Merry Christmas

Well only a couple more days before we start enjoying the holidays! This week we are trying to "wrap up" a number of items before the break. Today we are having our geometry test that we did review for on Friday and Monday. We we also hopefully be starting the Outsiders movie and finish it up on Wednesday. The Outsiders novel study is due on Wednesday as well for marking over the holidays.

I would like to thanks all the students who have brought in supplies to help decorate our door and to those students who helped put such a festive structure together. The door judging is today and many teachers are buzzing about our lights.






Our class party is tomorrow and the week wraps up Thursday with an assembly with caroling and then a 6-8 dance in the afternoon.

I hope everyone has a great holiday. I hope the next part of the school year continues to be as enjoyable and good as this year has been so far.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Mr. B

What We Have Been Doing

Hello,
Been a while since the last post. This week we visited Nationview Public School for our second of three visits to their Design and Technology program. The students are hard at work on their woodworking projects (airplanes) and their science project (crane and self propelled cars). Next Monday will be our last visit and the students will be expected to finish both projects. The science project is being evaluated for science class as the students are studying simple machines in class. Each student has been completing their Design Template and will have to present their finished project before Christmas.
We are still working on the Outsiders. Currently the students are working on Chapter 9's questions, plot prediction diagram, timeline notes, and vocabulary. Last week students had an interactive quiz using Clickers on Chapters 4-7 of the novel.
A number of students have not yet brought back their tests signed and Mr.Brooks is putting together his most wanted list. Students have had a Math test and Science test go home over the last couple of weeks and while most have brought them back not all have been so successful.
This week we are also collecting nonperishable food items for the Christmas Food Drive. Currently our class is at 25 items (we hope to have more by the end of the week).
The school is also doing a Shopping day for the lower grades so if you have any gently used items you wish to dontate please send them in to the school.
Our class will be having a Christmas celebration during the last week of school before the break - more details to follow.

Only 18 more days till Christmas.
HoHoHo

Jungle Sport Week

Hello
This is a busy week with the students participating in Jungle Sport which is a huge climbing apparatus that is set up in the gym. The grade 8 class will have almost 3 hours of climbing time this week on Wed and Thurs. All permission forms need to be in or else the students are unable to participate. Next week we are off to Nationview Public School to try out their Design and Technology program. I will be working on with the kids on designing a mechanical delivery system and Mrs.Chamberlain will be showing how to use some of the wood working tools. We have three day trips booked (the next three Mondays).
There are still outstanding Progress Reports and Outsiders Novel Studies that need to be signed and returned to school. I have warned the students that I will be keeping them in at recess if not returned tomorrow (they have had over a week of warnings).
In Math we have started an in class project involving patterning that should keep us busy until next week. In English we are moving onto Chapter 7 of the Outsiders - chapters 1-6 questions/tasks/vocabulary should all be complete if the students are keeping up. The Art project using paint and pencil crayon to create a fall scene is complete and many students have produced very nice looking pieces of art that are now on display.
Thanks
Mr.Brooks

Science Test Tomorrow

There is a science test tomorrow on the scientific process. Here is some sample questions answers that have been gone over in class. Today we did some review as a whole class discussion and went over some studying ideas (not just staring at you book). The test is made up of a selection of these questions that were covered as part of the students group research project as well as the fishbone diagram, the flowchart, and the Mythbusters sample lab report that was done as a class.

Review Starts Here -----------------------------------------
Scientific Process Quiz Review

1. Identifying Variables and Controls
Why is it important to identify variables?
It allows you to ask good questions, make predictions, and design a meaningful experiment.

What are independent and dependent variables?
An independent variable is anything that the experimenter may change. A dependent variable is the effect of the changed variable has.

How many variables will a scientist test at one time? Why?
Only one so that they will know which cause produced the effect (change).

Why are these controls necessary? (give an example of not having a good control in an experiment)
To eliminate the possibility of an unknown variable.


2. Asking a Question
Can every question you have be tested? Why or why not?
No, some questions are too vague or too general.

What is a testable question? (explain cause and effect)
A question that is often about the cause-effect relationships. It asks what causes the change in variables and what effects on a variable does changing another variable have.

What is the difference between an independent variable and dependent variable? (use example)
An independent variable is the cause variable and is the one that the scientist will change in the experiment. A dependent variable is the effect variable and it is what a scientist would measure in the experiment – it is affected by the variable changed by the scientist.
For example:
Testing static electricity the independent variable would be how many times you rub the balloon on someone’s head. The dependent variable would be how long the balloon then sticks to the wall.
What does a testable scientific question ask?
A scientific question asks what happens to a dependent variable when we change the independent variable.

