Humanities - Dec 17

Students have recently completed the novel 'A Company of Fools'.  They have been asked to represent their understanding of one of the key themes in the novel.  They are to provide details to support the theme.  They can choose to represent this understanding of the themes in the way they choose (art, drama, writing, technology etc).  This work is due after the break, as some students have asked to work on it over the holiday.

Dec.11-Math/Science

How should I focus my Science studying?

We have a rather large Science test coming up on Tuesday, let the studying begin.  Attached are "I Can" statements for the topics that will be on the test.  

1. Start by going through the attached and checking those concepts you are confident in 

2. Mark those which we need to focus your studying

Mix and Flow of Matter

Key Concepts

“I understand…”

o  WHMIS Symbols and Names

o  Pure Substances, Mixtures and Solutions

o  Solute and Solvent

o  Concentration

o  Solubility and Saturation Points

o  The Particle Model of Matter

o  Properties of Fluids

o  Viscosity and Flow Rate

o  Mass, Volume and Density

o  Pressure

o  Buoyancy

Outcomes

o  I can describe how fluids are used in technological devices and in everyday materials

o  I can provide examples of fluids in household materials, technology, living things and natural environments

o  I can explain WHMIS symbols and I understand how to safely handle, store and dispose of substances at home and in the lab

o  I can provide examples of material that are prepared as fluids in order to make transportation, processing or use of them easier

o  I understand how the properties of fluids make them important in their selection and use (eg. lubricant properties of oils, compressibility of gasses in tires)

o  I can describe what fluids are made of and the behaviour of materials in a solution

o  I know the difference between a pure substance, a mechanical mixture and a solution and can provide examples of each

o  I can describe the solubility of various substances and the concentrations of solutions

o  I understand the factors that affect solubility and the factors that affect the rate of dissolving

o  I can use the particle model of matter to explain why substances do or do not dissolve

o  I can use the particle model of matter to explain how the rate of dissolving can be changed

o  I understand the various properties of fluids (liquids and gasses) and can use the particle model of matter to explain viscosity, density, buoyancy and compressibility

o  I can compare fluids based on their viscosity and flow rate and I understand how temperature affects viscosity

o  I understand density depends of the mass and volume of a liquid and I can calculate it

o  I can compare the density of different materials and can use the particle model of matter to explain the density differences in solids, liquids and gasses

o  I can describe different ways of changing the density of a substance and why you might want to change the density

o  I understand that pressure depends on a force exerted over an area and I can provide examples of where pressure in fluids is used in everyday situations

o  I can compare the compressibility of liquids and gasses

o  I can identify technologies that are based on the properties of fluids

o  I can provide examples of technologies that are based on solubility of materials

o  I can provide examples of technologies that are based on the viscosity and flow rate of fluids

o  I can provide examples of technologies for moving fluids from place to place

o  I can construct a device that uses the transfer of fluids to apply a force or to control a motion

Dec.10-Math/Science

Math- we continued discussing unit ratios and its use in the "real" world.

 Speed: km/h

 Density: mass/volume

Important Date: Science test on Tuesday December 16. 

We also discussed our research findings regarding the difference between hydraulic and pneumatic systems. 

Please start studying for our Science test. Tomorrow we will be spending time doing targeted review. 

Bring cue cards if necessary. 

Humanities - Wed.Dec.10th

We have been working in 2 smaller classes over the last few days where students work with one teacher on an ELA task for one period and then switch to work with the other teacher in the second period on a Social Studies task.

We have been looking at HUMANISM. All power points and handouts are in D2L. Today we started creating our own Codes for Long Life and Honour. Students are creating rules on how to be a good person and an active, responsible citizen.

Upcoming Test: Humanism Quiz on Wed.Dec.17th.

Dec. 9- Math/Science

Math- We continued to understand and work through the concepts of ratios.  We specifically practiced equivalent and lowest terms, in ratios.

Homework:  Pages 51-55  #5,6,7,8, 11-13

Due tomorrow Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Science-Continued to explore the difference between a hydraulic systems and pneumatic systems.

