Google, who controls Blogger, keeps all kinds of statistics. The following two pictures are great examples of the application, use, and representation of statistical data. This data would be essential for many different reasons, such as market research including target demographics, editing, crowd-sourcing, advertising, and census data.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3x99ajwijobfyf0/Blog%20Stats%2023%20Dec.JPG
https://www.dropbox.com/s/etxakqugkdlsxh9/Blog%20Stats%2023%20Dec%202.JPG
Monday, 23 December 2013
Holiday Bingo Open Challenge - Due 8 Jan 14 open to all 7/8 students
Click on the link below for the Bingo Challenge. This is NOT an assignment. It seemed like a good idea just in case a few of you were already starting to feel a bit bored without school (it's not that crazy an idea...from being busy day to day and week to week to suddenly changing gears to being completely academically relaxed...).
The PDF states it is due on the 20th, but this is incorrect, and they need to be in on the 8th. A reminder is on our calendar.
Further, if any of you, from any class or grade, would like some worksheets or assignments to boost skills and/or stay sharp, feel free to send an email to the science teacher...after 26 Dec 13.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/x17z8tc1rszfop9/Class%20Community%20-%20Holiday%20Bingo.pdf
The PDF states it is due on the 20th, but this is incorrect, and they need to be in on the 8th. A reminder is on our calendar.
Further, if any of you, from any class or grade, would like some worksheets or assignments to boost skills and/or stay sharp, feel free to send an email to the science teacher...after 26 Dec 13.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/x17z8tc1rszfop9/Class%20Community%20-%20Holiday%20Bingo.pdf
Follow-up to Math Unit 2 Rewrites
Students and parents of those who participated in the Unit 2 review and rewrite will receive a follow up email after 26 Dec, but prior to the new year. It will contain a brief analysis summarizing both test results and professional observations, as well as providing important review sheets to be completed prior to the start of the calendar year.
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
Returning Ender's Game
All Grade 7 students are required to return their issued school copies of the book tomorrow, prior to the break.
Returning Signed Grade 7 Math Tests
There are many students who have yet to return the test. Ensure they are ALL back tomorrow.
Grade 7 Science - Take your Ecos Home
Many thanks to all 7s for their displays around the school to showcase your learning.
Please take you projects home by Thursday (last calendar school day of 2013).
Both classes were reminded yesterday.
Please take you projects home by Thursday (last calendar school day of 2013).
Both classes were reminded yesterday.
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
Field Trip to Enders Game
All fees collected were returned today. The movie was free as there was confusio at the theatre.
Friday, 13 December 2013
Grade 8 Science - more pitch humour
http://www.popsci.com/blog-network/boxplot/waiting-tar-ball-drop
Thursday, 12 December 2013
Sciencw team cancelled thurs lunch
Still at vball.
See you tomorrow at lunch to finalize sketches. We build scale models next week.
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
Grade 8 Science - Viscosity Inquiry Lab Report Due Thursday 19 Dec, 1200hrs
Success Criteria
Observations:
Include a table/chart of your calculations. Your calculations may be neatly hand-written on a separate piece of paper.
Include a paragraph of sensory observations (primarily sight).
If you are able to construct a graph with your data do so. If your data is capable of being represented in a graph, and you do not, you will lose marks.
Conclusion:
2-3 sentences to answer your purpose question (we provided feedback, if you needed to update your purpose from your proposal make sure you do)
2-3 sentences confirming or correcting your hypothesis
4-5 sentences discussing what you would do differently next time, or how you modified your original procedure mid-experiment.
Application:
1 concise paragraph (7-8 sentences) that answers the question "so what?"
Your marked proposal will be stapled to the back of your completed lab report.
Observations:
Include a table/chart of your calculations. Your calculations may be neatly hand-written on a separate piece of paper.
Include a paragraph of sensory observations (primarily sight).
If you are able to construct a graph with your data do so. If your data is capable of being represented in a graph, and you do not, you will lose marks.
Conclusion:
2-3 sentences to answer your purpose question (we provided feedback, if you needed to update your purpose from your proposal make sure you do)
2-3 sentences confirming or correcting your hypothesis
4-5 sentences discussing what you would do differently next time, or how you modified your original procedure mid-experiment.
