Category: Current News

Happy Long Weekend! Update May 19th and Important Dates List

Hello Everyone!

We have had a busy week working on projects, having great discussions, and doing some awesome outdoor activity through dragon boating!

Projects We Are Working On:

  • Disasters Project is due May 26th EOD. Don’t forget to have a variety of sources including an encyclopaedia, legitimate science websites, and newspapers. Remember to make a bibliography.Project description can be found here.  And the rubric: Disasters Project Rubric 2017
  • ART: Your animal art should be done. They look great! Remember to take a picture of the art, post it to your E-Port, and then write two paragraphs for assessment (art and language arts). Paragraph 1: Talk about your animal (8-10 sentences), Paragraph 2: Tell us about the images you used on the drawing — how do they relate to information you discovered about your endangered animal?
  • Weather Report: Due June 1st. French Rubric Weather Report. You have the project description in your binders.
  • MASKS: Keep working on your masks designs, adding any details before next week to your nature character. Bring your bag of supplies to make plaster mess no later than Thursday next week.
  • POETRY: Today we went over different kinds of literary devices used in poetry. Then we talked about Blues and Spoken Word Poetry, which are two forms of poetry used to express emotional ideas. Remember, you will need to think about what your nature character and you would like to say – something that is important to you both. You will be writing a poem, which could be free verse or any other style, to express the character’s ideas. 

Math Update:

  • Remember, for independent math, you need to complete two more units by June 7th. Most of you are doing a great job with this!
  • Thank you to everyone who took the Gauss and Abel exams. Results announced at the end of year Recognition Assembly on June 27th.
  • We have been doing group math challenges using Pickle Math online. So far, we did the Venn Diagrams challenge as part of our focus on graphs/charts/data and nature, and we also looked at the Hexagonal Trampolines probability challenge. We will keep doing these until the end of the year. The problems are tough, but I hope you enjoy them! I expect everyone to at the minimum participate and turn in their work as they go through the problem-solving process. (NOTE: Please do not use Pickle Math online, as this will ruin the work we do together.)

Independent Project:

  • Ms. D has been working to make connections in our community so everyone can get some primary research done, but “it does take a village!” Make sure you talk with Mom and Dad to see if they know anyone that could help. Thank you to all parents who have been helping with this.
  • Go to the public library!!!! I would love to start seeing students bringing in any books they have found on their topics there! Please go!
  • Make sure you are keeping a running bibliography and taking notes as you research.
  • If you are doing an experiment, make sure you write up a proper lab.
  • If you do an interview, make sure you type up questions and answers.
  • Research, notes, bibliography, and primary research are due June 7th.

All Upcoming Events and Dates (six weeks left!!!):

  • Dragon Boating May 23rd. Leaving at 9:45 AM
  • Plaster Mess May 25th Thursday afternoon, bring supplies
  • Dragon Boating May 26th. Leaving at 9:45 AM
  • Disasters Project Due May 26th EOD
  • Sexual Education with Saleema Noon Educators (more info to come) May 29th-May 31st
  • French Weather Report Due June 1st EOD
  • PRO D, NO SCHOOL June 2nd, Friday
  • Ultimate Workshop for PE June 6th, Tuesday
  • Independent Research Notes/Bib/Primary Research Due June 7th, EOD
  • Sports Day June 9th
  • Vancouver Maker Faire at the PNE (Ms. D there on Saturday) June 10-11
  • Battle of the Books Competition in Class June 12
  • Kayaking Deep Cove June 20th, Tuesday
  • Independent Project Presentations/Viewing — Parents Welcome, 12-2 June 23rd, Friday
  • Recognition Assembly Awards/Certificates, June 27th
  • MACC 4/5 Awards and Party, CLEAN UP OF ROOM June 28th
  • LAST DAY June 29th 9-10 AM, Reports Go Home

Getting Busy ON Projects!

Hello Everyone! And again, Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms!

Today, we had our Gauss Math Test Competition, and thank you to everyone who participated! I will let you know when results will be announced.

We also had a lot of time for open project work on our Disasters Project to finish up the nature unit, our French weather report presentation, our Sue Coccia art, and independent math.

Tomorrow is DRAGON BOATING! Parent drivers should come at 9:40 AM, and we will leave promptly at 9:45. We will boat from 10:15-11:15, and then return to school before 11:45. Please dress for the weather. Take into mind you cannot wear jeans, you may get wet, and you can’t wear a bulky coat as the life jacket has to be put on over it. We went over what you need in class today, and I also provided a Dragon Boating Participation Rubric for this outdoor education opportunity.

