Wednesday, June 22, 2011

What's Up til the End of the Year and FREEDOM??!!??

HERE WE GO... ASSIGNMENTS WE'RE WORKING ON...
SOCIAL - SUDAN QUESTIONS AND BLOG TO CPL. HAMELIN ON UN PEACEKEEPER PROJECT...
ELA - MYSTERY WRITING - DRAFTS DUE FRIDAY (Homework check!!) and GOOD COPY DUE MONDAY... (Remember grade 7-8's just 3-5 pages typed double spaced... feel free to print AND post on KIDBLOG for others to check out!)

ELA Viewing Questions - Amelia (Mystery of Amelia Earhart's disappearance...) 
MYSTERY MOVIE.... MONDAY!!!
PORTFOLIO WILL COME HOME STUFFED FULL OF GRADE 7/8 GOODNESS ON FRIDAY... Get ready to relive many moments and assignments from the year...

THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS...
Thursday - nothing too crazy happening... we're at school
Friday AM - Fun awards, gr. 8 Slideshow and gr. 8 Honour role - school assembly... good byes to teacher's leaving...
Friday PM - leave at 1:40 for Legislative Building (we're SOOO EXCITED!!!) for a tour of the "Lege" at 1:00 - 1:30, then hanging at Wascana and walkin' back to school at 2:30... 
Monday AM - Believe and Achieve Awards in gym - whole school assembly
Monday PM - Swimming at Massey pool 1:30 - 3:15
Tuesday AM - Free... clean classroom and watch a movie 
... if you have a little paper to recycle - hold onto it for this day...
Tuesday PM - Swimming at Massey 1:30 - 3:15
Wednesday - Park activities at Realators Park.... 
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS!!! REPORTCARDS!!!!! YEAHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

ELA links and Reading

"Jury of Her Peers" Interactive on-line story

http://www.learner.org/interactives/literature/

Read about the elements of a good short story and to take part in activities related to "A Jury of Her Peers."

http://www.teenreads.com/index.asp

http://www.teenreads.com/features/ultimate-reading-list.asp

Teacher and Parent links
http://www.linktolearning.com/language.htm

Monday, June 20, 2011

Sask Legislative Building Tour

On Friday, June 24th we will be visiting the Saskatchewan Legislative building for a tour. This field trip wraps up our Government unit in Social Studies. We will be taking a bus to the Legislature then taking a tour from 1:00 to 1:30, visiting by Wascana Lake from 1:30 - 2:00... then WALKING BACK TO DESHAYE. Students need to bring comfortable shoes for walking, water, sunscreen and bug repellent. Students will only be assessed on their behaviour and listening skills during the tour, so they can breathe a sigh of relief!!

Reminder - please check the Homwork page of this blog and of course the Important dates (other field trips that are coming up).

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Happy Father's Day!!

To all dads out there... check out this video!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Social Handouts - Answers

Good links... http://www.linktolearning.com/government/government.htm

http://www.linktolearning.com/grade5ss.htm#Aspects of Government in Canada
National Political Parties...
1. a) political party: a group of people who believe in the same policies towards running a country.
b) party platform: policies and issues the party wants to improve or introduce.
c) multi-party political system: several political parties represent the people in the House of Commons.
d) Prime Minister: leader of the party who won the election.
e) Official Opposition: party with the second largest number of seats (2nd in the election).
f) Leader of the Opposition: leader of the party with the 2nd number of seats.
g) Grits: nickname for the Liberals.
h) Tories: nickname for the Conservatives.
2. The main parties are: Conservative Party of Canada, Liberal, The New Democratic Party - NDP, The Bloc Quebecois

How Political Parties are Organized... p = paragraph
p.1- individual members; organizations; chieftains; local; provincial; national
p. 2- poll association; party members; "machine"; election; voters; knock; promote; campaign; talk; signs; polling
p. 3- conventions; party; members; officials; platform; policies
p. 4- campaign; donated; war chest; Members; industry; businesses; unions; wealthy
p. 5- doomed; party's; nerves; feel; flexible; calm

Who are the Back benchers?
1. The backbenchers are the members of the governing party who are not in the cabinet, they are not in charge of a ministry... Ie: Finance, Citizenship and Immigration...


