Three Truths and a Lie

Hello Grade 7's!

As I was sitting here trying to think about a blog question this week, I remembered that I was supposed to do this little "ice-breaker" game with you when I first came.....and I forgot. :-)

So, here it is:

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 :-)

Here is a bonus question - compliments of "A Google a Day"

 

Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Here is a quick little review to help with the concept of adding and subtracting fractions.  Make sure you watch the video and then ask questions in class if you are still stuck. 

Hopefully this helps.

Mr. Boettger 

Acrostic Poem: Fruits and Vegetables

Hello my trusty Grade 7's!

Since we are working on a little mini-unit on poetry, I thought I would throw this little assignment out there that combines health and language. 

Select a fruit or vegetable to write an acrostic poem. Each letter of the word should start a line of poetry.

For example:

Always nutritious
Perfectly red
Plump and crisp
Lovely to snack on
Everyone loves apples

Make sure when you type it, each letter has its own line please.

After posting your acrostic poem, read your classmates' poems and vote for your favorite. Post a reply to the student who wrote your favorite poem and explain why you enjoyed it.

Photo: Martin Cathrae

Quality People

Since we are starting our "Step-Up" Unit in Language soon, I thought I would throw this question out there:  What is the single most important quality a person can have?  Name the quality and then explain your choice.

Remember the rules for posting information to the web:

- NEVER post any personal information and use only first names please. 
-  Put the question in your answer and always write using full sentences.
- Proofread your work (watch your spelling and grammar) before you post it.
- Keep it appropriate for school.
- Have fun and be creative!

As always, I am looking forward to reading your answers!

Mr. Boettger  :-)

Remembrance Day Poems

I am a little late (ok, a lot late) in getting these posted.  Some of my students (on their own time) wrote Remembrance Day poems this past month and I would just like to share a couple of them with you here:

Fight For Freedom

It's time to go to war after we say goodbye,
our family hopes we come back alive.

My friend and I are fighting in war,
for our freedom and so much more.

I feel proud to wear this gear,
when i wear it there's nothing I fear.

We hear explosions from far away,
getting closer day by day.

I turn to see you by my side,
you're not there and it's not time to hide.

Then I see you on the ground,
not breathing or making a sound.

I thought to myself, how could this be?
I never thought this would happen to you or me.

I know you didn't want to die,
but now I see you where you lie.

My friend is being lowered into his grave,
even after all he gave.

I can't believe I lost you to war,
It feels like my insides are ripped and tore.

Now you're beneath me in your grave,
I will always remember how you were so brave.

Here in the coffin my friend will rest,
with his arms folded on his chest.

In my memories you will be,
We fought for our country so we could be free.

By Lynsay M.

Think

I load my gun
Down in the trench
Thinking of the poor men
On the other end
Not wanting to kill
Not wanting to die
Just fighting for their side
We are not so different
He and I
We are both fighting for our lives

by Lizzie P.

Turning off the Television!

Would you give up television for a year if it meant you would get straight A's?

If you vote "yes," explain why you think this sacrifice would be worthwhile. What do you watch on television that you would miss most? How would earning straight A's positively impact your life?

If you vote "no," explain why you would not sacrifice television for straight A's. Why wouldn't straight A's motivate you to turn off the television? Why is television an important part of your life? Is there something else you would sacrifice for better grades?

Once you have posted your response, you will read and reply to the responses posted by your peers the following computer period. Comment thoughtfully on at least 1 other member of the class. Compliment strong points made, ask questions, and build on ideas shared.



Remember the rules for posting information to the web:

- NEVER post any personal information and use only first names please. 
-  Put the question in your answer and always write using full sentences.
- Proofread your work (watch your spelling and grammar) before you post it.
- Keep it appropriate for school.
- Have fun and be creative!

As always, I am looking forward to reading your answers!

Mr. Boettger  :-)

From Subway Guy to Marathon Man

Watch the short video and then answer the following questions below:





1.  Training for a marathon takes months of dedication, training and a healthy lifestyle. Think of a time you worked hard to achieve a goal. Describe that experience, including what your goal was and what steps you took to achieve it.


2.  To run a marathon, you have to be in good shape. Brainstorm ways people can live a healthy lifestyle, including what they eat, drink and their day-to-day activities.  Create a list of 5 health tips for Jared and explain why each tip will help the athlete succeed in their fitness goal.


As always, I look forward to reading your thoughts!


Mr. Boettger  :-)

You've Won!

Hello my trusty Grade 7's!

I thought I would do something a little different this week:

Pretend you are winning an award for doing outstanding work at school (congratulations by the way!).  Write an acceptance speech thanking everyone who helped you be a good student.  Don't forget to add in some advice for future students on what it takes to be successful.  Your acceptance speech should be approximately one paragraph long.

To get an idea of what an acceptance speech could look like - view the video below.




Remember the rules for posting information to the web:

- NEVER post any personal information and use only first names please. 
-  Put the question in your answer and always write using full sentences.
- Proofread your work (watch your spelling and grammar) before you post it.
- Keep it appropriate for school.
- Have fun and be creative!

