Minor Details - March 2

March 2 - 6, 2020

March 6

Multiplying Integers

Today we investigated ways of thinking about multiplying integers. First, we remembered that multiplying is repeated addition, so we determined that 4 x (-3) means the same as (-3) + (-3) + (-3) + (-3) which we know is (-12). So, multiplying a positive x negative will always give a negative product because it represents multiple groups of a negative number.

We used our patterning skills (see image right) to investigate a negative x negative. We noticed that the product of a negative x negative is positive. This makes sense if you think of negative x negative as "fewer groups of a negative number".

Creativity Challenge

We had another opportunity to exercise our creativity and collaboration today. With only a few materials (see right), students needed to build a "new" kitchen implement and then create a 30-second commercial for their design. You can see a few of the inventive designs and commercials by clicking here, here or here.

Debates

We discussed the format of a formal debate in preparation for our first in-class debate: "Be it resolved that children under the age of 18 should not be able to purchase sugary drinks without a parent's permission". This debate is tied to the content we learned during the nutrition unit in Health. The next debate will focus on content from the grades 7 and 8 History curriculum.

We will have some in-class time to do research for the first debate. Everyone is challenged to take time over the weekend to do some preliminary research for the sugar debate.

March 5

Gator Gardens Commercial

Grade 7's started work on a commercial for Gator Gardens. As a class we discussed the purpose of having a commercial (see image to the right) and where we could place our commercial (we are hoping to post it on various social media).

One of the resources we talked about is a CBC podcast by Terry O'Reilly called "Under the Influence". He has quite a few fascinating podcasts about advertising. We were talking about the fact that vegetables aren't everyone's favourite thing and that it might be challenging to convince people to get excited about buying vegetables. There is an episode of "Under the Influence" called "Lemonade: Marketing a Negative" that might be helpful. You can access all episodes by clicking here.

Water Contamination Public Service Announcement (PSA)

Gr 8's are working on developing a public service announcement to inform people about water contamination in Niagara.

We have read several articles on the problem of water contamination from lead pipes in Toronto. That is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to water contamination. Some groups will be focussing on the problem of plastics in our water; others will be highlighting the chemicals that leach out of cigarette butts.

Students have the choice of developing a website or creating a video. Several groups are discussing weekend field trips to film for their videos. Each group has decided on a specific audience for their PSA and they will be targeting everyone from 3rd grade students to seniors.

March 4

Fixed Mindset

So much of learning depends on our belief in our ability to learn and change. Today we corrected a math quiz on operations with fractions. It's so important that we reflect on mistakes, ask questions and make corrections in order for us to master concepts. This means we need a growth mindset, not a fixed mindset.

We spent time reflecting on what it means to have a "fixed mindset" and how that could impact our learning as well as our relationships with other people. We recognized that having a fixed mindset limits the choices we make and ultimately the opportunities that we take.

For more on what it means to have a growth mindset (rather than a fixed mindset), you can read my article here.

19-year old professional NASCAR driver Armani Williams was told that he would never talk because of his autism diagnosis. You can read about how his "growth mindset" lead him to achieve success as a race car driver (click here)

March 3

MP Dean Allison Visits Glynn A Green

Mr. Stewart's grade 3 students have been reading about Greta Thunberg and wrote letters to our MP Dean Allison to ask him about issues involving climate change and our environment. Mr. Allison graciously offered to visit their class. And because our class has also been learning about environmental issues (especially around water contamination), Mr. Stewart invited us to attend.

We asked Mr. Allison tough questions about his views on the carbon tax and fixing boil water advisories throughout many communities in Ontario.

Dividing a Whole Number by a Fraction

The grade 8's spent time today understanding ways of thinking about dividing whole numbers before we started thinking about fractions. This will help us recognize word problems that require us to divide fractions. We are using arrays (see image to the right) to model what dividing a whole number by a fraction. We are also practising the way we talk about dividing fractions (ie. "how many equal groups of 3/8 are there in 3 wholes?")

March 2

Leadership Tool Kit - Challenge people to be Creative

In our quest to build our leadership skills, we spent some time discussing the importance of being part of an environment that encourages people to be creative if we want to be able to find solutions to difficult problems. Leaders need to inspire and support others to think creatively. Some of the ways we discussed how we can do this are to:

minimize bias, ego and snap judgments
understand that people need different conditions to be creative (some need quiet, some don't)
create flexible work spaces
give people time
collaborate

Building our creativity "muscles" takes practice. Today we played with 3 different problems:

Challenge 1 was to come up with many different uses for a paper clip.

Challenge 2 was to create 4 congruent equilateral triangles using only 6 popsicle sticks (without overlapping).

Challenge 3 was to use random "squiggle" shapes to draw something that will make an important contribution to our aquaponic system.

The purpose of all 3 challenges was to be creative. Please see below for some evidence of our creative thinking.

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