3. The Process of Scientific Inquiry
What is science?
Science is the knowledge of the world around us, it is how we learn by observing things, asking questions, proposing answers, and testing those answers.

What is a hypothesis?
An explanation for why you believe something occurs, from this you can make a prediction that you can test through experimentation.

When you make a prediction you state the cause and the effect. These two things are also known as what?
Variables.

Once you have conducted your experiment and recorded your results what must you do with your results?
You must analyze and see if the results support your hypothesis.

Why is it necessary to communicate your procedure and conclusions clearly?
So that the experiment can be repeated and the hypothesis reevaluated.



4. Predicting and Hypothesizing
What is a hypothesis?
An educated guess as to why one variable affects another in a certain way.

What is a prediction usually based on?
Past experience, observations, logic, and on scientific theory you may remember or research.

What is the difference between a prediction and a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is how you explain a prediction that you will test in an experiment. If the experiment confirms your prediction you can be more confident that your hypothesis is correct.

Give an example of a hypothesis for a question and the predictions you could make for the cause and effect.


5. Designing an Inquiry Investigation
What are the four major considerations you must take prior to beginning an experiment?
The variables, observations, equipment, and the procedure.

What is the first step in designing your inquiry investigation? Why is it important?
Defining your variables so you can control them. Dependent and independent.

Prior to making observations what two things do need to think carefully about?
What you are going to measure and how you are going to record your data.

What could you create to assist in deciding what materials and equipment you need and how you are going to use them?
Use a diagram that will illustrate the materials, equipment, and the procedure.

Why is recording your procedure important?
So that anyone will know exactly how to duplicate your experiment.

When writing a procedure what should you use?
Numbered steps, passive voice, and past tense.

Review End Here ----------------------------------------------------

Hope everyone studies and good luck!
Mr.Brooks

This Week at South Branch

Later this week students will be bringing home their Outsiders Novel Study which has been marked for Chapters 1-3. Many students need to put more effort in to their comprehension questions and add both detail and reasoning to their explanations. Students will continue to work on the Outsiders for the next couple of weeks. Currently we have finished reading up to chapter 5 and are now working on the Chapter 4 and 5 activities.
Last week we wrapped up our Ratio/Percent Unit in Math and I am still marking the unit test that will also be sent home for signatures. Today we began our new topic of Patterning and Algebra with a class discussion and some sample questions. Students will be given a project to complete in this unit in addition to the final unit test.
On Thursday students will have a test on the Scientific Process which covers all the questions they were given during their group work. Students should study these as well as the fishbone diagram and flowchart that we have created in class. The Mythbusters lab report should be used in answering the questions to help provide examples of the different aspects of the scientific process. The students need to study for this test as it covers a fair bit of new material.
Many thanks
Mr.Brooks

Interviews Thursday

Hello
As the newsletter sent home last week indicated the interviews will be taking place this Thursday from 3:30 - 5:30 to discuss the Interm Progress Reports. If you want an interview please contact me via email or through the student's agendas. Each interview is meant to be about 10 minutes in length and to go over the learning skills and subject area performance.
Any questions please email or call.
Thanks
Mr.Brooks

Interm Reports Coming Home

Parents & Guardians please note that the new Interm Reports have been sent home today. This replaces the Fall Report Card the has gone home in the past. Please contact me via phone or email should you have any questions regarding the comments or levels of achievement that your child has earned this term. A regular report card with grades will be coming home in Febuary.
Another change this year by the school board is that there is no set interview day or evening. All contact must be done on an individual basis via phone, note, or a scheduled meeting. If you wish to meet please contact me as a time that works for both the family and the teacher needs to be agreed on.
All Interm Reports are to be sent back to me with the students comments on it (bottom section page 2) and with a signature so that I can be sure all the invested parties (parents/students/teacher) have looked at the document. These will be checked off and returned to you for safe keeping. The school already has a printed copy of the report on file. Please have them returned by Thursday.
Many thanks
Mr.Brooks

Tests Old and New

Hello
Tomorrow we will be having our first Outsiders Quiz. There will be 17 multiple choice questions and 2 short answer questions on Chapters 1 to 3.
Going home today are the student's Scale Drawings Tests which need to be signed and their English memoir which also needs to be returned signed to go into the student's portfolios.
We had a Sales Tax, Discount, and Commission CheckUp yesterday which was marked and handed back to the students. This is not a for marks quiz but a for help quiz. From the quiz I have listed the students who experienced some difficulty and we will be having a short Math Club tomorrow at recess for extra help. We will be having a unit test next week so I want to make sure the students get a better understanding before then.
Reminders that next week is a short week with Friday as a PD Day and the new Interm Progress Reports will be coming home early in the week.
Thanks
MrB

