Thursday, October 14, 2010

Chilean Miners Rescue

We will be completing listening questions on the following videos (click the link to access the video), as well as reading articles about the Chilean miners who were trapped.


1. Watch this first video which explains the rescue effort from CBS (American newbroadcasting station)
"Chilean Miners Rescue Effort" (1:37)(from about 1 month ago).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJyS9ghxAPE&feature=related


2. Then watch the latest newscast from CBC (yesterday)
"Oldest Miners Reach the Surface" (7min 12 seconds)
http://www.cbc.ca/video/player.html?category=News&zone=world&site=cbc.news.ca&clipid=1614164932

Questions...
"Chilean Miners Rescue Effort"
1. What do the rescue trucks carry?
2. Name 3 things that the narrow pipes are passing down to the miners?
3. How far is the mine underground?
4. How wide will the rescue tunnel be?
5. Why must rescuers go slowly when digging the tunnel?
6. What is the name of the makeshift village that the families are living in?
7. Why is this an appropriate name?

"Oldest Miners Reach the Surface"
1. Who is now being brought to the surface?
2. What kind of diet have these people been fed? Why?
3. How old is the oldest miner?
4. What is his name?
5. What does he do after he hugs and kisses his wife? Why is this act so significant?
**** Listen to the reporter on the Web Cam for the following...****
6. Why did children work in the mines many years ago in Chile?
7. What does the term, "Salt of the earth people" mean?
8. How many miners have been rescued so far, according to the video?
9. Name 2 health issues that the miners face?

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Iqbal Masih

Child Labourers and Activists for Child Labour

What does it Mean to be a Child Labourer???

Iqbal Masih sitting in the street

http://childrensworld.org/globalclassroom/page.html?pid=53




Read the article on the link above. Answer the following questions. Print out and complete the questions.


Iqbal Becomes a Slave...


1. How old was Iqbal when he started his first day at the carpet factory?




2. What is his salary?


3. What is the most he would make as a salary in his first 5 years?


4. What is the advance that Iqbal's mother takes from Arshad Ghullah called? Why does she need an advance? How much does he own now? What does he owe now? What impact does it have on his life?


5. What does he mumble before he sleeps? Why is this significant?


Iqbal's Beloved Sister


6. How does Iqbal's job as a carpet labourer impact his sister, Sobia? What does this say about how child labour affects the whole family?


Iqbal Runs Away


7. What event causes Iqbal to finally make the decision to run away? How does this event demonstrate the total loss of humanity and human rights?

8. Iqbal and some other boys decide to run away. When they do this they are beaten with a carpet fork. Why do they risk everything to play all day? What happens to them?

Cricket With Problems
9. What does it mean to the lives of Iqbal and Shafiq when they are considered "debt slaves"? What does this term mean to their lives as children?

Pakistani Wedding - Wedding Necklace for an Indentured Slave
10. How does Aslam's wedding impact Iqbal? How did Ghuliah take advantage of Iqbal's family?

Towards Freedom
11. How does the "Bonded Labour Abolition Act" impact Iqbal?

12. What is a "freedom letter"? What is Ghuliah's reaction?

Iqbal Begin's School
13. How do you know that school is very important to Iqbal? What does he do to demonstrate this? Be specific. (Examine the photos and read the article).

Iqbal's School Party
14. Describe how a school party differs in Pakistan from one here. Create a Venn Diagram to help in the comparison.

15. How has Iqbal's education shaped him in becoming an "idol" for other debt slave children like him?

Iqbal Gives Other Children Courage
16. How does Iqbal inspire other children to do things they wouldn't normally do? How does he inspire his sister?

Iqbal's Bundle
17. What did Iqbal carry in a special bundle? What does this say about him and his faith? How do you think that faith helped Iqbal?


FREE THE CHILDREN INFORMATION ON CHILD LABOUR



http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/youth/issues/index.php?type=childlabour&gclid=CPuDqrmUgKUCFSMd5wodo0Dggw

Check out the Teacher Tube video created by  a student on child labourer activist, Iqbal Masih


http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=227&title=Iqbal_Masih


Video from Catholic News Agency







Video of  Iqbal Masih's Speech (I think it's reinacted or from a movie)....


