Mrs. McCormack's Blog

2011-02-22T14:24:00.002-05:00

CGW4U: Countries Comparison was due today so hopefully the outstanding assignments will be handed in tomorrow. Please remember we are having a test on Friday (about 45 minutes in length).

SNC1P: Space Test this Friday. Those absent for the Geography trip must write on Monday. Get your $5.00 fee in asap please.

HFN2O: Apple crisp on Wendesday and Tea Biscuits on Friday. Lab fees ($20) are now overdue. Please have them in asap.

Semester 2 has begun!

2011-02-15T09:26:00.002-05:00

Hello new students!

I am very excited for this semester. Keep checking here for updates/info/etc. as the semester continues. I will do my best to keep things updated.

CGW4U - if you have not completed Monday's work, please do so for Thursday. We will be discussing it and taking it up then. Tuesday and Wednesday involve the CIA World Factbook, mapping, graphing, and some analysis. If you are skiing, you will just have one research day.
SNC1P - Space....."to infinity and beyond!" Did someone famous say that??? We will be having our unit test on Wednesday, Feb. 23.
HFN2O - Safety first! Be sure to have your safety worksheet completed so that you can bake on Friday.

2011-01-14T14:46:00.002-05:00

Hooray to SBI3C! Everyone handed in their Fetal Pig Dissection write-up today. I am very proud of the improvements I have seen!
Keep working on the Study Sheet component of your summative. They are due on January 21st.

It's summative time!

2011-01-11T10:50:00.002-05:00

The time has finally come.....summatives!
The SBI3C summative is made up of three parts: study sheet for 5% (due on Friday, January 21), fetal pig dissection and write-up for 5%(due on Friday, January 14) and the final exam for 20% taking place on Friday, January 28.
Students were given a reasonable amount of notice to meet the deadlines. Extensions are not acceptable. Extra help is available when they ask.
Please do your best!

2011-01-06T14:33:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe it is January! We have only a short time until exams so we are busy making wise use of it.
The Anatomy of Mammals unit test is tomorrow (Friday, Jan. 7) so be sure to study. You for sure need to label the major arteries, veins and chambers of the herat.
On Monday we will start the Fetal Pig Dissection. It accounts for 5% of your final grade. The dissection will last for 3 periods.
Be sure to start your study sheet now (also 5%) so that it's not a last minute advenure!

2010-12-09T15:41:00.002-05:00

So, it has been far too long since I blogged...

SBI3C - the time has come for us to learn through dissection! I know you have all been looking forward to this for the whole semester. Remember to consider your attire and be prepared to learn a lot! Friday will be a demonstration and on Wednesday you will have a chance to dissect a pig heart.

2010-11-04T13:18:00.002-04:00

We are very close to completing our Microbiology Unit. The unit test is on Tuesday, November 9. Be sure to study! Your quiz and notes will be helpful. As for an outline, it is quite similar to the last test:

Part A: Multiple Choice
Part B: True or False
Part C: Definitions (matching this time)
Part D: Diagrams
Part E: Short Answer

Be sure to bring questions to class on Friday because I will be away on Monday. I will leave review sheets with some sample questions for you.

2010-10-19T09:08:00.002-04:00

Quiz today....can you name the levels of classification in order???

We are also starting our culturing bacteria lab today. The lab lasts until Monday (approximately) so please make sure you are following directions carefully and taking quality observations. It will be worth a lot for your mark.

Parents/Guardians: I am looking forward to meeting you on Wednesday night from 6:30 until 8:30.

2010-10-12T15:43:00.003-04:00

Outbreak was an eye opener I hope! Tomorrow we will be learning about viruses....
Don't forget that progress reports go home on Friday and that Parent-Teacher interviews are on Wednesday, October 20 from 6:30 until 8:30. See you there!

2010-09-30T13:34:00.002-04:00

Woo hoo! We have officially made it through all of cellular biology!

Thursday and Friday this week are research days: students will examine medical technologies related to cellular biology as well as environmental factors that affect cells. The assignment is due on Monday.

Cellular Biology Unit Test is on Tuesday, October 5th. Monday will be a review/question period in preparation for the test. Good luck.....and if you are lucky, maybe I will post some hints!

