Ricketts Language - 3 poems due Mon. Jan. 27th

We are working on 3 different types of poems.  We have read the outlines related to creating these types of poems and also practiced by composing group poems.  The individual "my heritage", "Clerihew" and "definition" poems are due on Monday, January 27th.

Ricketts Gr. 6 Social Studies - Fact sheet on an influential Canadian

Grade 6 student have been given time in the library this week each day to work on researching and creating a fact sheet on a influential Canadian.  The fact sheet is to be ONLY 1 sheet.  The checklist is as follows:

• Name of person                                    YES     NO

• Photo or graphic of person                      YES     NO

• Birth date and death if they are deceased   YES     NO

• Where they were born                            YES     NO

·                     Their MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT in a box of some type

YES     NO

• 5 – 8 facts and / or comments that other Canadians should know about him / her (additional facts other than their name, birth/death and major accomplishment)

YES     NO

Ricketts Science - Grade 7 Pure Substances and Mixtures Test Wed. Jan. 22nd

Grade 7 students will have their unit test this Wednesday.  In class, we prepared by writing our own possible test questions in groups.  Use your binder notes, pages from the textbook we used and also the website (pages. 1 - 15) to prepare.

Electronic Study Resource Website

Be ready for a variety of question types including true or false, word bank / fill in the blank, multiple choice and short answer questions.

Spelling list # 9 - Patterning and Algebra

Last week we started a new patterning and algebra unit in math.  Thank you Sarah, Michelle and Anna for your initiative and input in creating this week's spelling list:

strategy, algebraic expression, variable, multiple, order of operations, ordered pair, coordinates, horizontal axis, vertical axis, column, representation and increasing

PREZI gr. 6 science and gr. 7 geography send to e-mail below

The PREZI assignment is due Monday, Jan. 20th.  Please e-mail it to michelle.ricketts@tdsb.on.ca

• Put your name in the subject line of the e-mail
• Copy and paste the website address of your PREZI in the e-mail

During READING FOCUS time on Monday and Tuesday, we will set up the laptops to share our work with fellow classmates.  Each student will be responsible for writing a response sheet related to the PREZI assignments they read.

Peer Edit for gr. 7 geography and gr. 6 science PREZI project

The due date for the PREZI assignment is Mon. Jan.  20th.  Have your work ready for peer editing Wed. Jan. 15th.

Ricketts Math - Representing Growing Patterns

Today we reviewed that growing patterns can be represented with numbers, words, visuals and value charts.
Create 4 different pairs that demonstrate how growing pattern can be represented.  Use each way (words, numbers, visuals, and value charts) at least once.
Ex:     1, 3, 5, 7  (numbers)      Start at 1 and add 2 to get the next term.  (words)

Spelling List # 8 - Poetry "The Cremation of Sam McGee"

Students are learning to analyse and write their own poems.  We have read the famous Canadian poem by Robert Service titled "The Cremation of Sam McGee".  Students have chosen words this week that are from or relate to this ballad form of poetry. The words this week are:

ventured, derelict, hearkened, debt, moil, sluice, scowl, crematorium, loath, clamour, grimace and gristly

Girl's Volleyball Team - Skill development and Olympic highlights videos

We were really excited to start our volleyball practise with the grade 5/6 and 7/8 volleyball teams this week.  These posts are to help with skill development and also demonstrate the high degree of movement that occurs on the court in a competitive game of volleyball.

Serving under and over hand

How to volley

How to bump pass

London 2012 USA vs. Korea volleyball game highlights

Ricketts Language - Perspective Poem final draft

In class we have received peer feedback.  It is important we use the feedback to revise and edit our poems. The final draft of the perspective poem is due Friday, Jan. 10th

Ricketts Language - Perspective Poetry

Complete rough draft of your perspective poem .  Due: Wednesday, Jan. 8th

Ricketts Geography - Grade 7 Geography project

The grade 7 students will do their final geography unit on the subject of "Natural Resources".  In class we will learn about different types of natural resources.  Students will complete a PREZI project that involves research about an environmental problem OR an environmental solution related to natural resource management. Topics will be decided in class. Your presentation will need to follow the criteria listed below:

Answer these questions:

• What is the topic?  Give an explanation or a definition to explain it.
• If it is an environmental problem - Explain how it is damaging to the environment
• If it is an environmental solution – Explain how it helps the environment
• Give an exact example of somewhere in the world this problem or solution is found and describe it
• Find 10 interesting facts about the problem or solution
• Give a personal critique of the problem of solution.  What is your opinion about it?  Is it serious and why?  What can young people do to stop the problem or help with the solution?  If you made all the decisions about this problem or solution what would be your suggestions?

