Blog Archives

Friday: SNOW!

2/28/2014

Today we started by reading from our read-aloud novel, 'Counting by Sevens' by Holly Goldberg Sloan. Some students wrote down some amazing deep connections that were inspired by the book's exquisite language. After recess we took pictures with our buddies while incorporating our photography skills. (Rule of Thirds, BEV, WEV, Macro and Perspective) After lunch, we did some silent reading and worked on our Genius Hour projects. (BLURB COMPLETED BY MAVEN)
1.) ART

Take around 25-30 photos so you have a selection to choose from when you work on your 'DAY IN THE LIFE OF ME' projects this week.
Be sure to put thought into your work and how you compose your images. Click here to learn a few more composition rules!
Be sure to save all your image to your Google Drive or your mobile device so you have it at school tomorrow.

2.) MATH 6: Any assigned work.
MATH 7: Complete any unfinished questions from class.

3.) French

Finish drawing and colouring the picture side of postcard- mercredi
Ask your family if they would like to check out Festival du Bois this weekend!

4.) POST A RESPONSE:

In a short paragraph, describe in your own words what helps you learn the best.

VIDEO LINK:
To be updated

THURSDAY: Anti-Bullying Movement

2/27/2014

Shane Koyczan -To this Day Project

We started the day with some Language Arts. We watched the video 'To This Day' by Shane Koyczan, which inspired all of us enough to write about it. The video is about bullying, and many of us have experienced bullying in some way, shape, or form. Whether we were bystanders or victims. We also started taking photos for our 'Day in the Life of Me' projects, and finished off the day by starting our 'Happy Dances' for the video we're making. Click here to see the original 24 hour happy dance!

1.) MATH 6: Any assigned work.
MATH 7: (SHOW ALL WORK)

Pick 5 stocks and add up their prices on paper. Check with a calculator.
Take your most expensive stock and subtract the price of the least expensive stock from it. Check with a calculator.
Complete worksheet (You will receive this tomorrow)

2.) ART:

You all have your criteria sheets. Start taking creative photos for your 'A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ME' projects.
You will share some of them with the class tomorrow. Feel free to make a quick presentation and post a link to it here so you can get some feedback from your classmates.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

The anti-bullying movement has been going strong in Canada for a number of years.
After seeing the Shane Koyczan - To This Day Project, write about any connections you have to anything that you saw. Your post is not limited to simply this video, but feel free to draw from your personal connections to this video.
What is your honest opinion about 'BULLYING'?

4.) POST A RESPONSE #2:

Continue with post a response #1. Let's see if we can get the entire class involved. Today's LA class was a powerful one.

WEDNESDAY: Photography

2/26/2014

Jumping for the love of learning!

Today we had a fun day full of art, math, and writing. In the morning, We edited and revised our response paragraphs from the books we read a few weeks ago, "How Smudge Came" and "Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt". We then learned how to calculate profits from purchase prices and quantities purchased (STOCKS). In the afternoon, we practiced our new photo-taking skills by taking photos that included perspective, bird's and worm's eye view, macro and rule of thirds. We all had lots of fun outside taking these photos, and they all turned out well.
Written by Maven

1.) ART:

Continue taking photos using your composition skills. Collect them and store them in your Google Drive.
Make sure you place strategically place your object into your photos (most of the shots will incorporate the macro setting)

2.) MATH 6: Any assigned work.
MATH 7:

Watch this video.
You have a short quiz tomorrow based on this video and on the questions covered in class today.
Complete this question:

1.) If you purchased 5 shares of APPLE at today's closing price and sell it next week if it goes up to
$732.45 per share, how much profit will you make? Assume that you have to pay a
commission/fee of $6.99 when you bought the stocks and another $6.99 when you sell the
stocks. (USE ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION ONLY - SHOW ALL YOUR WORK)

3.) PERMISSION FORM:

After you read this, immediately ask your parents to sign the form and to provide you with the money for swimming next week.
Then, put it in your bag so you don't forget to bring it to school tomorrow.

