DIV 8-5

Tuesday, Oct 21st: Today we had French in block 1. In block 2 we did both Math and Science. Today we began Unit 3 in Math: Number Theory - Properties, Patterns, and Connections, and this will be our last review unit of term 1. Our first topic was Part A: Divisibility. Mr. Menzies went over the following slideshow and we reviewed divisibility rules/tests for numbers 1-10. We also went through some examples together. Students received the following practice and notes package today Unit 3 - Part A: Divisibility Click Here and we had about 15-20 minutes to reacquaint ourselves with this topic in Math. For the second half of the block, we switched to science. Continuing with what we had started on Friday and yesterday, we again learned about the history of Atomic Theory and how scientists proved matter is made of atoms and also learned that atoms have parts such as a nucleus and electrons. Mr. Menzies also showed us how to make a timeline (Part B-2) and what this looks like to communicate key events over time. We had about 25 more minutes to continue to work on Parts B-1 and B-2. At lunchtime today, a retest opportunity was offered for our Unit 1 science test. Homework and Reminders: Please finish Part B1 and B-2 from science for Thursday this week. Reminders: Unit 2 Math Retest: Thursday @ Lunch, Math Extra Help: Thursday 8:15AM. All handouts, answer keys, and slideshows can be found in the Google Classroom Click Here. This week: We are back on the fields in PE. It's supposed to by rainy so please prepare for this in your PE strip. Photo re-take day is tomorrow Wed Oct 22nd, early dismissal days are on Wed and Thurs (2:08PM), and Friday Oct 24th is a Pro-D Day so no school for students. 

Monday, Oct 20th: This morning Mr. Menzies started block 2 by announcing a few key events occurring throughout this week. Tomorrow, there will be a Unit 1 science retest opportunity offered at lunchtime. On Thursday, Mr. Menzies will be offering Math extra help before school at 8:15AM (Friday is a Pro-D day), and there will also be a retest opportunity at lunchtime also on Thursday. We then received our marked Unit 2 math tests back. As per usual, we received the Unit 2 self evaluation (Click Here) to reflect on our understanding of the topics in this unit and had time to fill this out. Mr. Menzies also asked us to put any returned Unit 1 science tests in our folder at the back of the classroom that our parents had reviewed and signed. After this, we picked up where we left of in science last Friday. On Friday, we began our next science unit: Unit 2: Chemistry. We learned what chemistry is and it's long history throughout the past several thousand years. Today, we began by learning about the branches of Chemistry including organic chemistry, biochemistry, theoretical chemistry and so on. After this, we watched Bill Nye: Atoms and Molecules and completed the rest of the Part A: Intro to Chemistry handout Click Here. In block 3, we moved on to the next topic in our chemistry unit: Part B-1: Atomic Theory How do we know that matter is made of atoms? Click Here. Mr. Menzies began by showing us and overview video of the history of Atomic Theory and we took some basic notes about the topic in the Part B handout. We learned that ideas about atoms go all the way back to the ancient Greeks. We also learned that Democritus and Aristotle argued about what all physical things are made of, but could not prove their theories to do lack of technology to do so. We then jumped forward 200 years to John Dalton who provided the first proof that all matter is made of atoms in the 1800s. Students then continued to investigate the history of how we know that all matter is made of atoms, the development of Atomic Theory, and the key scientific breakthroughs / developments along the way. This includes how the model of the atom evolved as we discovered more and more about this. Students had the rest of the block to work on Part B and learn about the history of the atom and how it continues to develop Click Here. We will have some more time to work on this on Monday next week. Homework and Reminders:  Please finish Part B-1 from science for Wednesday this week. All required materials are available in the google classroom including slideshows, digital textbook pages, handouts, and videos. Reminders: Unit 1 Science Retest: Tues @ Lunch, Unit 2 Math Retest: Thursday @ Lunch, Math Extra Help: Thursday 8:15AM. All handouts, answer keys, and slideshows can be found in the Google Classroom Click Here. This week: We are back on the fields in PE. It's supposed to by rainy so please prepare for this in your PE strip. Photo re-take day is Wed Oct 22nd, early dismissal days are on Wed and Thurs (2:08PM), and Friday Oct 24th is a Pro-D Day so no school for students. Hope you had a fantastic weekend! 

Friday, Oct 17th: Today we did science in block 1. We began the block by reflecting on Unit 1. Students traded their black science duotang portfolios with a peer and then did a peer evaluation of their body of work. This included evaluating completeness of assignments A-D, the quality of completeness/evidence of learning, organization, and presentation. Feedback and suggested areas for improvement we also provided as part of their peer evaluation. We then received our duotangs back and we completed a self evaluation based on the same parameters, and we reflected on how our assignment work/engagement with these types of learning opportunities could be improved for our next unit. Students then received their Unit 1 tests back and we did a self evaluation on how learning as demonstrated on the test, as per usual. Mr. Menzies asked us to staple our self evaluations to our tests, take this home to show parents, get signed, and return to school next week so we can add it to our tests and assessment folders in the classroom. After this, we began Unit 2 in science by learning about Chemistry. We learned about the history of this type of science and how it had developed into specific branches today (ie. Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry etc...). We also reviewed the Periodic Table and how it represent all of the different types of atoms we have discovered as part of this introductory slideshow. We will continue with this lesson on Monday as we are introduced to Chemistry and we get Unit 2 rolling. The slideshow and handout for this lesson (Unit 2 - Part A) can be found in the Google Classroom Click Here. Homework and Reminders: Please show Unit 1 science tests + attached self evaluations to parents, get signed, and bring back to school. No specific homework assigned this weekend for math or science. However, spending some time organizing materials or reviewing Math if any of the skills/concepts in the past two units were challenging would be a good idea. Unit 2 math tests will be marked and returned early next week, and we will also begin Unit 3 in Math as well. There will also be re-test opportunities for booth Unit 1 science and Unit 2 math, time and date to be announced on Monday. Reminders: All handouts, answer keys, and slideshows can be found in the Google Classroom Click Here. Next week: We are back on the fields in PE. It's supposed to by rainy so please prepare for this in your PE strip. Photo re-take day is Wed oct 22nd, early dismissal days are on Wed and Thurs (2:08PM), and Friday Oct 24th is a Pro-D Day so no school for students. Have a great weekend! 

