Genius Hour Questions for 2017- Amazing Stuff!

What would you do if you could shape your learning? We asked our students to come up with a question that they could use to guide their Genius Hour projects this year. The pitches are in and approved. Here is the list of amazing, unusual, and intriguing challenges that students of division 2 have set for themselves:

Genius Hour Questions 2017

• What can we do to help prevent food allergies in the future? -Raakin
• It even possible for a 12-year-old kid to write and produce a school musical? -Sophie
• Can a 12-year-old girl take it upon herself to learn to code within the year and ultimately build a                                  website? - Jacoba
• How can I make a functional Rube Goldberg machine with limited space? -Michael
• What can robots I create, do for me? –Gavin
• How can I improve my own artistic abilities by researching and practicing my favourite artists’                                     techniques? - Lucy
• What do I need to learn to make a good stop motion Lego video? –Zlatko
• What is it like to be a doctor and researcher in the real world? – Stephen
• What factors make a cookbook a bestseller and how do I create a cookbook of my favourite recipes? –Ella
• How does elite gymnastics impact an athlete in their daily life? –Brianna
• What skills do I need to become a designer and dressmaker? - Amelia
• What are the tools I’ll need to write and sing my own original songs? - Louise
• Can I improve my vertical leap by March by doing exercises once a week that I’ve researched? - Jason
• Can I learn to sew and design a camouflage cloak? - Owen
• If I create a YouTube channel, what will bring me audience and how much fun can I have?  - Gavin
• Can I build my own skateboard from scratch? What tools, skills and time will I need? –Charlie
• Can I design and make long lasting goalie gloves? - George “Cheez Whiz”
• Can I encourage youth to read more if I create a blog that has book reviews and                                                               recommendations? - Kristina
• Who are philosophers and how can I use my inspiration from their ideas to create my own                                           philosophy? - Lauren
• How can I write a historical novel? - Simone
• How can I make a blog and offer craft tutorials? - Aggie
• What does it take to learn to felt and then successfully teach those felting techniques to kids? 
         - Sofia
• What is happening to the ocean and how can I help? – Walker
• How much can your soccer performance (shooting, dribbling) improve with one extra hour of  practice a                   week? – Daniel
• How can I build an airplane out of wood that is aerodynamic? - Ben
• How does a blind person experience a normal day? –Annabelle
• What’s it like to create animation using a computer? – Sophia

Fun Times at Mixed Nuts

It was great to spend the morning watching Mixed Nuts by Arts Umbrella. We saw hip-hop, swing, ballet, pas de deux,  jazz, contemporary, character and even the hustle. Thanks to our parent volunteers, Lynn and Andrea.

Meeting some of the dancers after the show.

We saw some very talented dancers today.

Geometry Test: What to Study

Grade 6's
Learn these definitions:
Shapes: triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, rhombus, square, parallelogram, and rectangle
Properties of triangles: acute, obtuse, right angle

Identify triangles that are equilateral, isosceles, and scalene
Identify parallel lines in shapes

Calculate the area of a triangles (b x h / 2) and parallelograms (b x h)
 JUMP Math Book: pages 145-160.

Grade 7's

Calculate the area of a triangles (b x h / 2) and parallelograms (b x h)
Calculate the area of a  circle ( πr²)
Calculate the perimeter of a circle (circumference); π2r

Using a protractor, draw perpendicular line segments and parallel lines.
Identify linear pairs (two angles that add up to 180 degrees) (p.112)

Classify triangles by side lengths: equilateral, acute, obtuse

JUMP Math book: 97-116, 121-126, 97-204

Please review all of the concepts listed above. Good luck!

Geometry Test- This Friday, December 16th.

There will be a geometry test this Friday. Please review the pages we've been working on  in your JUMP math book.

- Grade 7s should also know how to calculate the circumference, radius, and diameter, and area of a circle using the correct formula.

- Grade 6s should be able to calculate the area of a triangle and parallelogram using the correct formula.

More information to come!

Secret Santa and Holiday Party Info

Division 2's holiday party will be on Thursday afternoon from 1-3. We will take a break to perform in the concert, of course! 

As a thank you for all your generosity towards Mom2Mom, we will be providing pizza for the class. If you would like to bring a treat to share, please remember no nuts.

We will also be doing our "Secret Santa" at this time. Students have already chosen their names. The limit is 5 dollars. 

