December 2008
75 posts
IncrediBots →
Here’s yet another problem-solving game that involves some physics. It comes via my kids’ recommendation.
Speedcubing with the Fridrich Method →
If you are interested in Rubik’s Cubes, you’ll enjoy exploring the many links at this page. The story about Jessica Fridrich in the NY Times is well worth the read.
Books become social →
I’ve shared this mission with all of you inside of PMOG. And it looks like several of you have now decided to begin using Shelfari.
On pause for two weeks [19 Dec 2008]
That was a good discussion we had today about the books you all are reading. I look forward to hearing and reading more from you once you are finished with them. As I wrote yesterday, there is no specific homework assignment over the break save for the one item here:
Read and such as the opportunity presents itself.
Thank you all for the wonderful gifts. Have a safe, enjoyable vacation whether...
Metacritic →
For the record, this is the site we looked at in class for reviews of various media. As they put it:
“Metacritic compiles reviews from respected critics and publications for film, video/dvd, books, music, television and games.
“Our unique Metascores show the critical consensus at a glance by taking a weighted average of critic grades.”
Priming the pump [18 Dec 2008]
Tati sends along a reminder about the secret Santa exchange tomorrow. Also remember that dismissal we be at noon.
Your homework tonight is to do some reading in a book of your choice. That might be a book that you have already begun reading or a book that you have been meaning to start. You were also offered a chance to take a book from the classroom library this afternoon, so not having a book...
BBC News | 'Ancient city unearthed' in Peru →
Speaking of cities and ancient civilizations, there is some big news in the field of archaeology. Click through to watch the video and read the article.
Life Skills Letter to Parents [Week 13]
Dear Parents,
Today was our last Life Skills before the break! We continued our topic of the media world’s cultural impact. Students were shown two pictures; one was a world where everyone looked exactly alike and the other was a world where everyone looked unique and different. Which world would you rather live in? Most of the sixth graders chose the world where everyone was different,...
Clear skies ahead [17 Dec 2008]
It looks like we’ll get a chance to go outside tomorrow. Thank you all for coping so well with cabin fever.
If you have not done so already, post an updated version of your Number Devil review. I have updated the original instructions with the reminders we went over in class (see the bottom of that post).
Make sure you have replied to all of the surveys for the Nonames project.
The next...
Watch“What to do in an earthquake” is a sixth grade collaborative science project.
Called for rain [16 Dec 2008]
Despite the appearance of the sun, the basketball game was cancelled due to the rain. It will be rescheduled.
For tomorrow, post a short review of the Number Devil. Instructions are here.
The next math test is tomorrow. You should now have an updated concept checklist (and priorities sticky) to use as a guide.
If you did not present your media literacy project yet, you will get a chance...
The Number Devil
This assignment is due Wednesday, December 17.
Post a short review of the Number Devil (see also) to your Tumblr. I know that we took quite a while to finish the book because we took some time off to read another, but do your best to recall. You do not need to give a full summary or even discuss the contents of the book in the proper order, but your review should be written in an order that will...
FreeRice →
Alisha posted a web site that helps you practice your vocabulary. It made me think of FreeRice which also quizzes you on the meaning of words, but has the added goal of donating to the UN World Food Program.
Rain [15 Dec 2008]
One of the many benefits of rain is the opportunity to spend additional quality time together as a class during recess and lunch. What do you like about the rain? Or do you like it at all?
If you haven’t already done so, finish responding to the multiple Nonames surveys that you and your classmates created in class today.
Spend some time on a new sketch (by hand or on the computer) for...
Cubescape →
Here’s a tool that might come in handy for creating quick models for your building project. If not, it is still a fun drawing toy to play around with in your free time.
WatchThe Antikythera mechanism is the oldest known mechanical computer. While it was discovered in 1901, it is only recently that its function as an astronomical calendar could be confirmed. (video via New Scientist)
Check the announcements [12 Dec 2008]
Congratulations to the basketball team for what I hear was very gutsy play against a much taller team yesterday.
The next math test is Wednesday. You should now have an updated concept checklist and can prepare using it as a guide.
If you did not present your media literacy project today, you will get a chance on Monday or Tuesday during the final period of the day.
Life Skills Call to Action...
Noon dismissal next Friday
A reminder from the office:
There is a school-wide noon dismissal next Friday, December 19. Kids club will be open, but parents need to call or email Rachel (rridgeway@tcslj.org) to reserve a spot. If you order pizza Fridays you will receive it before school is dismissed. Anyone else who goes to Kids’ Club must supply their own lunch.
Life Skills Call to Action 11
This assignment is from the Life Skills instructors, Danielle and Katrina, and is due Wednesday, December 17.
Did you see something in a magazine that really upset you? Think back to class or look at your own magazines and write a letter to the editor explaining why you disapprove of some of their ads or articles. Explain why you feel so strongly about this. Make sure to suggested a way that...