2. Backbenchers sit directly behind the seats of the Cabinet Ministers.

3. The cabinet ministers need the back benchers' support because they need them to support and vote for policies that they have proposed.

4. A backbenchers job can be difficult because, they want to support the policies of the government, but must not adopt policies that will upset the voters from his/her constituency (people who elected the M.P.)

5. A backbencher makes his/her supporters' views known during caucus (meetings) held for party members in the House of Commons and in the Senate each week.

6. If a backbencher disagrees with the governments policy and votes against his/her own leader - they may be forced to resign.
 
Who is the Opposition Party?
1. The opposition party is important because it's the second largest number of seats in the House of Commons - and they help to add a voice to all voters... or question the elected government.
2. The opposition in the Government today is the NDP - leader, Jack Layton.
3. The main purpose of the leader of the opposition is ask questions and keep the government "in check".
4. The main purpose of the opposition party is to research or find out how all voters think and keep the gov in check.
5. The part of each daily session that the opposition party likes is Question Period - debate... During this time the Opposition can ask the Prime Minister and Cabinet (the M.P.'s who are Ministers) about bills and issues.


Civil Service


1. The civil service is so important because they do work for government and the citizens of Canada.

2. The types of jobs that may be civil servant jobs are: typists, doctors, nurses, teachers, secretaries, computer programmers, lawyers, painters... etc.

3. If there were no civil servants, the government would not run or function.

4. The Cabinet Ministers depend on civil servants to run the departments, therefore, the government would not function without civil servants.

5. Civil servants do routine, but specialized trained jobs and are experts in their field.
Speaker of the House




Speaker of the House
1. The Speaker of the House of Commons is elected by the members of Parliament by secret ballot.

2. The Speaker looks very dignified in his/her black robes and tricorn hat worn in processions.

3. The sitting in the House of Commons begins with the Speaker's Parade.

4. The Speaker of the Senate is appointed by the Governor General.

5. At the beginning of each day, the Speaker says a prayer before he/she is seated.

6. The Sergeant at Arms carries the Mace at the beginning of the Parade.

7. The Speaker sits in a very large ornately carved armchair in the House. (House of Commons or House of the Senate)

8. Members of Parliament show respect to the Speaker by bowing and speaking politely.

9. The Speaker must make sure there is order in the House and the members follow Parliamentary procedures.

10. The Speaker cannot show any favouritism toward any party.

The Opening of Parliament
4, 6, 18, 1, 7, 12, 17, 2, 13, 3, 8, 14, 9, 5, 15, 16, 11, 10

A Working Day in the House of Commons
1. Routine Proceedings
2. Question Period
3. Member's Statement
4. Private Members Business
5. Routine Proceedings
6. Government orders
7. Question Period
8. Member's Statements
9. Notices of Motions for the Production of Papers Period
10. Government Orders
11. Caucus

French Oral Evaluation

French Presentation Oral Assignment: In partners or groups up to 4 people, you will translate a simple recipe, and present this recipe "cooking show" style in front of the class. You  must be prepared with the ingredients, any utensils, etc... or come with the food already prepared and explain what you did to make the recipe... PLEASE KEEP YOUR RECIPES SIMPLE... WE DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO A STOVE... OR COOK AT HOME AND EXPLAIN WHAT YOU DID AS A PRESENTATION AT SCHOOL. If you have many students in a group (example 4 students) then you can prepare 2 simple recipes.
If you are not prepared with the ingredients or necessary cooking tools, you will present your recipe to the best of your ability and "pretend" to prepare this recipe. The main objective is to evaluate your french, not how elaborate you are at cooking. Therefore EACH PERSON MUST SAY AT LEAST 4 PHRASES IN FRENCH.

How do you get started??
1. Write the recipe - ingredients and instructions in English... Make the instructions in simple steps.



