Exhibition: Doing the Research

We began our day with math. First we took up yesterday’s homework on comparing and ordering mixed numbers and improper fractions. Today’s lesson was about how to effectively use a calculator to convert mixed numbers to decimals. We practiced doing this in two ways: dividing the numerator by the denominator (of the proper fraction) and then adding the whole number to the decimal, or making the mixed number an improper fraction first before dividing the numerator by the denominator. Students completed p. 299 (#1-3). After everyone finished their questions, we took up the answers together as a class.

The remainder of our day was spent on Exhibition. Students were given a “Research & Note-Taking Checklist” to help assess their work. They also reviewed how to record different types of sources, how to make jot notes that are to be stored in the records section of the Exhibition binder, using quotations, and avoiding plagiarism and collusion. Each student used their class time to complete a minimum of 3 full hand-written pages of jot notes for their topic, using reliable sources. They will be graded on their research notes. Students should not begin work on any other component of Exhibition (except planning the Action component) until the research and essay are done. The research forms the foundation for all other components and needs to be completed thoroughly. Many groups also met with their mentors today.

Grade 6s participated in Gym class with Mr. Slyk and attended French with Mme V.

Homework & Reminders

·         Return report card comments

·         MMS p. 298-299

·         Exhibition:

o   Keep thinking of ideas and planning to accomplish your action component

o   Think of next steps for the French component

o   Search for sources about your issue to research in class this week

o   Keep your next mentor meeting in mind

o   Bring your device daily

·         Return squash permission form if you haven’t already

·         After-care payments

·         Summer fiesta as well as wristband prices are $20 until Friday and then they go up to $25

·         Summer uniforms may now be worn

·         Wednesday, April 20 – Squash, 2 – 3 pm

·         Wednesday, April 27 – Squash, 2 – 3 pm

 

Terrorism Sources

Terrorism Sources:a list of reliable sources that I have personally checked to ensure they are suitable.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/terrorism-in-canada-timeline-of-plots-attacks-and-allegations-1.2067337

https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/antiterrorism.html

http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/terrorism/

http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/cj-jp/antiter/rr05_1/p4.html

http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/cj-jp/victim/rr09_6/p3.html

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/terror.html

https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/2014-pblc-rpr-trrrst-thrt/index-eng.aspx

http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/cntr-trrrsm/index-en.aspx

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/11/16/difficult-to-prevent-terror-attack-in-canada-expert

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/11/22/isis-magazine-calls-for-attacks-on-canada

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/news/canada-terrorism/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/terrorism-rcmp-1.3508257

http://www.international.gc.ca/crime/terrorism-terrorisme.aspx?lang=eng

http://tsas.ca/ - Canadian Network for Research on Terrorism, Security, and Society Website – Sounds like a good one to contact for an interview or more information?

http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2016/03/22/statement-prime-minister-canada-terrorist-attacks-brussels-belgium

http://www.c-catcanada.org/ - Canadian Coalition against Terror Website - Sounds like a good one to contact for an interview or more information?

http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/10/23/interactive-graphic-11-deadly-terrorist-attacks-committed-in-canada - A good one for a historical perspective

http://calgaryherald.com/news/national/radical-reality-where-domestic-terrorism-has-struck-in-canada

http://www.acegroup.com/ca-en/for-businesses/terrorism.aspx - information about insurance against terrorism

http://www.cdainstitute.ca/images/on_track/On_Track_Fall_2015_articles/On_Track_20.2_-_Littlewood.pdf

http://www.greenparty.ca/en/policy/vision-green/people/justice/terrorism-borders

http://www.metronews.ca/views/metro-views/2016/03/16/we-cant-let-terrorism-in-canada-drive-us-to-hate.html

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/nsci-ecsn/nsci-ecsn-eng.htm

 

Beginning the Research

We began our day with math. First we took up yesterday’s homework on mixed numbers and improper fractions. Today’s lesson was about ordering and comparing mixed numbers and improper fractions. We practiced doing this in three ways: using a number line, using pictures, and converting to improper fractions with the same denominator. Students have requested to do parts a, c, e for practice questions 1 and 4. Remaining questions on page 296 – 297 of the MMS must have all parts completed for homework.