Application:
1 concise paragraph (7-8 sentences) that answers the question "so what?"
Your marked proposal will be stapled to the back of your completed lab report.
Volleyball enthusiasts and android users unite
Not sure if there is a charge, but a great game and teaching tool for 5-1 (we play 4-2 in 7/8)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spear.spikemasters
Why solid precipitation is awesome
http://www.natureknows.org/2013/11/amazing-macro-photography-of-individual.html?m=1
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
Grade 7/8 Science Team - Thursday meeting is TBD
Thursday's practice is dependent on the progress of the 5/6 Boys Volleyball team at their playoffs.
The blog will be updated.
There will be a session on Friday to finalize our sketches for our boats and prepare to make scale model prototypes.
The blog will be updated.
There will be a session on Friday to finalize our sketches for our boats and prepare to make scale model prototypes.
Math Tests Returned to be signed and returned by 19 Dec
Today the tests were returned and each solution was discussed thoroughly. Students need to bear in mind that all reasonable additional time for review and tutoring is made available as often. For example, a review session for Area of a Trapezoid was offered last week. Interest was expressed, 3 teachers were available, and no one came.
Generally the class did well, and generally we have work to do. The justification for such a contradictory statement is based on the 4 parameters of assessment:
Knowledge/Understanding - the rote arithmetic skills connected to this unit
Communication - using pictures, diagrams, words, examples to support your response
Thinking - understanding the meaning/process of concepts (why/how)
Application - using the skills from this unit in a similar context, and combing skills together
In this categorized form of assessment (moving beyond a holistic approach), students and parents are able to determine more accurately the areas of success and growth. Specific questions are designed to focus on specific areas of the curriculum. Further, this specifically prepares students for the assessment process used in secondary school.
The class average was 64%
Students who scored below 70% will be invited to participate in review and re-assessment under the following conditions:
a) attend both review sessions Friday (13 Dec) and Tuesday (17 Dec) prior to school at 0800hrs; and
Session 1 - review terminology, GCF, LCM, Rates and Unit Rates, factor trees
Session 2 - review BEDMAS, power notation
b) attend the re-assessment Wednesday 18 Dec from 1145hrs to 1230hrs
Students who would like to participate must email the teacher by 7pm Thursday night, and have their signed math tests on hand for both sessions.
Generally the class did well, and generally we have work to do. The justification for such a contradictory statement is based on the 4 parameters of assessment:
Knowledge/Understanding - the rote arithmetic skills connected to this unit
Communication - using pictures, diagrams, words, examples to support your response
Thinking - understanding the meaning/process of concepts (why/how)
Application - using the skills from this unit in a similar context, and combing skills together
In this categorized form of assessment (moving beyond a holistic approach), students and parents are able to determine more accurately the areas of success and growth. Specific questions are designed to focus on specific areas of the curriculum. Further, this specifically prepares students for the assessment process used in secondary school.
The class average was 64%
Students who scored below 70% will be invited to participate in review and re-assessment under the following conditions:
a) attend both review sessions Friday (13 Dec) and Tuesday (17 Dec) prior to school at 0800hrs; and
Session 1 - review terminology, GCF, LCM, Rates and Unit Rates, factor trees
Session 2 - review BEDMAS, power notation
b) attend the re-assessment Wednesday 18 Dec from 1145hrs to 1230hrs
Students who would like to participate must email the teacher by 7pm Thursday night, and have their signed math tests on hand for both sessions.
Monday, 9 December 2013
Ender's Game Culminating Task
Today you received your instructions for the Culminating task. Similar to the last one, there is an independent part and a group part. Much to your delight, there is no writing for the group part, as we are looking for a creative showcase of our learning.
Remember that all the options in Part 1 have graphic organizers that need to be reviewed by one of the three of us before you start your draft.
While you could submit this after the deadline, that would mean that a) higher expectations; and b) work over the break.
This is our last assessment piece for the calender year. As such, and as a reward for the continuous hard work, we will scale back the math and science homework, focus more on in class learning activities and review, and the pick up the pace again in January.
