Today, a special group of presenters from Science Alive SFU spent the morning giving our students a super engaging Science workshop.  The students learned more about extreme environments and the Arctic.  They created their own mini-biomes out of a capped test tube, hydrated silicon gel, and seeds. With some sunlight, the seeds should sprout into beautiful flowers.

Additionally, students learned about what yeast needs to grow and how an electrical circuit can be used to test the amount of water in the soil.

1.) SOCIALS/LA: Finish and bring your socials project tomorrow.

2.) BOOK CLUB: Finish reading and taking notes for Section II of your novel! Post your 3 best questions separately on the blog for your book club group. (EdTech --> Book Club --> 2012-2013 --> Term 3)

3.) WRITE A RESPONSE (Math): Fill in the blanks and solve the word problem. Li0 is playing monopoly and has (a) $ ____ in his bank. After passing "Go", he received (b) $ ______. But when he landed on Vancouver, he had to pay (c) $______ in tax. He also had to pay (d) $ ______ in luxury tax. Li0 landed on Surrey and purchased the city for (e) $ _____. Unfortunately his bank account is now in the negative =( How much money does he owe the banker? Your response should have the format:

• (a) 
• (b)
• (c)
• (d)
• (e)
• How I calculated the final answer:
• Final answer:
• Li0 owes the banker $ _____. 

VIDEO LINKS:
Thank you to the crew from Science Alive SFU

Students practiced making observations and brainstormed questions after watching a science demo showing a surprising property of orange peels.  Students practiced asking questions and distinguishing between different types of questions, which is important to the inquiry and research process.

1.) MATH 6 - Update your spreadsheets. Post your day 1 values, today's total values, and how much money you have made or lost.
     
     MATH 7 - Any assigned work.

3.) WRITE A RESPONSE: 

• Watch the Youtube video below. Come up with one open question and one closed question based on what you saw in the video (try to THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX for your questions!).
• Research the answer to one question from science today (from your group's Google Doc or from part A). Write a few sentences explaining (in your own words) what you found out, and include the source(s) where you found your information. Note from Ms. Fei: CHALLENGE yourself and pick a question that you don't already know how to answer. Pick a question that you are genuinely INTERESTED in!
• Bonus: Why do you think our demo in class did not work the same way as the Youtube Video?

VIDEO LINKS: Baking soda and vinegar as fire extinguisher

We made gorgeous Borax crystal snowflakes today, and learned about the awesome science behind the crystallization process. Students enjoyed learning about why boiling water is used to dissolve the Borax, and how the cooling water leads to the formation of Borax crystals.

Also, we made beautiful 3D string ornaments. It was a day full of art- and science! 

1.) ART: Please remember to bring your coat hanger, ornaments, and decorations for the wreath for tomorrow.

2.) MATH 6: On paper, do estimates and calculations for each of companies you selected.  You must use today's closing price for each stock and the number of shares you purchased of each company.  SHOW ALL YOUR WORK IN A CLEAR AND ORGANIZED MANNER.    
     MATH 7: Any assigned work.

3.) FOOD BANK DONATIONS: Please remember to bring non-perishable items for the food bank by tomorrow. 

4.) WRITE A RESPONSE: Write a paragraph about one holiday that your family celebrates.

a.) What is the significance or meaning behind the holiday? (Why do you celebrate it?)
b.) What kind of family traditions do you have surrounding the holiday?
c.) What is one favourite memory you have about the holiday?

VIDEO LINK:
Magic School Bus Episode 40- "Molly Cule". The clip we watched today about crystallization was from 14:50.

All students completed their research for their projects over the weekend and came to school prepared to work.  After reviewing the criteria sheet, they did a self-assessment to see if they completed their work according to the criteria that was outlined.  After completing self-assessments, they went on and completed peer-assessments for another student.  They gave feedback to their peers and gave specific suggestions on what they could do to improve on their work according to the criteria for the project.  Students will go home this evening, complete the peer feedback if they haven't yet done so, and e-mail it to the student they are working with. Once they have received their feedback, they will make the necessary edits/changes to their work to improve it.  Although this assessment for learning (AFL) process takes time, we are more than motivated to complete it because it helps us learn!  

1.) MATH 6 - Math test tomorrow (Wilson/Middleton)
     MATH 7 - Pg 89 # 1,3,4,7,8,9 and review for the test.  Watch all 3 videos for tomorrow.  You will 
     have a short quiz on Adding/subtracting mixed numbers tomorrow.  Your unit test will be on Friday 
     morning.  If you need extra help, be sure to ask for help.  

2.) SCIENCE 6/7 - Use your criteria sheet, your self-assessment, and peer feedback forms to make the necessary changes to your work.  Your projects should be basically finished for tomorrow.  You will have time tomorrow to organize your work using the medium you have chosen.  If you do not have your work with you ready to go tomorrow, you will have to stay in at recess, lunch, and after school until you have completed the majority of your work.    