The remainder of our day was spent on Exhibition. We had a discussion on beginning the research component of the project. We reviewed how to record different types of sources, how to make jot notes that are to be stored in the records section of the Exhibition binder, using quotations, and avoiding plagiarism and collusion. Students will be graded on their research notes. Students should not begin work on any other component of Exhibition (except planning the Action component) until the research and essay are done. The research forms the foundation for all other components and needs to be completed thoroughly. I met with groups to day to check on the essential agreement, concept questions, central idea, and lines of inquiry. Some groups made changes to their ideas after our meeting. This may mean a shift in focus when they research. Students shared the action ideas they have come up with so far. They are encouraged to think more about the action component, or wait until they have interviewed an expert on their issue. They may come up with more meaningful action ideas once they have a better understanding of the issue. Students were reminded to steer clear of fundraising for their action. They are asked to think of their issue and then ask “So what? What can I do to make a difference? What can I do to bring about change?”  Many groups met with their mentors today.

The Grade 6s elected to not go to gym class but to work on their Exhibition instead. I am proud of their enthusiasm and dedication to this project. They are hard at work recording their sources and make jot notes about their issue.

Grade 6s attended music class with Mr. Andrei.

Homework & Reminders

·         Return report card comments

·         MMS p. 296 - 297

·         Exhibition:

o   Keep thinking of ideas and planning to accomplish your action component

o   Think of next steps for the French component

o   Search for sources about your issue to research in class this week

o   Keep your next mentor meeting in mind

o   Bring your device daily

·         Return squash permission form if you haven’t already

·         Tomorrow: Autism Awareness Day – wear blue

·         After-care payments

·         Summer fiesta as well as wristband prices are $20 until Friday and then they go up to $25

·         Summer uniforms may now be worn

·         Wednesday, April 20 – Squash, 2 – 3 pm

·         Wednesday, April 27 – Squash, 2 – 3 pm

 

 

Planning for Action

Students spent the bulk of today’s class time working on Exhibition, specifically, finishing up their central ideas and lines of inquiry. They made new meeting times with their mentors, and many groups were out of class attending these meetings. Today’s challenge was to come up with an action plan. Students have been asked to steer clear of fundraising for their action. They are asked to think of their issue and then ask “So what? What can I do to make a difference? What can I do to bring about change?” Groups have come up with many interesting ideas for their action. Now they need to think of planning needed to make their action/s a reality.

We used today’s gym time to finish up our math lesson on improper fractions and mixed numbers. The Grade 6s represented mixed numbers and improper fractions using manipulatives and pictures. They learned how to convert a mixed number to an improper fraction and an improper fraction to a mixed number. We made excellent progress on today’s practice work. Remaining problems on p. 293 of the MMS textbook book are to be completed as homework.

We had a class discussion about the French component of Exhibition. The class has come up with an interesting idea of how to incorporate French into their presentation. They pitched their idea to Mme. Villeneuve today.

Homework & Reminders

·         Look out for report cards coming home today

·         MMS p. 293

·         Exhibition:

o   Keep thinking of ideas and planning to accomplish your action component

o   Think of next steps for the French component

o   Search for sources about your issue to research in class this week

o   Keep your next mentor meeting in mind

·         Return squash permission form if you haven’t already

·         Tomorrow: Casual Day

·         Summer fiesta as well as wristband prices are $20 until Friday and then they go up to $25

·         Wednesday, April 20 – Squash, 2 – 3 pm

·         Wednesday, April 27 – Squash, 2 – 3 pm

 

 

Summer Fiesta

A message from the SJA Parents Guild:

 

The Summer Fiesta is open to anyone not just SJA students. 

