Mr. Bell's Blog

Hi Class! What are your reactions and comments to yesterday’s Math activity using the Smart Board remotes? Please share something deeper than, “I liked it.” Were you feeling relaxed, nervous, confident, pressured, focused or distracted? How could you see them being used in other subjects? Share your thoughts.

Hi Class! Today you are charged with the challenge to locate videos related to the Earth’s Crust and Plate Techtonics. Your goal is to identify videos that help students your age understand the big ideas and vocabulary. Here are the key terms:

crust, mantle, outer core, inner core, weathering, erosion, deposition, fossil, fossil record, geologic time scale, rock cycle, plate tectonics, continental crust, mid-ocean ridge, delta, mountain, valley, volcano, plain, plateau, ocean crust, convergent, divergent, transform plate boundaries, subduction zone, igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary, magma, lava, seismic waves

Merely posting the URL (web address) for your video is not enough. Explain to your classmates why the link you provide is helpful to you in relation to this unit of study. In other words, talk about what you have a better understanding of after watching your video.

Your links are due October 9, 2013.

Hi Class! It’s time to reflect on what you have been reading this month – remember, students in grades six and seven are expected to read for at least 30 minutes per day! Use some of the following questions and ideas to guide your reading response:

• What character can you connect with most in your book? Explain.
• Predict what will happen in the next few chapters. Support your predictions with details from what you have read so far.
• Write a diary entry for one of the characters to show his/her thoughts and feelings.
• If you could insert yourself into the story right now, how would the story change?

If you are reading non-fiction, give your reactions and opinions about the subject(s).

A multi-sentence paragraph is expected in your response. Submit your response by September 23.

Hi Class! Share the hopes and fears on your mind coming into this school year. Making the year extraordinary requires contributions from everyone! At times this year, the learning experiences will be fun and easy, while at other times you will be faced with challenges. It doesn’t matter if you can’t do something provided you are willing to try.

Write a response that is genuine. Explain a few things you are excited for and share some of the areas/skills you want to improve. Go beyond a simple list. Describe!

Your response is due by 12:15 this Wednesday.

Hi Class! What are your reactions to our first day together? What are you looking forward to? Is there anything you are dreading? Take a moment to respond. Remember you are writing for school: develop your ideas using complete sentences and choose interesting words! Avoid slang as well as formats used when writing a text message.

To write a response, click ‘Leave a Comment’ located below this thread. Use only your first name in the name section and an email address, then write your comments.

PS – Please take some time to explore our blog AND show your parents!