Looking Forward to 6th Grade Math!

by: Todd A., Erika C., Tristan D., Robbie N., Luci R., Allie W.

In 6th grade, there are two main aspects of math, Algebra & Geometry. In more detail there are numerous units that 6th graders cover. In the beginning of the year, you get kind of a refresher unit on a big unit from 5th grade; fractions. Next year, you will be adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions. You will also learn how fractions tie into decimals, and percents.

The next unit is on integers. You may be familiar with the phrase P.E.M.D.A.S. This stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition and Subtraction. You may not know what the term exponent means. Exponents represent a number to another power. For example 3 to the third power is 27. It’s 3x3x3.

Another favorite unit is geometry. In geometry, you learn formulas for finding area, perimeter and volume. An example to find the area of a triangle is length x width divided by 2. Finally, there is a 6th grade unit on probability. You will learn more about numbers that do not go in evenly when finding a probability. These are some of the units that you take in 6th grade .

The Increased Use of Textbooks in 6th Grade

There are a lot of changes when you go to 6th grade. One of them was the increased use of textbooks. You use the textbooks way more than you do in the 5th grade. You have the workbooks in 5th grade and then you do the work out of the textbooks so you use them way more. When you are in 6th grade you do your homework out of the textbooks, so don’t forget your textbook when you go home. Almost every day you use your textbook too and you need your textbook in class so don’t forget to take it to class. If you forget your textbook at school and you need it for homework that night you can go online to www.glenco.com/sec/math/ose/index.html.

Differences Between Investigations and 6th Grade Math

In 6th grade math, we do not use investigations. We basically always work out of our math textbook. In investigations, we always had worksheets to do that we tore out of the book. In 6th grade math, we always work out of the text book. In investigations all of our tests were approximately 2 pages long, while in 6th grade math the tests are about 3-4 pages long and we have a separate answer sheets. In 6th grade math, you have to work more independently, because the teacher does not guide you through the study guide. You must look through the book to find answers to the study guides.

Increase Amount of Tests in 6th Grade Math

This year, there are many more tests then in 5th grade. Since we spend less time on each unit, we have more units and more tests. You better study for tests because they can really bring your grade down. That means you can’t zone off as much as you could in 5th grade. There are also pop quizzes! Just kidding, there are no pop quizzes, just tests, quizzes, and the Math MSA. Studying for tests is also different. You bring home a math book or a study sheet. You will always be told when you are going to have a test.

6th Grade Math

Along with the many changes you experience when you enter middle school, there are also many changes in your math class. This article is for you, the future of Brunswick Middle School. In this article we covered the similarities between “Investigations” in 5th grade and the 6th grade “Glenco Mathematics” textbook. We also discussed the increase in tests and performance grades and the units you study in math. Finally we talked about the different periods in which you study math. Have fun learning in 6th grade math!

Headlines: The True Story of the Pythagorean Theorem

by: Todd A., Tristan D., and Robbie N.

The Pythagorean Theorem was founded by a man named Pythagoras. The Pythagorean Theorem states that any two legs of a right triangle squared and added will equal the hypotenuse squared, or the side diagonal from the right angle.
The common formula is a2+b2=c2. Although Pythagoras is credited for creating this formula, it is possible that the Babylonians used this formula around the time of 1900-1600 B.C.E.

Pythagoras was not born until the year of 569 B.C.E. and died in 475 B.C.E., in Somas Ionia. Pythagoras was credited as a “pure mathematician”. Some of his interests were ethics, politics, music, meta physics and of course mathematics. He has traveled to Egypt, Babylon, and Italy. He founded a school in Somas which he named it the Semicircle. Pythagoras was influenced by Thales. Pythagoras will always be remembered for his findings of the Pythagorean Theorem.

Can the Pythagorean Theorem be Used in Real Life?
by: Luci R., Allie W., and Erika C.

The Pythagorean Theorem can be used in many different ways in reality. Take a TV screen for instance. Say you’re trying to find a TV for a 40 inch long TV stand. You will have to find a TV that is not too small or not too big for the TV stand.
Since TV’s are measured diagonally you have to use the Pythagorean Theorem. Say you want a 40 by 30 inch TV. You multiply 30 by it’s self and 40 by it’s self and then add the two totals together. Then you find the square root of your total and you’re left with the measurement of your TV!

