The 7s Take Over - Genius Hour Commences!

The first round of Genius Hour presentations took place today and I could not be any more impressed! The students took control of the classroom teaching their peers what they learned over the past 8 weeks. Some of the topics were about the northern lights, different breeds of horses, how to build an air cannon, and how to paint using different techniques. 

What an awesome day! 

Check out the pictures of my Geniuses! 

Sunshine and Literature

 The grade 9s were introduced to their final unit before their PAT preparation and it seems that they're really getting into it! The students were given the task to prepare a duotang of mini assignments about an age-appropriate novel of their choice. The authors range from John Green to Stephen King. The genres are so diverse and it's interesting to see even the most reluctant learners reading their novels and EXCITEDLY sharing what they read after each class! 

I am beyond excited to see their final products! 

We even took advantage of the beautiful weather and had a reading session in the sun! Isn't warm weather grand?

Survival in Antarctica - "Do we really need a billiard table on an iceberg?"

The grade 7s have started reading Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World, the true story of Ernest Shackleton's expedition with Endurance with 27 other crew members who set out to be the first ones to cross Antarctica from one side to the other. The novel portrays a perilous journey that involves an almost unbelievable story through stormy seas and hardships that one can only imagine. 

As we begin our unit, the students were broken into groups and given a list of 20 items. All of these items were taken on the Endurance by Shackleton and his crew. Once their ship was stuck in ice and sinking to the bottom of the ocean, the men had to decide what items to take for survival and which ones to leave behind. It was up to the students to decide which items were the most important and which ones they could part ways with. They needed to list their items from 1 (being the most important) to 20 (being the least important). It was interesting to see and hear what rationale and explanations the students came up with to make their lists. While some felt that taking a rifle and ammunition was the most imperative for survival, others felt that having matches and lumber would help far more than anything else. 

This activity took an entire 40 minute class. The students had time to decide as a group which items they needed and then as a class we discussed which groups made the best list by going over the top 10 and eliminating lists that we thought needed work or were missing key items. 

I cannot wait to get started on this novel. Along with reading the book, the students will be viewing the documentary about the Endurance as well. Keep checking out the blog for updates! 

Divergent

The grade 9 class has been reading the novel Divergent. As we get further and further into the story, our ideas and thoughts about a dystopian world continue to change as we reflect upon and dissect this novel. I have never seen a group of students so involved in a book before. The conversations we have are not only related to the characters in the story and how they're dealing with change and certain life-altering situations, but also how the students would feel if they were placed in such scenarios as the ones our protagonist, Tris, deals with.

The students placed themselves into reading groups where they read together, work on chapter booklets, and analyze everything from character motivations to relationships. Along with our readings, we have our Kahoot quizzes (find one of our quizzes at https://play.kahoot.it/#/k/f00d8162-24c5-473f-81f4-9e3f8c39e07a). These quizzes are a fun way for the students to remember moments in the novel and experience an interactive comprehension test. 

When we are done reading the novel, the students will be placing themselves in their own groups of 5 and creating a faction. After that, we will have a choosing ceremony of our own (much like the one in the novel - minus the blood, of course)! Stay tuned for updates! 

All Kinds of Genius!

The grade 7 classes have been working on their Genius Hour projects. Every Friday the students get 80 minutes to research a guiding question of their choice. While some students are researching world history, others have decided to go the citizenship route. Topics range from the evolution of hockey, to fundraising for the local SPCA, to creating their own poetry portfolio! 

I'm more than thrilled to see what these kids come up with! They are all truly geniuses in their own right. With each Genius Hour class that passes, the more and more involved they are and willing to share their information and ideas with their peers. It's great to see such hard work and enthusiasm! 

Heart-O-Grams; Sellin' Messages for a Cause

The High School's Leadership Crew sold "Heart-O-Grams" at lunch all week before Valentine's Day to raise funds to help pay Furbabies Furever Homes' bill at Weir Veterinary Clinic. "Heart-O-Grams" are small bags of candy that the students could purchase for $1 and attach a message for a recipient of their choice. The Leadership Crew passed out the grams on Friday to some very happy and pleased students! 

The students wanted to recognize all of the hard work the organization puts towards helping animals in need and finding them the right homes to call their own. 

The school helped raise over $200 for the cause. Way to go, KHS! 

A New Nation Emerges! - Social 20-2

The Social 20-2 class is learning all about nationalism, patriotism, civic nations, the connection between identity and nation, and some understandings of nation (language, ethnicity, culture, religion, geography, spirituality, relationship to land, and politics). 

As we move towards the end of our first unit, the students were given a new assignment; to make their own nation!

After years of struggling to be recognized as an independent nation, your goal has finally been attained. 

With this introduction, students were given the task to create their own nation (with some guidelines, of course). They have to name their nation, describe the structure of their society, and explain their religion, location, and geography. Along with those components, they must also design their national flag and provide reasoning for the symbols and colours used, and compose a national anthem. 

It seems like quite the assignment, but this class seems to be all for it. Their ideas and discussions are already blowing me away. I can't wait to see their presentations and learn all about their new nations!