Mr.Catton's Grade 7/8 Blog: February 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

Homework and Reminders

Homework

Math

Order of Operations-first 2 pages-Tues

Social

Heritage Fair Essay-Wednesday
Heritage Fair

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

we will be spending the morning tomorrow working on heritage fair

essay
display
presentation

REMINDER

Immunization sheets went home today

bring back tomorrow with parental signature

Bring back grade sheet with parent signature
Bring high school forms by Wedesday...meet with Ms. Stolar

Take Home Essay Test-The Outsiders

On Thursday, March 10th you will be having a Essay Test on the novel The Outsiders. Below is a list of possible essay topics. You will have to chose 1 and write a 5 paragraph essay. You will be graded on the writing process:

Pre-writing

brainstorming
planning

Writing

rough copy

Editing

punctuation
spelling
sentence and paragraph structure

Publishing-good copy

neatness

You are able to do as much of the work you want to at home. I would recommend doing all the pre-writng, writing and editing at home and only leave the publishing to do at the test. On Thursday, March 10th, you will have 1.5 hrs to complete the essay. It must be written on paper. Your good copy must be written during the test time on Thursday, March 10th.

Possible Essay Topics

What does Johnny mean when he tells Ponyboy...."stay gold"?
Describe the conflict in a character's life (external and internal conflict)
What major themes are seen in the novel The Outsiders? (atleast 3)
What elements in the novel make the story more real? Discuss elements like point of view, characters, and how thematic elements like violence are handled.
Discuss the significance of the title of the novel. Who is an "outsider" throughout the story, and what makes that person an "outsider"? What other interpretations of the title are there?
Explain the similarities between the greasers and the Socs. How are they not really all that different from each other? Why does each group think the other is better off? What specific events or conversations in the novel indicate that the two groups have some things in common?
Describe the setting of the novel. What time period is it, and what type of place do the characters live in? What activities, slang, etc. "date" the novel? What impact does this setting have on present-day readers? Is it more difficult to connect with the characters? What significance does the setting have to the events of the novel? Could the events have just as easily happened today? Why or why not?
Explain how symbols are used in the novel. Specifically: what does the sunset symbolize? The vacant lot? What about the different books and poems Ponyboy reads?
Compare and contrast Ponyboy's sensitivity with the attitudes of those around him. What characters are completely opposite in that they are tough and/or desensitized to their situations? How does Ponyboy's sensitivity help or hurt him throughout the story? How does it make him easier/more difficult for readers to relate to?
Discuss the theme of abandonment in the novel. What actions by the characters, or events, in the story exhibit this theme? What symbols (the vacant lot, the church, etc.) point to a theme of abandonment? What is the significance of the novel's title to this theme?
Describe Johnny's growth throughout the story. What events contribute to his maturity and change the way he looks at life?
Discuss the relationships between the Curtis brothers. What is Ponyboy's relationship with Darry like? With Soda? How do these relationships change throughout the novel? What events change these relationships, and how?
Describe the different characters' beliefs about violence. What events shape or change their view of violence? Do they think it's a necessary evil?
Explain how The Outsiders can be considered a "coming of age" story. How do the main characters mature?
What message is implied at the end of the novel? Is the story intended to inspire hope? Why or why not?
Describe how the characters in the novel are united by a sense of belonging or wanting to belong.
Write a critical analysis of the Robert Frost poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" as it relates to The Outsiders.
Compare The Outsiders to a similar rivalry story, such as On The Sidewalk Bleeding. Discuss how violence and identity that arise between the groups are handled in each story.
Analyze the plot elements of The Outsiders. Identify the plot summary for the story, major events, climax, and falling action.

Introduction and Conclusion of Heritage Fair Essay

Intro
If you have ever travelled to other countries, you will know that Canadians are viewed much different than our American counterparts. Why is this? We live on the same continent, all look pretty much the same, enjoy the same sports and entertainment and basically live very similar lifestyles. I am no expert on this topic, but I think we are different because of our Candian heritage. First, what is Candian heritage? Our Canadian heritage tells us who we are, where we came from and what influences shaped our nation . There are many great Canadian people, events, customs, institutions and places that have all helped form who we are as Canadians and our Canadian heritage. One particular individual who has played a huge role in shaping Canadian heritage is Wayne Gretzky.

Conclusion

Wayne Gretzky is a great Candian who has played a huge role in shaping Canada's heriatge. His hockey greatness was evident at an early age and he worked for hours in his backyard rink to make his skills even better. He was a star at every level he played in and has the awards, record and accomplishments to prove it. Wayne's influence on who we are as Candians has been huge not only by giving kids a reason to play hockey, but by how hard work, determination and dedication can allow anything to become possible. I often wonder what if Wayne was not born in a hockey loving nation like Canada to a family that was willing to do what ever it took for Wayne to realize his dreams. Would hockey be as popular as it is? Amd more importantly, would I have played hockey? ......No doubt, I still would have!!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Grade 9 Forms

Need to be completed and handed back to me on the first Monday back.