Headlines: It's Getting Scary Around Here

by: Svati K. and Tiffany P.

Many may not realize that our area is filled with ghostly legends. Take a look at a few of those stories below.

Spook Hill
There is apparently a haunted site just a few miles from BMS! The souls of dead soldiers roam around Burkittsville. Many people have driven up to a hill that goes to Burkittsville and put their car in neutral. People have had their car silently begin rolling up the hill! It is told that phantoms of the Confederate army continue to haunt the area, pushing cars up the hill as though they were cannons!!!

Shepherd College
Legend says that there’s some paranormal activity going on in Shepherd College: The Gardiner Hall Ghost. Many students have found out that her name is Patty, and roams the hall at night. And she rests in the day in room 211. There is a plaque for recognition of Patricia Loy…the same girl who died in 1988 or 1989. As the story goes, she died in the shower after hitting her head.

Stay tuned for more ghostly legends in future editions!

Editorial: Being a Twin is Not All it's Cracked Up to Be

by: Kaylie K.

Having to live with a twin can be good and bad. People think it would be fun to be a twin, but most of the time it’s not.

The good thing about being a twin is that you always have someone to talk to, when they aren’t making sarcastic jokes or slapping you. The good thing of being an older twin is that you’re always being put in charge and you were an only child at one point.




The bad thing about being a twin is that most twins fight a lot! People always ask us if we can read each others minds. Of course you can’t! Having to live with a twin is stressful and you get A LOT of headaches!!

People also ask if Larsen and I like being twins (they think we do) but the truth is that we really don’t. We always say no because we’re the type of twins that are always fighting. The people we talk to say “I would love to be a twin” but I don’t think they will say that when they get a twin!

Editorial: Very Superstitious

by: Erin C. and Linda S.

Do you have any things you always have to do because you’re afraid if you don’t something bad will happen? Well it may be a superstition. The technical definition of a superstitution is a belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge.

There are many types of superstitions. Some of the more common ones are:
• Friday the thirteenth = bad luck
• Itchy palm = you will get money
• Walking under a ladder = bad luck
• Breaking a mirror = bad luck
• Finding a horseshoe = good luck

But there are also more personal superstitions. For example, if you play basketball you might have to wear a special pair of socks because if you don’t you think your going to lose. After interviews, here’s what some people said their superstitions are:

• Only pick up penny on heads side.
• People have to do basketball foul shots a certain way each time
• Make sure alarm is set and check it 10 times
• Room has to be clean before going to bed
• Closet doors have to be shut
• Lacrosse stick has to be tapped a certain way
• Check every lock before going to bed

There is no factual evidence that anything bad will happen to you if you don’t do what you think is a superstition. Superstition can also be something you feel comfortable with, or just always do.

Creative Writing: Just Another Alien Story

by: Rachel B.

There they were, the 2 aliens, Moco and Kamly, in their spaceship plummeting towards earth. They had been on their way to the alien over lord Talt, he ruled over the planet Zetron, when their spaceship ran out of fuel because their too stupid to remember to fill up the tank.

“Uh, what do we do?” Moco screamed.

“I don’t know, haven’t you flown one of these before?” shouted Kamly.

“No, my mom always flew me.” Moco explained.

“Well, this could be a problem” feared Kamly.

“Yeah, yeah I think you’re right.” Moco agreed.

“Is there anywhere to land?” Kamly questioned.

“I don’t know. Oh wait, in that field right there” Moco directed.

“Ok, I’ll try to make it” Kamly assured.

Just then the 2 terrified, slimy, little alien’s spaceship landed in the field by the house where a little boy named Tom lived. The 2 aliens got out of the spaceship and then noticed the house. They walked over to it and looked inside threw the window.

“What’s that odd looking box?” Moco wondered.

“I don’t know, but there is some kind of moving life forms inside” cautioned Kamly.

“I bet this box ate them” guessed Moco.

