Taking a break from social studies to test your MATH skills!

Quizlet, LLC. (2012). Classifying Triangles and
Quadrilaterals. [online image]. Retrieved from http://bit.ly/RisAFS

Over the last two weeks in our math classes, I have introduced you to the classification of triangles and quadrilaterals. To refresh your memory, remember that we started by discussing the classification of triangles. Triangles can be classfied according to their sides or their angles. We explored these concepts further by discussing equilateral triangles, isosceles triangles, and scalene triangles along with the concepts of right angles, obtuse angles, and acute angles.

To further your understanding on classifying and sorting triangles and quadrilaterals, follow the link provided to either re-learn the concepts or test yourself on what you know. This is a great way to study for the test next week!

Follow the link: Classifying triangles and quadrilaterals


Curriculum Connection:

Mathematics: Grade 7: Geometry and Spatial Sense

By the end of Grade 7, students will be able to:

Overall Expectations:

• construct related lines, and classify triangles, quadrilaterals, and prisms

Specific Expectations:

• sort and classify triangles and quadrilaterals by geometric properties related to symmetry, angles, and sides, through investigation using a variety of tools (e.g., geoboard, dynamic geometry software) and strategies (e.g., using charts, using Venn diagrams) (Sample problem: Investigate whether dilatations change the geometric properties of triangles and quadrilaterals.)

Grade 7 students: As we continue to study and explore patterns in physical geography, it's time to examine how climate, soil, and landforms interact and influence places. I am providing you with a website--The Atlas of Canada--to explore the major ecozones of Canada. Each ecozone is categorized by its climate and landcover, physiography, vegetation type, and soil type. Using the Atlas of Canada link, record the main characteristics and influences of each ecozone in Canada.

Answer the following questions while exploring each ecozone:

• What characteristics of an ecozone (climate, soil, etc.) provide diverse/more vegetation? Why? Provide an example to explain your answer
• What characteristics of an ecozone (climate, soil, etc.) are less favourable in providing diverse/more vegetation? Why? Provide an example to explain your answer.

In our next class, we will go over the answers as a class and discuss more aspects of physical environments.

Curriculum Expectations:

Geography: Grade: 7 - Patterns in Phyiscal Geography

By the end of Grade 7 students will be able to:

Overall Expectations:

• Identify patterns in physical geography and explain the factors that produce them

Specific Expectation:

•  explain how natural vegetation patterns result from the interaction of several factors, including climate, landforms, soil types, and competition for available nutrients (e.g., landforms: plains/grains; climate: tropics/fruit)

Natural Resources Canada. (2007). The Atlas of Canada. [online image]. Retrieved from.http://bit.ly/VYDVmk

Parents: As a class, we have been learning about the physical patterns in Canada's geography. This link to this learning task provides students with the ability to determine the different characteristics of each ecozone in Canada. The link provides an interactive Canadian Atlas in which students can click and choose which ecozone to look at. Please encourage the students to participate and follow along with the homework task so the class can fully grasp the curriculum connections that have been listed!

Grade 7 students:



National Geographic Kids.
(2012). Atlas Online. [online image].
Retrieved from http://bit.ly/Rs3Ug7

 Need some help keeping up with Canada and its environment? Take a look through this awesome online atlas and learn through playing games! Even if you think you have a handle on all the topics we have covered so far, these games and interactive activities provide a great review and even expand on topics discussed in class. Some of the games even relate to our history concepts covered earlier in social studies! Try some out! Click here.  





IT'S TIME TO TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!



National Geographic Kids.

(2012). The Great Canadian Cleanup.

[online image] Retrieved from

http://bit.ly/QQaqgO

Click on the picture of  National Geographic's, 'Larry the Leaf', to join him in on a journey of cleaning up the environment! Use what you have learned in our social studies classes in the past weeks to help the environment and while you do, you will be presented with culminating questions in a multiple choice format. Do your best! This is a great way to study for our unit test!!

Hi Class!



Jarrett, C. (2012). RDB. [online image].
Retrieved from ( http://bit.ly/TPRKSt

Let's put our knowledge and understanding of the environment and human interactions to use! Follow the link below to find out your Ecological/Carbon Footprint based on your personal life style.

Follow the instructions on the link provided and answer the questions. Bring in your results to our next geography class so we can discuss and compare our results!

Remember: An ecological footprint is the measure of human demand on the Earth while comparing the amount of resources each person uses.

Learn more about the environment and how it affects YOU!

Students: Check out the link provided to learn more about the environment in a global context and what to look for in your own community. Take some time to explore the provided website and write down some ideas. What did you learn? How can you apply what you have explored to your own environment?

Environmental Protection Agency. 2012. Student's Guide to Global Climate Change.
[online image]. Retrieved from http://1.usa.gov/V0g9Vn

Click here: http://www.epa.gov/climate/climatechange/kids/impacts/effects/index.html

Parents: This week in social studies, students will be introduced to physical features of the environment while exploring the world's major climate zones. We have been exploring how our environment interacts to form pattern's on the earth's surface. The link provided above is an extention to our lessons and lets students explore their part and interactions in the environment. Take a look!

WELCOME!

Grade 7 Students:

Welcome Grade 7 students to what is going to be a fantastic school year! I am very excited that you will be joining me on this new learning experience! Using this blog, we will be able to work together to further explore our social studies unit using some great technological tools and tricks. This blog will also serve as a great resource guide to use in class and will encourage you to venture out and find your own resources. Take a look around and do not be afraid to ask questions! This is going to be fun! :) 

Parents:

Welcome parents! Our grade 7 class will be using this blog as a social studies resource to enhance and expand our knowledge and learning.  We plan to use technology to our advantage as students will be able to use, explore, and assess a variety of technological tools related to social studies. This tool will allow the class and myself to share ideas and put their computer/technology skills to school use. I expect this will be a positive and engaging experience for the students and I welcome any questions/comments/concerns!