GentryB

Welcome back!

A new semester is beginning and there are exciting curriculum areas that the students will be exploring.

Science

How do we classify living organisms?

Students in science will continue their study of life science.  This week the topic is classification of living things.  Students will explore how different people in history developed a system for classifying living things.  Comparisons of the systems developed by Aristotle, Linneaus, and modern day scientists will be examined.  Students will learn how to develop their own taxonomic key and identify the six major kingdoms of organisms.  There are many labs and hands-on activities planned.

For further information and additional websites, visit the blogs of Ms. Theme  and Mrs. Yesner.

Social Studies

Did you know that a majority of the Nigerian people speak many languages?  They often use the language of their ethnic group mixed with English and other languages.  This is because when the Europeans divided Africa, they ignored the traditional borders between ethnic groups and used lakes and rivers to divide the country.  These borders are still present today.

Students will examine Western and Central Africa.  This includes early influence from the Europeans and the problems that the independent states in Africa encountered when trying to establishing stable governments today.  Areas of curriculum also include and economics and cultures of this area as well as the many legacies such as rmusic, language, and sculpture. A major area if concentration will include the study of Nigeria and how the past has influenced its development.

For more information and websites, please refer to Ms. Lawrie's website.

Did you Know?

A  common misconception about the Sahara, the world's largest desert, is that a majority of it 3 1/2 millon square miles is covered by sand.  Most of the land, which is roughly equal to the size of the United States, is covered by rock plateaus and gravelly plains, not sand.

Africa South of the Sahara

Students in Social Studies are continuing to learn about the part of Africa which is south of the Sahara desert.  By identifying landforms, waterways, and other distinquishing features, students are gaining an understanding about the physical features of the country and how they affect the people who live there. This week, students will also examine trade routes and early settlement including the Bantu migration and the impact of colonialism on African life.  Remember to gather current events on each section that students study as these due dates are coming. Students will also be testing on Chapter 17 this week.

Cells, Cells, Cells

Students in science are working hard to identify parts of a cell and the difference between a plant and animal cell.  Students have enjoyed the many labs that have enabled them to learn how to use a microscope and prepare a slide.  We will be starting cell processes and this is an interesting area for students.  Remember that step 5 of the science project will be due 11/20/07.  Step 6 is due 11/27/07, the rough draft is due 11/29/07, and the final project folder is due 12/5/07.  Students will be testing on vocabulary and basic cell structures this week.

Science Fair

All science students at PMMS will be participating in the Science Fair this year.  Students have been given an instructional packet that explains the criteria for this project.  Parents must sign a contract that acknowledges whether or not the student will work with a partner or alone.  The students are excited about this project and have been spending time on the internet looking for ideas. The science fair project must include an experiment using the scientific method.  Many of the topics students have chosen are very interesting and show interest in using inquiry skills.  If you need more information, please access Ms. Theme's blog.

African Economics and Culture

Social studies students are completing an exercise in Economics this week.  They have researched countries in the Middle East and Africa and found statistical information concerning literacy, government, religion, georgraphy, health, and business opportunities.  As they present their findings, all students will have an opportuntity to compare how different countries approach different economic problems and how per capita income can affect literacy and health services.

How Do Economics Affect Africa?

     Students are studying North Africa and Southwest Asia.  In order to understand how an economic system affects the political and other aspects of this region, students are learning the different types of economies and how they dictate supply and demand and the use of scarce resources.  This week, students are using their critical thinking skills to gather information to determine if it is feasible to start a new business in a foreign country.  They are looking at per capita income, health care availability, population, literacy, and other factors.  They must decide if they would choose to open a communications company at their site.  Other students are choosing what items they would need to survive in the jungle while completing a task.  This has been an interesting project, and students are learning the meaning of scarce resources.

How Do Scientific Cycles Affect Life?

Students in science are learning about the water cycle, the oxygen and carbon dioxide cycle, and the nitrogen cycle.  Through the use of graphic organizers, students can see the interaction of different factors in completing these cycles and the part the cycles play in our environment.  After using their inquiry skills, students completed food webs and did an outstanding job on their visuals.  This is a very interesting curriculum, and students are enjoying many hands-on activities.

