Tuesday, 15th HoHo

Thank you to Jacob B and Connor for volunteering to be our first presenters!

After each of your quickly reviewed chapter 1, we all completed the chapter quiz.

Monday, 14th HoHo

Happy Birthday, Krishin!

The last chance to submit the glowstick lab will be tomorrow (Tuesday).  It is really important for you all to maintain good work habits.  When an assignment is given a due date, you need to complete it by that date.  If you need an extension, a discussion needs to be had and you should not ASSume that it is ok to hand in late assignments.

After reviewing the evolution of the atomic theory by discussing Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford and Bohr (board work), we began exploring some of the elements of the periodic table (chapter 2 material) by investigating the element properties.  Our goal during this lab was to confirm or revise your initial definition of metal, non-metal and pure substance.  

Chapter 1 Quiz tomorrow!

Friday, 11th HoHo

After you all handed in your Glowstick lab write ups, we did a quick check-in on the WHMIS symbols and wrote a few notes on Matter (link here).  Our dry ice demo furthered our understanding of indicators. sublimation and deposition.

Homework (due Monday): read workbook pages 14-15 and do page 18 of your workbook.  Remember there are links to a online version of the textbook and workbook provided in the tabs above.  If you forget the password, please email me.

Link to Genetics presentation schedule (https://goo.gl/Kmi9gS).  Please email me if you are wanting to fill a spot.  The questions that you ALL will be asked during your presentation (if not clear):
1)  Is this a chromosomal or gene mutation?  How do you know?
2)  How does this affect meiosis and/or mitosis?

Quiz on Tuesday will be on chapter 1, which includes:

• lab safety
• safety symbols
• matter & states of matter
• particle theory
• kinetic molecular theory
• atomic structure (general)
• atomic theorists

Thursday, 10th HoHo

Ahhhh

It seems like so long ago ...

I'm in Nanaimo meeting with a bunch of students teachers, Ministry of Education members, UVic, VIU, UBCO (all have innovative teacher-education) programs. 

It's blowing my mind just how keen people are AND how many good examples of learning there are. I'm also pushing some buttons, when I can, to see if I can make people feel "uncomfortable" about what is not happening ... that should be. 

Please stand by and continue to give me a little more patience to both: 
1/ get to marking your journals;
and 
2/ uploading the latest "Industrial Revolution" powerpoints. 

Here's the cartoon you asked for Ciara: 



Science Homework: Finish your formal lab write up.  If electronic, please email me. If created on a google doc, please share it with melaniepaas@gmail.com.

Wednesday, 9th HoHo

It was not Halloween, but we did "play" with glow sticks.  After discussing the scientific method (from video link given on Tuesday), we set up our formal lab and started on Glow Stick Chemistry lab.

Formal lab write up is due on Friday.  There are conclusions questions that will need to be researched.

Tuesday, 8th HoHo

Mr. Neufeld will share is presentations slides here shortly. In the meantime....

Your homework tonight: Please watch this video (Bozemann on the Scientific Method) and define all the terms used in the Scientific Method in preparation for our lab tomorrow.

I did not receive lab safety quizzes from Leo, Carmel, Abby, Jacob M., Mandi, Matthew and Sabrina.  You need to hand these in BEFORE you can do the lab tomorrow!  I do have 3 or 4 with no names....

Additionally, I have NOT received Genetic research presentations from (and hold on as it is a long list)...
Jess, Jacob B, Hannah, Trevor, Krishin, Cody, Leo, Tristan, Clarissa, Carmel, Madisenn, Cormac, Abby, Jacob M., Brennan, Matthew, Vienna, Crystal, Megan, Taylor, Rachel, MaKenna, Connor, Sabrina, Victoria, Kerice

Monday, 7th HoHo

After we discussed what the chemicals were that we used in the lab last Thursday and further added to our definition of the difference between physical and chemical change, Mr McKenzie led a great discussion on climate change.  Here is the link to his presentation (https://goo.gl/pgiylJ).  There are some great links and video clips that we didn't have time to watch.  You should all check it out further!

