Language and Math Tests Returned, update on Science Tests for Gr 7 and 8

A careless error was committed and the science tests for both the 7s and 8s are being remarked. Apologies for the delay. It shall not happen again.

The Point of View & Inferring Test class average was 79%.

The Unit 4 Integer Test has two marks: a raw average of 76% and an overall average of 73%.  The raw score is a sum of all the marks in each section (35 KU, 5 C, 5 T) expressed as a percentage, while the average noted on each test is an average of the marks in each of the three categories. Student's highest score between those two marks will be used for reporting purposes. This is not a regular practice as this test featured more KU type questions, where the T, C, and A focus of Integers is more exposed in Unit 5: Algebra.

On the use of averages. The primary setback with averages, while it gives a snap shot of a class/grade profile, is that it does not reflect any trends (upwards and/or downwards) in the specific students' progress. To have an average, there must be students/people above and below; it is reasonable to predict an undesired consequence in the 7A math program where students to feel "subpar" based on their own mark against the average. This particular test, as well as the test to come on Unit 7: Probability, featured both raw and average scores based on the sections, as the distribution of marks and the development of different types of questions was less equitable across the four categories. Since students should aim to have consistency in all 4 sections, one could argue that students will a lower difference between the raw and average scores are balancing their success across all 4 areas, whereas students who are excelling in one area should focus more on the others. As a general next step, students should begin to realize that KU, T, C, and A questions are equally important and an indication of various levels of thinking.

After today's general take up of the test, students are invited to email their teacher to book a 1-on-1 or up to 4-on-1 focus session to dig deeper into their own progress.

7A Language: Historical Character Profile

The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread is set upon the backdrop of American politics leading up to 1944. Today in our reading we encountered two people, Roosevelt and Thomas E Dewey.

Research and prepare a short (1 paragraph) biography on both of these people. To focus your research, tailor your biography to the events leading up to the election, and positions that Dewey and Roosevelt stood for.

Again, within the the context of historical fiction, we read another colloquialism, a phrase that has a specific meaning to the context, setting, and "trends" of a community. We can assume that phrases like "selfie," "omgrofllol," and "spamming" have no real connection to 1944, save perhaps spam meat.

What does the phrase "Clear it with Sidney" mean? Remember to use CREST in this response (4-7 sentences), as simply recalling the facts from the book is not enough.

Badminton and Volleyball Tourament Schedules

Badminton 2 Apr @ Bedford

	Court 1	Court 2	Court 3
13:10:00	LHMS v Bedford A	LHMS v Bedford A	LHMS v Bedford A
13:40:00	LHMS v Bedford A	LHMS v Bedford A	LHMS v Bedford B
14:10:00	LHMS v Bedford B	LHMS v Bedford B	LHMS v Bedford B
14:40:00	LHMS v Bedford B	CH Best v Bedford A	CH Best v Bedford A
15:10:00	CH Best v Bedford A	CH Best v Bedford A	CH Best v Bedford A
15:40:00	CH Best v Bedford B	CH Best v Bedford B	CH Best v Bedford B
16:10:00	CH Best v Bedford B	CH Best v Bedford B	Bedford A v Bedford B
16:40:00	Bedford A v Bedford B	Bedford A v Bedford B	Bedford A v Bedford B
17:10:00	Bedford A v Bedford B

Volleyball 10 Apr @ CH Best

Court 1		Court 2
10:00 11:00	CH Best – Avondale Pearson – Bedford Park Dublin – Bedford Park Avondale – Dublin CH Best – Pearson	Dublin – Pearson CH Best – Dublin Avondale – Pearson Bedford Park – CH Best Avondale – Bedford Park

Language Boosting Tips: A good read - explains why your teacher likes lame jokes

See if you can build your own, and attach it to the thread. Might be a nice addition to a debate, speech, or rant.

Lexophile & Paraprosdokians

"Lexophile" is a word used to describe those that have a love for punning wordplay, such as "you can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish", or "to write with a broken pencil is pointless." A competition to see who can come up with the best lexphillies is supposedly held every year in an undisclosed location.

This year's winning submission is posted at the very end.

          

.. When fish are in schools, they sometimes take debate.

.. A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

.. When the smog lifts in Los Angeles U. C. L. A.

.. The batteries were given out free of charge.

.. A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail.

.. A will is a dead giveaway.

.. With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.

.. A boiled egg is hard to beat.

.. When you've seen one shopping centre you've seen a mall.

.. Police were called to a day care centre  where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

.. Did you hear about the fellow whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.

.. A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.

.. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.

.. The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine is now fully recovered.

.. He had a photographic memory which was never developed.

.. When she saw her first strands of grey hair she thought she'd dye.

.. Acupuncture is a jab well done. That's the point of it.

.. And the cream of the wretched crop:

.. Those who get too big for their pants will be exposed in the end.

