After a busy week that included an important geometry test, the students in grade six had the opportunity to try out some new math games and activities today. They played two board games: one about area and perimeter and one about factors. They also used meter sticks to measure the area and volume of the classroom. Finally, they became code breakers, and solved a really tricky logic puzzle. It was great to see the co-operation and team-work as students worked together on these tasks.
This week, students are applying their recently acquired knowledge in math and science to plan and design in realistic situations. In science, each student is creating a new technology that will help humans explore extreme environments. They are researching the types of materials they would use and creating a diagram of their device. They are also considering the important features their product will have. Whether it be a new suit to help humans explore volcanoes safely or a robotic lander to investigate faraway planets, the critical thinking behind these designs is clearly evident. In math, students have become head city planner in charge of creating a new park with features such as a concession stand, playground, and swimming pool. They have to make their park fit certain requirements and apply their knowledge of area, perimeter and volume to calculate how much the park will cost to build. Just a reminder that the geometry math test is next Thursday, May 28th. I will be handing out optional review packages this week for students who want to practice over the next several days. The students in grade 6 have been making exciting discoveries about angles and triangles in math class recently. When everyone created a unique triangle and measured the three interior angles, we found out something very interesting. No matter the shape or size of the triangle, the three angles add up to 180 degrees every time! Students have also been putting their protractors and rulers to good use to create different kinds of triangles (check out the obtuse scalene above). They have even been using some spaghetti to help with this task!
We are now moving on to learn about area, perimeter and volume. This information is found in the second half of Chapter 8 in the math textbook. We will have a geometry test covering all of this information during the week of May 26th. This assessment will be an important part of the third term math mark. As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns. We had an incredible day yesterday visiting the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre! Students watched an interactive planetarium show, learned how astronomers measure the light signature of different stars outside of our solar system, and explored the hands-on exhibits in the Cosmic Courtyard. They were able to touch one of only five moon rocks on earth, try on a space suit, and experience the feeling of being in space on a simulator machine. A high-light of the day was when students built and launched their own bottle rockets, using 60 psi of pressure, and reaching heights of over 30m! It was a blast! |
AuthorMs. Ballard is the grade six math and science teacher at VTT. Archives
June 2015
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