Friday, 4th HoHo

Mr. Neufeld will update this shortly.

Thursday, 3rd HoHo

Today we had a very interdisciplinary discussion about collecting data as evidence.  See yesterdays notes to look at the difference between quantitative observations and qualitative observations.  To practise our lab safety and making observations like scientists, we experimented with mixing 3 unknown substances together in different combinations, collected qualitative data and hypothesized whether the reactions were exhibiting a chemical change or a physical change.

Wednesday, 2nd HoHo

After Jan Unwin from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Advanced Education gave us insight into the future of assessment in education, a few of us headed down to the LC to show off our (e)co-valuation projects to Jan and members of UVic.

The rest of us continued discussing household and lab chemical safety (see notes here) in preparation for our lab tomorrow.  The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) are the symbols that we will be seeing in our labs and therefore, it is important to be familiar with them.

Homework: Check out the different chemicals at your house to determine what kind of hazardous symbols they have.

Tuesday, HoHo 1st

It is not every day that you can see your teacher truly suck an egg!  And when she can't do it, we have leaders like Tristan to step up.  Thanks for helping, Tristan.  That was just AWESOME but gross of both of us who tasted it burnt egg.

Today we discussed the lab safety needed to be safe during our chemistry labs.  If you weren't there, watch this video to give you an overview.

Thank you to Ms. McAvoy for your help and for showing us how awful it may be if you get a strong acid or base into your eye (by a demo...she didn't actually get it into her eye...PHEW!).  You all received a take home, multiple choice test to complete on lab safety. This is your safety contract and must be DONE BEFORE you are allowed to do any labs.  Our first lab is Thursday so have it done by then.  Gracias!

PS. Jess, please send me that video so I can blog it.  

End O' November

Hi team!

Here's a link to today's prezi "Looking for a Place to Happen":  "Discovery" Really?

And below the last part of that questionnaire on "teaching controversial issues". And a note from the researcher: 

So I figured I would like to have some of your students do the second part of the survey.
I'm sending you the whole one again, but perhaps encourage them to do the 'Likert scale' section.

Thanks,
Justin Potestio

Please answer the following questions using the Likert-type scale (a brief reason why is optional)

Scale:

Strongly Disagree         Disagree          Neutral          Agree          Strongly Agree

1)    No issue should be automatically excluded from the social studies classroom

2)    Students need to study controversial issues

3)    Middle grades and high school social studies textbooks deal adequately with controversial issues

4)    Students really don’t want to deal with conflict and controversy

5)    The stability of our nation depends on consensus among citizens about its most important issues

6)    It is important to teach students how to deal with conflict and controversy

7)    It is only by examining all sides of an issue that a person can develop rational and deeply held convictions

8)    Dealing with controversial issues confuses and frustrates students

9)    I feel competent as a teacher to teach about controversial issues

10) Teachers should develop a systematic method for teaching about controversial issues

11) Teachers should protect themselves and not teach about an issue that is controversial

12) School systems should have a formal policy supporting the teaching of controversial issues

Friday, November 27th, 2015

Learning Commons time!  This is the last day for your genetic research. See Monday's blog post for the assignment descriptions again.  Project is due on Wednesday.

Thursday, November 26th, 2015

We are so appreciative to Judith for giving us some insight into the connections between plants and people (ethnobotany) and for teaching us a few words in W̱SÁNEĆ, the language of the SENĆOŦEN people.  And as always, a huge thank you to Kristen for organizing all our our learnings at Haliburton Farms (http://haliburtonfarm.org/) and for making us organic tea today!  HÍSW̱ḴE 

In speaking about the using the W̱SÁNEĆ language, Judith reiterates "It is not important whether we get it right, it is just important to try."  HÍSW̱ḴE



IGS 9 PEEPS!  Do not forget to submit your Journal 2.0 to Mr. Neufeld tomorrow AND complete the hoodie form (LINK HERE).

November 25th - Mr. Neville on Fish Stewardship

Hi Team - 
Just want to say thanks for being such a great audience for Mr. Neville today. Great questions. 

