Mr. Jaques Math & Science Class

We had a great trip to Wesselman Woods to cap off our unit on ecology. Students got a firsthand look at the predator/prey and consumer/producer relationship in nature. Students got to dissect owl pellets to gain an understanding of what owls consume. We also were able to go on a nature hike and learn about many plants and trees native to Indiana. The students had a great time on the trip and loved the hands on activity and the time spent outdoors away from the classroom!

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 record notes in your Google Doc as you visit each of these websites. Also, make sure to save any pictures or video that you may want to use later in your Prezi! Photosynthesis Basics - YouTube Video Photosynthesis on BrainPOP Introduction to Photosynthesis Animation Interactive Photosynthesis Simulation The Process of Photosynthesis Photosynthesis Virtual Lab Advanced Learning & Additional Info

Wow, it is September! It is hard to believe school has been in session for  a  month  already! We're off to a great start here in sixth grade and students are learning a lot of new things in math and science. In math, we have been studying fractions and decimals. Students are learning how to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and decimals. We will be starting a new standard this week: 6.C.3: Solving real-world problems with fractions and decimals. In this unit, students will learn how to solve problems involving fractions with different denominators and problems involving money in decimal notation. These standards require students to constantly use their multiplication facts to solve problems involving long division, finding the least common multiple (denominator) and greatest common factor (reducing fractions). Please encourage and help your child study and learn their multiplication facts (0-12). In science, we have started our ecology unit. Ecology is the s...

We're starting to really get into science and the students are loving it. We just finished learning about the scientific method that included some exciting hands-on activities using Gobstoppers and gummy worms. We are now starting to talk about the different states of matter. Students got to experiment with oobleck (slime) last week. They discovered the unique properties of this non-Newtonian fluid. It behaves as a liquid until force or pressure is applied to it; then it acts as a solid. This is a very easy and inexpensive experiment that you can try with your children at home. All you need is some cornstarch and water (food coloring optional). You just need to use a 2:1 ratio of cornstarch to water or two parts cornstarch for every one part of water. Thoroughly mix it until you start to see and feel the mixture resisting being mixed further. This is how you know the have right consistency. The oobleck is ready to be "played" with at this point. In math, we are working ...

Please plan on joining me at Delaware's Open House night on Thursday, August 21 from 6 - 7:30 PM. This is a great time to meet your student's teachers and sharing any thoughts or concerns that you might have regarding the upcoming school year. I always enjoy spending this night with families to learn more about my students and what expectations parents and guardians have for their children. I hope to see you this Thursday night at Delaware!

It's hard to believe it's August already and time for school to start back up again.  I'm excited to welcome a new group of students to sixth grade. I love this grade level and really enjoy teaching math and science.  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 field trips and what we are currently learning in math and science class, including the standard(s) being taught. Speaking of standards, Indiana has adopted brand new standards for this school year. Those can be found by following this link: 2014-15 IN Standards 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 and locker assignments, etc. By the middle of the week we will begin learning about our first math standard of the year:  6.C.1 - Divide multi-digit whole numbers fluently u...

It's hard to believe that the school year is almost over. Despite all of the standardized  testing, wild winter weather and all of those makeup days, it's been a great year. I've truly enjoyed my first year in a homeroom and I will miss the students and the relationships I've formed with them this past year. I wish everyone the best of luck at NJHS or whatever school you plan to attend next year. I hope you have learned not only a lot of math and science this year but also how to be a respectful, responsible, organized person along the way. Take care and come back to visit me next year!