Friday 28 February 2014

ps

now we can find the train =)

Call for Science Volunteers for Wed 5 March 2014 at Lunch

If there are 3 Gr 7 students and 2-3 Gr 8 groups that would like to showcase their recent projects to a panel of Bedford teachers please contact your Science Teacher by Sunday, 2 March.

Note to 7A

Good work, another good week. Your efforts, individually and collectively as a class, make every day worth it.


Grade 7 Math - Build Your Own Integer Question

Post your questions by commenting on this thread.

Solve 5 of them in your notebooks, and be sure to show your work and doodle.

Thursday 27 February 2014

Grade 8 Science - Air-Powered Cars using Pneumatics and Hydraulics

Very cool article. Interesting that this idea developed more for airplanes than for cars, but is reasonably practical that Europe is rolling them out in 2016.

http://www.popsci.com/article/cars/car-runs-air

Science: Adaptations

Remember this concept from Grade 6?

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/cities-causing-genetic-changes-in-plants-animals-1.2533951

Grade 7A and 7B Online Web Discussion

http://wp.patheos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/blogs/exploringourmatrix/files/2013/11/wpid-Photo-Nov-29-2013-1045-PM.jpg

There is quite a bit of talk about the addiction to devices, but we all know it is about personal regulation and discipline. The following CBC articles help to make the image an interesting discussion point

http://www.cbc.ca/newsblogs/yourcommunity/2014/02/live-chat-youth-obsession-with-technology.html

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/kids-need-to-offset-screen-time-with-nature-time-1.2543165

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/social-media-affecting-teens-concepts-of-friendship-intimacy-1.2543158

After reading the articles...what do you think? You are the generation that people talk about...your experience really does matter. Share your thoughts, speak your mind.

Wednesday 26 February 2014

Last Chance for Grade 8 Science Projects Friday 28 Feb Lunchtime

If the project not finished by Friday and there is no substantial note in writing from your parents it will be considered incomplete. There will be no more time to work on it. It was quite surprising to see the lack of students coming today to finish their projects.

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Grade 8 Science Reminder - Hydraulics

Room 16 is open for you to work on your projects tomorrow at lunch. These shall be finished by the end of the week.

Pink Day Reminder

Rock the pink.
Solidarity.
Support.
Courage.

7A Math and Language Sheets

While most of you have the math sheets from today, many of you openly stated that you are not going to do them in order to study for the science test. These statements were made during your periods today in the Library. Some of you also opted to "go on the computers" instead of doing work. One would hope that students make good decisions.

As it seems you have your work cut out for you in preparing for the test, have the math and language sheets complete for Thursday morning.

URGENT: Grade 7 Science Test - Structures Theory Test: Periods 1 and 2 26 Feb 14

Due to the assembly in the afternoon, the test for both 7A and 7B are during period 1 and 2 in your homerooms.

Today the following questions were assigned as study questions. They are not necessary, nor will they be checked. It is reasonable to accept that different students study differently, and there is a large number of students that do well with more questions rather than memorization and repetition.

107 #6
115 #7
139 #5
161 #6
168 #4
177 #13


Monday 24 February 2014

Language Questions from Today

  • What themes, values or attitudes are presented in commercials that air during the TV shows you watch?
  • -  Do you think that you are influenced by those messages?
  • -  How do ads and commercials shape your opinion of various goods and services?
  • -  Do you avoid watching commercials, or do you enjoy it?
    Do you find them annoying and worthless, or engaging and entertaining?
  • -  Have you ever bought a product or service because of an advertisement or commercial? If so, what was it, and how did the advertisement entice you?

Unit 3 Math Tests Returned

Test take up will be on Friday, which is the same day you are expected to have your tests signed and returned.

Class average was 76% (apologies for misspeaking earlier and reporting 78%).

Question 3 Option 1 Part (b) was removed as the question was too leading of a question for its purpose. This website (http://www.mathopenref.com/triangleincenter.html) was part of the intention of raising the argument to defend your work. It was good to see some students acknowledge human error factors, however in retrospect this particular part of the question was not well suited.

