DIV 8-6

Tuesday, Dec 2nd: Today we had French in block 1 and Science in block 2. In science, we continued to learn about density. Mr. Menzies went over how to calculate density and why this property is important both in how we understand matter but also how we see density's role in the world around us. We learned that density is a combination of mass and volume and that temperature impacts density of substances. We looked at the unique property of water and how it unusually becomes less dense in its solid form - this is why ice floats in liquid water. We also learned about buoyancy and why ships, made of dense steel, can float. We had time to practice calculating density in our handout from yesterday - Part H Click Here. We then moved on to Part H-2 and we worked together to complete this activity. First we looked at the range of liquids that would be used in this activity (maple syrup, vegetable oil... ) and observed their qualitative properties. We then reviewed how to calculate density and did so for each of the liquids we would be using today. Mr. Menzies then modelled creating a density tower using the densities of each substance in a large graduated cylinder When finished, students closely observed this layered column of liquids and drew a scientific diagram. They then reflected on density and answered some questions to confirm understanding. Homework and Reminders: Please complete Part H-2 from today's science class if you have not done so already. Reminders: Math Extra Help is Friday morning at 8:15am. The Unit 4 Math testest is this Friday at lunchtime. All links to assignments, handouts, slideshows, textbooks, and other resources are available in the google classroom for both math and science Click Here. IMPORTANT Mr. Menzies handed out an additional field trip form for the UVIC trip. UVIC now requires parents to sign an additional permission form for students participating event. Mr. Menzies handed these out today in class. This is also linked on the third page: UVIC Chemistry Department on December 9th (Click Here) and Silver City Zootopia Grade 8 on December 17th (Click Here). A reminder that we are now back outside for PE so please bring comfortable PE strip to be outside in the rain and cold. 

Monday, Dec 1st: In block 1 today, we began the day by getting our Unit 4 math tests back. Mr. Menzies had us review and fill out the accompanying self evaluation, staple this to our tests, and take our tests home to show parents (getting signed and bringing back to school). Today Mr. Menzies we continued with Part H: Density. First we watched a video that explained what density is and how it is related to mass and volume. Mr. Menzies went through a slideshow explaining and showing what density looks like at the molecular level and showed this is a few examples to remind us what we learned last week. Today we had more time to work on Part H-1: Density Click Here and we used the rest of the block to work on this assignment, learned how to calculate density, and practiced doing do. Click Here. Homework and Reminders: Please show your Unit 4 math test to your parents, get signed, and bring back to school ASAP. Please make sure you have finished Part H-1: Density for tomorrow Click Here. Reminders: All links to assignments, handouts, slideshows, textbooks, and other resources are available in the google classroom for both math and science Click Here. IMPORTANT Mr. Menzies handed out an additional field trip form for the UVIC trip. UVIC now requires parents to sign an additional permission form for students participating event. Mr. Menzies handed these out today in class. This is also linked on the third page: UVIC Chemistry Department on December 9th (Click Here) and Silver City Zootopia Grade 8 on December 17th (Click Here). Hope you had a great weekend!

Friday, Nov 28th: Today Math Extra Help was offered at 8:15AM as per usual. In block 1 we had LA and in block 2 we had French. In block 3 we wrote our Unit 4 math test. We had the whole block to complete our test and extra time into block 2 if needed. Thus concludes Unit 4, our first  grade 8 topic of the year. Mr. Menzies announced that he will mark them as soon as possible and hand them back to students early next week. He also announced that there will be a retest opportunity for this Unit 4 math test next Friday, Dec 5th, at lunchtime. Homework and Reminders: No specific homework assigned this weekend for math and science. Reading and or organizing is recommended. Reminders: All links to assignments, handouts, slideshows, textbooks, and other resources are available in the google classroom for both math and science Click Here. Please complete your self evaluations for the Unit 3 math test, get signed, and bring back to school if you have not already done this. UPDATE: Mr. Menzies handed out an additional field trip form for the UVIC trip. UVIC now requires parents to sign an additional permission form for students participating event. Mr. Menzies handed these out today in class. This is also linked on the third page: UVIC Chemistry Department on December 9th (Click Here) and Silver City Zootopia Grade 8 on December 17th (Click Here). Have a great weekend!

Thursday, Nov 27th: Today we did Math in block 1. Mr. Menzies reviewed Pythagoras basics and we practiced a question together. We also went over how to do the various applications of Pythagoras we have covered earlier this week. Mr. Menzies then showed us some practical examples of using the Pythagorean Theorem to square a corner in construction. We watched a few video clips and discussed why it is important to have square corners in design and construction. We also learned what "proof of Pythagoras" is and how over the ages people have found different ways to test this theorem (This is an extension concept). Students received Part F-3: Review and Applying Pythagoras today and we had time to continue practicing applying Pythagoras. In blocks 3, we began with a little science and returned to learning about density. Last week, Mr. Menzies introduced this concept as a physical property of matter and did some demonstrations Today we received Part H: Density. Mr. Menzies walked us through a slideshow and explained that density is a combination of mass and volume. Today we learned that density is a calculation of how much mass is in a given volume and learned to calculate it. We worked on this for about 20 minutes. After this, we switched back to math and had more time to review for the Unit 4 test tomorrow. Mr. Menzies recommended that we make a one page study sheet to review Parts A-F from this math unit. He also handed out an optional study sheet organizer where we could make notes and write down examples for each of the key concepts form this unit. Homework and Reminders: Please spend some time reviewing Pythagoras (F-1, F-2, F-3) tonight. Also reviewing Parts A-E from Unit 4 would also be helpful in preparing for the Unit 4 test on Friday. Specifically, practicing using Pythagoras tonight is recommended. This can also include extra practice or beginning to create a study sheet (Parts A-F) to review the key ideas. Reminders:  All links to assignments, handouts, slideshows, textbooks, and other resources are available in the google classroom for both math and science Click Here. Please complete your self evaluations for the Unit 3 math test, get signed, and bring back to school if you have not already done this. UPDATE: Mr. Menzies handed out an additional field trip form for the UVIC trip. UVIC now requires parents to sign an additional permission form for students participating event. Mr. Menzies handed these out today in class. This is also linked on the third page: UVIC Chemistry Department on December 9th (Click Here)  and Silver City Zootopia Grade 8 on December 17th (Click Here). 

Wednesday, Nov 26th: Today we did Math in block 1. Continuing with our learning about the Pythagorean Theorem, we began with a review of what we did yesterday. Mr. Menzies went over how the Pythagorean Theorem related to a right triangle and how we can use it to determine an unknown side of the triangle when we know the two other sides. We went over a few examples and had some time to practice using the theorem to fins a, b, or c. After this, Mr. Menzies showed us how the theorem is used practically and how it can be more versatile to be used in contraction, navigation, and other application problems. Students received Part F-2: Applying Pythagoras today Click Here and we went through some examples of applying the theorem in various contexts. This includes using Pythagorean triples to confirm a square corner or wall in construction. Mr. Menzies reminded us to spend some time reviewing and practicing this concept tonight in preparation for our Unit 4 Math test on Friday this week Click Here. Tomorrow we will have the block to continue practicing and expanding our understanding of Pythagoras and also do some review of the underlying skills and concepts we have covered in Unit 4 in preparation for the test on Friday. Homework and Reminders: Please spend some time reviewing Pythagoras (F-1 & F-2) tonight. Also reviewing Parts A-E from Unit 4 would also be helpful in preparing for the Unit 4 test on Friday. Specifically, practicing using Pythagoras tonight is recommended. This can also include extra practice or beginning to create a study sheet (Parts A-F) to review the key ideas. Reminders:  All links to assignments, handouts, slideshows, textbooks, and other resources are available in the google classroom for both math and science Click Here. Please complete your self evaluations for the Unit 3 math test, get signed, and bring back to school if you have not already done this. Field trip forms - please get signed and return ASAP: UVIC Chemistry Department on December 9th (Click Here) and Silver City Zootopia Grade 8 on December 17th (Click Here). 

