Beyond Recyling -- The Pacific Gyer Continued

Our class is continuing to learn about the Pacific Gyer.  The class was surprised to learn that there are actually five Gyer's in the world, with our class focusing on the Pacific Gyer.  Please watch the movie and discuss with your child.  The time for change is upon us and the survival of our race may depend on it.  With technology and the ability to share information, the human race has the ability to solve problems as they are presented.  When looking at these situations, it is easy to get ourselves down.  Instead, we need to use this a learning tool and what we ourselves can do to bring change.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StNZ3XUBDYw

Note:  In most cases you will need to copy and paste the link in the address bar.

Ever Wondered How They Package at Amazon?

Here is a link that I came across showing how Amazon.com can send out their packages so efficiently.  The technology is quite amazing.  I have always held a fascination with Amazon.com for their ability to sell things at cost and still deliver it for free (with purchases over $35).  From my research, there are two main reasons:

1.  Their turnover for a product is roughly 12 days (whereas many companies that have a physical location can be 3 to 4 times that).  Amazon can often sell products at cost or below cost and simply collect the interest on the items before having to make payment to the vendor.

2.  Technology:  The link below shows how they are using technology to keep costs low.

http://www.chonday.com/Videos/how-the-amazon-warehouse-works

 Note:  I recently read that Amazon is looking at using drone helicopters to deliver packages to peoples homes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98BIu9dpwHU

 That said, it make me wonder.   With technology starting to replace so many jobs, what are people going to do for employment? 

Group 6 -- Healthy Product and Commercial

Group:  Jada, Madison, Amber and Keiryn

Time Line Project -- My Life

In Social Studies, we are currently learning about Time Lines.  A Time Line shows the order in which things happen.  we have discussed why Time Lines are created and how they are used during a mini-unit on the history of British Columbia.  In an effort to help students truly understand Time Lines, they will complete a Time Line Project. 

Below is the criteria:  If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know (agenda, phone: 250-428-2051, email: mblick@sd8.bc.ca


Criteria has been reviewed with the class and students have put in their input and the changes have been made.  All the students agreed to criteria.

My Own Time Line

Due Date: To Be Determined (Roughly -- two Weeks)

v  This project is an at-home and at school project.  While students will have time in class, students will need support from their parents for important dates and pictures.+

v This project is for Social Studies and is teaching students how to use a Time Line. Please be sure it is not completed in a hurried manner.

v Assignments need to be handed in on time.  Please ensure you are RESPONSIBLE.   

Directions: 

v Think of six (or more) important different things in your life, beginning with your birth.

v Put the events in the order they happened.

v Make a time line of these important events.

v Students will have options on how they wish to present their timeline.

v Each important event needs to have a year, a certain month and year, or date.

v Then you will explain the important events on your timeline.  Use complete sentences (or handwritten or typed). 

v Students are to draw or attach at least four pictures.  Make it visually appealing to your reader.  Students can add a background if it helps to enhance their project. 

v Large title that attracts the reader.

Items to be graded:

v At least Six different events in your life.  (2 points each; 12 points total).  Bonus marks will be given if students add additional dates with details.

v Events are in the order they happened.  (1 point each; 6 points total)

v Events are explained in complete sentences in your own printing or typing.  (2 points each; 12 points total)

v Pictures or drawings – four pictures (4 points)

v Neatness – written neatly, visually pleasing (5 points)

v On Time  (2 points)  -- This is a very easy mark to obtain.

v Parent/Guardian signature on these directions. (1 point)

X_____________________________________________________

                                    Parent or Guardian Signature

Name ________________               Due date: 

                                                        Date turned in _________

My Own Time Line Rubric

Specific Items	Possible Points	Earned Points
Six Different Events in Student’s Life beginning with Birth	12
Events are in Sequential Order	6
Events are explained in complete sentences in own writing or typed	12
Neatness	5
Drawing and/or Pictures	4
Large Clear Title	2
On Time	2
Parent/Guardian Signature	1

                        Total Points Earned    _____

Grade Earned:   _____________

Students have options on how they may wish to represent their Time Line:

Examples:

 Thanks to Google for the image:

Flip Book:  While this example was used for a younger grade, it provides an idea.  Students could label the front with the appropriate date and pictures.  Students could then write their response on the inside and add any additional pictures.

Traditional Time Line:  Student create a line with dates marked accordingly.  Students can add pictures and words.














Students have also been given two examples of Time Lines that have been used in our Text Book.  

Group 5 --- Healthy Product and Commercial

Group:  Kate, Sydney, Aiden, Spencer, Kimberly and Jerrica

Group 4 -- Healthy Product and Commercial

Group:  Scott, Jet, Andreas and Tyson

Group 3 -- Healthy Product and Commercial

Group:

Group:  Cheyann, Tiana, Kelsey and Mackenzie

Group 2 -- Healthy Product and Commercial

Group:  Rocco, James, David, Heath and Logan

Group 1 -- Commercial and Healthy Product

Group Members: Rhyan, Anika, Lauren and Nikita

What is the Pacific Gyer?

In Beyond Recycling we have been learning about Plastic.  In particular, today we learned about where much of this plastic is ending up.  Below is a clip about the "Pacific Gyer."  Please watch this short movie clip and discuss with your child.  This is a very important issue that our community, country and the world will need to deal with.  I found this video surprising (as I was not aware of this) and quite disturbing.  I always knew this existed, but like many I probably do not put that much thought into the bigger picture.

Please watch the clip below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pRy88R-4BI

Thanks YouTube and Google for the video and image.

How We Treat Each Other Contract

Here is a copy of the contract that all students will be asked to sign.   A copy will be sent home for parents to go over with their child. If parents have any questions or concerns, please let me know (agenda, Phone: 250-428-2051 or mblick@sd8.bc.ca).

Classroom Contract:

How We Treat Each Other

I hereby sign this document and agree to all the terms below.  I will do my best to promote a Safe Classroom.

We will not be involved in bullying.

We will not make one feel below us.

We will not put people down, call names or make fun of them.

We will try our best not to hurt anyone’s feeling.

We will treat each other the way we want to be treated; with kindness and respect.

We will make every effort to include ALL students in group activities.

We will listen to the opinions of others.

We will tell adults when we see bullying happening.  We will not be a bystander.

We don’t all have to think, act or talk the same.

We don’t all have to dress the same.  We will only say nice things about what people choose to wear.  

 We will only say nice things.

We have the right to be ourselves. 

  We speak up and help if we see others being treated unfairly.

We will not spread gossip and/or spread rumours.

We will not EXCLUDE others to make them feel bad.

We will not intentionally hurt someone’s feelings.

We will try hard to THINK before we speak when we are angry or upset.

We will not boss around others.

We will not do something mean back to someone if they do something mean to me.  Two wrongs do not make a right.