   

To simplify your research/discoveries:

Hydraulic Systems                                              vrs                              Pneumatic Systems

-                                                                                                                 -

-                                                                                                                 -

-                                                                                                                 -

-                                                                                                                 -

-                                                                                                                 -

Eg)                                                                                                             Eg)

Eg)                                                                                                             Eg)

Due tomorrow Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Humanities 8-2 - Dec 3

Today the Calgary Public Library came in to share many of the digital resources that are available  to students. Students can access ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and music online.  As well, there is a test preparation sight for all junior high grade levels.  Please click on the link to explore the public library site...

http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/books-more/e-library/cat

Please note that library cards are now free to everyone.  Students will be able to apply online for a card as of January, 2015.

Students are beginning to have discussions around the concept of humanism. The guiding question presented to the students is "In what ways did thinkers and philosophers influence society in the development of a humanist worldview during the Renaissance?"  There is no homework today.

Math/Science-Dec.3

Compression of Fluids

1. How do air and water compress?

 (Experiment set up)

2. Prediction
(state your thoughts)

 (Compressing Air)

Data Table:

Mass	Volume of Air (mL)	Volume of Water (mL)
0	50 mL	50 mL
10 N	43 mL	50 mL
20 N	37 mL	50 mL
30 N	33 mL	50 mL
40 N	29 mL	50 mL

(Compressing water)

Conclusion:
Write a paragraph using the words: liquid, gas, compressible, space, particles, attractive force.

Prepared by Julia:

Particles in gases are far apart and have spaces between them.  The gases can be compressed into a smaller volume because the particles in a gas have a low attraction and are easily compressed.  Liquids have less space between them because the attraction between the particles is stronger.  Liquids are in-compressible because the attraction between particles resists compression and there is not enough space between the particles.  So therefore:  gas=compressible   liquid=incompressible

Chap Stick for Helping Bags!

  

802 has been tasked with purchasing Chap Stick for HDC's "Helping Bags".  Please bring some to school so that we can contribute with the rest of the school!

Math/Science

Science Test Tomorrow - Please refer to your study notes prepared today.

Humanities - Thurs. Nov. 20th

Today in Humanities we finished reading Chapter 4 of A Company of Fools. Students were given 2 questions to complete in their Visual Journals that are due for homework on Tuesday.

Remember your gym clothes and lunch for Monday!  We are so lucky because we get to spend the entire day at Cardel Place.

November 20-Math/Science

Science: Today we reviewed Buoyancy.  Explain to your parents what happens when a boat travels from Europe to Montreal.....

Math: Order of Operations using fractions~ Please review BEDMAS

Have a wonderful weekend.  

November 18

We continued our work with our novel study.  We began with some vocabulary activities and then read Ch 1&2. Students were asked to begin a character web which identifies traits and provides evidence for the main character.  We will continue to work on this web throughout.

Humanities - Nov 17

Today we began our novel study called 'Company of Fools'.  We engaged in prereading strategies including predicting, inferring and questioning in order to prepare the students for reading.  We will continue tomorrow with some vocabulary strategies and then begin to read the text as a whole.

Cardel Place - Monday, November 24

As a part of the grade 8 Physical Education curriculum, student will be spending the day at Cardel Place on Monday, November 24.  There is NO COST to students for this field trip.

ALL PERMISSION SLIPS WERE DUE TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14.

Please return them asap.

Humanities - Nov. 13

We have a short week in Humanities this week.  Tomorrow we will not have Humanities as we drop those periods from our timetable.  Otherwise, we spent our two days this week building our own personal worldview in our visual journals.  Students were introduces to a variety of art techniques and asked to use them to explore worldview.  Next week, we begin our novel study, Company of Fools, by Deb Ellis.

Math/Science- November 13

Math

Division of Fractions

Textbook: Page 227, #8-12, 15,16, and 19

Due Friday, November 14

Science

Ensure that ALL of your density labs are complete.

Due Friday, November 14

Tomorrow we are starting Topic 6- Pre-watch:  

All about Buoyancy

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDSYXmvjg6M

Girls' Night- Thursday November 13

Humanities - Nov 6

Just a reminder that we have a test tomorrow on worldview and the Middle Ages.  Please look back to Tuesday's blog to get an idea about what to study.  Students will see sample questions in class today and will have an opportunity to study.  Further review at home may benefit as well.

Middle Ages newspapers are due tomorrow.