Tuesday, Nov 25th: Today we had French in block 1 and math in block 2. In block 2, we did Math. We began by reviewing wheat we did yesterday: Part D: Approximating Square Roots, and Part E: Equations and Formulas. Mr. Menzies went over how to solve two step equations and we practice a few examples together. He also explained formulas and we learned hot to use them to calculate perimeter and area. We had about 20 minutes to practice this skill. After this, Mr. Menzies introduced the Pythagorean Theorem. First he showed us a slideshow with a Math Antics video clips and we went over the basics how how Pythagoras relates to right triangles Click Here. We became familiar with the sides of a right triangle (a & b the legs, and c the hypotenuse) and learned how this relates to the Pythagorean Theorem. Mr. Menzies walked us through how to input the side lengths we know into the theorem, and then solve for the unknown side. We went through several examples including solving for c and for a/b and started some practice with the theorem. Students received the following handout today: Part F-1: Intro to Pythagorean Theorem Click Here. Mr. Menzies advised us to spend 15 minutes continuing to practice Pythagorean Theorem for 15 minutes tonight and reminded us that we have a Unit 4 Math test on Friday this week. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 15 minutes reviewing Parts A to F-1 from Unit 4 math tonight as the Unit 4 Math Test is this Friday. Specifically, practicing using Pythagoras tonight is recommended. This can also include extra practice or beginning to create a study sheet to review the key ideas.  Reminders:  All links to assignments, handouts, slideshows, textbooks, and other resources are available in the google classroom for both math and science Click Here. Please complete your self evaluations for the Unit 3 math test, get signed, and bring back to school if you have not already done this. Field trip forms - please get signed and return ASAP: UVIC Chemistry Department on December 9th (Click Here) and Silver City Zootopia Grade 8 on December 17th (Click Here). 

Monday, Nov 24th: Today we started the week with Math after going over what the week will look like. Mr. Menzies announced that we will be mainly focused on Math this week and wrap up Unit 4 on Friday with a test. We began the class by doing a short skill check. Mr. Menzies put a few question on the whiteboard that covers the core skills that we have covered so far this unit (squares, squaring, square roots, perfect and imperfect squares) and then went over the answers, discussing with the class. After this, we moved on to Part D: Approximating/Estimating Square Roots Click Here. Mr. Menzies walked us through how to do this. First we reviewed the perfect squares up to 144, representing these as roots, squares, and square numbers, as we will use these as benchmarks to determine our estimate. Next, we learned to identify the perfect square below (49) a given number (ie. 53 imperfect square) and also the perfect square above (64) this given number. We then drew the square of these and used the roots of the perfect squares on either side of 53 to estimate its root. We largely worked on this together, Mr. Menzies leading us through this handout. For the second half of the block, we moved on to solving 1 and 2 step equation review as we will need this for Pythagoras later this week. Mr. Menzies went over the key parts of an equation and showed us the steps to solve simple equations and by isolating the variable, then check or answers. Students received Part D: Equations and Formulas today Click Here. We also learned what a formula is and practiced using our equation solving technique to use the formula for the perimeter of a square. We just had time to touch upon this today, and we will continue with this tomorrow. Finally, Mr. Menzies advised us to spend some time each school night this week reviewing Parts A-E in preparation for the Unit 4 math test on Friday this week. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 15 minutes reviewing Parts A-E from Unit 4 math tonight as the Unit 4 Math Test is this Friday. This can include extra practice or beginning to create a study sheet to review the key ideas.  Reminders:  All links to assignments, handouts, slideshows, textbooks, and other resources are available in the google classroom for both math and science Click Here. Please complete your self evaluations for the Unit 3 math test, get signed, and bring back to school if you have not already done this. Field trip forms - please get signed and return ASAP: UVIC Chemistry Department on December 9th (Click Here) and Silver City Zootopia Grade 8 on December 17th (Click Here). Hope you had a great weekend!

Thursday, Nov 20th: Today we did both math in block 1 and science in block 3. Beginning with Math, we reviewed some of the central concepts and skills covered this week: squares and square roots and cubes and cube roots. Mr. Menzies went over what the root is for a square (side length) and the root for a cube (edge length). We also went over some examples and were given a math notes template to define some key terms: cube, cubing, cube root, perfect cube, and imperfect cube. We then had about 40 more minutes to continue working on Part C: Cubes & Cube Roots Click Here and developing our understanding of what this means in number formant and visually. We also had the option to go on Mathletics and practice square and cube roots questions. Continuing with Part G: Physical Properties of Matter Mr. Menzies reminded us of what we did on Tuesday when we learned about the qualitative physical properties that we can use to describe matter using our senses (sight, smell, colour, odor, texture etc...). Today we moved on to the quantitative or measurable physical properties of matter. We began by learning what a "state" of matter is (solid, liquid, gas) and what "melting point" freezing point" and "boiling point" mean. We also reviewed some key units of measure for mass, volume, length, and temperature. Mr. Menzies reminded us that we have already learned a bit about this in Unit 1: Science Skills where we practiced using tools in the science lab. We then had then had about 20-30 minutes to practice measuring the physical properties of matter and collecting qualitative data. For the last 15 minutes of class, Mr. Menzies introduced Part H: Density. First we watched a video that explained what density is and how it is related to mass and volume. Mr. Menzies went through a slideshow explaining and showing what density looks like at the molecular level and showed this is a few examples. He then did some density demonstrations with a fish tank full of water and showed that samples of matter can have the same volume but can have more mass causing their densities can be quite different. We also learned that the density of liquid water is 1g/ml and things that have a density greater than this will sink and things that have a density less than this will float. We also learned that temperature affects density and Mr. Menzies modelled this with a demonstration. On Monday we will delve further into density and work on Part H: Density. Students will be doing some hands on labs related to density next week in class. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 10-15 minutes reviewing Parts A-C from Unit 4 math tonight. Reminders:  All links to assignments, handouts, slideshows, textbooks, and other resources are available in the google classroom for both math and science Click Here. Tomorrow, Friday, Nov 21st is a Pro-D day and there is no school for students. Please complete your self evaluations for the Unit 3 math test, get signed, and bring back to school if you have not already done this. Field trip forms - please get signed and return ASAP: UVIC Chemistry Department on December 9th (Click Here) and Silver City Zootopia Grade 8 on December 17th (Click Here). Have a great three day weekend!