Craig Kielburger ... person who started Free the Children and activist inspired by the actions of Iqbal Masih...
Documentary - What Can One Person Do to Make a Difference and Seek Justice?



"It Takes a Child..."-  Craig Kielburger's Story...



Free the Children Information

RBC - Free the Children Blue Water Project



Listening Questions
Watch the video carefully and complete the following questions. (Copy/paste and print off these questions, then watch the video)
Answer in JOT NOTE FORM.
1. What charity organization is one of the largest in the world?

2. Why did Lena Baronikian (girl from Toronto) start a Blue Water Project club at her school?

3. How much money have they raised?

4. What is the money for?

5. Name 2 needs that are mentioned in the African community.

6. Why didn't the girls go to school in the community?

7. How long do the girls have to walk to get clean water?

8. What system was brought to the school to ensure that all kids go clean water?

9. Why is it important that this system was brought to the school? (GRADE 8)

10. How does the water system work? Name 3 steps (GRADE 8).

11. How is Alice Malai's life different from her daughter Faith's life?

12. What is the most significant thing that will make a difference in her children's lives? (GRADE 8)

13. Name 2 pollutants that pollute the river water.

14. Do the people know that the water is polluted?

15. Are there other sources in the village?

16. How many times would the girl interviewed at the river, fetch water before school?

17. Was Faith's grandmother, Grace Mosani, allowed to attend school as a child?

18. What were the girls supposed to do when Grace was young?

19. Why did Faith's family put her notebooks and pages from her notebook near the ceiling in their home? 

20. Why is Faith attending school so important to her family? (GRADE 8).

21. How does Canadian student, Lena Baronikian connect to Faith's story? Why does she care?

22. How is the charity at Lena's school making a difference to the lives in Faith's community in Kenya, Africa?

LEONARDO DICAPRIO'S ECO SITE....
Watch his short film on water...
http://www.leonardodicaprio.org/files/videos/waterplanet.html


KIDS CREATING PEACE
The following video is for an organzation that is similar to the article in our Global Citizens text, "Kids Encouraged to Build Peace" (p. 25-26) .

After you watch the video and read the article, think about why it's important for kids to learn about respecting the diversity of others and the importance of not only tolerating differences, but appreciating what other cultures have to offer.



Read the following interview from World Vision about Fatmire Feka, founder of Kids for Peace... click on the following link
http://www.worldvision.ca/ContentArchives/content-stories/Pages/Pray.aspx


Fatmire's 2009 Speech from The Eagle Down Foundation on Vimeo.

'In the hearts of people today there is a deep longing for peace. When the true spirit of peace is thoroughly dominant, it becomes an inner experience with unlimited possibilities. Only when this really happens - when the spirit of peace awakens and takes possession of men's hearts, can humanity be saved from perishing.'


-- Albert Schweitzer

French Oral Assessment

In the next 2 weeks we will have a french oral assessment. Students will be asked questions that relate to what we have studied in class and respond orally to a few simple questions. Students will be evaluated using the following criteria.
EVALUATION RUBRIC FOR ORAL ASSESSMENT

Level 4 - Student understands everything (all questions in french); and can respond  with at least 80% of the vocabulary taught, and has correct /very good pronounciation.

Level 3 - Student understands with a little prompting to questions in french; and can respond using at least 50-80% french phrases taught, with good pronounciation.

Level 2 - Student understands with significant prompting to questions in french; and is able to respond using some french words (responds mostly in english).

Level 1 - Student is not able to understand  (or very, very little) and cannot respond in french.

The goal is that the students experience success. They should not worry about this quiz. To prepare, they can study their notes and be familar with the content.

STUDY THE FOLLOWING
(Introduction handout)
1. Comment t'appelle tu? Je m'appelle...

