February 7 - 11, 2022
February 7 - 11, 2022
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Organ System Critical Thinking Challenge Presentations
Organ System Critical Thinking Challenge Presentations
Today, students completed their critical thinking challenge presentations.
We wrapped up this challenge with a discussion on what made effective slide presentations (this photo shows Kylie's informative and effective presentation). Fewer bullets and "columns" made information easiest to read.
The oral presentation component was a challenge for many students. Rather than presenting to the class, they read their slides directly, facing away from the class. We decided that this was a very ineffective strategy. Students will have many more opportunities to master this skill.
Cells Practice Challenge
Cells Practice Challenge
We are completing this practice challenge to make sure we are on track for the culminating Cells Critical Thinking Challenge Presentation that is due on Friday February 11.
Students have had six 40-minutes in-class work periods to research and make notes on all the human organ systems. There are no more in-class work periods for research; students must have notes on all organ systems complete by Tuesday February 8.
Measurement - Area of Circles
Measurement - Area of Circles
Today we continued our investigation into area of circles.
We discussed this question (see image)
Mathematicians regularly use estimation to help them with challenging problems. We determined that the area of the circle could not be more than 64 square centimeters because the area of the square would be 64. Soren shared that he knew the area of half the square would be 32 square centimeters and that the area of the circle would have to be more than that.
Our next step is to investigate how to determine the formula for area of a circle. Many of us were taught what the formula is ... but do we know why that is the formula?? We will be able to answer that tomorrow!
DSBN School Culture Survey
DSBN School Culture Survey
One of the most important things we can do as a school is to understand the things we are doing well and the things we need to do to improve.
Today, a letter is going home with access codes and information for parents to complete the online survey.
Tomorrow, grade 7/8 students will be completing the survey in class.
Cells Critical Thinking Challenge Presentation
Cells Critical Thinking Challenge Presentation
Students are finishing their research on the 11 organ systems today and starting to prepare their presentations.
We discussed the importance of supporting their arguments with convincing scientific evidence and the criteria for professional and effective visual presentations.
The final component of this assignment is to prepare a 5-minute oral presentation. We had a very pointed discussion about the importance of building oral presentation skills through practice. All students will be presenting in front of the class on Friday February 11.
Random Act of Kindness Projects
Random Act of Kindness Projects
On February 17, we recognize Random Acts of Kindness Day. We owe appreciation for this day to Anne Herbert who, in 1982, wrote the words, "practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty" on a place mat in a restaurant in Sausalito California.
We have 2 projects this year.
First, each of us has set specific goals to be kinder. We have posted our goals on our board so we are all accountable for following through on our goals whether we are in class, on the playground or at home. Here you can see the goals that Soren, Emma and Macy set.
Second, we will be writing letters and delivering them to residents of Portal Village on February 17.
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