In Dr. Kissel’s Science Class, to finish the year, we’ve been doing a lot of fun
things! For example, we learned about earthquakes and volcanoes. We studied
plate tectonics and how the Earth’s plates move. Did you know that volcanoes
are often located between plates? We also learned about weather. We are
working on a Weather WebQuest. We are researching different topics, such as
humidity, air masses, and severe weather. We’ll create a PowerPoint or Prezi
presentation with the information. Did you know that a tropical storm is not
a hurricane until the winds reach a speed of 119 kilometers per hour? The
water cycle is something else we learned about. At Camp, kids performed rap
songs with water cycle words like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and
infiltration. Right now our Science Fair is coming up on June 9th. The kids are
performing unique experiments and we’ll share them with our parents at the
Science Fair.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Dr. Kissel’s Math Class by Ivan Legorreta
In Dr. Kissel’s Math Class we have been learning about probability and integers
as 6th grade comes to an end. We studied probability and took a test on it. If
you roll a die, each number has a 1 out of 6 chance. But if you roll 2 dice, 7 has a
greater chance of being the total because there are more combinations that add
to 7. We took 2 tests on integers. One was an introduction and the other was
about performing operations with integers. Integers are negative and positive
numbers and 0. The numbers need to be whole numbers, not fractions. If you
multiply two positive numbers or two negative numbers you get a positive
number. If you multiply a positive and a negative number the answer is a
negative number. We are also working on an Integers WebQuest. We need
to research about the history of negative numbers and reflect on how we use
integers in everyday life. We also need to play some games having to do with the
coordinate plane and rate them. It has been interesting.
as 6th grade comes to an end. We studied probability and took a test on it. If
you roll a die, each number has a 1 out of 6 chance. But if you roll 2 dice, 7 has a
greater chance of being the total because there are more combinations that add
to 7. We took 2 tests on integers. One was an introduction and the other was
about performing operations with integers. Integers are negative and positive
numbers and 0. The numbers need to be whole numbers, not fractions. If you
multiply two positive numbers or two negative numbers you get a positive
number. If you multiply a positive and a negative number the answer is a
negative number. We are also working on an Integers WebQuest. We need
to research about the history of negative numbers and reflect on how we use
integers in everyday life. We also need to play some games having to do with the
coordinate plane and rate them. It has been interesting.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Nuestras costumbres y tradiciones
El pasado mes de mayo tuvimos la oportunidad de pasar una maravillosa semana en el campamento de Pipiol ; donde los niños además de divertirse pudieron conectarse a través de talleres interactivos con lo que son algunas de las costumbres y tradiciones de este lugar.
En estos talleres tuvieron la oportunidad de elaborar pan y figuras de barro y una vez más reflejaron la creatividad , iniciativa y entusiasmo que los caracteriza. 
En la panadería pudimos saborear desde simples bolillos hasta creaciones más elaboradas como trenzas y rollos de canela.
Con el barro fueron capaces de plasmar figuras únicas y llenas de vida , donde cada una reflejaba la personalidad de de estos grande artistas.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
6th GRADE GREENHOUSE
6th Grade students are very excited about being part of a National Reforestation Program because they have learned that Reforestation has a great importance in fighting against climate change, increasing and retaining our water resources, reducing the amounts of CO2, and the greenhouse gases. They planted two different types of trees, a mexican type of pine and an acacia. Through the last 4 months they have been taking care of them by watering, removing weeds and making sure the grow strong and healthy. This program has taught our students about the importance of planting trees, and has encourage in them a sense of awareness and responsibility. Our goal is to plant them in our immediate community to provide shade and improve aesthetics in the neighborhood and parks around the school.WELL DONE 6TH GRADERS........WE ARE ALL VERY PROUD OF YOU!
La Importancia de la Lectura
La lectura es indispensable a cualquier edad ya que despierta la imaginación a la vez que los alumnos adquieren ortografía y voacabulario. De esta forma su redacción y comprensión aumentará enormemente lo cual les servirá para su preparación escolar y universitaria. Por esta razón sugiero que dentro de la dinámica familiar se tomen el tiempo por lo menos de 15 minutos diarios en leer y comentar lo leído para que sus hijos adquieran el hábito de la lectura.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Dancing to math
Once again in Ms. Ziman's class fractions were learned with music and dance. This time Cross Simplying and Multiplication were taught .Check-out the fun!!!!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Dr. Kissel's 6th Grade Math Class, by Regina C.
Dr. Kissel’s 6th Grade Math Class
Written by Regina C.
