December Update

Science Home Project

As we complete our unit of study, "Diversity of Living Things", Students will begin an end of unit project that requires students to research and present their findings on an endangered or threatened species in Manitoba. Alternatively, they can research a species that may also pose a threat or risk to other species (an invasive species), example being Blue-Green Algae in Lake Winnipeg. The species they select can be from any of the Kingdoms studied in class:
1. Plantae
2. Animalia
3. Monera
4. Protista
5. Fungi

Students are required to summarize their findings from a minimum of three different but credible sources of information. Sources of information can be from books, news clippings, interviews, credible web sites etc. Some general information they should have from their summarizing should consider answering the following questions:
1. What kingdom does it belong to?
2. What are its physical characteristics?
3. Describe its habitat and its range or area it may live in.
4. How is it adapted to its environment?
5. How does it interact with other species in its habitat?
6. What is its niche or job in its habitat and/or why is it important?
7. Why is it at risk or causing other species to be at risk?
8. What is being done or should be done about the situation?

Students will present their findings in a presentation using a form of technology, such as Photo-Story, Power Point or Movie Maker, to inform the rest of the grade six class of their findings. Their presentation should also include a table and a line graph of their results. They are also required to find a creative way to present their learning by presenting the information in the form of a story, song, poem, diorama, news story, board game, poster and/or any other creative means. Due dates will be announced for each stage. This is a home project that will require students use time management skills. Please click on the following links to acess learning targets for each phase of this project.

Students will be evaluated on:
1. Research skills
a. Summarizing
b. citing their sources in bibliography format
2. Writing Process

3. Creativity
4. Math Table and Line Graph
5. Presentation skills using Technology

Phase 1 of research, summarizing and completing a bibliography is due on Thursday Dec 10th 2009. If you have questions or concerns please contact me at gswintak@pembinatrails.ca

Mr. Swintak's Class Blog

6 Swintak September 22, 2009
We're back to school and what a great two weeks it's been. The students had lots of great stories to share about their summers and are keenly interested to discover new things this year. There are many letters and handouts going home these days and I appreciate the quick return of these items. Students are also asked to bring in photos that compliment their personal narratives/ autobiographies, using their USB or to e-mail them to me as an opening photo story for their e-portfolios. These photos may include them with their family or perhaps them doing things of personal interest, such as sports or hobbies etc. All photos will be returned.

Some of our learning targets at this point involve
Science- the study of biodiversity or the “Diversity of Living Things”. In addition to the subject matter and knowledge they are acquiring, they are learning proper research skills such as how to summarize information and to give credit in bibliography format.

ELA- the writing process includes students to plan, draft, revise content and to publish a variety of writing pieces. Students are also learning to be reflective and passionate readers. Students are asked to read 30 minutes each night when possible. I encourage parents to read with their children and to discuss the content together. I realize that students and parents are often busy with extra curricular activities. However, it is important for us to encourage and support children’s’ interest in reading.

Math- students are reviewing number concepts and number operations. Students will be bringing home a Math homework book starting next week. The work will provide them an opportunity to practice some of the concepts covered in class. The students will have approximately 1 week to complete the assignments.
I am looking forward to spending the next few months with your child and to be a part of their learning journey. Please e-mail me if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to meeting everyone at meet the teacher night.


Mr. G. Swintak

gswintak@pembinatrails.ca