Reminder: Ancient Civilization Poster, Notes and Bibliography due Monday

Reminder: Ancient Civilization Poster, Notes and Bibliography due Monday.


Khan Academy class code: AYBGEE

Bibliography help using: easy bib

Reminder: Field Trip and Gingerbread Geometry Challenge Tomorrow

A reminder that we are doing a geometry gingerbread challenge tomorrow. Please bring a piece of cardboard covered in aluminum foil and any extra candy your group may need. Pieces in different geometric shapes will be distributed to each group after recess.

At 12:20, we will walk over to Eric Hamber to watch their one-act plays. We will return to school by 3pm. Please dress warmly.

Deadline for Dance Presentations Extended!

Mixed Nuts/ Nutcracker dance presentations are now due on Thursday, December 8th.

Deadlines for December Projects

Projects that are due in December include: an essay, ancient civilizations poster,  and a mini presentation on the Nutcracker. Check the assignments tab for more details.

Ancient Civilizations Poster Project

Students need to remember to bring in their public library cards to school tomorrow in order to reserve resources for their research project. Students also need to purchase a 22x28 white poster board this weekend.

Here are some links to online resources for their project:

Tecumseh Elementary Ancient Civilizations Links

2 Column Notes Template

MOM 2 MOM Poverty Initiative: Please Help Fulfill the Wishlists Until November 25th!

Today, students will learn more about Mom2Mom- a local organization that supports single moms and their children who are living in poverty right here in Vancouver.

For the second year in a row, our class and two others are sponsoring three families who have very little.

We are grateful for any donations that you can offer and will accept them in our classroom until November 25th.

Click here to see the wishlist for all three families.

We hope you can help!
_________________________________________________________________________________

Here is some more information about Mom2Mom:

Dear Cavell families,

We are writing to you to ask your support of the Mom 2 Mom organization. We encourage you to visit the M2M blog at http://www.m2mcharity.ca/, or have a look at the the Mom 2 Mom facebook page:

 https://www.facebook.com/Mom2Mom-Vancouver-629599763802862/?fref=ts where you will find inspiring stories of the resiliency, strength and resourcefulness of mothers here in Vancouver.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON MOM 2 MOM

Mom2Mom (M2M) was co-founded by developmental pediatrician, Dr. Barbara Fitzgerald, who has been working in Vancouver Inner City Schools since 1997. In her role, she saw that children were in loving homes, however poverty created huge disparities in the tools they received to foster their success at school and in life. With such an uneven playing field, the likelihood that they would succeed seemed remote. Through compassionate and respectful mentoring, our M2M volunteers help and support mothers to parent their children and provide them with the tools they need to be successful. We try to provide the basic necessities for their homes and food to feed their families, but mostly we extend kindness and compassion to women who may not have had enough of that. We hope to level the playing field a bit so that resilient, loving mothers can raise healthy children who finish school and go on to lead happy and productive lives.

SPECIFICALLY WE ARE ASKING FOR HELP WITH OUR WISHLIST PROJECT….

Families at M2M have received a blank wish list and have been coached to ask for ANYTHING they need or DREAM of. We have summarized their requests on the attached sheet. These families have so little, with your help we can make an enormous difference in their lives. Our hope is that you and your team are able to grant or donate as many of the wish list items as possible on the list.

Your class will be receiving their wishlist on November 18^th, at which point …

GUIDELINES FOR GIVING

o   Please do not donate what is not on the list; the families at Mom 2 Mom do not have any means to store items they are not using.

o   Please ensure that the items are freshly washed, like new and good quality. Something you would like to receiveJ

o   If you are not able to donate items from the list, please consider adding gift cards to grocery stores, community centers and a preloaded compass card. Each family has listed grocery gift cards on their wish list.

o   If the size of clothing requested is not one you have ready access to, please consider purchasing items from consignment stores.

o   Please send items you are donating to your child`s classroom during the week of November 18^th – 25th, 2016.

o   We cannot accept cash donations.

THANK YOU so much for helping us to show families in need that they are a part of an incredible community.

Math Test: This Thursday, November 17th

Reminder that there will be a math test for grades 6 and 7 this Thursday.

Please continue to review the following concepts with the help of your workbook and problems of the week.
To be efficient in your studying, I suggest that you make cue cards with questions that cover the key areas and concepts listed below (question/concept on one side, answer/definition on the other side).

Good luck, if you have any questions, please email me.

