Happy Monday — Our impact on nature, oceans, and more! May 1

Hello Everyone!

Here are some of the things we did today:

  • We talked about animal classification and did venn diagram puzzles for applied math to organize characteristics of animals. Good job trying to figure out the puzzles in groups!
  • We looked at a cool chart from the Economist on the relationship between competitive environment, anxiety, and high results on achievement tests in high school. Check it out! This involved looking at a more complicated chart with an x, y axis and forming conclusions about data.
  • We worked on our endangered animal/plant art inspired by the artist Sue Coccia. Everyone was asked to identify 10 things from their animal or plant research that would inspire images to put inside of the larger shape of their animal or plant. See Sue’s art here and be thinking of what else you could include. If you haven’t found a First Nations image or story to include, take time to find one to make your art more dynamic.
  • We discussed some of the ways in which humans impact the environment and ecosystems, brainstorming in groups human activities that result in pollution or harm. One of the keystone spaces to be looking at for our impact on the environment is the OCEAN. We put together large maps, discussed how to find coordinates through latitude and longitude, and began charting the Rubber Ducks story to learn about ocean currents. We will continue to investigate oceans and hopefully get to some carbon dioxide pH experiments later this week.

Things to get done & Reminders!!

  • Journal:  You were supposed to start this on Saturday, but many students did not, so start today! You know what to record from a previous blog entry. Do it for seven days.
  • E-Portfolio Numbers in the News: I checked the e-ports and some of you did not do the assignment, or you did not include a link, or you did not actually answer the questions. So, it is late, but try again! Thank you.
  • Venn Diagrams: I asked you to choose 5 animals and make 3-circle venn diagrams for them using taxonomy information and other characteristics. Due tomorrow.
  • Quiz Friday: Respond to this blog entry with a sample questions you think might be on the quiz. Focus on big ideas not just the small stuff!
  • Geocaching! As a bonus, look up geocaching. Anyone who gets a list of where you can find geocache sites locally and brings it to me tomorrow can get a prize (first five people only.)
  • Student Election Tomorrow: Read the “20 Hot Topics” handout for more info on who you should vote for at tomorrow’s student vote session in the gym.
  • BOB: Many of you have not turned in your 20 questions for BOB…….Again, not going to chase you down! Just a reminder — just because your group members have read a book does not mean you shouldn’t also read it. You need to read as many of the 11 books as possible. The more members who have read the books, the better the chance you can answer the questions and win!
  • Caribou: Test is on Thursday morning this week! Last one for the year.

Have a great night!