Density

Today in Science we talked about what density is and how we calculate the density of a specific object.

Density is a measurement of how solid something is. Specifically it is the mass per unit volume of a substance. If you have two objects of the exact same size (volume), the more dense object will weigh more than the less dense object.

So there are two things contributing to density:

1.      The mass of the atoms or molecules that makes up the material.

2.      The volume or amount of space the material takes up. If the molecules or atoms are “packed” in more closely, it will be more dense.

For example, styrofoam is a low density material. Even a large styrofoam container does not weigh much. The molecules in the styrofoam do not have much mass and there is a lot of space between them. A brick, on the other hand, is much more dense. Even a moderate sized brick can be pretty heavy. This is because the molecules which make up the rock have more mass and are packed more closely together.

Density and buoyancy are closely related. A less dense substance will float on a more dense substance.

 Words to Know:

Density – How closely packed together the molecules of a substance are.

Bouyancy – Ability to float or rise to the top of a liquid or gas.

Float – To sit near the surface of a liquid or gas, to not sink.
Mass - How much matter fits in a given space.
Matter - Stuff
Weight - A measure of the force of gravity on an object. Materials with more density weigh more.
Volume – How much space a substance takes up.

Formula for Density:

d= m/v

Remember: v= l x w x h

**Tomorrow we will be completing a number of labs to really understand density**

Math Homework
Page 219-221  #4,5,6,8,9 and #11,12,13,15,17

Humanities - Nov 4

Today we began with a discussion on current events.   The inquiry question we have introduced to the students is "How does knowing about worldview help you understand current events?"  We modeled how we might share a current event and what elements would need to be included.  We discussed how worldview would be connected to the event.  We, as teachers, will continue to model current events for a couple of weeks and then we will pass the sharing over to the students.  Each student will be expected to share current events at some point in the year.

Our Chapter 1 exam will be on Friday.  Students should make sure they can

• list the elements of worldview
• list the social levels in the feudal system
• discuss the rights and responsibilities at all levels of the feudal system
• explain how the feudal system changed based on contact with the plague
• explain isolation  + contact = change
• identify causes, symptoms, beliefs about the plague
• identify Medieval worldview (values, knowledge and beliefs)

Humanities - Nov 3

Today was our last class to work on the Middle Ages newspaper project.  Groups have until Friday to complete and hand in the work.  Groups have been encouraged to organize themselves in such a way to make sure that they meet the deadline. From here, we will be working on a review activity and students will be having a quiz on the elements of worldview and the Middle Ages toward the end of the week.  The date for this quiz, as well as suggested topics to review, will be posted tomorrow.  Any student wishing to get a head start is encouraged to reread Chapter one of the texbook, which can be found digitally on the HDC school website. 

October 28 - Science

In Science today, we looked at viscosity by conducting a flow rate lab of various substances.  Questions to wrap up the activity are:
1)  Write a concluding statement that answers the question stated in the problem and ranks the fluids based on flow rate.
2) What were possible sources of error in how we conducted the experiment.  What could we have done differently to get more accurate results.
3)  What would you expect to happen if we heated or cooled the substances as well?

Humanities - Oct 28

This week, students have been involved in a group project to apply their learning about the Middle Ages.  They have been asked to create a newspaper from the perspective of one of the groups located within the feudal system.  We looked, today, at the assessment criteria in order to guide the students as they progress through the project.  Students will be provided with time to work in class this week.  Project due date will be announced later this week.

We are looking forward to sharing with you at student led conferences this Thursday.  Please remember to book an appointment online if you have not already done so.

Humanities - Fri.Oct. 24th

Today in Humanities we continued our conversation around the changes in Medieval Europe after the Black Death. We are focused on using this equation: Isolation --> Contact --> Change. 
This activity/conversation was recorded and documented in D2L in Humanities --> Content --> Medieval Europe --> gr.8 ch.1 wrap up answers.

There is no homework this weekend! :)

October 23 - Science/Math

Today in Science we researched information about Alberta's Oil Sands. 

Research information of how oil sand extraction and refining are done.  Try and connect concepts of mixture separation, fluids, particle model to your summary.  

Prompting questions to start based on our class discussions.    

- How is the oil/bitumen separated from the sand

-How is the bitumen transported from extraction to refining

- How is the raw material that we get different from other traditional oil drilling processes.  