--- Project Information ---
Remember that all the options in Part 1 have graphic organizers that need to be reviewed by one of the three of us before you start your draft.
While you could submit this after the deadline, that would mean that a) higher expectations; and b) work over the break.
This is our last assessment piece for the calender year. As such, and as a reward for the continuous hard work, we will scale back the math and science homework, focus more on in class learning activities and review, and the pick up the pace again in January.
--- Project Information ---
Success
Criteria
1. It
is important to format your assignment in a clear and organized manner.
That can be clearly communicated during your oral presentation of your
project.
2.
Your approach will need to be creative and representative of your own
strengths.
3.
The information included in your project is generated from the novel and the
content should be detailed and descriptive.
4. Your
written work should be typed, edited and free of errors (grammar, spelling, or
punctuation)
5. Your
presentation will be 5 to 7 minutes long. You need to be familiar with
your project so that when you present you do so with ease and familiarity with
the content included in your project.
6.
Please ensure your project is visually appealing.
Part 1 -
Individual Work
Choose 1 (one) option from the three categories. Your
responses shall be typed, 3 paragraphs of 7-8 sentences each (it shall not exceed this limit). When submitting
your work be sure to include a cover page that specifies what question you are
responding to. Each of your paragraphs shall
have evidence from the book to support your opinion. You will also be required
to follow the same citation guidelines.
Option 1 - Themes and Characters in Ender's Game
Themes:
Leadership, Conflict, Growth, Resilience, Imagination, Compassion
Characters: Bean,
Petra, Peter, Dink, Valentine, Alai, Ender
Choose either 1
theme and 3 characters, or 3 themes and 1 character (each of these will form
their own paragraph). You will need to have your outline/organizer approved
prior to writing your draft. Discuss either how each of the themes are related
to a character, or how three different characters are connected to a theme from
the book. You are responsible for 3 paragraphs of writing.
Option 2 - Gaming
In this option
you will reflect on the meaning and the purpose of three important games, the
Fantasy Game, the Battleroom simulations, and the Command School Simulator. In
the novel each of these games served a purpose for the children, and a
different purpose for the teachers. In each paragraph (one per game, 7-8
sentences) you must discuss how the game was important to both the teachers and
the children.
Option 3 - Character Contrast (2 paragraphs, 10-12 sentences
per paragraph)
In this option,
you will compare and contrast the similarities and differences between Anne
Frank and Andrew Wiggin. You may consider how they interact with people, their
own growth and maturity in the book, how they relate to adults, how they
respond to difficult situations...there may be other topics for contrast. Be
careful not to get carried away. You must have approval before writing a draft.
Part 2 - Group
Work
We already spent some time doing a drama-language connection
(and again, bravo to all). In your groups of 2-3, select one of the options.
1. Props and Objects from
Ender's Game
Your group is to construct 2-3 objects found in the novel.
Try to draw from your own inspiration rather than what you saw in the movie.
You are not to consider clothing
(that is another option)
Suggestions:
Ø Ender’s
Desk
Ø Valentine’s
Star of the Order of the League of Humanity, First Class
Ø Main
Page design for the Fantasy Game
Ø Poster
advocating for the Battle School
Ø Queen’s
Silken Cocoon
Ø Replica
of the students lockers
2. Scene Dioramas
Similar to the Ecosystem project, you are to re-create a
scene from Ender's game within a shoebox. Please use found materials as best as
possible to keep costs low.
3. Costume Fashion
Show
Create 1-2 items of clothing that you would find in the
"Ender-verse." Please use found materials as best as possible to keep
costs low. The costumes do not need to be life-size, or made out of the correct
material (for example use construction paper). Your sketches of your costumes
will need to be approved prior to starting the final product.
Presentation
and Paper Due Dates: 19 December 2013 periods 7 and 8
Time Management Part 2 - Wednesday at Lunch
Part 2 of the seminar will be at Wednesday at Lunch. All 20 of you are expected. It is fantastic to see the interest swell from the original 4 who signed up to almost a 1 in 6 ratio.