“I think we better get away from it” exclaimed Kamly.
“No, no, wait, there’s another glowing box, inside this bigger box” Moco observed.

“And it talks!” shouted Moco.

Just then Tom heard Moco’s scream and went to get his mom. But when they courageously walked outside, nobody was there. They walked back inside with Tom still so confused, for he was sure he had heard a noise. He tried to get his mom to believe him but she explained to him that it was probably all in his head, and that she would put in a movie for him to watch so he could calm down. Tom screamed and jumped excitedly when he saw that his mom was putting none other than ET, his favorite movie into the VCR. Just then Moco and Kamly popped out of the bushes.

‘That was so bizarre” giggled Moco.

“Yeah, did you see what those odd looking, life forms looked like?” laughed Kamly.

“Yeah I did. Hey what’s happening with the little glowing box inside this big box now?” Moco wondered.

“I don’t know, but let’s watch” recommend Kamly.

“Whoa, that spaceship looks a lot like ours” Moco commented.

“Yeah it does” Kamly agreed.

“Hey what’s happening now? They’re leaving that hideous life form behind” worried Moco.

“Yeah, hey is that an alien?” questioned Kamly.

“I don’t know, but if it is, we must be really ugly” giggled Moco.

“This box tells so many lies” Kamly yelled.

“Why do you say that?” asked Moco.
“Because, aliens would never stay and communicate with those life forms” Kamly explained.

“Yeah, you’re right! And why would an alien actually enjoy those life forms company?” Moco questioned.

“I don’t know, this odd glowing box inside this bigger box doesn’t make and sense to me” Kamly laughed.

“Neither does this planet to me” giggled Moco.

An hour later into the movie . . .

“Oh no, this box is so confusing!” Kamly yelled.

“Yeah, aliens don’t sit on that seat with wheels and fly!” Moco screamed.


“Yeah, well maybe it will make more sense if we keep watching” Kamly suggested.

“No, nothing will ever make sense, especially this glowing box inside this bigger box!” Moco screamed at the top of his lungs.

“Alright, hush, I want to watch the box” Kamly commanded.

“Alright fine, have it your way” Moco nagged.

“Can I just say one thing?” Moco pleaded.

“No!” Kamly yelled.

“But . . . !” Moco nagged.

“NO, no, no, no no!” Kamly screamed. “Hey look at his finger, its glowing red. How come our fingers don’t do that?” Kamly wondered.

“Uh, the life forms name is E.T and how come you get to talk, but I don’t?” Moco questioned.

“Because I’m the leader” Kamly commanded.

“How come you’re the leader?” Moco questioned.

“Who landed our spaceship?” Kamly Bragged.

“You did” Moco grumbled.

“From my memory, I never wanted to go to see the over lord but a curtain person insisted and got us stuck here?” Kamly yelled.

“Me” grumbled Moco.

“And who won the best in show for their model of Zetron’s underwater volcano?” Kamly screamed.

“That wasn’t fair, my model of Zetron’s endangered tree, was just as good and should have won! Moco screamed.

“Mom the movie is over” shouted Tom from inside the house.

Just then Tom turned around to see the 2 hideous looking aliens with their faces pressed against the window. They all screamed.

“We better go home, like that other alien” Moco suggested.

“Good idea” Kamly agreed.

The boy yelled for his mother, but when she came, the aliens were gone. His mom told him,

“No, more watching E.T”

His mom left the room and Tom saw the Moco and Kamly pop back out of the bushes with a spaceship arriving behind them. The spaceship was sent down from the over lord when he found out that they were missing. The boy again called for his mom but by the time she got there the alien’s were in the spaceship and was taking off into the sky. This time the mom very irritated shouted,

“Go to bed!”

Next Big Thing: High Waisted Shorts

This style is coming back from a while ago! You can wear these shorts with a cute tank top or a plain t-shirt and tuck them in. You can style that up with a cute chain necklace or a belt. To finish the outfit you could wear a cute pair of personalized vans! You can make your own vans at www.vans.com. You could also wear flip flops, if you are at the beach.

There are many ways to style up high waisted shorts, and you can buy them almost anywhere. So go to any local store and get yourself a pair!