Science
Air & Flight
June 18th
This week we talked about parachutes and got to use our hands to make some examples to try out in the atrium. We also started looking at how things fly which we will conclude with next week when we look at helicopters. Our final assignment of the year will be to make an egg dropper next week!
June 11th
This week we took at look at how drag can help things to fall to the ground in a safe manner by building "Flying Rabbits". We took a look at how wing shape affected their flights by changing their surface area and even changing their angle of orientation. We also got to try our hand at making some paper fliers for a competition for distance and loop de loops!
June 4th
We looked at different human made devices that were created to overcome gravity and fly! Each student researched a different machine and we had everything from hot air balloons to jet fighters to drones. Some very cool devices for man made flight.
Homework:
Watch Bill Nye Flight and Complete video activity
Streamlining / Aerodynamic Shapes
May 27th
The week we have completed a few different labs looking at how streamlining/aerodynamics affect objects moving through air. We also talked about how gases flow like liquids making them FLUIDS.
Evidence and Investigation Unit Tests:
Exams have been returned to all students and corrections are DUE on Monday.
1) on a separate sheet of paper
2) Tell what the right answer is
3) explain why it is the right answer
4) staple the corrections sheet to the back of your test
May 20th
Over the course of online learning the grade 6 class has had a good introduction to the concepts that we are learning about air. Each student presented a demonstration of air that they could link to at least one of these concepts shown to the right. We then completed different lab activities to explore some of these concepts in more depth. Finally, students were introduced to the original fliers, BIRDS! How humans have looked to the birds for clues as to how we ourselves could take to the skies.
Evidence and Investigation Unit Tests:
Results have been posted on the google classroom and paper copies will be returned to students next week for opportunities to improve their mark with doing corrections.
April 30th
Students completed their Evidence and Investigation Unit this week and we spent Friday reviewing some of the outcomes they should know with various kahoots. Students should have their Science binders with them to review activities and can look on classroom for their digital work before their Test on Tuesday.
April 23rd
This week the student honed their skills of observation by looking at various soil samples from a crime scene. The looked at rock, sand and organic matter content as well as absorption rate, float tests and density (mass/volume).
Homework: Submit conclusions for fabric (individual) and soils (group) analysis on Google Classroom
April 16th
We spent the week looking at how fabrics can be used to solve crimes. Students used balances to measure weights, graduated cylinders to determine absorbance, magnifying glasses to look at fiber structure and bunsen burners to look at flame colour, shape and how fabric samples burn.
March 25
To wrap up our Evidence and Investigation unit, students spent the week designing their own individual crime scene case studies. In this final project they drew a crime scene and then reported their observations and inferences about it.
March 18
Students explored fingerprints this week. They collected their own fingerprints and examined them carefully with magnifiers to see if they could identify the various characteristics that make each one unique! They also tried to solve a mystery by dusting several objects for fingerprints. We are excited about designing a crime scene next week!
March 12
This week in our Evidence and Investigation Unit, students experimented with chromotography and tried to deduce which particular black pen was used in a case scenario. They analyzed their own shoe prints for typical characteristics and atypical ones. Lastly, we finished the week with some roleplaying of detectives and suspects in a game called Alibi!
March 5
This week in Science, students enjoyed an excursion outside to search for evidence of animal footprints in the quickly disappearing snow. We also investigated various types of handwriting samples for what personality traits they might suggest.
Evidence and Investigation
This week in Science, students practiced their observation and inference skills in analyzing crime scenes. We talked about the steps involved in an investigation and the skills police officers need to practice in order to formulate a valid theory about what happened that is supported by the the evidence they collect.
Feb 12th:
Students had their final assessment for their space unit this week. These have been graded and returned, so make sure to ask your child to see how they did. Notes are posted on google classroom for how they can improve.
Homework: Make Test Corrections
SPACE ART DISPLAYED!!!
Our planets and colonies were on display for all to see in the atrium this week. Nice work Grade 6!!!
Feb 5th:
Over the past few weeks, we have been looking at eclipses, asteroids, meteors, comets and stars. There are lots of interesting facts surrounding these different items in our solar system, with how we can tell them apart, how they move in our solar system as well as how they are made. Student also had an assessment on their Moon phases and the characteristics that different planets and dwarf planets have to be able to identify them. Next week, we'll be finishing off our space unit before February break.
Homework: N/A
SPACE ART!!!
We finished our planets last week! Students used different items to make their planets more distinguishable. They had sand for dirt/rocks, large salt crystals for ice/polar regions, moldable clay-mountains/craters/volcanoes, pipe cleaners and skewers for making rings. Some students even went on to make moons for their planets. AWESOME!!!
Check out our finished product below:
Jan 22nd:
Students finally got the chance to play their memory games this week! YAY! There were lots of cool and interesting facts that the students came up with to identify the various planets and planetoids in our solar system. We then moved onto the phases of the moon and learning about why we see them at different times of the month. Lastly, Bill Nye helped us learn a bit more about the differences between comets and asteroids.
Homework: N/A
ART: Check out the awesome planets that we have been working on in Art class! We are soooo messy..... But its lots of fun!!! : )
Our Awesome Planets!!!!
Jan 15th:
We spent the week reviewing what we know about the planets by creating memory games to solidify our understanding. We also got to start looking at the Moon and eclipses that occur here on Earth and the Moon
Homework: Improve Week #1 activity for Space Colony
Jan 8: Thrive Not Just Survive - Update
Students spent the week building a model of their colony they they were planning in the two weeks leading up to Christmas Break. We saw a variety of different methods used to create their colonies, anything from recycling and drawings to Minecraft or game-based colonies. On Friday students brought their models to show them off to their classmates and I can't wait to see them in person next week once we return to class.