As you complete your French, please use this document for criteria: French Rubric Weather Report

As we work on our Independent Project, please use this document for criteria: Independent Project Rubric 2017 MACC

Great work today! More to come tomorrow!

Ms. D

Happy Weekend May 12th

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms this weekend!

This weekend, the tasks are:

  • Study for French Quiz on Numbers 1-31, which will be Wed. May 17th
  • Note: Dragon Boating First Session on Tuesday, May 16th
  • Think about primary research (some have deadlines to send me questions for interviews — I would like to see questions before interviews)
  • Catch up on Art (for those who were told to), or 15-30min. of Independent Math
  • Disaster Research if you want and/or have time
  • Continue to read BOB!

Upcoming Deadlines / Notes: (Don’t worry, Ms. D will be providing class time, support, guidance, and more info as we go along!!!! This is just to give you a heads up.)

  • French Quiz Numbers 1-31 — May 17
  • Sue Coccia Art — Due May 19
  • Dragon Boating – May 23
  • French Quiz Weather, Days of Week, Months — May 24
  • Dragon Boating – May 26
  • Disasters Project (Notes, Bibliography, Presentation for a mark) – due May 26
  • French Weather Report — due June 1
  • PRO-D Day, No School — June 2
  • Ultimate Presentation for PE — June 6
  • Independent Project Notes, Bibliography, Primary Research – due June 7
  • Mask and Poem for Character – due June 7
  • Independent Math Two Units at least — due June 9
  • BOB Competition — June 12
  • Masks Presentation — June 14
  • Deep Cove Kayaking — June 20
  • Independent Research Presentation — June 23
  • Recognition Assembly – June 27
  • Last Day (one hour) & Report Cards Distributed – June 29

Ocean Acidification Labs! May 10

Hello Everyone,

Today, we explored ocean acidification as a way humans are impacting nature. As a result of increased carbon dioxide in our atmosphere from human activities, and because the Earth’s trees and plants cannot absorb all of the excess, there is a lot of extra carbon dioxide! Not only is it contributing to global warming and climate change, but it is also being absorbed by our oceans. As more carbon dioxide is absorbed, it changes the alkalinity of the ocean and the pH. This means organisms who rely on a specific pH are having difficulty and that their shells, made of calcium, are deteriorating in the over-acidic water.

For more information on this, we watched a video on ocean acidification, narrated by Sigourney Weaver, which originally aired on Discovery Planet Green.

Then, we experimented with the pH scale by testing a wide variety of household liquids and types of water available to us: lemon juice, vitamin C (Redoxon), oxyclean, 2% milk, salt water, distilled water, tap water, seltzer water, lemon-lime soda, baking soda, vinegar, borax, and aspirin. To test the acidity of each, we used red cabbage extract, which is a natural anthocyanin that can be used to test acidity levels. For more information on how to prepare your own red cabbage extract, see these links:

Red Cabbage Indicator Experiment  (complex version, with higher chemistry)

Science Project Lab on Red Cabbage and Acidity

Red Cabbage Coloured pH Scale

We had a rainbow of colours as our indicator changed colour in each of the substances. We predicted the possible pH ahead of time, making a hypothesis, and then recorded the actual results. Finally, we had a discussion, making conclusions about the proper pH for organisms to survive in fresh or salt water. If you have an aquarium or visit pet stores, you may know about this already!

We then talked about alkalinity, which is the water’s ability to hold a consistent pH and is measured in mg/L or ppm. We discovered alkalinity increases as the pH increases. In other words, as the ocean gets more acidic, alkalinity goes down, and the water has a harder time holding the appropriate level of pH. To test this, we took four water samples (salt water, distilled water, tap water, seltzer water) and tested alkalinity using Tetra test strips for aquariums. Then we measured the pH of each water. Finally, we took straws to blow bubbles into the water, adding CO2, to see if we could affect the colour from the indicator and make the water more acidic.

Thank you everyone for your great work on the lab!

Students who signed up for the ABEL TEST completed their tests this afternoon. I will let you know when I am able to share results with you, but I know they have to be reported to the District first. Thank you for your patience in advance.

If you are taking the GAUSS TEST, then you will do that on May 15th, Monday. Please study ahead of time and be prepared by having a calculator for class. 

We also did some exploring outside, trying to identify local plants around the school.