Outsiders Chapters 1-3 Due Friday

On Friday students will be handing in their Novel Study Journal for the Outsiders. Here is a checklist as to what is due for Chapters 1-3:
* All comprehension questions for Chpt 1-3 written in complete sentences with pages numbers where evidence from book has been found.
* Short chapter titles and a paragraph for each that explains why their title is relevant, interesting, and doesn't give too much away.
* Timeline jot notes to be used later to generate timeline for novel.
* Vocabulary definitions for chapters 2,3
* Plot Prediction Diagrams for chapters 2,4 (predict what will happen in each of them based off of the previous chapter(s))
* Flashback paragraph - why used in chapter 2
* Book prediction paragraph - what is this book about based on front and back cover
Some students have used their classtime wisely and have completed all of their work in class. I was sick two days this week and the guest teachers gave the students two full periods to just complete their work.
Tomorrow we move onto chapter 4 so no more class time will be give to the first section of work.

Thanks
Mr.B

Reading the Outsiders

Just a quick note to let you know we have finished reading Chapter 1 of the Outsiders and the comprehension questions for that chapter are due on Friday. Question 1 is to be done on the table handed out in class and only focus on the characters description and eye colour. Questions 2-14 are to be done inside the Novel Study Journal.
Students have made their predictions as to what might happen in Chapter 2 using a plot line prediction diagram and have started to read chapter 2 independently (I had read chapter 1 outloud).

On another note I am working on the Progress Reports that will be going home in November and I had the students do a self evaluation of learning skills as I think it is important that students reflect on how they think they are doing. It definitely provides me with some insight on whether the students and I are on the same page when it comes to the expectations.

Math homework is page 67 4-9. Most students seemed to have a good understanding of the Scale Diagram Quiz we had today and when marked they will be going home for signatures.

Thanks
Mr.B

Freezing Friday

Hello and TGIF
It was a busy week this week with the Intermediate Boys winning second place in the Regional Championships - CONGRATULATIONS to the team and their great coach :)
The week we wrapped up our group work in Science class regarding the scientific process and will be watching Mythbusters next week to create a sample lab report and see science in action. If you haven't ever checked out this show it is highly recommended as it covers many aspects of the scientific process.
In art we have completed our line art projects and the students are getting lots of positive reviews of their work posted in the hallway. We have now started a fall scene with incorporates line art, colour, and painting. The rough copies are looking good! The students sought inspiration on our outdoor hike on Tuesday through the woods - we all made it back.
Math was a tough week as we tackled scale drawings and proportions. Many students have struggled and we have taken more time to cover it. There will be a quiz next Tuesday or Wednesday only on Scale Drawings.
The students have begun to read the Outsiders in English class now that our Memoir Unit is complete. Each will have a Novel Study Journal in which their work will be kept. We have read Chapter 1 today and need to complete questions 2-5 in full sentences in their journal.

Next week we will be having a Halloween Dance on Friday and the class will be having a small celebration just before. Students have been encouraged to sign up to bring one item in and share it with the class. Please no peanuts or kiwi. We have a number of students with different allergies so please be aware of what students are brining in.
Hope everyone has a good weekend.
Thanks
Mr.B

Week Wrap

Well today was a sad day in our classroom as we said farewell to Mrs.Oakley who has been our EA since the beginning of the year. Many students bid a teary goodbye over cake at the end of the day. It made a huge difference having her in our class and we look forward to having her drop by for a visit.
Many thanks to all the parents who signed the first Math test. Math Club started yesterday and will continue next week to help bring some of the lower marks up and make sure students have a better understanding.
Students had their final hour of computer lab time today to work on their memoirs and many completed their good copies. The final copy is due on Monday (if it is not here it is not done).
We also had our final class for our Line Art Project which is due Tuesday. Again, some students have really used their classtime wisely and completed their work early. Remember that it is not just the drawing but the types and styles of lines that are used.
Next week the senior boys soccer team will be playing in the Regional Championships, hopefully the class will be able to walk over to cheer their classmates on.

Have a great weekend
Mr.Brooks

Math Test Coming Home

Hello
The first real Math test of the year is on the way home tonight for parental signatures. The students have a reflection page on the front that I have them fill in prior to the test and after they have recieved their mark. Please sign the test and send it back to school where it will be put into the student's portfolios.
Overall the class did relatively well. Those students who had difficulty will be part of Math Club and will have opportunities to get extra help and to show understanding this week and next.
One area of improvement for all students is to show all the steps in their work and to keep their work organized. Quite a few lost marks because steps were missing or that their work was not clear. Students are encouraged to show their work so that they can easily spot mistakes when checking it over, make the teacher's life easier, and so that I can give them part marks when the answer is incorrect but all the steps are properly shown.
One area of strength is that all students answered each question, showing perservence when doing the test and not giving up when frustrated. We will continue to work on studying and test taking skills in class. On a lighter note, I didn't see any of this on the test (unlike my grade 13 Chemistry test...)