- How do we find the oil sands

-How much is produced

Humanities - Oct 23

Today, we had a class discussion around current events and the connection to worldview.  As well, we completed a summary for the concepts found in chapter one.  We continue to emphasize the importance of how contact can lead to change.  In this case, contact with the Black Plague led to a change in the structure of society and, more importantly, a changing worldview.
Students will begin working on a group project over the next few days to apply their understanding of these concepts.

Humanities - Oct 21

Students read about the Black Death and reflected on the efffects of this disease on the fuedal system.  This work was completed and shared in class. 

Science- October 21st

Today we completed a Paper Chromatography lab.  The following questions are to be completed in your science journals.

1)  What did you observe with the various types of markers in each of the solvents.  

2) Which pigments/markers were more soluble in water and which were more soluble in alcohol

3) Use the particle model of matter to show your understanding of ink solubility when you changed the solvent.

4)  Analyze your hypothesis.  Which colored markers had the most surprising results.  Which ones had the least?  Propose an explanation for these results

5)  Research chromatography on the World Wide Web.  Report on the uses of chromatography in other technological applications.  (Try to find a couple of uses) 

Humanities - Oct 20

This was our last day to work on the essay regarding the Middle Ages.  Students were asked to work on this essay at home tonight.  If students need more time to complete the writing, they were encouraged to advocate for more time.  Students were asked to spend no more than 30 minutes on the writing. 

Our next steps for learning now include reading about the Black Death and its effects on the feudal system.  This will lead us into an inquiry into the worldview at the time of the Renaissance.

Math/Science - October 20th

Today in Math, we reviewed strategies of converting mixed numbers to improper fractions and coming up with other equivalents using our pattern blocks.

Please ensure that you have finished the Addition and Subtraction of Fractions review for tomorrow.

Please pre-read pages 28-32 in the Science text, and glance at the 'Hidden Colors' lab on page 34-35. We will be doing a version of this lab on Tuesday.

Humanities Oct 16

Today we began with a short lesson on sentence structure.  Variety in sentences is key at the grade eight level.  Students were introduced to six ways to start a sentence and then were encouraged to begin to consider how they might use these ideas in their writing.  Ongoing practice will be provided. 

Students also continued to work on their four paragraph essay comparing the Middle Ages as represented in film and the realities of the Middle Ages.  They are encouraged to connect their thinking to the elements of worldview - beliefs, values, economy, time, geography and knowledge.  Students will continue to work onthis essay in class tomorrow.

Thursday October 16 - Science

Today in Math we created pattern blocks for our fraction operations chapter

In Science, you are to pick three mixtures from the lab that we did last Friday and show me your understanding of different ways that you can separate them.  One of the substances must have a liquid in it, one has to have two solids, and the third can be anything else.  Make sure that you summarize two possible separation methods and also why each one works.  I am looking to see if you can make connections between the separation method chosen and the physical or chemical properties of that substance.

Oct 14. - Humanities

Today we started to work on our essay organizers.  Students created a thesis statement to argue whether or not the film was an accurate representation of the middle ages and began to collect supporting evidence.  We will have more time to work on this assignment in class tomorrow.

Dare To Care - Part II Session

Reminder to 8-02 that you are participating in the Life's Challenges Part II presentation with Dwayne Peace Tuesday, Oct 14th from Noon-3:00pm

Remember to BRING A LUNCH due to the modified schedule.

Friday, October 10 - Math/Science

Today we looked at various mixtures and brainstormed suggestions as to how you could separate the mixtures using various techniques to keep the original materials.

No math today...we'll start Fraction operations on Tuesday.

Humanities - Oct. 9

Today we finished the movie, A Knight's Tale.  We will begin our written reflections next week.  There is no humanities class tomorrow.  Have a great long weekend - Happy Thanksgiving!

Humanities - October 8

As a class, we finished our discussions around the Middle Ages and the feudal system.  Students were asked to consolidate their understanding in a journaling activity called a 'CSI'.  We continue to watch the film "A Knight's Tale".  From here, the students will be asked to create a film review which critiques the portrayal of the middle ages as seen in the film.  In their writing, students will be asked to consider the elements of worldview including, beliefs, values, society, geography, time, economy and knowledge. We will likely begin this written assignment on Monday.