2. Comment s'appelle ton ecole? Mon ecole est....

3. Quel age as tu? J'ai....___ ans.

4. Quelle est la date de ton anniversaire? Mon anniversaire est......

5. Quel est la date aujourd 'hui?  Le date aujourd 'hui est le ___ octobre, 2010 (2010 deux mille dix)

6. Comment vas tu aujourd'hui? Je suis bien/mal  or Comme ci comme ca.

7. Quel saison est octobre? L'automne.

8. Ou habites-tu? Je habite au Regina, Sask...

9. Quel est ton numero de telephone? Mon numero de telephone est...

10. Quelle est ton adresse? Mon adresse est.... (Street is "rue" and Road is "Chemin")

11. Quelle est ta nourriture preferee? Je prefer... / J'adore.... / J'aime....

12. A quelle heure est-ce que tu te leves? Je me leve a 7heure.

13. Quels sont les membres de ta famille? J'ai ____ personnes dans ma famille.

14. Comment ca va? ca va bien/ ca va mal/ comme si comme ca.

15. How do you say... thank you, excuse me, good night, see you later, please, hello, good bye
(see your notes or "google it" see the french/english dictionary)

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Invitation to Blue Water

We will be visiting Leboldus to take part in a presentation from Craig Kielburger's Blue Water Foundation. This foundation focuses on sustainable water sources for all  in need and the importance of preserving fresh water.

Here's the information on the Presentation day...

When: Thursday, October 14, 2010 9:30 to 10:35

Where: Leboldus

What: LeBoldus has been offered a presentation entitled Free the Children Blue Water Project “H2O 4U Speaking Tour”.  They are visiting 100 schools across Canada to educate youth about global water issues to help inspire them to take action in their daily lives to conserve and protect water.  The students will also be encouraged to fundraise to provide clean water and education programs for rural communities in China and India.  Free the Children will then help provide these communities with localized clean water resources and sanitation facilities.  The fundraising portion is optional.

Why: This presentation connects to our unit in Language Arts, "Global Citizenship" and the Mini Minga Charity Group here at Deshaye...

How will we get there?? We may be walking, if we can walk in 30 minutes (information will come once I talk more to Mrs. Grad)

GPS Stuff

As you know we are currently working on a unit in Social called, "Location". In this unit we explore coordinates and mapping... It is for this reason that we will be engaging in activity with the GPS. Please view the videos below to help reinforce your knowledge....

Click on the link below to access the Regina Catholic Schools GPS Instructional video...
http://www.rcsd.ca/moodle/file.php/93/Videos/GPS_Instruction.mp4

GPS part 1


GPS part 2



GPS vs Orienteering - What's the difference?


Tracking and Waypoint Video


FARMING AND GPS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS...
Watch the following video and explore the GPS questions.



Define "efficiency".



What are some of the benefits of GPS system to the farmer in the video?



The farmer mentions that the GPS can do what "3 men used to be able to do",

explain why this is beneficial and why it may not be beneficial.

Think about the following statements.

The GPS is only out by less than one inch row after row, when seeding or swathing... Herbicides can be applied to the inch...

How are these facts beneficial to the farmer?

Dinner With Generation X Movie Trailer

Check out who's in a movie... Watch the trailer below...

Monday, September 27, 2010

Terry Fox Religion Reflection and Glog

Terry Fox Videos - We will be using this to connect to Social Studies (current events, with the Terry Fox Walk Day coming up)



Interactive Map - look through the site to find the link to the map.

https://www.terryfox.org/SchoolRun/Canada_Run_Map.html

QUESTIONS FOR THE MOVIE - but you can still answer these questions after watching the above video or by reading the bio on Terry Fox... or just google and get information on Terry!

1. Why is Terry Fox considered a great Canadian hero?
2. Why does he continue to be a role model for everyone?
3. How does his cause and belief that we can beat cancer, continue to live on today?
4. How does he embody what Jesus wants us to be?

