Blog Archives

THURSDAY: The Vancouver Aquarium (image to be updated)

12/19/2013

Today, the grade 6/7 students went on a field trip to the Vancouver Aquarium. It was great to see everyone having such a wonderful time! All students made meaningful connections to what they observed at the aquarium to what they learned in Science. They also had a wonderful time participating in the digital scavenger hunt!

1.) SECRET SANTA:

Don't forget to bring your Secret Santa present to school tomorrow!
Remember it must be between $5-10.

2.) SOCIAL STUDIES 6/7:

Everyone will present tomorrow!
If you have any cultural clothing, artifacts, souvenirs, etc from your culture, feel free to bring them in to show everyone!
If possible, bring in some food from your culture to share with your classmates.

3.) CHRISTMAS PARTY:

Feel free to bring some drinks, snacks, chips, veggies, fruits, etc to share with your classmates tomorrow afternoon.
Post a message here about what you're bringing to class tomorrow to share with everyone.

4.) POST A RESPONSE:

Create a quick presentation that includes the information required that was listed on your handout. (Digital Scavenger Hunt) and POST THE SHARED LINK HERE!
You can create a presentation of any kind. Many of you may want to create an Animoto, Google Presentation, GoAnimate, etc. The choice is yours! Just remember to post your presentation here!

VIDEO LINKS:
Division 4 Soapstone Sculptures

Wednesday: Christmas Assembly

12/18/2013

Baby 'C' at the aquarium

Today, Hillcrest Elementary School put on a wonderful Christmas assembly. The students got into the holiday spirit by singing some Christmas carols and watching several different performances by the school band, primary, and intermediate students. A good time was had by all! Everybody is looking forward to the holidays!

Tomorrow, we will be visiting the Vancouver Aquarium to conclude our Science unit on ecosystems. The students will have an opportunity to put their knowledge to use by making deep and meaningful connections to what they learned this term. We are looking forward to this field trip!
1.) FIELD TRIP TOMORROW:

Bring your lunch, a mobile device/camera, and a jacket.
Be inside the classroom at 8:20am at the latest. We need to go over a few things before we depart for the aquarium.
Parent drivers must fill out the new driver forms and must show documentation of valid insurance. Parents, please bring your insurance papers into the classroom tomorrow morning for verification. New district policies require this.

2.) SOCIAL STUDIES 6/7:

Practice your presentation based on the rubric we went over in class today.
All students will present on Friday.
Feel free to bring food this Friday that is representative of your culture. You can hand this out during your presentation.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

Gr. 7's - In your own words and format, explain how to hand in your digital presentation via our digital hand-in box so the grade 6 students can easily follow your instructions.
Grade 6's - Explain how you handed in your digital presentation.
Hand in your 'Culture' project by clicking here.

VIDEO LINKS:
Top 10 reasons to visit the Vancouver Aquarium
Otters (Milo and Tanu) holding hands

Tuesday: 12 Days of Christmas

12/17/2013

Today, the students reinforced their research skills by finding out how much it would cost to purchase all the items from 'The 12 Days of Christmas'. The students used their critical thinking, math, and research skills to evaluate the reliability of the information they found. As the students researched, they used the online reliability test (C.R.A.A.P) to ensure they were using reliable sources. They looked at domestic suppliers for the products and took into account shipping costs and some students also included the taxes. Other students were unable to find domestic suppliers and had to convert the international currencies into the Canadian dollar. The student who is able to find the best deal for all of the products will win a prize tomorrow!

1.) SOCIAL STUDIES:

Finish your culture projects for tomorrow!
Practice presenting to your family tonight so you're ready to present

2.) FIELD TRIP:

Don't forget your aquarium forms/money
Those of you who haven't paid for iceskating yet, be sure to bring your money tomorrow.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

It's your day off! Enjoy it! Simply post a message here on how it makes you feel to not have to do a 'Post a response' today.

VIDEO LINKS:
Division 4 Soastpone Art Video (To be updated tonight - Check back!)

MONDAY: ACTS OF KINDNESS

12/16/2013

Today, many students finished polishing their soapstone pieces. Many of the sculptures look as though they should be displayed in an art gallery. The one featured on today's blog post was made by Jayden. He worked very hard to create his amphibian! Many of the students connected their sculptures with Science and chose an organism from one of the ecosystems they learned about. Division 4 will publish several videos this week to showcase the learning from Term 1 on our YouTube Channel. Stay tuned for the yearly Division 4 REWIND video!

1.) SOCIALS STUDIES 6/7: Continue working on your projects. They are due on Wednesday! Post your questions here if you have any.