For tonight:

  • Please work on our Sue Coccia drawing art if you need to catch up.
  • Remember to turn in your 20 BOB Questions, poems, and journal which are now overdue.
  • Read the rules for the Biodiversity Card Game so you can play it tomorrow with a partner.
  • Take a look at yesterday’s blog post for websites and articles on oceans that we won’t have time for in class.
  • And LIBRARY is tomorrow, so bring your books!

Have a good evening! 

 

Monday, May 8th! Using the microscopes….

Hello Everyone!

Today we had the quiz, and thank you to everyone who took the time to review the material from our unit at home. Thank you, as well, to the students who helped with review by posting questions on the blog. Some of you still need to finish, so you can do that tomorrow morning, as the online form is only available in class. Don’t worry — the quiz was a bit long, and it is okay to take extra time.

We talked together about how to study with success! Here’s what you said worked:

  • Write down key terms from what you read. Put them into Quizlet, an app that can quiz you about these terms.
  • Write down key terms and have someone else go over them with you.
  • Look at your notes and the highlighted parts of your reading (by highlighting the key terms when I ask you to, then you are already ready to go!)
  • Posting questions on the blog and then answering them.

When you are taking a quiz, there are some strategies to think about:

  • If you don’t know something, don’t beat yourself up! This happens. Don’t obsess about the question for too long thinking the answer will magically appear. Move on to the next question.
  • Try to stay calm when taking your quiz. Breathe, take breaks, stretch if you need to, and move to an area of the classroom where it works for you to think.
  • Try not to immediately give up and have anxiety when a question is tough. Not all questions are straightforward. Sometimes thinking is involved. Make it your goal to tell yourself, when things are tough, “You know, this is tough, but I will do my best, and that is all I can ask of myself!”
  • Don’t take too long on one question. Read the question carefully, ask yourself what the question is asking for, and then focus on just answering it. Don’t give too much extra detail, as you have more questions to answer.
  • Get sleep before a quiz day and make sure you eat well. Bring a snack to school every day, but particularly on quiz or project days when you know you need the energy.
  • Remember that the teacher isn’t “mad” when you don’t know something. They will encourage you to keep reviewing. They may point out that you could have spent more time studying. But this feedback is designed to help you. 
  • YOUR WORK is not a reflection of WHO YOU ARE. Sometimes the work is good, other times it is not as good. But that doesn’t mean that you are not a good person or that you are terrible at doing things. 

Tonight, continue on work assigned Friday, and if you are behind in ART, take your art home to draw for 15 minutes.

Tomorrow, a blog entry by the class on the pros and cons of fidget toys. Let’s have a class meeting to discuss!

Ms. D

Weekend Update May 5th

Hello Everyone,

An interesting photo posted by the David Suzuki Foundation. Photo Credit: Jorge Gamboa, Bicébé 2017. Caption: “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Just a quick update on things to do as a follow up to the large chunk of time I gave you today to get most of these things done!

Class Photo: Sent home today!

Poetry: Write 3 poems using handout (overdue)

Math: Finish biodiversity data chart (overdue)

Oceans: Rubber Ducky Chart and Questions (overdue)

Independent Project: Post a picture with caption, encyclopedia article link and notes, and a web article and notes. Notes can be point form; just key ideas. Post a link and the EasyBib bibliography entry.

Primary Research for Independent Project: Also, please talk with your parents — who could you talk to with an interview via email, Skype, or a quick in-person appointment that may relate to your topic. Ms. D is doing her best, but we will need to ask for help, too!

Study for Quiz: On Monday. Use white folder with handouts to study!

French: Go over days of week, months, and numbers 1-31 in prep for weather report project

Microscopes: Read two microscopes handouts for Monday when we will work more with our nice microscope equipment! (class time was given today) Bring a water sample. Make sure samples are labeled, cleaned off, and securely shut!

BOB: Ongoing reading through May/Early June. Write 20 new questions for Wed. for the competition. (class time was given today)

Have a good weekend!

Ms. D

Sunshine! Summer’s on its way! May 4th

Hello Everyone!

May the 4th Be With You!!!!! (for all the Star Wars fans)

Today, we had our last Caribou Test for the year. Thank you to everyone for participating. Results should be out tonight or early morning. It can take longer on the last contest.

We also talked about two other Math Competitions coming up. The first is the ABEL TEST, which is for grade 5 and below, run by the Burnaby School District, here at school on May 10th, Wednesday. The second is the GAUSS TEST which is run by University of Waterloo for grades 7 and below, held here at school on May 15th (we are doing it slightly later than some schools due to GR 7 Camp dates.) Students signed up for one or the other, as I asked them to only do one of the two tests that is suitable for their level of math. I recommend you practice! See the District’s Math Blog for practice tests.

