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Pre Algebra Lesson

Pre-Algebra:
1. What is Pascal's Triangle?
2. How do you construct it?
3. What is it used for?

Pascal's Triangle is an arithmetical triangle you can use for some neat things in mathematics. Here's how you construct it:
1

1 1

1 2 1

1 3 3 1

1 4 6 4 1

1 5 10 10 5 1

1 6 15 20 15 6 1
 1 7 21 35 35 21 7 1

What pattern do you observe?

Take this quiz, then print (or write down) your results.

Try others, look ahead at what's next in math!

1. Pre-algebra readiness test

2. Algebra readiness test

Science Presentations: Group or Individual

Choose One Option:

1. Blog

2. Powerpoint

3. Poster

Welcome back!

4th Quarter-Time to work!

EXPECT: Increased homework & instead of weekly deadlines (previously due Friday), both math and reading practice worksheets are due the next day. 
6th grade expectations for Language Arts will be discussed and kept in Language Arts folders (Blue). Students have been monitoring their assessment data and 4th quarter will emphasize study skills of standards learned this year.
Parent letter will be sent out this week.

*Don't forget Science Research Reports Planets Assigned Monday :-)

Additional Links:
Games
Figure This
REACH Students

Today is Pi Day! Pi Day is observed on both March 14 and July 22 in honor of the mathematical constant pi (π). Pi Approximation Day is held on July 22 in the day/month date format because it is the approximate value of π (22/7 = 3.14). It has become an international observance that is celebrated live and online and also celebrates Albert Einstein’s birthday.

What is Pi?

Pi (π) is the mathematical constant that has been known for almost 4000 years. Its value is the ratio of any circle’s circumference to its diameter in Euclidean space or the ratio of a circle’s area to the square of its radius. The value of pi is approximately equal to 3.14159265, but it is an irrational number and its decimal representation never ends or repeats.
The lower case Greek letter π is used because it is the first letter of the Greek work περίμετρος (perimeter), which probably refers to its use in the formula perimeter divided by diameter equals the constant for all circles. The concept of π has become the most common ground between mathematicians and non-mathematicians.
Focus in Math & Science:

1. Interactive Chart
2. How much do you know?

3. Virtual Solar System

4. NASA                                                                                                            
5. Exploration     
6. How Big?         
7. REALLY BIG!
8. Interactive System                                

SCIENCE Update!

Did you know that a solar flare is expected to hit Earth today?
Perfect timing for our science unit on the solar system! :-)
Check these out:
1. Space Weather
2. 3-D Sun

Have a great day everyone! :-)

Hope you had a great Rodeo break!
Science Update:
~Thank you to those who worked really hard on their projects! :-)
We have 3 people going to SARSEF! Fernando, Eddie, and Julian~GREAT JOB!

~Remember to study for your final geography final-occuring in our classroom SOON.

~Don't forget IXL

Did you know that today is Polar Bear Day?

February 2012

Happy Valentine's & Arizona Centennial Day!
Science
Today we began writing our research papers. If you need more information, check this out: Science Research Paper
Another source
Fact Monster


Reading
Need a Challenge?
Greek/Latin Roots Quiz
4/5 Standards Reading Links

Social Studies
Geography (In order of state-hood) and focus on the USA and its history. Here's a review on the background: Who REALLY discovered America?
YAY!  :-)

Math
Fractions
LCD (Lowest Common Denominator)
GCF (Greatest Common Factor)
Adding/Subtracting Fractions
Decimals & Percents

Dear Class,

First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to contact Trader Joe's!

We are so pleased that your class decided to write us.  We were especially flattered that Mrs. Smith gave you our bags to re-use when you shop with your family. 

At Trader Joe's we are always thinking about ways to get better at what we do and how to be better stewards of the earth.  Anytime you think about that, it is only natural to think of the rainforests.

The fact of the matter is cocoa beans used to produce not only our items, but other major chocolate suppliers are purchased as a commodity item and will be sourced from a variety of regions including Ghana, Ivory Coast, and other countries in South America. Unfortunately, this means we cannot control as much of the supply line as we would like; and therefore it would be disingenuous of us to make an absolute statement about the harvesting of every ingredient in every one of our products. However, we do work with reputable suppliers (especially for our chocolates) that are committed to pay fair wages for the cocoa beans, committed to operating sustainably so that no further damage is done, being eco minded in the way factories are built and even sponsoring schools (usually primary schools which have kids your age) to ensure that each child has their own textbook for each course.

Beyond that, we also require our suppliers to sign a document called a Master Vendor Agreement.  Part of that document says the following

…represent and warrant that the goods sold to TJ's were produced, harvested, manufactured, processed, packaged, labeled, transported, delivered, and sold in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations of the United States of America and all of its subdivisions and, if applicable, the laws of any other country, state, or international governing body… that the goods sold to TJ's were not produced, harvested, manufactured, processed, packaged, labeled, transported, or delivered using forced or prison labor or forced or illegal child labor.

If we ever receive any information that suggests otherwise we will immediately stop doing business with that supplier. 

 

I hope I was able to give you the information you were looking for.  If you have another question or concerns please e-mail me back.  Also, I visited your class blog and was very impressed at all the things you are learning!   I will also put some goodies in the mail for you on Monday and stickers for Valentines Day.

 

Thanks for reading,

Nicole High

Trader Joe's

Customer Relations

 

SCIENCE RALLY- a HIT!

S-C-I-E-N-C-E! :-)

Way to go everyone!!! Even though technology failed us, we still had a successful pep rally. Cheer team (Eddie, Shalena, Julian, Kristen, Sierra, Fernie, Josh), -you rocked it! Our event became a team effort and I really apreciate your enthusiasm to go 'Above and Beyond Expectations'. Your research and written summaries were great; Santino, Sierra, Julian, Cameron, & Jenna from Mrs. VF's class. Kristen's clever play about Newton, played by Josh was also a success. The test tube mascots were EXTREMELY creativeFernie, Adel and Gustavo . We'll have to come up with another reason to use the costumes again.
I'm proud of all you! What a great class we have. Enjoy your weekend!

S-C-I-E-N-C-E

Happy Weekend!

I hope you had a great week, full of learning opportunities. Great job with Math MAP testing. So far, everyone has increased their scores. :-)

I found a link to the show, "Flying Alaska". It's amazing to see how different life is there! 

Next week as we near our Science Pep Rally, is there anyone interested in sharing a quick how to come up with a creative and original idea on the announcements with Mr. McConnell starting on Monday? 
If so, comment below. YAY SCIENCE! 

Tip from 2011 Google Science Fair Finalist    

Daniel: In regards to choosing a project idea,  

"Get the idea from something you are interested in. If you do not really have a passion for your topic, the project will not be much fun. It also helps to know a little about your topic beforehand, so that you are not researching something completely alien to you."

 

Science-time to get to those projects!

All of the hard work we are about to begin with our science fair projects will be incredibly worth it. Take a sneak peek into an incredible opportunity our class will get to participate in soon~ FUN FEST!
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