2. Translate, using some of the basic french phrases taught in class.
 
3. Add other presentation elements such as an introduction and conclusion.
 
When do I do this??
Check the Homework Page of this blog... for your presentation dates. For Ms. S-M's class - Monday, June 20th and Tuesday, June 21st.
What if I can't be there to present?
You will pretend to "prepare" the food and present at recess by yourself or have another student who part of your group present with you.
ATTENTION DUE TO ALLERGIES - NO PEANUTS OR NUTS!

Vocabulary to Help you... same as what is given in class...
en morceaux - small pieces


en morceau - piece

moitie - half of

tranches - slice

en deux - in two/half
 
Collation - snack


Placer - to place

Couper - to cut

Ajouter - to add

Melanger - to mix
 
du - some

des - some

dans - in

sur - on

bol - bowl

plate - assiette
 
knife - couteau
 
spoon - cuillere
 
glass - verre
 
OTHER PHRASES TO HELP YOUR PRESENTATION...
Introduction:
Je m'appelle ________. (introduce everyone)
Aujourd 'hui, je vais preparer un collation pour mes amis.
La recette, nous allons preparer est "_____________"
Pour la recette, je besoin... (list ingredients and cooking tools)
1. 2. 3. .....
Les instructions, je besoin pour la recette aujourd 'hui...
1. 2. 3. ....
 

Recipe - Triangle Nutritif **** Use these words to help you.... Note that the directions could be easily changed and used in your recipe.

1. Etaler du beurre d'arachide sur 2 tranches de pain.
2. Placer des raisins secs et des tranches de pomme sur une tranche de pain.
3. Ajouter l'autre tranche de pain.
4. Couper le sandwich en 2 triangles.

Other comments...
C'est nutritif!
Voila, c'est fini!!
C'est facile, n'est-ce pas?
C'est delicieux!
C'est creatif, n'est-ce pas?
 
EVALUATION... *Same Rubric as what was used in Term 1 and 2 for Oral French... however, keep in mind that the evaluation is individual, there is only a small group part of the evaluation which is Preparation. This rubric is on the French page of this blog.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Real Investigators... RCMP Forensics on 16:9



Viewing Questions... Copy and paste these questions into word and answer prior to watching the show. Be sure to familiarize yourself, and read over the questions before watching the show...


16:9 The Bigger Picture – “Life Behind the Yellow Line” Questions

1. Where did the story take place?
How long did the cameraman, Jarvis, follow the RCMP forensic team?

2. What time did the break in occur? (what time did the suspects crash through the door?)

3. What did the victim do? Was he in the house when the police “took down the suspects”?

4. What did the “bad guys” who committed the break and enter try to access?

5. What is the investigative officer’s job…
find the  ______
_________ the ________
and _________________________________________

6. What does the investigator find in the yard?
Name 3 things.

7. What was found farther away in the yard in the snow?

8. How is every piece of evidence marked when found?

9. What do the investigators do when they find an item? Name 2 things investigators do.

10. What do the real officers do more than anything?  (hint: What do investigators “take” lots of?)

11. a) How many forensic investigator cases did the cameraman of 16:9 follow? ________

b) For how long? ________


12. Does finger print , DNA and face recognition analysis happen within the same time frame as what’s on the tv show, CSI?

13. How long does it really take to get DNA back? _________ to __________ months.

14. Do finger prints really pop up on a computer screen with on-line matches?

15. What do the real officers do more than anything?  (hint: What do investigators “take” lots of?)


16. What does a blood splatter analyst do?

17. a) If there was a crime that involves a head injury what would you see lots of?

b) If there isn’t very much blood, what has happened?

18. Briefly state in 4-5 points on what an investigator does to rebuild or reconstruct a skull, or what considerations they must make.



19. Describe what the blood splatter analyst does in the “blood room”. What does the investigator need to recreate the scene?

20. If a drop of blood is circular, what does this say about how the victim was struck?

21. What does “amino black”, a chemical that is sprayed, do to help investigators?

22. How is crazy glue and duct tape used in an investigation? What do these 2 common house -hold tools help investigators find?



