Old Quarry Sixth Grade News
Explorers/Mariners
by Dennis Kennedy
SIXTH GRADE NEWS!
EXPLORER TEAM NAVIGATING THROUGH THE CURRICULUM!
The Explorer Team has a full plate, and the students have been
stepping up to the challenge! From academic to social growth, the
Explorer Team has made great strides this year.
In science, a special guest speaker visited on April 27, 2009. Mr.
Cole, a microbiologist, presented on the concept of cells and will
work with students on a hands-on lab using the germs from their
hands. Also, in conjunction with science, the Explorer Team will be
going to the Museum of Science and Industry on Thursday, May 21 to
view the Omnimax show “Wild Ocean” as well as experience an
interactive activity on genes and heredity. Upon return from the
field trip, the Explorer Team will hold a Portfolio Picnic
Celebration to conference with parents and honor third trimester
achievements.
In language arts and literature, students have begun expository
writing, in which they will focus on essays which focus on cause
and effect. Realistic fiction is the current genre, and students
are maintaining reading logs and foldables along with their novel
study. Measurement is the area of study in mathematics, with a
short customary measurement problem-based project coming up in May.
In social studies, we have begun to explore ancient India and China
and the religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism. An
orbital research project revolving around these topics is scheduled
for May.
An important aspect of the advisory program, anti-bullying, has
been a primary focus throughout the year. In addition, the Explorer
students have been discussing and participating in activities
relating to good character, integrity, and respect.
Lastly, sixth graders signed up in track have begun their season.
What an exciting time for extra-curricular activities! Students
have also been very involved with yearbook club, scrapbook club,
and homework club. Thank you to all the students who helped make
all these groups great!
TRACKER TEAM MOVING FORWARD WITH GIANT FOOTPRINTS
Trackers are currently working on a Mythology research project in
language arts. Students have chosen a Greek god, goddess, hero or
creature to research. They will eventually create a wax museum
presentation for their character. They wax museum will occur later
in May. We have also begun reading the Odyssey in literature.
Students are studying cells & DNA in science. Many labs using
microscopes have been utilized to enhance this area of study. In
social studies, students are currently studying India and are
moving into the study of Asia.
We are planning a field trip to the Museum of Science &
Industry on May 27th. Trackers will be going to the museum to view
the DNA exhibit and to view any other interesting exhibits. We hope
to have lunch in a nearby park before returning to school.
MARINERS MAKING THEIR
MARK!
The Mariners are currently being exposed to all the different Fairy
Tales from many countries, where they originated from and why.
Through fairy tales we learn about different points of view, which
helps everyone, in and out of school as well. This is our last
genre of the year and the kids are working very hard. As an
assessment for their fairy tale novels, the students will perform a
play which will describe their novel to everyone who was not in
that particular book. Hopefully, this will get them interested in
reading another fairy tale novel…especially over the summer. We are
also all starting to introduce expository papers/speeches in
literature class.
Be on the lookout for more Mariner information, especially if you
check out our webpages! A great source of information that you have
been receiving all year would be through our monthly newsletter
attached to the progress reports. The next one will come out on
April 29th. Also, the Mariner Newsletter is on any of the Mariner
Teachers websites!
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