4.) POST A RESPONSE:

Take at least 6 good quality photos using any device (mobile device or camera). Really think about the composition of your photos.
Create a quick Google presentation (or other type of presentation) and include at least 1 of each type of image listed below. Do your best to incorporate as many different skills into your images as possible.
Post a link to your presentation here.
Watch one of the presentations and give them a few things to work on.

a.) Macro shot
b.) Bird's Eye View
c.) Worm's Eye View
d.) Perspective
e.) Action Shot
f.) Rule of thirds

VIDEO LINKS:
How Stocks Work - Investing Basics

TUESDAY: Golf

2/25/2014

Learning how to golf!

Today, students practiced using their composition skills in art by using the digital cameras and their mobile devices. They worked on creating images using the rule of thirds, worm's eye view, bird's eye view, perspective, and using the macro setting. We are all excited to see the presentations the students created and will be watching them tomorrow morning after band. The title of the short presentations is, "A Day in Division 4!"

1.) MATH 6: Any assigned work.
MATH 7: We will mark 3.2 tomorrow and your stock sheet. In addition to this, be sure to have your word problem completed for tomorrow.

2.) ART:

Start practicing taking photos for your 'DAY IN THE LIFE OF ME' projects and share them with the class tomorrow.
Be sure to emphasize your composition skills in each and every photo. Give thought into each one you take.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

What skills have you learned so far about photography over the last year (Gr. 7's) and over the last few days (Gr. 6)?
Did you learn anything new? If so, what did you learn?
What have you learned about composition?
Post a link to your presentation if you have it available. Don't forget to put a caption below each photo stating which skill or skills you used in your composition of the photo.

4.) POST A RESPONSE #2:

Watch the Respect Rap for some ideas.
What should respect look like in the classroom between you and your classmates?
What should respect look like in the classroom between you and your teachers?

VIDEO LINKS:
Respect Rap

MONDAY: Photography - 'A Day in the Life Project'

2/24/2014

Collaborative Research/Notes via Google Drive

Today, the students learned about photography. More specifically, they worked with partners and with the entire class in adding to a collaborative document on Google Drive. They researched, gave their own definitions, and provided example images that displayed each term. The terms included composition, rule of thirds, perspective, depth of field, bird's eye view, worm's eye view, macro, and a few others. The grade 7 students, being familiar with these terms from last year, buddied up with the grade 6 students and went to work teaching them about photography. Tomorrow, the students will start documenting, "A Day in the Life of ME" using an object that best represents their characters, similar to the 'LEGOGRAPHER' images.
1.) MATH 6: Any assigned work.
MATH 7:

Complete stock sheet using instructions from class.
Calculate the total value of each of your 5 stock purchases. For example, simply take the closing price of each of your stocks from Thursday or Friday and multiply it by the number of shares you purchased. You must show all your work on paper. Double check your answers using a calculator. If you do not show your work, you will have to redo it. Write down each of your 5 answers in words using the PLACE VALUE knowledge you learned in class today.
Add up the total value of ALL your shares! This means you must add up your answers from your multiplication questions. Show all your work and double check your work with your calculators.
Calculate on paper your highest total value minus your lowest total value.
If you have any questions, post them here and someone will help you with it.

2.) ART:

Choose an object that represents you that you would like to use for your 'A Day in the Life of...' project. Bring it to school tomorrow.
Start taking some images that you may want to use. Make sure you try to incorporate everything you learned about the different skills you need. Refer to your collaborative notes that you you completed in class today.
365 Days - LegoGRAPHER

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

What object did you choose for your art project and why?
Be sure to give a detailed explanation of how this object represents you and who you are as a person.
Bring this object to school tomorrow.

WEB LINKS:
Lego Travels the World in 365 Days

VIDEO LINKS:
Photography Composition - Viewpoint and Angles

THURSDAY: Genius Hour

2/21/2014

Today, the students were given a block of time to learn about anything something they were passionate about. They learned that creativity takes time and that they all have something to offer the world! Something that is obvious to them, is amazing to others! Click here to watch the video that was shared with the class! Share this video with your parents and your other family members! Also, show them what 'GENIUS HOUR' is actually all about!

1.) MATH 6: Any assigned work. Check your teacher's website.
MATH 7:

Worksheet 3.1 and 3.2.
Complete your selection of 5 new companies and fill in your handout with the date, name of company ticker symbol, and the closing price of the company from Thursday or Friday.