23. How does the facial reconstructive artist bring dignity back to the man whose skull was found on the beach. Why is her work important?

Reflective Longer Answer…

24. How does the facial reconstrive artist bring dignity back to the man whose skull was found on the beach. Why is her work important?


25. What are other expectations or challenges of the job? What are the rewards of the job?


26. How has tv shows like CSI, create false expectations by the public for real police forensic officers? What do people need to be aware of?


27. Why do you think on the t.v. show, CSI, being an investigator is shown as being “cool” and “sexy”.  How would you describe the reality of being a forensic investigator?

Assessment Information

 End of Year Assessments... N
Next week there will be the grade 7-8 Math Diagnostic Test; the week after, the Social, Science tests will be given June 22, 23... And we just finished the RAD (Reading Diagnostic test) and Math 8 AFL (Provincial Assessment for Learning) test... There has been lots going on... So it's important that students stay on top of things and stay focused!

Are the grades included on the report card from the Math 8 AFL? Yes they are. I have photocopied and will mark the multiple choice part of the test for the AFL, being that it has to be submitted to the Ministry of Education. The  Math Diagnostic  and final RAD assessment will also be included. Keep in mind these marks will have the SAME LEVEL OF WEIGHT on the report card as any other test or major assignment. These marks will be included, because the Ministry of Education and the Board Office has noticed that when marks are included, students tend to take the assessments more seriously, and make more of an effort to prepare for the assessment.

I have also decided to include these marks on the report card, because there was class time used in teaching and student preparation for the assessments. Therefore being that significant time was given to preparation, we should include the marks. For the grade 8 Math, for questions on the AFL for information not yet explored, students were given short mini-lessons to help prepare for this portion of the test, in addition to practice questions given in 2 preparation booklets. Answer keys and additional instruction time at recess, was also provided in the week prior to the test.
The Math 8 AFL practice preparation booklets are more than just "practice". Students are expected to complete the booklets to the best of their ability (showing evidence of trying) and hand these in prior to the Diagnostic test on Monday, June 13th. After the diagnostic test, we will continue to explore solving equations and geometry.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail or give me a call. I am always willing to explain rationale or share my thoughts... 
Ms. SM

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

French food test outline

Quiz - Outline


1. Study the vocab. in the booklet, meat, fruit, vegetables,

seafood, drinks, snacks and dishes, condiments (see the handout) - matching...

2. Conjugation chart for er verbs: aimer, preferer, manger, preparer - chart

3. p. 18 - “text” translate the recipe from french to english - matching (GIVEN IN CLASS... SEE NOTES)
Recipe - Triangle Nutritif


1. Etaler du beurre d'arachide sur 2 tranches de pain.

2. Placer des raisins secs et des tranches de pomme sur une tranche de pain.

3. Ajouter l'autre tranche de pain.

4. Couper le sandwich en 2 triangles.

Assignments June 8th and 9th

This is for all students at City Track - and anyone else who needs further information on current lessons...
1. Math 8 -
A. Complete the AFL booklet and related handouts as this will prepare you for the Diagnostic test Monday and Tuesday...
B. Complete the following Integer Assignment:
Level A: 4. a, b, 5. a, b, 6. a, b, 7. a, b

Level B: 4 – 7 (a and c only), 8, 10, 11, 14, 18

Level C: 4-7 ( a and c only), 11, 12, 14, 18, 23

2. ELA Reading/Writing... Mystery and Wonder Unit
Finish short story from the Nelson Mysteries series text (see blue bin), “Higher Animals” you can complete the chart on page 2 of your handout (you got this handout yesterday)

Complete Handout: BLM 21 “Vivid Figurative Language” – identifying figurative speech. See classroom desk.

Mystery Writing – Using the Nelson Mystery text, read page 22 “Write with a Strong Voice” - Read what “voice” means in writing. Explore mystery writing voice....

