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

 

 

Hey Grade 7 families! Please ensure you have received the yellow sheet with information about Grade hoodies. Sizing information is on the back of the sheet, and the fee is payable on our Lochdale website.

Please bring the order forms back by November 4th to ensure your child will have a hoodie. If there are any financial concerns or issues paying online, please feel free to reach out!

Best,

Ms. Ward

Take a look at the photo above… what do you notice about it? You might notice a ‘ghostly figure’ in the background. This image was taken by William Mumler, a photographer who claimed to be gifted with the ability to capture spirits on film. The woman in the photo is the widow of President Lincoln, who went to Mumler after her husband died. Mumler and his wife took hundreds of photos, all with strange ‘ghosts’ in the background. For the Spiritualism movement at the time (people who were obsessed with the supernatural), this seemed like ‘proof’ of ghosts and phantoms. However, even at the time many people were skeptical and did not believe… Mumler was even taken to court and accused of lying! Scientists today think that Mumler may have layered a second photo glass underneath the original image to create this haunting image.

Check out the article below to learn about the history of ‘ghost photography’:

A history of ‘ghost photography’

Some questions to consider and discuss:

1. Have you ever seen a photo online you think could be a hoax?
2. Why do you think so many people believed in Mumler’s photos?
3. Do you and your family believe in ‘the supernatural’?

 

Today I hope we can all take a moment to celebrate how art (and artists) enrich our lives, reflect our experiences, and enhance our understanding! If you’re looking to take a ‘tour’ today (while staying warm and cozy at home), watch the virtual walkthrough of the ‘Among the Trees’ exhibit below. This art exhibit celebrates our connection with trees in all of their forms!