2.) POST A RESPONSE #1:

What is something that is really obvious to you that you're passionate about. Explain in a short paragraph.
Many of us have spent years practicing a sport or hobby and have become quite good at it. We don't always realize that it has taken a lot of hard work to actually get to the point where you are today. What is obvious to you can be amazing to otherS

3.) POST A RESPONSE #2:

Click here to see the Plant and Animal Cell project video and to post your reflection in the YouTube comments section of this video.
Click here to see the criteria for your reflection from yesterday's post a response.

3.) SHOWCASED WEBSITES/POST A RESPONSE #3

Comment on at least 3 different blog pages on each of the following websites. Be sure to give them POSITIVE comments and something they can do to improve their sites!
Also, post a quick message on our class site on what you learned about your classmates!
Meagan's Website
Abby's Website
If you would like your website showcased, send me a quick email with a link to your site!

VIDEO LINKS:

WEDNESDAY: Deep Questions, Connections, and Phrases

2/19/2014

Plant/Animal Cell Project Video

Most of the Plant and Animal Cell models/projects have been marked. Click here to watch the video of what you all created! I enjoyed seeing the creativity that came out in your projects!

In Language Arts, we focused on working on our comprehension strategies. Students worked on developing their ability to create deeper questions, connections, and how to identify and explain powerful phrases. I was pleased to see how many students shared their deep connections during our discussion about 'Counting by 7s'.

1.) MATH 6: Any assigned work. Check your teacher's website.
MATH 7:

Complete your stock portfolio calculations if you didn't complete them in class. If you have any questions, post them here and someone will help you out.
Complete worksheet 3.1
Research and choose 5 companies for tomorrow. You will need the closing price, name, and ticker symbol of the companies so you can complete your activities in class tomorrow.

2.) POST A RESPONSE:

Click here to watch the plant and animal cell project video on YouTube.
In the comment section of the YouTube Clip, post a reflection. Your reflection must include the following:

1.) Did you learn how to properly wet mount a specimen? What was easy? Challenging? Explain
briefly.
2.) Did you learn how to properly focus a microscope on a specimen? Was it easy? What was
challenging? Explain briefly.
4.) Did you learn about the different organelles are in plant and animal cells? What did you learn?

3.) POST A RESPONSE #2/SHOWCASED WEBSITES:

To be updated

VIDEO LINKS:
Div 4 Plant and Animal Cell Projects

TUESDAY: Google Finance and Decimals

2/18/2014

Getting creative on an inside day!

Today, the students participated in their first golf lesson. They learned about the different clubs and also how to use the wedge and the putter. The special instructor that came to Hillcrest emphasized that focus, posture, and positioning are all important when playing golf. Check out the video link on Tiger Woods' golf swing!

1.) MATH 6: Any assigned work.
MATH 7:

Go to 'Google Finance' and do some research on some companies you have heard of or are interested in learning more about. For example, you might look up Facebook, Google, or Microsoft?

Pick 5 companies you are interested in purchasing shares/stocks in. Write down the name of the company.
Write down the company 'TICKER' symbol. For example, the ticker symbol for Microsoft is 'MSFT'.
Write down the closing price of the share today.
Yes.....that's all you have to do today! :-)

2.) SOCIAL STUDIES:

Complete your 'What in the World' booklet.
Write down your visible thinking on the 2 page article.
Complete the questions and inference question.
Complete the colouring and labelling of the map.

2.) POST A RESPONSE #1:

Why is it important to be nice and respectful to the people around you?
Can happiness affect the people around you?
Do you think it can be infectious?
What would happen if everyone treated each other with respect? (R.O.L.E.S.)

3.) POST A RESPONSE #2/SHOWCASED WEBSITES:

Drop your classmates at least 3 comments on their different blog posts.
V2000's Website
Oracle's Website
Post a quick message here letting everybody know what you learned about V2000 and Oracle from checking our their sites!

VIDEO LINKS:

MONDAY: FSA EXAM

2/17/2014

Today's Read Aloud

Today was a busy day for the Grade 7 students. They started writing their FSA exams which they will continue for the rest of the week.

Tomorrow, the students will begin golf lessons as part of their physical education program. We have special golf specialists who will be teaching them during our PE class for several weeks. It is always great when we can learn new and exciting things!

1.) SCIENCE:

If you haven't already done so, be sure to have your three specimens ready to be observed tomorrow. A good idea would be to have some plant and animal cells to look at.