I'm looking forward to reading your answers!

Mr. Boettger  :-)

Mathematics Homework Help

Commencing immediately, all Mathematics students in Grades 7 to 10 can access live interactive online math help to support achievement in Mathematics.

Homework Help is an online tool for students to access real-time Mathematics tutoring. The project is funded by the Ministry of Education, delivered by qualified Ontario Mathematics teachers and is without cost.

Students can register for the program by completing the online registration form at the Homework Help website (http://homeworkhelp.ilc.org).  Please note that students require their Ontario Education Number (OEN) to register located on all report cards.

Click here for more information

Making Learning Come to Life!

Watch the following video:

This dinosaur visit is a great way to get kids excited to learn about dinosaurs!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Now answer the following questions (be creative, but keep it realistic please)

1.  What would make learning fun for you?
2.  Think about one of the subjects you are currently studying (Interactions within Ecosystems, New France, Math, and Language: Mystery/Suspense).  Brainstorm 3 different projects, classroom activities or special guests that would make school come alive for you.

Remember the rules for posting information to the web:

- NEVER post any personal information and use only first names please.
-  Put the question in your answer and always write using full sentences.
- Proofread your work (watch your spelling and grammar) before you post it.
- Keep it appropriate for school.
- Have fun and be creative!
I'm looking forward to reading your answers!

Mr. Boettger  :-)

Dolphin Tale - Finding Inspiration

The movie Dolphin Tale is based on a true story.  In fact, Winter, the dolphin in the movie, is the actual dolphin who lost her tail.

I would like you to watch the trailer of the movie and then answer the following questions:

1.  How can this story of survival and people coming together to do the impossible inspire you?

2.  What is an obstacle in your life that seems impossible? What can you do to try to overcome that obstacle?

3.  As you can see from Dolphin Tale, they have to reach out to others and ask for help to make their goal a reality.  Who can you ask for help?

If the above one doesn't work, please try this one:



Or please visit the official site for the movie here: Dolphin Tale

I am looking forward to hearing your responses!

Mr. Boettger  :-)

Comment Away!

Hello my trusty Grade 7 class!

Here is your first blog assignment. You are to read the following newspaper article (see link below) and answer the following questions by commenting on the blog!

 The questions are as follows:

 1. If you were in a position where you had a lot of money, would you donate any of that money? Why or why not?

 2. If you chose to make a donation, which charity or cause would you choose? Why is this specific issue important to you?

 3. Why do you think Forbes magazine publishes this information every year? Why do you think the general public would be interested in these statistics?

 4. How do you think the people in the article feel about having their financial information available to the public?

 Remember the rules for posting information to the web:

- NEVER post any personal information and use only first names please.
-  Put the question in your answer and always write using full sentences.
- Proofread your work (watch your spelling and grammar) before you post it.
- Keep it appropriate for school.
- Have fun and be creative!

Click here to read the newspaper article.

Good luck!

Mr. Boettger  :-)

Math Review!

Here are a few quick videos that will help you review some of what you need to know for your upcoming math test.  Hopefully they help!  Don't forget to ask me any questions that you may have!

How to identify prime and composite numbers

Welcome back!!

Here is a quick geo-greeting that was created using "Google Maps".

I can't wait to get the year started! Are you ready for an adventure?

See you on September 6th!

Mr. Boettger  :-)

Mr. Boettger's Geo-Greeting

Gr. 6: Social Studies Assignment!

Hello Grade 6's!

Same rules as always.  Feel free to use any resource you would like to find the answers.  Good luck!

Mr. Boettger

Click here for the full-screen version.

Health assignment!

Hello my trusty Gr. 5/6's!

Same rules as always.  Feel free to use any resource you would like to find the answers.  Good luck!

Click here to display the full-screen version.

Mr. Boettger

Grade 5 - Social Studies Assignment

It is time once again to complete an online assignment. This time it is a social studies 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. If you are having trouble reading the embedded version, click here for the full screen version.

Good luck!

Mr. Boettger

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

Bernoulli's Principle

Hi Grade 6's!

In our science unit on flight, we are talking about a famous man named Daniel Bernoulli (What?? You've never heard of him??).  Here is a great slideshow that I have created with the help of Keith P. Murphy from Winston Churchill High School.  Make sure you check out the videos that are embedded within the slideshow.  He is an interesting guy, isn't he?

Today's science lesson!

Hello Grade 5's!

As you know we are presently studying the "properties of matter" in science. I have included a quick little game (compliments of the BBC) to help review some of the concepts we have learned in the class! Give it a try!

Happy reviewing!

Mr. Boettger

Language Assignment - Questions to Mr. K. Oppel

Having just finished reading the "Silverwing Saga" and "Darkwing" think of a question (or several) you would like to ask Mr. Kenneth Oppel. Be creative and try not to ask him something he may have been asked several times before.  To make sure you don't do this, check out the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of his website. 

