Mr. Savignano
Mr. Savignano's Newsletter
5th Grade:
During the fourth quarter of science, students have learned all about vertebrate and invertebrate animals. We identified the characteristics of different animals and were able to differentiate between vertebrates and invertebrates. Student created a 3-D model of an animal we studied and presented that it to their teams showing its structure. Each class studied arthropods and echinoderms and learned that all arthropods have appendages and an exoskeleton. Echinoderms have spiny skin and are supported by an internal skeleton made of bone-like plates. We learned that Amphibians, birds, and mammals are all vertebrates. We ended our 5th year studying rocks and minerals. Each class learned about the 6 properties of a mineral and created a small project to organize them all. A lab was completed using the 6 properties and 5-8 actual minerals. Students used a scratch plate and magnifying glass to complete the lab. We ended with mini lessons on weather studying ways heat is transferred on Earth. The last topics we explored are the causes of wind and the formation of different kinds of clouds and precipitation.
6th Grade:
During the fourth quarter of science, we have been demonstrating a substantial degree of organized knowledge about ecology and ecosystems. Students discovered the living and non-living factors in an ecosystem while also explaining how the parts of an ecosystem interact. Students worked in cooperative groups to while explaining ecologists organize living systems and also describing the relationships among living things. Each class learned to explain how organisms get their energy they need and described how energy flows through an ecosystem. We spoke often about biotic and abiotic factors while referring to a biosphere. We used power presentations, an outside adventure around the school, and videos to show different factors within specific ecosystems. Students ended their 6th grade year by studying the plan and animal cell. We specifically studied cell theory and the purpose of the different cell parts. We discussed the how the different cells have different jobs and ended being able to explain the differences among tissues, organs, and organ systems.
Due to another change in our daily schedule because of MAP testing, the 6th Grade ecology project will be due JUNE 1st at the latest with no penalty.
During the fourth quarter of science, students have learned all about vertebrate and invertebrate animals. We identified the characteristics of different animals and were able to differentiate between vertebrates and invertebrates. Student created a 3-D model of an animal we studied and presented that it to their teams showing its structure. Each class studied arthropods and echinoderms and learned that all arthropods have appendages and an exoskeleton. Echinoderms have spiny skin and are supported by an internal skeleton made of bone-like plates. We learned that Amphibians, birds, and mammals are all vertebrates. We ended our 5th year studying rocks and minerals. Each class learned about the 6 properties of a mineral and created a small project to organize them all. A lab was completed using the 6 properties and 5-8 actual minerals. Students used a scratch plate and magnifying glass to complete the lab. We ended with mini lessons on weather studying ways heat is transferred on Earth. The last topics we explored are the causes of wind and the formation of different kinds of clouds and precipitation.
6th Grade:
During the fourth quarter of science, we have been demonstrating a substantial degree of organized knowledge about ecology and ecosystems. Students discovered the living and non-living factors in an ecosystem while also explaining how the parts of an ecosystem interact. Students worked in cooperative groups to while explaining ecologists organize living systems and also describing the relationships among living things. Each class learned to explain how organisms get their energy they need and described how energy flows through an ecosystem. We spoke often about biotic and abiotic factors while referring to a biosphere. We used power presentations, an outside adventure around the school, and videos to show different factors within specific ecosystems. Students ended their 6th grade year by studying the plan and animal cell. We specifically studied cell theory and the purpose of the different cell parts. We discussed the how the different cells have different jobs and ended being able to explain the differences among tissues, organs, and organ systems.
Due to another change in our daily schedule because of MAP testing, the 6th Grade ecology project will be due JUNE 1st at the latest with no penalty.
Updated: March 19, 2012