On January 15th, our class celebrated Black Excellence Day! Black Excellence Day is observed as a day to “rejoice Black history and learn about Black stories, Black art… and a day to stand in solidarity”. For more information about Black Excellence Day, feel free to see the website linked here: https://blackexcellenceday.ca/

We began our explorations through celebrating and learning about influential activists, politicians, musicians, scientists, authours, athletes, influencers, etc. from both the past and present. So far, we have read short biographies about Stevie Wonder, Serena Williams, and Harriet Tubman. Please click the link below to if you would like to read a brief summary:

Black Excellence_ Stevie Wonder and Serena Williams and Harriet Tubman

Video(s) below: Stevie Wonder’s performance of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours

Oprah and TSN’s farewell to Serena Williams

The song “Stand Up” by Cynthia Erivo, written for the biographical film Harriet about the life of Harriet Tubman

 

History Mystery_ The ‘Myth’ of the minotaur’s labyrinth

As part of our exploration of fairytales, folks tales, and myths, our class will be embarking on another History Mystery! This time, we are investigating the myth of Theseus and the minotaur! Though this story might seem completely unbelievable, could there be truth hidden in this epic tale? Click the link above to see what we have already investigated, and stay tuned for more evidence!

Ms. Ramen came in to our class today to chat about the differences between dystopias and utopias. A dystopia usually involves many negative aspects (ex: a totalitarian government, environmental destruction, natural disasters or unsafe living conditions, violence or conflict). A utopia is a proposed future with positive attributes (ex: amazing technology, a safe and healthy environment, human rights and freedoms, elimination of illnesses and war). Often, you will see different representations of these in science fiction and post-apocalyptic novels, movies, etc. We began watching the Disney film Wall-E and analyzing how it represents a dystopian/utopian future.

Check out the trailer below:

This week, our engineers tried to create the tallest structure using only masking tape, spaghetti noodles, and plasticine. Many of us found this challenging, but our record-breaking structures were almost 1 METER in height!

We know that humans have continued building bigger, taller, and more expansive structures throughout history. We discussed how most monuments in history not only have a financial cost (money), but a human cost as well (enslaved peoples or workers being paid unfair wages/working in unsafe conditions).

We also discussed plans for the next ‘biggest’ structure (which, if built, would cost around $1 trillion and could house over 1 million people). Check out the video below for some size comparisons [please note: the last 2 structures are not yet built but are just proposed blueprints]:

Today our classes began investigating how laws function (both in Canada and across the world). We learned that many countries have laws that might seem unusual to us. Please feel free to check out the slideshow below:

Rules & Laws Part 1

To learn more about how a bill (drafted law) is turned into an enforceable law in Canada, feel free to click on the video:

Hello to our learning community! I hope that everyone enjoyed a restful, safe, and rejuvenating Winter Break! As we transition back into school (and into Term 2), please be mindful of the following:

-please have a parent/guardian sign and return report card envelopes as soon a possible (only the envelope, the report card/overview is for you to keep)

-parents and guardians, please complete our quick survey at your earliest convenience (it is included in our overview document and can also be accessed through this link: https://forms.gle/VVnR3i5N4hx33w7R7)

-Grade 7 hoodies went home today! Please ensure you write your name/initials on the inside tag

-Please bring a protractor to school for Math this week!

 

Thanks everyone!

 

Hello to our Div. 3 learning community,

Just a reminder we will be attending the Young People’s Concert today! We will be boarding the bus promptly at 9:00, so please make sure to arrive to school on time (or a little early).

A few reminders of expectations:

-there is no food or drink allowed in the theatre or on the bus

-we must be silent when entering the theatre/leaving the theatre as classes are in session

-exit from the theatre during the show is only allowed in an emergency (no bathroom breaks)

-as Grade 6/7s, we are setting the tone for the rest of our school. We know to be a respectful audience (listening, clapping,, etc.)

Any students who do not have permission to go/arrive late and miss the bus will be helping to support a primary classroom until our class returns.

See you all soon!

Hello to our Grade 7 families!

A reminder that we are hosting a Camp Information Night (and Open House) this evening. We will begin our ‘open house’ at 5:30PM, and meet in the library at 6:00PM for an information session on our Camp field trip.

A reminder: this event is for parents/guardians only. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide childminding or supervision. We will be providing a few light refreshments (tea and cookies).

Hope to see you tonight!

Pickles are a controversial food… some people love them (and some people love to hate them)! Our class is learning about food preservations techniques and spices throughout history this week. We learned that pickling has been around since Ancient Egyptian times (and Cleopatra ate gallons of pickles as part of her ‘beauty routine’ to keep herself young)!

Check out the video below to learn about an interesting sweet treat… pickle pie! Would you try a slice?

What makes an animal species ‘successful’ or ‘unsuccessful’? According to this video on evolutionary theory, a species needs to be able to reproduce, eat/nourish themselves, and move or travel. The Pumpkin Toadlet is not very successful at 2 of these ‘goals’, and yet they have survived for hundreds of years! The issue seems to be the toadlet’s tiny inner ear, which does not help their balance or spatial awareness (resulting in some very clumsy landings). The toadlet’s ears also do not seem to be able to hear the mating calls of other toadlets (imagine if humans could hear other noises and animal calls, but not hear each other talking!).

Many species have different biological features that might seem weird or unnecessary to us (ex: the ‘fainting goats’), but still seem to survive (and thrive) despite it. Humans also have some strange examples of ‘useless’ features… our appendixes are considered by many to be an organ that is not very helpful (and, in some cases, can even be harmful if it gets infected!). To learn more about the so-called ‘useless’ organ, click the link below:

What is an appendix