Caftans

It is the week before the International Fair, so today, we donned our caftans and took some pictures.  It is fun to see the product of all that hard work.

Sewing Caftans

It takes a small army of volunteers to help students sew their caftans.  Here we are, as on the appointed day, our moms and grandmas appeared with their portable sewing machines to turn the classroom into a caftan "factory."

Reconciliation Goals for 6th Grade -- 2011

Here are the goals that 6th grade students set for our class this year. As we come to the end of the school year, it is good to look back at where we've been and evaluate how we've done. Review these goals that our class chose to work on this year, and then leave your comment about how you see these goals being met (or not) this year.

1. KINDNESS GOAL -- I will not gossip, and I won't listen to those who spread gossip. 
2. CONFLICT RESOLUTION GOAL -- I will stop choosing sides. 
3. HELPFULNESS GOAL -- I will be a better student, a better friend, and more helpful to others. 
4. INCLUSION GOAL -- I will work to eliminate drama, exclusion, and gossip.

Making Caftans

As part of the preparations for the annual International Fair, students make their own caftans to wear for the event.  The caftan pattern can be found here.  The first step is to measure and cut the fabric.  So here are some pictures of students cutting their caftans, pinning them, and getting them ready to sew:

Studying Fractions

It is so crucial to really understand fractions before going on into the more abstract areas of mathematics.  Here students work together to model mixed numbers, using fraction pieces:

Genetics and Probability

Students are learning about genetics, and that means understanding some basic ideas about the mathematics of probability.  Here are photos of a lab activity meant to demonstrate the probabilities involved in hybrid crosses:

Meiosis Modeling

Students modeled the process of meiosis (the formation of gametes) using lengths of ribbon.  Them moved, themselves, through the various stages, on a pleasant sunny day in the old gym.