Two Quizzes this Week

As we wind up the class for Winter Break, Division 1 students will write a couple assessments.  There will be a Math quiz on multiplication, and a Science quiz to wrap up our Space Unit.  Expect a study guide for Science to go home Monday.

Science: Space Station/Vehicle Design Project

Our Science Unit on Extreme Environments, Exploration and Space will finish with a project in which students will draw on everything they've learned to design their own space station/vehicle.

Students will work alone or in pairs (their choice) to 1) design a space vehicle that can support life, 2) transport astronauts to Mars, 3) land humans and/or a rover on the Red Planet, 4) launch their lander back to their vehicle in orbit, and 4) return their human crew back to Earth's orbit safe and sound.

Students will design their space vehicle on paper, first as a rough copy and then as a larger good copy.  And, if they wish, students may also build a 3D model of their design at home.

Download the full project description and requirements here.

The project will be due on the final day of classes before Winter Holidays: Dec. 18th.

Pro-D Day Friday, Nov. 20th

Just a quick reminder to families that Friday, November 20th is a Professional Development Day.  Teachers will be in school, while students have the day off.

Science Quiz Thursday

Division 1 students will write a brief Science Quiz this Thursday, Nov. 12, on Chapter 7 Content: Extreme Environments.  Students spent much of Monday's Science block learning ways to study, and they have received a study guide detailing what is on the quiz, which is listed below.

What to study from notes and the textbook:

1. Ch.7 Vocab (see duotang)
2. Life support system diagram (p.194)
3. Differences and similarities between at least 2 extreme environments
4. Stages of a space shuttle flight
5. The planets in order from the sun

Ways to study:

1. Do all Chapter 7 assignments.
2. Do the Review Assignment (included in the 7.3 assignment pack).
3. Memorize vocab and meanings (mnemonic devices, flashcards, songs, repetition, reread, write out).
4. Read the section reviews in the textbook.
5. Do the Review in your textbook (p.224-225)
6. Schedule your study time.
7. Study with a friend, parent or sibling (quiz each other on vocab and concepts)
8. Draw pictures of concepts
9. Don’t stress.  You're going to do great!

Social Studies: Canadian Culture & Governance Unit

Take a look at this collage.
Do these images represent Canada?  Do they represent you?
Why these images?  What's missing?

Now that students have had the chance to investigate their own personal histories/her-stories, we dive into a big unit on Canadian Culture, Canada's Links to the World, and Canadian Governance.

Who are we as a community, province and country?  Where did we come from?  What makes us Canadian?  What is a Canadian media stereotype?  How does the rest of the world see Canada?  What is Canada's place in the world, and how do we compare to other nations of the planet?  These are some of the questions we will ask and attempt to answer.

We will also branch into Canadian governance, comparing our form of democracy with governments in other countries of the world.

Dig deeper... take a look at these images.

Science: Space Book Talk

Just a note to inform families that students are currently preparing/giving a book talk presentation to the class on a Space-themed book of their choosing from our school library.  The project involves 1) thoroughly previewing a scientific source, 2) preparing a brief written synopsis, and 3) orally presenting that information to the their peers in a structured format.  We should be ready to begin presentations this week.

Social Studies Project: My Individual Past

Division 1 Students will be completing a project in Social Studies in which they research their individual history.  Parents, expect to help students compile 3-5 family photos, plus 3-5 images of historical personal items, which can be emailed to Mr. Nast, or sent in to class on a memory stick.  Students will also be interviewing an adult family member to learn more about themselves.

We will then compile our research and create: 1) a personal timeline and 2) a slideshow about our lives, which we will present in class.

Assignment Description (Part 1: Research at Home)

Hatchet Novel Study

After re-assessing the content and reading level of The Giver, Division One will be switching gears to Hatchet as our Language Arts Novel Study in Term One - a book more suited for this grouping.  (Note: a few readers will continue with The Giver in their Independent Reading group, while all students are welcome to finish the book on their own if they wish.)

Hatchet is a terrific book set around a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness.  The main character struggles to survive, but in the process realizes a lot of positives about himself.  The book also connects to our theme in Science: Extreme Environments and Exploration.

Please find attached a PDF copy of the Novel Study that students will work through.

Hatchet Novel Study Guide

What a Clean Desk Looks Like

The Giver

We have begun our novel study of The Giver, by Lois Lowry. 

It's a youth classic and Newberry Medal winner.  There are many themes woven throughout, and we will spend particular time focusing on the ones that are eye opening for kids - one of which is what we consider "normal" in regards to society.  It's a big picture sort of book. 

Beyond critical thinking, we will also use the book to practice our basic writing structure, as there are accompanying comprehension assignments and activities.  I will create a separate page on my blog where I will post assignments for downloading at home.  Look for it in the menu bar.