Remember that Part 1 and the At Home Survey needs to be signed off by your parents in order to attend Part 2. The At Home Survey also needs to be signed off by your homeroom teacher.
There are no exceptions.
Please have your packages ready to go while we devour lunch.
Remember that Part 1 and the At Home Survey needs to be signed off by your parents in order to attend Part 2. The At Home Survey also needs to be signed off by your homeroom teacher.
There are no exceptions.
Please have your packages ready to go while we devour lunch.
7A Field Trip Reminders
1 - come to school on time
2 - full back packs remain in your locker. We will have lunch at school when we return.
3 - personal electronic devices remain out of sight during transportation, and naturally during the filming (Timeplay use is permissible). Best advice, keep it in your pocket. There are no exceptions. If it distracts your awareness during trip then you will submit it to me. If you feel that it may distract even the best of intentions that you may have, then allow me to offer to hang on to it for the duration of the trip in my field pack.
4 - concessions will be open. Be reasonable. devouring all the food in sight will only be ridiculous. Enjoy, but do not over indulge. Devouring a good amount of popcorn is always good for the mind.
5 - Be respectful. Clean up your mess in the theatre and any other trails you leave. Offer your seat to someone. Keep your voices down.
6 - Be Ambassadors of Bedford. Dress well. Dress warm. Mind your manners. However you act during a trip reflects the teachers and adults who go with you, and the students who share your school's name. Set a precedent that encourages your teachers and school to take you on more trips, not less.
There will be a field trip briefing starting promptly at 0855hrs, or following announcments. Routes, groupings, deployment, and emergency procedures will be reviewed.
If you have medication (prescribed, precautionary, required) ensure you have it with you and be prepared to provide a visual confirmation.
2 - full back packs remain in your locker. We will have lunch at school when we return.
3 - personal electronic devices remain out of sight during transportation, and naturally during the filming (Timeplay use is permissible). Best advice, keep it in your pocket. There are no exceptions. If it distracts your awareness during trip then you will submit it to me. If you feel that it may distract even the best of intentions that you may have, then allow me to offer to hang on to it for the duration of the trip in my field pack.
4 - concessions will be open. Be reasonable. devouring all the food in sight will only be ridiculous. Enjoy, but do not over indulge. Devouring a good amount of popcorn is always good for the mind.
5 - Be respectful. Clean up your mess in the theatre and any other trails you leave. Offer your seat to someone. Keep your voices down.
6 - Be Ambassadors of Bedford. Dress well. Dress warm. Mind your manners. However you act during a trip reflects the teachers and adults who go with you, and the students who share your school's name. Set a precedent that encourages your teachers and school to take you on more trips, not less.
There will be a field trip briefing starting promptly at 0855hrs, or following announcments. Routes, groupings, deployment, and emergency procedures will be reviewed.
If you have medication (prescribed, precautionary, required) ensure you have it with you and be prepared to provide a visual confirmation.
Friday, 6 December 2013
Weekend Homework
Geography - qs 1-3, pg 78-79, and define all of the "words matter"
Library: natural disaster inquiry: pick a natural disaster and write an informative (summary) paragraph 7-8 sentences. Typed or handwritten. You will have class time to work on it, and it is due at the end of the next period (Wednesday).
Health (strings only) worksheet as well as health test
French worksheet (ir verbs) if you did not finish it in class
Ender's Game: finish chapter 13 and 14 as well as writing your main ideas and summaries for those chapters.
Gift card donation deadline is fast approaching. If you are stuck for an idea, pool donations togethet with 3 other students and see your teacher.
Monday 9 December is PJ day. Tuesday 10 December is the field trip. Thursday 12 December is the school dance.
Thursday, 5 December 2013
Today...at Director's Cut...
...was a great day. Job well done to each and every one of you. I've bragged about you to everyone. What a tremendous day of creativity, with a dash of tetris.
Again, well done, and thank you.
Again, well done, and thank you.
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Ender's Game Field Trip, Tuesday 10 Dec
Today the field trip forms went home. Please have them completed and returned by Friday. Cost is $12 including admission and bus fare.