This past marking period in math we were busy! We did a lot of things. The first topic was still fractions. We worked on multiplying and dividing fractions and mixed numbers. After learning the rules for multiplying, dividing was easy. You simply take the reciprocal of the second fraction (by flipping it upside down) or turn the mixed number into an improper fraction and take the reciprocal of that. Then you just multiply. We took a test on that. Then we studied for a test on everything that we learned about fractions. It covered adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, finding the GCF (Greatest Common Factor) and LCM (Least Common Multiple), turning fractions into decimals and percents, and comparing fractions. When we took the big test we were happy about finishing this unit.
Now we are studying geometry. We have even taken our first test on it. The hard part is figuring out the measurements of certain angles by using the values of other angles, but it is a fun challenge. We have recently drawn parabolas inside equilateral triangles. The triangles will be cut out and put on a bulletin board next to each other. That is tessellating. It will create a geometric design. There is even another test coming up.
Soon we will be starting a Geometry WebQuest. We’ll be going on an Internet scavenger hunt and that will be fun!
Written by Regina C.
This past marking period in math we were busy! We did a lot of things. The first topic was still fractions. We worked on multiplying and dividing fractions and mixed numbers. After learning the rules for multiplying, dividing was easy. You simply take the reciprocal of the second fraction (by flipping it upside down) or turn the mixed number into an improper fraction and take the reciprocal of that. Then you just multiply. We took a test on that. Then we studied for a test on everything that we learned about fractions. It covered adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, finding the GCF (Greatest Common Factor) and LCM (Least Common Multiple), turning fractions into decimals and percents, and comparing fractions. When we took the big test we were happy about finishing this unit.
Now we are studying geometry. We have even taken our first test on it. The hard part is figuring out the measurements of certain angles by using the values of other angles, but it is a fun challenge. We have recently drawn parabolas inside equilateral triangles. The triangles will be cut out and put on a bulletin board next to each other. That is tessellating. It will create a geometric design. There is even another test coming up.
Soon we will be starting a Geometry WebQuest. We’ll be going on an Internet scavenger hunt and that will be fun!
Dr. Kissel's Science Class by Hanna C.
Dr. Kissel’s 6th Grade Science Class
Written by Hanna C.
In our science class with Dr. Kissel we have done some really fun things. We did some experiments using bubbles. We made bubbles in the air, on our desks, and even by just using our hands. We then wrote a lab report about bubbles. We named it Bubble-ology. We created a hypothesis saying that if we used big wands the bubble was going to be bigger. We used our previous knowledge about bubbles. We knew that they are formed with water (H20) and soap, they are thin and colorful, and they are circular. So, to do this experiment, we chose 3 wands. There was a small wand of 4cm, a medium wand which was 6cm, and the big wand which was 8cm. The independent variable was the wand size and the dependent variable was the size of the bubble. We had some materials too, a container, bubble solution, a notebook, and of course the 3 wands. First, we poured the solution in the container. Second, we dipped the small wand in the solution. Then, we blew through the hole and measured the size of the bubble. We repeated this step 2 more times and switched to the medium wand. We measured the size of the bubbles. Then we changed the wand to the big one. We of course measured the size of those bubbles. In total we had 9 bubble sizes. Next, we recorded the data in our notebook. We found the average sizes of the bubbles for each wand. After that, we made a bar graph that showed the sizes of the bubbles and their averages. Finally, we wrote a conclusion about our hypothesis and decided whether it was right or not and why. In our group our hypothesis was right.
After completing the unit on bubbles, we moved on to astronomy, which is the study of stars, planets, the moons, and small rocky things. We had a great project that was fun. We each built an ARC (Atmosphere Re-entry Capsule). We needed to protect our astronaut, an egg, as they came back to Earth from a voyage into space. Our ARCs were thrown from the Middle School upper field down onto the lower field, which was probably more than a 20 foot drop. Believe it or not, most of the astronauts survived! Then, we each got a planet and 10 questions we had to answer about our planets. We made posters after doing some research. We also made groups of 4 people and each student had to research 1 more planet again, and our groups made board games. We could create the game our own way, but we had to be creative! After finishing our research and making our board, writing the rules and questions, and making our dice, we let other people play our games. Some board games were so creative and awesome, but I liked everyone's and I liked how they worked hard to make it through this project. We also estimated how many stars are in the night sky. We counted how many we could see through a cardboard tube and plugged the information into a formula. We’ll do the same thing on our week-long trip to a hacienda where it is darker at night. Two weeks later, we had a test based on astronomy. We studied a lot, but it was 7-pages long and we freaked out. We were very nervous the day of the test. But when Dr. Kissel announced we just had to do some of the questions and he gave us a choice as to which ones we would answer I was very glad. We had another test that day, but I am very confident that we made good grades in science.
