Generators

Day 7

We are gearing up to begin our next math unit on number patterns. Students worked on a preassessment task to determine what they already know about number pattern concepts.

The class then enjoyed gym time with Mr. Slyk.

When they got back to class we finished up work on energy transformations at generating stations. Today’s task was to create flow charts for each type of generating station showing how energy is transformed from one type into another type. It was a very noisy time as students shared their ideas with each other and celebrated when they figured it out. The class completed their self-assessment to show how well they worked over the last two days. I collected students’ research on Galvani and Volta as well as Ontario’s Energy Mix & graphs. There are a few students who have not yet submitted this work. Please remember to do this tomorrow. 

 

Later in UOI time, we wondered how generators work. Our goal was to find out. Students read a comic about the life and work of Michael Faraday. In groups they discussed and summarised the main ideas of the text. Ask your child to tell you what they learned about Michael Faraday. They were then challenged to follow directions to build a generator using materials supplied. Some groups worked well together while others are having a harder time working together. Most groups completed the building only to discover that it had problems. They had to troubleshoot and then begin the building again. No groups have been successful yet in lighting a bulb or LED. It has helped us to appreciate how much perseverance it took for people like Galvani, Volta, and Faraday. It is also a foretaste of what it will be like to build our electric cars for science fair. Students are encouraged to keep thinking and researching troubleshooting ideas for our generators.

 

Due to the rain, we had our annual Terry Fox run indoors. We managed to have a great time walking and running for this great cause. It is not too late to donate if you would still like to.

 

Homework & Reminders

·         Electricity UOI: Ontario’s Energy Mix graphs Galvani/Volta research is past due

·         Read for 30 minutes and record your reading in your log

·         Learner profile assignment – be ready to present on your assigned day

·         Science Fair all due on Monday:

o   Find a box to store your materials

o   Begin collecting materials that were suggested in the letter and in class today

o   $10 for materials

·         Signed last page of student handbook is past due

·         Friday:

o   Guest Speaker, Michael Neumann from Birnie Current Safe will visit the class to talk about electrical safety in the home

o   Music forms are due

o   October hot lunch forms are due

o   Music

o   French spelling test

o   Reading logs are due