Here's a review from The Guardian.

If kids can hold off on watching the movie until we are done reading, that will allow us to uncover the plot together as a class.  We can watch the film when we are done reading.

It All Comes Down to Respect

During our first week of school, Division One students had a very productive conversation about respect, and what that looks, sounds and feels like at school.

Parents, please remember to have a conversation with your son or daughter about the expectations you expect from them in public.  The picture here shows just a part of our conversation, which we managed to capture on paper.

Welcome to Middle School!

Hello to my new class of Grade Six students and your families!  We are Division 1... which means we are ranked #1 in the solar system.  I think that's what that means ;)

Colquitz is a terrific middle school.  You're lucky to be here, but we're also luck to have you.  There's lots going on in and out of the classroom, so get involved beyond your studies.

Please save this blog to your favourites/bookmarks in your web browser for easy access later.  I will use the site as a place to post instructions for your major assignments, as well it is a place for announcements and information for students and their families.  Take a look around - last year's posts will give you a good idea of how I like to use this site.

Ttys - Mr. Nast :)

Beach Day

Just a reminder to all students and parents that Wednesday, June 24th, Division 3 is going to the beach!  Thank you to all parents who have volunteered to drive.

We will leave the school at 8:45 am, and return from the park at 2:00 pm, so that we are in time for the bell.







Here's a list of things to bring:
- water
- sunscreen
- hat
- food (snacks and lunch)
- chair or blanket
- things to do and play

*Please remember to clean up after yourself by recycling, and packing garbage until you see a garbage can.

Activities incude:
- handing out at the beach
- looking for sea life
- hiking up Mt. Doug
- spending time with friends
- playing games and sports

Canadian Kids Still Needing More Physical Activity

Here's a link to a CHEK 6 Report on the state of Canada's kids and their exercise.

June Update

The final month of the school year is upon us!  And, there will be a lot of fun events mixed in with our regular assignments.  Please follow the Important Dates and Announcements on the right hand side of this page.

Upcoming Field Trips:
1) Hyacinth Park on June 18th
2) Movie Morning at Silver City on June 22
3) Beach Day at Mt. Doug on June 24

Cool Projects:
1) Social Studies: Action Plan Project
- Students are taking action in groups in an effort to improve an issue they are concerned about.  This is an in-school project.  
2) Writing: Fractured Fairy Tale
3) English/Language Arts: Year End Zine Project
4) Surprise Pod-wide Project...

Let's finish the school year strong students!  Don't forget to eat nutritious foods, get plenty of rest - and exercise - and to complete your final assignments to the best of your abilities.

~ Mr. Nast

Fairy Tale Writing Project

For our next writing project we will be writing fractured fairy tales.  A fractured fairy tale is created when a writer puts a twist on an old favourite.

Here is an example: The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

For this project, you will rewrite a classic fairy tale of your choosing, using the keywording process - just like we did when writing our reports.  However, this time we will keyword every important line from the original story.

To 'fracture' the fairy tale, you will then change the setting.  

What is setting?  Remember: setting is the where (locations) and the when (past, present, future, or make believe) a story takes place.  The setting then underpins the entire story.  For example, if a story takes place in the past, characters can not all of a sudden start using cell phones or catching the bus to their friend's house.  Instead they must write letters or send notes with birds, and they must ride horses or walk.

Examples of how to 'fracture' the setting of a fairy tale:

1) Cinderella

The Original Where: in a magical kingdom, in the step mother's home, at the prince's palace, etc.

The Original When: in the past, in a make-believe time when there were no cars or electricity, and when kings and queens ruled their lands.

Fractured Where: in the desert

Fractured When: in a futuristic time (think Star Wars), when cars can fly, and people travel to outer space

2) Hansel & Gretel

Original Where: in the forest, in the father's house, at the the witch's house made of candy

Original When: in the past, in a magical time when evil and fictional witches haunted forests and ate children  

Fractured version:

- Where: in a city neighbourhood

- When: in the present

(Wow!  That seems a lot scarier!)

***

Project Criteria Checklist:

  Part 1

- Choose fairy tale for project

- Identify and describe the original setting (Where & When)

- Keyword the story
- Choose your new 'fractured' setting (describe the new Where & When)

* Write ideas out, and discuss with the teacher before moving on to Part 2

Part 2

- Write rough draft, adding in the new setting

- DOUBLE SPACE

Part 3

- Edit

- Peer edit (have a classmate read your story and give you ideas)

- Rewrite 2nd draft

Part 4

- Proofread for writing errors

- Rewrite good copy

- Add pictures 

- Create cover page

Good luck!

Swimming: May 27th

A big thank you to our volunteer parent drivers;our May 27th swim at Commonwealth Pool is a go!