2010-09-23T17:17:00.002-04:00

What a great Tabloid Day!!! The weather was great and the whole afternoon was a huge success! Thank you to all who participated and helped out.

SBI3C students: I heard most of you worked well while I was away today. Thank you and I hope you learned a lot about biochemistry! Tomorrow we will take up the questions, I have quizzes to return and we may end up with a new topic as well.

2010-09-14T10:49:00.005-04:00

What do tomoatoes, aquatic plants, and cheeks have in common? Microscope lab day! We will be doing biological drawings this week as well so be sure to bring pencils to class.
PS $5.00 fee still outstanding for a few students

Welcome back!

2010-08-30T12:09:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone!
I hope the summer has left you feeling rested and relaxed! It sure was a hot one..... The time has come to get back to the books; I am looking forward to a great semester! For those of you in SBI3C, I will be posting important information on this page regularly. Keep reading....

2010-06-07T10:41:00.002-04:00

Final culminating activities will be handed out today (Monday) and they are due on Friday, June 18 so that they can be returned before the exam. I will post the assignment later this week. A lot of class time will be available although homework would be an asset.

2010-05-28T10:25:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe that it's nearly June! SNC1P students are starting a Species At Risk project today. Students will be presenting their findings to the class next week. Summatives will begin in the second week of June. More to be posted later.

Here is the last major project before the summative:

Species At Risk Project
You will be studying one of Ontario’s species at risk in depth. You will present this information in one of 3 ways: a large poster, brochure or presentation in front of the class. Through your research you will be required to find out:
common name
scientific name
At Risk status:
Description and general species information including:
size
food
number of offspring
life cycle
identifying features (tracks, flowers, etc.)
other details and interesting information
Where does it live:
map of current range
map of past range
description of its habitat/ecosystem(biotic and abiotic features)

What has lead to the decline of the species?
Are any organizations helping this species? Who?

Include all websites and books used in a bibliography. (Minimum of 3)
Research dates are Friday, May 28 and Monday, May 31 only.
The final product is due on Friday, June 4.

2010-05-12T09:49:00.001-04:00

Ruthven Park was lots of fun! Students had a chance to participate in bird banding, went on a hike, and had a tour of the historic mansion. Thanks to all who participated!

Our new unit is called Sustainable Ecosystems. We are learning about local and global ecosystems.

2010-04-30T09:40:00.003-04:00

SNC1P Reminders:

1. Our class trip to Ruthven Park is on Tuesday, May 11. Cost is $4.00. You MUST wear closed-toe shoes, long pants and insect repellant is recommended due to a possibility of ticks and mosquitoes. Permission forms and money should be submitted asap.

2. We are having our Chemistry Unit Test on Thursday, May 6. Review will take place on Tuesday and/or Wednesday next week.

2010-04-22T12:10:00.003-04:00

SNC1P is now in Period 4. We are about to start learning about compounds so everything up to now is needed information.

A few key points:
1. We are going on a class trip to Ruthven Park on May 11th for the morning only. Students MUST wear long pants and closed toe shoes. Insect repellant is recommended.
2. We have started having mini quizzes. They take place at the start of class and are meant to quiz the information taught the day before as well as encourage students to arrive on time. They take place often but not every day.

2010-04-14T10:02:00.002-04:00

Spring is in the air, along with Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Carbon........ Lucky for us we are learning all about the elements!

SNC1P

News articles are due on Tuesday, April 15.
Models are overdue; get them in ASAP!
Lab - electrons jumping (burning solutions) must be handed in by Friday.

2010-04-06T14:27:00.004-04:00

What a nice long weekend we just had! Now, back to Chemistry.....

SNC1P - This is a very important week! We are continuing with Bohr Diagrams which is a concept that is needed throughout the rest of this unit and for Grade 10 Science. Students need to ask for help when necessary. The Bohr Diagram/Element Worksheet is due on Wednesday, April 7. Worksheet on origin of element names is now due. Students will have some time on Friday to complete their models. Have them done for Monday.

