Thursday, November 20, 2014

Curious About Genius Hour?

Something exciting is happening in our Grade 6/7 class! Today I introduced the students to Genius Hour! For more information, visit the newsletter page to see the letter that was sent home.

What is Genius Hour?

Genius Hour is the research-based idea that people excel in learning about that which they are intrinsically motivated. In other words, if you want to learn about it, you will succeed in learning about it. If it is a topic or concept you are passionate about - especially if it is something you deeply care about - then your internal motivation will drive you to succeed in learning about it.

Daniel Pink, author of New York Time’s Bestseller Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, says that motivation is driven by three things:

1.  Autonomy (the desire to direct our own life)
2.  Mastery (the desire to get better and better at something that matters)
3.  Purpose (the desire to do things in service of something larger than ourselves)

If you are still curious about Genius Hour, feel free to watch some of the videos below.



It's imperative that we use our time wisely!



What is going to be your awesome?!



Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Kiln People

Kiln People  is novel written by David Brin and I can't say as though I have read it (and therefore can't recommend it), but the concept of the novel is rather interesting.

Kiln People, is about a society where you can create clay copies of yourself to do various tasks (e.g. mental tasks, dangerous tasks etc.) while you do something else.  Then at the end of the day, you download their memories back into you. 

So, here is a pretty deep question for this week.  If you had 5 copies of yourself to use this week, what would you have them do?  Make sure you take the time and think about your response before you type it up.  Don't forget to double-check your work for spelling/grammar mistakes.  

Once you have completed your answer, read and respond to at least 2 peers.

As always, I can't wait to see your responses. 

Mr. Boettger  :-)

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Biodiversity Quiz

Welcome to your first online assignment Grade 6's!

Feel free to use any resource you would like to find the answer.  However, you  must work by yourself.  Take your time and read the questions carefully.  I want to try and eliminate all silly mistakes. :-)

I've tried to make things a little easier by embedded the quiz right into the blog.  However, if you would like to see a full-screen version, just click this link.

Good luck!

Mr. Boettger  :-) 



Modern Day Expedition

Imagine you were given the opportunity to join a modern day expedition that was setting out to explore an unknown territory.  This expedition would be supplied with the best technology possible. You are not sure what you will find because no man/woman has ever gone there.  There is a risk of danger and you do not know when you will be able to return home to your family and friends.

Would you accept the invitation? Why or why not?  List 5 reasons to support your answer.

Once you have posted your response, read the responses posted by your peers and reply thoughtfully to at least two other students.  Compliment strong points, make connections, ask questions and build on ideas shared!

As always, I look forward to reading your responses!

 Mr. Boettger :-)


Tuesday, October 14, 2014

The Revolutionary Optimists

Children are working to save lives in poor areas of Kolkata, India. They work to combat poverty, forced child labor and, through their efforts, dramatically transform their neighborhoods.

That’s the premise of The Revolutionary Optimists, a documentary airing on PBS’ Independent Lens. Filmed over the course of several years, the film shows young people as change makers, fighting for a better future.

After viewing the clip, answer the following questions:  Make sure you develop your answer before you publish it!

1.  The children Amlan Ganguly works with goes to community elders to ask for a new playground and other things.  Write a paragraph that explains what neighborhood improvements you would make to your community. The paragraph should detail the ways in which those improvements would enhance everyday life for the community’s residents.

2.  In the clip Amlan Ganguly talks about the ways his work with the children empowers them to fight for a better life for themselves, their friends, and future generations. Write a paragraph describing the one person in your life who inspires you to be the best you can be.

Once you have posted your response, read the responses posted by your peers and reply thoughtfully to at least two other students.  Compliment strong points, make connections, ask questions and build on ideas shared!

As always, I look forward to reading your responses!

Mr. Boettger  :-)


Monday, October 6, 2014

Change the World

In our guided reading, we have been having some excellent discussions about how we can change the world in a positive way.  This week's question continues from where we left off.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be? Why would you make this change?  Make sure you develop your answer before you publish it!

Once you have posted your response, read the responses posted by your peers and reply thoughtfully to at least two other students. Compliment strong points, make connections, ask questions and build on ideas shared!

As always, I look forward to reading your responses!

Mr. Boettger  :-)


Sunday, September 14, 2014

Animal Testing

The human brain has over 100 billion nerve cells - it is the most complex organ in the human body. Scientists spend a great deal of time studying the human brain and, while they have discovered a lot, they have yet to fully master and understand this remarkable organ. Understanding the connection between brain cells, behavior and disease is important and scientists have developed a variety of new techniques that will help them map brain activity.

Watch the video and then answer the following questions:

In the video you saw laboratory tests being conducted on mice.

1.  Are you 'for' or 'against' scientific tests on animals?
2.  If scientists were not able to test on animals, how would they conduct their experiments?
3.  Are there any instances when you would support animal testing?

Once you have completed your selections and posted your explanation, read and respond to at least 2 peers.

Mr. Boettger  :-)

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Three Truths and a Lie

Hello Grade 6/7's!

Clearly list four statements about yourself. Three of the statements should be true and one should be made up. These could be places you've been, things you've done, your likes/dislikes, etc.  The more creative, the better! Just remember to keep it appropriate for school! Thanks! :-)

After I have approved the comments, you must respond to at least five (5) of your peers by guessing which one of their statements is false.

Please remember the usual rules and have fun!

Mr. Boettger :-)

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Welcome Back!

Hello my future grade 6/7s!  I can't wait to get the year started!  See you on September 6th!

Mr. Boettger :-)






Sunday, June 22, 2014

Favourite Novel

It is almost the end of the year and I am looking for some feedback.  I read nine (!) novels to you this year - and I would like to know which one was your favourite.

This week's task is as follows:

1.  Vote on which book you liked the most.  Not what your friends liked - YOU.
2.  In the comments section, tell me the novel you chose and why you liked it the most.   Then give me your favourite part or least favourite part from that novel.

Thanks for your feedback.  I appreciate it.

Mr. Boettger  :-)


Monday, June 9, 2014

Grade 7- British North America

Same routine as usual.  Feel free to use any resource you would like.  Read the questions carefully and good luck!

Click here for the full-screen version.



Grade 6 - Social Studies Quiz

Same routine as the previous one!  Feel free to use whatever resource you would like!  Read the questions carefully and good luck!

Click here for the full-screen version.

Friday, June 6, 2014

Grade 7 - Structures Quiz

Welcome to your first online assignment Grade 6's!

Feel free to use any resource you would like (e.g. textbook, internet etc) to find the answer. However, you must work by yourself. Take your time and read the questions carefully. I want to try and eliminate all silly mistakes! :-)

I've tried to make things a little easier by embedding the quiz right in the blog. However, if you would like to see a full screen version, just click this link.

Grade 6 - Flight Quiz

Welcome to your first online assignment Grade 6's!

Feel free to use any resource you would like (e.g. textbook, internet etc) to find the answer. However, you must work by yourself. Take your time and read the questions carefully. I want to try and eliminate all silly mistakes! :-)

I've tried to make things a little easier by embedding the quiz right in the blog. However, if you would like to see a full screen version, just click this link.