We still have a lot of time ahead of us until 6th grade ends, and there will be a lot more fun in science class!
Written by Hanna C.
In our science class with Dr. Kissel we have done some really fun things. We did some experiments using bubbles. We made bubbles in the air, on our desks, and even by just using our hands. We then wrote a lab report about bubbles. We named it Bubble-ology. We created a hypothesis saying that if we used big wands the bubble was going to be bigger. We used our previous knowledge about bubbles. We knew that they are formed with water (H20) and soap, they are thin and colorful, and they are circular. So, to do this experiment, we chose 3 wands. There was a small wand of 4cm, a medium wand which was 6cm, and the big wand which was 8cm. The independent variable was the wand size and the dependent variable was the size of the bubble. We had some materials too, a container, bubble solution, a notebook, and of course the 3 wands. First, we poured the solution in the container. Second, we dipped the small wand in the solution. Then, we blew through the hole and measured the size of the bubble. We repeated this step 2 more times and switched to the medium wand. We measured the size of the bubbles. Then we changed the wand to the big one. We of course measured the size of those bubbles. In total we had 9 bubble sizes. Next, we recorded the data in our notebook. We found the average sizes of the bubbles for each wand. After that, we made a bar graph that showed the sizes of the bubbles and their averages. Finally, we wrote a conclusion about our hypothesis and decided whether it was right or not and why. In our group our hypothesis was right.
After completing the unit on bubbles, we moved on to astronomy, which is the study of stars, planets, the moons, and small rocky things. We had a great project that was fun. We each built an ARC (Atmosphere Re-entry Capsule). We needed to protect our astronaut, an egg, as they came back to Earth from a voyage into space. Our ARCs were thrown from the Middle School upper field down onto the lower field, which was probably more than a 20 foot drop. Believe it or not, most of the astronauts survived! Then, we each got a planet and 10 questions we had to answer about our planets. We made posters after doing some research. We also made groups of 4 people and each student had to research 1 more planet again, and our groups made board games. We could create the game our own way, but we had to be creative! After finishing our research and making our board, writing the rules and questions, and making our dice, we let other people play our games. Some board games were so creative and awesome, but I liked everyone's and I liked how they worked hard to make it through this project. We also estimated how many stars are in the night sky. We counted how many we could see through a cardboard tube and plugged the information into a formula. We’ll do the same thing on our week-long trip to a hacienda where it is darker at night. Two weeks later, we had a test based on astronomy. We studied a lot, but it was 7-pages long and we freaked out. We were very nervous the day of the test. But when Dr. Kissel announced we just had to do some of the questions and he gave us a choice as to which ones we would answer I was very glad. We had another test that day, but I am very confident that we made good grades in science.
We still have a lot of time ahead of us until 6th grade ends, and there will be a lot more fun in science class!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
English Class with Ms. Tagle
The sixth graders in Ms. Tagle's English class have finished up reading the novel, Maniac Magee. The novel provided many opportunities for students to explore and discuss the sixth grade themes of survival and self-awareness. With daily writing prompts, students practiced writing about the different perspectives of various themes and issues from Maniac Magee, such as: homelessness, racism, self-awareness through family and friends, runaways, and bullying. Students have been doing a wonderful job with these daily writing assignments. They have truly begun to hear their own voice and are striving to become better writers.
Maniac has also provided a wonderful template to examine the characteristics of a legend. Our final project will be to combine our knowledge of the genre and write an informative essay illustrating why Maniac is considered a legend.
Mingled within our novel study, we have continued to integrate our appreciation of the spoken word and poetry that reflect on similar themes of survival. Students have acted out and performed classic poems from W. B. Yeats and William Blake. We have also delved into some of Charles Dickens to begin to understand how the themes of survival transcend time.
To further develop the student’s oral language, they were given the opportunity to perform a poem for the class. The students were poised with a tremendous amount of confidence, demonstrating their commitment to the IB Learner Profile. They were truly, open-minded, caring, risk-takers and communicators. As students performed individually, we had a panel of peer judges who provided fair assessments of one and other. We hope to continue our appreciation of the genre and be prepared for the poetry slam in the spring.
Community and Service
6th Graders Help Spread Holiday Cheer!
