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6th Grade Math/Science Spectrum
Mr. Lai

Email: gglai@seattleschools.org
Phone: 206-252-8976 (classroom)
206-419-0397 (cell)
Availability: Lunch, 5th Period, or by appt

Biography:

This is my third 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 along with a minor in Intercultural Studies. 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 and earned endorsements in K-8 Education, Middle School Math, and Middle School Science.

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, football, golf, and bowling. I enjoy music, video games, and traveling as well.

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 7 th Grade Connected Mathematics ProjectII (CMP II) series to help guide and advance their learning of mathematical concepts and skills. Students will be assessed on classroom work, homework assignments, quizzes, and unit tests.

There will be seven (7) units throughout the year. The curriculum will begin with Data Distributions, a unit on statistics regarding the reading and interpreting of data. The course will move towards the introduction of algebra and the use of variables to write and solve expressions. Later in the year students will explore geometric figures and the concepts of similarity, volume, and proportion. The school year will wrap up with a unit on operations of integers and a final unit on probability.

Book Order:

Data Distributions: Describing Variability and Comparing Groups

Variables & Patterns: Introducing Algebra

Stretching & Shrinking: Understanding Similarity

Comparing & Scaling: Ratio, Proportion, and Percents

Filling & Wrapping: Three-Dimensional Measurement

Accentuate the Negative: Integers and Rational Numbers

What Do You Expect?: Probability and Expected Value

Course Description (Science):

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.

Current Events – Each student will be responsible for a news article each week. The news article should directly relate to science. Along with the articles, students will submit a paragraph summary of the article including the source, date, and author of the article. Articles can be found in newspapers, magazines, journals, and online. Each week, selected students will present their article to the class. Students will be responsible for sharing three articles over the course of the semester in brief 5-10 minute presentations. A class discussion on these articles will help students view science from different cultural and ethical perspectives in order to develop a more global view on how science affects the world.

Grading:

Math: The overall grade will be broken down as such:
90-100% = A 50% = Tests, Quizzes, 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 30% = Tests, Quizzes, Projects
80-89% = B 30% = Homework
70-79% = C 40% = Class Participation/Labs
60-69% = D
0-59% = Not Passing