Reminders

-Quick things about science fair-

 

-They will need to have a printed copy of their research for peer editing by Monday 1/28. (they can also print it off at school today) We will use some of our class time giving positive feedback.

 

-Experiment this weekend! Results and Conclusion are due Tuesday.

Results- What happened in the experiment?

Conclusion- Does the results agree or disagree with your hypothesis? What would you do differently if you conducted the experiment again?

 

-We will work on the Bibliography in class next week.

 

-Table/Charts/Surveys due next Friday 2/1

 

 

Mark your calenders for Tuesday, MARCH 5. The students will have to be at science fair from 5pm-6pm.

This is mandatory to attend. If you have any conflicts please e-mail me:

kelseykoch@bennps.org

Friday Update 1/18

Another week has passed, and too quickly! The students have rocked this week with Science Fair, equations in math and Reading Benchmarks.

Yesterday, they did peer edits on their introductions and procedures, so they should be polished! All I ask is you give it one last glance and we can continue on to our research papers. Their research paper (rough draft) and their interview are both due on Wednesday. I am strongly encouraging them to get their interview done this weekend with the 3 days we have. The questions and answers need to be typed up by Wednesday also. They will bring home their boards tonight, and I have explained the expectations in class; they have a handout on what I expect for their boards in their folder.

Math- We started equations this week, and will dig into it more next week. They also started to make their math flashcards, which we started on Wednesday, we did a brain break activity with the cards to get the kids moving and learning! I supplied them with a pipe cleaner to keep them together and a baggie to put them in so they will not get bent out of shape when traveling between school and home.

Mark your calenders for Tuesday, MARCH 5. The students will have to be at science fair from 5pm-6pm.

This is mandatory to attend. If you have any conflicts please e-mail me:

kelseykoch@bennps.org

Research is due NEXT Wednesday

On the timeline, I had the research being due tomorrow. As of today, I just got through everyones procedures, and introductions. I would like to give the students one more weekend to work on their 2 page research. Tonight, they have to provide me with the questions they will answer in their research, the who, what, when, where, why, and how of their topic. Also, include historical facts, and definitions if using unfamiliar words.

Tomorrow we will complete some peer editing in class, they will need a printed out copy of their introduction and procedure. The procedure should be as detailed as possible. If I were to read the procedure, it should be so clear to me that I would be able to complete it at home. In groups tomorrow they will ask eachother those questions for clarification, and to make sure their writing "flows."

Friday Update 1/11

Hello Parents,
I apologize that the Friday update is a little tardy- I am not sure where the week went, I also did not take any pics last week, I will get some to you in the next Friday update!

Science Fair has really taken off. I really really  stressed that the kids pick a topic that they are passionate about because they will be working with this topic all the way into March, so I told them "If you can wake up in the morning with a smile about what you are working with, then you have the right topic" :)

In math we had a "review" week to freshen their skills! We did a lot of different math games to get them back in the groove! Next week (well this week now...) we started algebraic expressions!! They are doing well so far! Their comments this week "Miss Koch, is math really this easy?" "Yes, yes it is" :)

We will start vocab flashcards this week and review math concepts so that we can avoid simple mistakes on NESA.

We had the spelling bee on Thursday, and congratulations go to Luke and Drew!!! One of Luke's last words was "cerebellum" I like to think I had a part in him knowing how to spell it.... GREAT job Luke and Drew!!!!

Reading- they will start their Benchmark testing this week. Mr Nichols and I have been pulling them out in the hallway to assess over fluency, and they will take the computer part during library.

__________________________________________

Ok, now off to science fair info- I am SO PROUD of the students and how they are following their timelines. Thank you so much for the support from home, this would not happen without your presence! They are doing an awesome job keeping organized!

-Students need to bring in $2.50 for their science fair boards
-Interview is due next Wednesday
Guidelines for the Interview:

The kids have to ask 5 questions about their experiment. They need to ask a professional in their experimental field. Ex. Interview someone from a nursery if working with plants.

They need to write the date, name, job title, place of employment on the bottom of interview.

 

-The students may have colored pictures on the Title page or colored graphs to help read data. Font size should be 12 or 14, nothing else except on Title page. The research section of their paper be 1 ½ – 2 pages typed.

 

Email me with any questions!

Kelseykoch@bennps.org

 

-Miss Koch

Correcting Papers

Just to let you know...

