Math and Social Studies

Students in 6th grade math are currently learning about probability and learning the difference between theoretical and experimental probability.  We've been conducting many experiments in class to understand the concepts.  Below are a few pictures. 
Social studies students have been involved the last few days in a version of "The Amazing Race".  Using their atlas in pairs, they have been locating places in Africa.  If you have ever seen the show on TV, they also run into a few "road blocks" as well. 

Two Weeks In a Row With Guests!

We were lucky enough to have Paul Lamberson come in yesterday to share with us his experience of living in Liberia as a Peace Corps volunteer.  In addition to sharing pictures and stories of his time there, Mr. Lamberson contacted his friend in Liberia via Skype to answer questions for the students.  I never thought we could have 53 students completely quiet at the same time but all ears were glued to the Smartboard speakers as his friend spoke.

Great Opportunity

As you may know, we are studying world cultures and geography in social studies.  We had the great opportunity of having Lynn Monty come in and share her experience of traveling to Tanzania in Africa and staying at an orphanage.   Her pictures, stories and video helped to captivate the students' attention.  Thank you Mrs. Monty!!

Starting New Project

So a group of students who are with Mr. Lasher's extra literacy time have begun a new project involving writing, photography, technology and pubic speaking.  We are using a Web 2.0 tool known as, Voice Thread that allows you to make a photographic tour, while adding your voice as the tour guide. The project is to make a tour of the village of Hinesburg that we can share with students from other parts of the world.  In return, we are asking students from other parts of the world to make Voice Thread tours of their hometown.  We're hoping that we can compare and contrast our lives through this, as well as by other means. 
        Yesterday we spent time walking along the sidewalks in town and taking pictures of the various important aspects of the village center in the eyes of 6th grade students.  When we finish the final product, we will post it here for all to see!

Oops....I didn't mention math or language arts!

So, I mentioned science and social studies in the previous post but failed to speak about math or language arts.  Students in math are currently beginning the process of learning about probability.  We have been experimenting with flipping coins and cups.  If your child asks if they can use probability to figure out what type of breakfast cereal to eat, it comes from our book, How Likely Is It?    


Language Arts classes are working on various reading books as well as genre writing.  They will be gearing up for report writing to get ready for a world culture fair that will take place in early May.  More information about this project will come shortly on this blog, as well as in an e-mail.  Students have already chosen a country so ask them about which one they will be researching!

Try, Try, Try Again.....

So I tried a blog the last couple of years and found that very few parents were using it to gather information but I thought I would give it a go after hearing parents at the last PIE meeting really would like to read more about what is going on.

Social Studies
Students in social studies are currently looking at the geography and cultures that make up the continent of Africa.  We looked closely at Uganda, Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania.  While looking at Uganda, we were lucky enough to have a junior from CVU come over and share her experience of living and working in Uganda for several weeks this past summer as part of the 52 Kid Foundation.  This foundation was designed and formed by a former CVU student as part of his senior grad challenge.

Science:
  Students have been working on studying the human body and several systems: Cardiovascular, Circulatory
The highlight for students was being able to dissect a sheep's heart.