Read handout on Mystery Tips (you have this). After reviewing tips for writing a mystery, you can brainstorm (web form) ideas for a mystery. Look at the “Mystery Cube” (2nd page of the Mystery writing tips) to get ideas of what you need to include in a good mystery story… setting, detective, crime or mystery, victim, clues… solution. You need to also refer to another handout the unit, “Instructions for a Mystery” because you need to brainstorm for characters, setting, plot, clues, red herrings…

** You can see the scholastic website (see bottom of handout, “Ingredients for a mystery” for more ideas and tips…. My blog’s mystery page also has links to more mysteries on-line, can check these out for ideas. Scholastic site: http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mystery/index.htm

Need more inspiration for Mystery Writing??? Check out Chris Van Allsburg's site... and the Mysteries of Harris Burdick... the book is located in the classroom in one of the "Mystery Book Bins" on side pod table. Otherwise... you can see all the pictures and captions from his book at this that also has student stories... check it out! http://www.hmhbooks.com/features/harrisburdick/readers_stories.html

Tips from Chris Van Allsburg on mystery writing...
http://www.hmhbooks.com/features/harrisburdick/tips_for_writers.html


Student Self Evaluation Criteria for Mystery Writing...


Mystery Writing Rubric Use the appropriate rubric below to assess your proficiency with the writing activity. Evaluate whether your skills are improving or where you may need additional support or help.
Scoring:5: Proficient: A high degree of competence
4: Capable: An above average degree of competence
3: Satisfactory: A satisfactory degree of competence
2: Emergin: A limited degree of competence
1: Beginning: No key elements are adequately developed
Score
Subtotal
Divide subtotal by  to get Overall Score





3. French Food Unit: You are to create a study sheet for the test on Thursday. Study sheet information was written on the board, so review and make a study sheet for the “Knowledge wall”
for test. USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO BE PREPARED.

Also, REVIEW the assignment for the Presentation Oral Assignment and the format for the recipe… Presentation will be June 16th... and June 20th... be prepared.

4. Social - Check out my post on the government Review Questions - there are notes review questions as well as good links to information we will discuss and explore in class. You are responsible to check it out.

5. RCMP Fieldtrip -  Friday - Museum and "Forensics 101" workshop... Bring in your $5 to cover costs!! Parents who would like to join us, can contact me at school. You are welcomed to attend.
Check out more on RCMP Forensics... go to Global's t.v. news show, 16:9 "Behind the Yellow Line"





Monday, June 6, 2011

Government Information for Social

WHO SAID GOVERNMENT WAS BORING??? CHECK OUT THE PAGE WHO WANTED TO BE HEARD, WITHOUT SAYING A WORD...





http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/06/07/pol-senate-page.html
The video...
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/video/video-former-senate-page-speaks-out-after-protest/article2047154/?utm_content=2047154&utm_medium=Feeds%3A%20RSS%2FAtom&utm_source=Video

VIDEO ON CANADIAN GOVERNMENT... LINK MAY ONLY WORK AT SCHOOL... but try it...
http://rover.edonline.sk.ca/videoBrowseSubject.htm

*** Go to Social Studies... grade 8, go to page 2, choose the video titled,
"Understanding Canadian Government"


Check out other photos from politics including our new Speaker of the ... from Saskatchewan!! Conservative  MP Andrew Scheer, from Regina - Qu'Appelle constituency....
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/photos/546#igImgId_9007
The article on Speaker Scheer...
http://www.660news.com/news/local/article/235377--saskatchewan-mp-chosen-at-speaker-of-the-house-of-commons
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/06/07/pol-senate-page.html


Hacking Schananaggans (I have nooo idea if that's spelled right)...
Conservative site hacked... false reports of PM Harper sent to hospital after choking on a hash brown... Is it false??? 


REVIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT UNIT…


Respond to these questions in the form of graphic organizers... WE WILL DO MORE OF THIS IN CLASS TO GET YOU STARTED... BUT PLEASE READ OVER THE QUESTIONS AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE MATERIAL THAT WE ARE STUDYING...