We're packing our bags and heading for Europe.

Students will begin their journey by examining the geography of Europe and how many varied features are present as well as leaning about the  abundance of natural resources available.  Europe has a fascinating history and the contributions of the Greeks and Romans will be studied.  Many of these contributions such as roads and a form of government similar to those of present day countries will be areas of interest.

Following a timeline of events, students will discover the emergence of the Christian Church and its influence on the feudal culture.  This was an exciting time full of changes to the culture of Europe.  There will be many activities that  students will experience to help them develop a broader understanding of the growth of civilizations.

*Tips to help students:

• Encourage students to read daily.
• Set high expectations.
• Attempt to have students take responsibility for their learning.
• Monitor grades with I-Parent.
• Check agendas daily and help students complete all homework.

Maps, Maps, and more Maps!

     It that time again when students are starting on an exciting journey to many parts of the world.  In sixth grade social studies, students are currently learning to read and identify maps.  They are learning to locate sites by using latitude and longitude.  Other areas of instructions include the five themes of geography which are location, place, movement, human environment interaction, and regions.  Students are currently completing a survey concerning these areas about Pine Mountain Middle School.  These are important skills that will last a lifetime and help them in their adult years.  After completing the review on map skills, students will apply these skills as they discover information about Europe.  These areas include the history, geography, government and civics, economics, and other points of interest.  It should be a good experience in learning about the cultures of the countries in Europe. 

There are some good websites that will help the students with their journey.  One of these is www.map.101.com.  The user name in pinemtn and the password is cobb312. Another good website in www.classzone.com..  I am looking forward to a great year and hope that you will also enjoy the journey.

Traveling to Canada

Students are learning that Canada has provinces and territories rather than states like the United States. They are also exploring the commonalities between the two countries.  Both  countries have geological areas in common such as the Interior Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Appalachian Mountains.  The United States works with Canada along the St. Lawrence Seaway.  This connects Canada with the Great Lakes area.  Canada has many natural resources and students are finding the sites for mining, fishing, and other industries.  Hospitality and tourism are also areas that are interesting. 

     The last area that students will discover on their travels will be Australia.  This is an interesting country and students will learn about the government, people, and history of the land. 

     Have a great Spring Break.  Students have started reviewing for the CRCT.  Please encourage them to use the online review at home.  This can be a great learning tool also.

Back Home Again

We have arrived back in the USA and can put out luggage away for a few weeks.  We are identifying the physical features and how they affect weather, climate, vegetation, and lifestyle.  Students will be identifying states and their location and capital.  Students also have formed groups to examine different areas of the culture of the United States and how it compares to other countries.  History is examined and conflicts are compared with other events occurring during specific time periods.  We expect to rest for a few weeks, but may take a short trip to Canada before heading to Oceania.  We are also working on CRCT review and your student can access these online.  Please encourage this as it is also a teaching tool.

Latin America Trip Notes

Students are enjoying their tour of Latin America.  They have learned that chocolate came from the Mayans and how the Spanish conquered lands from Mexico through the length of South America.  It has been interesting to see how the Treaty of Tordesillas was responsible for the difference in languages in South America.  Most countries speak Spanish, but the treaty ensured that the people of Brazil would keep Portugese as their native language. It has also been interesting to see the mixing of cultures in the Caribbean Islands and to learn about the Carnival that precedes Lent.  The people plan and make costumes and floats for this festival.  It will last from Monday at 5 a.m. until midnight on Tuesday before Lent.

     Students are finishing their reports and we all are looking forward to trying the food from all of the Latin American countries.  After this, we will welcome a chance to come back to North America and study the United States and Canada.

Happy New Year!

Students are  back at school after a wonderful holiday and ready to start studying again.  We have finished  most of the geography of Latin America and will now concentrate on the cultures, economies, government, and history of this area.  This is a reminder that students need to review their notes each day.  This makes it much easier at test time. Remember that the CRCT will be here before we know it and we will be reviewing the material.  You may want to work on map skills with your student by using those in your local newpaper or  magaines.