9/28/12 Update

Our studies have turned to a chapter entitled "Mapping the Earth."  In order to study Earth Science, we first must figure out how to find everything!  They have been doing a terrific job practicing latitude and longitude.  Next week, we will do some writing about finding their favorite place on Earth using it's exact location - can't wait to find out where they'd rather be!  We also created maps of the school to give to someone who has never been in the building before - it was a great lesson on being precise in your directions and they really seemed to enjoy the project.  We  have discussed the fact that even though many of them have I-phones or GPS, there will still be a need to understand how to read a map at some point in their lives.

There is not yet a test scheduled for this chapter - I will wait and see how far we get after the holidays.  One week's notice is always provided.  Reading through vocabulary and notes regularly helps them stay current and makes studying for tests much easier - I'm hoping they start to learn this essential study habit over the course of the year.

Enjoy the holidays and please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org

Methods of Science Test 9/14/12

We are having our first test of the year this Friday.  The children were told about it last week and have been reminded to study a little bit each day instead of waiting until the night before - hopefully they are taking this advice.  I know a few of them brought home their books and notebooks each evening!  I'm including the information from the study guide in this post, just in case someone forgets their notes.  Please email me with any questions at mlbuster@torahacademy.org

Mrs. Buster’s 6^th Grade Science

Methods of Science Chapter Test Study Guide

Vocabulary:

Science                           observation                    inference

Hypothesis                    prediction                      technology

Scientific theory             scientific law                  critical thinking

Description                    explanation                    significant digits

International System of Units (SI)                       variable

Independent variable     dependent variable

·        List the 3 branches of Science

·        What is the difference between an observation and an explanation?

·        Why is it important for scientists to use the International System of Units (SI)?

·        Put the steps of Scientific Inquiry in order.

·        Know which SI units are used to measure different things (chart text pg. NOS 13)

·        You will be given a set of data to compute the median, mode, range and mean. (text pg. NOS 15)

  (You can use a calculator for this!)

*******text pages NOS30-31 are excellent review pages, as well as your guided notes and vocabulary from your notebook.  Good luck and study hard!

9/4/12 Update

We are still working through learning the Scientific Method and the scientific tools of measurement.  These are the basics upon which the rest of our learning is built, so it's important that we cover these topics thoroughly.  The 6th Grade is off to a great start and is doing well with participation and following directions...I'm very proud of them.

Today, they received a homework sheet that is due on Friday, September 7.  Feel free to turn it in early if finished sooner than that.  Also, the first test of the year is scheduled for Thursday, September 13.  The children will have most of the necessary study materials by the end of this week and we discussed today how it's best to review a little each night, rather than cram the night before an exam.  Thanks in advance for your help in developing this important study skill!  Please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org