6th Grade News – 3/5 – 3/9/18

MATH

This week in 6Y, since it was a short week due to them going on a field trip we did not have as many classes as usual. We were able to work on rate and speed however and understand how to calculate average speed and find someone’s speed over a certain number of trials. Next week they will have a test as well as lab to do on speed. In 6X, we are talking about ratios and proportions. We are figuring out that they are similar to fractions and understanding how they work. We will continue to work on proportions and have a test by the end of next week if possible. Hope everyone has had a good week and will have a restful weekend!

HUMANITIES

In Literature this week, we began a new unit centered around the theme of “Coming of Age.” Students were able to choose from two books: The Wednesday Wars, by Gary D. Schmidt, and Goodbye Stranger, by Rebecca Stead. Both books follow seventh grade protagonists as they navigate through social and academic challenges of middle school. Throughout the unit, students will examine topics related to coming of age and entering teenagehood, drawing connections to the texts and their own lives. Our “Essential Questions” include: What are the challenges involved in coming of age (growing up)? What does it take to overcome these challenges? How can we form our own identities while balancing expectations from family and friends?

In addition, 6th graders had a wonderful trip to the Brooklyn Museum on Thursday. It was great to recognize ancient Egyptian items we’ve been learning about in class. For example, we saw plenty of ankhs, or Egyptian symbols of mortal and eternal life; scarab beetles, symbols of rebirth and renewal; and a giant copy of the Book of the Dead, an ancient “guidebook” used while traveling to the afterlife. Our tour guide graciously encouraged the students to take on leadership roles while exploring the exhibits, and several 6th graders stepped up to lead short discussions around pieces of artwork that interested them. Mike, Laura, and I were so impressed with the students’ ability to facilitate conversations, generate thought-provoking questions, and share thoughtful analysis with their peers.

Enjoy the pictures from our museum trip below!

Naomi

HEBREW

Dear parents,

This week HaKbatza Aleph finished studying the future tense. The class practiced leading conversations in the future tense, writing short texts in the future tense, and listening to a song using the future tense. On Friday we took the culminating test.

HaKbatza Bet finished practicing specific and general statements both in conversations and in writing. We also learned a new Israeli song. On Friday, we took a culminating test.

I wish everyone a relaxed weekend,

Andreea

JUDAICS

SCIENCE

This week, students worked with keynote on the iPad in order to create animations of their bacterial growth overtime. This allowed students to present their bacteria growth discoveries in a unique and creative way. Students continue to enjoy this STEAM disease project. We are starting to form groups and do light research on diseases. This will be the foundation for their disease project game design that we will start next week.

Mike Noll and Samantha Butwin

HEBREW HERITAGE

הורים יקרים,

השבוע עבדנו על פרויקט גמר של היחידה “ספורטים אולימפיים ישראליים”. לאחר שהתלמידים ערכו מחקר מקיף אודות הספורטיאים והישגיהם בענפים שונים, כל אחד נתבקש להתמקד בשלושה מהם תוך הסבר מדוע בחרו דווקא בהם. בתום הפרוייקט שבוע הבא, כל תלמיד יוכל לשתף את הספורטאים שבחר.

אשמח לראותכם ביום חמישי הקרוב.

סוף שבוע טוב,

אילנה