Many thanks to all Grade 7 Families; it seems to be quite frequent of late that letters are coming home requiring students/families to pay for enrichment opportunities. We thank the community of families and students for their continued support towards teacher's and student teacher's initiatives.
Many thanks to all Grade 7 Families; it seems to be quite frequent of late that letters are coming home requiring students/families to pay for enrichment opportunities. We thank the community of families and students for their continued support towards teacher's and student teacher's initiatives.
Time Management Seminar Part 1 Follow-up
Many thanks for the 16 of you who signed up for the 2-part seminar.
Please complete the section on "1 in 30", and have your parents sign off that Part 1 is complete.
Next, complete the At Home Discussion and Reflection with your parents, and have your homeroom teacher sign off that it is complete before Part 2 starts.
Further, as we had such interest, the 24hr activity can be found at www.studygs.net/schedule
Several students have approached me to join the seminar for Part 2. A repeat presentation of Part one will be at Friday at Lunch. You must email me by Friday morning at 0850hrs to register. Please be on time at 1135.
Everyone will be at Part 2, next Wednesday at lunch. I have to cap registration at 25.
Please complete the section on "1 in 30", and have your parents sign off that Part 1 is complete.
Next, complete the At Home Discussion and Reflection with your parents, and have your homeroom teacher sign off that it is complete before Part 2 starts.
Further, as we had such interest, the 24hr activity can be found at www.studygs.net/schedule
Several students have approached me to join the seminar for Part 2. A repeat presentation of Part one will be at Friday at Lunch. You must email me by Friday morning at 0850hrs to register. Please be on time at 1135.
Everyone will be at Part 2, next Wednesday at lunch. I have to cap registration at 25.
Writing Emails to Teachers, Coaches, Adults...
This is not to discourage students from writing emails to ask questions and continue positive dialogue with their teachers, however the purpose of this post identify the teachable moment before you...
Any email, despite it's content, is comparable to writing a cover letter for a job or scholarship. There are certain formal techniques which should be applied.
Basic Outline:
Dear _______________,
1st paragraph - state why you are writing. Use complete proper sentences. Do NOT use text slang, acronyms, or any other colloquialism that would give a potential employer a reason not to choose you.
Are you informing, or persuading? Does your paragraph get to the point? Do the sentences flow logically?
2nd paragraph - if needed - state any questions, or concerns you have. If you are writing to complain, or ask for an extension, provide a reason.
Sincerely/Respectfully/Regards,
Your Name
Your Class
Your School <if you are writing someone outside of your school>
Most teachers have a preset signature block with their emails. Use that as an example.
Taking the time to write a teacher an email shows that you are interested in your learning. Taking the time to write a proper email demonstrated that you are invested in your learning. Every opportunity you have while your at school is an opportunity to learn something new, try something again, and master something known.
Any email, despite it's content, is comparable to writing a cover letter for a job or scholarship. There are certain formal techniques which should be applied.
Basic Outline:
Dear _______________,
1st paragraph - state why you are writing. Use complete proper sentences. Do NOT use text slang, acronyms, or any other colloquialism that would give a potential employer a reason not to choose you.
Are you informing, or persuading? Does your paragraph get to the point? Do the sentences flow logically?
2nd paragraph - if needed - state any questions, or concerns you have. If you are writing to complain, or ask for an extension, provide a reason.
Sincerely/Respectfully/Regards,
Your Name
Your Class
Your School <if you are writing someone outside of your school>
Most teachers have a preset signature block with their emails. Use that as an example.
Taking the time to write a teacher an email shows that you are interested in your learning. Taking the time to write a proper email demonstrated that you are invested in your learning. Every opportunity you have while your at school is an opportunity to learn something new, try something again, and master something known.
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Interesting Dance Videos and 2 cents on Making Connections
Consider the 5 elements of Dance when you view them...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=
If we make subject to subject connections, then we are able to explain how the idea of perspective drawings and fore, middle, and back ground shapes (visual art), as well as mathematics enlargement and reductions (math gr 7), combined with Science's optics (science gr 10), shadows (every time most of you walk in front of a teacher's projector), and foreground background (visual arts), in collaboration with Dance...well then that explains quite a bit in these sequences...