On January 10 we went to the delegation Alvaro Obregon to deliver toys to children who don't have many. In total, Middle School raised more than 2,000 toys for the children. It was a marvelous experience. Some people have that as a vocation. They were so happy that they could not restrain themselves from opening their toys. We had a diversity of reactions. On behalf of the community and service club and amazing leader Miss Zika, we would like to get more 6th graders involved so we can get more help. Written by Alexa
Ms. Zika's Class
Social Studies
Here's what the kids are saying...
In the last unit we studied Israel. It was a really fun unit because we did things we had never done before, like make children’s books to teach little kids about Judaism. And after that we read the books to first graders. Another fun activity we did was Indiana Zika that was about rescuing a dog named Hercules that had been kidnapped by a thief. Every time you found a clue you would get an agora for the agora map, a map were you would place an agora each time you completed an assignment. We did many more little things that made us understand everything about Israel and Judaism. Written by Ivanna
This unit we are studying about Ancient Egypt. This has been an interesting topic because it includes the pharaohs and architecture. We have done a lot of hands-on activities like when we went in a felucca (an Egyptian sailboat) and learned about some interesting sites. Now we have been accepted to join the Zika School of Egyptology. This project helps us learn about different areas in Egyptian culture by doing different tasks like: building a model of the pyramids or finding the coordinates of great Egyptian cities. It has been tremendously fun. Written by Daniel
Language Arts
Here's what the kids are saying...
Here's what the kids are saying...
Indiana Zika: Raiders of the Lost Bark
In the last unit we studied Israel. It was a really fun unit because we did things we had never done before, like make children’s books to teach little kids about Judaism. And after that we read the books to first graders. Another fun activity we did was Indiana Zika that was about rescuing a dog named Hercules that had been kidnapped by a thief. Every time you found a clue you would get an agora for the agora map, a map were you would place an agora each time you completed an assignment. We did many more little things that made us understand everything about Israel and Judaism. Written by Ivanna 
The Zika School of Egyptology
This unit we are studying about Ancient Egypt. This has been an interesting topic because it includes the pharaohs and architecture. We have done a lot of hands-on activities like when we went in a felucca (an Egyptian sailboat) and learned about some interesting sites. Now we have been accepted to join the Zika School of Egyptology. This project helps us learn about different areas in Egyptian culture by doing different tasks like: building a model of the pyramids or finding the coordinates of great Egyptian cities. It has been tremendously fun. Written by DanielHere's what the kids are saying...
The Outsiders
Last cycle we read a book called The Outsiders. In this unit, everybody had to design a portfolio box to put all the activities we completed during this project. Miss Zika made us do a portfolio with a specific amount of points. We had three sections; depending on the activity you choose that is what you had to do. In our portfolios we had to include things that represented you or things that you like. When we finished the project we had the chance to watch the movie. It was awesome! We had a great time reading this book. Written by Maria Jose
What We're Into Now... Sustained Silent Reading!
In 6th grade, reading is a very big part of language arts. Every day we read about 20 minutes of a book chosen by ourselves. Many advantages can come from reading: the best writers are the students who read a diversity of books. We are motivated to read in our homes whatever type of book we like. Written by Luis
A Journey Through Mexico
SSL - INTERMEDIATE C
We read biographies of two important historical figures and their contributions to language. This exercise was to analyze the importance of Shakespeare and Cervantes.
Throughout the second unit, students understood the concept that people, through fiestas, legends, and traditions, reveal themselves as individuals and as a culture … and this is true for Mexico. Students learned about Mexican traditions and their national Fiestas such as El Grito.
We also researched the symbolism behind Mexico’s National Symbols such as The National Anthem, the flag and it’s shield. Emphasis was placed on learning about the legend on the Foundation of Tenochtitlan, Huitzilopochitl, the eagle, and the cactus. Students also researched and orally presented the National Symbols of the country of their choice.
Different time periods in Mexican History became alive through discussions on themes of freedom and liberty. For example, we saw the movie ANA FRANK’S DIARY which covers the theme of liberty and freedom.
Legends
Students narrated beautiful Legends in different forms:
Traditions
DAY OF THE DEAD IN MEXICO
After watching videos on how the Day of the Dead is celebrated in different states of the republic, students reflected on the importance of death to Mexicans and how Mexicans observe and celebrate death.
Of course, we cannot forget Halloween as our Anglo American tradition, so students wrote comparative essays on Halloween and Day of the Dead: Día de Muertos
In addition, students wrote letters to a friend to inform them about the Mexican tradition Day of the Dead.
