Week of September 23rd

Hello
This is delayed weekly update and an early week in the review.

 

Last week was a busy week in class as we really started working in Math on a new concept of prime factorization. We started by reviewing concepts covered in previous years and then moved onto the new math concepts. This was the first week that I did a homework check to see if the students completed their work. I won't be collecting work that was assigned for homework very often but I will be checking to see if it is done and then using it as a discussion piece as we go over problems encountered in class.

Homework is meant to be practice and often those who practice do better when being tested on their skills. I strongly encourage the students to check their work with the answers in the textbook for a number of reasons; to see if they are on the right track, to use the answer to work backwards when stuck, and to know when to ask questions when in class. All students are to show their steps in an organized way when solving multi step problems. A newer part of the math curriculum is for the students to be able to explain the steps they take when solving problems.

In Geography we have started to work on planning our first mind map on Patterns of Canadian Settlement. We are reading an article as a class and I have provided the students with a template to help they organize the important information before they create the mind map. I have booked two computer classes for next week which should allow the students plenty of time to complete the branches of their mind maps (if their templates are done).

In Science we have started to work on a collaborative research project where the students have to become experts on one of the steps of the scientific process by working with other experts. They then must teach the other students in the group about their topic. At the end all the experts will have shared their information and we will review the entire process as a class. This understanding of the scientific process will be very useful when they start their science fair project in the new year.

COMING UP THIS WEEK (very busy)
Wednesday: Cross Country Team away at meet
Thursday: Twoonie for Terry, Terry Fox run Thursday morning for grades 7 & 8
Thursday: Glow Dance $3/$5 at the door with/without a student card
Friday: NGDHS Spirit Day and Football Game in afternoon, wear your Red and Black

For the Glow Dance on Thursday students will be making their tshirts on Tuesday afternoon. The cost of the tshirt is included in the cover fee at the dance. Students who purchased a student card will pay $3 and others will pay $5. If a student does not wish to attend the dance they can go to a games room during that time. If students have outstanding work owed to their teachers they will have to finish the work in the work room prior to being allowed to attend the dance.

 

 

Thanks and I hope you have a good week.

Mr.Brooks