Sept. 30 - Oct. 4

What a great week we have had, yet again! Our athletes saw success indoors, while our outdoor competitors had a bit of a rest. Orange Shirt day was a success, as well.  It was great to see so many students supporting and expressing awareness.

In HUMS this week we continued to focus on thesis writing. We read some short stories, worked in groups to create thesis statements, and then had some personal reflection during a gallery walk. We closed the week watching a short documentary, Ladies First, while exploring more worldview ideas and reflecting with a thesis statement.

In Science, student focus this week has been on the general characteristics of life vs non-living things. They’ve also discussed new biological work in genetic modification and synthetic life and how this relates to their current understanding of what it means to be living.

In Math, students continue to develop a deeper understanding of rational numbers (fractions/decimals/percents) with a focus on estimation skills and coming up with reasonable answers. Each student now has an in class duotang that focuses on any basic math skills they may have a deficit in. If parents/guardians want to see these duotangs and student’s current level of understanding on these basic skills, then they can have their student ask Mr. Davis if they can take their duotang home for the evening. Remember that proficiency in multiplication up to 9X9 has a huge impact on student learning and achievement in all areas of mathematics so have your child do regular work at home on this if they can’t quickly give the answer on these.

In Power Up, students can catch up on various assignments or prepare for quizzes. This gives them lots of time to complete assignments from various subjects and homework when time is used efficiently. We have been keeping track of what students are working on for this period to support them in becoming more independent. Check-ins are made with each student to provide additional support as needed.

Next week we look forward to a short week, as there are no classes on Friday. This also means there will be no spelling list this coming week.

Sept. 23 - 27

Another fun week in the books. We have had some great moments in class so far. Terry Fox was a great success for all participants; it was great to see so many of us achieve a personal best! We have also started to have access to a daily smudge, which some students have embraced and are hopefully finding some benefits from.

In HUMS, we completed our first full film and worked to create some thesis statements around the ideas presented. In addition, we worked in small groups to read a current event article, respond to questions, and to create a 60 word precis about the key ideas to share with the class.

We explored a fun way of developing our arguments by playing a few rounds of Super Fights. The students have been working really well collectively to develop their arguments and defense.

In Math, we have been focused on how percent off, discount, and taxes are real world things people need to know and understand. Students are learning how to solve these types of problems in simple form and in word problems.

Following is a link to a Khan Academy video that helps explain the concepts. Khan Academy is a CBE approved and world renowned website that is especially focused on math. They have a wide variety of math learning videos at all levels. Students are encouraged to use the site for preview of materials that will be covered, review of things recently covered and review of materials covered in the past.

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/pre-algebra/pre-algebra-ratios-rates/pre-algebra-percent-word-problems/v/tax-discount-and-tip-examples

In Science, cells and systems continue to be the focus of student exploration and learning. Their current assignment gives them a number of options to use in order to show their understanding. Students are also being given a chance to improve their mark if they aren’t satisfied with their early assessment. Making good use of their time will be very important for this assignment.

Next week is Orange Shirt day on September 30th.

Sept. 16-19

        A good week has closed for us in Room 22. We are in the throws of Grade 8 now!  In English Language Arts this week we worked in conjunction with Social Studies on exploring our worldview deeper through various avenues. We wrote our second essay based on our worldview, we explored a picture book and responded to questions related to the worldview present within, and we closed by watching a film and discussing the hyperbolic ideas presented within.

       As next week is a full week of school, we will have a spelling list to practice. Please check back for the latest list, or check PowerSchool.

      Students are encouraged to keep a close eye on their PowerSchool account as that is where assessed work will have feedback posted.

       In Science, students are continuing to develop their understanding of cells and systems in the human body and other organisms. They are becoming aware of the relationship between cells, tissues and organs. A deeper analysis of human systems is where we are headed next.

       For Math, students just completed a fairly basic test to assess their current understanding with fractions, decimals and percents. They're also working on percentage questions such as comparing what store would be better to buy an item from depending on the original cost and the sale price. They're also working with tax. There is a big emphasis on estimation and understanding questions rather than just memorizing a procedure. There will be another math test later next week.