After reading and answering a questionnaire on José Guadalupe Posada´s life, students enjoyed observing and coloring some of his famous drawings such as “La Catrina”.
Students memorized the states and capitals of Mexico,
BINGO STYLE!!!
Our journey through Mexico took us to learn different Christmas traditions like POSADAS, NACIMIENTOS and VILLANCICOS!
NOW, WE ARE READY FOR A SECOND SEMESTER FULL OF SURPRISES!
Miss Alejandra Salazar
x
We read biographies of two important historical figures and their contributions to language. This exercise was to analyze the importance of Shakespeare and Cervantes.
Throughout the second unit, students understood the concept that people, through fiestas, legends, and traditions, reveal themselves as individuals and as a culture … and this is true for Mexico. Students learned about Mexican traditions and their national Fiestas such as El Grito.
We also researched the symbolism behind Mexico’s National Symbols such as The National Anthem, the flag and it’s shield. Emphasis was placed on learning about the legend on the Foundation of Tenochtitlan, Huitzilopochitl, the eagle, and the cactus. Students also researched and orally presented the National Symbols of the country of their choice.
Different time periods in Mexican History became alive through discussions on themes of freedom and liberty. For example, we saw the movie ANA FRANK’S DIARY which covers the theme of liberty and freedom.
Legends
Students narrated beautiful Legends in different forms:
Traditions
DAY OF THE DEAD IN MEXICO
After watching videos on how the Day of the Dead is celebrated in different states of the republic, students reflected on the importance of death to Mexicans and how Mexicans observe and celebrate death.
Of course, we cannot forget Halloween as our Anglo American tradition, so students wrote comparative essays on Halloween and Day of the Dead: Día de Muertos
In addition, students wrote letters to a friend to inform them about the Mexican tradition Day of the Dead.
After reading and answering a questionnaire on José Guadalupe Posada´s life, students enjoyed observing and coloring some of his famous drawings such as “La Catrina”.
Students memorized the states and capitals of Mexico,
BINGO STYLE!!!
Our journey through Mexico took us to learn different Christmas traditions like POSADAS, NACIMIENTOS and VILLANCICOS!
NOW, WE ARE READY FOR A SECOND SEMESTER FULL OF SURPRISES!
Miss Alejandra Salazar
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
El Cartel: Un medio de comunicación
A lo largo de este periodo elaboraremos un cartel del libro que eligieron leer durante diciembre, con el objetivo de resaltar las características y las ventajas que tiene el hacer uso del cartel como un medio de comunicación. Las presentaciones de cada uno de los carteles se realizarán con el fin de crear un círculo de lectura dentro del salón de clases, involucrando e invitando a sus compañeros a leer otros libros.
Un cartel significa comunicación visual de un mensaje expresado gráficamente. El cartel está considerado como un medio publicitario de gran importancia formado por imágenes o textos cuya función es atrapar la atención percibiendo un claro mensaje a modo de “grito en la pared”.
LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS
Los alumnos están aprendiendo sobre Los Derechos Humanos que tenemos que respetar ya que formamos parte de una sociedad, y gracias a ellos vivimos en armonía y equidad.
También aprenden las formas en que se violan estos Derechos:
- Por lo que hacen.
- Por lo que no hacen.
- Por lo que permiten que otros hagan.
Monday, January 24, 2011
La literatura y nuestras raíces
LA LITERATURA Y NUESTRAS RAÍCES...
Esta maravillosa historia" Huesos de lagartija" ha captado el interés genuino de nuestros niños por conocer un poco más acerca de nuestros antepasados ¿ Quiénes eran? , ¿ Cómo vivían?
y ¿ Qué planes tenían para defender más que su territorio , su vida , costumbres y creencias ?
Paso a paso este viaje por el pasado los ha llevado a admirar y respetar las costumbres y tradiciones de este gran pueblo.
Es notable la habilidad que han logrado nuestros niños, a través del análisis y síntesis de la historia para poder interpretar emociones y sentimientos que se les presentan en este libro.
Pronto les llegará a casa el resultado de este increíble viaje con el sello particular de cada uno de ellos.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Las regiones naturales y los climas en el mundo
Hemos aprendido que en la superficie terrestre hay diversidad de climas, formas de relieve, fauna y vegetación, con ésta lección los alumnos tenemos la oportunidad de comprobar cómo estos componentes se relacionan entre sí y las condiciones naturales que favorecen la biodiversidad en los países megadiversos. ¡Sabías qué...! México ocupa uno de los tres primeros lugares en diversidad de mamíferos y reptiles.S.R.
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