I've asked him for his powerpoint so I can share it and will do so as soon as I can. Please make sure that you follow up with your journal 2.0 write up. Sorry for those who tried to post to Folioz. We've contacted Prof. Hopper to see what can be done. 

SUNNY but cold (1 degree) tomorrow for our journey to the Haliburton Restoration Project. Wear boots as it will be mucky still from the last big storm and DRESS WARMLY. Short block as well, so let's be ready to go. 

N

Mr. Neville came in to discuss his experience and knowledge about fish hatcheries.

Please reflect in your Journal 2.0 about THREE things that you learned from Mr. Neville.  Please submit (either by paper or electronically on your (e)co-valuation project) FIVE reflections from your Journal 2.0 to Mr. Neufeld on Friday.

Tuesday, November 24th

Want an IGS 9 hoodie?  

Ok.  We get it.  You all will look way better in them.  Get your parents to complete this formhttp://goo.gl/forms/RMTwxxNo8D.  Please make pay by exact cash or cheque made out to SD 63.

Today in the Learning Commons, Mrs. Wadsworth will lead us on test writing skills using our take home Biology Midway tests.  We will be working in pre-arranged groups (find group lists here).

If we finish early, please continue with your genetics research projects.

Monday, Nov 23, 2015

Today we will be in the Learning Commons researching our genetic disorders assignment.  I have taken the parameters already given to you in the assignment description and put it into a table so you can see what will be used to assess you (see assessment table here).  Additionally, here is the sign up sheet again to view what disorders are still available to research.  Partners need to sign up with me today by verbally telling me or sending me an email (mpaas@sd63.bc.ca).

If you need help with developing a resources list, Mrs. Wadsworth can guide us to some LC resources to use.

You will post your research project to your (e)co-valuation site by Wednesday, December 2nd.

WAIT!!!  We can't forget about our latest Claremont Do-Right project.... Toys for Teens (link here for more information).

Friday, November 20th

Friday's Journal 2.0 Question: What does it mean to be a citizen of Canada? 

After a quick follow up on the above question (thanks for your recording Abby), we began a "Twitter-journey" of the Rails to Relevance trip. This included a Chek 6 interview conducted from an Amtrak train as it wound its way through the Adirondack Mountains. It was great to be able to share the trip with you all. 

Ms. Paas is back Monday and we're meeting in the LC to begin project work. 

Thursday, Nov 19th, 2015

Info about genetic research project:

When you and your partner have decided what disease you want to research, please let me know so that I may record it on this document.  The purple disorders with student names have already been claimed by that student(s).

Since we have already chatted about mating and fertilization yesterday, today we will talk about the last stage of sexual reproduction, development (link to notes here).  Additionally, you will be discussing one type of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in small groups with the purpose of sharing out to an even smaller group later on.  

Wednesday, Nov 18th, 2015

Welcome back Mr. Neufeld!  We can't wait to here about your #Rails2Relevance adventures.

Today we will again be meeting with UVic Teacher Candidates to set up or add to our (e)co-valuation sites.

If you finish early, you can start your genetic disorder research project (information can be found here)

Tuesday, Nov 17th, 2015

By examining the male and female reproductive structures of a lily (via dissection), we were able to correctly arrive at the conclusion that most flowering plants go through internal fertilization.

We then finished our sexual reproduction notes (see notes here) and then briefly chatted about our genetic research assignment.  More info to come tomorrow.

Monday, Nov 15th, 2015

Sorry for the late posts!  Just before students handed in their meiosis flipbooks, I asked everyone to find these structures on any page of their flipbook and label them ONCE:

• nuclear membrane
• nucleolus
• centrioles
• spindle fibers
• centromere
• diploid (2n)
• haploid (n)
• cross over
• independent assortment
• homologous chromosomes
• sister chromatids
• sperm or egg cells

We then began completing our sexual reproduction notes (find notes here)

November 10th/11th - Talking 'bout New York

Sunset overwhelms the Statue of Liberty ... from the Brooklyn Bridge

It's hard to describe the energy that seems palpable in this town. There is something about it that I haven't felt anywhere else. We arrived after dinner time to our hotel and walked straight to Times Square which was a block away. So many lights. It was almost culture shock. 

