Check out the link for something to try on a cold winter day...
And as we found out today...dying the boiling water doesn't really do much to the snow ;) (good question though...)
Mr.B
Monday, January 24, 2011
Boiling Water + Cold = Snow
Check out the link for something to try on a cold winter day...
And as we found out today...dying the boiling water doesn't really do much to the snow ;) (good question though...)
Mr.B
Important - High School Transition Meetings
Hello Parents
A newsletter is going home on Tues this week which gives a number of dates for information regarding next year's course selection at NGDHS. Tuesday Feb 1st the guidance staff will come to school during the day and discuss course options with the students. That evening at 6:45 the highschool will host an event in the South Branch gym for parents to get more information regarding programming choices.
On Wednesday Feb 9th NGDHS will host an open house from 7-9pm for students and parents.
All these are opportunities to get more information about your child's future choices within the Upper Canada School Board. Please try to attend.
If you cannot attend one of the parents nights please contact the high school with your questions.
Many thanks,
Mr.B
A newsletter is going home on Tues this week which gives a number of dates for information regarding next year's course selection at NGDHS. Tuesday Feb 1st the guidance staff will come to school during the day and discuss course options with the students. That evening at 6:45 the highschool will host an event in the South Branch gym for parents to get more information regarding programming choices.
On Wednesday Feb 9th NGDHS will host an open house from 7-9pm for students and parents.
All these are opportunities to get more information about your child's future choices within the Upper Canada School Board. Please try to attend.
If you cannot attend one of the parents nights please contact the high school with your questions.
Many thanks,
Mr.B
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Welcome Back
I hope everyone had a relaxing and fun holiday break, now back to work...
Both of the science classes are preparing to present their finished Design and Tech projects next Monday. 8A will be presenting with PowerPoint while 8B will be demonstrating their working models followed by an oral explanation of their solution.
We started a new unit in Math this week (Data Management) and we will be looking at how to collect and analyze data in a reliable and valid manner.
In English we are working on a short narrative story that I have provided a prompt for in the form of a WW2 photograph. The students are completing their templates and will begin their rough copies tomorrow. The final revised copy will be due next Tues/Wed. The students will be then able to write their own narrative story using the same templates but choosing their own subject matter.
In Reading we are working on creating Jot Notes (something they will need next year) from a nonfiction selection. We have already done jot notes on a health related reading and they are going to use these notes in creating an Art and English project - Healthy Eating for Teens poster.
A reminder that gym is on Monday and Thursday so gym clothes are required (a number of students are not coming prepared). We will also going outside over the next couple months to enjoy the winter wonderland so please help make sure that the students are coming to school with the required hat, mitts, and boots - we live in Canada ... it gets cold.
Thanks
Mr.B
Both of the science classes are preparing to present their finished Design and Tech projects next Monday. 8A will be presenting with PowerPoint while 8B will be demonstrating their working models followed by an oral explanation of their solution.
We started a new unit in Math this week (Data Management) and we will be looking at how to collect and analyze data in a reliable and valid manner.
In English we are working on a short narrative story that I have provided a prompt for in the form of a WW2 photograph. The students are completing their templates and will begin their rough copies tomorrow. The final revised copy will be due next Tues/Wed. The students will be then able to write their own narrative story using the same templates but choosing their own subject matter.
In Reading we are working on creating Jot Notes (something they will need next year) from a nonfiction selection. We have already done jot notes on a health related reading and they are going to use these notes in creating an Art and English project - Healthy Eating for Teens poster.
A reminder that gym is on Monday and Thursday so gym clothes are required (a number of students are not coming prepared). We will also going outside over the next couple months to enjoy the winter wonderland so please help make sure that the students are coming to school with the required hat, mitts, and boots - we live in Canada ... it gets cold.
Thanks
Mr.B
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
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
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
Monday, November 22, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
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
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
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