**The concepts covered now are VERY IMPORTANT! You need to know this information for the rest of the unit, and it carries on into Grade 10. Please ask if you need extra help.**

2010-03-31T14:09:00.002-04:00

This short week has gotten away from me! I hope everyone has a nice long weekend - hopefully outside if the weather stays like this. My plans include lots of delicious treats and shovelling some soil for our vegetable garden to be! Have fun everyone!

SNC1P - Physical Properties Lab Report is due on Thursday. I HIGHLY recommend that you put extra effort into its organization: underline titles, print/write or type neatly, and make sure all the questions are answered. Best of luck!

2010-03-25T10:40:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all those parents and guardians who made it to Parent Teacher Night. It was great to meet you!

SNC1P - We have officially started our Chemistry Unit. Students had their first lab write-up due today (Thursday). This is a reminder to get everything in! ie. title pages, helicopter labs, gas lab.

Foods - Macaroni and Cheese comparison.....which will win???

2010-03-02T13:17:00.002-05:00

KCI - This week is cinnamon buns on Tuesday and Wednesday and something eggy on Friday. Be sure to finish your cubes!

SNC1P - Lots of stuff going on!

Electricity projects are due on Thursday.
Tuesday and Wednesday will be used for Edison in the computer lab.
We are having our first unit test on Tuesday, March 9. Be sure to study!

2010-02-25T12:50:00.002-05:00

Oops....I am a bit slow this week. Sorry for any inconvenience.

KCI - This week we are continuing with dehydrating as a method of food preservation. Also, we will be making muffins on Friday. Food cubes need to be completed.

SNC1P - Current electricity is the topic of choice this week. Lab Report #1 is overdue - get it in ASAP! An Electricity Assignment was assigned today and is due next Thursday, March 4.

2010-02-16T13:07:00.001-05:00

KCI - This week is all about why we eat the things we do. We will be making beef jerky too! Thanks to Ms. Bush for her dehydrator.

SNC1P - Quiz #1 is this Thursday.

2010-02-12T13:07:00.002-05:00

Yum.........grilled cheese sandwiches and a cold glass of milk! See you Friday, KCI students!

SNC1P - Good job with semester one marks! Practice some shocking examples of static electricity this weekend......balloons on the wall anyone?

Happy Semester 2!

2010-02-08T12:18:00.002-05:00

I am looking very forward to this semester! SNC1P and KCI classes will be using this site throughout the semester so use this site to your advantage. Good luck!

Summative Outline

2010-01-07T14:57:00.003-05:00

BTT1O1

**Students have been given their presentation order; presentations take place on Tuesday, Jan. 19th and Wednesday, Jan. 20th. It is very important that they are prepared!

**The final product is due on Friday, Jan. 22.

Summative Assignment
The 2010 Winter Olympics
Congratulations! You have made it to the final three weeks of BTT and are now ready to start you final project. Your summative is designed to review all of the skills you have acquired throughout the course, and is a chance to show off your abilities. Your summative is all about the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Your tasks:
1. Write a brief (1-2 page) report on the History of the Winter Olympics. Include such facts as when the first Winter Olympics were held, how many times and where they have been held in Canada, and where the 2010 Winter Olympics are being held. Include some interesting facts and any information you think is relevant. How many Canadians will be participating? How many volunteers will be helping? A map would be a nice addition. (Formatting: Arial, 12pt font, 1.5 spacing) You must include 3 references.
2. Create a spreadsheet to calculate the medal count for at least 25 participating countries. You must include at least one country from each continent save for Antarctica. The list should be alphabetical. The medals are Gold, Silver and Bronze; you will need to create a formula to calculate the total earned for each country (medal count). Submit ONLY the formula sheet. You must include references.
3. Select a sport (we will decide as a class). Research that sport and write some rough notes for yourself. Include rules, details, some Canadian athletes involved, where it will be taking place (stadium? Whistler?), etc.
4. Design a poster and a ticket to an event for your selected sport. Use actual information (find out the date and time, where, teams if applicable, etc.). You could use templates.
5. Select one Canadian athlete from your sport and write their biography. Make them a ‘hockey card’. The card should include their name, height, weight, sport, photo, training schedule, accomplishments, and any relevant personal information.
6. Create a presentation about your selected sport and athlete using a presentation software program. Include the information you previously gathered and enhance your presentation with images, videos, sounds, etc. Be creative! You will be presenting on either January 20th or 21st.

