Mercer continued exercises from his 6th grade math Envision textbook, Integers: Rational Numbers on a Number Line.

We discussed literary devices and parts of speech for our warm-up activity, and Mercer was tasked with creating analogies to make comparisons when describing people, situations, and/or objects. He seemed to enjoy this activity and used figurative language to make his ideas more vivid. I then read Mercer a passage entitled, "Me and My Habits,” by Readworks. Mercer was encouraged to refer back to the article and make personal connections when answering open-ended questions about the story. He was afforded prompts and supported in his efforts to retrieve relevant facts from the story when responding to queries.

Today's lesson focused on Ancient humans and their diets. Mercer read material based on how early humans used ancient grains and how they are still consumed today in different ways. Mercer answered questions about the section material and spent the remainder of the class learning fun facts watching video clips on real-life lore based on the actual size of the Pacific ocean and piranha-infested rivers in South America. Mercer was on task.

Today's lesson focused on Ancient humans and their diets. Mercer read material based on how early humans used ancient grains and how they are still consumed today in different ways. Mercer answered questions about the section material and spent the remainder of the class learning fun facts watching video clips on real-life lore based on the actual size of the Pacific ocean and piranha-infested rivers in South America.

Mercer begins exercises from the 6th grade math Envision textbook, Integers; Positive and Negative.

Finish Lesson 1 project and review lesson 2 for the quiz tomorrow. Go over the handout for the lesson and highlight key terms. Start drawing the skeleton for Lesson 2 project. Add masking tape if there's time. Cover the skeleton fully with masking tape.

We began using the Alfred's Snare Drum Method book to continue with sight reading of quarter notes and quarter rests. We completed the exercises in Lesson 1.

We reviewed basic technique and played some single and double stroke warm up exercises. We began working on reading some basic quarter note rhythms in standard notation.

Next we learned the difference between accuracy and precision. Then we learned the difference between quantitative and qualitative means such as label drawings, writing, and graphic organizers. We learned how scientists use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as a model of Earth’s layers. A model shows the structure of an object, system, or concept. A simulation uses models to imitate the function, behavior, or process of whatever the models represent. Then we learned how computer models contest designs, such as turbines before they are built. Mathematical models help make predictions such as with the weather. Next we looked at some physical models such as molecular models and life-size models of human organs. These models allow scientists to study objects or systems that are too small to see or too big to see completely. Then we learned that there are limitations to these models because they don’t always behave exactly like the object or system they represent. We learned that mathematical models are useful for showing patterns and making predictions. However some systems are too large or too complex for mathematical models even if you use computers. Next we learned about conceptual models which is a representation of how parts of a system are related or organized such as a model of the rock cycle. Conceptual models can be oversimplified and can lead to misconceptions which can produce incomplete predictions.
Assignment: Add new vocabulary, descriptions of international units used in scientific measurements, and models showing accuracy versus precision to science notebook.

I had Mercer for another hour so we continued to finish his project. We added ink to the background we drew and added some details to the compass rose we drew as well. We'll move on to Lesson 2 and Lesson 2 quiz this week.