Success Criteria:

·     An introduction PREZI slide to provide an overview of your project

·     A balance of images and words is used to communicate the research with a minimum of 8 slides

·     All written material is original (not copied) and therefore appropriate for a middle school audience (jot notes or sentences or a combination of the 2 is acceptable)

·    Research demonstrates understanding of subject matter

·    Information is presented clearly and follows an organized manner

·     Proper citing of information to explain where you found your researched material

·     Use of PREZI software enhances presentation

Due date TBA plan on week of January 20th.

Ricketts Drama - Drama Reflection for those who did not attend Wexford performance

Watch the student video that is a parody of "The Hunger Games" in the link below and answer the questions.  You may print or e-mail you responses.
"The Dame Games" parody
1. Write a summary of what happens in "The Dame Games" parody (high school is called Notre Dame).
2.  What was your impression of "The Dame Games" parody?
3. What did the presenters do to evoke ideas, feelings and images for you as a viewing audience?

Ricketts Math - Journal questions on volume of a triangular prism

Complete the journal questions about finding the dimensions of a triangular prism that has a volume of 100 cm cubed.  Due: Tuesday, Jan. 7th

Spelling Test # 7- Poetry

This week's spelling test is related to our new poetry unit in language:

poetic verse, perspective, description, metaphor, simile, anthology, vivid imagery, Urban Voices,  publication, analyse, emotion, rhythmic

Ricketts Science - Grade 6 Electricity Project

Grade 6 - Electricity Project

During the ice storm of 2013 we learned about how dependent we are and how important electricity is to our lives.  You will use PREZI software to create a presentation about electricity.  We will be working with Mrs. Farrow in the library to gain skill in using PREZI. Your presentation will need to follow the criteria listed below:

Answer a minimum of 3 of these questions:

·         How did the ice storm damage power lines?

·         Why did some areas not experience power outages?

·         What were some of the negative affects to the public during this time?

·         How did community members, Hydro workers  and the other sectors of the government help during this difficult time?

·         What are warnings and advise that can be given to affected people of an ice storm who experience power outages for prolonged periods of time?

CBC new article - also check out "related stories" - middle left side on page

Your choice:

Research 1 type of electrical energy source to explain how it produces energy.

·         Solar

·         Nuclear

·         Battery

·         Wind

·         Hydro

·         Geothermal

Success Criteria:

·         An introduction PREZI slide to provide an overview of your project

·         A balance of images and words is used to communicate the research with a minimum of 8 slides

·          All written material is original (not copied) and therefore appropriate for a middle school audience  (jot notes or sentences or a combination of the 2 is acceptable)

·         Research demonstrates understanding of subject matter

·         Information is presented clearly and follows an organized manner

·         Proper citing of information to explain where you found your researched material

·         Use of PREZI software enhances presentation

Due date TBA plan on week of January 20th.

Ricketts gr. 7 Science- Electronic Resource Study Unit

Read pg. 116 in the science textbook on "The Four Points of the Particle Theory" and watch the student video linked below.  Make a page in your notes for your binder. Use pictures and words to explain what you learned about the Particle Theory of Matter.

Particle Theory of Matter Student Demonstration

Grade 7 students will complete an independent study on subject material related to the Pure Substances and Mixtures Unit.  Using the link below:

• read the material on each page
• do the quiz at the bottom of each page
• make notes on definitions and information in the charts UNTIL PAGE 15 of the website

You may choose to create handwritten notes for your binder OR you may use a WORD document to copy and paste the information for studying purposes. 

The date for the test for this unit is TBA. Prepare for the week of January 20th. 

Electronic Resource Study Unit

Gr. 5 and 6 - Kearney Information Evening - Thursday, Jan. 9th @ 6PM

There will be an information meeting for all grade 5 and 6 parents on Thursday, January 9th from 6 PM - 7 PM in the library.  Information about the Outdoor Education excursion to Kearney and necessary permission forms will be available. 

Happy New Year !!

Happy New Year to all students and TW families!  Thank you very much for the kind gifts and I hope everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing holiday.