Lesson 1 - Monday, Dec 9
Today in science: Since many D period students–and all E period students–were absent for Lesson 4 at the end of last week due to the TASIS Christmas Service, Dr. M reminded these students that Question Set 1.2 had been due in the Google Classroom prior to the start of last Friday’s science lesson. He also stressed that this Question Set was based on the Lesson 1.2 reading in the “Matter & Molecules” Student Book. These D & E period students were then asked to complete the 1.2 “Reading Check”–a sort of ‘did-you-read-the-student-book-thoroughly’ quiz–during the lesson. Dr. M used this exercise to emphasize to students how they should be approaching reading-and-question-answering assignments at home, as it was clear from the (self-graded) scores on the Reading Check that most Grade 6 students were not doing these kinds of tasks very well.
Those D period students who were in attendance for last week’s Lesson 4 were given time in class to read Lessons 1.3 and 1.4 and begin completing Question Sets 1.3 and 1.4. It was announced in class that there would two additional Reading Checks this week–one each for Lessons 1.3 and 1.4. The two D period Reading Checks will be at the start of Wednesday’s and Friday’s science lessons; the two E period Reading Checks will be at the start of Tuesday’s and Thursday’s science lessons.
Homework: Students need to complete the questions contained in “Matter & Molecules – Question Set 1.3,” which ask students questions about molecules, the smallest pieces of water. To answer these questions correctly, students need to use pp. 5-8 of their Matter & Molecules Student Book. E period’s QS 1.3 is due on Tuesday while, D period’s is due Wednesday. Completed assignments must be uploaded to the Google Classroom.
Lesson 2 - Tuesday, Dec 10
Today in science: Whilst reviewing the Lesson 1.3 reading, D period students began asking questions about the contents of atoms. To these ends, we spent time investigating the contents–and structure–of the two atoms found in a water molecule: hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O). After getting introduced to a special States of Matter simulator, D period students were then given time to work continue working on Question Set 1.3 and continue preparing for Wednesday’s (now delayed!) Lesson 1.3 Reading Check.
E period was reminded that Question Set 1.3 was due by the start of today’s lesson. Students then completed the Lesson 1.3 Reading Check. When finished, students were given class time to begin preparing for Thursday’s Lesson 4 Reading Check and to begin working on Question Set 1.4 (due .
Homework: E period students need to complete the questions contained in “Matter & Molecules – Question Set 1.4,” which asked students questions about molecules and the states of water. To answer these questions correctly, students NEED to use pp. 9-11 of their Matter & Molecules Student Book (they do NOT need to read/use pp. 12-13, which is considered a Supplemental Reading). Completed assignments must be uploaded to the Google Science Classroom.
Lesson 3 - Wed, Dec 11 (D) & Thurs, Dec 12 (E)
Today in science: At the start of both the D & E period lessons, Dr. M introduced students to a new collection of atom and molecule videos he recently put into the Google Science Classroom–these videos are simply enrichment resource for students interested in learning more about these two matter-related topics and not assignments to be completed.
D period was reminded that Question Set 1.3 was due by the start of today’s lesson. Students then completed the Lesson 1.3 Reading Check. When finished, students were given class time to begin preparing for Friday’s Lesson 4 Reading Check and to begin working on Question Set 1.4.
E period was reminded that Question Set 1.4 was due by the start of today’s lesson. Students then completed the Lesson 1.4 Reading Check. When finished, students received their graded Lesson 1.3 Reading Checks.
Homework: D period students need to complete the questions contained in “Matter & Molecules – Question Set 1.4,” which asked students questions about molecules and the states of water. To answer these questions correctly, students NEED to use pp. 9-11 of their Matter & Molecules Student Book (they do NOT need to read/use pp. 12-13, which is considered a Supplemental Reading). Completed assignments must be uploaded to the Google Science Classroom.
Lesson 4 - Friday, Dec 13
Today in science: D period was reminded that Question Set 1.4 was due by the start of today’s lesson (Dr. M also used this opportunity to remind students that, unless absent for 1 or more days this week, all four Question Sets (1.1-1.4) should have been turned in by the start of today’s lesson). Students then completed the Lesson 1.4 Reading Check. When finished, students received their graded Lesson 1.3 Reading Checks and, despite already knowing their final test grades, their graded Electrical Circuits unit test. In the class time remaining, Dr. M challenged students to begin inventing 10 ‘mock’ quiz questions they think would capture the key ideas we learned during our mini “Matter & Molecules” unit.
E period was reminded that all four Question Sets, 1.1-1.4, should have been turned in by the start of today’s lesson. Students then received, despite already knowing their final test grades, their graded Electrical Circuits unit test. In the class time remaining, Dr. M challenged students to begin inventing 10 ‘mock’ quiz questions they think would capture the key ideas we learned during our mini “Matter & Molecules” unit.
Homework: —
Announcements...
The DRIVING QUESTION of our current unit is: What is (almost) everything around us made of?
D period homework collection days: Wednesday & Friday.
E period homework collection days: Tuesday & Thursday.
Including this week, there are 4 weeks of school before the end of the Fall Semester.