MS.

HASKIN'S 6TH GRADE

OUR MATH CLASSROOM NEWSLETTER

MARCH 2021 • VOLUME 7

THIS MONTH

Start of rational numbers

unit 3/8

Math conferences 3/15–3/19

(Please sign up by email)

Summative assessment
3/26

End of term 4/2

CREDIT: MICDS

DEAR FAMILIES,
This month in math we will continue our study of rational numbers!
Specifically, we will examine negative numbers, decimals, fractions, and
absolute value. We we use our knowledge of rational numbers to learn
how to plot points on a coordinate plane and number line!

In this month's newsletter I want to introduce you to two technology

tools students will use in class and at home to reinforce their learning. On
the following pages you will find information about how to access and use
the sites. These tools are valuable because they allow students to
independently practice and apply their learning at home in an appealing
format.

As always, please feel free to reach me at haskinh@bc.edu if you have

any questions!
Warmly,
Ms. Haskin
 KHAN ACADEMY

Educational Benefits
Khan Academy is an excellent site because of its
breadth and depth of content. You can find brief video
tutorials for virtually any math subject along with HOW TO ACCESS
interactive practice problems, all aligned with Common
Core standards. Students often find this site motivating
because they can track their progress by earning "energy To get to the site you
points" and badges when they sign up for a free account.
The 6th grade "Negative Numbers" unit I've linked can click the
here covers many of the topics we'll learn about this hyperlink here, or
month. While we will watch a few of the videos in class,
students are encouraged to use the videos as a scan the QR code at
reference at home and to use the interactive problems
for extra practice! The videos are great because Sal (the the top of this page
host) explains the rationale behind each concept and the
with a smartphone
practice problems provide students with immediate
feedback about their learning. Check out an example camera.
below:

How to Use Khan Academy

TIP: If you get stuck on a
try the practice problems
homework problem, watch
watch the video the Khan Academy video on
the topic for help! Each video has corresponding problems
that serve as an instantaneous check for
understanding. Here, students apply
what they've just learned about absolute
value to concepts they've already
covered, such as negative numbers,
decimals, and fractions. –75.8 is 75.8
away from 0.
Here, Sal explains how to solve absolute value problems and
he explains that absolute value represents the distance a TIP: Click the green "explain"
if you're confused about how
number is from zero. He uses a number line to show that to get to the correct answer!

–12 is 12 away from zero, meaning it's absolute value is 12.

take the quiz

Students integrate their

knowledge of multiple topics
TIP: Use the quizzes to help
using quizzes throughout the study for our summative

unit. Here, students use absolute assessment!

value to solve inequalities.

 MATH NOOK

Educational Benefits
The Math Nook site provides many math resources,
including worksheets, games, and video tutorials. For our HOW TO ACCESS
current unit, I'd like to link students to the "coordinate
games" page which includes several simple games where
students practice locating points on a coordinate plane. As To get to the site you
students develop their understanding of rational numbers,
they will learn how to plot negative and positive points along can click the
x and y axes. This task will incorporate what they've hyperlink here, or
previously learned about absolute value, negative numbers,
and ordering decimals and fractions on a number line. scan the QR code at
The specific games I'd like to highlight are "boat
coordinates" and "rocket down" which are aligned with the the top of this page
Common Core standard 6.NS.C.6.b. These games are
appealing to students because of their interactive and
with a smartphone
competitive nature. While they do not provide the same level camera.
of in-depth explanation as Khan Academy, they allow
students to apply their knowledge of rational numbers in a
fun way! We will use them in class and I encourage students
to continue practicing with them at home.

How to Play Boat Coordinates How to Play Rocket Down

This game asks students to move a boat to the fish
located around a coordinate plane. Students use the
+/– toggles to plot the coordinates of the fish before
clicking the "move" button to move the boat to the
correct coordinates.
This game asks students to collect fuel tanks for a
rocket as it lands. Students are given the coordinates
of a fuel tank and must click on the correct one to
slow down the rocket for a safe landing.

The +/– toggle feature is This game increases students speed and efficiency at
This game increases
especially valuable because recognizing listed coordinates and requires students
students' understanding
it reinforces students' to display knowledge of the correct way to write an
of the x and y axes by
understanding of the value ordered pair. This game is especially helpful for
requiring students to input
of negative numbers (e.g. – students who struggle with this because it gives them
the coordinates according
3 > –11 so you need to instantaneous feedback on whether they've identified
to the proper axis.
press "+"). the correct answer.