Properties of Matter - Plastics

My Grade 5’s are studying “Properties of Matter” right now in science and a nice off-shoot of what we are studying is the use and misuse of plastics. The grade 5’s were shocked (and saddened) at some of the statistics. As a result, we went online and found a few very interesting infographics that help to explain “plastics” and the importance of recycling and using alternative methods.

The infographics are compliments of "The Plastiki".

The Majestic Plastic Bag is a mockumentary video produced by Heal the Bay. The video chronicles the journey of a plastic shopping bag from a store, through a park, and to the ocean. Watch the video below.

This lesson also lead to another interesting conversation about the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch”.

Compliments of the website “How Stuff Works”.

"In t­he broad expanse of the northern Pacific Ocean, there exists the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, a slowly moving, clockwise spiral of currents created by a high-pressure system of air currents. The area is an oceanic desert, filled with tiny phytoplankton but few big fish or mammals. Due to its lack of large fish and gentle breezes, fishermen and­ s­ailors rarely travel through the gyre. But the area is filled with something besides plankton: trash, millions of pounds of it, most of it plastic. It's the largest landfill in the world, and it floats in the middle of the ocean."

Watch the videos below for a little more information on the garbage patch.





Something to think about.

Mr. Boettger

Science Assignments!

It is time once again to complete an online assignment. This time it is a science assignment and the same rules apply. Feel free to use whatever resource you would like to find the answer! Last time there were some "silly" mistakes. So, take your time and read the questions carefully. I've tried to make things a little easier and have embedded the assignments right into the blog. Make sure you complete the right one please! : )

Good luck!

Mr. Boettger

Grade 5 Assignment:



Grade 6 Assignment:

New novel - Everest by Gordon Korman!

The new novel that we are reading in class is an excellent adventure story called “Everest” written by Gordon Korman.  Here are a few resources (compliments of Larry Ferlazzo) to learn about Everest.  Please check them out!

National Geographic has a nice introduction video to Mt. Everest (among several others).  Click here for the complete list. 

Here is a panorama taken from the summit.

Here’s a nice video that shows a typical climbing route and the importance of acclimatizing (going back and forth to get one’s body acclimated to the altitude):



If you find any more "cool" links. Let me know! I hope to add to this post as we read the books.

Mr. Boettger

Current Event - Phys-ed Expectations

I'm not going to spend a lot of time writing a lead-up post to this week's current event.  I would actually like the article to speak for itself.  I am however, very interested in what your thoughts are on this topic and I am looking forward to an excellent discussion on it in class on Monday. 

I have included the article here.  If you are having trouble reading the embedded version, click here.  Read it and "annotate" away!

Mr. Boettger

Poetry

For the past week, we have been having fun writing poetry (free verse) in our class.  The main premise is the students choose a mixture of two animals and create a poem around this "new" made-up animal.  The creative juices have certainly been flowing!

Here is a sample poem written by Tyler and Reiley.   More will follow as we progress in our writing!

Hish

It's a fish, it's a hawk,
It squeals and squawks,

It swims with its two limbs,
It's as social as the "Sims",

You will wish you didn't mess with this Hish,
Reiley and Tyler did, and they made it a side dish.

By Reiley and Tyler

Here is a fantastic "prezi" introduction to poetry written by Elizabeth Aldape.

Poetry on Prezi

Leadership Debate

I am hoping that you (my ever so brilliant students) have been following the news and know that on May 2nd, Canada is having a federal election.  Before an election, the candidates work extremely hard at trying to convince Canadians to vote for him/her.  One way to get all of the candidates messages across is to hold a debate and that is exactly what is happening tonight.  I hope you tune in, even for just a bit.

I am going to try something new here today and begin a "current events" post - with hopefully more to follow.  I found an excellent article from Teaching Kids the News and I would like you to comment/answer questions on it.  Look for my annotations as well as others and tell me what you think.   By the way, this is an excellent website to keep you up-to-date on all current events.  Be sure to check it out in your free time.  I guarantee you will read something interesting here.

I have included the article here.  If you are having trouble reading the embedded version, click here.  Read it and "annotate" away!

Mr. Boettger

Earth Hour

Earth hour occurs on March 26th at 8:30 p.m. this year.  Why do we do it?   Basically because our future depends on it!

Here is a quick blurb from the Earth Hour website:

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change.

Earth Hour 2011 will take place on Saturday, March 26 at 8:30PM (local time). It will continue to be a call to action to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world. A call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the global journey to a sustainable future.

We need to create the best possible future for Canadians and for the planet, let's stop wasting energy, and generate what we need from clean, renewable sources like wind and solar. Canada can be a world leader in clean energy. But the longer we wait, the more it will cost - both in dollars and environmental impact.

Our school will be participating in Earth Hour on Friday, March 25th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  We are going to try to do our part - will you?

Show your support and switch off your lights on March 26th!

Mr. Boettger