Paraprosdokians are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently humorous.  Winston Churchill loved them.

1. Where there's a will, I want to be in it.

2. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on my list.

3. Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

4. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.

5. We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.

6. War does not determine who is right - only who is left.

7. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit.. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

8. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

9. I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

10. In filling out an application, where it says, 'In case of emergency, Notify:' I put 'DOCTOR'.

11. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

12. I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure..

13. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.

ASTRONOMER: When you rearrange the letters:MOON STARER

DESPERATION:

When you rearrange the letters:A ROPE ENDS IT

THE EYES:  
When you rearrange the letters:
THEY SEE

ELECTION RESULTS:When you rearrange the letters:
LIES - LET'S RECOUNT

SNOOZE ALARMS: When you rearrange the letters:
ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S

A DECIMAL POINT: When you rearrange the letters:
I'M A DOT IN PLACE

 THE MORSE CODE:
When you rearrange the letters: 
HERE COME DOTS

Badminton and Co Ed Volleyball information - sign this blog by posting a comment so the coach knows you read it

Badminton Matches 2 Apr starting at 1300hrs @ Bedford. Eat lunch in Room 16, or meet in gym by 1200hrs to start setting up. We are the host school, so we want to put on a good show. Subs will battle against Lawrence Heights as a doubles-pair, starters will play against CH Best and Bedford A vs Bedford B.

7/8 Volleyball 10 Apr departing at 0940hrs for CH Best, first match @ 1100hrs and then continuous (no breaks) until end of day. Expect lots of subs during matches to keep everyone fresh. We are looking for parent volunteers for up to 15 players (3 vans?).

7A: Language: TGTSSB first 35 pages

http://www.harpercollins.com/browseinside/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061452963

Make sure to have a device if you do not her have your book. We are at about pg 25.

7A Language: Morris Paragraphs

Yesterday we started reading about Morris Bird III, and you were assigned to write a paragraph supporting your opinion on who Morris is most similar to, Anne, David, or Ender.

Post your (edited) paragraphs in this thread by the end of the week.

Urgent Practice Changes

1 - reminder there is no practice today after school

2 - Thursday's Badminton practice is now moved to Wednesday after school

Attention Grade 8 Parents: Science Update and Challenge Question

Based on the recent homework check (7 Lever Questions, as posted on the blog during the March Break):

8A had 10 with either incomplete work or work not able to be verified, not including absences

8B had 4 with either incomplete work or work not able to be verified, not including absences

8C had only 1 with either incomplete work or work not able to be verified, not including absences

The challenge question is due next class.

A 1kg mass is 10cm away from the fulcrum. Available for use are a 100g, 200g, and 500g mass. Use at least 2 blocks, not stacked upon each other, to balance out the Class 1 lever. Be sure to properly use formulae, substitution protocol, and include the correct units for your calculations.

Today in class you read about mechanical advantage; think about what is implied when MA = 1, < 1, and > 1.

Correction to Blues: No Badminton Tuesday 25 March after school

7A Language: Traits and Quotes

Today we discussed the 4 quotes that serve as the foreword to the novel The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread (http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/the-greatest-thing-since-sliced/9780061452963-item.html?ikwid=the+greatest+thing+since+sliced+bread&ikwsec=Home&gcs_requestid=0CPjO_LLdnL0CFdE_5wodmlEAAA) as well as our Character's Character Traits (bravery, fearful, determined, instinctive, curious, courageous, positive, frightened).

Post a reply on this blog by matching one character trait with one quote, and explaining why you think it is a good match. Use CREST (cre-t) to support your answer. Include some information about the person who said the quote (add your citations at the end of your post). Your response should be 7-8 sentences.

This will become an ongoing blog discussion. You are expected to have your responses up by Friday.

Quotes:

"I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself,
than to be crowded on a velvet cushion.
If a man does not keep paces with his companions,
perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.
Let him set to the music which he hears,
however measured or far away."
- Henry David Thoreau

"I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer."
- Ulysses Simpson Grant

"If I ever said, in grief or pride
I tired of honest things, I lied."
Enda St. Vincent Millay

"Life is just one damned thing after another."

Frank Ward O'Malley

Science Team Video Competition

Our Science Team Video is posted, and voting closes on April 1st.

Like it -  http://youtu.be/nxo-E99v4Qs

7A Math: Unit 5 Alebgra Outline

https://www.dropbox.com/s/tjiscrsnrozdn6w/Mathematics%20Unit%205%20Outline%20-%20Algebra%2C%20graphic%20relationships%20using%20integers.pdf

Copies will be available in class tomorrow.

Grade 7 Science Unit 4: Heat Course Outline, Unit Project Information

In this blog post you will find links to copies of the unit project and course outlines, as well as a replica of the rubric used for the particle theory comic strip.

