November 30 - December 4, 2020
November 30 - December 4, 2020
Embedded Files
Understanding Cells
Understanding Cells
In Health and Phys. Ed., we have been exploring ideas about heart rate and the effects of drugs on the brain. Today we started learning about how human cells work. This is the first step in helping us better understand how our bodies work.
The complete note for the organelles in animal and plant cells is posted in our Google classroom.
Main Idea vs Theme
Main Idea vs Theme
Today we read a short story published by Ray Bradbury in 1950 called "The Veldt". It is quite a disturbing dystopian story in which a family lives in a house that does everything for them.
In the next few weeks, we are working on improving our writing skills by using planners to develop characters, setting and plot.
Solving Algebraic Equations
Solving Algebraic Equations
Understanding variables and solving for an unknown in an equation like 3n + 6 = 15 is an important foundational skill. We are learning about equations and expressions and developing strategies to solve for an unknown.
One of the metaphors we are using to help us make sense of how to isolate a variable is the "park bench". Take some time to talk about this at home tonight!
Multi-Concept Math Test, Friday December 4
Multi-Concept Math Test, Friday December 4
The best way to make sure math concepts "stick" is to continue practising them throughout the year. That is why we have "multi-concept" tests.
The next multi-concept test is on Thursday December 3. We spent time today working on our red/yellow/green review cards and also reviewed past tests and quizzes. The image opposite shows a list of all the concepts we have learned so far with the appropriate Reflection Journal reflection number.
Transition to High School Virtual Presentation
Transition to High School Virtual Presentation
Mr. Barclay Walker is the guidance counsellor at Port High and he joined our class virtually today to share a presentation about what to expect at high school. In the coming weeks, there is a virtual open house that grade 8 students and parents are encouraged to "attend" and grade 8 students will be making course selections before the Christmas break.
As this image shows, there is excitement and a little apprehension about making this transition. We are all here to help answer questions and provide guidance.
How Drugs Affect Human Brains
How Drugs Affect Human Brains
Our brains are amazing. When we stop to think about how we, well, think, it is incredible to consider how neurons and neurotransmitters can process and decode so much information so quickly. We know that our brains will be the single most important tool in our future success.
In Health, we are researching how the brain works and how drugs affect the functioning of our brains. You can read about how our brains work and how drugs affect normal brain functioning here.
We will have a quiz on how drugs affect the human brain on Monday December 7.
Website Design
Website Design
We are using Google Sites to design a website to educate parents and peers on the principles of ecosystems, provide instructions for how to build and maintain an ecosystem in a bottle and provide a blog page to track progress.
We reviewed a couple of websites to determine the criteria for excellent design (see image).
We are planning to start building our ecosystem in a bottle this week as soon as everyone brings in an empty, clear, 2-liter pop bottle!
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