Grade 7s:

• Extending patterns of numbers
• Completing T-Tables and the rules for solving them
• Constant Rates
• Writing algebraic expressions
• Modelling equations, preserving equality, and solving equations with one and two steps
• Distinguishing between equations and expressions
• Dividing by a constant
• Writing word problems as algebraic expressions
• Solving and explaining a "problem of the week" on patterning and algebra

Grade 6s:

• Extending patterns and predicting positions
• Introduction to patterns in T-Tables
• Number lines
• Finding Rules for T-Tables
• Finding Rules for Patterns
• Applying Rules for Patterns
• Solving and explaining a "problem of the week" on patterning and algebra

Hamber Field Trip - Where and When to Meet on Wednesday, November 16th

Hello Grade 7s,
Many students have decided to meet up at the King Edward Skytrain Station at 8am in order to walk together to Eric Hamber. Please join them if your like!

Otherwise, I will meet you at the front doors to the school (on Willow Street) at 8:45.

Please bring a snack. We will walk back to school in time for hot lunch.

Thanks, Ms. House

Grad Hoodies

Gard Hoody notice and cheque due Friday Nov. 18th.

Social Studies Test-Friday Nov. 18

Our test on the three levels of government will be this Friday.

Students should study:
- The different roles of each level of government
- The diagram of Canada's Parliamentary System
- How a bill becomes a law

Fresh Grade Assessment Update and a Happy Long Weekend

Hello, our class is now on Fresh Grade! If you would like to see what your child is up to and how they are doing on their assignments, please download the free Fresh Grade Parent  app and ask your child to show you their digital portfolio. Research suggest that when students have access to their progress digitally, they are more motivated and engaged. This app is also a tool that sample groups of teachers from across the province are using in order to create digital portfolios. In the future, it is likely that this will be one way of reporting student progress on the new curriculum.

If you have any questions, please email Ms. House: lhouse@vsb.bc.ca

Mr. Baldwin and I will be learning more about this tool on our Curriculum Implementation Day on November 10th.

Happy Long Weekend to all students! You have been working very hard. Enjoy your break and keep planning your yearlong Genius Hour inquiry project.

The 2016 Election: Questions and Cartoon due on Wednesday, November 9th.

Please be sure to work on your 2016 Election questions and cartoons. They are due tomorrow at 3pm.

Scientific Inquiry Method Test- November 8th

There will be a test on the scientific inquiry method on Tuesday, November 8th.
Please study the following vocabulary words ( use your flapbook  worksheets, and science lab):

question
research
hypothesis
experiment
analysis
conclusion
variable
control group

Study Tip:
* Use your flapbook to prepare ( and watch the cheesy video on this blog!)

Also, you will need to :
-identify the sequence and steps in a scientific experiment
-evaluate scientific questions and hypotheses- are they valid, could you do an experiment based on the question? Is the hypothesis reasonable? Detailed? ( examples on the sheets we did in class)
-discuss your findings from your Gummy Bear Science Lab- think about the changes to volume, density and mass. Identify the control group and variables.

Study Tip:
*Review your science worksheets, predict the steps in an experiment that could be done based on an inquiry question we've reviewed (bird feeder, etc)

*Science labs will be returned on Friday if they were handed in on time.

Good Luck!

Tragically Hip Questions: Due November 3rd

Questions on the "Tragically Hip"  are due at 3pm tomorrow, November 2rd. Students will have 40 minutes of class time this assignment.

Review the Scientific Inquiry Method With This Video

Need a tool to remember the steps in the scientific inquiry method? Check out this singing scientist's catchy tune for an easy and cheesy review.

We will be having a quiz on the steps in the scientific method next week.

Deadline for Gummy Bear Science: November 3rd or 4th!

Please note that your lab report and post-lab questions are now due on Thursday, November 3rd. If you are attending We Day, you may hand in your questions on November 4th to the In Box in the classroom. Go to the assignments tab if you need to view the handouts.

Happy Halloween to all Div. 2 Ghouls!

Be safe and have fun trick or treating! Watch out for dancing zombies as in Michael Jackson's "Thriller"

Congrats to the Senior Girls and Boys!

Well done to the Senior Girls and Boys Soccer Teams. Both teams had fantastic seasons. The Senior Girls finished 3rd in the tournament by way of a shootout and the Senior Boys who were the defending champions, returned to victory in a 4-0 final match.

If you have photos, send them to your teachers so that we can add them to the blog.