If a rubric is provided, be sure to use it as a check list. Titles for a graph need to have date and author otherwise the statistical information provided is not valid nor can be used (CREST) to support/refute and argument.

Multiple-level discounts (eg 10%, and then another 10%) can not be combined. It reads 10% of the original, then another 10% of the portion.

For example, 10% of 100 is 10, so the balance is 90. Another 10% is 9, so the balance is 81. 20% of 100 is 20, so the balance is 80. A difference of 1 could have significant implications. What if this was 100...million...dollars. That variance of "1" is 10 million dollars!

Proper form: many of you are still short cutting your work by not starting with the formula and following the proper form. If you are still having trouble, or would like some 1-on-1 coaching, send an email to your teacher. Algebra is upon us, and a lack of proper form is treasure hunting without an accurate map.

Slow down. You are expected to be pushed in a test, but it is not appreciated when you rush through question completely overlooking the actual objective. Units units units. You are all able to read for detail, and there is a significant personal improvement for many of you in specific areas (K T C A). Please email your teacher directly if you would like comparative statistical data based on the math unit tests thus far.

1 on 1 sessions are available next week if requested by email.

Friday 21 February 2014

Grade 8 Science - Completing Hydraulic Projects

The remaining supplies are in.

Monday and Thursday of next week are available days for construction.

Many teachers have popped in to praise your construction designs. Well Done.

7A Notes and Reminders

On 3 March 7A will be attending an Engineering Workshop at Locke Library.

Science Theory test is on 26 Feb and the Hands on Test on 5 March.

Be sure to refer to the blog calendar.

Administrative duties start on Monday.

Congrats to (female) and (male) on being selected by their peers and teachers to represent 7A at the Bedford Speech Arts Competition.

Math Questions will be checked on Tuesday.

Room 16 is available during lunch if needed to complete assignments for Core and Rotary.

Return report cards slips by Monday 24 Feb.

Scholastic forms are available for the next batch. Please have them returned prior to the March Break.


Thursday 20 February 2014

wow

Again...thank you for your incredible work with the speeches. You should all be proud of yourselves and as a class.

Bravo Zulu

Wednesday 19 February 2014

Urgent Update for Speech Presentations Tomorrow

27 students (5mins each + 1 min for transition etc) = 135 + 27

Periods are 40 mins each @4 160 @5 200

Therefore we need 4 periods for the speeches. Periods 5,7,8 for speeches (120mins). Possible speeches during period 6 (Fr). Stand by for update tomorrow morning in class.

Friday 14 February 2014

STOP PLAYING WITH THE PROJECTS ON DISPLAY

It is with great pleasure to showcase your work, but stop playing with the projects. People are breaking them, either deliberately to see how much stress force can be applied, or accidentally by just playing with them. Either way it is not fair to the designers, or to the teacher who has to spend time trying to repair them or simply discover that they are broken.

If you see other students playing with them advise your science teacher immediately.

Grade 8 Hydraulics Project

Due to the fact that we ran out of syringes, groups which still need supplies will be allowed to come in and work on Tuesday during the lunch period. Supplies are on rush order, and will (should) be here by then. If not we will delay until Wednesday.

Thursday 13 February 2014

Grade 7 Science Questions Homework Check

107 #1-5
148 #1-9

7B will be collected during morning recess. 7A will leave their science questions at their seats in room 16 and will be checked during the French period.

Kudos to students who knew they were going to be away and already submitted the questions for review.

Wednesday 12 February 2014

7/8 Girls Volleyball

Early Congrats,

You have locked a spot in the playoffs, 25 Feb 14 in the pm (check the blog's calendar for details). We've also mathematically locked up first place.

Well done. You all continue to impress your coaches with your agility, determination, team work, and development.

Tomorrow and Friday's practice will be focused quite heavily on skill development.

Again...well done.