Thursday, Oct 16th: Today we had LA in block 1. In block 2, we did Math and had the whole block to write our Unit 2 test. If extra time was needed, we could work on our test in Advisory and lunchtime. Homework and Reminders: No specific homework for math and science tonight. Spending some time organizing your binder and school supplies is recommended. Reminders: All handouts, answer keys, and slideshows can be found in the Google Classroom Click Here. Next week: Photo re-take day is Wed Oct 22nd, early dismissal days are on Wed and Thurs, and Friday Oct 24th is a Pro-D Day. 

Wednesday, Oct 15th: Today we had LA in block 1. In block 2 we did Math and began with reviewing what we started yesterday: Dividing decimal numbers (Party D-2). Mr. Menzies walked us through a slideshow and some examples and noted the key steps for this process. He also urged us to use our reasoning skills to assess our answer to gage whether it seemed reasonable or not. Students then had time to work on Part D-2 and continue to develop their understanding Click Here. Mr. Menzies also went over the specific topics that will be on the test: Adding and Subtracting whole numbers and decimals, multiplying and dividing whole numbers and decimals. After about half an hour, we covered our final topic: Part E: Order of Operations. Mr. Menzies went over the basics and strategies for applying BEDMAS to expressions in a slideshow and we received the handout for Part E: Order of Operations Click Here. We then had some time to revisit this skill and practice applying BEDMAS to expressions. Finally, he announced that Math extra help will be offered tomorrow morning (Thursday 8:15AM) ahead of our Unit 2 Math test tomorrow. While this is typically offered on Friday mornings, he changed it to Thursday this week ahead of the test. Tomorrow we will write our Unit 2 Math test during block 2. Homework and Reminders: Please spend some time working on a study sheet and reviewing for the math test tomorrow. This can include doing some practice questions, watching some of the videos in the slideshows, of finishing your study sheet. Reminders: The Unit 2 Math test if tomorrow! All handouts, answer keys, and slideshows can be found in the Google Classroom to help you review Click Here.  Photo re-teak day is Wed oct 22nd. Grade 8 Hoodie Order Form (Click Here), Due to the office by Oct 16th. 

Tuesday, Oct 14th: Today we had French in block 1 and LA in block 2. In block 3, we did both Math and Science. However, we started with a discussion around honoring the rights and responsibilities of division 8-5. We then did science and did a self and peer evaluation of our black science portfolios for Unit 1. After this, we did Math and focused on long division of decimal numbers. Mr. Menzies walked use through the steps and we viewed a slideshow with notes, examples, and video explanations Click Here. He noted the key difference between long division with whole numbers and decimals numbers, placing the decimal correctly in the quotient. We then had the rest of the block to practice this skills and also begin a study sheet for our Unit 2 test on Thursday this week. Homework and Reminders: Please spend some time reviewing Parts A - D for math as we have a math test on Thursday this week Click Here. Working on a study sheet (one page with notes and examples for each skill) is recommended to help you review and prepare for the test. Doing some additional practice will also help you prepare for the test. Reminders: Unit 2 Math test this coming Thursday, Oct 16th. Photo re-teak day is Wed Grade 8 Hoodie Order Form (Click Here), Due to the office by Oct 16th. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving long weekend!

Friday, Oct 10th: Today we wrote our Unit 1 science test in block 3. Mr. Menzies went over the test details and we had the whole block to do the test. Students who needed a bit of extra time worked with Ms. Jessica (EA) in block 2 to have a few more minutes. When finished, Mr. Menzies asked us to put all of our assignments in our black science duotangs, including our study sheet, and hand this in. If there was time, we could also practice some math as we have a Unit 2 math test next Thursday. Thus concludes Unit 1 in science. Mr. Menzies will have these tests marked ASAP, we will review and complete a self evaluation when students received their tests back, this will be sent home as per usual to show parents, and there will be a re-test opportunity at lunchtime next Friday. Next week, we will begin Unit 2: Chemistry. Homework and Reminders: Enjoy your Thanksgiving long weekend! No specific homework assigned this weakened, however, we have our Unit 2 math test next Thursday on number operation systems. Spending some time practicing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division is advisable in preparation for the test. All of the practice packages, answer keys, and slideshows are accessible in the Google classroom Click Here from home. Reminders: Unit 2 Math test next Thursday. Grade 8 Hoodie Order Form (Click Here), Due to the office by Oct 17th. Don't eat too much turkey this weekend!

Thursday, Oct 9th: Today we did science in block 3. During advisory, Mr. Menzies handed out a study sheet organizer to help us review and explained what do to. He advised us that we review for the Unit 1 Science test tonight as the test is tomorrow (Parts A-D Click Here). We then went over the criteria and instructions for conducting our paper airplane experiments again and we went to the gym to begin setting up our these experiments. In block 3, we had the whole block to test our paper airplanes and conduct our experiments in the gym. Students worked in their teams to launch each plane 5-10 times, collect data, and then calculated the average distance flown. When finished, we had time to begin developing our conclusions and this assignment will be due in full on Friday this week - Each student needs to hand in their own Part: D-1 in this yellow duotang along with Parts A-D. Mr. Menzies also reminded us that that the Unit 1 science test (Parts A-D) is tomorrow Friday, Oct 10th. He asked students to ensure they review these assignments, creating a study sheet, in preparation for the test tonight. He also reminded us that there is a Unit 2 Math test on Thursday next week. Homework and Reminders: The Unit 1 Science test is tomorrow! Please make sure Your science assignments are fully complete (Parts A-D) * NOTE: Part D-2 can be handed in next week as we just finished collecting our data today. The example Mr. Menzies provided is available in the Google classroom to help you. Also, spending 10-15 minutes practicing the topic from Unit 2 math is advisable as we will be having a Unit 2 test next week (Thursday) once we finish division and order of operations. Reminders: Please make sure all of your science assignments are fully finished to the best of your ability as you will need to hand them in tomorrow before the test (The only exception being Part D-2). Next Monday is Thanksgiving Monday and there is no school that day. Math Extra Help is tomorrow morning, Friday, at 8:15am. There will be a Unit 2 Math test on Thursday, Oct 16th, next week. Grade 8 Hoodie Order Form (Click Here), Due to the office by Oct 17th! Reminder that all assignments and learning resources are available in the Google classroom Click Here.