Unit Outline
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7gw4c4f7xsknqis/Grade%207%20-%20Science%20and%20Technology%20Unit%204%20Outline%20-%20Earth%20and%20Space%20-%20Heat%20.pdf

Project Links:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/u6rw4a2or7x1p40/Science%20-%20Heating%20SME%20worksheets.pdf

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zfclor3hh7b09o5/Science%20-%20Heating%20SME%20%20Worksheet%20floor%20plans.pdf

https://www.dropbox.com/s/f16a22048az04do/Science%20-%20Heating%20SME%20%20Worksheet%20floor%20plans%20pg2.pdf

Science: Particle Theory Strip Rubric

Students are to make a comic strip explaining the 4 points of the particle theory.

1.5 Organizing Ideas / Expression and Organization of Ideas
Few particle theory points are organized into separate paragraphs	Few particle theory points are organized into separate paragraphs	Few particle theory points are organized into separate paragraphs	Few particle theory points are organized into separate paragraphs
3.1 and 3.2 Spelling
Familiar: > 5 mistakes Unfamiliar:  > 8  mistakes	Familiar: 4 – 5 mistakes Unfamiliar: 6 – 8 mistakes	Familiar: 2 - 3 mistakes Unfamiliar: 3 - 5 mistakes	Familiar: 1 or no mistakes Unfamiliar: 2 or few mistakes
Knowledge and Understanding
Demonstrates little knowledge of the particle theory	Demonstrates some knowledge of the particle theory	Demonstrates considerable knowledge of the particle theory	Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the particle theory
Demonstrates little understanding of content	Demonstrates some understanding of content	Demonstrates considerable understanding of content	Demonstrates thorough understanding of content
Creativity
Strip lacks characters, dialogue, speech/thought bubbles	Strip has some characters and little dialogue; some attempt at speech/thought bubbles	Strip has some characters and considerable dialogue and speech/thought bubbles	Strip has excellence use of both speech/though bubbles to communicate both ideas and plot

Science Enrichment: TDSB Science Fair at Leaside PS

There is an opportunity to send 3 science fair entries to a competition in May.

Students who are interested in participating in this competition for extra credit/enrichment shall attend a mandatory meeting noted on the calendar. Students should have 3 possible ideas they would like to further investigate.

Basic competition notes and expectations.

As studied each year, there are three branches of elementary science: Research, Inquiry, and Technological Problem Solving.

Research Science develops your learning by researching a topic in detail. These typically do not do well in a competition because the research question itself is weak (unless you are looking at competitive/contrasting data). For example, a science project on how a volcano works is a research science project as most students can not create volcanic eruptions of hot lava at home, or at school. Baking Soda/Vinegar reactions are cool, but not volcanic science. Reporting on developments in Cancer Research and Therapy may lead to the entry giving a series of suggestions based on the research. There needs to be a real focus for this research though, a really good question which is to be answered by the project.

Technological Problem Solving focuses on identifying a Society/Environment problem and developing/designing a solution for it. Some typical entries include prototypes, but are grounded in tangible application (for example, designing a space station around Pluto is far fetched, whereas developing a new probe for Mars with credible research is a good idea, a low cost environmentally friendly substitute for road salt would be even better). Most of these projects would reflect Kevin O'Leary's phrase of "building a better mouse trap," as viewers of Dragon's Den frequently watch pitches of this type. One of the award winning ideas from previous years was a lawn ornament shaped like a tree that had solar panels for leaves facing different angles, that produced a measurable better average energy than the same number of panels facing the ideal direction, and was far more aesthetically pleasing. A recent Google Science winner is a 16 year old girl who developed a LED flashlight that uses body heat energy to work. Her prototype is now patent-pending.

Inquiry Science focuses on designing and conducting a test, and essentially following the scientific method. Examples of this include consumer product testing. These are typically the best projects, and often branch into other fields of study. A recent entry in the 2012 Intel International Fair included the research necessary to demonstrate the mental health therapy benefits from allowing people to talk to horses.

Depending on the number of interest students (solo, or in pairs) there may be a school competition to determine the top three.

A proposal must be submitted prior to committing to the competition.

There will 2 or 3 meetings each week, during lunch, where students will report to their peers and teacher their progress and difficulties. This is as much a cooperation event as it is a competition.

Copying an experiment out of a book, especially with known results, will NOT be accepted.

URGENT: Changes to Reporting Late/Absences

change to the procedure: They now have to call the Safe Arrivals Line: 416-393-0967, Press 1, and leave a message for the office when their child is late or absent.

Informing the homeroom/core teacher is no longer a best practice (but always appreciated).

This message will be removed from the blog in 1 week.

7A Language: The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread

(soon to be) Welcome Back.

Many of you may be experiencing a 1-2wk delay in ordering the book. The language program will be modified to accommodate this, and we may delay the start of this novel study by 1 week. Many thanks to the students and parents who contacted the teacher.