Write a short paragraph response using the above questions.
Grade 7's write min. 2 paragraphs
Grade 8's write min. 3 paragraphs

After you write your response paragraphs, you will be creating a Tribute Glog to Terry Fox. Next week I will set up Glog accounts (under my classroom id) and teach you how to "glog". Grade 8's - if you still remember your passwords and id for glogs, your accounts still exist! Get started!

GLOG ASSIGNMENT...

Create a "glog" (passwords, account id etc.) that has the following elements:


1. Music that will accompany the viewing of your glog


(mp3 or a video)


2. Photos images of Terry Fox (3-5)


3. Reflection Response to the 4 questions (see sheet) - paragraph form
** Type in Word, then copy/paste into glog.


4. Catchy title and your first name on the glog.


5. Quote that is connected to Terry Fox.


**Check your mechanics, spelling etc., be sure that all images and graphics connects and is relevant to the topic.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

National Geographic Videos

The following music videos came from National Geographic . On the site, you can check out free videos which connect to learning.

Below are music videos that connect to our Language Arts unit on Global Citizenship...





U2 - "I'll Go Crazy if I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" - Watch video, animation explores different ways one can make a difference in the life of someone in need....


Oil Spill Aftermath...






For More National Geographic go to... (copy paste the link or Google National+Geographic + videos

Want Animation - you can learn from??? (copy paste the following into your browser)

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/kids/cartoons-tv-movies-kids/kol-super-gliders-kids/kol-supergliders-whalewave-kids.html


http://desktopvideo.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=desktopvideo&cdn=compute&tm=8&f=00&su=p504.1.336.ip_&tt=11&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http%3A//video.nationalgeographic.com/video/index.html

Friday, September 24, 2010

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Say No to Plastic

Here you go - some of you were asking about the music video...





The Story of Bottled Water...







20/20 Bottled Water Video



Why Plastic Bags are brutal...



Why Overpackaging Makes Me (and others) Crazy!!!



Plastics in the Ocean







North Pacific Gyre







Images in a slide show of the Great Garbage Patch

Social Studies Links - Africa

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11327442

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YjKKToyruI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KokPmLRHvuU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3qbHyfE1z0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SweKD9rdsk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCaxgIXZN3Y&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8A0whi5JaI&feature=related

Monday, September 20, 2010

French Quiz Review Questions

French Practice Test - Review



1. Practice Numbers (1-50) *Spelling counts! grade 7's allowed 1 letter out of place, grade 8's must spell numbers correctly. This section will be dictation.


Rewrite all numbers 1-20, 21, 22, 30, 31, 32, 40, 41, 42, 50

See examples below
1 un


2 deux


3 trois


....


2. Basic Conversation Questions



* How can you respond? Look up in your notes the appropriate response. This portion will either be fill-in-the-blank or multiple choice.


a) Comment ca va?


b) Comment allez-vous?


c) Comment s'appelle ton ecole?


d) Quel age as-tu?


e) Quelle est la date de ton anniversaire?


f) Quelle est la date aujourd'hui?


g) Ou habites-tu?


h) Quel est ton numero de telephone?


i) Quelle est ta matiere preferee?
 
3. Days of the Week - Match french to english
 
4. Months of the Year - Math french to english
** Extra words (with incorrect spelling added, students must choose correct word.)

Friday, September 17, 2010

Religion Social Assignment - Fort Qu'appelle and Lebret visit

On Tuesday, September 14 the grade 7/8 students of Deshaye went on an excursion to Lebret and Fort Qu'appelle. In the morning we toured the Treaty 4 Pow Wow grounds and had the opportunity to visit and participate in a few activities.

FORT QU'APPELLE AND TREATY 4 QUESTIONS...


1. What were some of the activities that your group participated in?


2. What was the main objective of the activity? What did you learn from it?


3. Why is the area referred to as, "Treaty 4"?


4. How did the First Nations people historically use their environment to live? What was used for food? How was it prepared? What was used for shelter?


What did you observe about the teepee? What did you notice about the traditional First Nations life?



**Choose questions above to help you write your reflection.


LEBRET VISIT...
In the afternoon, we visited the town of Lebret and prayed at the Stations of


the cross.