Wednesday, Oct 8th: Today we had LA in block 1 and in block 2 we did Science. On Thursday, we will be testing of our paper airplanes in the gym, and today we had time to do final preparations to set up our experiments. Mr. Menzies provided an example experiment write up again for us to use as a model, and he highlighted that we need to have a table ready to record our results/data when testing our planes. After this, we had the to do any preparations needed so that our experiments are ready to conduct including ensuring our paper airplanes are fully ready Click Here. Tomorrow, we will go to the gym for advisory to begin setting up our testing sight (mapping out or measurement system, doing a few preliminary test flights) and during block 3 we will have the whole block to test our planes and collect data and observations. On Friday students will be expected to hand in Parts A-D from Unit 1 before we write our Unit 1 Science test Click Here. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure Part D-1 and D-2 are fully complete by Friday. The example Mr. Menzies provided is available in the Google classroom to help you. Also, spending 10-15 minutes practicing the topic from Unit 2 math is advisable as we will be having a Unit 2 test next week (Thursday) once we finish division and order of operations. Reminders: There will be a Unit 1 Science Test on Friday Oct 10th this week! This will be on Parts A-D. Please make sure all of your assignments are fully finished to the best of your ability as you will need to hand them in on Friday before the test. Next Monday is Thanksgiving Monday and there is no school that day. There will be a Unit 2 Math test on Thursday, Oct 16th, next week. Grade 8 Hoodie Order Form (Click Here), Due to the office by Oct 17th! Reminder that all assignments and learning resources are available in the Google classroom Click Here.

Tuesday, Oct 7th: Today in block 2 we did a small amount of science to begin and then math for the last 3/4 of the block. Mr. Menzies first reviewed what we learned yesterday about the scientific method (Part D-1 and Part D-2 Click Here). He went over the types of variables and presented once again an example of Part D-2 experiment to model what our experiments could look like. He reminded us that we are expected to have this completed for Thursday block 3 and ready to conduct our experiments in the gym then. We then had about 10 minutes to touch base with our partners, delegate tasks, make sure all of us are on the same page, and make sure we will be ready for Thursday when we go to the gym for testing. After this, we switched to Math. Continuing with Unit 2: Number Operation Systems, today's focus was on division (Part D). Today we reviewed what division is, what a quotient is, and how to do multi-digit whole number long division. Students received Part D: Division - Quotients and Mr. Menzies walked us through this topic with the accompanying slideshow Click Here. We went over the steps for long division of whole numbers. Students then had the rest of the block to practice this skill. The Part D: Division - Quotients along with the slideshow and answer key is available in the Google classroom Click Here. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure your paper airplane science experiment is ready for testing for Thursday block 3. This includes completing Purpose/problem to your observations table where you will record your data on Thursday (Part D-2).  The example Mr. Menzies provided is available in the Google classroom. Also, spending 10-15 minutes practicing the topics from Unit 2 math is advisable as we will be having a Unit 2 Math test next week (Wed Sept 15th or Thurs Sept 16th TBD soon) once we finish division and order of operations. Reminders: There will be a Unit 1 Science Test on Friday, Sept 10th, this week! This will be on Parts A-D. Please make sure all of your assignments are fully finished to the best of your ability as you will need to hand them in on Friday before the test. Next Monday is Thanksgiving Monday and there is no school that day. Grade 8 Hoodie Order Form (Click Here), Due to the office by Oct 17th!

Monday, Oct 6th: Today we did science in both blocks 1 and 2. Continuing with what we started on Friday, we again learned about the scientific method today: Part D-1 Click Here. We began by watching a BrainPOP video explaining the scientific method. After this, Mr. Menzies again explained what variables are in an experiment, including the control, independent, and dependent variable and we had a bit of time to finish the first section of Part D-1. After this, we watched two Mark Rober videos on the scientific method: Experiment #1: Testing if Sharks Can Smell a Drop of Blood, Experiment # 2: Shark Attack Test- Human Blood vs. Fish Blood where Mark goes to the Bahamas to conduct an experiment using the scientific method. Students completed the rest of Part D as they watched and we reviewed and discussed the answers when finished. In block 3, we did science and started Part D-2: The Scientific Method Click Here. Mr. Menzies went over what our assignment is and explained that we will be creating an experiment related to paper airplanes. First he walked us through the scientific method again and explained each part. He also reviewed variables and provided examples of this in relation to the paper airplane experiment, and showed us an example experiment write up where the Purpose, Hypothesis, Variables, and Observations/ Data table is set up (This is available in the Google classroom Click Here). Second, we learned how to fold "The Dart" standard paper airplane model to use as our "control". In this assignment students will be modifying "The Dart" and testing this modification to see how it impacts the distance the paper airplane flies. They will be creating two other paper airplanes that will be modifies versions of The Dart (the control). Modifications can be increasing or reducing wingspan, changing the weight of the control, etc... to test a hypothesis. Today we had time to familiarize ourselves with the assignment and begin crafting our experiment. We also had time to play around with a prototype and practice the launch system for our planes. Later this week, we will have more time to develop this and on Thursday we will be going to the gym to do our testing and collect our data to analyze. Students were asked to think about this assignment tonight and about how they will modify the dart paper airplane to create an independent variable. This modification should be specific and not too drastic as it will be difficult to conclude a correlation between the change and results. Homework and Reminders: Please continue to develop and refine your paper airplane experiment as we need to be ready for Thursday. Also, spending 10-15 mins on Math will be helpful. We have one more topic to cover in Unit 2 (Division) and the test will be next week. Reminders: A reminder that the parent/teacher interview sign up document is live for you to schedule a meeting with Mr. Menzies and Ms. Cottier (Click Here). I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather over the weekend!

