Here are a few things we have been up to in Division 7 lately:

Yesterday, we reviewed the difference between a physical and a chemical change. Students used the scientific method to answer the question “How can we tell if two substances have a chemical reaction?” After reviewing safety procedures when dealing with unknown substances in science, groups tested six mystery powders with a mystery liquid and looked for signs of a chemical change.

Here is the grand reveal of what the mystery powders were:

1. Sugar
2. Salt
3. Cornstarch
4. Baking Soda
5. Icing Sugar
6. Powdered Eggshell (I bet you didn’t guess that one, Division 7!)

And the mystery liquid was… vinegar with blue food colouring! The vinegar reacted with the baking soda and the powdered eggshell. You could tell because bubbles were produced when they were mixed together! Ask your child to tell you what the difference is between a physical and chemical change.

Today, students started a group research project on a European explorer. As we continue to examine Canada’s story, we are beginning to understand that interactions between First Peoples and Europeans lead to conflict and cooperation, which continues to shape Canada’s identity. Each group is responsible for learning about an explorer’s interactions with a particular Indigenous group.

We have accumulated a small library in our classroom to assist with research.

Finally, I would like to share our artwork that we started before spring break and has finally made it up on our bulletin board. We were inspired by the work of Canadian artist Bernadette McCormack who uses shapes and layers of watercolour to create nature scenes.

Take a closer look below:

Thank you for tuning in!