Wednesday, Nov 19th: Today we did Math in block 1. Moving in on Unit 4, today we learned about cubing and cube roots. Similar to squaring and square roots, we expanded this skill and our understanding of what a cube is and what this looks like numerically and visually with models. We also learned how to "cube a root"  and also do the inverse operation finding the cube's root. Students also learned about "perfect cubes" and "imperfect cubes" and how to test larger numbers using prime factorization to determine whether said number is a perfect cube or not. We viewed the Part C slideshow and went over several examples for these skills and concepts and then students received the following notes and practice package today Part C: Cubes & Cube Roots Click Here. We worked on the first several questions together discussing how to do each skill. We also received another Math notes template today to record new terms and establish steps and notes on each process and concept. All of these resources and handouts can be found in the 8-6 Google Classroom Click Here. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 10-15 minutes reviewing Parts A-C from Unit 4 math tonight. Reminders:  All links to assignments, handouts, slideshows, textbooks, and other resources are available in the google classroom for both math and science Click Here. Math extra help will be offered tomorrow morning (Thursday) this week as Friday, Nov 21st is a Pro-D day. Please complete your self evaluations for the Unit 3 math test, get signed, and bring back to school if you have not already done this. Field trip forms - please get signed and return ASAP: UVIC Chemistry Department on December 9th (Click Here) and Silver City Zootopia Grade 8 on December 17th (Click Here). 

Tuesday, Nov 18th: Today we had French in block 1 and science in block 3. At lunchtime the Unit 2 science retest was offered to those who wanted to taker advantage of reviewing and trying to bump up their mark. In block 3, we focused in on making qualitative and quantitative observations of the physical properties of matter. Mr. Menzies first showed us some short video clips reviewing the difference between physical and chemical properties and also what qualitative and quantitative observations and data are. We then received Part G: Physical Properties of Matter assignment Click Here and Mr. Menzies walked us through the instructions for the first part of this activity. Today we received a cup containing various edible samples of matter (various samples of food items), and also were served several samples of mystery drinks and had to describe the qualitative properties of these samples of matter. While we typical don't eat or taste anything in the science lab, today we use our senses to, including taste and smell, to describe the qualitative characteristics of these samples of matter and record them in our handouts. We also did this with inedible samples of matter and worked to identify as many qualitative physical properties as we could to effectively describe each item. While we only had time to complete the first part of Part G, we will continue with this assignment later this week as we move onto the measurable/quantitative physical properties of matter. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 10-15 minutes reviewing what we have done in math so far in Unit 4. This is Parts A and B Click Here. Reminders:  All links to assignments, handouts, slideshows, textbooks, and other resources are available in the google classroom for both math and science Click Here. Math extra help will be offered on Thursday morning this week as Friday, Nov 21st is a Pro-D day. Please complete your self evaluations for the Unit 3 math test, get signed, and bring back to school if you have not already done this. Field trip forms - please get signed and return ASAP: UVIC Chemistry Department on December 9th (Click Here) and Silver City Zootopia Grade 8 on December 17th (Click Here). 

Monday, Nov 17th: Today we began the week with Math. Picking up with what we learned last week, be began with a review of squaring and square rooting. Mr. Menzies modeled what it means to square a number and also what it means to find the square root. We went over key terms such as root = side length of a square, square number = area of a square, perfect square, and imperfect square. Mr. Menzies also walked us through some of the questions and we reviewed how to use the square root button on our calculators to calculate the square root of a square number. Students had about 25 minutes to continue working on Part B: Squares & Square Roots Click Here. Finally, we switched to science for the last 10-15 minutes of the block. Mr. Menzies introduced Part G: Physical Properties of Matter Click Here. This part is mainly an activity where students learn how to make qualitative and quantitative observations of physical properties of matter. We watched a few short videos on the difference between physical and chemical properties and qualitative and quantitative data. Tomorrow we will begin the activity in block 3. During Advisory today, Mr. Menzies reminded us that the Unit 2 Science retest will be offered tomorrow at lunchtime for those who want to review and attempt to bump up their mark. He also reminded us to bring field trip permission forms for both upcoming field trips back to school and signed ASAP. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 10-15 minutes reviewing Parts A and B from Math tonight. Reminders:  All links to assignments, handouts, slideshows, textbooks, and other resources are available in the google classroom for both math and science Click Here. The Unit 2 science re-test will be offered tomorrow, Nov 18th at lunchtime. Math extra help will be offered on Thursday morning this week as Friday, Nov 21st is a Pro-D day. Please complete your self evaluations for the Unit 3 math test, get signed, and bring back to school if you have not already done this. Field trip forms - please get signed and return ASAP: UVIC Chemistry Department on December 9th (Click Here) and Silver City Zootopia Grade 8 on December 17th (Click Here). I hope everyone ha da great weekend!

Friday, Nov 14th: Today we did mostly Math in block 3. Mr. Menzies began with another review of Part A: Squares, Roots, and Squaring. We worked with a partner and a mini whiteboard to go over the key skills and ideas from this introductory lesson. After this, we moved on to Part B: Squares and Square Roots Click Here. First we watched a Math Antics video and Mr. Menzies went over the relationship of squaring a root to finding a square's root. He explained that "squaring a root" is going from a length line segment and turning this into a square by making it 2 dimensional (What we learned in Part A). We then learned to do the opposite: when given an area of a square (a square number) how to determine the side length of this square (its root). We also learned about "perfect squares" and a "imperfect squares" and how perfect squares are square numbers (area) that had a whole number root/side length (ie. 9 is a perfect square because its root is 3, a whole number. Whereas 5 is an imperfect square because no whole number multiplied by itself = 5). Students received the Part B notes and practice package today and we worked through the first several pages together, Mr. Menzies leading us through and explaining under the document camera. We just had time to cover the basics, but we will continue with this lesson on Monday. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure you have finished your notes for Part A in math. Please show Unit 2 science tests and Unit 3 Math tests to parents, get signed, and bring back to school. Reminders:  All links to assignments, handouts, slideshows, textbooks, and other resources are available in the google classroom for both math and science Click Here. The Unit 2 science re-test will be offered on Tuesday, Nov 18th next week at lunchtime. Next Friday, Nov 21st is a Pro-D day. Please complete your self evaluations for the Unit 3 math test, get signed, and bring back to school if you have not already done this. Field trip forms - please get signed and return ASAP: UVIC Chemistry Department on December 9th (Click Here) and Silver City Zootopia Grade 8 on December 17th (Click Here). Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, Nov 13th: Today Mr. Menzies officially announced the two field trip we will be going on in December and handed out both field trip forms and discussed: UVIC Chemistry Department on December 9th (Click Here) and Silver City Zootopia Grade 8 on December 17th (Click Here). We then did Math. Continuing with the lesson we did yesterday, our focus was on understanding the basics of squares, roots, and squaring as we learn some terms and concepts related to The Pythagorean Theorem. Mr. Menzies reviewed key terms, modelled how to "square a root," and also how this is connected the the three sides of a right triangle. We also reviewed how to represent squaring a number (a number to the power of 2) and this is related to describing the side lengths and area of a square. Students had about 25 minutes to continue working on Part A: Squares, Roots, and Squaring Click Here. For the last 15 minutes of the block, Mr. Menzies handed out a math notes organizer (Click Here) and walked us through how to use it. He emphasized that his is a suggested strategy for identifying new vocabulary and also the key skills and topics from each section as we move into the Grade 8 Math curriculum. He provided the key terms he wanted us to describe and also listed the key skills and concepts from Part A. We had about 10-15 minutes to identify they key skills from this section and also organize the main terms from this part. We will continue with this notes taking strategy as an option throughout he rest of the year, however as some students prefer a notebook this will also be a format for notes that can be used. In block 3 we did science. We began by doing a peer and self evaluation of our Unit 2 duotang portfolios and our learning in this unit so far. We also received our science test back along with a self-evaluation and reflection on our learning in Unit 2 so far. Mr. Menzies asked us to take our science test with attached self evaluation home to show our parents, get signed, and bring back to school as per usual. He also announced that there will be a Unit 2 science re-test opportunity next Tuesday at lunchtime, Nov 18th, for those who want to review Parts A-E, solidify their learning, and aim to bump up their mark. When finished, we moved into the second half of Unit 2 in science. Today's focus was on classifying the two main categories of classifying properties of matter: Part F: Defining and Classifying the Properties of Matter. Students started on Part F assignment Click Here and had the rest of the block to work on this assignment and develop our understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter. For the last 10-15 minutes of the block, Mr. Menzies walked us through what the properties of matter are and we watched a few short video clips to explain. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure you have finished your notes for Part A in math. Please show Unit 2 science tests and Unit 3 Math tests to parents, get signed, and bring back to school. Reminders:  All links to assignments, handouts, slideshows, textbooks, and other resources are available in the google classroom for both math and science Click Here. Math extra help will be offered at 8:15tomorrow and the re-test for the Unit 3 math test is at lunchtime also tomorrow. The Unit 2 science re-test will be offered on Tuesday, Nov 18th next week at lunchtime. Next Friday, Nov 21st is a Pro-D day. Please complete your self evaluations for the Unit 3 math test, get signed, and bring back to school if you have not already done this.

