A Lesson in Losing

"March Madness" just finished a couple of weeks ago and for those of you that don't know, it is by far my most favourite sports time of the year.  I absolutely love to watch college basketball in March and this got me thinking (go figure eh?) about this week's blog question.

Of the 64 teams in the tournament, all of the teams will lose a game except the tournament champion (yeah Kentucky!).  Do you think you learn more from winning or from losing?  Why?

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!

Mr. Boettger  :-)

Kid Tsunami Survivors

Some Japanese tsunami victims had to leave everything behind, including their houses and all of their things.  I would like you to watch the video below and think about the things that you value.

Imagine that you are collecting donations to send to kids who lost their possessions in the tsunami.  Brainstorm at list of at least 5 objects that you could send them to make them feel at home.  Start by thinking of things that you love and value.  Be creative and remember to think about the small things in life that help you keep a positive attitude.

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!

Mr. Boettger  :-)

Nick News: "In Harm's Way: Japan Through the Eyes of Its Kids"
Get More: Nick News Episodes,Nick News,Nick News Games

Do Your Peers Impact Your Health?

If yes, describe their impact.  Is it negative or positive?  If not, explain.

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!

Mr. Boettger  :-)

The History of April Fools Day

Just in case you were wondering.  :-)

Geography - Tsunamis

Here are a few of the videos we saw today regarding tsunamis.   As always, let me know if you have any questions. 

Mr. Boettger  :-)

Tsunami Infographic from Shal on Vimeo.

Structures

In the world, it is clear that most buildings have been constructed to last. Look at the ancient pyramids, the Mayan temples, or the Taj Mahal! Large structures, such as buildings, arenas, and towers, have to withstand much more than an occasional light rain shower. What sorts of things do they have to withstand in your area? What about structures in the tropics? Or structures in the Arctic? What would happen to them in monsoon prone areas? Brainstorm some of these ideas using either your computer or a pencil and paper to set up the framework. Be prepared to share your conclusions with your peers and teacher.

 
Using the ideas from your brainstorming, complete the following:

Find a recent news item, either in the newspaper or online, about a building or other large structure that didn't make it through some extreme weather. Be prepared to discuss it in class. Use the questions below to help get you started.

Questions to ponder:

- How old is this structure?
- Where in the world is this structure?
- Is the area around this structure prone to severe weather?
- How large is this structure?
- What went wrong, exactly?
- What measures, if any, were in place to enable this structure to withstand the elements?
- What measures would you suggest for this structure, if it were to be rebuilt?
- Would this structure need these measures if it was built in your area? 

One Word (actually that's two!)

This could quite possibly be the shortest blog post yet!

If you only had one word to describe yourself, what would it be?  

Once you have posted your response, read the responses posted by your peers and reply thoughtfully to at least two people.