Hoops Hullabaloo

Hi Class! Make your predictions for our class basketball tournament. Which team will prevail? The Dunkers? The Slammers? The Swishers? The 3 Point Shots? Explain your selection. How would you rank the teams? Are they balanced, or is there one or two powerhouses? Be sure to post your thoughts and complete the poll below.

Which team will win this year's class basketball tournament?

  • Swishers (46%, 6 Votes)
  • Dunkers (23%, 3 Votes)
  • 3 Point Shots (23%, 3 Votes)
  • Slammers (8%, 1 Votes)

Total Voters: 13

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Posted in General | 2 Comments

Cleaning Chaos…

Hi Class! Sadly, the amount of time invested in reminding some of our classmates to clean up is falling on deaf ears. Obviously there will be the occasional scrap of garbage on the floor, but when an entire sandwich is discarded under the computer table (not to mention the pieces of chocolate milk bottles too) we have a problem. The time and money parents invest to provide meals for kids should not be wasted. Talk to Mom/Dad if you are not a fan of the sandwich you are getting/making rather than hiding it on the floor in the corner of the classroom.

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Skating Tomorrow…YIKES!!!

Hi Class! I forgot to add skating to the agenda. If the word spreads and most of the regular skaters bring their equipment tomorrow, we will skate as planned. If a majority of the regular skaters do not have their gear, we will have our PE class in the gym instead. I am sorry for the confusion and omission.

We do have another day scheduled at the end of February.

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Music to My Ears…

Hi Class! Listen to the lyrics. The message is brilliantly simple…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tXzlVjU1xs[/youtube]

Have a wonderful break with family and friends. See you in January!

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Fracking Frenzy

Hi Class! Based on our reading, your knowledge and opinions as well as other credible sources, what is your position on fracking for energy? State your position and support it with evidence and examples. Provide at least 3 website links with your paragraph and connect them to your views. Be convincing! Your post is due December 16.

Posted in Homework | 42 Comments

Suspense DIY (do it yourself)

Hi Class! We have begun exploring the suspense genre of writing. Here is your first activity:

Write an amazing opening to a suspenseful story using one of the following story starters:

  • It was a strange night, there seemed to be a chill in the air…
  • As soon as he/she arrived, he/she could sense that something was out of place…
  • One night, he/she looked out the window and saw the neighbour…
  • He/She was reading a book when he/she looked up. There in the window he/she saw…
  • He/She decided to go for an evening stroll.  He/She walked about three blocks when he/she felt it…
  • They would have been fine if they hadn’t stopped for the stranger…
  • Everyone avoided the big old mansion. It was believed to have…
  • Something is drastically wrong! Every time he/she picks up the telephone…
  • Sometimes he/she thinks his/her friend has strange powers. Every time he/she is around…
  • All of the sudden he/she was trapped!

Your goal is to lead the reader to a suspenseful point in the story…then STOP! Be descriptive. Use powerful words. Vary your sentence patterns. Remember, suspense does not have to be horrific, sad, or gory!

Your classmates will complete the story to their liking.

The first part of this activity is due by the end of Monday’s computer class (November 25). You will then be responsible to finish at least five other stories by the end of computer class on Wednesday December 4.

Each contribution requires at least 150 words.

 

Posted in Homework | 132 Comments

Target Heart Rates

Hi Class! Are you reaching your target heart rate when you choose cardio activities in DPA? Click here to calculate your target heart rate. Start tracking your pulse after DPA cardio work and document your results in your DPA file.

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Is a Moment Enough?

Hi Class! Here’s a video that evokes a reaction whenever I watch it:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kX_3y3u5Uo&feature=player_detailpage[/youtube]

What is your reaction to the video? Share something beyond, “I liked/disliked it.” Remember, a great response always includes several reasons.  Here are some guiding questions to help you:

  • What thoughts did you have while viewing the video?
  • What words in the lyrics did you connect with?
  • What is the significance of Remembrance Day for you?
  • How do we ensure the people who have fought for our freedoms are never forgotten?

As always, you are encouraged to add your own thoughts too! Posts are due by the end of Wednesday (November 6).

Posted in Homework | 61 Comments

It’s Time to Ban Halloween…

Hi Class! Can you make a convincing argument? Can you support a position with several reasons? Can you link your ideas with transition words and phrases?

Your writing task is to choose one of the statements below and state your views in a convincing paragraph. Your paragraph is due before Halloween (October 31). Here are the choices:

  • Trick or treating must be banned because it promotes poor eating habits.
  • Fireworks must be banned because they are dangerous.
  • All Halloween costumes must be made from recyclable material rather than harmful plastics.
  • Trick or treating is limited to children under the age of ten because older children scare younger children.

Here’s a clever way to learn about using transitions:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m894gzYQc4[/youtube]

 

Posted in Homework | 106 Comments

Variables, Expressions and Equations

Hi Class!

If you come across some great links to help build our understanding of variables, expressions or equations, please post them here.

Include the address AND an explanation for the site’s usefulness. In other words, what did you learn because of the video, activity, information…?

Posted in General | 10 Comments