week 5 - Feb 25 - 29, 2008 & week 6- Mar 3 - 7, week 7 - Mar 10 - 14

We are currently studying organ systems in humans and comparing them to earthworm systems. I use a combination of reading and "reading diagrams and photos" from the text and Brainpop videos from the web (www.brainpop.com). These are animated short videos that explain various human systems. We have studied circulatory and nervous systems and touched on the respiratory system, briefly.

This week, we will study: cells - basics, including osmosis/diffusion; cell theory; observation of cells under the microscope; a homework assignment of building a cell model; and a lab on diffusion across dialysis tubing as a model for diffusion in the cell. This unit will run until March 11, with March 6 & 7 off for lessons taught by the school counselor.

week 2, quarter 3, Feb. 11 - 15. 2008

overview:

• complete living earthworm observation lab notes (in lab notebook)
  
• write a paper about the lab results based on the notes. (see attached copies)
• all 6th grade life science classes watch "Brainpop" (www.brainpop.com ) heart and circulatory system videos on Feb.14, "heart day"
• LIVING EARTHWORM OBSERVATIONS paper due Feb. 15, except P7, due Feb. 19.
• Also, on Feb. 15, Ms. P. will do a binder check. I expect to see a divider in the binder devoted to science. Science papers should be well organized behind the divider. We are 1/2 of the way through the year, headed for 7th grade. Make sure you're prepared! : > )
  

week 1, quarter 3, Feb 4 - 8, 2008

overview:

• compare human and earthworm nervous systems, graphic organizer = in-class work

• begin living earthworm observation lab, taking notes in lab notebook while following the directions
  

period 7 only: Tues., Feb 5 = learn to run water quality tests
Wed., Feb 6 = plant native species @ Errol Heights wetland (52nd & SE Tenino Ct.) & run water quality tests in Errol Creek and in the wetland.

2ND QUARTER, WEEK 6 (of 9)
THIS IS "COMMON ASSIGNMENT" WEEK. All of my students will write persuasive essays. This is a PPS requirement; it is intended to give teachers across the District a common assignment to refer to when talking about instructional practices that work. The work is to be done in class. The intended schedule is as follows:

MON., JAN. 7, 2008

• Review characteristics of life; discuss examples. Students take notes during discussion.

• Teacher demonstration using candles. (Ask your child about this!) Students observe carefully, recording their observations in a graphic organizer.

TUE., JAN. 8, 2008

• Students finish graphic organizer.
• Students begin rough draft of persuasive paper, using graphic organizer to help them organize their thoughts.

WED., JAN. 9, 2008

• Students finish rough drafts.
• Begin revising, through peer editing.

THUR., JAN. 10, 2008

• Finish peer editing.
• Begin writing final draft.

FRI., JAN. 11, 2008

• Finish final draft and turn in.
  

This is the 6th grade science classes blog promised to you at parent-teacher-student conferences. I'm quite late; for that I apologize. I hope the blog is informative enough to be worth the wait. I'm still learning how to use the blog, so please be patient with me!