Friday, Oct 3rd: Today we did both math and science in block 1. We began with a quick review of multiplying multi-digit whole and decimal numbers and did some further practice of Part C. Mr. Menzies introduced Part D: The Scientific Method and walked us through a slideshow, including a few video clips that explains this topic Click Here. Students received Part D: The Scientific Method today and we were just able to complete the first part of this assignment. We had about 15-20 minutes to define the key parts of the Scientific Method, and begin to understand what a control, independent variable, and dependent variable is in an experiment. Mr. Menzies asked us to complete the first part of this package over the weekend up until the Mark Rober part. We will continue with this on Monday and next week we will be in the gym to conduct an experiment of our own using the scientific method. Homework and Reminders: Please finish the first part of Part D from science up until the Mark Rober part Click Here. Also please spend some time reviewing Part C: Multiplication from math as we will be moving on to Part D: Division next week Click Here. Reminders: Parent/Teacher interviews begin next week (Click Here). Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, Oct 2nd: Today in block 2, we moved on to our next topic in Unit 2 - Part C: Multiplication of Whole and Decimal Numbers Click Here. Mr. Menzies walked us through the Part C slideshow and we watched few videos and went over several examples of how to multiply multi-digit whole and decimal numbers. Students received both notes and a practice package today and we had the rest of the block to review, practice, and develop our understanding of multiplying multi-digit whole and decimal numbers. Mr. Menzies asked us to spend 15 more minutes tonight continuing to review this skill and understanding, and reminded us that the video examples are accessible as always from home in the google classroom Click Here. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 15 more minutes practicing multiplication of whole and decimal numbers tonight. Reminders: Math extra help begins tomorrow at 8:15AM. All students are welcome to attend for more one-on-one review/support, or just to use this time to practice skills or complete science work. At lunchtime tomorrow, there will be a Unit 1 Math re-test opportunity for students who want to try to improve their understanding and bump up their mark. 

Wednesday, Oct 1st: Today we had LA in block 1. In block 2, we began with Math. Mr. Menzies had us form groups of two and we used the whiteboards to review the topics we have covered so far in unit 2 so far: Addition and Subtraction of whole and Decimal Numbers. Students took turns teaching their partner how to do a variety of questions involving additional nd subtraction of whole and decimal numbers, and Mr. Menzies confirmed the answers as we went. After this, we switched to Science. Today we had time to finish Part C-1 Click Here. Mr. Menzies walked us though collecting data and organizing it in a table, setting up and presenting this data in a line graph, how to create a bar graph, and how to create a pie graph. This took the whole block as students had to devise a survey, collect data for this survey, and present their data in a bar graph. Tomorrow, we will again be doing science in block 2 as we move onto Part D: The Scientific Method. Homework and Reminders: Unit 1 math tests have been marked and sent home. Please show parents, get signed, and bring back to school ASAP. This Friday, the first "math extra help" is offered at 8:15AM for any students who would like some one-on-one help, or who just want to do some review. On Friday at lunch, there will be a re-test opportunity for unit 1, available to any student who wants to take advantage of this to help bump up their mark. Please make sure Parts A to C-1 in science are fully completed Click Here. Also, please spend some time reviewing they math review we have covered so far in unit 2 Click Here. Reminders: Please make sure all of your school supplies are organized.

Monday, Sept 29th: Today was Orange Shirt Day at school. We began the day by participating in an Orange Shirt Day reflective walk. We joined all the classes at Royal Oak and walked around the block. For the rest of block 1 we did LA with Ms. Cottier. In block 2, we did Math today. Students received their marked Unit 1 Tests back and Mr. Menzies went over the test. We also received a Unit 1 Self Evaluation and Reflection where we had to review our tests, identify areas of strength, and areas that remain shaky, and also reflect on our learning behaviors / approach to learning in Math through this unit. Mr. Menzies asked us to staple this self evaluation to our tests, take home tonight to show our parents/get signed, and bring back to school where we can keep them in a folder for when we do review at the end of the year. After this, we continued with Unit 2 and today we just had time to begin review of subtraction of whole numbers and decimals (Part B - Click Here). We will continue with this topic later in the week. In block 3, we did Science. Last week we just started Part C-1: Using Science Equipment and Collecting & Analyzing Data Click Here. We had the whole block to practice measuring the core properties of matter (temperature, mass, volume, and length). At this point students are expected to have completed the measurement part of Part C-1. The last part of this assignment is about collecting data, organizing it, and presenting it in graphical form. On Wednesday Mr. Menzies showed us a video about collecting data and presenting it in graphic format. The video also reviewed what type of graph is appropriate for different types of data. We then had the rest of the block to complete Part C-1 Click Here. Home work and Reminders: Please make sure you have finished the measurement section of Part C-1 from science for Wednesday Click Here. Also, now is a good time to do some organizing: Do you have all of your school supplies and are they organized, and is your binder organized into clear sections for MA, SCI, LA, and SS with handouts in chronological order? Reminders: Math tests for Unit 1 have been marked an handed back. Students reviewed their test today and filled out a self-evaluation that should be staples to their test to show parents, get signed, and bring back to school on Wednesday. Tomorrow there is no school as it is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Friday, Sept 26th: Today we did science in block 1. Mr. Menzies introduced Part C: Using Lab Equipment and Collecting and Analyzing Data - Click Here. This is when we get to use science equipment to measure various samples of matter and work on accuracy, precision, and recording numerical/quantitative observations. Mr. Menzies discussed accuracy and precision and we watched a video and went over a few examples. He then showed us how to use a triple beam balance to measure mass, and how to use beakers, graduated cylinders to measure volume, and how to read a thermometer. We also learned the displacement method to measure the volume of irregular solids and how to read the meniscus when viewing a volume of liquid. We then has the rest of the class to begin forking on Par C-1: Using Lab Equipment and Collecting and Analyzing Data Click Here. On Monday we will have some more time to work on this assignment and we will learn how to represent data in different ways including tables and graphs. This will lead us in to an experiment assignment later on next week. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 15 minutes reviewing Parts A-1 and A-2 in math over the weekend Click Here. Also make sure Parts A to C-1 are fully complete for Monday as we will be moving on to Part D next week Click Here. Reminders: Please be advised that the rain moved in next week so think about PE trip for rainy colder weather as we move further into fall. A reminder that the parent/teacher interview sign up document is live for you to schedule a meeting with Mr. Menzies and Ms. Cottier (Click Here). On Monday September 29th it is Orange Shirt Day, and on Tuesday Sept 30th there is no school for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation holiday. Have an excellent weekend!

