6th Grade
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How many AR points do you need this term? What are the deadlines? Find out on the MP3 AR Points Schedule
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February News
The sixth grade science classes will share their Well Designed Investigation Projects done in class during Science Night on February 19th. Many other exciting events will happen that evening at Neelsville as well. We will then continue building Sea Perches in class after taking time to work on our Well Designed Investigation Projects.
The next unit of study in sixth grade science classes will be “Force and Motion.” Sixth graders will learn about forces such as friction and gravity, and how these forces affect objects in motion. We will also learn to calculate speed and velocity of moving objects.
In reading, students have been reviewing "the foundational" skills needed to become proficient readers all year. In the second marking period we read classical myths told by the Ancient Greeks. We are beginning a new unit called Triumphs. Students will continue to use essential reading strategies as we learn about individuals who have triumphed in their lifetime. Please ask your child about what inspired people such as Matthew Henson, Diana Golden, Helen Keller, and Mother Teresa to strive for their personal best. Students are expected to read at least 30 minutes each night to earn Accelerated Reader points. AR ensures that students will meet their 25 independent reading novel quota as per MCPS curriculum guidelines as well as building comprehension skills.
As you know, March brings the Maryland School Assessments, 6th graders will be assessed in the reading portion on March 16th and 17th. Please make sure your child practices the reading skills reviewed in school by accessing Skills Tutor and Study Island via the Neelsville Middle School web-site. If you are interested in previewing sample items from the MSA test you may visit The Maryland State School Improvement website at: http://mdk12.org/ . Grade 6 reading samples can be accessed at: http://mdk12.org/assessments/k_8/sample_grade6_reading.html .
In social studies, students are learning about economics. Students have studied different terms and the different types of economic systems. In a few days students will begin their study of Ancient China. Students will learning about the many different dynasty’s of Ancient China and how they have shaped China today. Students will begin working on a research project on China in a few weeks. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher with any questions.
In English class students are busy working on taking Cornell Notes. The Cornell method is best when the information is given in a sequential, orderly fashion and allows for more detail. The semantic web/map method works best for instructors who skip around from topic to topic, and provides a "big picture" when you're previewing materials or getting ready to study for a test. The Cornell System provides students with a systematic format for condensing lessons. The student divides the paper into two columns: the note-taking column (is usually on the right side) and is twice the size of the key word column which is on the left. The student should plan for five to six lines, or about two inches, at the bottom of the page. Notes students take from teacher lectures or from class discussions are written in the note-taking column. Students then write the main ideas and rephrase long pieces of information into shorter pieces.
January "End of MP2" News
The sixth grade is looking forward to a fresh start for the third quarter. Please take a few moments to check your child’s binder to make sure it is neat and organized. Please also make sure that it is fully stocked with paper, pens, and plenty of pencils. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teachers with any questions or concerns. You can find their email addresses on the school website or on Edline.
Math A – The students are currently completing their unit on Fractions, Decimals, and Percents. The end of the unit focused on solving word problems using all the concepts they have learned since the beginning of this unit. Mastery of basic math facts continues to be very important. Not having mastered them slows down the progress of many students. Please help your student memorize these facts. The next unit is on Geometry. While it is fun and a nice change of pace for many students it has a lot of vocabulary necessary to remember. Skills Tutor is available for all students to use from home or during Hub Night at Neelsville. This is a great way to keep previous learning alive while strengthening new skills.
The MSA test will be here very soon and will include material that the students have learned since the end of 5th grade until the test. Please have students keep all work in a folder at home once that unit has ended in school. This will help them study for the end of the year exam that will include everything that has been taught this year.
Math B – These students just completed their Algebraic Expressions Unit and have begun the unit on Geometry. This unit is very short and the final test will be the end of January. We continue to review Math A material with these students as they will be held responsible for this material for the MSA.
This month in 6th grade Social Studies has been a busy one. We have spent most of our time learning about Ancient Greece and how it influenced the foundations of our society here in the USA. We compared the two most important Greek city-states, Athens and Sparta, and analyzed how fair democracy in Athens really was. Now, we are moving on to Ancient Rome to see how similar and different their civilization was to Athens and to our own. In the coming month, we will start our new unit and shift our focus to the other side of the world. In Unit 3, we will see how economics impacted ancient and modern China. Keep checking your child’s Agenda Book for upcoming assignments and help them get ready to learn about economics and China. Remind them that they need to turn in their assignments by the deadline to make sure they get credit for their work.
This quarter in English, the students focused on adventures and how people grow from their adventures. We have read many short adventure stories and novels, including Search for the Shadowman and The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. The students were then able to create short stories and comic strips in which two characters from the stories we have read meet and discuss their journeys. We are currently finishing the comparative essays and reflecting on what elements are necessary for a great adventure story!
In reading class students are finishing the unit on Greek myths. They have read a variety of myths and should now be familiar with the Greek Gods and Goddesses. Exams begin on Wednesday, January 14th and end on Friday, January 23rd. All sixth grade Reading students will have an exam on Mythology. In Unit Three, students will learn new reading strategies as they read biographies and autobiographies. Students will continue to work with new vocabulary and responding to BCRs.
For the culminating unit project, students will be reading a biography and creating a Tri-Fold book report. They should continue to read 30 minutes each night for Accelerated Reading and be mindful of the AR point deadlines.
During January sixth grade science classes will be using the well designed investigation method to create their own investigations. The students will experiment with materials in class by writing their problem, hypothesis, procedure, collecting data, and summarizing their experiments. These projects will be on display during Science Night which is scheduled for February 19th. This activity gives each student the opportunity to perform a science project and write up the findings of the experiment. Sixth grade science students are continuing the year long Sea Perch project as well. Our remotely operated vehicles will be completed and ready to launch in the spring.
December News
Students and teachers are having a great year so far in the sixth grade! The teachers appreciate everything parents are doing at home, such as checking agenda books, keeping up to date on Edline, and making sure their child comes to school everyday with the necessary materials like pencils and paper. If you have any questions are concerns please do not hesitate to contact your child's individual teacher or Ms. Stottlemyer or Mr. Thornett, the sixth grade team leaders.
In sixth grade science we are continuing the unit called “Diversity and Adaptations.” The students are investigating the many adaptations of plants and animals, and the way these adaptations enable both groups to continue their survival. The similarities and differences in all living things, along with their behaviors and functions, are also being covered in science.
The students have cut and drilled the frames of our Sea Perches. Everyone is excited about the building process, and we are learning how important cooperation and safety are in the classroom. Later in the year we will begin the wiring the thrusters of our Sea Perches.
In reading students are exploring the characteristics, purpose, and meaning, of Greek myths. While reading a large variety of myths, they will be making connections to the study of Greece in Social studies, connections to vocabulary, and connections to present day life. For the culminating unit project, students will be writing an original myth.
They should continue to read 30 minutes each night for Accelerated Reading and be mindful of the AR point deadlines.
In social studies students are continuing their study of government. Students have learned the many different principles of government and are now turning their focus toward the origins of government. Students will be studying Ancient Greece and Rome, starting with their geography and moving through their history. While there is now final project with this unit, there will be numerous homework assignments and a final assessment. Please continue to check your child's agenda book and social studies section of their binder to stay on top of what we are doing in class.