Parents only need to pay if they want to go on rides etc, otherwise they are free.

School is Closed

School is closed due to the weather.

Please take some time today to work on central idea and lines of inquiry. It would be great if you could contact your group members and do this collaboratively.
Look on-line to as find resources and sources to begin your research on Tuesday.

Report cards will go home Tuesday, March 29.

Homework & Reminders

·         Exhibition:

o   Work on your central idea and lines on inquiry

o   Search for sources about your issue to begin research on Tuesday

o   Plan to speak to your mentor as early as possible on Tuesday to reschedule your meeting that was due to take place today

·         Return squash permission form

·         Friday: Good Friday, No School

·         Monday: Easter Monday, No school, Summer uniforms may be worn after the Easter long weekend

·         Wednesday, March 30: Casual Day

·         Wednesday, April 20 – Squash, 2 – 3 pm

·         Wednesday, April 27 – Squash, 2 – 3 pm

 

Writing the Concept Questions

We began our day by taking up yesterday’s math homework on equivalent fractions.

Once that was done, it was time to head down to the auditorium for the oral competition against The Maples Academy. Well done to Carter, Bhavya, and Adam on their performance today. Carter took third place in the junior division. Congratulations, Carter.

In today’s Exhibition time, students had to accomplish a few tasks. The first was to introduce themselves to their mentor and set up a time to meet tomorrow.  All groups have accomplished this. The next task was to generate concept questions focused on their chosen issue. This took a lot of thought. Ms. Ymbang and I met with each group to check on progress and discuss questions that were being generated.

In the afternoon, we headed back to the gym to support the MYP students in their second last performance of Merchant of Manhattan. Please come out to watch this performance tonight. It will definitely be worth braving the weather.

We managed to squeeze a little more Exhibition in time in before the end of the day. We discussed the central idea and lines on inquiry that each group is required to compose about their issue. This is a difficult task and requires a lot of thought. In addition, there are criteria that need to be met for a central idea to be acceptable. Students will continue working on this tomorrow.

Homework & Reminders

·         Exhibition:

o   Tell your parents about your concept questions

o   Bring your device and Exhibition binder to school daily

·         Return squash permission form

·         Tonight

o   Merchant of Manhattan performance at 7 pm – All Welcome, please come support the MYP students, free childcare to allow you to enjoy the performance, Bake Sale by the Grade 7 & 8 students

·         Tomorrow: Spirit Day, wear pastel colours

·         Friday: Good Friday, No School

·         Monday: Easter Monday, No school, Summer uniforms may be worn after the Easter long weekend

·         Wednesday, March 30: Casual Day

·         Wednesday, April 20 – Squash, 2 – 3 pm

·         Wednesday, April 27 – Squash, 2 – 3 pm

The Exhibition: The Groups and the Issues

We continued working on our Exhibition brainstorm this morning. We stopped a couple of times during this process to check on student progress and to give students opportunity to voice their ideas with the whole class. Then began the process of whittling down the issues. Students were invited to do a walk around the room to view all the issues that students came up with. Students created a list of the top 10 issues that interest them. I took a tally of everyone’s list to discover the top 15 issues. Students were then invited to select 5 from these 15. These top 5 were used to group students.  Your child is coming home with a letter about the exhibition. Please take time to read and sign the letter coming home. Take a look at the Exhibition binder your child has begun working through.

Students reflected on the exhibition task, their roles, concerns, and areas they are looking forward to in their first journal entry. Students MUST bring their exhibition binder to school every day.

We then had a math lesson on equivalent fractions. Students were expected to understand that equivalent fractions represent the same part of a whole. They wrote equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing the numerator and denominator by the same factor. They also understand that simplest form is when both the numerator and denominator can only be divided by 1. We got a good start on the practice work in class. Students are asked to complete the remaining questions on p. 289 – 290 of the MMS textbook for homework.

Grade 6s attended gym class with Mr. Slyk.