Be sure to have ALL your notes from our previous three novels handy.

Grade 8 Science - Balancing Lever Review Notes and Link to Assignment

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9y7z4k43hfmgdji/Grade%208%20Science%20and%20Technology%20Unit%203%20Lever%20Worksheet.pdf

To find the distance to balance objects, you have to use the work formula (w=fd) for each side of the fulcrum. Start by calculating the work/energy for the side where you know both the force and the distance. When the lever is balanced, the work on one side equals the work on the other side for the fulcrum. That means you can use the same value for work and reapply the formula on the other side, knowing either force or distance, to solve for the value you don't know.

F = 10N                                           F= 2N
D = 4m                                            D= ?m
___x________________________x___
                    ^

W(left)=fd
= (10)(4)
= 40J

W(left)=W(right)

W(right)=fd
40 = (2)d
40/2 = d
d= 20m


This is the applied in a similar context when using class two and three levers. The difference is the W(left)=W(right) is replaced by the idea W(input or effort) = W(load), where the d(distance) is always the distance from the input force/effort applied to the fulcrum, or the load to the fulcrum.

Grade 7/8 CoEd Volleyball Tryout Information

As states on the Blues, only 7/8 Girls and Boys team members are able to try out, including those who continued to come out to train. This blog post contains vital information.

This variation of volleyball is called Reverse 6s, where the boys are not allowed to front court attack ahead of the attack line, or participate in a block. There is no rotation between exchanges in possession, meaning if you start position 4 you remain there. The severs do rotate, and so after you serve you would have to run back to your position.

Both teams are well trained this far, so we will be running a 5-1.

 (5 attackers and 1 dedicated penetrating setter coming up from the back court)

Skills coaches will be looking for in order to be a starter on the team:

Consistent serving

Calling the ball when passing

Calling for the ball when ready to hit

Girls: two- and three- person blocks, hitting, and tipping. We need a power, middle, and offside hitter.

Boys: diving, digging, 6-back defensive control with position 5 and 1 covering all tips, and good first pass off the serve, able to hit pipe and A and C ball.

Setter: the setter does not have to be exclusively a boy, however they need to be willing to utilize all hitters as options, and attempt to back-set the right side/C ball hitter. 

Our roster including subs is predicted, but not restricted, to 10 players, 4 girls and boys each, and am additional 2 players.

This may be the last year for coed volleyball, so be ready to work, and support and encourage each other. There are three tryouts this week, be sure to let your coaches know exactly why you can not attend.

Happy Pi Day

3.14

Books to purchase

The first novel, is The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread, by Don Robertson (http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/the-greatest-thing-since-sliced/9780061452963-item.html?ikwid=the+greatest+thing+since+sliced+bread&ikwsec=Home&gcs_requestid=0CMjmvpbwir0CFYnx5wodsUwAAA). It is another coming of age type story, which will allow us to prepare a proper argumentative essay where students are able to draw from 4 different characters from 4 different books.

 

The second book is Malcom Gladwell's The Outliers (http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/outliers-the-story-of-success/9780316017930-item.html?ikwid=the+outliers&ikwsec=Home&gcs_requestid=0CLiCgYvyir0CFYnx5wodsUwAAA). You will be able to contrast yourselves and the novel characters against some of the issues raised in Gladwell's book.

 

Parents have already received a letter via email from the 7A Class Parent.

 

Animation of the Space Race

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc.com/future/bespoke/20140304-how-big-is-space-interactive/index.html

Grade 8 Science: Giant Virus from 30,000 Ice Core Sample

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/giant-virus-revived-from-ancient-permafrost-1.2558417

7A riddle: YOW

If you can figure out that little aviation riddle, then you figured out an April Surprise. Stand by for more details.

SEEDS

If you are registered for SEEDs, and your spot is booked/confirmed, kindly email the science teacher as soon as possible.

Congrats Girls 7/8 Volleyball Team!

You each represented yourselves, your team, and Bedford Park very well, capturing SECOND PLACE IN THE CITY! Bravo. What a glorious battle and fantastic season. Sorry we didn't get to do a rah rah rah after our match, but kudos to all of you who came right back and got to work. It demonstrates incredible maturity.

There will be a quick team meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) 1135 in Room 16 for the Banner Signing Celebration! Only about 5 minutes.

Grade 8 Science: Proving Levers

q1

You are given a 200g and a 500g block, an eraser as your fulcrum and a 30cm ruler. Sketch and calculate a balanced class 1 lever.  You will prove your solution as a homework check.

q2

Simulate, sketch, and calculate a human arm lifting 200g at the elbow. How much energy is required to hold it level, and start to move it. Assume that youe muscle fibers are 1cm away from the elbow; calculate the force required from your bicep. Hint: what kind of lever is your arm?