Power Word

In order to finish your Science Research Reports in class on Friday, you will need to have collected sufficient content. That is why we spent so much time in class gathering facts.

For 1 bonus point on your Power Word Quiz, explain what sufficient means using the context of these sentences.
-Ms.R

STEM Fair

Don't forget to work on your STEM Fair Projects!!!

Extra Credit- 3pts.

Can you identify the variables in the "Truth Decay" experiment?
This was the experiment you analyzed in reading class.

Blog or bring in your answer Monday 11/30/09.

-Ms.Kopczak

WeSeed, Skippy the Stick Man, and Mock Portfolios

Today we learned about how companies split themsleves into fractions called shares. People can buy and sell shares of their favorite companies. This is what creates the stock market. The example of Skippy the Stick Man showed how businesses can use stocks to grow and how normal people can make (and lose) money by owning shares of the companies.

We're now going to take it to the next step. Ridgecrest students will get to manage $10,000 of fake money on WeSeed.com. Together, we will put together a portfolio. Along the way, we will use our math standard of multiplying decimals and other forms of analysis to make good decisions. In order to participate in the Ridgecrest group, you must have an email address. If you do not have one, we can create one for you.

Those Three Dreaded Letters - B C R

A Brief Constructed Response. Sometimes hearing those words or their initials creates fear in the hearts of students. However, it doesn't have to be this way. BCR's are a great opportunity to display your knowledge and creativity.

Grading last week's BCR homework, I was impressed with how many scores of 2 I was able to give. These students not only found the correct answer to the problem, but they also explained how they arrived at their answer. Here are some tips for excellent BCR answers:

• Label everything. Make sure the reader knows what every number is.
• Explain every step. Don't assume that the reader understands you. Break down your strategy into small, simple steps that can be easily explained.
• Use complete sentences whenever possible. Again, we want to make life easy for our reader. A complete sentence gets your idea across.
• Write neatly. Ask any adult who has spent hours grading papers, and they will tell you that the neat papers make it easier for them to focus and find good things in your work.
• Don't be afraid to draw if you can clearly show your idea.

KF

Being Proactive

In Stephen Covey's book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Mr. Covey found seven good habits that people use to help them achieve their goals. Mr. Covey's sons wrote books about these seven habits for children and teenagers. The 7 Habits are a good way to think about making yourself successful in school and in life. As a teacher, I am very proud when I see my students displaying these seven habits.

Do not think of these habits as part-time habits that can be swtiched on and off like a lamp. They must be used over and over again.

The first habit is Being Proactive. That means you take charge of your own life and accept your own responsibilities. Proactive students are prepared for school every day. When they arrive in the class, their focus is on the mission: Learning as much as possible while at school. Can you think of ways that you can be proactive before, during, and after math class? KF

Probability

This week we will study our standard Knowledge of Probability. Studying and understanding probability is a very important skill. It's not just about rolling dice or counting jelly beans. Doctors use probability when studying diseases to try to keep you healhty. Weather forecasters use probability to help them give good advice to people about how to prepare for the weather. Businesspeople use probability to make plans for their businesses so they can sell the right things and make money.

Even video games use probability. You learn that in different situations things are likely or unlikely to occur. You use this knowledge to help you make judgements the next time you play so you can reach the next level of success. Can you think of other times when you use probability in your life? KF

(Remember, when I put my initials at the end of a post, you can offer a summary of the post or your own thoughts. If you have 3 complete sentences with quality thoughts, you get extra points.)

The Wall of Fame

The Mathematics Wall of Fame is rapidly gaining new members. Today, 14 students made their way onto the wall of fame in Prime Factorization. If you made it, congratulations! If you didn't, please review your paper. You will have another chance in about a week or so.

At this point all of the Wall of Fame standards have been posted. As we do each new standard, we will add examples and names.

Two Weeks Away from Field Trip

Our field trip to the Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC is only two weeks away! Please have your permission slips and $10 turned in by Monday the 16th. We will be exploring the habitats of animals while at the museum and touring the monuments on the National Mall.

Parent Teacher Conferences Wednesday, November 11

Students will have the day off from school this Wednesday as teachers and parents meet for their conferences. Parents, if you have not returned the parent teacher conference form to reserve your time, please do so as soon as possible.

Welcome to the New Ridgecrest Sixth Grade Blog!

This is the place where Ms. Riegner, Mrs. Kopczak, and Mr. Ford will be posting news, announcements, curriculum information, homework tips, and commentary. Parents are students are encouraged to join in the discussion!