6TH GRADE NEWS

LANGUAGE ARTS AND HISTORY:

Last Thursday, November 1, the 6th grade class hosted its annual Egyptian Fair for all classes and their parents. As a culmination of our Ancient Egypt history unit, students chose a profession common to Ancient Egypt, researched it, and wrote a descriptive paragraph explaining the profession. Next, students cranked their creative juices to role play and develop their own business based on the profession. Not only did students have to write a paragraph persuading customers to buy their products or services, but they also designed magazine ads and business cards. All of these elements were displayed on tri-fold boards and “shops” were set up around our focal point, the Great Pyramid of Kennley. One of our enterprising students asked if she could build a pyramid in the commons, and with the amazing eye and direction of our talented Ms. Denise, Kennley did. With Denise’s guidance, the students even created the Nile River, as our fair featured some professions that relied on water. Overall, the Egyptian Fair reflected St. James’ commitment to experiential learning, as students practiced the art of persuasion in their writing, their designs, and their delivery of speeches about their businesses. What a wonderful way to learn!

MATH AND SCIENCE:

Roller Coasters

We are learning about force, motion, and energy in sixth grade science. Students are building roller coasters to test how potential energy is transferred to kinetic energy. They have approached the topic from many other angles as well, including online research, interactive digital investigations, and using photogates to measure the speed of a rolling marble.

“I liked making the roller coaster. Everybody, especially Nick though, had a cool roller coaster. They’re so fun to make and our conversations whilst making them are hilarious. I wanna build more stuff out of trash. :)” ~Alex

“I liked science because it is fun. I also liked that it involves building.” ~Charlie