The next day we honoured remembrance day by attending the American "Veteran's Day" parade. From there we walked down to the 9/11 Memorial, also very powerful with folks visiting from around the world. 

Wall Street was our next stop which had been closed down to traffic for the holiday and in their place: street vendors, artisans and a band playing James Brown Tunes (see "Get up offa that Thing"). 

The next morning, the big moment arrived. I can honestly say it was one of the most powerful moments in the history of the Institute for Global Solutions. There I was, walking through the General Assembly will IGS 11 students, it was almost surreal. (I'm sorry I have no pictures as there was actually a meeting going on. Photos were banned.) SUCH an amazing visit. 

"How can you possibly follow that up?" you ask. Rockefeller Centre, down 5th Avenue, some New York city deep dish square pizza and, just for fun, how about skating in Central Park: 

November 9th ... R2RIII Winnipeg.

Trying to catch everyone up on everything that has happened is a herculean task. SO adventures. So many amazing experiences, places and people but I want you to have the chance to learn with us. Here are some highlights: 

The "microphone" 

Mr Sparanese's cousin got a PhD in the Winnipeg Legislature because, as it turns out, no one knew that the building had been built by "Masons" (look it up) based on King Solomon's Tomb from ancient times. It is based on the "Hermetic Code" involving a complicated and ancient set of mathematical principles. The stairs where our 11's are sitting are perfect sets of 13, 13 and 13 and the entire room is a prefect square 66'6" ... designed to keep evil from entering the inner sanctum. There are sphinx's, an art of the covenant and even a sounding board that takes changes your voice and takes you thoughts straight to those who hold power. (See below.) Creepy but amazing. 

Dr. Frank Albo

That afternoon we walked to a place called the "Forks" on our way to The Canadian Human Rights museum where our specially trained Anishinaabe guides took us on a tour of this remarkable building. 

November 7th (from Rails 2 Relevance)

Hey team - Just wanted to share a couple of the shots from our big trip so far. 

Picture 1/ Selfie after just getting on the train in Vancouver

Picture 2/ A beautiful moving shot as morning arrives in the Rockie Mountains. 

and Picture 3/ is one of our students, Lauren Montgomery-Stinson, peers pensively out of the window across a beautiful lake outside of Jasper, Alberta. 

Can't wait until you can all join us on this trip yourselves.  

Thursday, Nov 5th

Farm Time and again, we had beautiful weather!  Purnima showed us different methods on how to scientifically survey land to look for different species.  Although we didn't get too far into our surveys before we were awestruck by the Western Redback Salamanders, Plethodon vehiculum,

Reference: https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnclare/8966847276

and the Wandering Salamander, Aneides vagrans, 

Reference: https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_horned_jew_lizard/4415286111

students had found!  

Half of the group was also with Elmarie farming, but since I wasn't with that group, I am not sure what they did :)  I will update this after a debrief tomorrow.  Thanks for the rad day!

Wednesday, Nov 4th

Hope you all have a great day at a job site!  Please remember that your Biology Midway Check-in is due tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 3rd

Here come the French!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByJL-qfK56MmSnBFVTc2cGpnaVU/view?usp=sharing

Ms. Paas also handed out the Biology Midway Check-ins (like a test) to be completed at home and returned on Thursday.

Monday, November 2nd

After a quick discussion on asexual reproduction (from the homework), we continued on with our meiosis notes (see notes here) in order to understand how haploid cells are produced.  We then completed a sort to organize our thoughts around the steps in meiosis.  Here is a video to help you understand further.

For a sneak peek of our week, please see the calendar on the right.

Reminder: for those who did pick up the take home tests today, they will be handed out tomorrow and are due on Thursday.

Friday, October 30th

Happy Halloween!  Since it has been a while, we did a quick review of what we have learnt in biology and then began writing notes (see notes here) on the type of cell division that produces gametes and why meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction.  We will continue this discussion on Monday.