When you think you have at least two (2) well thought out questions, please post them on the class "Wallwisher"  found below.

Student's Work

Here is a brief slideshow (as well as a gadget on the sidebar) of some of the student's work this year.   The slideshow includes various art projects, as well as a math project and the actual building and wiring of a house.  I hope you enjoy what we have accomplished so far.  There will definitely be more to come!

Mr. Boettger

Science Assignments!

Hello everyone!

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

Glogster Projects!

We have finally finished our Glogster projects and some of them look fantastic!  Considering this is the first time we have used the program, everyone did a great job of designing your posters!  These are so much better than just regular "paper" posters!  Now that you guys are becoming pros, I can't wait to see the next round of posters!

Remember the two aspects of our work that we need to focus on this time are:

1)  Putting all of your information into your own words.
2)  Not forgetting to add your "bibliography"

Here is just a small sampling of some of those posters.

Michelle's Glog on Hestia
Sierra's Glog on Hera
Brody's Glog on Christopher Columbus
Mack's Glog on Jacques Cartier
Tyler's Glog on Sieur de la Salle
Alley's Glog on George Vancouver

Cereal Box Project

For those who are going to work on their "Cereal Box" project this weekend, click below for the actual assignment.  Don't forget that it is due on February 8th! 

Cereal Box Project

On a side note, I have also updated all of the class newsletters.  "Click" on by and see what we are up to!

Good luck and have a great weekend!

Mr. Boettger  : )

Online etiquette

Hello everyone!

Not that I am expecting an issue, but I came across a picture the other week and it made me think of you guys.  As a class we do a lot of work online and I just want to remind you about some online etiquette (or netiquette as it is sometimes called). 

Here are a few tips from http://www.kidsdomain.com/  Remember that whatever you say online can stay online forever. 

Ok...onto the tips.

Sometimes the online world can feel "pretend" because you cannot see the person with whom you are communicating. So, it is very important to remember that you are dealing with "real" people online and you should use your very best manners - just as you would at home or at school.

• Do unto others, as you'd have others do unto you. Be polite and courteous at all times. Remember that you're not communicating with a computer screen, but with a human being who has thoughts and feelings just like you. So, always think of the person on the receiving end of your messages.
• Remember that the written word is hard to interpret. When you speak to someone, that person can hear the tone of your voice. If they can see you, they can take visual clues from your face and body to better understand your meaning. All of this is lost in text, and sometimes responses can come across as mean or rude, even when you did not intend them this way. This is the reason some people use emoticons (visual clues) in their e-mails, it saves a lot of confusion.
• Don't break any laws. When you're on the net, follow the same rules of behavior that you would in real life. Remember, if it is against the law in the real world, it is against the law in cyberspace.

Here is a picture that pretty much sums everything up!  I can't remember where I found it.  So, apologies to the person that made it.  When I find it again, I will give the proper credit!

Be safe everyone!

Mr. Boettger  : )

New projects are coming your way!

First of all, a big thank-you to those who voted on the "wiki" project.  I am glad that everyone liked working on them and I will definitely do it again this year.  It is a great way to compile a lot of research and my goal is to eventually have an online textbook that we can all use.  The best part is that I learned a lot from reading them.  I love when I can learn along with you.  Good job!  One thing we definitely need to work on for the next time is completing a proper bibliography and putting the research into your own words.  Don't worry - we will get there.  : )

Secondly, the Grade 5 glogster project on the 3 R's is up on Edmodo.  Check it out and get started as soon as possible.  It is due on February 14th!  Don't forget to turn it in to me when you are finished.  This is also just a gentle reminder for the Grade 6's - Don't forget your "house" project is due on February 11th. 

Third and lastly, look for your online science assignments to be coming in the next few days, as well as some of our glogster posters appearing here!

Have a great day!

Mr. Boettger

Health Assignments

Hello everyone!

Here is your next set of online assignments.  This time it is a health assignment and the same rules apply. Feel free to use whatever resource you need to find the answer! 

Good luck!

Both of the assignments need to be completed.

Mr. Boettger

Health Assignment - Tobacco

Health Assignment - Alcohol

Wiki Project

Now that we have finished working on our first class "wiki", I am curious to know how you felt about it.  Did you like working on it?  Would you have rather done a "paper" copy?  What would you change?  Did having a partner work or not work?

When you get a chance, please take a second and fill in the poll and leave some feedback. Feel free to post in the comment section as well. Thanks.

Mr. Boettger

Welcome to the brand new site!

As the title says...Welcome to the new site!  I have tweaked a few things here and there and hopefully the site will continue to grow over the next little while.  So, please bear with me and check back often.

Please take note that the blog has also changed its web-address.  If you have bookmarked the old one, please update it to the new one!

http://mrboettger.blogspot.com/

Thanks!  I won't be updating the old one at all after today. 

Mr. Boettger    :-)

- Grade 6's:  Don't forget to log into your Edmodo account to see the outline for your electricity project.