Wednesday, Nov 12th: Today in block 1 we began out 4th unit in Math and our first unit that is specifically grade 8 content. First, we discussed as a class what defines a perfect square and what are the traits, qualities, and characteristics of perfect squares. Also, how we know if a shape is not a square and how this woudl be determined. After this, we learned where squares fit into the family of quadrilateral 2D shapes and also learned that the side length of a square is called its "root." Students received Par A: Squares, Roots, and Squaring today Click Here. Mr. Menzies walked us through the first several pages and we learned how to "square a root," what that means, and what that looks like visually. We also had to refresh out memory of area, perimeter, and how to use exponents to calculate and describe these qualities. We just managed to make it through the first half of this introductory lesson and we will pick this up again tomorrow in block 1. In PE we began the block by listening to a short presentation from Claremont Sports Institute Rowing program and learning about this option for next year. After this, we began our gym/basketball unit and we will be in the gym for three weeks.  Homework and Reminders: Please spend 5-10 minutes revisiting what we learned in math today so you are more competent with squaring a root tomorrow. Unit 2 science tests will be handed back tomorrow so please expect them to be brought home to review, sign, and return to school. Reminders:  All links to assignments, handouts, slideshows, textbooks, and other resources are available in the google classroom for both math and science Click Here. Math extra help will be offered at 8:15 on Friday this week and the re-test for the Unit 3 math test is at lunchtime also on Friday this week. Next Friday, Nov 21st is a Pro-D day. Please complete your self evaluations for the Unit 3 math test, get signed, and bring back to school if you have not already done this.

Monday, Nov 10th: Today we did both math and science in block 1. As we have wrapped up two units in both subjects, writing tests last week, today we took the opportunity to utilize two digital platforms we have available to us this year. For the first part of block 1, we logged into our Mathletics accounts and worked on several math topics we have covered so far, and some additional topics from grade 7. We had half the block to explore this gamified math platform and practice some math skills. For the second half of the block, we could switch over to Minecraft education and work on one of the chemistry challenges available. Students had a few options to choose from, but all Minecraft challenges were related to science, the scientific method, or topics connected to chemistry and matter. On Wednesday, we will begin our next Math unit - Unit 4: Squares, Roots, and the Pythagorean Theorem. On Thursday we will move into the second half of Unit 2 in science. Over the next 3-4 weeks we will be applying our understanding of matter to more hands on activities, labs, and experiments as we continue to learn about the properties of matter. On December 9th, Mr. Menzies had organized a field trip to UVIC's Chemistry Department to do a chemistry activity/experiment in one of their labs supervised and guided by grad students and Dr. Dave Barry. Homework and Reminders: Unit 3 math tests have been marked and sent home with students o show their parents. Please get them signed and bring back to school ASAP. A reminder that the re-test opportunity for this unit will be on Friday at lunchtime and math extra help will be offered, as per usual, Friday morning at 8:15am. Also, spending some time organizing binders, going on Mathletics to do some practice questions, and doing some reading are also options for the routine 30 mins of homework. Reminders: Tomorrow is the Remembrance Day stat holiday and there is no school. Friday Nov 21st is the next Pro-D day. I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Friday, Nov 7th: Today we did our Unit 2 science test in block 1. We had the whole block to work on the test and most took about 40 mins to do this. When finished we organized our work from this unit and put it into a duotang portfolio to hand in. We then could grab a computer and go on Mathletics if there was time. In block 2, we went to the gym for the annual ROMS Remembrance Day assembly. We watched performances, a slideshow, and listened to the school band. Also, we received our Unit 3 Math tests back including the usual self evaluation that was stapled to it. Mr. Menzies asked us to take our test home to show our parents, get signed, and bring back to school Mr. Menzies also announced that there will be an opportunity for a re-test for this unit next Friday, Nov 14th at lunchtime. Homework and Reminders: Please complete your self evaluations for the Unit 3 math test, get signed, and bring back to school. Other than that, no homework assigned for Math and Science this weekend!

Thursday, Nov 6th: Today we did two full blocks of science. In block 1, we continued to work on Part E: Classifying Matter Click Here. Mr. Menzies walked us though a slideshow and reviewed what we learned on Wednesday and how all matter is made of atoms and molecules and this can be classified. We then learned that matter can be classified in to pure substances and mixtures, and that molecules can be made of one type of atom (element/homogeneous molecule) or different types (compound/heterogeneous molecule). Students use the additional textbook resource handed out (Click Here) to complete the Part E workbook and then completed the two additional graphic organizer posters to map out the classification of matter as well and to become familiar with common molecules around us (ie. Water, carbon dioxide, sodium chloride etc...). All of these resources/handout are accessible in the google classroom Click Here. We had the rest of block 1 and all of block 2 today to work on Part E and wrap up this first half of Unit 2: Chemistry. In addition, Mr. Menzies went over what will be on the test and advised us to review Parts A-E tonight, creating a study sheet to review main ideas and concepts, ahead of out science test tomorrow in block 1. He also explained that students are welcome to come to school early for help with any science during Math extra help tomorrow morning at 8:15. Homework and Reminders: Please spend some time reviewing/studying science tonight (Parts A-E) to help prepare for the test tomorrow morning. Also, make sure that all of your science assignments are completed as you will be expected to hand them in in a duotang tomorrow when we do the test. Reminders: Unit 2 Science test tomorrow! Math/ science extra help tomorrow morning at 8:15AM. The annual Remembrance Day assembly will be in block 2 tomorrow and students are encouraged to bring a small donation for the Royal Canadian Legion and to receive a poppy.  Tomorrow is the last day of this FAAS rotation. A New FAAS starts the week of Nov 10th.