3.) POST A RESPONSE / HIGHLIGHTED WEBSITES:

Take a tour of the following websites.
Icestone's Website
Ichigo's website
Post at least 3 comments on 3 different pages. Your comments can be positive comments and things that you think they can improve on. For example, if they posted reflections but didn't mention learning intentions, ask them to include them.....politely. :-)
Also, post a message here letting me know what you learned from checking out both of their websites.

VIDEO LINKS:

TED TALK - 15 Year Old Genius

Friday: Valentine's Day

2/15/2014

Today was a an energy packed day full of candies and treats. The students started the day off by sharing treats and Valentine's Day cards with one another. Was this a wise decision on my part? Perhaps? ;-) The students enjoyed a day full of fun and exciting learning.

In Science, the students continued working on making qualitative and quantitative observations of different objects. They will put their scientific observation skills to the test on Monday when they observe three items of their choice under the compound microscopes.

1.) PARENT AND STUDENT SURVEY:

All students and parents are asked to complete this survey. CLICK HERE.

2.) SCIENCE:

Be sure to have your 3 specimens ready to observe under the microscope on Monday.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

We started the day off today by listening and watching to the 'Happy' video of people simply being happy and dancing!
We talked about how having a positive attitude can easily have a domino effect on the people around you. Following this discussion, every single student in the class gave one of their classmates an uplifting and positive comment. The students were amazed at how some simple words were able to make them feel so good about themselves.
Using as many GOOD ADJECTIVES as possible, describe where your happy place is and what you do to make yourself feel better when you're feeling a little under the weather.
In your short paragraph, be sure to CAPITALIZE all of your GOOD ADJECTIVES.

4.) Grade 7: FSAs begin on Monday and will continue for the rest of the week.

VIDEO LINKS:

Happy - Pharrell Williams (Despicable Me 2 Soundtrack)

Take a look at this video and start practicing your 'HAPPY' dance!

Thursday: Qualitative vs Quantitative Observations

2/13/2014

Today, the students learned the importance of using numbers, when possible, in their scientific observations. Any measurable observation is called a QUANTITATIVE OBSERVATION. For example, it is considered a quantitative observation when you use a ruler, balance, measuring cup, quantity, etc. Making observations using your senses is also an important part of making observations. We call these QUALITATIVE OBSERVATIONS. For example, making observations using your senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, and hear)

1.) SCIENCE: Bring three items to observe under the microscope tomorrow. Plants and insects work well. If possible, see if you can get some pond water that you can look at under the microscope.

2.) POST A REPONSE #1: Based on what you have learned over the last two days, give one sentence giving a QUANTITATIVE observation of any object (living or non-living). Read today's blurb if you are unsure of what this means.

3.) POST A RESPONSE #2: Based on what you have learned over the last two days, give one sentence giving a QUALITATIVE observation of any object (living or non-living). Read today's blurb if you are unsure of what this means.

4.) POST A RESPONSE #3: Go back to yesterday's response and post what your item was. If you haven't guessed what some of the items are, post what you think they are before the answers are revealed!
!
5.) VALENTINE'S DAY TREATS/CARDS: Bring some treats and cards to share with everyone!

VIDEO LINKS:

- Start thinking about what your happy dance will look like for our class 'HAPPY DANCE' video!

WEDNESDAY: Plant and Animal Cell Observations

2/12/2014

Today, the students continued learning about microorganisms and making observations. They learned that a good observation is detailed, specific, and factual. The students reviewed the different types of observations they can make which included observations of colour, texture, lustre, size, shape, taste, scent, etc. They completed the remainder of their onion/cheek cell lab and used Venn diagrams to compare and contrast the two different types of cells. The students made conclusions and made reference to how to observe a specimen under a microscope and what makes a good observation.

1.) MATH 6: Any assigned work.
MATH 7: Unit test tomorrow. Read through the review section and complete the review questions.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

Making good observations is a very important skill to have. Today, we reviewed how to make good ones by being detailed, specific, and factual.
Today, I want you to make a good observation of something in your bedroom without actually mentioning what that item is. Make sure you do not mention the name of the item you are writing about.
In your detailed, specific, and factual observations, you must comment on the shape, size, lustre, texture, colour, shape, and taste/scent - optional.
Then, I'd like you to respond to as many posts from your classmates. You must guess what the items is based on the observation they have given.