2.) ART 6/7: If you are one of the few students who hasn't completed your digital art, be sure you have uploaded it to this Google Presentation.

3.) AQUARIUM FIELD TRIP:

Bring your forms/money tomorrow ($11.50)
Bring your skating money if you have forgotten to hand this in.

4.) SECRET SANTA:

Purchase a gift between $5-$10. Gifts will be exchanged on Friday! Talk to Mr. Hong if you may not be able to participate due to financial reasons.

5.) POST A RESPONSE:

Today, we read, synthesized, and evaluated the big idea behind 'The Gift of the Magi'. Many students were able to critically look at the 'Big idea' behind the story from learning more about the characters from the story and their acts of kindness.
In addition to this, we connected the big idea to pop culture and the effects of advertising/marketing on our attitudes and behaviour. We used the recent 'WESTJET' video as an example and had an in depth class discussion on unselfish acts and then we discussed 'Altruism'.
Was WestJet's 'Act of Kindness' an unselfish act?
Why or why not? Use examples to help support your opinion.
Did they have an ulterior motive for producing this viral video?

VIDEO LINKS:
WestJet Real-Time Giving?
The Selfish Penguin Video (To be updated)

Friday: Culture Projects Are due on Wednesday

12/14/2013

We are on the home stretch. We have one week left before the winter break! Students will present their Culture projects on Wednesday and these will also be displayed on our class website in addition to the students' websites/e-folios.

All students have completed their research and are working on their presentations. You should all continue working on your presentations over the weekend. You will be given some time in class on Monday and Tuesday to work on them, however, keep in mind you must spend time on your projects at home. You will not have much homework other than this until Wednesday so use this time wisely!

1.) MATH 6/7:

Watch all of these videos before Monday.
Fractions 1
Fractions 2
Fractions 3

2.) SOCIAL STUDIES 6/7:

Really spend a lot of time working on your presentations! THEY ARE DUE ON WEDNESDAY! Don't wait until the last minute because it will be almost impossible for you to complete it in one night!
If you have any questions, please post them here or e-mail me directly.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

Some of you may or may not celebrate Christmas. This all depends on your family's customs, culture, traditions, and beliefs.
Describe what Christmas means to you and why you celebrate it.
If you celebrate it, what are some special traditions that you and your family celebrate during this time of the year?
What is the 'BIG IDEA' behind why you and your family celebrate Christmas? Or, explain why your family does not celebrate Christmas.

VIDEO LINKS:
Introduction to Fractions

THURSDAY: Questioning and Feedback

12/12/2013

Questioning and giving feedback are both very important skills to learn. The students are learning the importance of deep questions that push their thinking and the thinking of others. Today, the students worked in small groups and continued working on synthesizing and evaluating the lyrics to 'War is Over' by asking questions and adding to their messy thinking sheets. The collaboration between the students produced some excellent new perspectives that allowed the students to build on their background knowledge and deepen their understanding of the lyrics.

NOTICES:

Vancouver Aquarium notices and $11.50
Volunteer drivers needed

1.) MATH 6/7:

Watch this second video on equivalent fractions and be prepared for a mathematical surprise in class tomorrow! Those of you who watch today's video and watched yesterday's video will enjoy this surprise. Those who don't watch either of them will not like the surprise I have planned. Can you guess what this surprise will be?

2.) SOCIAL STUDIES 6/7:

Continue editing/changing/revising your research based on your self-assessments and the feedback you received from me in class today.
YOUR RESEARCH MUST BE IN YOUR OWN WORDS. YOU WILL GET ZERO IF YOU COPY AND PASTE. KEEP THIS IN MIND AS YOU CONTINUE WORKING ON YOUR PROJECTS.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

Part of pushing your thinking and the thinking of others requires questioning skills. Asking deep thinking questions and giving feedback requires practice.
Post one question you came up with, your partner came up with, or one that you heard today that really pushed your thinking deeper when you wrote your thoughts out on paper today.
Respond to at least 2 different questions that your classmates post here with some comments or questions.

4.) ART:

If you haven't updated this Google Presentation with your digital art, it must be completed tonight!
Do your best to eliminate all the white pixels around your black lines by zooming in and using your digital tools!

VIDEO LINKS:Khan Academy - Equivalent Fractions 1
Khan Academy - Equivalent Fractions 2

WEDNESDAY: Sharing Circle

12/11/2013

Today, Kevin returned to our class and shared a little bit more about the Cree Nation and First Nations culture. We all learned about his culture, heritage, and traditions. He was kind enough to teach us about sharing circles and the healing power of eagle feathers. Many of the students shared something personal with the entire class and it was a really powerful experience for everyone involved. It makes you realize that we all have to deal with things in life and we need to support one another in times of need.