Each time a paper is close to being due, I will look over it and make corrections in red or green ink (whichever pen is closest to me!)

This will help me see what corrections they make each time I read their paper. This will also enable me to see who is making corrections and refining their work.


Thanks for all your support!


-Miss Koch

Parent Letter

The students recieved a letter today, in case they loose it, here is  a copy, signature is due back tomorrow.

January 9^th, 2013

Dear Parents:

The 6^th graders are off and running on their science fair projects. Please keep in mind this can be a lot of fun, but you will also need patience at times. The students have chosen their topics and we have been researching and discussing the projects at school. They are still in the process of gathering their information. They have a timeline that needs to be strictly followed. They will receive points each time they meet a deadline. This will not be part of their actual science fair grades, but will be points accumulated toward the 3^rd quarter grades. The timeline is found on the blog, and the students also received a timeline. The students should have a copy of this in their science fair folders.

The materials can be purchased at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or other craft stores. The science fair board is provided at school for $2.50. I will provide construction paper as backing for the work that will be pasted on the display boards. The backing is not mandatory and you may also purchase it at a craft store, but it sure makes the project look more professional. I suggest using rubber cement (with parents supervising due to fumes) instead of glue, but you may use whatever works for you.

            The actual experiment and the display board will be completed at home. The students will complete some research and work at school, but we are limited on what we can do here- we just don’t have enough computers to use. Please keep in mind that I am doing my best to help the students with the 42 projects, but time here is limited. 

-Miss Koch

kelseykoch@bennps.org

KochPineCreek.blogspot.com

 

Each letter I send home will have a portion for you to sign and for the students to bring back, this is also a part of their points. This is to make sure there are no surprises and that everything is seen by parents.

 

 

 

Please sign and return bottom portion so that I know you have received this note.

Thank you.

 

______________________________

        (Parent signature)

Science Fair Update 1/8

The kids are getting excited about picking topics. We were able to research today in class and narrow down their topic.

--If I find them off task, on a game website, or disturbing others, they will lose computer privileges for the rest of the week, and sign the clipboard.

We have the computer lab Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.--

Their homework tonight is to figure out if their hypothesis is something they are able to experiment. Make a list of things they need, and an outline of the procedure, basically brainstorm their idea one step further. Make sure they record each website they get information from in their science journal.

Some questions to ask your student this evening...
Are all the necessary materials accessible to them?
Will their hypothesis be something they can experiment?
Is it an experiment they are able to perform multiple times to predict accuracy?
Will it cost too much?
Is it a grade-level appropriate project?

Some projects are neat to do, but the students need to form a "problem"/hypothesis from the experiment. They need to form a reason as to why they are completing the project.

We will go over most these questions one-on-one in class, but I also want them to dig deeper with you so they are able to refine their project.

Hypothesis is due 1/11
Introduction and Materials due 1/14
Procedure is due 1/15

They can show me anything at any point before its due! Working ahead is strongly encouraged.

Any questions shoot me an email

kelseykoch@bennps.org

-Miss Koch :)

Science Fair Information 1/7-1/11

Science Fair Season is upon us!

Some important points:

-We will research topics all week, their "problem" is due 1/10
-Hypothesis is due 1/11

They will need a folder that they will keep every paper I give them. They will no longer need to bring their science book to class (unless it is part of their research)

They will need a separate notebook for their research, or journal (preferably no spirals). This is a part of their grade and will be displayed on Science Fair night. The journal will be a part of their science fair grade.

I will occasionally send home notes for you to read and those will require signatures they will bring back, and that it also a part of their grade; I want to keep you as involved as I can and I don't want any surprises for you! I will also actively update the blog, so please add this to your favorites! :)

What you should expect this week of 1/7-1/11

Monday- I will give out a handout that includes Science Fair Helpful Hints, they will also get a timeline of when everything is due, it must be strictly followed.- handout will go in folder.
Tuesday- We will talk about their science fair board, and their Table of Contents, they will receive a handout that will go in their folder.
Wednesday- A note will come home to you, needs to be signed, bottom cut off and returned. Please post the timeline somewhere where you see it everyday, refrigerator, message board, etc.
They will also receive the grading rubric which we will go over in class and will again, go in their folder.
Thursday- Their title page and problem is due
Friday- Their hypothesis is due

Work that Brain #9

I am SO excited to see ya'll tomorrow!
I hope you will come back awake and happy because I have missed your smiles!!! :) 

I also cannot wait to hear about how all your breaks have been! We will take some time out of our day so I can hear about your exciting adventures!