Wednesday, Nov 5th: Today we did science in block 1. Moving on to Part E: Classifying Matter. First we viewed a slideshow about elements and compounds and learned some terminology that describes different molecules. We learned how matter is classified as elements and compounds, but also as pure substances and mixtures. After the slideshow, we received the following handout Part E: Classifying Matter Click Here. We also received the following additional textbook resources to complete this assignment (Click Here). Today we had the whole rest of the block to work on this assignment and to discover and understand how molecules and matter is classified. Tomorrow we will have another block to work on this assignment and do some review ahead of the science test on Friday. Homework and Reminders: Please spend some time reviewing your science ahead of the test on Friday and ensure that all assignments are fully finished with quality. The Unit 2 test in on parts A-E. All of these assignments and the textbook resources can be found in the google classroom Click Here. These assignments will be handed in on Friday as we complete/finish this first half of Unit 2. Reminders: The Unit 2 Science Test is on Friday this week! A New FAAS starts the week of Nov 10th. Remembrance Day assembly is this Friday block 2. 

Tuesday, Nov 4th: Today we had French in block 1. In block 2, we had the whole block to write our Unit 3 Math test. When finished, Mr. Menzies had science Part E: Classifying Matter ready to hand out and we could get started on this assignment if we had time after the math test, however we will work on this assignment tomorrow in block 1 officially. If we needed extra time, we were allowed to work on our math test into advisory as we ate our lunches. Thus concludes Unit 3: Number Theory in math. Next week, we will be starting Unit 4: Squares Square Roots, and the Pythagorean Theorem, our fist grade 8 math topic. Homework and Reminders: Please ensure that Part D form science is fully complete as we will be moving on to Part E tomorrow Click Here. NOTE: The Unit 2 Science test has been moved to Friday, Nov 7th, this week as we will need more time to complete the final assignment this week and do some review. Reminders: The Unit 2 Science Test is on Friday this week! A New FAAS starts the week of Nov 10th. Remembrance Day assembly is this Friday block 2. 

Monday, Nov 3rd: Today we had a full working block to focus on review for our Unit 3 Math test tomorrow, and to complete Part D: The Elements of the Periodic Table in science. We had time to review materials from Unit 3 Math, create a study sheet, and do some practice questions in preparation for the math test tomorrow (Tuesday). We also had half the block to work on Part D: The Elements of the Periodic Table, and assignment we just started last week Click Here, and we had access to computers to use Google's interactive periodic table and to do some basic research if needed. Mr. Menzies announced that this assignment should be fully finished for Wednesday this week and students are expected to work finish it for homework if they were not able to do so in class. While Mr. Menzies was in meetings all morning, Mrs. Alder was there to help answer questions and get help if needed today. A reminder that the test is on Parts A-D from Unit 3: Number Theory tomorrow Click Here. Homework and Reminders: Please spend some time reviewing Parts A-D from math for tomorrow's Unit 3 Math test. All Math resources can be found in the google classroom Click Here. Part D: The Elements is due on Wednesday this week as we will be moving on to Part E on Wednesday. NOTE: The Unit 2 Science test has been moved to Friday, Nov 7th, this week as we will need more time to complete the final assignment this week and do some review. Reminders: A New FAAS starts the week of Nov 10th. I hope everyone had a fun Halloween weekend!

Friday, Oct 31st: On this Halloween Friday we switched our schedule up today to accommodate some of the Halloween activities planned this afternoon. In block 1, we did Science. Yesterday we had 1 block and a half to work on Part C: Inside the Atom and complete the activities included in this assignment. Mr. Menzies is now expecting this assignment to be fully finished by Monday if you didn't finish it in class yesterday. Today, we moved on to Part D: The Elements of the Periodic Table. Mr. Menzies walked us through the Part D slideshow and we took some basic notes and watched a video on who invented the Periodic Table and how and why it is structured to present and describe all known elements we have discovered. After this, we received the Part D handout, including our own large copy of the Periodic table to complete some of the activities on Click Here. We then worked on the first part together as Mr. Menzies explained what to do. We had the rest of the block to work on Part D and most students managed to get the first part of the Periodic Table scavenger hunt finished. On Monday, we will use half of block 1 to do some Math review and the other half to finish Part D in science. Homework and Reminders:  Please makes sure you have fully completed Part C from science, including your poster of the atomic model of your chosen element's atom Click Here. Also, please spend some time reviewing topics from Unit 3 for the math test on Tuesday next week Click Here. Reminders: Unit 3 Math test on Tuesday next week! Unit 2 Science test on Thursday or Friday next week (TBC Monday)! We are beginning November next week and the back portion of term 1. A New FAAS starts the week of Nov 10th. Have a safe, fun, and exciting Halloween, and a wonderful weekend!! GO BLUE JAYS!

Thursday, Oct 30th: Today we did science in block 1. Mr. Menzies reminded us what we had learned on Monday when we began Part C: Inside the Atom. He reviewed the slideshow and also went over how to do the poster part of this assignment Click Here. This included using a computer to research a chosen element beginning with the Google interactive Periodic Table. In block 3, we had time to continue working on this assignment but were encouraged to spend half the block also revisiting the math from yesterday - Part D: Prime Factorization Click Here. We had the whole block today to work on these tasks, and early fishers had the option to begin Part D: The Elements of the Periodic Table, the assignment we will be doing next. Finally, Mr. Menzies reminded us that we have a Unit 3 Math test on Parts A-D on Tuesday next week. Homework and Reminders: I'm sure everyone will be busy making Halloween costumes tonight, but ensuring that Part C from science in fully finished for Monday will be important as we move into November. Tomorrow we will start Part D: The Elements of the Periodic Table. Also, there is a Unit 3 Math test next Tuesday. Reminders: A reminder to follow the Halloween costume guidelines we went over today for tomorrow at school. There will be some fun activities as well: Costume contest in the gym at lunch, and a school wide assembly in the gym in block 4! All handouts, answer keys, and slideshows can be found in the Google Classroom Click Here. Finally, a reminder that there is Math extra help tomorrow morning at 8:15AM as per usual!

Wednesday, Oct 29th: Today we did mostly math in block 1 and some science at the end. Our main focus was on using prime factorization (factor trees). Mr. Menzies walked us through a review of what prime factorization is and why it is a helpful way to calculate the GCF and LCM of larger numbers. We learned that prime factors are the basic building blocks of composite numbers and we can use these to determine the lowest common denominator and the greatest common factor for larger numbers. We watched a video that walked students through how to use factor trees to break composite numbers down into their basic prime factors. In other words, prime factorizing a number. We then learned how to use the prime factors of larger composite numbers to determine the LCM and GCF. Students followed along and had to write down this example. They then had to do a question themselves and apply this process to determining the LCM and GCF of two numbers. Today, we received the following notes and practice package Part D: Prime Factorization Click Here and had the rest of the block to work on developing our understanding of this process. Finally, Mr. Menzies reminded and confirmed that there will be a Unit 3 math test on Tuesday, Nov 4th, next week. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 10-15 minutes reviewing the math from today and earlier in this unit. Reminders: Halloween activities happening this Friday, Oct 31st. Please follow costume guidelines for wearing costumes at school that day. 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. 