Congrats Junior Boys!

Congrats to the Junior Boys Soccer team coached by Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Turner. These City Champs had an amazing tournament today and brought home the cup in the rain. Well done, we are so proud of you!

Gummy Bear Scientific Inquiry Experiment

Today we began our scientific inquiry on gummy bears. Our question was: What would happen to the length and mass of a gummy bear after 24 hours in water, vinegar, a mixture of baking soda and water, or a mixture of salt and water?

Each group made their hypotheses, observed and took their gummy bear measurements, and created a control group with names (Can you spot Van Halen?).

Tomorrow, we'll graph our results and discuss scientific inquiry. Here are some more pics of today's fun:

 

 

For Grade 7 Families: Hamber Parent Info Night and Field Trip

Parent Info night is November 15th at 7pm in the Hamber Auditorium.


Students will be spending November 16th at the Eric Hamber to learn more about grade 8 programming.

Important Upcoming Dates and Events for Division 2

Oct 20th: QSP Fundraiser deadline- funds to the PAC box in the office
Oct. 21st: This Friday is a Pro-d Day. Students are not in session.
Oct. 24th: Earth Bites in the classroom
Oct. 24th-Nov. 2nd: School-wide WE Scare Hunger Campaign- bring in your canned food donations to main hall.

French Quiz Tomorrow

Please study the following vocabulary for tomorrow's French quiz:
le stylo (pen)
le crayon (pencil)
une gomme (an eraser)
le règle (a ruler)
le cahier (a notebook)
le livre ( a book)
le pupitre (a desk)
la chaise (a chair)
la salle de classe (the classroom)
la porte ( the door)
le tableau ( the chalkboard)
le sac à dos ( the backpack)

The quiz will also have a listening component where students will fill in the blanks for "Dans ma salle de classe". Here is the Youtube clip for practice purposes ( follow the link to Youtube if needed):

The New Assignments Tab

Students and Parents: In an effort to streamline the blog, we have created an assignments tab. Reminders will be posted on the home page but details and deadlines about assignments and handouts will be added to the assignments tab.

Seedfolks questions on Sam and Leona are due on Thursday, October 20th.

Please check the assignments tab for details.

The home page will continue to contain information about everything that is going on in division 2.

For Grade 7s Only: Mini School Applications are due soon. Details below.

Please read the below for pertinent information about secondary mini school programs and the deadlines for applying.

Access important info here.

Seedfollks Readings and Homework for Leona and Sam

For in class reading and questions, read here:
Leona
Sam

Please go to the assignments tab if you need to look at the reading comprehension questions. Assignment details are posted there.

Hatchet Package due on Monday and Math

Hatchet Summarizer, Illustrator and Vocabulary Builder are due on Monday, Oct. 17. 

Students have begun working in their Jump Math Notebooks.

Gr. 6's p. # 1-6

Gr. 7' p. # 18-26 

What a Waste Presentations and Written Work Deadlines

Some students presented their 5-day waste reduction challenges yesterday and they did a great job. Remaining students will present next Monday, October 17th.

All students will submit their written work, "Scientific Inquiry" and "What a Waste" on Tuesday, October 18th. *Please note these are new dates for presentations and written work.

Here is the presentation rubric for home preparation:

 

Reminder: Vancouver Art Gallery Field Trip: Oct 13th

Students are reminded to bring back their field trip forms tomorrow, October 7th.


Our field trip to the Vancouver Art Gallery will be on October 13th from 9-12. We are viewing Emily Carr and Wolfgang Paalen followed by an art workshop.

 We need 2 parent volunteers. Please email lhouse@vsb.bc.ca if you can join us.

Cost: $5.00 + Compass Card.

Today we began some nature sketches like Carr did, finding inspiration in the outdoors.

What a Waste: A 5 Day Challenge Activity

Recently, students read an article on global food waste called "What a Waste". Click here for the student handout.

The Challenge: Over a period of 5 days, students are challenged to do something to reduce global food waste.

Challenge Dates: The challenge should run for 5 consecutive days and be completed by Wednesday, October 12th.
Today, students researched and brainstormed their questions and now it is time to plan and execute.

*Please note that this is a small inquiry activity, not a major project. Have fun with it and respect the deadlines! This project is linked to our Science, Language arts and Social Studies learning outcomes.