Thursday, Sept 25th: Today we started the day with some reminders: Tomorrow is the first pizza day of the year. Pizza slices continue to be $2.50 a slice and will be every Friday until the end of the year. Also, next Monday September 29th is Orange Shirt Day at school, and on Tuesday it is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation holiday and there is no school. In block 2, we began our next unit in Math: Unit 2: Number Operation Systems. Today we began by watching a video on the history of math symbols and why they were developed, including the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division symbols. We also learned some key terminology: Addends and Sums. Mr. Menzies walked us through the basics of adding multi-digit whole numbers and used visual models to represent re-grouping. He also gave us a strategy for estimating sums by adding the most significant values first. After viewing the slideshow for Part A: Addition - Sums, we received the accompanying practice package Click Here. We just had time to get this started today, but we will continue with this unit tomorrow. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 15 minutes continuing to practice the addition skills from our new math unit: Part A: Addition & Sums Click Here. Please make sure you have finished Part B from Science as we will be moving on to Part C tomorrow. Reminders: A reminder that the parent/teacher interview sign up document is live for you to schedule a meeting with Mr. Menzies and Ms. Cottier (Click Here). A reminder that this Friday is the first Pizza Day of the year ($2.50 per slice, milk is $2). On Monday September 29th it is Orange Shirt Day, and on Tuesday Sept 30th there is no school for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation holiday. 

Wednesday, Sept 24th: Today we wrote our first math test of the school year. In block 2, Mr. Menzies went over tips and tricks for writing tests, including reading the question carefully, clearly communicating thinking by showing our work/calculations/methods, and also doing the question we are confident with first. We handed out blue duotangs in today with our practice booklets from unit 1 enclosed. We then had the whole block (and additional time if needed) to write the Unit 1 test: Number System. Mr. Menzies encouraged us to reflect on our learning in unit 1 as we wrote the test and consider how confident we became with the skills and concepts. Also, to reflect on our learning behaviors/work habits and whether we used our time in class effectively, advocated for our learning if we didn't understand, and did adequate practice of skills to obtain "solid" understanding an competence. Finally, Mr. Menzies announced that their will be a re-test opportunity next week for students who want to review Unit 1 topics and try to improve their mark. Students will get their marked test back early next week and we will fill out a self evaluation to attach to the test, take home to show parents/get signed, and bring back to school. The time and date of this re-test will be announced next week and it will take place at lunch recess. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure you have finished Part B from Science as we will be moving on to Part C tomorrow. Reminders: A reminder that the parent/teacher interview sign up document is live for you to schedule a meeting with Mr. Menzies and Ms. Cottier (Click Here). A reminder that this Friday is the first Pizza Day of the year ($2.50 per slice, milk is $2). On Monday September 29th it is Orange Shirt Day, and on Tuesday Sept 30th there is no school for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation holiday.

Tuesday, Sept 23rd: Today we began this short week with French in block 1 and LA in block 2. In block 3, we spent 15 minutes going over reminders and some housekeeping items, including the beginning of grade 8 intramural soccer, pizza day, and the calendar ahead. Mr. Menzies reminded us that is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation next Tuesday Sept 30th and there is no school that day and that it is Orange Shirt Day on Monday next week. After this, Mr. Menzies reminded us what we have done so far in Math and that we have our Unit 1 math test tomorrow on Parts A-E. He showed us an example of a study sheet and urged us to use the rest of the block to work on either creating a study sheet to review key concepts, or doing some extra practice of skills in our booklets to prepare for the test. He also went over how to organize and submit our Math work at the end of each unit and showed us how to do this in our blue duotangs. Mr. Menzies advised us to take our duotangs home to do some further review tonight in preparation for the test and he will expect us to hand it in tomorrow when we write the test. We then had the rest of the block to review Unit 1 topics for tomorrow's test. Homework and Reminders: Please spend some time reviewing for tomorrow's Unit 1 math test. This can be completing your study sheet of main topics and skills or doing some extra practice questions in our green duotangs. Reminders: A reminder that the parent/teacher interview sign up document is live for you to schedule a meeting with Mr. Menzies and Ms. Cottier (Click Here). A reminder that this Friday is the first Pizza Day of the year ($2.50 per slice, milk is $2). On Monday September 29th it is Orange Shirt Day, and on Tuesday Sept 30th there is not school for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation holiday. I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Friday, Sept 19th: Today in block 1, we did Math and learned about Part E: Scientific Notation Click Here. First we learned why it is used and how it is related to our base 10 number system and exponents, the topic we learned about last math class, to represent very large or very small numbers. First we viewed the Part E slideshow Click Here, and watched a video explanation and went over several examples of converting numbers from standard notation to scientific notation and vice versa. Students learned that we can represent movement of the decimal with x 10 to the power of a positive or negative exponent. A positive exponent in scientific notation indicates a large number whereas a negative exponent indicates a small number. Students received the Part E: Scientific Notation practice package and some notes for todays lesson Click Here. We then had the rest of the block to work on developing our understanding of scientific notation. Later in the block, earlier finishers who felt competent with this skill, could switch to working on Part B: Scientific Measurement Click Here, or an extension activity booklet with some more complex/challenging problems related to scientific notation Click Here. In block 2 we had LA and in block 3 we had SS today.  Homework and Reminders: Spending some time reviewing any math concepts we have covered and doing 10 more minutes of practice and review is advised if you feel shaky on any of the concepts or skills covered. Also, completing Par B: Scientific Measurement from science is also recommended for Tuesday next week as we will be moving on to Part C.  Reminders: All assignments/handouts/slideshow for Math and Science lessons can be found in the Google Classroom (Click Here). Monday, September 22nd, is a Pro-D day and students do not have school that day.  Next Wednesday, Sept 24th, is the Unit 1 Math test (Parts A-E). Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, Sept 18th: Today we had French in block 1. In block 2 we started with math and then moved on to science. In Math, Mr. Menzies let us know that we have one more topic to cover (Part E: Scientific Notation) to finish Unit 1, and there will be a Unit 1 Math test next Wednesday, Sept 24th to wrap up this unit.  Today we learned how to begin creating a study sheet to help us review the concepts and skills we have covered so far in Unit 1. Mr. Menzies went over how to do this, and we had time to begin a study sheet for Unit 1. This includes parts A-D, our most recent topic form yesterday being Powers & Exponents. We also could do some more practice questions to better establish our competence with topic covered so far. Half way through the block, we switched back to science. Continuing with what we started yesterday (Part B) Mr. Menzies walked us through the rest of the Part B slideshow and discussed units of measure, both US Customary/Imperial and Metric / SI units. He also went over the equipment we use to measure various properties of matter to collect data when we observe and describe our world or conduct experiments. Students then had more time to work on Part B: Scientific Measurement - Click Here. Later in block 4 today, we participated in the annual Terry Fox run during FAAS. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure your Part A: science safety assignment (brochure or song) is handed in as it we due on Tuesday and is now considered late. Spending some time reviewing any math concepts we have covered and doing 10 more minutes of practice and review is advised if you feel shaky on any of the concepts or skills covered. Also, completing Par B from science is also recommended for Tuesday next week as we will be moving on to Part C.  Reminders: All assignments/handouts/slideshow for Math and Science lessons can be found in the Google Classroom (Click Here). Monday is a Pro-D day and students do not have school that day.  Next Wednesday, Sept 24th, is the Unit 1 Math test. 