"Drawing" attention to (writing about) these cross-curricular connections is a key requirement to consistently achieve Level 4. There are many occurrences in your weekly (and perhaps daily) learning where you can connect the ideas from one subject to another.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=
If we make subject to subject connections, then we are able to explain how the idea of perspective drawings and fore, middle, and back ground shapes (visual art), as well as mathematics enlargement and reductions (math gr 7), combined with Science's optics (science gr 10), shadows (every time most of you walk in front of a teacher's projector), and foreground background (visual arts), in collaboration with Dance...well then that explains quite a bit in these sequences...
"Drawing" attention to (writing about) these cross-curricular connections is a key requirement to consistently achieve Level 4. There are many occurrences in your weekly (and perhaps daily) learning where you can connect the ideas from one subject to another.
Urgent: Director's Cut for 7A pushed to Thursday
The instructor who was scheduled to make it in tomorrow has Strep Throat; we are in the process of rescheduling to run our workshop on Thursday.
As such, tomorrow will be Core + French all day (Our TCs will plan the day accordingly).
As such, tomorrow will be Core + French all day (Our TCs will plan the day accordingly).
Grade 8 Inquiry Science - Viscosity Lab Report - 8A and 8B Proposals due Thursday 5 Dec at 0850hrs (8C will work in class on Friday)
In preparation for our labs next week, as well as compensating for the Director's Cut workshops, lab proposals are required.
Lab preparation work is required homework. For our last lab only 4 students across the entire grade completed the prep work.
Your density and flow rate worksheets will be homework-checked on the day of the lab (double period).
8C - we will set up the lab on one day, and run trials on the second day. You may need to set up more than one "station" in order to run several labs at the same time. Remember your team of teachers are here to assist you prepare, but not do the work for you.
Success Criteria:
Purpose: Stated as a question (Level 4 question why/how might/will)
Hypothesis: 2-3 sentences. If...then... We think this because....(make reference to Particle Theory/pages in the textbook to get level 4).
Materials: (type and quantity, and consider that you have to run multiple trials)
Procedure: (the exact steps to do your experiment - you will be assessed on how well you follow these)
A Level 4 proposal as all four requirements properly stated. A Level 3 would have all 4 requirements, but missing some details (ie hypothesis does not have explanation sentence, materials do not have quantity, procedure is vague). Level 2 would be missing 1 of the 4 sections, a level 1 would be missing several sections, or all sections are incomplete.
Use the link below to access an organizational template. Do not simply write in the boxes and submit it as your proposal.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/uw421a4yxcb1i1e/Science%20Lab%20Report%20Organizer.doc
Lab preparation work is required homework. For our last lab only 4 students across the entire grade completed the prep work.
Your density and flow rate worksheets will be homework-checked on the day of the lab (double period).
8C - we will set up the lab on one day, and run trials on the second day. You may need to set up more than one "station" in order to run several labs at the same time. Remember your team of teachers are here to assist you prepare, but not do the work for you.
Success Criteria:
Purpose: Stated as a question (Level 4 question why/how might/will)
Hypothesis: 2-3 sentences. If...then... We think this because....(make reference to Particle Theory/pages in the textbook to get level 4).
Materials: (type and quantity, and consider that you have to run multiple trials)
Procedure: (the exact steps to do your experiment - you will be assessed on how well you follow these)
A Level 4 proposal as all four requirements properly stated. A Level 3 would have all 4 requirements, but missing some details (ie hypothesis does not have explanation sentence, materials do not have quantity, procedure is vague). Level 2 would be missing 1 of the 4 sections, a level 1 would be missing several sections, or all sections are incomplete.
Use the link below to access an organizational template. Do not simply write in the boxes and submit it as your proposal.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/uw421a4yxcb1i1e/Science%20Lab%20Report%20Organizer.doc
Time Management Seminar
Reminder to all 7/8 students who are interested. There are 5 spots remaining.
Monday, 2 December 2013
Rotary Cancellation Reminder
As posted on our Class Calender, rotary is cancelled for all 7s and 8s this Wednesday and Thursday for the Director's Cut workshop.
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