weekend at the latest, and student midterm progress reports will be coming out soon. Not only is the parent portal new to most current sixth grade teachers, the system was updated this year making the learning curve a little steeper. All is well, and figured out, so I ensure that grades will be updated soon.

Have a wonderful day! If you have questions or comments, please post them here, or email me at kjohnson@prairiepride.org

My best,
Mrs. J.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Welcome back!

We have had a wonderful first 7 days of school. It was amazing to be able to jump in with both feet, and get started right away. We've been very busy!

We started off the year working on solving algebric expressions using the Hands on Algebra program. We reviewed our learning from last year, and have nearly completed the first level. Hopefully you have seen some of the work that your child has been completing in his or her math journal. We will finish level one on Monday and Tuesday, and students will take the unit assessment on Wednesday of next week.

In science we have been talking about environments and environmental factors. Students have done excellent work setting up well-organized journals complete with a table of contents, and index. Today they made their first terrarium observations. Next week will focus on continuing these observations, and learning about terrestrial environments, and plant growth. On Friday the darkling beetles and isopod bugs arrive!

Did you see the article in the Cedar Rapids Gazette about looping at Prairie Creek? It featured Mr. Young's homeroom. You can find it online by clicking here.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs. J.

Did you see the

Algebra Math Websites

Here are some links to algebra math games:

Online Math Learning
http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/algebra-math-games.html

Hot Math
http://hotmath.com/games.html

Sunday, July 17, 2011

School Supply List

Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Young

Johnson/Young School Supply List (2011-12)
1 Padlock for Locker (suggest reusing the same padlock as fifth grade)
4 boxes of 24 count #2 pencils (sharpened)
1 pkg. (4 ct) wide tip dry erase markers
4 highlighter markers (1 yellow, 1 pink, 1 green, 1 color of choice)
2 boxes of tissues
2 pkg.’s wide lined loose leaf paper
3 three-prong, pocket folders
2 large glue sticks
1 three-ring binders 1 inch in width (no zipper of Velcro)
2 pkg. 3x5 lined note cards
3 wide lined spiral notebooks
2 composition books
Scissors
3x3 Post-It Notes

Donation Requests:
Markers
Colored Pencils
Erasers (block and cap)

* If your child wants a separate composition notebook for each science unit, 4 softcover or skinnier composition books are fine, too. Two standard composition books will also work great.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

School Supply Lists and Summer Letters

Dear Parents and Students,

Mr. Young and I will be sending out our summer letters and school supply lists in the next week or so. All students at Prairie Creek will have the same general supply list this year. However, since we are looping, we may have a few reductions to the list (things that you won't need to purchase.) Hopefully this will save you a bit of cash, and lighten your load a little. 

Hope you are having a wonderful July!

Mrs. J.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Let's play a little game...

Comment below finishing the following statements. Please be nice. :)


I think… 
I know… 
I want…
I love… 
I hate…