Wednesday, Sept 17th: Today was an early dismissal day and we did Math in block 2. Continuing with unit 1: Number System, our focus was on learning about powers & exponents today (Part D in Math). We began by watching a Brainpop video explaining what exponents represent and how they are used to represent repeated multiplication patterns. Mr. Menzies went through several examples, and we learned how to say exponential numbers, how to convert them to expanded form, and how to simplify them into standard form. Students received both notes and a practice package today (Click Here) and Mr. Menzies led us through the first few pages as we had the rest of the block to develop our understanding of powers & exponents. This will lead us into our next topic later in the week: Scientific Notation. Finally, Mr. Menzies asked us to spend 10 more minutes at home tonight reviewing and practicing the concepts and skills we covered today. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure your Part A: science safety assignment (brochure or song) is handed in as it we due on Tuesday and is now considered late. Spending some time reviewing any math concepts we have covered and doing 10 more minutes of practice and review is advised if you feel shaky on any of the concepts or skills covered. Reminders: All assignments/handouts/slideshow for Math and Science lessons can be found in the Google Classroom (Click Here). Tonight it is the annual ROMS Open House / Meet the Teacher Night from 5-7. Finally, tomorrow (Thursday) we have the annual Terry Fox Run here at ROMS: Wear red and white, bring your running shoes, and bring a "toonie for Terry" to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation. 

Tuesday, Sept 16th: Today we started the day with French in block 1 and had LA in block 2. In block 3, we did both math and science. Beginning with math, we continued with Part C: Rounding, Comparing, & Ordering Numbers Click Here. Yesterday we focused on reviewing rounding, and today Mr. Menzies reviewed the key steps and strategies for rounding and explained how it is connected to estimation. He also discussed how rounding is based on how precise we need to be in a given situation and this depends on context. Next, we reviewed how to compare numbers and he led us through how to do this. Importantly, identifying the most significant values of each number and comparing these first, then working right and comparing the smaller place values, can help us determine the larger/smaller number. We went over several examples and became reacquainted with the comparison symbols in math (< > =) and how to use them. Students had an addition 10-15 minutes to practice rounding, comparing, and ordering in Part C Click Here. For the second half of the block, we switched to science. Mr. Menzies reminded us that our science safety brochures/songs we due today and we handed them in. After this, we began Part B: Scientific Measurement Click Here. Today we learned about the many types of measurement used in science, and were introduced to the Metric and Imperial systems of measurement. We learned that the metric system is universally used in science (SI units) but that we also use Imperial often in our day to day lives as our neighbor and largest trading partner (The USA) still uses this system. We watched Billy Nye: Measurement and just had time to begin Part B today. Tomorrow we will continue with this topic. Part way through the day, we had our annual school photos takes. Students were given a card with a special QR code to that will allow access to view and order photos online. Please ask you son/daughter about this. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure your Part A: science safety assignment (brochure or song) is handed in as it we due yesterday and is not considered late. Spending some time reviewing any math concepts we have covered and doing 10 more minutes of practice and review is advised if you feel shaky on any of the concepts or skills covered. Reminders: All assignments/handouts/slideshow for Math and Science lessons can be found in the Google Classroom Click Here. Tomorrow night it is the annual ROMS Open House / Meet the Teacher Night from 5-7. Finally, on Thursday we have the annual Terry Fox Run here at ROMS: Wear red and white, bring your running shoes, and bring a "toonie for Terry" to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation. 

