Sixth Grade Math and Science News

Grade 6 Math and Science with Ms. Brittain

The sixth grade students have made wonderful progress during the first six weeks of the school year. It has been an exciting journey as we have settled into our classroom routines and have even established our very own "Class Constitution" to guide our behavior and values. We continue to work to build a stronger sense of community in our classroom. The students have shown dedication and enthusiasm, working hard on their curriculum. I am proud of them and I'm looking forward to the exciting learning adventures ahead. Thank you for your continued support in making our classroom a vibrant and nurturing environment for our young scholars.

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Curriculum Corner

Math

We are currently exploring fraction division in class. Students began with dividing fractions with like denominators and progressed to dividing fractions with unlike denominators. They understand the process of the multiplicative inverse and reciprocal of a fraction and how to use those concepts to divide fractions. This past week we have been working on division of mixed numbers. We will continue this week practicing division of fractions and mixed numbers and then review fraction operations, using the Lowest Common Multiple and Greatest Common Factor to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions. Our next Module will be Fluency with Multi-Digit Decimal Operations.

Science

In Science, we have been focusing on Physical Science standards. Our class has reviewed matter and its properties. We discussed the particle nature of matter and made Pop Rockets with canisters, water and Alka Seltzer tablets. Next week, we will use a model in which we place liquids in a jar with varying densities and then drop in assorted items to see which liquid the item will stop in. We are trying to better understand the property of density. In the next few weeks, we will learn about chemical reactions and thermal energy, as well as, experiment with mixtures and separating mixtures.

Bisbee Museum Visit

What to Do to Help Support the Math Curriculum

Division of Fractions:

In our Into Math curriculum, we are learning how to divide fractions and mixed numbers. If you would like to have your student practice these skills at home, I have included a dividing fractions maze and a dividing mixed numbers practice worksheet. We have been using Blooket games that students can access online to practice these skills. Ask your student to show you some of the games we have been using to solidify the concept. If you prefer less screen time, you could use playing cards (just remove the face cards) or dice to create fraction and mixed numbers for your student to practice their skills.

The following is an additional activity that you can do at home:

Find a piece of string, ribbon, or yarn that is long enough to easily fold in half twice. Measure the entire length to the nearest eighth of an inch. Working together, use division to predict the length of each section of the string, ribbon, or yarn when it is cut into four equal pieces. Fold the piece in half and cut at the fold. Then, fold each half in half and cut at the fold. Measure each quarter of the string, ribbon, or yarn to see how close your prediction was.

If you have forgotten how to divide fractions by fractions, please view the video below to refresh your memory and to understand what we are doing in class.

Multiplication Strategies and Facts:

It is beneficial for all students to review their multiplication and division facts. Students can use flashcards, worksheets, on-line math games or have another person quiz them on their facts. I, also, have a multiplication worksheet to help them review. They are available to your student at all times. It is important for your child to know their facts as it will be essential as we progress through the sixth grade math curriculum. If your student is still learning about the concept of multiplication you can practice by grouping M&M's in various sets to solidify the concept.

Division of Fractions and Mixed Numbers

Click the bar for two additional practice worksheets.

What to Do to Help Support the Science Curriculum

In science, we are studying matter and its interactions. We are focusing on three properties of matter: volume, density and mass. I have attached a short video that gives you some information about these properties and may help spark some discussion with your child. For example, when cooking a meal and using measuring cups or spoons, this represents volume. Weighing items on a cooking scale is mass. Students can find density by dividing mass/volume. We will be progressing to chemical reactions and thermal energy. Please ask about what they have learned about these topics as we progress through the month.

Fun in Science

We created a chemical reaction using an acid and base. The antacid tablet and water reacted to produce carbon dioxide. The gas quickly expands and builds pressure inside the canister. The pressure eventually becomes too great and pushes the lid down and the canister pops up into the air.