We will leave the school right after first bell to make it to the pool for our swim from 9:30 to 10:45.  Students will be given a token to share with a classmate for the lockers.

Otherwise, please remember your:
- bathing suit
- towel
- backpack

We're looking forward to this fun event.

May Update

It's hard to believe it's already May!  Here's an update on Division 3 as we head into the second to last month of the school year.

1. Our major Social Studies/English reports are now complete.  We will resume a more traditional model for Social Studies.

2. In English/Language Arts we have commenced our final novel study of the year.  This time we will use the Literature Circles format, in which students form groups and read, analyze and discuss a book together - somewhat like a book club, albeit with more structure and accountability.

3.  In PE we are out on the field.  We've done ultimate frisbee and touch football, and next we'll play soccer baseball and real softball.  We'll also get into some track and field.

4. In Science we have almost completed our second of three units.  Math continues as usual.  And, the students have commenced their final exploratory and enrichment cycles for the year.

I'll maintain the "Important Dates" list on the right hand side of this page.  We are looking into a swimming field trip, as well as a year end excursion.

~Mr. Nast

Social Studies Research Project Update

Students should now have completed reviewing possible sources, and should be gathering research in the form of keywords, using the pages provided.

If you need copies of any of the assignment pages, they are located on the right hand side of this blog.  You may print a copy.

Don't forget, that after you complete your keywords and write your rough copies, there are a number of other project requirements:
- editing
- second draft
- proofreading
- publishing (cover page, pictures, captions, map)

All are described on the main project criteria pages.

Special Map Instructions

When it comes time to do your map, perform a Google Images search using the following keywords: "blank map (your country or ancient civilization name)."  Choose a medium to large sized image.  Copy and paste the image into Word, and then print it.  Use your school atlas to complete a detailed copy of the map. Your map should include:

- title
- provinces/states/territories and their borders
- main cities
- roadways
- physical features (oceans, seas, mountains, rivers, etc.)

Welcome Back!

And we're back... hope you had a relaxing Spring Break because now it's time to finish the school year strong.  Although Term Two Report Cards don't go out until April 2nd, the Third Term is underway. Remember to eat healthy and get lots of exercise, and to come to school ready to do your best.

Have a Great Spring Break

Here's wishing you and your family a happy Spring Break 2015.  School reopens March 23rd.

Robert Bateman Centre Field Trip

Grizzly Head Study, Robert Bateman

Thanks to our volunteer parent drivers, our March 2nd field trip to the Robert Bateman Centre is a go.  We will be participating in the "BC Animals" Program from 11:00 to 12:30, departing from Colquitz @ 10:30.

For more information visit: http://batemancentre.org/

#bringbackshowandtell :)

The VIP Assignment

Goal: To present to the class something important in your life, or something that your classmates would find informative.

When:

Your presentation is due on your selected day.  You will present in the morning during our Advisory block, on that day.

Ideas:

1. Something you are doing outside of school (Ex. club, music, sports, family event).

2. Something special in your life (Ex. a special coin with a story attached to it, a stuffy from your childhood, a medal won in a sporting contest, an award).

3. Pets (note: any pet brought to the classroom must be brought home immediately in the morning, following your presentation).

4. Inform the class about a current event in the community (Ex. Teen event, community fair, possible employment opportunity).

Requirements:

1. Explain why your item/event is important to you.

2. Include facts about the event or thing.

3. Present evidence/artifacts (ex. pictures, awards, pets, brochure).

4. Ask for questions from class, and respond to three of them.

5. Last about five minutes.

Use the presentation sheet from the classroom to get organized.  Read it during your presentation.  

You will be assessed on your presentation skills, and the completeness of your paper.

Weather Warning!

Hi students... if the rain continues to pour like this, we will not be going to the river.  However, if the rain lightens up, then yes, expect us to go for it!

Wear your rain jacket, boots and bring an umbrella today.

Click here for today's weather.

Colquitz River Watershed Links

Hi class!

After you have finished your research project, please use these links to investigate the CRD's educational resources on the Colquitz River watershed.

Meet Ollie the Otter,
the CRD's Watershed Mascot!

Ollie's World - an interactive flash animation all about fresh water in the CRD (Capital Regional District).

CRD Watershed Videos - all about watersheds in the CRD.

Feel free to investigate the various other educational resources the CRD offers on its webpage, by surfing through the website.

BONUS Assignment: If you have gotten this far, use your research to write a multi-paragraph piece about the Colquitz Watershed.  Paragraph topics:

- history
- wildlife
- environmental concerns
- ways to protect the watershed

Remember: every paragraph starts with an opening sentence, and ends with a closing sentence (or clincher).  Keep your paragraphs clear, include examples, and keep each paragraph to about 5-7 sentences in length.

~ Mr. Nast