After gym, students worked on organising their Exhibition binders.

We used today’s French time to work on Exhibition. Students sat with their Exhibition group and read letters from SJA students who have completed the Exhibition project in previous years. The letters described the challenges and successes of Exhibition as well as some advice to this year’s Grade 6s.

 

Using the advice from the letters and their previous experience with collaborative inquiry, students wrote an essential agreement that will help them have a successful exhibition experience. Look for this agreement in your child’s binder.

Students will need devices for Exhibition on a daily basis.

Homework & Reminders

·         Exhibition:

o   Show your parents your Exhibition binder

o   Have your parents read and sign the letter in the front of the binder

o   Discuss the issue you will be exploring with your parents

o   Bring your device and binder to school daily

·         MMS p. 289 - 290

·         Return squash permission form

·         Tomorrow:

o   Oral Competition against The Maples Academy – Junior Division begins at 9:30 am – All Welcome, Good luck to Adam, Bhavya, and Carter! Let’s hope the weather cooperates this time round.

o   Merchant of Manhattan performance at 7 pm – All Welcome, please come support the MYP students, free childcare to allow you to enjoy the performance, Bake Sale by the Grade 7 & 8 students in the evening

·         Thursday: Spirit Day, wear pastel colours

·         Friday: Good Friday, No School

·         Monday: Easter Monday, No school, Summer uniforms may be worn after the Easter long weekend

The Exhibition: Understanding the Expectations

The beginning of term three is a significant time in Grade 6. We began working on our fifth transdisciplinary theme, Sharing the Planet. Grade 6s will be working on the Exhibition under this theme. The bulk of our day was spent talking about Exhibition. Students watched and discussed a slide show that described the expectations of the Exhibition and the role of the student. For those who have not seen an Exhibition before, the information presented can be daunting. Grade 6s will be tackling this huge project in a systematic and manageable way. Parents, please mark Friday, May 6 on your calendars. Students will be presenting during the day and evening. Invite friends and family members too.

We also spent time decoding the definition of the theme. Students created a chart to represent the theme. They then began brainstorming local issues that fall under the theme. Students have been asked to continue this brainstorm at home and to come to class tomorrow ready to share their ideas.

Sharing the Planet: An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

In math, we began a new unit on Fractions, Percents, Ratios, and Rates. Students worked to complete the preassessment task for this unit. There is no homework assigned for math today.

Grade 6s attended music and gym class today.

Look out for a Summer Fiesta letter, squash letter, April lunch forms, and Scholastic Order forms all coming home today.

Homework & Reminders

·         Exhibition: Brainstorm more issues that fall under the transdisciplinary theme Sharing the Planet

·         Return squash permission form

·         Wednesday:

o   Oral Competition against The Maples Academy – Junior Division begins at 9:30 am – All Welcome

o   Merchant of Manhattan performance at 7 pm – All Welcome, please come support the MYP students, free childcare to allow you to enjoy the performance, Bake Sale

·         Thursday: Spirit Day, wear pastel colours

·         Friday: Good Friday, No School

Tuck Everalsting

We had our last novel study time, where we discussed chapters 24, 25, and the Epilogue of Tuck Everlasting. Students handed in their nooks and novel study Duo-tangs and then we had a special treat – we watched the 2002 Tuck Everlasting movie. After the movie we had an extensive discussion comparing the book and the movie.

We had little UOI time, which we used to view the RSA animates that were accessible on YouTube. The class enjoyed seeing each other’s work. We did not get to see everyone’s work. Some students still need to share their video with me. Please do that be end of day tomorrow.

We were treated to a viewing of the MYP Shakespeare play, which was fantastic! Parents will have the opportunity to see this play on March 23. Be sure to mark your calendars.

Once we got back to class, the Grade 6s reflected on their learning and strengths and weaknesses this term. They recorded their thoughts for the term 2 report card.