VIDEO LINKS:

Making Observations

TUESDAY: THE HILLCREST WINTER OLYMPICS

2/11/2014

2 Person Bobsled

Today, the students created criteria for their upcoming gymnastics routines. They decided that the following areas will be assessed:
1.) Creativity
2.) Integration of different stations
3.) Short dance sequence
4.) Creating a pattern with their group members

Also, we got into the Olympic spirit today by participating in the Hillcrest Winter Games! We participated in our versions of speed skating, the skeleton, and the two person bobsled. Check out our Instagram site for pictures and videos!

Thank you to all the parents who helped make/bring in a cultural dish to share with the class today! :-)

1.) MATH 6: TEST TOMORROW.
MATH 7: Pg 84 - 85 #5, 6, 7, 9, 13, and 17. UNIT TEST ON THURSDAY!

2.) POST A RESPONSE:

What food did you enjoy eating in class today?
Do some research and find a recipe that you would like to share with the class.
Post the name of the dish and a link to the recipe/instructions here. Feel free to post a video link if you like.
Why do you enjoy trying different foods from different cultures?
How does it help us learn about different cultures?

VIDEO LINKS:
How to make Korean Bulgogi (BBQ BEEF)

WEB LINKS:
All Recipes Website

FRIDAY: Genius Hour

2/7/2014

Celebrating culture, peace, and harmony! #sochi

Today, we were lucky enough to have Mr. Jones visit our class for a special art lesson! His art lesson was on adaptations and culture. The students saw a presentation he created and it allowed them to connect to the topics they learned about in Science and Social Studies. The students focused their paintings on camouflage and how organisms are able to hide using their colour, shape, and size.

In addition to this, the students had an opportunity to watch part of the opening ceremonies of the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

In Science, the students observed their own cheek cells and made their observations to complete the second part of their Plant/Animal Cell lab. Click here to see what a cheek cell looks like under a microscope.

The students were introduced to 'GENIUS HOUR' today and they are all looking forward to learning what they want to learn!

1.) MATH 6: Any assigned work:
MATH 7: Pg. 84-85 #1, 3, 4, and 8

2.) SCIENCE:

Your models are due on Tuesday!
SAM completed his project yesterday! He will receive a special surprise on Tuesday!
James, Jenna, Connor, and Sean completed their projects today and will receive a surprise on Tuesday!

3.) CULTURE DAY:

If possible, dress up in your culture's traditional clothing to celebrate your heritage!
Also, bring a snack or any food that is from your culture. We will share our snacks with the rest of the class on Tuesday morning!

4.) POST A RESPONSE:

There is no post a response this weekend! I hope you enjoy your family day weekend!

VIDEO LINKS:

THURSDAY: Cells, cells, organelles......

2/6/2014

IMAGE CREDIT: Liam

Today, the students participated in their first lab experiment. They prepared slides of onion cells and recorded their observations. They were able to observe parts of the plant cell that they had already learned about. They included things such as colour, shape, texture, scent, etc in their observations. Most students noticed they were able to see the cell membrane and cell wall. If you want to relive today's Science lab, click here.

1.) MATH 6: Any assigned work.
MATH 7: Pg. 84-85 #1, 3, 4, and 8.

2.) SCIENCE:

If you are able to, start your project and if you complete it, bring it to class tomorrow.
The official due date is Tuesday.

OPTIONAL POST A RESPONSE:

What did you enjoy about the onion cell lab?
What did you not enjoy about the onion cell lab?
What did you learn from this lab?
What can you see in this video that you were not able to see in class today?

VIDEO LINKS:

Onion Cell
If you need a quick review of cells and their organelles - Cells, Cells, Organelles....

<<Previous

Friday: SNOW!

THURSDAY: Anti-Bullying Movement

WEDNESDAY: Photography

TUESDAY: Golf

MONDAY: Photography - 'A Day in the Life Project'

THURSDAY: Genius Hour

WEDNESDAY: Deep Questions, Connections, and Phrases

TUESDAY: Google Finance and Decimals

MONDAY: FSA EXAM

Friday: Valentine's Day

Thursday: Qualitative vs Quantitative Observations

WEDNESDAY: Plant and Animal Cell Observations

TUESDAY: THE HILLCREST WINTER OLYMPICS

FRIDAY: Genius Hour

THURSDAY: Cells, cells, organelles......

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