I assigned a homework sheet (link to it here) to begin differentiating between the 5 types of asexual reproduction.  Please first predict what you think is happening based on the picture provided, then use your textbook write the actual description of the process and give example(s) of organisms that undergo this type of reproduction.

Thursday, October 29th

The sun was shining for our beautiful farm time again today!  Mr. Bill Dancer quickly figured out that we have a budding ornithologists among us and asked Leo to lead half of the birding group.  It was just AWESOME!  Leo was able to display his expertise in pointing out many different bird species and identifying their calls.  My favourite comments from today:

"I wish I knew a lot about something" (in reference to Leo's knowledge about birds)

"I have never even heard that word before" (in reference to a junco)

"I didn't even know that chickadees were a real thing"

"Hey Everyone!  Look at that potat....oh, it is only a rock"

Thank you Leo!!!

Elmarie also took a group around the farm to teach them some of the basics. 

We also had a UVic teacher candidate, Mr. Cox, join us today to get a sense of what this is all about.  Needless to say, he was in awe of what a special opportunity this is and doesn't think that one day is enough.   

(e)co-valuation update: If you are having trouble with your password on the folioz, you could try re-setting your password with this link http://folioz.ca/forgotpass.php.  Please email me directly (mpaas@sd63.bc.ca) if you are still having trouble logging in after you try to reset your password.  

Science tomorrow.  Please bring your workbook and textbook.

Wednesday, Oct 28th

We were privileged today to have a Claremont cohort of teacher candidates work with our students on a 2-to-1 ratio (when does that happen in public education!) to begin their (e)co-valuation projects. Once we figured out the glitches in the system, students created a profile page and began uploading their presentations they had previously completed in SS.  I wasn't necessarily amazed that students picked this up quickly (and will soon be our teachers I am sure) but I was LOVED that I saw students become teachers to their peers and teachers to the UVic teacher candidates!!  For those of you who were away with PEP, you will have to get your (e)co-valuation set up on your own ... I bet your classmates could help you if you are stuck :)

A huge thank you to Dr. Tim Hopper, Dr. Kathy Sanford and all the TrUVic teacher candidate for leading us today!  They will be meeting with us again on November 18th so that we can show off our individual projects.

Do NOT forget that tomorrow is farm time. Bring your boots and hope for sun!!

Tuesday, Oct 27th

Mr. Neufeld will upload his presentation shortly ....

Homework tonight please....
We are continuing our learning for our (e)co-valuation.  Please watch these 2 videos.

And the next....

Monday, October 26th

Mr. Neufeld continued on the with video and conversation you all started last Wednesday (please refer to that blog).

Your homework tonight to prepare for creating your (e)co-valuation project, please watch the two videos below (registration information below also)

If you are keen to get started, you will need to first register: http://folioz.ca/register.php

and select Claremont Institute as the institution (see picture below)

Thursday, Oct 22nd

We have completely lucked out with the weather on every farm day so far ... and yes I just knocked on wood!  The beautiful skies provided perfect conditions for Mr. Bill Dancer to lend us his ornithology expertise while the other half of us were split between farming with Elmarie and finishing our amphibian pitfall with Jemma.  We are thankful to Kiara W for taking photos today and we will share them when ready.  We did get a picture of the frog that blessed our pitfall (a good omen).  Have a great weekend!

WEEEEEdnesday, Oct 21st

While the "Weapons of Mass Instruction" are away at WE Day, our Weapons of Mass Substitution (heehee), Mr. Sacht-Lund and Ms. McAvoy, will be in class to guide you. You will be watching the documentary below.   This film/documentary looks at one of the most cherished and miss-told stories in American history: Thanksgiving and Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock. This sets the record straight.  Before you watch:
1.   Write (in three sentences or less) what you know of this story.

The Myth Unraveled.  While you watch ...

2.   As the film walks you through this moment in history, keep a running point form documentation of the story as it unfolds. No fewer than 10 points is possible.