Desks on Display

Tomorrow, after school, students from 7A and 7B will be invited to put their desks on display. If you have any old/spare shoeboxes, please bring them in so we can create various levels for display on the tables.

Grade 8 Science: Final week for construction

Reminder to all groups that your final construction is Due on Friday.

Thurs, Fri at Lunch and Thurs after school until 1630 will be additional work time as required.

Teachers from other classes were invited to check out the work in progress, and are quite impressed with all that all 3 classes are capable of. The displays of your collective projects will be awesome.

Keep up the good work...and yes...it DOES work!

"Science Shout Outs" to the ELM crew from 8C for finishing their project first.

URGENT: Co-Ed Volleyball CANCELLED on Friday (Girls only, plus practice squad)

Due to the "close call" 23-25 victory against DH, Friday's practice is only for the 7/8 girls and our Four Musakteer practice. We will be working on defensive coverage. Bring your kneepads. Starting tomorrow we are learning how to dive and dig.

Side OUT.

About Today...

Today was a good day. It was a day that makes any teacher really proud and inspired about what students can accomplish. The wide range of speech topics, the level of dedication towards research, citations, and concise thoughts is admirable.

Please contact your teacher if you have any concerns with the content, flow, or general ideas about your speech.

A final draft is expected on Tuesday.  Presentations are on Thursday.

Always have your speech work with you. With 12 computers and an iPad for our exclusive 7A use in the classroom, there will always be resources to do work if the opportunity presents itself.

Tuesday 11 February 2014

Stats

According to Blogger 60% of visitors to this blog use the Safari browser...and it displays it in a nifty circle graph too!

Notes for 7A: Ender's Game Projects...missing books...missed homework checks...P/T Interviews...Up Coming Novel Studies...and other things...

Ender's Game Projects: Pretty sure we said we would take them home today..iIf your project is still on display you are expected to be here by 0820hrs to pack it all up. If not they will be scavenged for what can be to the box of random goodness. A force of maddie proportions will then dispense with them to the appropriate receptacle.

We are still missing 1 copy of I am David. We are going to incur late fines...

If you miss a homework check or assignment deadline, it is YOUR responsibility to follow up with a teacher, rather than them chasing you down. Our indoor recesses are a really good time for things of this nature.

Chess Team: Bedford is considering entering 2 Grade 7/8 Chess teams into a team-chess competition. First try out is on Tuesday 18 Feb. Experience is required as we will not be able to use this as a learning-about-the-basics opportunity.

Parent Teacher Interviews...students and parents requesting an interview are invited to contact the specific teacher directly my email (firstname.lastname@tdsb.on.ca)

Our next novel study will be The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread, by Don Robertson, and The Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell. Students are encouraged to have their own copies by the end of February. These will wrap up our fiction and non-fiction texts, with the final unit of the school year focusing on poetry, expression, and media.

Bring your devices in tomorrow; we will be spending an extensive amount of time working on our speeches. We expect to have a complete draft finished by the end of the day.

Cleanliness...too many things are left behind at the end of the period/day...pencils, rules, homework from rotary subjects etc. Please remember to clean up after yourselves when  you are packing up to leave ANY classroom or instructional area.

Extra-curricular involvement: It is your responsibility to manage your time effectively. Why not experiment with it by volunteering outside of school hours. There may be opportunities at Locke Library and PJ Pets for student volunteers. Consider seeking one out if you find yourself idling by the non-academic screen.

Bags and Indoor footwear: General reminder that bags should be stashed under the table/desk instead of slinging them on the back of a chair or occupying a vacant seat. Try to change into dry footwear during the school day to avoid puddles in the classroom.

A journal was published last week finding the oldest star in the universe (thus far), making the new estimated age of the universe 13.7 billion years.





Extra Time - Wed pm

On Wednesday, 12 Feb from 1530 - 1630 is open time for up to 11 Grade 8 projects to come in and work at a table.

Students from 7A are also invited to stay for feedback and assistance with their speeches, or finish their desk projects.


