A collection of moments from our Grade 7 learning community
Did you know that Wednesday, January 19th was Popcorn Day? Our class worked hard to design their own popcorn buckets. The goal was to make the containers sturdy (so they didn’t fall apart) and structurally sound (so they did not tip over). The goal was to hold as much popcorn as possible (the largest volume)!
Check out some of their amazing designs, plus a video on how popcorn is made, below:
Have you ever heard of the musician Yo-Yo Ma? He is a famous cellist who was a musical prodigy. When he was a child, he played his cello for the President of the USA. He has won many Grammy awards and has played all over the world! But Yo-Yo Ma is also an activist who cares deeply about culture and family.
We read a story based on a real-life event where Yo-Yo Ma played his cello at the border. He did this to raise awareness about the millions of families who are separated by borders.
Families can be divided by borders for many different reasons. Our class discussed how many of us have family and friends that are living in different countries, and how we cannot visit them because of COVID-19. We also talked about how some families may be divided because of their citizenship and immigration status.
This week, we tested the skiing athletes that we created using tin foil, popsicle sticks, and straws! The goal was to craft a skier (and skis) that would glide down an inclined ramp. We assessed speed and stability, as well as the safety of their landing. Check out a few of our designs below!
This week, we celebrate and acknowledge the important role that Martin Luther King Jr. had (and continues to have) on our journey towards racial equality. We learned that Martin Luther King Jr. felt the sting of racism as a child, growing up during a time when Jim Crow laws segregated (separated) people by race. Dr. King used speeches, letters, and protests to help inspire people to make changes and was a key part of the Civil Rights Movement.
Our class discussed Martin Luther King Jr.’s dreams. He hoped that one day, people would be judged not by their race, but by their character. We then thought about our own dreams and aspirations. What do we want to accomplish in our lifetime? What positive changes do we hope to see?
Our Scientists are hard at work exploring how skis and snowboards work! Using just tin foil, popsicle sticks, cardboard, and tape, our class is working towards creating a model athlete that will be able to ski or snowboard down an inclined hill. We are looking for speed and stability (our models should slide down on their feet, not their faces!).
Watch the video below to learn more about a very interesting type of skiing known as ‘Ski ballet’!
Today our class discussed the idea of perseverance. We talked about what obstacles and challenges we are currently facing in our lives, and how they might impact our passions and goals. We learned about a few examples of artists and athletes that persevered through challenging times. For example, tap dancer Evan Ruggiero thought his passion for dance would end after his leg was amputated due to bone cancer. However, he pushed through and continued pursuing his dream of performing as a tap dancer. Watch the video below to find out more:
Our class has been hard at work creating our winter gnomes! I love examining how different and unique each design is. Can you find the gnome wearing a toque? Can you find the gnome with striped socks?
If you want to learn to draw them at home, follow the tutorial below:
When the land is covered in snow, how do animals find food? In the video above, a fox uses their senses (smell, hearing) to hunt for prey below the snow.
Feel free to read the article below to learn more about animals that survive (and thrive) in the cold:
Animals in Winter_ How to Survive in Cold Climates
Today, our class had a discussion around the topic of fear. What are some things that we are afraid of? Many of us expressed that we feel anxious, nervous, and afraid of many different things (including spiders, heights, failure, and COVID-19). According to a recent survey in the USA, the most common fears/phobias are:
Fear is an important emotion that can help keep us safe. But sometimes, our fears might make our lives harder or keep us from having new experiences. Our fears might control our lives and how we interact with others.
In Disney’s new short film, “Far From the Tree”, two racoons learn how to deal with fear and trauma in order to help connect with their children. Check out the trailer below:
Some discussion questions for conversations at home:
Best,
Ms. Ward
Hello parents and guardians of Div. 5!
This time of year is so busy! Here are a few important dates and events coming up (we will also write these in our planners tomorrow).
-If you would like your child to participate in the pancake breakfast please order online (through Lochdale’s website via MunchaLunch) for $3. Please reach out if the cost isn’t doable for your family at this time and we will figure something out!
-Our Leadership Club has been hard at work with their Winter initiatives! They are accepting canned food donations, new unwrapped toy donations, and cash donations. Please check your e-mails for dates/information.
-Finally, we will be filming our performance on Friday! Please have your child wear a white, red, or green shirt for Friday. Please encourage your child to practice this song at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8hskDzY3KM