Tuesday, Oct 28th: Today we had French in block 1. In block 2, we did Math and continued with Unit 3: Number Theory. Last week we focused on Part B: Multiples and finding the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of a set of numbers. Today our focus was on reviewing Factor and Factoring (Part C). Mr. Menzies reviewed the basics and we watched a Math Antics video explaining this concept. He also reviewed what a Prime vs Composite number is and After going over a few examples, we received Part C: Factors today Click Here and had the rest of the block to practice identifying the factors of a number and also prime and composite numbers. Mr. Menzies also announced that we have one more review topic to cover (Part D: Prime Factorization) before our Unit 3 test that will likely be next Tuesday, Nov 4th (TBC by Friday of this week).  Homework and Reminders: Please spend some time reviewing and practicing the topics we have covered in Math so far in Unit 3: Divisibility, Multiples, Factors, and Prime and Composite Numbers (Test next week!) Click Here. Also, see if you can spend 10 minutes working on Part C: Inside the Atom, the assignment we started yesterday. Tomorrow we will have more time to work on this in class, but on Thursday we will be starting Part D: The Elements. Reminders: 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. NEEDS2 Suicided Awareness and Prevention presentation/workshop is tomorrow in block 2. 

Monday, Oct 27th: Today we did Science in block 1. Continuing with our focus on the atom and atomic theory, Mr. Menzies discussed the atomic age and we had a class discussion about the discovery of nuclear energy as it pertains to to our understanding of the atom. Mr. Menzies showed us a slideshow and we learned about how our understanding of the atom continued to expand throughout the 20th century and continues today as well. We then learned what modern models of the atom look like today and how our understanding of this model had become much more complicated, but the key components remain: Protons & Neutrons (subatomic particles). We also learned about Quarks and Leptons (elementary particles) today and how the make up protons and neutrons. Students received Part C: Inside the Atoms today Click Here. This assignment goes over the basics for the structure and components of atoms and begins to explore how different atoms from different elements are similar in some ways but also have a different number of protons, and can also have a different number of neutrons and electrons. We had about 15-10 minutes to get Part C started today for the remainder of block 1 and we will have more time tomorrow and on Wednesday to complete Part C.  Homework and Reminders: Please spend some time reviewing Math Parts A & B. Reminders: Part B for science was due today (Part B-1 - Atomic Theory and Part B-2 timeline). Please finish this if you didn't do your homework on the weekend last weekend. 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. NEEDS2 Suicided Awareness and Prevention presentations are this Wednesday. Hope you had a great weekend!

Thursday, Oct 23rd: Today was again an early dismissal day (2:08pm) and we did mainly math in block 1. Yesterday, we started Part B: Multiples as we continued with Unit 3: Number Theory - Properties, Patterns, and Relationships of numbers, and reviewed what these are and ways to find the Lowest Common Multiple of two or more numbers Click Here. Mr. Menzies reviewed the key ideas and strategies for finding the LCM in the Part B slideshow, and we had the rest of the block to work on polishing our understanding of multiples and LCM Click Here. Early finishers has a few minutes to continue working on Part B-1 and B-2 from science this morning Click Here. In block 3, we exclusively focused on science and aimed to complete Part B-1: Atomic Theory and Part B-2: Atomic Theory Timeline. Mr. Menzies reviewed they key developments in the story of the atom and we watched demonstrations of some of the experiments used to discover and confirm the existence of atoms, electrons, and a nucleus in the Part B slideshow Click Here. Finally, Mr. Menzies walked us through how to set up our timelines and how we can communicate the story of the atom throughout history in this format, including key names, dates, models, and key facts for each significant step along the way in the development of atomic theory. We had the rest of the block to work on this assignment and Mr. Menzies asked us to finish it for homework over the weekend if we didn't manage to do this in class today. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure you have finished Parts B-1 and B-2 from science for Monday Click Here. Also please spend 15 minutes reviewing Part B: Multiples and LCM from math as we will be moving on to Factors on Monday next week. Reminders: 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. Friday Oct 24th, tomorrow, is a Pro-D Day so no school for students. Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, Oct 22nd: Today was an early dismissal day at school. In block 1 we did math and continued with Unit 2: Number Theory - Properties, Patterns, and Relationships. We began by watching a video on the golden ration and the Fibonacci sequence and how this is found in the world around us. Students learned what PHI is and how it appears in patterns found in nature but also human creations as well. After this we moved on to Part B: Multiples Click Here. Mr. Menzies reviewed the basics of what multiples are and how they are related to factors. We received the Part B handout today Click Here and just had time to do the first few pages due to the shortened block today. We will continue to review multiples and specifically Least Common Multiple tomorrow. Homework and Reminders: Reminders: Unit 2 Math Retest: Tomorrow @ Lunch, Math Extra Help: Tomorrow 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. Early dismissal Tomorrow (2:08PM), and Friday Oct 24th is a Pro-D Day so no school for students. 

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 the day 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. When we were finished, we had time to continue working on Part B-1 from science, that we started last week, and continue to learn about the story of the atom and the development of Atomic Theory - how we know that atoms exist, their basic structure, that all matter is made of atoms Click Here. Students had the rest of the block to work on this assignment. Mr. Menzies also handed out Part B-2 where we will create and present the key developments in the history of our understanding of the atom on a timeline. However, we didn't get a chance to begin this today and we will start B-2 later in the week week. In block 2, we had LA  and in block 3 SS today. 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 had LA in block 1 and French in block 2. In block 3, we did science. Students received their Unit 1 tests back and we did a self evaluation as per usual. Mr. Menzies asked us to staple our self evaluations to our tests, take this home to show parents and get signed, and return it to school next week so we can add it to our tests and assessment folders in the classroom. After this, we continued with Unit 2 in science. On Thursday we kicked things off for Unit 2 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, and the watched Bill Nye: Atoms and Molecules as part of this introductory slideshow. The slideshow and handout for this lesson can be found in the Google Classroom Click Here. Today, we moved on to Part B: Atomic Theory - How do we know that matter is made of atoms? 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 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 began the day by beginning our next science unit: Chemistry. Mr. Menzies began by walking us though a slideshow and we learned about what chemistry is, what it involves, why it is important, the history of chemistry, and about some of the jobs that involve Chemistry. We also learned about the various branches of Chemistry there are and what each branch studies. We received the following handout to fill in as we viewed the slideshow Click Here. Finally, we watched Bill Nye: Atoms & Molecules to begin our study of matter and get this unit rolling. In block 3, we did Math and had the whole block to write our Unit 2 test. If extra time was needed, we could stay in through recess to finish our test. 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 3. 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. In block 2, we did both Math and Science. We began by doing a self and peer evaluation of our yellow 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 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 17th. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving long weekend!