Monday, Sept 15th: Today we began the day by going over some notable events happening this week. School photo day is tomorrow (Tuesday), the ROMS Open House/Meet the Teacher night is Wednesday 5-7pm, and the Terry Fox Run is on Thursday this week during PE or FAAS. After this, we did Math and began with some review of the topics we covered last week: whole and decimal number place value. Students worked with a partner and a whiteboard to take turns answering some review question for the main concepts we covered last week. After this, we started our next math topic: Part C - Rounding, Comparing, and Ordering Whole and Decimal Numbers (Click Here). Mr. Menzies went through the Part C slideshow and we watched a few video clips and went through some examples for rounding. Students then received a practice package and notes on rounding, comparing and ordering numbers and we had the rest of the block to review rounding skills. Early finishers could work on some extension math problems available. Tomorrow we will spend part of block 3 going over comparing and ordering numbers. In block 3, we did Science today and had nearly the whole block to work on our science safety assignments, introduced earlier this week.  Mr. Menzies reviewed what we had learned and went through the safety in the science lab guidelines, the information we were to use to create a brochure or song/rap (Click Here). Today we had nearly the whole block to work on this assignment and Mr. Menzies reminded us that our science safety assignments are due tomorrow, Tuesday Sept 16th (brochure or song)(Click Here). Homework and Reminders: A reminder to get your science safety assignments (Part A... brochure or song) completed as it is due tomorrow (Click Here). Please spend some time (10-15 mins) on the math we have covered so far. Reminders: All assignments/handouts/slideshow for Math and Science lessons can be found in the Google Classroom (Click Here). It is school photo day tomorrow, Tuesday Sept 16th! On Wednesday night it is the annual ROMS Open House / Meet the Teacher Night from 5-7. Finally, on Thursday we have the annual Terry Fox Run here at ROMS: Wear red and white, bring your running shoes, and bring a "toonie for Terry" to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Friday, Sept 12th: Today we had Science in block 1 and we began our first unit: Unit 1: Science Skills. Mr. Menzies walked us through a slideshow, we watched a few short videos and we discussed safety symbols on consumer chemical products at home and the WHIMIS symbol found in the workplace. Mr. Menzies then introduced our first science assignment and we received: Unit 1 - Part A: Safety in the Science Classroom. Today we learned about safety in the science lab as well as chemical safety at school, at home, and in the workplace. We learned safety guidelines for working in the science lab, chemical safety symbols (including WHMIS), and were assigned two options to engage with these ideas and show our learning: Create a safety in the science lab brochure, or work with a partner to write a rap/song that communicates safety guidelines and safety symbols. Students had the rest of the block to begin these assignments and we will continue to work on this in block 3 on Monday and this assignment will be due on Tuesday next week. In block 3, we had Language Arts with Ms. Cottier. Finally, in block 4 we had PE and continued with our Ultimate unit. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure you finish your Science lab safety assignment for Tuesday as we will be moving on to our next topic. Also, please spend 10-15 minutes doing a few Math questions from topics covered this week. Reminders: All assignments/handouts/slideshow for Math and Science lessons can be found in the Google Classroom (Click Here). The ROMS Open House / Meet the Teacher Night is on Wednesday, September 17th from 5-7pm. Cross Country, Ultimate, Soccer, Grade 8 Rowing, and Basketball will be starting soon so please check the ROMS Athletic website for details (Click Here). Lastly, a reminder that Pizza Day will begin next Friday, Sept 19th. Have an excellent weekend!

Thursday, Sept 11th: Today we began the day with Math. Yesterday we learned about place value and whole numbers and students received notes and a practice package for Part A: Whole Numbers (Click Here). Today we extended out lesson on the place value, base 10, number system, by learning about decimal numbers. Mr. Menzies introduced this topic and we worked through a slideshow, watching a video explanation and discussing, and going through some examples. Of note, was the relationship of decimal numbers to fractions. Today we received Part B: Decimal Numbers - Notes & the accompanying practice package (Click Here). Mr. Menzies reviewed the notes and led us through the beginning to the practice package. We then had the rest of the block to review the related skills and concepts and reacquaint / strengthen our understanding of how our number system works and how to comprehend, represent, and communicate numbers. Mr. Menzies advised us to spend 15 minutes tonight reviewing Parts A and B to make sure we have a solid understanding of the skills and concepts we have covered this week in Math.  Homework and Reminders: Please spend 15 minutes tonight reviewing what we did in Math this week: Part A: Whole Number Place Value and Part B: Decimal Number Place Value. Please deliver the school forms package to your parents to review, sign, and return to Mr. Menzies ASAP if you have not done so already. A reminder to please ensure you have all of your school supplies ready to go as we have officially started academics this week. Lastly, Cross Country, Ultimate, Soccer, Grade 8 Rowing, and Basketball will be starting soon so please check the ROMS Athletic website for details (Click Here). Lastly, a reminder that there is NO Pizza Day tomorrow so to bring a lunch. The first Pizza Day will begin next Friday, Sept 19th.

Wednesday, Sept 10th: In block 2, Mr. Menzies began by going over some reminders: school forms, PE strip, school materials organized, and reminded us of our word of the week: Character. After this, we began our first unit in Math: Number System. Mr. Menzies explained that we will be doing some review of foundational skills before we get into truly new Grade 8 Math topics this term. Mr. Menzies introduced our first unit in Math: Number System. Today our focus was on Part A: Whole Numbers (Click Here) and he walked us through a slideshow that explained the origins of our number system and how it is designed to work as a "base 10" system (Click Here). We watched a few short videos explaining this, and went over some examples and details. We then received a Part A notes page (Click Here) and Unit 1 - Part A: Whole Numbers (Click Here) practice package. In this package we reviewed several concepts related to whole numbers and how our number system works, including what exactly "place value" means, identifying it, and communicating whole numbers. While we do these review units, and Mr. Menzies get better acquainted individual's knowledge, confidence, and skill, he advised us to do at least 5 question per page, but to ensure we have have very solid grasp of all skills and concepts included in Part A. He also offered extension math problem solving resource if we happened to finish, or if we found the practice package not challenging enough once we had reviewed the skills included. We then had the rest of the class to reacquaint ourselves with this topic and the key concepts and skills of whole number place value, and also get help or clarification from Mr. Menzies. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 10-15 more minutes reviewing the math from today's class. Please deliver the school forms package to your parents to review, sign, and return to Mr. Menzies ASAP if you have not done so already. A reminder to please ensure you have all of your school supplies ready to go as we have officially started academics this week. Lastly, Cross Country, Ultimate, Soccer, Grade 8 Rowing, and Basketball will be starting soon so please check the ROMS Athletic website for details (Click Here).

