Science

The next assignment is for students to learn how to make a data table and graph in either google sheets or microsoft excel. I have included a video tutorial for sheets and excel.

To do this, think of something to make a list of (at least 5 things)

For example you could make a data table/graph of daily high/low temperatures (just use a 10 day forcast), weight of random books, height of bottles in the fridge, etc.

The goal is just to practice using a computer to create them instead of using paper and a pencil.

Next year, the kids will be moving up to Grade 7 and I like to help students with the transition. One of the first things we review and that causes issues with students is the metric system and unit conversion.

I have included a practice assignment for metric here and a video to help with metric conversion. Answer key is here.

Second, students should know the scientific method and scientific variables. This was taught in Grade 6, so it should be a review.

Here is the assignment we did this year and the answer key.

Normally we would be practicing for the Provincial Achievement Exam. If you were wondering what the questions would look like, here is a practice assignment that has a few sample questions related to dichotomous key and tree rings.

The answer key is attached to the back of the assignments.

Lastly, here is a booklet on tree identification. Feel free to go for a walk around Stirling or your local forest (Waterton will officially be open next Monday) and practice identifying trees. I would focus on understanding deciduous and coniferous first and then work on types of trees.

You can also use an app like plantsnap iOS / Android but the students are expected to use a simple dichotomous key

Hello everyone! This week we are going to learn about the parts of a leaf. There is a video you can watch here on how to use a dichotomous key and the activity where you identify 6 different trees using what is known as a dichotomous key. It's like a choose your own adventure where you make one of 2 choices until you get the right answer. I have included the key as well

Assignment

Key

Sorry for the late post, there was some confusion at the beginning of the week and I got missed on the email out.

This week let's revist our trees we looked at during week 1. We were supposed to make a prediction! Go around and see if you have any leaves forming on your trees. Many of the early bloomers should have something forming.

If the leaves are small or not present, divide the right side in half and draw either the beginning leaf or the bud. You will be able to see how it changes!

As a tree grows it changes just like you! Not all signs of growth are on the outside and we can learn a lot from looking at the inside. At the university BYU they have can learned about how the climate has changed over hundreds of years.

To understand tree rings you can watch these 2 videos. The first one is pretty basic, but cute and the second is much more in-depth

SciShow Kids - Tree Rings

How to read tree rings

If you prefer to read, these notes will help you to complete the tree ring assignment.

Assignment

Plus if you want to watch, I had the chance to see the largest tree in the world!

This week we will look at how logging has changes from the early days to present. You do not need to watch the videos to the end to get the "taste" for how logging has changed.

Watch this old video, the Log Driver's Waltz and logging from the 50s

Next here is forestry from 1967

Lastly, a look at modern forestry techniques.

Complete this assignment when done.

There is a logging game here you can play as well. All you need is a 6 sided dice.

I feel like last week might have been too much with the two assignments. This week I'm only posting the one activity.

Last week we looked why trees are important and different perspectives about our forest. This week we will explore one more point of view. What if you got lost in the forest?

1. Read over the notes here and then complete the activity, lost in the Boreal Forest. The answer key is at the end of the assignment.

1. Why are trees important? There are many different ways. Please complete this Assignment - Why are trees Important? Here are a few links to help you if you are struggling with the assignment sheet.

2. We all have different perspectives on what is important. This assignment has you look at some of the different perspectives. Assignment - Different Perspectives

Not the most exciting video, but it talks about the history of BC's Forest.

This video looks at some of the negative impacts of the Forestry Industry.

Here are some activities for this week.

Watch Bill Nye Forests. You can find it on Youtube here.

Intro to Trees. Ask your kid to write down their answer to these questions and go over them together. Parent Key.

Make a prediction! Print out the leaf prediction sheet and have your kid predict the leaf that will form on the tree. The sheet is for 6 trees, but you can do more or less if you want. If you are uncomfortable leaving your home, you can do the activity in your yard.