Friday, Oct 10th: Today we wrote our Unit 1 science test in block 1. 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 yellow 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. Next week, we will begin Unit 2: Chemistry. 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.  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 in block 1 we did 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. We will continue reviewing division next week. In block 2, we did science. Today we had time to review in preparation for the Unit 1 test tomorrow. Mr. Menzies went over Parts A-D and also went over how to create a study sheet to review key terms and ideas. We then had the whole block to review topics from unit 1 and make sure assignments A-D were fully complete. Students will hand in their science assignments form this unit tomorrow in their yellow duotangs. Homework and Reminders:  The Unit 1 science test is tomorrow! Please review your materials and work on your study sheets in preparation for tomorrow's test. Reminders: 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. Math Extra Help is tomorrow morning, Friday, at 8:15am. Grade 8 Hoodie Order Form (Click Here), Due to the office by Oct 17th! 

Wednesday, Oct 8th: Today in block 1 we did Science. After doing testing of our paper airplanes in the gym yesterday, today we had time to complete our analysis of the data collected, plot our data on a graph, and then write a conclusion. Mr. Menzies provided an example experiment write up again for us to use as a model, and he read a high quality conclusion to give us a sense of what this looks like and the key features of a quality conclusion. After this, we had the rest of the block to complete Part D-2 Click Here. On Friday students will be expected to hand in Parts A-D from Unit 1 before we write our Unit 1 Science test. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure Part D-1 and D-2 are fully complete for Thursday this week. 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 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! 

Tuesday, Oct 7th: Today we had French in block 1 and LA in block 2. During advisory, Mr. Menzies went over the criteria and instructions again and we went to the gym to begin setting up our paper airplane science 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 announced today that the Unit 1 science test (Parts A-D) will be this Friday, Oct 10th. He asked students to ensure they review these assignments, creating a study sheet, in preparation for the test. He also announces that there will be a Unit 2 Math test on Wednesday or Thursday next week (TBC by the end of this week). Homework and Reminders: Please make sure Part D-1 and D-2 are fully complete for Thursday this week.  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 once we finish division and order of operations. Reminders: There will be a Unit 1 Science Test on Friday 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 began the week with science and continued with the assignment we started on Friday: Par D - The Scientific Method Click Here. Last week, we learned about this different parts of the scientific method and watched a Mark Rober video experiment to do with sharks and blood to see how it is used. Today, Mr. Menzies first reviewed what we had learned last class about the scientific method and also reviewed the typed of variables in a quality experiment: Control, Constants, Independent, and Dependent variables. He then went over the paper airplane experiment criteria and provided an example of what this could look like Click Here. Today students had two general tasks: develop their experiment in the D-2 handout, and also continue to refine their prototype paper airplanes that will be used in the experiment tomorrow. At the end of the block, Mr. Menzies asked us to ensure tonight that we have all of the pre-experiment parts in handout D-2 ready to go as we will be conducting our experiments (testing our airplanes) in the gym during block 3 tomorrow. At Advisory today, after we had eaten our lunches, Mr. Menzies explained what the gym will look like and how to set up our measurement markers to measure how far each plane flies. We went to the gym and Mr. Menzies showed us what it will look like and how to use a measuring tape and masking tape to mark our our flight path in 1m increments. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure your paper airplane experiment is ready to go for tomorrow. Purpose/question, background research, hypothesis, materials, and your observations table should be established and ready. Also, doing 10-15 mins of math review will be helpful. We have one more topics to cover and there will be a Unit 2 math test 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: Before school today, at 8:15, the first session of Math Extra Help was offered. All students are welcome to attend to review concepts, get help, or just use this time to practice skills with Mr. Menzies there to help. Today we had LA in block 1 and French in block 2. At lunchtime, there was a retest opportunity offered for students who wanted to polish or strengthen their understanding and mark for this unit. In block 3, we did science and started Part D-2: The Scientific Method Click Here. Mr. Menzies went over what our task 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 went over how to calculate the average/mean of a set of values. 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. On Monday 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 over the weekend 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 spend some time reviewing Part C: Multiplication from math as we will be moving on to Part D: Division next week Click Here. Also think about the design of your paper airplane experiment and develop some preliminary parts such as: Purpose/question, background research, hypothesis, and materials. Reminders: Parent/Teacher interviews begin next week (Click Here). Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, Oct 2nd: Today we did Math in block 1. 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 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. In block 3, we did science. Continuing with what we started on Wednesday, we again learned about the scientific method today: Part D. 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. After this, we watched two Mark Rober videos on the scientific method: Testing if Sharks Can Smell a Drop of Blood, 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. 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 did Science in block 1. 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. We will continue with this on Friday and next week we will be in the gym to conduct an experiment of our own. 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. Later in the day, during advisory, we discussed Orange Shirt day and what it represents and the legacy of the residential schools, and the significance of The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In block 1, 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 2 we had LA and in block 3 we had SS today. Finally, in block 4 we had PE and learned a group activity outside as we began our next unit on throwing and catching a ball. Students are reminded that the weather has changed and to bring appropriate clothing for rainy, windy, and cooler temperatures as we move into October. Home work and Reminders: Please make sure you have finished Part C-1 from science last week as we will be moving on to Part D on 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 had LA in block 1 and French in block 2. In block 3, we did both Math and Science. First we did some math and continued reviewing addition systems of whole and decimal numbers. Mr. Menzies reviewed the basics and specifically reminded us how to line the decimals up when we add decimals numbers and use our reasoning and estimating skills to help ensure we place the decimal in the correct spot in our answer (the sum). Students had about half the block to continue working on Parts A-1 and A-2. A-2 is applying addition to work application situations such as word problems and calculating perimeter of shapes Click Here. After this, we switched to science. Yesterday we completed much of Part C-1: Using Science Equipment and Collecting & Analyzing Data. 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. 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. After this, 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. For the last 15 minutes of the block, we switched it science and had time to work on Part C: Using Lab Equipment & Collecting and Analyzing Data Click Here. We also watched a short video on the difference between accuracy and precision, and discussed some examples and how we aim for both when measuring and collecting data in science. In block 3, we again focused on Part C and we used the basic science equipment to practice measuring mass, volume, temperature, time, and length. Mr. Menzies did some demonstrations of how to use the equipment for the various types of measurement we would be doing. We then had the rest of the block to practice measuring mass, volume, temperature, and time and complete Part C. Mr. Menzies also advised us that we will have just a bit more time tomorrow to work on the data and analysis of this assignment and it will be due on Monday. Finally, in PE we rounded off our Ultimate Frisbee unit today by doing a peer and self evaluation of skills and game play. Next week we will begin our next unit which will be largely outside on the blacktops and fields. Please dress appropriately as it is supposed to rain periodically next week. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 15 minutes continuing to practice the addition skills from our new math unit: Part A: Addition & Sums Click Here. 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 tomorrow 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 1, 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 green 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. In block 2 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 green 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 we had LA in block 1 and French in block 2. In block 3, 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. 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 did main math but also some science in block 1. 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. In block 3, we continued with science and Part B. We had some more time to work on this assignment and develop our understanding of measurement systems and why and how we use them in science. For the second half of the block, 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 showed us how to use a triple beam balance to measure mass, and how to use beakers, graduated cylinders to measure volume. 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 just had time to begin this assignment so we will have more time in class tomorrow or next week to work on this and practice measuring matter. 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 Monday 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, 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).