Note: Student have received their marks back along with comments for their first weeks activities. Many students need to add more detail and information to improve what they completed or actually complete the activity. Please ask you child how they did on their Expedition New Earth - Week #1 activity.
Dec 18: Thrive Not Just Survive
This week students worked to add details about their colonies. In a Social/Science collaboration they wrote a charter and thought about social programs that would help their colonists THRIVE and not just SURVIVE.
Homework: students need to complete Week #2 activities including making a digital or hand drawn poster on their social programs and charter information to attract potential colonists.
Jan 4-11: Students will be building a model of their colony. The details/requirements will be posted on the google classroom. On Monday - Thursday students should spend 40min - 1hr each day building their model. They can email me with any questions or sign up for help session in the afternoon. On Friday students will bring their models to the meet and show them off. Please note: During the Mon-Thurs work periods students do not need to be in a google meet. This is a time for them to be working hands on for their project, so clear the kitchen table!!!
Future Space Colonies on the ground or in the air???
Dec 11th:
Students got a glimpse into out solar system as they started their Space Unit by looking at the 8 planets and largest dwarf planet in our solar system. They are on the hunt for a location to place a future colony for people to survive and thrive! After narrowing down their options and finally selecting one planet, students works to create a survey for potential colonists to make sure they were at home in the new colony.
Homework:
Complete Week One Activity for "Expedition New Earth"Science Test Corrections:
Students can improve their marks for their Trees and Forests Test by doing test corrections. They need to do the following to earn half of their mark back:1) On a piece of lined paper2) Put the question number that you got wrong3) What the real answer is 4) Explain the real answer or why your answer was wrong5) Staple it to the back of your test and hand it back to Mr. ColganNew Unit Next Week: Space
Dec 4th:
We spent the week continuing our review for our Trees and Forests Test on Thursday. For students who were stuck at home on Thursday they will complete their test when they return next week.
Homework:
None
Nov 27th:
This week we spent time going through our review booklets for our forestry unit. We also had time for a tree cookie game to elaborate on how environmental factors can affect the growth of trees and get started with a review jeopardy game.
Homework:
Spend time reviewing activities from unit to prepare for unit test next week.Unit Test on Thursday!
Nov 19th:
We have finished off two major activities in the past few weeks. On where we designed a new park based off of an endangered specie's habitat that we chose to explore. This week we found out that the provincial government is planning to close or possibly sell certain parks in the province (including the one we work so hard on!!!). Students were to create a rant or a letter telling their MLA how they felt about this activity after doing some research on recent new articles.
Marks also went out on our Forest Products Activity completed before break. Students were encouraged to take some time to improve their activity if they so chose.
Homework:
Complete Alberta Protected Areas Reflection (posted on classroom)
Oct 30th:
Students received their leaf classification quizzes back on Friday. Make sure to ask for your child's quiz as they need to get it signed by you. There will be a re-quiz for those who would like to improve next week. We also started on our "Alberta Protected Areas" activity where student are researching about some very special places in Alberta before creating their very own park to protect a specific species.
Homework:
Complete Forest Products Activity (posted on classroom)
Oct 23rd:
We spent this week reviewing the difference between lichen, conks and fungus in the forest as well as working on our Forest Products Activity looking at how different trees can be used to make items we need in our lives. We also had our second leaf classification quiz, with results coming back mid-next week.
Homework:
Complete 1-2 trees on our Forest Products Activity (posted on classroom)
Oct 16th:
The students worked in groups with real leaf samples to test their understanding of leaf identification. Then they tested their own understanding with a leaf identification quiz on Friday. Results will be given back early next week. We also looked at the different layers of the forest and the animals that inhabit those areas.
Homework:
Complete Forest Facts Activity on Google Classroom, if you have not already.Oct 9th:
The students continued to look at the features of leaves this week, to help them in identifying different species. We used some cheerleading skills to help us remember all the different types, shapes and margins/arrangements that a leaf could have. We have also reviewed what we have learned so far about habitat and how photosynthesis works for a plant.
Homework:
Complete slides #1-3 on Forest Facts Activity on Google Classroom
Oct 2nd:
We took time to finish up our background understanding on forest ecosystems and start to look at how to identify trees based on their leaf type and shape.
Homework:
Complete slide #2 on Leaf Classification ActivitySept 25th:
This week we finished up presenting our "I Wonder Projects" with the students reflecting on their understanding of the information presented. We also took some time to get started on learning a bit more about forest ecosystems with our "Trees Info" Activity.
Homework:
Complete slides 1-4 on Trees Info Activity
Sept 18th, 2020:
This week we explored our "I Wonder Projects". Students took some time this week to look for answers to some of the questions they had centered around trees and forests. Then they created something to share their new understanding with their classmates. We've had some interesting presentations and kahoots to share their finding so far. Check out what your child has been up to by asking to see their work.
Sept 11th, 2020:
This week we explored and reminded ourselves of the difference between food chains and food webs. We also started brainstorming ideas for our "I Wonder Project", which we'll be looking at next week.
September 2, 2020:
As we head into Science this year we'll be looking at our forest environments first. Having a BSc. in Forest Management and having worked in the forest industry, this is something near and dear to my heart. Over the course of the year we'll be looking at air and flight as well as space and complete a CSI unit (Evidence and Investigation).
Science6-2020.pdfWhat will we be learning?
Here is the guide for what the Grade 6 class will be learning in Science this year and the approximate timeline.