Sunday 9 February 2014

Attention all science students

additional project work times are on the calendar connected with this blog.

Friday 7 February 2014

Cool Structures

https://www.touchofmodern.com/sales/shiner-international--6/mood-rocking-bed?sale=1&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Subscribers-production&utm_campaign=Daily%20Sales%202014-02-07&email=rgsanimal%40gmail.com&open=1

"Admin Assistance" Periods and Parent Teacher Interviews

Due to the compressed schedule for both volleyball teams and starting up a Grade 7/8 chess team, the detention periods and parent teacher interviews will occur from 24 - 28 Feb 14. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Emails for interview requests will be welcomed after Wednesday, 12 Feb 14.

Speech Prompts

February is dedicated to social justice, specifically racism.

Perhaps these two prompts may help:

- learn about a hero and tell why he/she has changed the world
- learn about a social justice issue and tell how it impacts the world

Please have your electronic devices for all language classes Monday through to Friday next week to work on our speeches.

Thursday 6 February 2014

Returning I am David

Tomorrow (Friday) morning you will be returning your copies of I am David and submitting your 28 questions. This will be concurrent during Ms Lewis's lesson in the morning.

Drama Assignment

Monologue Reflection

Type your responses to the following 4 prompts and attach all of your monologues to it.

1. Why did you choose your monologue?

2. How did you prepare for this week's delivery?

3. How was your performance?

4. In what areas [of drama] would you like to improve?

Bedford Grade 7/8 Chess Team Tryouts

Any 7/8 students interested in playing competitive chess against other schools should email the science teacher by Sunday 9 February.

Please indicate in the email number of years of experience with chess.

Unfortunately at this time students will be expected to know the basic game play. This team will not (yet) be an opportunity to learn how to play chess.

Teams are made up of 5 chess-letes, and Bedford intends to send two teams to the competition in March.

Wednesday 5 February 2014

Updated: 7A Speech Arts Competition - February 19

Speech Brainstorm (3 storms required, each on a separate page)

Answer each prompt:

1: Are you speaking to Inform or Persuade?
2: Is your delivery going  to be serious or comedic/satirical?
3: What is the main message or moral?
4: What are 2 possible titles?
5: What is the topic?

You should click on the dropbox link to find and read 3 supporting documents about Speech Arts: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/usmie9ojhu481fj/CKNt0Jq5je

Your brainstorms are due on Monday, 10 February during Language


Monday 3 February 2014

On borrowed time

All 7A students shall be seated in their seats at 0845hrs sharp. This is 5 minutes prior to the start of school. You are allowed to enter the school at 0840.

As a class, make this happen. Demonstrate your commitment to helping each other as a class. Be 7A. Be ambitious,  responsible, dedicated, and daring.

Did you miss today's math test?

Whenever you miss a test you are expected to contact the teacher via email as soon as possible.

Anyone who missed today's test SHALL be expected to be at school at 0720hrs. Meet directly in the gym to write the test. Bring what you need.

If you can not make it you need to email your teacher tonight.

Assigned Administration Assistance

Dear Followers of the 7A Blog,

Today students received notes to be signed by their parents regard a variety of missed core-subject deadlines. A point scheme was marked on the side that subjectively related to the number of periods that were lost based on incomplete work, forgotten work, and being unprepared.

At this point in the school year week-long deadlines should not be missed.
 
All teachers appreciate students who are consistently on time.

Students will sign up for admin. assistance in room 16 between 10 and 14 February (apologies as the letter states March by accident). There are fifteen 30min sessions available. There should not be a reason why students can not complete their additional duties.

Duties will include student file maintenance, cleaning and preparing lab equipment, classroom beautification, and assisting other Rotary teachers with similar responsibilities.

While there are many different factors, one could conclude that the general abatement of punctuality is attributed to the lack of a seating plan. As a community 7A requires much more oral refocusing cues in both Core and French.

A new assigned seating plan will be in effect tomorrow morning. Moral of the story: you reap what you sow...let us move forward by returning to meeting expectations.