Wednesday, Sept 17th: Today was an early dismissal day and we did Math in block 1. 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 th eblock 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 Monday 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. In block 2, 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 (Part A) we due yesterday and are now late if not handed in already. 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 neighbour 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. Later in 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. He also reminded us that our science safety assignments were due today (brochure or song)(Click Here). 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 2 going over comparing and ordering numbers.  Homework and Reminders: Get your science safety assignments (Part A... brochure or song) completed and handed in as it is now late (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 LA in block 1 and French in block 2. In block 3, we continued with Science and had time to continue working on our safety in the science classroom brochures or songs (Part A: Science Lab Safety Orientation - Due Monday (Click Here)). We had about half an hour to work on this. For the second half of the block, we had the choice to continue working on this assignment, or play a Kahoot Mr. Menzies had made to end the week. Mr. Menzies reminded us that Part A from science is due on Monday. He also advised us to have a look over the Math we did this week (Parts A & B) and do a few more questions to ensure we have a solid grasp of these skills and concepts as we. Finally, we had FAAS in block 4 today to wrap up the first full week of Grade 8. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure you finish your Science lab safety assignment for Monday 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. In block 2 we did Social Studies with Ms. Cottier. 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. Today we had nearly the whole block to work on this assignment and Mr. Menzies announced that this will be due on Monday next week. Finally, in block 4 we did PE and worked on our Ultimate frisbee skills. 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: Today 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. During Advisory today, we began our Mental Health program and Mr. Menzies introduced this topic by discussing what the ROMS staff had been exploring over the summer related to this topic. We had a discussion about the importance of mental health and the difference between mental health and mental illness. For Monday - Thursday this year we will be focusing on literacy or mental health topics primarily as part of the ROMS initiative and school goals related to these topics. 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 Mr. Menzies started the day with some reminders: 1. Please have school supplies ready to go as we begin our first units today and tomorrow in academics. 2. Please make sure school forms have been delivered to parents, reviewed/filled out/signed, and returned to Mr. Menzies. 3. We have our PE strip organized and ready for this term. In block 1, we had French with Mr. Henderson. In block 2, we began our first unit in Science: Unit 1: Science Skills. Today we learned about safety in the science lab as well as chemical safety at school and at home. Mr. Menzies walked us through Part A slideshow and 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 Thursday and Friday. During advisory today, we did silent reading and delved into our new books that we signed out of the Learning Commons yesterday. In block 3, we had Language Arts with Ms. Cottier and began our first unit. Finally, in block 4 we had our second class of FAAS for the new school year. Homework and Reminders: 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, including PE strip to safety and comfortably participate in PE. 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 Mr. Menzies 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 did both Math and Science today. Last week Mr. Menzies did an introduction to Science and today we did the second part. Today we learned what science is all about and how the sciences are categorized under the main fields of study: Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences. After this, we had time to wrap up a few items we started last week: Our "Math and Me"  reflection and survey, our All About Me in 2025 Questionnaire, and our personal surfboards. If we had finished all of these, Mr. Menzies had a end of Grade 7 check my understanding handout for us to review some of the main skills form previous grades. Math and Me Survey and Warm-Up package (Click Here). We then had the rest of the block to complete the survey and also do a few activities to get our mathematical thinking warmed up. We will start our first unit tomorrow. or Wednesday. In block 3 we were with Ms. Cottier for LA and went to the Learning Commons for an orientation and to sign out a book for reading. Finally, we had PE in block 4. Today we began our unit on Ultimate. After doing a warm-up activity, Mr. Menzies showed us some cues and techniques for throwing a forehand and backhand pass. We had some time to practice and then we played a short game of basic rules Ultimate for the last 20 minutes of the block. Homework and Reminders: 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).

Friday, Sept 5th: Today we had Ms. Cottier for block 1. In block 2, we had our first French block with Mr. Henderson and became acquainted with his class for the year. 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 continue to get Science up and running next week.  Finally, we received our start of the year school form package to take home, show parents, fill out and sign, and return to school ASAP. This included a PHE Course Outline the we went over yesterday in our first day of PE: ROMS PHE Course Outline (Click Here). Mr. Menzies asked to make sure that we put this safely in our backpacks to take home and deliver to parents this weekend and advised us to get this task done and off our plate this weekend so we no longer need to worry about it. 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 full day following our weekly schedule (Click Here). In block 1, we were with Mr. Menzies and after reviewing some reminders from the previous days, we focused on strategies for having a successful Grade 8 year, including organization, attitude, kindness, patience, and work ethic. Mr. Menzies walked us through a slideshow on this topic and discussed, and we and looked at some inspirational quotes about an effective, growth mindset approach to learning. We then looked over the Saanich Schools student code of conduct and discussed, drawing comparisons to the rights and responsibilities of Division we devised together yesterday. Finally, Mr. Menzies provided a checklist for for us to go through to the last 20 minutes. This included making sure we have our locker all set up with a timetable taped on the inside door, organizing and preparing our binders and school supplies, completing some of the surveys we started on Wednesday, and making sure we have completed a few other housekeeping tasks. In block 2, we were with Ms. Cottier for the first time, learned about her and her classroom, and did some introductory activities. 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 (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 bring the school supplies you have collected so far to school and aim to have everything you need by Monday next week. School forms for parents to sign will be handed out tomorrow (Friday) to be taken home, filled out, and returned to school. Tomorrow we continue our regular schedule, transitioning between classrooms (8-6 Schedule - Click Here) and subjects. Tomorrow, we will be with Mr. Henderson for the first time and we have our first block of FAAS as well.

Wednesday, September 3rd: Today we continued to build our new class community, go over details for the year, and get to know Mr. Menzies. Throughout the morning Mr. Menzies reviewed procedures, routines, and policies, and oriented us in our new classroom. We also did a few ice breaker/get to know each other games and activities, and generally became acquainted and organized to get the year going. We then learned about the expectations of Division 8-6 and had the opportunity to contribute/offer ideas and we devised a list of rights and responsibilities for Div 8-6. Later in the day, we did a team geography challenge and a creative activity to express our interests and identity by creating our own personalized surfboard designs. We also worked on completing an accompanying questionnaire to tell Mr. Menzies about ourselves today. We will have more time to polish these off tomorrow and Friday. Finally, we we assigned our lockers today and could begin using it as the main place to store our backpacks and school materials. Homework and Reminders: Please bring the school supplies you have collected so far to school and aim to have everything you need by Monday next week. School forms for parents to sign will be handed out tomorrow to be taken home, filled out, and returned to school. Tomorrow we will begin our regular schedule, transitioning between classrooms (8-6 Schedule - Click Here). Tomorrow, we will be with Ms. Cottier for the first time and we have our first block of PE as well. Friday we  will have our first FAAS block of the school year. 

Tuesday, September 2nd: The 2025/2026 school year and our final year at ROMS officially began today! Today we found out who our Grade 8 teachers will be this year as well as who is in our Grade 8 homeroom class. Mr. Menzies introduced us to our homeroom classroom and showed us an introductory slideshow so we know the basics for the coming year. We also did some icebreaker / community-building activities to get to know each other. Mr. Menzies also sent home an introductory notice for parents to read (Click Here) as well as a more specific school supplies list. These are both linked to the right. We will be continuing to become familiar and comfortable in our new class and do some fun activities throughout a homeroom-based day. Homework and Reminders: Tomorrow students will get assigned their lockers. Please bring a school-approved lock (available for purchase in the school office) and the school supplies you have collected. School forms will be handed out and sent home soon!