Thanks
Mr.Brooks

Test Tomorrow

Well it's time for our first Math test. Today we finished taking up the practice test in class and students were able to ask any questions they had. Last Friday we had a Math Club meeting where students could get extra help if they needed it.
A number of questions were assigned in class that the students could pick and choose from (if they got that type of question all right in their homework and practice test then take time to focus on another type that they didn't). They were to choose from pg 43 2,3,4,9,10,12,14,15,16ab,17ab,18.
I recommend that students take at least a half hour to review the practice test and their classwork tonight in preparation for the test.
Also, tomorrow the students will need to have their rough copy of their memoir complete so we can do the first revision in class. Students should be using their planning template as a guide and making sure they are including the Characteristics of a Memoir (see classnote) in their writing.
Congratulations to all the cross country runners who went out today and represented South Branch! Good work!

Mr.Brooks

Finally No Rain

I hope everyone is drying out today.
In Math we will be having a quiz on Unit 1 next Tuesday. Today we wrote and began to take up a practice test which most students seem to be doing well on. We will finish taking it up Monday and do some more review before the Tuesday test. I encourage all students to review their work and practice a number of questions from each section of the Math Unit.
In English class this week we studied using timelines to help organize information and details in both fiction and nonfiction writing. Students have finished their brainstorming and prewriting for their own memoirs. They started their rough copies today using their graphic organizers and each should be completing the 5W's and First Section of their memoir. The memoirs will be due in final good published copy October the 12.
In Science this week we started studying the scientific process in which the students will be working in Expert Groups to learn about one aspect of the process then share this information with other Experts from different groups. This project will cumulate with the students writing a test and creating a lab report using a Myth Busters episode.
Photos are due back October 12th
Book orders are due October 8th
Walkathon in next Friday and all pledges are due by then. Our classroom goal is $600.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Mr.B

Summer Friday

A quick thank you to all those parents who came out to the open house last night. It was great to finally get to put some faces to people's names and to see those I already knew but didn't know would be there (whole small world thing - especially when my father THE Mr.Brooks has taught some of the parents...).
Today students were reminded of the importance of not talking out in class (again) and were reminded about how rewards only come when the work is done...and done well.
Yesterday students had a chance to test some of there tinfoil boats they designed - the current record in 103, but there are more boats to come.

In Art we worked again no our abstract line projects and they are now due on Tuesday morning and there will not be any more time in class for the work.
In Math we are close to wrapping up our first unit which means next week we will be starting review and having a practice test.
Students finished their Memoir Analysis paragraph today in the computer lab and handed them in. Next week we are startig to plan out and rough draft the student's own memoirs.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Mr. Brooks (jr)

Sunny Monday

Hope everyone enjoyed that summer like weekend we just had. Today in class we had a little Math quiz on the first 3 lessons we have covered. This was only a small quiz meant to show me how the students work individually in a quiz situation. In class many times the students work with their seating partner(s) so I wanted to see how they did when tested as most seemed to be doing very well when we checked homework and classwork in class. This was not a unit test and there was no review done in advance (which will happen on all other Math tests).
Today the students had to hand in their Science Title page a number of students did not have this completed (assigned last Thursday), some stayed in to complete others are bringing them in tomorrow. Motto, "If it is not here, it is not done."
Reminder that tomorrow students are to have their art portfolios completed. Half the class has already got theirs on the wall ready for Open House Night this Thursday.
Senior boys soccer tryouts continue tomorrow and cross country running training begins tomorrow as well.
NOTE:
Students are expected to have gym clothes every Monday and Thursday. They need to be ready to go outside for gym. We are playing soccer and unless it is raining we will be outside on the soccer field. Students are allowed to wear track and running pants for gym. It is chilly but that is why we run. Being prepared for gym class is part of the overall grade for physical education and is directed related to being able to demonstrate skills in the activities we are doing in class.