Tuesday, Sept 9th: Today we had Mme. Espedido for French in block 1 and LA in block 2 with Ms. Cottier. In block 3, Mr. Menzies introduced Science 8. He began be getting us to think about what the Universe is, what it is made up of, and how it came to be, and also about Earth and what we call life that inhabits it. We listened to Carl Sagan describe the Earth and its place in the Universe as we know it. We also discussed the main units/topics we will be exploring this year in Science 8. After discussing this, Mr. Menzies explained a STEM task where we had to put our brain to use to solve a problem related to landing a lunar module on the moon. Students used the materials provided to troubleshoot this challenge and refine their designs and then work together to complete other more difficult challenges. We will officially begin our first unit in Science later this week. Homework and Reminders: Please deliver the school forms package to your parents to review, sign, and return to Ms. Cottier ASAP if you have not done so already. A reminder to please ensure you have all of your school supplies ready to go as we have officially started academics this week. Lastly, Cross Country, Ultimate, Soccer, Grade 8 Rowing, and Basketball will be starting soon so please check the ROMS Athletic website for details (Click Here). 

Monday, Sept 8th: Today we began our first full week of school. In homeroom Ms. Cottier went over some reminders for the week and we listened to the daily announcements. In block 1, we went to the gym for a grade 8 assembly hosted by Mrs. McEwan and Mrs. Warren. In the assembly we reviewed school wide expectations, as well as more specific expectations and opportunities for Grade 8's in the year ahead. In block 2 we were with Ms. Cottier for LA and went to the Learning Commons for an orientation and to sign out a book for reading. In block 3, we were back with Mr. Menzies and he introduced Math for this year. He showed us an introductory slideshow, and we discussed what math is, how it is like a language to describe the world around us, and why it matters. Mr. Menzies also handed out a Grade 8 Math course outline (Click Here) and went over the topics/units we will cover in the coming months. He emphasized that we will begin with some review topics to help us reestablish our foundational skills and understandings as he gets to know us and our relationship to Math at this point. Finally, we received a Beginning of Math 8 survey: "Math and Me" (Click Here) to help Mr. Menzies understand where are skills and confidence is at with key grade 6 and 7 math concepts, and we also did a few math exercises and puzzles to help us shake the dust off. Homework and Reminders: Please deliver the school forms package to your parents to review, sign, and return to Ms. Cottier ASAP if you have not done so already. A reminder to please ensure you have all of your school supplies ready to go as we have officially started academics this week. Lastly, Cross Country, Ultimate, Soccer, Grade 8 Rowing, and Basketball will be starting soon so please check the ROMS Athletic website for details (Click Here).

Friday, Sept 5th: Today we were with Mr. Menzies in block 1. Continuing with introductions, orientations, and begging of the year activities, today we reviewed some details for the year and then did some collaborative activities. Students worked in groups to brainstorm and develop a list of Rights and Responsibilities that will help guide and support our class community and help it thrive this year.  Mr. Menzies discussed what "rights" and "Responsibilities" are and how they apply to our classroom setting and the individuals in it. He also explained how society does the same thing with laws and guidelines to support, honor, and protect people in a community.  After each group worked together to create what they thought were rights and responsibility for students in the classroom, we shared out ideas and handed them in. Mr. Menzies will look other these and consolidate them into a poster we can review, edit, or add to next week. We will use this to help establish and maintain a respectful and nurturing classroom environment through the year. After this, we worked with a friend on a mapping challenge Mr. Menzies gave us. We had to draw a map of Vancouver Island with as much detailed as possible, blindly with only about 15 minutes to do so. We worked with our partner to decide what the shape, towns/cities, and other key features of Vancouver Island look like and draw this on a blank piece of paper. After this, Mr. Menzies showed us an actual map of the island to compare and hopefully acquire a better awareness and understanding of the geography of where we live. Ms. Cottier will have a look at these maps and judge the best map in a friendly competition to be decided next week. Later in the day, we had our first block of PE and we combined with three other PE classes to get the year started. Mr. Menzies and the other PE teachers went over the ROMS PHE Course Outline (Click Here) and discussed expectations, routines, competencies, and strategies and behaviors for success in PE this year. After this, we played a big group game of capture the rugby ball. Finally, we met with just Mr. Menzies and he handed out a copy of the PHE Course Outline and asked us to take it home to show our parents, get signed, and return to school ASAP. Thus concludes the first week of Grade 8! We are up and running and next week we will begin with a grade wide start up assembly with Mrs. McEwan and also get Math and Science up and running! Homework and Reminders:  School forms were sent home today to be reviewed, signed and returned to school ASAP. This includes the PHE course outline. As we begin academics next week, please make sure you have all of your school supplies collected and ready to go, and also have begun reestablishing home routines such as bedtime and homework. It was great to meet and begin to get to know Division 8-5 this week and I look forward to the year ahead! Have an amazing first weekend of the school year!

Thursday, Sept 4th: Today we had our first French block with Mme. Espedido. In block 2, we had our first block with Mr. Menzies and were introduced to his classroom and learned about him and the year ahead. He showed us an orientation slideshow so we know his classroom, some details for the coming year, and some advice he has for our journey through grade 8. We also did some icebreaker/ community-building activities to get to know each other. We then got to learn more about Mr. Menzies, his interests, hobbies etc... and then we did a creative activity to express our interests and identity by creating our own personalized surfboard designs. Tomorrow, we will have another block in Mr. Menzies' class and we will begin some team-building challenges and intro activities, and continue getting familiarized and settled as we wrap up the first week of school. Next week we will officially get the ball rolling with Math and Science. Finally, Mr. Menzies handed out an introductory notice to parents: Welcome to 8-5 Introductory Notice (Click Here). Homework and Reminders: A reminder to continue collecting school supplies and bringing them to school as we will begin academics next week. Please get school forms completed and returned to Ms. Cottier ASAP (to be handed out Friday).  Also, it will be the first day of PE tomorrow so please wear/bring athletic shoes.

Tuesday, September 2nd: Welcome back to school!