Please email the teacher if there are any specific concerns.

Math Review Percentage Apologies

The questions on the extra study sheets from last week were complied from a question bank used for tutoring. The Percent-Interest questions are WAY beyond the scope of Grade 7, and will not be on the test (7-9). The other percentage questions are a good review.

My sincerest apologies for this oversight.

Sunday 2 February 2014

Grade 8 Science - Solutions to practice test

Viscosity:
-A fluid’s resistance to flow and movement
-“thickness” of a fluid
-caused by the attraction between the fluid’s particles (strong attraction =
thick, more viscous, like corn syrup / weak attraction = runny, less viscous, like
water)

Hydraulics:
-closed system that uses LIQUIDS to do work
-pressure is applied to the liquid, the force is transferred through the liquid to
do work
-used in things like heavy machinery, especially since it is more efficient than
pneumatics

Pneumatics:
-closed system that uses GASES to do work
-pressure is applied and the force transferred through the gas to do work
-not as efficient as hydraulics because gas particles are farther apart than liquid
particles
-can be found in things like drills, office chairs, etc.

Density:
-the amount of mass in a certain volume of a substance (measured in g/mL)
-“heaviness” of a substance
-caused by how many particles are in a certain volume of a substance, so the
more particles, the denser it is.


1) Explain why solids that flow are not fluids.

- solids that flow are solids that “flow” like fluids.
BUT they:
-don’t take the shape of their container, instead forming piles.
-particles in these solids don’t flow past each other like they do in real fluids (think back to
student demonstration)
-the solids “flow” as pieces of solid, the particles don’t flow

2) Which fluid can be compressed more, liquid or gas. Explain your choice using the particle
theory.

-Gas is more compressible than liquid
-gas particles are farther apart than particles in liquid, so the spaces between gas particles are
larger
-when gas and liquid are compressed, there are more empty spaces for the gas particles to fill
-the liquid particles are already close together so there is little space for them to get closer
together
*remember, liquid particles still have some space (not no space) in between, all particles do…


3) Two items with the same mass are placed in identical water tanks. Item 1 displaces 50mL
of water. Item 2 displaces 65mL of water. Explain why there is a difference in the water
displaced. What can be inferred about the density of the 2 items?

-since the 2 items have the same mass, the difference in displaced water is caused by their
different volumes (space the item takes up)
-since item 1 takes up less space (lower volume, smaller), but weighs the same, it is denser than
item 2
-item 2 needs more space to have the same mass, so it is not as dense as item 1


4) An object is dropped into two types of fluids. In fluid A, the object sinks. In fluid B, the
same object floats. Using proper terms and particle theory, explain what happened.

-the same object is used for both, so the fluids have different densities
-fluid A is less dense than the object because the object has negative buoyancy (sinks) in it. This
means that there are more particles in the same amount of space (volume) of the object than
the fluid A. The buoyancy force of fluid A is not as strong as the forces pushing the object down
-fluid B is more dense than the object because the object has positive buoyancy (floats). This
means the fluid has particles in the same amount of space when compared to the object. The
buoyancy force of fluid B is strong enough to keep the object afloat
-the particles in fluid A are not as close together as the particles in fluid B, so fluid B is denser
and has a higher buoyancy force (since object is the same)

5) How would you use water displacement to find the mass of an object? (The density of the
water is 1g/mL)

-since the water displaced will have the same volume as the object, we can measure the amount of
water displaced by the object to find the mass
-we can take the volume of the displaced water and calculate (multiply the density by volume) or since the density of water is 1g/mL, we can say that the volume will be equal to the mass
*some people also explained step by step how to displace the water, collect, measure and calculate

Saturday 1 February 2014

Take a Break and remember History!

Some of you crammed into B1 but the balloon would not inflate.

Despite the advertising at the end...this is amazing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYw4meRWGd4

Be careful, during the violent spin viewers have commented on feeling stomach-sick.

Just awesome.