Guidelines:
What is your question?
(my example was: What would be the impact of using a ceramic mug instead of a paper cup each day when I have coffee?)
What will your action be? Will you need any materials?
How will you measure the impact, success of your actions? What about the failures?
How will you record your challenge results?
How will you share your findings? (Poster, video, blog post, chart)

Presentations: will begin on Thursday, October 13 and the following Tuesday, October 18th.

Math Test This Friday on Number Sense: A Study Guide and Info

We had our math quiz today on Number Sense. In order to prepare for Friday's test which will be longer and more in depth, you will need your math booklet, your notes, and access to http://www.kenkenpuzzle.com

Please review both Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Grade 6s:
Place Value
Writing numbers in words
Sketching base ten models of big numbers
Using inequality to show greater numbers > <
Subtractions with regrouping
4x4 Kenken Puzzles
Ways in which Math is used on the workplace of designers and artisans.

Grade 7s:
Place Value
Numbers in expanded form
Order of Operations
Solving expressions with and without brackets
Long Multiplication
5x5 Kenken puzzles
Math at work: give examples of math as it is used on the workplace of designers, artisans, etc.

Study Tips for the Savvy Student:
Turn off all devices and distractions, study in a cool, quiet area with a table and good lighting, not in your bed.

Day 1:
1) Correct all of your errors from the quiz
2) Review the concepts that are challenging for you by getting an adult to give you new questions that mirror what is in your Math Booklet for the sections that you find hard OR write out the questions on cue cards and write the answers on the back so you can test yourself.
3) Use a timer: work in 20 minute intervals, then take a 10 minute brain break (eat, drink, exercise,  talk to a friend) and repeat two more times.
4) Finish with one or two Kenken puzzles.

Day 2: 
1) Review your quiz, focusing on each section. Pull 2 questions from each section, create similar questions and see that you can answer them correctly.
1) Review your cue card questions from yesterday with a friend or parent. Can you explain the idea behind the questions that you are having trouble with? If not, ask for help in class or from a parent.
2) Review your notes about Math at work- you know there will be a question on this concept.
3) Use a timer: work in 20 minute intervals, then take a 10 minute brain break (eat, drink, talk to a friend) and repeat two more times.
4) When you are done, reward yourself for a job well done, you'll be ready for the test.

GOOD LUCK!

Math Homework

Students should have the following questions completed in Math by Monday, October 3:

Gr. 6: Pg. 43,48-49

Gr. 7: Pg. 12, 13, xlvii and xlviii

Seedfolks- Wendell and Gonzalo questions due Tuesday, October 4th

Soon we will be working on  Seedfolks, I am attaching the next two chapters in Word format here:
Wendell
Gonzalo

Good news! We are getting a class set of novels soon which you will be able to take home.

Wendell and Gonzalo Comprehension Questions are due Tuesday, October 4th

Goal Setting Conferences

Parents and Guardians of Division 2,

Here are the conferences that we have scheduled so far. Please email Mr. Baldwin at (ebbaldwin@vsb.bc.ca) if you need to change or add a conference time. Ms. House and I look forward to meeting with you and your child. Please bring in the completed goals package so we can discuss this together.

	Wednesday	Thursday
2:05-2:15	Brianna McGuire	Sophia Li
2:15-2:25	Charlie Cassels	Gavin Lee
2:25-2:35	Annabelle McGarry	Aggie Bennett
2:35-2:45	Sofia Gobin	Michael Wu
2:45-2:55	Walker Yee
2:55-3:05	Jacoba Moscovitz	Gavin Brown
3:05-3:15	George Morris	Stephen Kosar
3:15-3:25	Oliver Vaney	Charlie Cassels
3:25-3:35	Raakin Shabir	Amelia Hughes
3:35-3:45	Zlatko Stevanovic	Louise Maldo
3:50-4:00	Lucy Low	Ben Schultz
4:00-4:05		X
4:05-4:15	Erin Nakada	X
4:15-4:25	Jason Deruchie	X
4:25-4:35	X	X
4:35-4:45	X	X
4:45-4:55	X	X
4:55-5:05	X	X
5:05-5:15	Owen Nicholson	X
5:15-5:25	Simone Hamilton	X
5:25-5:35	Lauren Lee	X
5:35-5:45	Kristina Plant Vega	X
5:45-5:55	Morgan Fairweather	X
5:55-6:05		X
6:05-6:15	Sophie Marra	X
6:15-6:25		X
6:25-6:35		X
6:35-6:45		X
6:45-6:55		X