1. What are the 3 levels of government? What are they in charge of? Who are the leaders?


2. How many Members of Parliament are there? What does a M.P. do?


3. The M.P.’s meet in the House of Commons. What is the business in the House of Commons? How does a person become an M.P.? How are the provinces represented? Does each province get the same number of M.P.’s?


4. What does the Prime Minister do? How can you become prime minister? Who does he appoint when he is in charge? What is his/her official residence?


5. What about the cabinet? What are the different names for cabinet ministers? Who do they represent? What’s the connection to the provinces and territories? What do they do in their jobs? What are they in charge of? How can you become a cabinet member? What if you do a poor job? Who fires you? Who helps cabinet ministers and is the “expert” of that job? What do ministers without “portfolios” do?


6. What happens in the House of Commons? Who gets to sit in there? Who makes sure things are in order? What is the “upper house” ? What is the “lower house”? Each session in the House of Commons begins with what? How is seating organized in the House of Commons? What is Question period? Why is the Speaker so necessary during Question Period?


7. What is the senate? What do senators do? What role do they have with the bills that are passed? How many of them are there? Who appoints them? How do you get the chance to become a senator? What is a “new job” for senators in recent years?






8. What role does the Govennor General have? What is his or her connection to the Monarch in England? Why is the Queen our head of state?


9. What are the 3 levels of the federal government? What are each of these 3 levels responsible for? (Executive, Judicial, and Legislative)…


10. What’s the importance of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?


11. Government and me… How does the government help me everyday? How do I tell the government what I think is important? What are my rights and freedoms? What is Parliament? What is a bill?


12. Make a diagram of Canada’s Parliamentary System…


Check out the following links...
Guide to the House of Commons:


House of Commons in Session









http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/GuideToHoC/who-e.asp

Levels of Government and Responsibility...
Who to complain to when you do know...
http://www2.actden.com/writ_den/g01/direct.htm



The Business of Parliament
http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/GuideToHoC/can_parl-e.asp


Debates from the Senate
http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/Sen/Chamber/411/Debates/002db_2011-06-03-e.htm


LegisInfo
http://www.parl.gc.ca/ParlBusiness.aspx?Language=E
Canada's Parliamentary System


The Mace...
Speaker's parade



























Making Canadian Laws...
How a bill becomes law


http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/GuideToHoC/making_laws-e.asp




















































The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/GuideToHoC/can_parl-e.asp
Video Documentary
http://www.charterofrights.ca/en/02_00_01


MORE INFORMATION TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR NOTES ON CANADIAN GOVERNMENT...


Parliament Activities... some are more "lesson oriented"... we will be doing a couple in class.
http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/Education/OurCountryOurParliament/activities-sect4-e.asp


http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/Education/SetAgenda/agenda/gettingstarted-e.asp


The Road to Democracy Booklet - note EAL section!
http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/Education/OurCountryOurParliament/pdfs/booklet-Section1-e.pdf

Canada's System of Government
http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/Education/OurCountryOurParliament/pdfs/booklet-Section2-e.pdf


Canada's Democracy in Action
http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/Education/OurCountryOurParliament/pdfs/booklet-Section3-e.pdf


The Business of Parliament
http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/Education/OurCountryOurParliament/pdfs/booklet-Section4-e.pdf

More Items of Interest...
Apathy is Boring
http://www.apathyisboring.com/en/youth_friendly/


http://www2.actden.com/writ_den/g01/direct.htm

House of Commons Seating Chart
 
1. Speaker
2. Pages
3. Government Members
4. Opposition Members*
5. Prime Minister
6. Leader of the Official Opposition
7. Leader of the Second Largest Party in Opposition
8. Clerk and Table Officers
9. Mace
10. Hansard Reporters
11. Sergeant-at-Arms
12. The Bar

13. Interpreters
14. Press Gallery
15. Public Gallery
16. Official Gallery
17. Leader of the Opposition’s Gallery
18. Members’ Gallery
19. Members’ Gallery
20. Members’ Gallery
21. Speaker’s Gallery
22. Senate Gallery
23. T.V. Cameras