In addition to Kevin visiting our class, Mrs. Farrell, Mrs. Jensen, Mr. Lewis, and I continued teaching the students about the importance of reading strategies. We modelled a good and bad example of how to push your thinking and the thinking of others so you (students) could see exactly what it looks like to deepen your understanding of text.

1.) SOCIAL STUDIES:

Based on your self-assessment, make the necessary changes/edits/revisions to your research on your Google document. Continue improving the quality of your research based on your criteria sheets.
Post any questions you have here or e-mail me if you need any further clarification.

2.) FIELD TRIP NOTICES/MONEY:

Aquarium form and $11.50
We need volunteer drivers. Ask your parents! :-)

2.) MATH 6/7:

Watch this video on equivalent fractions. Be prepared for a 5 question quiz on it tomorrow!

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

Based on today's 'A NOVEL APPROACH' lesson (Bad/Good Example of feedback), post one thing that you learned about how to push your thinking and the thinking of others.
Explain WHY you think it pushed my/your thinking further.
Why is it important to push one's thinking?
Add one question that could push the thinking of your classmates that would deepen their understanding of 'A Happy Christmas - The War is Over'.

VIDEO LINKS:
Khan Academy - Equivalent Fractions
Happy Christmas - War is Over

TUESDAY: THE WAR IS OVER

12/10/2013

Today, the students had an excellent opportunity to practice their reading strategies. The students continued reinforcing their skills by using the strategies that help them most and writing out their messy thinking. Today, the students read the lyrics to John Lennon's, "The War is Over" and tried to synthesize and evaluate the lyrics to get the big idea from it. In addition to this, they watched a video clip of Darius Rucker (Hootie and the Blowfish) singing it with a children's choir. The students were eager to have us push their thinking to find the deeper meaning behind the song. They used their background knowledge they gained over the weekend which undoubtedly helped them with today's activity. They will be using all of what they have learned over the past month to write a written response.

1.) IMPORTANT: 1:37pm Early Dismissal on Wednesday and Thursday

2.) SOCIAL STUDIES 6/7:

Complete the rest of your self-assessment sheet (Criteria)
Make sure you really read through all of your research and have marked a check if you met the criteria for each section. Make sure you put a check next to each section to keep track.
Make sure you have added the steps you will take to improve your work in order to meet the criteria.

3.) MATH 6/7:

Watch this video from the Khan Academy (Introduction to Fractions).
If you haven't finished your work, complete both sides of the fractions worksheet.

4.) POST A RESPONSE #1:

Respond to your Ecuadorian buddy from Mademoiselle Waddell's class on yesterday's post. Make sure you are 'REPLYING' directly from their response. Do not create a new conversation thread.
Ask 2 more cultural questions.
Ask 2 more personal questions.
Don't forget about digital citizenship and to be respectful at all times.

5.) POST A RESPONSE #2:

Let's try to push our thinking a little bit further. Post 2 'DEEP' questions you think would push the thinking of your classmates. Be sure to post different questions than your peers.
Answer any two questions posted.

VIDEO LINKS:
Darius Rucker (Hootie) - War is Over
Khan Academy - Math Fractions

MONDAY: Learning About Culture With Our Digital Buddies

12/9/2013

Today, we went on a field trip to the Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex on Fraser Highway. The students went ice skating for the second time this term to enrich their Physical Education curriculum. It was nice to see how some students were no longer using the metal guides to help them skate across the rink. This tells me these students are learning how to ice skate and have also improved their ability to balance on the ice. It is very important to have balance when doing any physical activity in order to avoid injury and it also contributes to the level of performance in most sports.

1.) SOCIAL STUDIES 6/7:

Continue adding to your research.
Make sure you are caught up with your research and you have all your data on your Google document. You will be sharing with a classmate tomorrow.

1.) POST A RESPONSE #1:

Give a short self-introduction about yourself without revealing too much about your 'CANADIAN' culture.
Use your real first name.
For example, tell them what grade you're in, your first name, and that you're looking forward to learning more about them and their culture. Feel free to add any more information but keep it general and not too specific.
Ask your Ecuadorian Buddy at least 4 questions about their culture (refer to your criteria sheet for your culture project if you need help choosing a topic for your question)
Post 3 personal questions to learn more about him/her.

POST A RESPONSE #2:

Watch John Lennon's Video again.
Reply to your original response from Friday's post and elaborate on your post by asking some deep questions and really trying to understand the 'BIG IDEA'.
Ask two students about their responses (deeper questions).
Reply to any questions you receive with some insightful replies.
Post questions on Friday's post if you have any questions.