Thanks
Mr.Brooks

Tues Sept 14

Students have some Math homework today pg 17 #1-3 following our Math lesson on Prime Factorization. We spent the first part of class reviewing key terms and adding them into our Math Dictionary that is to be kept at the front of the Math section in their binder. We have added these words to our Math word wall so students can keep familiar with them while working on problems. Today in English we begin making our Personal Timelines which will be used as a source of ideas for when we do personal writing. Each student needs to place at least one event per year of their life and rank it on a scale of good to bad. Unfortunately today many students decided not to use class time to their advantage and wasted it talking when they had been asked and reminded to work silently for the remainder of the class...hence a minor loss of part of recess and the resulting homework.

Tomorrow students will be doing independent reading and are reminded again to please make sure they always have their novels with them. We will be beginning reading responses to their personal reading in class in their Response Journals which will be assessed and sent home for signatures periodically.

Each student should begin to read independently each night for 20 minutes as part of their regular homework routine. This reading at home does NOT have to be the independent reading book they have chosen. They are free to read magazines, other non-fiction books, or newspapers. ALL READING IS GOOD!

For Visual Arts most students have begun their good copy of their portfolios and they will be due at end of class Friday. Those who do not finish it in class Friday will have to take it home to finish it for Tuesday - no marks will be deducted if it is taken home as long as it is submitted first thing Tuesday morning.

Thanks
Mr Brooks

First Friday of the School Year

Well we made it to the first Friday! I say we as I too had to adapt to being back at school this week. Overall it was a great first week of school and I have really enjoyed getting a chance to know the students and to speak to a number of the parents.
Today we did our first writing journal entry in which we gave our opinion about 3D technology in the entertainment industry. Students watched the trailer of Avatar and I read them an article about the benefits, implications, and costs of the 3D technology in movies and television. Please ask your child to show you this writing as a number of students had very good opinions.
In Math we looked into 4 methods of problem solving and did some analysis on data regarding Canada being one of the best places to live (which is why we stand at attention for O'Canada!). Homework was pg 11 1-4, most students finished 1-3 in class. Some students did not complete their previous work pg 7-8 #4-8 and need to complete this as well (a number of these we taken up today in class).
The class also had their first Art and Computer classes today and have begun to work on assignments at school for those subjects.
A friendly reminder that agenda money is due as are all the forms sent home for signing by parents. Thanks to all those who have already sent the forms in.
Hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys the Spencerville Fair!
Mr.Brooks

Day 3

Today we finished covering some review for the skills the students will need on the upcoming Math unit. A number of students did not finish all the questions in class so pg 7-8 #4-8 we assigned for homework. The answers are found at the back of the textbook and students have been told to correct their own work and fix any mistakes they might have. Due to time constraints in class not all questions are taken up. By the students checking their own answers they will know which questions to ask to be taken up in class the next day. As I have told the students I am available during recess for help as I am usually in my classroom if not on yard or lunch supervision.
The class had their first independent reading period today - unfortunately all brought their own books for reading. Fortunately I do have some books in the classroom, although my selection is somewhat limited. Tomorrow during computer lab students will have the opportunity to quickly pick a book out of the library if they need new reading material. Students are expected to have their independent reading with them at all times in class. Next week part of the students homework will be to read 20 minutes a night on their own.
Mr.Brooks

Day 2

Congratulations goes out to 8A as today they all had their first homework assignments done (I haven't had this before!). Today we put their Coat of Arms up on the wall and got down to some real school work. In Math we introduced the first unit for Numbers, Variables, and Equations. We began our review of concepts covered last year and the students were given 3 questions to work on in class and finish at home for tomorrow. In English we read our first short story and completed some comprehension questions in our Reading Response Journal - sharing our answers with the class. Students are asked to bring in their independent reading books for tomorrow. We do have a very small classroom library and we will go to the school library soon if the students cannot find a novel to read. Each student is expected to have their reading material with them each day and we will soon begin with the expected 20 minutes of reading at home at night.

Today I finally got to meet Mrs. Tyler's 8B class for science. A contract was sent home regarding classroom rules and agreements that needs to be returned once signed.

Reminder that a number of school documents have been sent home for signatures, the agenda money is due, and each students agenda should be signed nightly as I will check for signatures at the end of each day with my homeroom in order to make sure parents are aware of homework and upcoming events.

Many thanks
Mr.Brooks,

First Day of School

Welcome to our grade 8 class blog.
I am happy to report that we had a great first day at school today. We had a number of activities that allowed me to see how the students worked independently and as part of a group. I have sent home a newsletter with a contract that needs to be signed by both the parents and the students for our classroom behaviour. In class today we listed how we would show respect in the classroom. The students also got their first little homework assignment - complete their coat of arms (in colour). This coat of arms will go with their picture in front of our classroom until after Open House night.
Over all a very good day and it was a pleasure to meet everyone...now the real work begins tomorrow :)
Mr.Brooks