Heritage Fair-Things to do during the break

Heritage Fair Essay

By the Monday after the break, students should be done the body of their essay

"What?"
"Now What?
"So What?" if applicable

We will work on the intro and conclusion of the essay directly after the break

Heritage Fair Display

The display is a very important component of the project and students should do a fair bit of this at home. Students will be given a display board after the break.

Heriatge Fair Artifact

Another important part is the artifact. The artifact adds to the presentation and makes it more authentic to the audience.

examples of artifacts could be picture, books, models (made by students) and some sort of multi-media presentation that will add some more insight.

Grade Sheet Sent Home

A grade sheet has been sent home which outlines the students' grades so far this year. If your child is missing some assignments, be sure to have them complete them over the break.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Homework

Math

quiz on + - x / Integers

with counters
on paper

The Outsiders Comprehension Test

all multiple choice; essay foramt test after the break

Science

3-D model of plant or animal cell-Monday after the break

you will have to explain your model (organelles and thier functions)-Tuesday after the break

Social

Heritage Fair essay

must be at least 6 paragraphs with intro., body and conclusion
checklist will be given outon Friday

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Tommy Douglas Basketball Tour-Last Minute Booking!

I just received an email from TDHS and they have graciously invited to come for a tour of their school tomorrow afternoon since we missed their open-house when we were at camp. Parents are more than welcome to come along if they'd like to.

Rubric for 3D Plant or Animal Cell

3D Cell Rubric

Cell Project Rubric
Category	Scoring Criteria	Excellent (3 pts)	Satisfactory (2 pts)	Needs Work (1 pt)
Craftsmanship	Model cell is creative and shows effort
	The model is 3 dimensional
	Organelles are all the correct size in relation to each other

Cell Parts	Type of cell and student name are found on both the key and the model
	Labeling easy to use to identify the parts on your model
	Accurate description of the function of each cell part is provided orally
	Appropriate material is used (item looks like the cell part)
	Shape corresponds to the type of cell: plant or animal

Score	Total Points (out of 24)

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Parts of a Cell Jeopardy

Parts of a Cell Link

Homework

The Outsiders Comprehension Test-Friday

we will have an essay format test on the Bullying Unit after break

Dress up like a Greaser or a Soc and receive a 15% bonus-Friday

we will watch the movie Friday afternoon

Social

Heritage Fair Essay

"What" part of the body

we will be looking at the "So What?" and "Now What?" tomorrow

Science

Workbook pgs for 1.2-Wed
bring shoe box or bowl for 3-d cell assignment

Modeling Multiplying Integers Using Counters

Monday, February 14, 2011

Homework

Science

Bring a shoe box for a Plant Cell or a bowl for an Animal Cell-WEDNESDAY

Social

Jot notes and Essay for Heritage Fair-Monday after the break-post on blog

Math

corrections on S.A./Volume Test- Friday
pg. 278/9 2,3,7 & pg. 283 2,4,6-Tuesday

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Brightwater Fun-Cross-Country Skiing Crashes

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

3-D Cell Model Assignment

Cell Model Assignment

Monday, February 7, 2011

Brightwater Reminder

Students need to bring a backpack with them on the bus that includes their zero garbage lunch, and any allergy or asthma medication that may be required.

Their luggage will not be accessible until around11:00 am, when students will be given time to organize their cabins.

There will not be a potluck meal, but parents are encouraged to come out for an astronomy presentation at 7pm on Thursday evening.

It looks like warm weather for Thursday and Friday, but that also means the students may be getting wet. Please dress appropriately. If clothing/sleeping gear/etc are needed, please inform me ASAP, so I have time to find and organize these items.

Looking forward to a great trip!

Review of Integers Powerpoints and Interactive Manipulatives

Introduction/Review of Integers-Real Life Uses of Integers

Powerpoint #1

Powerpoint #2

Interactive Manipulatives

Explaination of Integers using Counters

Friday, February 4, 2011

Home Ec. and I.A. Begins Monday- Bus Leaves @ 8:40 a.m.

Home economics and industrial arts classes are beginning on Monday, February 7^th and will run every Monday until June 27^th. Home economics will take place at Pleasant Hill School and industrial arts will take place at Westmount School. If your child misses the bus, they are required to find their own transportation to class. If your child’s behavior is poor while riding the bus, they will be banned from riding the bus and be responsible for finding their own transportation to class. I will accompany them on the bus during their first trip on February 2nd, but after that they will not be chaperoned by a teacher. Below are important schedules to look over and put onto your fridge.

A. Industrial Arts and Home Economics Dates

Term 2

Monday Classes