VIDEO LINK:
John Lennon - Imagine

FRIDAY: IMAGE AND TITLE TO BE UPDATED

12/6/2013

Today, some students worked on their soapstone carvings and are preparing their sculptures for the final two stages of their work. They will smoothen their stones with steel wool, heat their stones, and polish them with wax. We are all excited and can't wait to see everybody's finished pieces!

1.) SOCIAL STUDIES 6/7:

Complete your research work by Monday. Be sure to follow the criteria. If you have forgotten it at school, post a message here and someone will share it with you. Also, if you need any help, feel free to post questions here.

Your final section will be one you have chosen. For example, some students have already chosen 'Sports' as their final section.
As always, keep the C.R.A.A.P test in your mind as you look at different sources. You want to use the most reliable sources available.

2.) POST A RESPONSE #1:

Watch this video and follow the instructions below. Don't forget to think about the expectations of a quality response. Be sure to explain and elaborate on your ideas!
What is the 'BIG IDEA' behind the making of this song? (Remember everybody will have different interpretations. Write our your messy thinking here)
Provide some evidence/proof of why you feel this is the big idea.
What is your opinion about this video/message?
Why do you think this?

2.) POST A RESPONSE #2:

As you all know, my wife is a lawyer. To be a lawyer, you must have excellent research skills and you must be able to distinguish (tell the difference) between reliable and unreliable information. For your next 'A Novel Approach' lesson, you need specific background knowledge. Do some research and investigate the following:

- Who is John Lennon? Explain in a brief paragraph and include the following information.
- Why is he famous?
- Which band did he belong to?
- Why did so many people adore him? Was it just because of his music?
- What was special about his music?
- Did you find anything interesting about him?

3.) FIELD TRIP:

So far, Mr. Sera, Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Furness, and Mrs. Ogilvy. We still need at least 3 more drivers.
Ask your parents if they can drive and if so, how many students can they drive? E-mail me directly to let me know.
If we don't get enough drivers over the weekend, we will not be able to attend.

VIDEO LINKS:
John Lennon - Imagine

THURSDAY: Reliable Sources - C.R.A.A.P. RELIABILITY TEST

12/5/2013

Today, the students learned how to improve their research skills by diving deeper into the 'C.R.A.A.P TEST'. This will further reinforce their research skills and their digital citizenship. Parents, if you are interested in learning more about this reliability test, click here. The students are learning to understand what reliable information looks like and how to look at everything that is published online with a critical eye. In this day and age, where anyone can publish a webpage, it is very important to be able to distinguish the difference between reliable and unreliable information.

LEARNING INTENTIONS: To be able to distinguish the difference between a reliable and unreliable source of information.

1.) SOCIAL STUDIES 6/7:

Complete your C.R.A.A.P. test worksheet for your 'SYMBOLS' website. If you have any questions, post them here.
We should be finished our rough research work by Monday or Tuesday of next week. The rest of next week will be spent checking your work against your criteria sheets, getting feedback, and making the necessary changes to your work in order to make it better.
Today, you should complete the research for your 'SYMBOLS' section.
Don't forget to think about the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose of your information when completing your research.

2.) POST A RESPONSE:

Watch this video and follow the instructions below. Don't forget to think about what the expectation is for a quality response. Be sure to explain and elaborate on your ideas!
What is the 'BIG IDEA' behind the making of this song? (Remember everybody will have different interpretations. Write our your messy thinking here)
Provide some evidence/proof of why you feel this is the big idea.
What is your opinion about this video/message?
Why do you think this?

VIDEO LINKS:
We are the World

WEDNESDAY: First Nations Culture

12/4/2013

Today, we were lucky enough to have our Social Studies curriculum enriched by our Aboriginal child care worker, Kevin Wesley. He gave the students a presentation on his First Nation's heritage. He shared many aspects of his culture by telling us about his customs and traditions. He also showed the students some cultural items that are very special to him. He started and ended his presentation with a song that he sang while playing a beat on a drum that he made. He asked the students to take close their eyes and think about someone who is special to them and needs some help right now. He explained the importance of the drum and that it can be taken away from him at anytime if he shows any disrespectful behaviour. This really made the students realize how important it is to show and give respect to others and why we follow the 'R.O.L.E.S.' at Hillcrest!

SPECIAL NOTICE: We have 2 days left to donate non-perishable food items and clothing to our hamper! Do your best to bring as much as you can over the next few days so we can show our support and to help those who need it!