Humanities - Tues. Oct. 7th

Today we took up the homework from yesterday (Ch. 1 Medieval Europe Questions). These questions can be found in D2L in the Content Section. Tomorrow we will complete this together and the answers will be posted on D2L. 

Math/Science - October 6th

Reminder of your Integers Test - Tuesday, October 7th.  Chapter Review on page 318-319

We also discussed writing a quiz in Science this week.  Due to the 'Dare to Care' assembly on Wednesday, we will postpone the quiz until Thursday.

Humanities - Oct 2

Students worked on some vocabulary connected to the feudal system.  This involved having students provide a definition, facts and examples of the following roles: king, lord, knight, serf and peasant.  As well, they were asked to write about the worldview of each of these people.  In this, they were encouraged to reflect on the values, beliefs, knowledge, societal roles, ecomony, geography and time for each of these roles.  This work is due tomorrow.  Students were encouraged to advocate for themselves if this due date was going to present a challenge.

Math Quiz - Wednesday

Reminder that you have a Integer Division Quiz Wenesday

Sept. 30 - Humanities

Today we spent time discussing the Middle Ages, especially the roles of the church and the importance of the feudal system. Students made jot notes to reference in the future.  Maps of Europe were due today.

Grade 8-02 Homeroom

Thanks for a great day, grade 8!  The Fall Field Day was lots of fun and all students were excellent participants!  See everyone on Tuesday!

September 25 - Math/Science

Today we completed our analysis of the saturated solutions lab.  You need to complete the analysis questions for Tuesday to be handed in.

In Math, finish the problem solving questions dividing integers.  Pge 310 - #11-19.  Quiz on dividing integers Wednesday, Oct 1.

Sept. 24 - Humanities

In order to get a sense of where the Renaissance occurred, students worked on some mapping skills of Europe. Students will have some time to work on the maps tomorrow in class and these maps will be for homework after that. 

September 24th - Science/Math

Today we continued our discussion of solutes, solvents, solutions and the meaning of saturated and unsaturated.  We conducted a lab experiment comparing the solubility of sugar and salt and calculating the concentration of the solutions that we mixed.

Tomorrow, we will analyze the class results and complete the analysis questions.
No math homework.

Sept 23 - Humanities

Today we finished our discussions about Terry Fox and created 'wordles' using words that best describe him.  Fall Field Day will be this Friday and we will be participating in the annual Terry Fox school run.

As well, we continued to build some background knowledge about the Renaissance.  Students will be working on some mapping skills over the next couple of days to build an understanding of where the Renaissance occurred.

On another note, students received their school photos and ID cards today.  Orders may be made up until Sept. 30.

Tuesday, September 23 - Math

Today we assessed our Multiplying Integers Quiz and continued our work on representing division of integers in different ways.

Questions for homework page 304, #3-6 and page 310 #5-7, 9,10.

Monday, Sept. 22 - Humanities

Today we continued to discuss worldview.  We completed a 'check-in', where students were asked to communicate their current understanding of worldview.  From this point, we will be moving on to learn more about the Renaissance.  The major outcome for this unit of study is to demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of how the exchange of ideas and knowledge during the time of the Renaissance contributed to shaping the worldview of the Western world.

As an aside, we also spent some time discussing Tery Fox to prepare for our Fall Field Day this Friday. 
 

Sept. 17th - Humanities

Today we watched a clip of the film 'The Gods Must Be Crazy' and connected the information to our work around world view.  We discussed how worldview is not static and can change due to contact with new information, objects or people.  Students were asked to record information from the film in a chart. 

Homework: Please make sure you have the chart completed for tomorrow.

Tues.Sept. 16th - Humanities

Today we finished filling in our Worldview Elements chart (can be found in D2L content section). After, students created a wheel in their visual journals and sectioned the wheel into 7 areas. Each section represents one element of worldview...
HOMEWORK - Each section of the wheel needs a hand drawn symbol to represent each element for tomorrow. 

Welcome!

Welcome to our Blog spot 8-2!  
Just a reminder, Coat of Arms were due on Monday, Sept. 15th. If you have not handed one in yet, please see Ms. Parker or Ms. Lockwood!