Tuesday, October 20th

Mr. Neufeld told us some great stories to help us remember some voyage and settlement history.  Students wrote "cool notes" during his presentation.  Click here to find his presentation material.  

Monday, October 19th

We began today by reviewing reproductive and therapeutic cloning as well as stem cells (a follow up from Friday). Here is some food for thought ...

And then we mostly had a discussion about the election and what kind of Canada we wanted.  These students have such great questions and comments and it gives me such hope that we have youth who are so very interested in current politics.

Friday, October 16th

We came to the consensus that a clone is an exact genetic copy of "something" and we also seemed to agree that if cloning an organism was used to help, then it was ok.  What if we were cloning to help a couple have a child? What if we were using reproductive cloning to ensure that children are not born with diseases or disorders?
We had just started talking about stem cells when our fabulous time together ended.  Thanks for the thought-provoking discussion today.

Click here to see the notes from today on cloning.

Here is some video for thought ...

Rocktober 15th

 What a day at Haliburton! Team 1a helped the farmers build up a trail while team 1b went "appling" helping the farmers get apples to market. Elmarie gave us a quick lesson on the importance of soil and of community.

Apple twins?

 Team 2 headed to work with conservation biologists Jemma and Purnima to construct a fence line and trap so that these scientists can get an accurate count of amphibian movement in the reclaimed urban area.

So proud of everyone's hard work today. 

Wednesday, Oct 14th

Reminder: Farm tomorrow - bring you boots and rain gear, if needed!
Thank you to Victoria for providing us with the video about dopplegangers and Abby for providing us with her research on the genetic linkage (or lack thereof) of left-handedness.  In class today we discussed checkpoints in the cell cycle and what happens if cells ignore those checkpoints (see notes). Homework: Question to ponder for Friday: Are you for or against cloning?

Tuesday, Oct 13th

Mitosis!  Today we reviewed the cell cycle and the stages of mitosis before completing an online lab (Investigating Mitosis) in the Learning Commons.  Homework (due tomorrow) is to complete the lab and answer the 5 questions at the bottom of your notes booklet on mitosis.

Friday, Roctober 9th

So magical to have Minnow Dae Win Wah Se Moen (James Taylor) in class today. Thanks for being so welcoming and so respectful everyone. I am thankful for you all.

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015

The cell cycle & mitosis with Ms. McAvoy and Mr. McKenzie!

Please complete WB pages 59, 60 and 61 for Friday.  Here is a good review video (I love Hank):

Wednesday, October 9th

We had finished up a few presenters that we didn't get finished over the last two days.  You can review the DNA content that we have discussed by completing workbook pages 58, 59 and 61.  Please complete this for Friday's class. 

PS No farm time tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 6th

Switch day!  Those who presented yesterday, did the DNA extraction lab and vise versa.

Monday, Oct 8th

Today half the class did their presentations with Mr Neufeld while the other half of us extracted DNA and finished some notes about how DNA is linked to proteins (notes here).

Tuesday, Sept 29th

Today you all continued your research in the Learning Commons.  Tomorrow we will be finishing notes on DNA (click here) that you had started in Science previously and possibly watching a TED talk on genetic engineering (click here to view).  Those individuals away on PEP tomorrow, have a great day and please complete the things mentioned above for Thursday's class.

Thursday, Sept. 24th

In order to understand Dr. Wasser's research, we need to know a bit about DNA.  Here are the DNA notes as well as a video link to highlighting Dr. Wasser's research.

I have also collected other articles and newscasts on poached ivory as well as a video lesson on DNA fingerprinting.  You will find them here.

Wednesday, Sept. 22nd

Questions:

• Do we want to put together an IGS 9 team to represent us at the Victoriahand Walk-a-thon?  Link to information.  
• Is there interest in purchasing and ordering sweatshirts or T-shirts to identify us as a wicked, awesome group when we are out on our excursions?

Today we had a good discussion about illegal trade and poaching of elephants in Africa based off the readings that you chose.

I would like to focus on the science behind the article; that is, DNA analysis or fingerprinting in class on Thursday.  In order to do this, we first need to chat about the basics of DNA.....