Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Multiplying Decimals

Here is a quick review of how to multiply decimals.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mr. Boettger  :-)

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  :-)