Introduction
This has been a very busy year to this point.
The students have improved in their mathematical reasoning and in their ability
to craft engaging writing for a specified purpose and audience. This newsletter
is divided into sections for the various content areas. Each section presents a
brief description of our journey so far, followed by our next steps.
As always, if there are questions, concerns,
or comments please call or email.
Sincerely,
Mr. MacKenzie
MHMacKenzie@cbe.ab.ca
(403) 817-3576
Mathematics
Grade
5: The students built an understanding of measurement.
They used rulers, measuring tapes, and measuring cups. Through hands-on
learning opportunities, they converted areas of measurement. Furthermore,
students began thinking ‘algebraically’. For this, they used input/output
tables (patterns) to create rules and expressions. Knowledge of the operations
were required for this, as were problem solving skills.
The students will be using the CUBES strategy
(above) to solve word problems and to aid in their test-taking skills.
In the upcoming term, students will examine the relationships between
operations and will practice multiplying/dividing large numbers. Furthermore,
students will explore decimals and fractions in a variety of contexts.
Grade
6: The students constructed 3D shapes of varied types
and sizes. Through measurement, they calculated volume, area, and perimeter.
Students were challenged balance equations and to conserve equality (6t = 10-4
is the same as 6t-1 = 10-4-1). They also used patterns to deduce expressions
with two operations.
In the upcoming term, students will explore
the operations in depth. They will also learn about prime numbers and
factoring. As they do, the CUBES problem solving strategy will be used to help
them understand the connected and relevant parts of a question. They will also
be taught to review their work and to check their answers.
Science
Grade
5: The grade 5s studied electricity through creating
an electronic game and a flashlight. They also studied weather in depth through
researching cloud formation and exploring the movement of air within our
troposphere. The students then constructed weather measuring devices (an
anemometer for wind speed, for example). Through measuring the local
environment, students were able to draw conclusions between Earth’s systems and
the world they experience daily.
Chemistry and wetlands await the students as
we carry on with our scientific investigations. The students will explore
different types of mixing, and will experience a number of chemical reactions.
The biologically diverse wetlands are nature’s filtration system. Students will
examine the animals and plants that thrive there, and will explore their
necessary adaptations.
Grade
6: The grade 6 students have been studying air and
aerodynamics, as well as flight. For this, they explored the properties of air
and constructed a range of airplanes. We used experiments and demonstrations to
explore Bernoulli’s principle. Through exploring air as a fluid, students were
able to draw conclusions about why things float or fly through the air. This
topic will be reviewed as the Provincial Achievement Tests approach.
The upcoming unit of study is Sky Science.
Students will expose constellations and the interactions between the sun, the
moon, and the Earth’s systems. They will also construct an interactive video
game for a planet that they choose to research. After Sky Science, the students
will study Evidence and Investigation.
Social
Studies
Grade
5: The grade 5s have been studying the stories and
people who contributed to the construction of Canada. Beginning with
confederation, the students examined the impact of the Canadian Pacific
Railway, The Fathers of Confederation, and the Famous Five - to name a few
topics. They have created beautiful books detailing this learning journey.
Through the lens of “Power”, the students have also had incredible, in-depth
conversations.
We will continue exploring the building of
Canada’s identity, and we will look closely at the physical geography of
Canada. Namely, why do we have national parks? The students will take on the
role of marketing specialists, as they create advertisements for different
regions and parks within Canada.
Grade
6: The grade 6 students have examined politics in
Canada and within Ancient Athens. During the federal election, students engaged
in a number of debates and persuasive writing tasks. They examined each party’s
platform and took a deep dive into varied current events. Afterwards, the
students constructed exceptional books where they took a close look at Athenian
Democracy - which is where democracy began.
Students will now examine the Iroquois
Confederacy. This will provide interesting discussions as they compare and
contrast the democratic models they are familiar with. Afterwards, the students
will begin analyzing their Local Government, and we are hoping to have a city
councilor swing by for a visit!
Literacy
Literacy was integrated between the grade 5
and 6 students. Each group examined texts through the lenses of ‘power’ and
‘empathy’ and wrote newspaper articles connected to various topics. For
example, they wrote a newspaper report on the Giver and the Australian wildfires. Further, they
managed information and ideas through developing venn diagrams, timelines, and
cause and effect visualizations. This was beneficial as they synthesized their
learning.
After looking at persuasive language and
debate, the students began looking at functional (newspaper) writing. Through
constructing effective lead sentences and practicing organization, the students
became more intentional with their writing.
Students will now look carefully at narrative
writing. To improve their writing skills, they will engage in the writer’s
cycle. The writer’s cycle includes planning, drafting, revising, editing, and
ends with publication. We will publish through printing our work and binding
books of our own. We will also construct a digital portfolio, in which to share
our writing.
Conclusion
It has been an exciting school year so far!
There is a ton of learning to come. Please make sure to check Iris regularly,
as it is a forum for communication between teachers, students, and parents.
Also, don’t forget that Feedback Friday is
going home every Friday! And while we want the students to take ownership, they
may require assistance and reminders to complete their assigned tasks.
All the best in 2020!
Mr. MacKenzie
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