       In Power Up, students continue to have the opportunity to work, catch up on various assignments or prepare for quizzes. Students have received a calendar for planning, goal setting and we will take more time to use this tool as we move along. We also completed a survey about work habits, relationship with teachers and level of autonomy in class. It was really interesting to see the self-awareness as well as the honesty. This is great feedback to better understand individual needs.

       Looking forward: next week has Terry Fox Run, Orange Shirt day on September 30th, along with some cross country runs, boys soccer games, and volleyball games for our in school peer athletes.

Sept. 9 - 13

Another great week in the books for Grade 8.  We have worked hard and have had a change in Phys Ed, with the switch between Mrs. Shewfelt and Mr. Favry. Everyone seems to be adjusting to the change with ease.

In ELA/Social Studies this week, we continued to look at worldview and what that means. We looked at the 7 influencing factors and explored how these impact our daily lives. The week has closed with another essay, focusing on which factor(s) play an influential role in our lives on a regular basis. The students have also completed their first spelling list, and are eagerly looking forward to List #2 :) We have culminated our week by exploring and discussing an informative article about e-cigarettes. Feel free to follow the link below to read the same article, and to engage you student in a conversation around what you have both read.
http://headsup.scholastic.com/sites/default/files/NIDA13-INS3_Stu_Mag_singles.pdf

In Power Up this week, students had the opportunity to work, catch up on various assignments or prepare for quizzes. Students plan what they need to work on for the period and keep track of their progress in each class (focusing on their individual needs). We will start working with a calendar to plan and organize, set monthly goals as well as tracking achievements. As we move forward, we will be looking at learning strategies, learning styles and varied activities to promote learning, growth mindset and wellbeing.

In Physical Education this week we played softball outside as well as fitness this Friday.  Next week we will play again outside before we start working on our volleyball skills.  Please do not forget to change, wear appropriate shoes and wash your gym outfit at least once a week on Friday.  Have a great weekend. 

Any questions regarding Science or Math, please feel free to send an email to Cory Davis, cvdavis@cbe.ab.ca 

• Please keep an eye out for information coming home around the conference opportunities next week.
• There are a number of students who have not yet returned their start of school year form package. Please check in with your student if you have yet to see these papers. 
• In the coming weeks we are looking forward to a presentation with Beakerhead science, the trip to river watch, the Terry Fox run, Orange Shirt Day, and supporting our athlete peers on their various teams.   

Spelling List 1

List 1: Test September 13, 2019

Argument

Complement

Compliment

Consonant

Continent

Convenient

Equipment

Excellent

Excitement

Experiment

Pleasant

Permanent

Servant

Supplement

Temperament

Sept. 3-6

        The first week has come and gone, and what a fun week it has been! Our returning students have been joined by a few new friends this year, and we are working hard welcoming them in and helping them get oriented to our routines.

        On Tuesday, we spent the day getting organized and were all delivered a package of paperwork to have signed and returned.  Thank you to all who have returned those already, however I am still looking for a good number of forms to come back to me, as soon as possible, please.

        In Humanities (ELA/Social Studies) we have collectively come to an agreement on our definition of 'worldview' and selected a symbol to go along. We have read a personal essay about one ladies' feelings towards her own name. From here we are working on our first writing assignment of the year. The students are to have their essay completed by the end of class on Monday.     

       In Math we are currently working on Rationals (fractions/decimals/percents).  Students really need to have the place value system memorized (tenths, hundredths, thousandths) and be able to convert back and forth between fractions, decimals and percentage. In grade 8 more emphasis is placed on proficiency with number lines.  A reminder to students and parents how fundamental and important knowing your times tables is to overall success in math. Flash cards work well for building times tables recall speed.

        In Science, we are working on cells and systems. Basic workings of a cell and leading up to how the systems in the body work.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Trista Strickland, testrickland@cbe.ab.ca.