The had a short French lesson with Mme. Villeneuve before a super hero/princess house game hosted by Theta,

Tomorrow – Skiing, We will be departing at 6:45 am and returning around 4:30 - 5 pm  Homework & Reminders

·         This week is Spirit Week

·         UOI:

o   Share your RSA Animate on YouTube with me if we did not get to view yours in class today

·         Exhibition – brainstorm local issues that fall under the transdisciplinary theme Sharing the Planet

·         Tomorrow – Skiing trip, St. Patrick's Spirit Day, Last Day of School

·         Monday, March 7 – Friday, March 18: MARCH BREAK

·         Monday, March 21 – Back to School

 

RSA Animate - The Script and the Narration

Our day began with novel study time, where we discussed chapters 21, 22, and 23 of Tuck Everlasting. Students had class time to read chapters 24, 25, and the Epilogue and to complete the discussion questions for these chapters.  Students are asked to summarise the book using the prompts they have been given. They will be assessed on this work, therefore it is important to give their best effort.

It was UOI time next and the last time we had to work on the RSA Animate projects. Today’s challenge was to write a script, record a narration, and add background music. For homework, students are asked to upload their RSA Animate to YouTube with parent permission and help with privacy settings. Students are to send me the link to their YouTube video. We will be watching everyone’s video in class tomorrow. Students completed their self-assessment rubric today.

Grade 6s attended music class with Mr. Andrei and gym class with Mr. Slyk.

We ended the day with a discussion on exhibition and its expectations. Students were introduced to the theme for this year’s exhibition: Sharing the Planet. They have been asked to brainstorm local issues that fall under this theme. Ask your child to tell you what exhibition is all about.

Squash & Hatch forms are Due tomorrow :

Squash (grade 2 & up)

Hatch ( grade 3 & up)

 We will be skiing this Friday to make up for the skiing trip we missed last week.

  Homework & Reminders

·         This week is Spirit Week

·         Novel Study

o   Read Chapters 24, 25, Epilogue

o   Complete discussion questions for these chapters and summary prompts

·         UOI:

o   Send me a link to you RSA Animate on YouTube

·         Exhibition – brainstorm local issues that fall under the transdisciplinary theme Sharing the Planet

·         Tomorrow –  Super Hero/Princess Day, Bake sale

·         Friday, March 4 – Skiing trip, St. Patrick's Spirit Day, Last Day of School

·         Monday, March 7 – Friday, March 18: MARCH BREAK

·         Monday, March 21 – Back to School

RSA Animate - The Video Recording

Due to concerns about the winter storm, today’s inter-school oral competition and Shakespeare play have been postponed to Wednesday, March 23.

We used today’s class time to work on our novel study and UOI project.

Our day began with novel study time, where we had a wonderful discussion about the chapters we read yesterday from Tuck Everlasting. Students had class time to read chapters 21, 22, and 23 and to complete the discussion questions for these chapters.

It was UOI time next. Students worked with their partners to record their RSA Animate. This took a few takes before students were happy with their products. Some groups have run into technical difficulties that they are trying to iron out. Everyone needs their devices again tomorrow as we will be recording the narrations. Students will be sharing their RSA animate with the class on Thursday.

Grade 6s attended gym class with Mr. Slyk and then it was time for students to be dismissed early due to the approaching winter storm.

We will be skiing this Friday to make up for the skiing trip we missed last week.

  Homework & Reminders

·         This week is Spirit Week

·         Novel Study

o   Read Chapters 21, 22, 23

o   Complete discussion questions for these chapters

·         UOI:

o   Devices needed, including one that can record a video and that has video software such as Movie Maker or iMovie

·         Tomorrow – Pajama Day, Bake sale

·         Thursday, March 3 – Super Hero/Princess Day,  

·         Friday, March 4 – Skiing trip, St. Patrick's Spirit Day, Last Day of School

·         Monday, March 7 – Friday, March 18: MARCH BREAK

·         Monday, March 21 – Back to School