1. What was unique about this version of the Stations of the cross?


2. What did you notice as you prayed?


3. Describe how you felt when you got to the top of the hill. What captured


your attention the most? How do you think early settlers felt when they saw the same valley?


4. What inspired the priests and early townspeople to build a chapel and a church at this site?


5. Why was it worthwhile visiting Lebret? What did you learn about the history?

The following is an Outline that may help you write the reflection. You do not have to use all the aspects of this outline. It is merely to help you organize your ideas.

Lebret and Fort Qu'appelle Outline


I. Introduction Paragraph

Topic Sentence (catchy) (3-4 sentences)

5 W's +H (Who, What, Where, When, Why and How

When: Tuesday, September 14th

Where: Fort Qu'appelle, Treaty 4 Pow Wow Grounds (am),

Lebret (pm)

What: Religious and Cultural Fieldtrip

Why:

How did you get there?



II. Body Paragraphs - Chronological Order (time order)

A. In the morning we visited the Treaty 4 Pow Wow Grounds

What you did... and information about the activity...

1.

2.

3.

4. Your thoughts, opinions and reactions... provide support and examples


B. In the afternoon we visited the town of Lebret.

What you did... and information about the activity...
1.


2.

3.

4. Your thoughts....


III. Closing Paragraph- Why was it beneficial, what did you learn?.... lasting thoughts... and leave me thinking.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Masters Rowing Video

The following link goes with a video from the World Masters Regatta that I attended. I didn't compete against the people in the video, because I was in a different age category... but I like the commentary... these athletes, although older, are inspiring! I hope I am the same way in 30 or 40 years!

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/sportsday/video/?ID=1589455216

Be sure to click on the "rowing video".

Love the Planet

What small action are you willing to make to change the world?
Do you believe that you can change the world... that you can make a difference? Check out the video below with lyrics to the song...



Change... another video



"A Miniature Earth" video to contemplate...
John Lennon version...


Surreal Music version... 2010 edition...



Animated version of the above video..."If the World Were a Village of 100 People"


Cause and Effect - What legacy are you leaving behind? What small part or choice are you making to protect the earth?
Start thinking about how you will make a difference with the video below...



Tips on Saving Energy in Our Everyday Lives from David Suzuki...


David Suzuki and Rick Mercer... What can I say... just the usual silly Rick Mercer stuff...

Monday, September 13, 2010

Corporal Karen's Visit

Thank you Corporal Karen for visiting our classroom today to talk about your upcoming United Nations Peace keeping mission to Sudan. It was an awesome presentation... thank you for sharing your stories about being an officer in the RCMP, past Peace Keeping missions and feelings about your upcoming mission.

We look forward to blogging with you this year!

Video - It's all About Humanity... Water for Sudan
Here's a video I found on youtube that connects to making a difference... even if it means something simple like water. As you watch the video below think about how a clean water source makes a huge difference on a community. The video just got me thinking...





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCRpibCElf4


Video - "Just Add Water"

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

WELCOME BACK...

Welcome to a new school year! I look forward to working with you all!



I will teach most subjects, they include:
English Language Arts (ELA)
Religion
Social
French
Math 8 (the grade 8's from my class as well as Mr. C's)
*** Note we have a large class, so Mrs. Grad will be team teaching with me as well!

Mr. Csada:
Science
Math 7

Mr. McCullouch:
Health
Career Ed.

Ms. Hildebrand:
Phys. Ed.

Ms. Kowalyshyn:
Arts Ed.

Your time table is on your desk. Please ensure that one gets taped into your agenda for quick reference.

Take care and I'll see you at the Open House!!   :-)

Ms. Stewart-Mitchell (aka Ms. Stewie)

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

RBC Blue Water Project 22: Craig's Interview



LISTENING QUESTIONS
1. In the interview, Craig describes 2 types of rains, "he rain" and a "she rain". What's the difference?

2. Why is a water catchment system needed?

3.

RBC Blue Water Project 22 - Free The Children