6th Grade Math/Science

Mr. Lai

Email: gglai@seattleschools.org
Phone: 206-252-8976 (classroom), Room 209
206-419-0397 (cell)
Availability: 1) Lunch, 2) 5th Period, 3) By arrangement (before & after school)

Biography: This is my second year at Denny Middle School. I grew up in Seattle and attended Washington Middle School and Garfield High school. I received my BS Degree in Business Administration from Pepperdine University. I also spent a semester abroad living and studying in Florence, Italy. While in college and several years after, I managed the front office of a Marriott hotel in Seattle. I attended Seattle University for my Masters in Teaching.
When I read, I like to read humor and philosophy. I would rank Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu and Seinlanguage by Jerry Seinfeld among my favorite books. In terms of hobbies, I play a lot of recreational sports such as softball, golf, football, and dodgeball. I enjoy music, video games, and traveling.

Supplies/Materials:
Composition Book (for notes)
Paper
Pens & Pencils
Color Pencils
Graph Paper
Calculator (Basic function or Scientific)

Standards Taught in Class:
MATH: The student will…
1) understand and apply the concepts and procedures of mathematics.
2) use mathematics to define and solve problems.
3) use mathematical reasoning.
4) communicate knowledge and understanding in both everyday and mathematical language.
5) understand how mathematical ideas connect within mathematics, to other subject areas, and to real-life situations.

SCIENCE: The student will…
1) understand and use scientific inquiry and apply knowledge of science and technology to solve problems.
2) understand and use concepts and principles in earth, life, and physical science.
3) understand the nature of scientific inquiry, and how science and technology are interrelated.

Course Description (Math):

The class will be using the Connected Mathematics Project (CMP) series to help guide and advance their learning of mathematical concepts and skills. Students will be assessed on classroom work, homework assignments, quizzes, unit projects, and unit tests.

We will investigate and explore important concepts about whole numbers and take a deeper look at some concepts that may have been presented in previous grades. These concepts include number theory, factors, multiples, prime numbers, and composite numbers. A unit project on the student’s own “favorite” number culminates this unit.

We will explore numbers being broken down into fractions, decimals, and percents. We see how useful understanding these ideas can be in stores, cooking, and grades. Considerable time will be spent on this topic as it will be explored several times over the course of the year.

There will be a unit on two-dimensional geometry. Students will learn about properties of polygons, angle measure, and circles.

If you need new carpet installed or the house painted, work on area and perimeter will be useful for you kids so they can help. The emphasis in this unit is measurement, area, and perimeter relationships in various shapes.

If time should allow, the students should wrap up the year with work on probability and it should be very entertaining as we will be able to use number cubes and other fun tools to begin to understand the principles of chance.

Course Description (Science):

The science curriculum is made up of four units.

Truth About Science – This unit will be ongoing throughout the year. Students will learn about the scientific process, how to do research, and write various kinds of reports.

Diversity of Life – This unit focuses on biology. Students will look at issues regarding the characteristics of life and the complexities of living things.

Solutions and Pollutions – This unit is an introduction to chemistry. Students learn about mixtures and solutions as well as pH levels of various liquids.
Family Life and Sexual Health (FLASH) – This unit will run about two weeks in the second have of the school year. It goes beyond the discussions of sexuality usually associated with FLASH. We will talk about self-concept, self-image, goal-setting, communication, and many other subjects. When we do start the discussion on sexuality, a letter will be sent home to notify you. Parents have the option to not have their students participate in the course.

Grading:

Math: The overall grade will be broken down as such:
90-100% = A 50% = Tests, Quizzes, Assignments/Projects
80-89% = B 25% = Homework
70-79% = C 20% = Class Participation
60-69% = D 5% = Attendance
0-59% = Not Passing

Science: The overall grade will be broken down as such:
90-100% = A 35% = Tests, Quizzes, Assignments/Projects
80-89% = B 30% = Homework
70-79% = C 35% = Class Participation/Labs
60-69% = D
0-59% = Not Passing