Everyone is beginning independent project research! This research will be recorded in student binders and on E-Portfolios, as they reflect and work on the process of researching. Ms. D has begun talking with individual students about possible primary research interviews with an expert in the community. I also encourage parents to help us out! If you know an expert on or fan of one of these areas, please contact Ms. DeTerra, as helping the students with their interests takes a village!

  • World War 2 Aircraft (or war in general)
  • Phobias (or anyone working in psychology)
  • Hypnosis (or anyone working in psychology or neuroscience)
  • Optical Illusions 
  • Amur Leopard (Biologists, Nature Experts, Ecologists)
  • Jellyfish (Biologists, Nature Experts, Ecologists)
  • African Dwarf Frog (Biologists, Nature Experts, Ecologists)
  • Planets (Astronomers, Space Centre)
  • Making YouTube Channels Successful (Technology Experts, Marketing)
  • Jason and the Argonauts, Greek Mythology, Nemean Lion from mythology (Mythology, Literature Experts)
  • Ancient Egyptian Architecture (Architects, Historians)
  • Big Bang Theory (Physics Teachers, Physicists)
  • Candy and Effect on Teeth (Dentists, Dental Hygienists)
  • Why We Laugh (Psychology, Psychiatrists)
  • Addiction (Psychology, Counsellors, Nurses)
  • Arctic Ecology (Biologists, Nature Experts, Ecologists)
  • Cars and How They Have Changed (Mechanics, Car Historians)
  • Corporations and How They Compete- Apple V Microsoft, CocaCola V Pepsi (Business People, Microsoft Employees, Marketing, Advertising)
  • Why People Like Video Games (Marketing, Psychology, Business, Video Game Makers)
  • American Politics (Politicians, American History Professors)
  • Water (Physics, City Workers for Water System, Nature Experts on Water Cycle)

We also talked about CLIMATE CHANGE — what causes it, how people are denying it exists, and what the signs of climate change are. We watched Bill Nye Climate Change 101 and I asked everyone to continue watching Bill Nye’s Documentary on Climate Change with National Geographic Explorer at home, as it is too long for the classroom and the sound requires you to watch it on a personal device. 

Everyone completed the RUBBER DUCKY ocean challenge, figuring out how ocean currents caused lost rubber duckies from a shipment of toys to travel across the world. We plotted coordinates of rubber ducky sightings, and I asked students to describe the path the ducks followed according to ocean currents. Handout due tomorrow EOD.

We worked on research tips! We talked about the meaning of “the internet”, how to search effectively, how to work with e-portfolios (backgrounds, posting links, etc.) and with Easy Bib to make bibliography entries. Please read over the handout I gave you. We will be using the e-port to show our research process. Everyone needs to:

  • Make sure your e-portfolio presents well. Check colours, background, and links. Do some editing! Remember parents and Ms. D will look at this e-portfolio for report card in term three!
  • Make sure your e-portfolio is about the work we are doing. Avoid talking too much about personal issues and focus on the work. 
  • Find a picture that relates to your research. Post it and a caption.
  • Make a post about a World Book (or other Encyclopedia) article on your topic. Include Easy Bib entry (found at bottom of World Book articles, already done for you) and key points you learned.
  • Make a post about one web article for your topic. Include the Easy Bib entry and key points you learned. If you need help using Easy Bib, come see me.

REVIEW FOR QUIZ, MOVED TO MONDAY! Post some questions and answers about what we have learned so far (everything before talking about oceans and climate change, which will not be on there.)

You will collect a water sample this weekend!!! 🙂 Make sure you have a lid on whatever jar you are using and label where it came from with tape on the side. Microscopes have arrived, but we still have to go over how they work. More hands on stuff next week.

Have a great day!

Ms. D

 

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!

Seven Day Nature Journal, April 28th Update

Hello Everyone!

Today we continued our conversation regarding survival in nature by talking about how to notice things in the sky that can help us find direction or keep track of time. We did some skits in groups to show our understanding of how the MOON, EARTH, and SUN work together to make our night/day and our seasons.

We discussed how time can be marked using the phases of the moon, and we looked up which phase we are in right now. Why is the marking of time important?

We talked about how the moon and gravity pull create the tides, and then we found out how to look up tide tables so you would know the highest and lowest tides. Why might you need this information?

Finally, we began work on planispheres, which when used with a compass can help us to find direction by looking at constellations. All of this was about using nature as a guide to mark time or find direction.