1.) MATH 6/7: Make sure to return your tests signed by your parents.

2.) SOCIAL STUDIES 6/7:

Continue with your research for your 'CULTURE' project!
We worked on the 'RELIGION' section in class today.
Work on your 'COUNTRY/CITIES' section tonight!
If you have any questions as to what you need to include, refer to your criteria sheet and post your questions here and help your classmates!

3.) SPECIAL EVENT:

Show your support for students at the school by bringing some money to spend at the 'YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR SHOW' tomorrow! We will be going down first thing in the morning!

4.) POST A RESPONSE:

Watch this video on Aboriginal Culture in British Columbia
Post 1 or 2 questions you have about First Nations Culture.
Post 2 things you learned from the video about where you can learn more Aboriginal Culture in B.C..
Do your best to post something that has not been mentioned! Feel free to do some extra research if you like!

VIDEO LINKS:
First Nations Culture in British Columbia
Kevin Wesley in Division 4

TUESDAY: What is Culture?

12/3/2013

Today, was an impressive day. The majority of students completed the their homework for Social Studies and were ready to continue their research in class today. It was great to see the students structuring their research according to the different sub-sections that are listed on their criteria sheet. The students busily worked alongside their criteria sheets and learned more about their culture and where they come from. It was also awesome to see the Grade 7 students using the research skills they learned last year, for their work this year. Keep up the good work everybody! Mrs. Proctor and I are very proud of all of you! --> Watch this video!

1.) MATH 6/7:

Complete drawing/colouring your transformational Golf course if you didn't finish this in class.
Include a legend.
Follow the assignment CRITERIA carefully from your handout.
You must include an explanation for how your ball went from the TEE and into the hole. Be sure to plot these points on your Cartesian Plane. You need a minimum of 3 transformations and a maximum of 5. Refer to the handout example if you need help. Here is the example from your worksheet:

- First, I rotated the ball 90 degrees CW around the point (2,5).
- Then, I translated the ball 1 unit to the right and 6 units down.
- My last transformation was a reflection across the y-axis.
- That's 3 moves. I'm 1 under par!

2.) SOCIAL STUDIES 6/7:

Continue researching on your Google document.
Don't forget to keep track of your sources. (Content and images)
Pay attention to the reliability of the information.
Do not work on the actual PRESENTATION yet.
Post your research for your 'Traditions/Customs' section here.
Ask one or two of your classmates some questions about their traditions/customs.
Respond to the questions you receive from your classmates.

VIDEO LINKS:
What is Culture?

MONDAY: Culture

12/2/2013

Today, we reviewed the students' posts that were completed over the weekend. They were asked to interview a family member about their heritage to learn more about their culture. Everybody was interested to learn more about their family members and they were all eager to share with the class today. Most students learned unique and interesting things about where they come from that they didn't know before. You can feel the enthusiasm in the air! It is exciting to see the Division 4 students so excited about learning! I can't wait to see their final products in about 2 weeks.

1.) MATH 6/7:

Transformations: Reflections and Translations quiz will be returned tomorrow! YIPPPPY!
Be sure to remember to have your parents sign it.
Review this video to prepare for tomorrow's math class.

2.) POST A RESPONSE:

Complete your research for the first two sections (Language and Food) on your Google Document. Make sure you follow the criteria sheet.
Make sure you include your sources/links. If you interview someone, be sure to include who they are and their relationship to you. If you obtain information from a reliable website, be sure to include the exact web address (URL) of that information or picture. Copy and paste it to your Google Document.
Explore the resources Ms. Chapman has provided you with. You now have the login information for the tools the district has purchased for you to use.
Post your research here after you have completed it on your Google Document.
If you have time, you can start your presentation by creating your Language and Food section on the type of presentation you have already started and pasting your research from your Google Document, over to your presentation.
Feel free to work ahead.

VIDEO LINKS:
TRANSFORMATIONS - Rotations, reflections, and translations

THURSDAY: The Vancouver Aquarium (image to be updated)

Wednesday: Christmas Assembly

Tuesday: 12 Days of Christmas

MONDAY: ACTS OF KINDNESS

Friday: Culture Projects Are due on Wednesday

THURSDAY: Questioning and Feedback

WEDNESDAY: Sharing Circle

TUESDAY: THE WAR IS OVER

MONDAY: Learning About Culture With Our Digital Buddies

FRIDAY: IMAGE AND TITLE TO BE UPDATED

THURSDAY: Reliable Sources - C.R.A.A.P. RELIABILITY TEST

WEDNESDAY: First Nations Culture

TUESDAY: What is Culture?

MONDAY: Culture

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