Life Skills Letter to Parents [Week 12]
Hello Parents!
This week in Life Skills we continued our unit on Media. Our activities focused on the messages that are presented in magazines and print ads. We started class by investigating advertisements and the covers of several popular magazines. We discussed how advertisers use beauty and sexiness to try and get our attention and how these images can make us feel bad about ourselves. Many...
The Magic of Metric →
Many of you are working on the concepts of measurement and conversion between the metric system and Imperial system. This link points to an argument for making the metric system the standard in the US. There are also some interesting comments in response supporting both sides of the issue. What do you think?
Be true to your school.
A note from Molly:
We so appreciate the support of our upper grade families as we take the Nelson Middle Years project through the permitting process. Our next meeting is with the La Jolla Traffic and Transportation Committee on Thursday December 18th at 4:00 PM at the La Jolla Rec Center at 615 Prospect Street in La Jolla. Please join us. We expect our neighbor to be there protesting the...
Winter enrichment classes
A reminder from the office:
Registration for Winter Enrichment afterschool classes is available on our website. We have many new and exciting offerings for all ages. Classes begin the week of January 12 and continue through the end of March. We expect spots to fill up quickly this session, so register early. Contact Rachel Ridgeway with any questions at (858) 454-0184 or at rridgeway@tcslj.org.
Spirit Week
The SBA has designated next week as Spirit Week. There is a different dress-up theme for each day:
Monday: Crazy Hair and Hat Day
Tuesday: Sports Day (Support your favorite team, dress like your favorite athlete, or wear sports attire.)
Wednesday: What You Want to Be Day (What do you want to be in the future?)
Thursday: Twin Day (Coordinate to wear the same thing as a friend or friends.)
...
Slowbro [11 Dec 2008]
Since there is a big media literacy project due tomorrow, you’re only assignment from me is to complete the work that you should have already finished in class.
Complete and/or fix the six ancient cities posts you began yesterday and continued working on in class today. See items one and two from yesterday’s post for the full set of instructions.
The next math test is Wednesday....
Lucha Libre Taco Shop →
Has anyone ever eaten at Lucha Libre Taco Shop? Students? Parents? Colleagues?
Still stuck [10 Dec 2008]
Today we took a look at six ancient cities. Do you remember why they were more uniform in their construction, use of materials, and design than the buildings in modern cities? Tonight’s homework asks you to continue investigating those same cities.
If you have not already done so, finish making the six Tumblr posts that you started in class today. You should have one post each for ancient...
Greenhouse Gas Comes from Solar Panels →
Hmm. This link points to one of the stories in a series entitled “The Top 10 Stories You Missed in 2008.” Here’s a quote from the article:
“Think switching to solar energy will make you green? Think again. Many of the newest solar panels are manufactured with a gas that is 17,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide in contributing to global warming.”
Anyone want...
Writer's block [9 Dec 2008]
You have now seen the two grades you have earned so far in math and humanities as well as the comments that will appear with them on the December updates that will be mailed out this week. If you think of any additional questions about them, do not hesitate to ask me.
Take a look at this post that I made late last night. Make sure to click through to all of the linked pages. Then choose five...
Gmail Finally Gets A To-Do List →
This is good news for those of you who like to use a list that can be checked off or crossed out to keep track of your assignments or other things to do. Let me know if you have any trouble setting it up. Update: more here.
Olbia [8 Dec 2008]
Following some additional research on the four finalist locations, some quick presentations, and a short debate, the class settled on the area near Olbia, Sardegna (Sardinia) for the “Nonames” project.
The next math test is Wednesday. You should prepare using your concept checklist.
Continue researching your building assignment for the city. Add to the TextEdit file that you have...
Media Literacy Project Due
This is a reminder from Lisa, please see or email her with questions.
Media Literacy projects are due this Friday, December 12. You will need to hand a one page printed essay and either a completed billboard on poster board (30 x 20 in) OR a completed video burned onto CD/DVD.
Be ready to give 2-3 minute oral presentation during our class time on Friday. Refer to the billboard and commercial...
WatchSomeone (Was that you, Tobin?) saw this in my list of bookmarks and expressed interest in watching. So, above is Remi Gaillard’s real-life Mario Kart. I think it goes without saying that you shouldn’t try this at home.
WatchAbove is the video of the razor clam from class today. As I mentioned this morning, the razor clam’s digging method was the inspiration for a new technology. This is another example of biomimicry. Read the article for more information about the project inspired by razor clams.
Book Works Event [5 Dec 2008]
Remember that the TCS PA/Book Works Holiday Event at Book Works is on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Twenty percent of sales during the event will go to TCS’s library.
The next math test is Wednesday. You should now have an updated concept checklist to begin preparing. I will gladly give you some practice problems during math time on Monday and Tuesday, but you must ask for them.
Deberes para el...