Mr. Jaques Math & Science Class

Welcome to the photosynthesis webquest! It's time to learn all about  photosynthesis and why it is important to you and me! Below are the websites you will need to complete your webquest. Remember to take good notes along the way, bookmark important websites and save pictures or video that you may want to use later in your Prezi! Good luck! Introduction to Photosynthesis Animation http://woodchurchscience.edublogs.org/files/2008/03/photosynthesis-flash.swf Interactive Photosynthesis Simulation http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/photosynthesis.html The Process of Photosynthesis http://www.realtrees4kids.org/sixeight/letseat.htm Photosynthesis Virtual Lab http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/science/virtual_labs/LS12/LS12.html Learn more at BrainPOP http://www.brainpop.com/science/cellularlifeandgenetics/photosynthesis/ Advanced Learning http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science/organisms_behaviour_health/food_chains/revision/2/

In math, we are currently working with LCM (least common multiple) and GCF (greatest common factor) to solve fraction problems. This can be a difficult concept for students if they do not know their multiplication facts and/or are not accustomed to prime factorization. We are working with multiple ways to solve these problems and giving students more than way to learn how to do this. However, students must know how to factor numbers properly and not use shortcuts. This is a key concept that students must master as several upcoming standards are based upon knowing how to properly find the LCM and GCF of two or more numbers. In science, we are currently studying Ecology. This involves the study of ecosystems and the world's different biomes. Students are creating a Google presentation on ecosystems, biomes and food chains/webs. They will also be identifying what can/would happen when an animal is taken out of one biome and placed into one where it is not well adapted to survive. Fo...

We recently finished up a couple of standards (IN 6.2.8 & IN 6.5.10) that dealt with decimals and percentages of quantities involving real-world money application (tax, tips, discounts). We will now begin learning how to convert between decimals, percents and fractions (IN 6.1.4) and finding the whole given a part and the percent (6.RP.3c). These are very challenging concepts for sixth graders. We will be revisiting and reviewing these standards throughout the year to ensure that they are mastered before ISTEP. You can help your child at home by discussing common decimal/fraction conversions such as: (1/4,=.25), (1/2=.50), (3/4 = .75), (1/3 = .33), etc. Relating these concepts to everyday activities such as cooking and dealing with money can really help children begin to master this concept.

As we have learned our first standard this year (6.NS.3 - Fluently divide multi-digit numbers) it has become apparent that a large number of students still do not know their multiplication facts. This is a major obstacle when trying to do long division. As a result, I've encouraged to practice their multiplication facts in a variety of ways: using flash cards, writing their facts, quizzing classmates, etc. We will begin using the two websites below, along with our Tier 2 Intervention program,  Ascend Math , a lot this year to improve fact fluency and overall math skills. Sumdog XtraMath

Now that we have finished all of our back-to-school activities such as rules & procedures, paperwork and getting to know one another, it is time to get started on math! For the next week or so, we will be focusing on the following standards that pertain to decimals and long division: 6.NS.2 - Fluently divide multi-digit numbers 6.NS.3 - Fluently add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals IN 6.2.3 - Multiply and divide with decimals A typical math unit looks like this for students: Step 1 : Notebooking - Students learn the concept and do guided practice with teacher Step 2 : Pretest - Students take a pretest to determine what level of proficiency they are at on each standard Step 3 : Math Stations & Small Group - Students are divided up into levels based on the results of their pretest. Students in level 1 will be in a small group with me. Students in level 2 will be working on various stations for the standard they need practice mastering. Students...

Wow, summer just seemed to fly by once again this year! It's hard to believe school is  back in session. I'm excited about moving to 6th grade, having my own homeroom and teaching a subject I really enjoy - math!  I will be using this website to keep you informed of important things happening in my class and at Delaware. This will include: important dates, upcoming events and what we are doing in my math class, including the standard(s) being taught. The first few days of school we will be focusing on SOAR rules and procedures, learning a little bit about each other and, of course, some paperwork, netbook/locker assignments, etc. At the end of the week we will begin learning about our first math standard of the year: 6.2.3 - Multiply and divide decimals. We will be spending approximately one week on this standard depending on how quickly students are able to master it. From here, we will move to a standard that builds upon this one: 6.2.8 - Calculate given percentages of q...