3.) FIELD TRIP FORMS - Bring your forms and ask your parents to volunteer to drive.  If we don't have enough volunteer drivers tomorrow, we will have to cancel the trip.

4.) WRITE A RESPONSE: Post any questions/comments you have about your Science project here.  

WEB LINKS:- Creative Commons search engine http://compfight.com

VIDEO LINKS:
- Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions
- Adding Mixed Numbers
- Subtracting Mixed Numbers

As many of you now know, 'The One and Only Ivan' passed away on August 20th, 2012.  Visit this website, read all of it and watch the YouTube video that is posted there.  This is required as part of your 'WRITE A RESPONSE' activity.

We have all made many deep connections to Ivan and the other characters.  With these connections, we have also felt many deep emotions.  Think back to all of your writing activities, your notes, and your memories and reflect on how powerful these two books have been.  Use your ideas for the 'WRITE A RESPONSE'.   

1.) MATH 6 - Do your corrections and return your quizzes signed.
     MATH 7 - Do your corrections and return your quizzes signed.

2.) SCIENCE - All research paragraphs, titles, subtitles, headings, pictures, etc, must be completed by Tuesday.  DO NOT PASTE ANYTHING ON YOUR POSTER PAPER YET.  You will be assessing your peers and giving them feedback on Tuesday so it is very important that you have all of your work completed so your peers can give you suggestions on how you can improve your work.  If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me or post a comment here.  

3.) POST A RESPONSE (3 parts) - Visit the Atlanta Zoo website and read the article they have posted on 'CELEBRATING IVAN'.  Be sure to also watch the YouTube link that is posted on the Atlanta Zoo website.  Ivan was an amazing gorilla who had a huge presence.  

Unfortunately, Ivan passed away on August 20th, 2012. It was a very emotional event for many people.  I know that many of you made some incredible connections to Ivan and the rest of the characters during the 'Global Read Aloud' and I am sure you will all miss him.

a.) Write about how this makes you feel and be sure to explain why.  You should clearly describe how this event makes you feel by using descriptive words (adjectives). 
b.) You must include at least 2 connections you made to Ivan or any event that he experienced in the novel.
b.) BONUS: Do some investigative research and see if you can find an article on his passing.

4.) FIELD TRIPS - Ask your parents if they can drive to the rink on Thursday.  If you haven't handed in your forms yet, be sure to bring them in on Monday.  Also, if you are planning on going on the ski trip, bring in your forms and give them to Mrs. Van as soon as possible.  

5.) QUESTION OF THE DAY- will be linked from the sidebar (to be updated)

WEB LINKS:- The Atlanta Zoo Web page on Ivan

VIDEO LINK:
- The real 'One and Only Ivan' video from the Atlanta Zoo
- Katherine Applegate (The One and Only Ivan author) answers questions from students

Today, we welcomed several visitors from different educational institutions.  First, we had Linda Chau from J.T. Brown Elementary School visit our class to see the wonderful learning that has taking place.  In addition to this, we were lucky enough to have two University professors of education visit our class to talk to you about your learning.  It was wonderful to see how well all of you responded to the questions that were asked.  You all articulated your learning like true life-long learners.  

1.) ART - IF POSSIBLE, complete colouring your anime art using one of the following websites or any other software you are comfortable using.  If you have completed your first image (you will end up making 4 separate ones next week) please submit it to our hand-in box and call it 'YOUR NAME - DRAFT 1).  If you have any questions, be sure to post them here so your classmates can help you complete some of the tasks.  Remember, zooming in while fine-lining will help you create a smooth lines. If you don't zoom in when you do this, your lines will appear very sloppy.  

           www.pixlr.com                          www.fotoflexer.com                          www.sumo.fm     

2.) SCIENCE - (Taxonomy/Classification) Add to your Science notes.  Currently, you have completed going through one reliable source and took notes of all the important points about the 5 Kingdoms.  You confirmed that you   had all the key points by collaborating with your classmates via Google Drive.  Your goal, if you choose to accept this (Just kidding....you must accept it...ha ha) is to take notes from the video link below.  The good thing about video resources is that you can pause it at anytime to jot down your notes.  Don't forget to use headings when jotting down your notes.  This video is about 12 minutes long and will likely some time to load so be sure to pause it so that it can buffer while you wait.  

3.) MATH 6 / 7 - Complete the fraction art activity you worked on in class today if you haven't already.

4.) POST A RESPONSE - Today, we learned more about pre-writing strategies.  We discussed making lists, brainstorming with webs, discussing with friends, and drawing pictures.  In addition to this, you did some writing activities that helped you get your thoughts down on paper.  Following this, you worked on your first draft of your 'WRITES' and then exchanged them with your partners so they could give you feedback to see what areas you could improve in.  They should have given you 4-5 points to work on.  Your homework is to revise your work and post it here.  Also, read the responses your classmates leave and we will complete the 'Blogging B.R.G.R.R.' on Monday morning as usual.

VIDEO LINK:
- Taxonomy: Life's classification System