Over the next seven days, as we continue our unit, use your journal to record the following and practice keeping track of daily data related to nature:

  • Record the weather (as printed daily on Weather Network) and include the percent chance of precipitation (POP), humidity, and air pressure
  • Record the phase of the moon
  • Record highest and lowest tide
  • Draw a quick picture of the sky and try to identify the cloud formation by name
  • Record sunrise time and sunset time
  • Draw a picture of what it looks like outside (quick sketch)

Remember that all of the journal things we have been doing are important. I will be looking at your journal for participation.

ALSO, check to see that you have turned these in (as some of you haven’t!) and remember that in term three, I will not be chasing you down for work. Please practice being responsible and getting all of your work in.

  • BC Map indicating the 4 Endangered spaces
  • Water Drop Life Cartoon
  • Water Audit
  • Water Questions (previously posted on blog, from our readings about water)
  • Forests Handout (questions and highlighting)
  • MATH: Earth by the Numbers, chart and handout questions
  • MATH: Numbers in the News, on your e-portfolio, answering all questions and putting link for article you chose
  • Tuning In Articles and Reflections
  • Food Web Handout
  • BioBlitz Taxa Handout
  • Animal Research

Things for Monday:

  • BOB 20 Questions on 1-2 of the BOB Books – Due Monday
  • Read BOB (ongoing) — Remember to read as many books as possible by end of May!
  • Nature Challenge Due April 30 — slideshow on May 1!
  • Review handouts in your blue binder for Quiz next Friday
  • Did you finish trying the MATH: Venn Diagrams? We go over these Monday.
  • Student Vote on May 2nd, so look up the Liberals, NDP, and Green Party positions over the weekend so we can discuss!

Have a great weekend!

Ms. D

Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and more! Update April 26th

Hello Everyone,

First, overall reminders and updates:

  • Field Trip Payments: Please send a cheque for $7.38 for the OWL presentation AND $25.00 for our three dragon boat sessions. One cheque for both is fine, if you prefer. In order to participate in dragon boating, you must have the waiver filled out and returned. I am still seeking drivers for dragon boating. If you are planning on helping with driving, your child should have given you a driver’s form to fill out and return ASAP.
  • Animal Research: Be sure to find answers to the questions about your animal! We will have some class time Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. By Friday EOD you should have your notes and the answers to the questions ready to turn in.
  • QUIZ: There will be a quiz Friday, May 5th on what we have talked about so far in terms of biodiversity, ecosystems, water cycle, taxonomy, etc. We started the process of reviewing today by making a list of key vocabulary in our journals. We will review more in class. I recommend going through your blue binder and reviewing information. Some of you would benefit from better organizing your papers and may want to take your binders home to organize them.
  • Applied Math: Today we will share our charts, diagrams, and graphs from the Earth By the Numbers assignment, and your next task is to complete Numbers in the News, which can be done on your E-Portfolio. You are supposed to be looking for an article in which numbers are used to explain key ideas. You need to answer the questions from the handout in your post and provide a link to the article online. Some more time will be given in class. You should be able to finish this by Friday, April 28th. Tonight work for 15-30 minutes at most on this to stay on track.
  • Nature Challenge: Don’t forget the deadline for the nature challenge is April 30th — with the pictures due to Ms. D on May 1st, Monday. Put your photos in a slideshow format. Each photo will need to be clear in terms of location (and be a different location!) in order to be counted.
  • Forests Handout: Please read, highlight, and finish these activities by Friday, April 28th. Some time available on Thursday and Friday to finish.

We have been having great discussions about biodiversity, and I think our trips to the watershed and the park really helped us to think about the ecosystem around us. As you do research on your animal and talk about their habitat, the eco province they live in, and find out more about their characteristics and taxonomy, this will help bring the things we have been discussing into focus and make them clear before we move on to the next part of our unit.

So, what’s next? We will look at oceans, moon and tides, weather, climate change, and our impact on the world. We will also continue the book Skeleton Tree, which is all about survival in the wilderness, and I will be challenging you to learn a few skills for survival. We already introduced the compass and how it works. We will be doing some critical thinking activities to discuss how decision making is a serious part of survival. And we will also look for nature’s signs and signals that helps us to get oriented and survive.

TONIGHT HOMEWORK:  Remember, 15-30 minutes of applied math. Library Tomorrow. Pay for OWL/Dragon Boating. Find one example of nature being impacted by humans in B.C. What happened? When did it happen? How did it happen? Why?

Have a great rest of the week!

Ms. D

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