Here is the last problem for "Work that Brain"

Make sure you have ALL your work written down, and your name on it so you can get credit for completing it! If you have completed all 9 Work that brains, there will be a special surprise for you when you get back! :)

Groups of campers were going to an island. On the first day 10 went over and 2 came back. On the second day, 12 went over and 3 came back. If this pattern continues, how many would be on the island at the end of a week? How many would be left?

Work that Brain #8

This is a tricky one....but I KNOW you can do it!

Conrad's Taxi Service charges $1.50 for the first mile and $.90 for each additional mile. How far could Mr. Smith go for $20 if he gives the driver a $2 tip?


1 more day of break left! Use it wisely!

Work that Brain #7

Sylvester measured his pulse and found that his heart beat at a rate of 80 beats a minute at rest. At this rate, how many days will it take his heart to beat 1,000,000 times? Show your work and be sure you explain each step.

Work that Brain #6

Compare different pay scales. Decide if it is better to receive $300 a week or to be paid hourly at a rate of $7.50 per hour. What factors could affect your decision?

I am excited to see your answers!



-Miss Koch

Flashcards

We are going to start working on vocab in math in preparation for NESA.

Some questions you might encounter might be:
"Sandy's garden was a pentagon, one side measure 4 feet, what is the perimeter of the garden?"

For this question you need to know how many sides a pentagon has, and what perimeter means!

If we start working on vocab now and make notecards, and you study them at least 3 times a week, we will be set for the test!

You will need to have a 200 pack of flashcards (any color) by Friday, January 11th so we can get started!

 

Work that Brain #5

How many squares are there?

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

What are some of your families traditions? I was researching about New Years and came upon these interesting facts! 

Hogmanay (Scotland)

The birthplace of "Auld Lang Syne" is also the home of Hogmanay. One of the traditions is "first-footing." Shortly after midnight on New Year's eve, neighbors pay visits to each other and impart New Year's wishes. Traditionally, First foots used to bring along a gift of coal for the fire, or shortbread. It is considered especially lucky if a tall, dark, and handsome man is the first to enter your house after the new year is rung in.

Oshogatsu (Japan)

The new year is the most important holiday in Japan, and is a symbol of renewal. In December, variousBonenkai or "forget-the-year parties" are held to bid farewell to the problems and concerns of the past year and prepare for a new beginning. Misunderstandings and grudges are forgiven and houses are scrubbed. At midnight on Dec. 31, Buddhist temples strike their gongs 108 times, in a effort to expel 108 types of human weakness. New Year's day itself is a day of joy and no work is to be done. Children receive otoshidamas, small gifts with money inside. Sending New Year's cards is a popular tradition—if postmarked by a certain date, the Japanese post office guarantees delivery of all New Year's cards on Jan. 1.

Spain

The Spanish ritual on New Year's eve is to eat twelve grapes at midnight. The tradition is meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year.

The Netherlands

The Dutch burn bonfires of Christmas trees on the street and launch fireworks. The fires are meant to purge the old and welcome the new.

Greece

One of the traditional foods served is Vassilopitta, or St Basil's cake. A silver or gold coin is baked inside the cake. Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake will be especially lucky during the coming year.

United States

The most famous tradition in the United States is the dropping of the New Year ball in Times Square, New York City, at 11:59 P.M. The tradition first began in 1907. The original ball was made of iron and wood; the current ball is made of Waterford Crystal, weighs 1,070 pounds, and is six feet in diameter.

A traditional southern New Year's dish is Hoppin' John—black eyed peas and ham hocks. An old saying goes, "Eat peas on New Year's day to have plenty of everything the rest of the year."

Another American tradition is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Tournament of Roses parade that precedes the football game on New Year's day is made up of elaborate and inventive floats. The first parade was held in 1886.

Widely Observed New Year Symbols and Traditions

Resolutions: It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year's resolutions, and people all over the world have been breaking them ever since. The early Christians believed the first day of the new year should be spent reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to improve oneself in the new year.

Fireworks: Noisemaking and fireworks on New Year's eve is believed to have originated in ancient times, when noise and fire were thought to dispel evil spirits and bring good luck. The Chinese are credited with inventing fireworks and use them to spectacular effect in their New Years Celebrations