Suggested Timeline:
4th - Introduction to Olympics summative
5th - Research history of Olympics
6th - History of Olympics Report
7th - Research participating countries and start spreadsheet
8th - Complete spreadsheet and reseach your sport; make rough notes.
11th - Make ticket and poster.
12th - Research an athlete. Start hockey card.
13th - Database lesson. Finish hockey card.
14th - Database lesson. Start presentation.
15th - Work on presentation.
18th - Finish up everything. Peer Editing; help someone edit their work.
19th - Presentations.

20th - Presentations.
21st -
22nd - Last day of classes! **Summative due**

Important Notes:
Plagiarism is not acceptable. You must reference websites, books, and media used for research. You must use your own words.
Reference formatting example:
McCormack, M. 2009. "A Brief History of the Olympics." www.myidea.com

References should be alphabetized and be included as a footnote for each component.

Week 16

2010-01-04T09:17:00.002-05:00

January 4 - 8

Welcome back everyone and happy new year! I hope you all had a great holiday full of family, friends and fun! It was an exciting Christmas at my house - Kalen was spoiled, we ate a lot of yummy treats and saw many of our friends and family members! All in all, we had a great break!

We have only 3 weeks left of BTT :( But, don't worry, you'll be busy with your final summative. This is a very important assignment because we will not be having an exam. As a result, the summative is worth 30% of your final grade. I will post details here later in the week. Good luck and have fun learning!

Week 15

2009-12-15T10:38:00.002-05:00

December 14 - 18

Deck the halls with.......a lot of decorations and excited students! Can you believe it's the last week before the holidays? We have a fun week planned in BTT:

Tuesday - games day! We will be playing games created by the students.
Wednesday - video
Thursday - video and peer support
Friday - shortened class; finish video and play some more games
**get those cyberbullying journals done!

Week 14

2009-12-09T11:10:00.002-05:00

December 7 - 11

Happy Holidays!
The Twelve Days of Christmas are well on their way here at DSS. Today (Wed at 1:00) is a movie afternoon for the entire school. Prior to the movie, we will be having a catch up period. Most students still need to submit their cyberbullying journal. It is overdue.

On Thursday and Friday we will be creating games using presentation software!

Quiz Outline

2009-12-01T12:12:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, December 2

Desktop Publishing Quiz Topics

Software programs used
Principles of Design: alignment, use of white space, contrast, proximity, consistency and balance
create a desktop publication

Week 13

2009-11-30T11:10:00.004-05:00

November 30 - December 4

'Twas the last day of November....CAN YOU BELIEVE IT???

Time seems to be flying by! We have only 3 weeks left until Christmas break and lots of fun things to do of course!

The major DTP assignment is due today (Monday).
We are having a DTP quiz on Wednesday (see below for details and keep checking this week)
Parents and Guardians: this week we are discussing internet safety including tips on staying safe.
Monday's Homework: Define Cyberbullying. Find a case and summarize it. What happened to each participant? Handwritten is fine.
Tuesday, Dec. 1 Journal assignment: What do you think about cyberbullying? Have you ever bullied someone online or have you been bullied online? How would you feel if your younger brother or sister (or someone else you cared about) was cyberbullied? Write a journal entry of approximately 1 page (double spaced, 12 point font). Submit when complete.
We will be starting a unit on Presentation Software late this week.

Week 12

2009-11-26T12:12:00.003-05:00

November 23 - 27

We have had a very busy week with Grade 8 visits! We welcome Thompson Creek on Friday!

The major DTP assignment, Create a Restaurant, has a reassigned due date of Monday, November 30. You may have to print at home or at lunch because it is due at the START of class.

Week 11

2009-11-17T11:19:00.002-05:00

November 16 - 20

'tis the week for creativity!

A new assignment has been given out which is due next week (date to be determined). Students are creating a concept restaurant and a variety of desktop publications to promote their concept including business cards and a menu.

We will not be having a regular class on Thursday because we have a Canadian author, Kenneth Oppal, speaking to all grade 9 students.

Week 10

2009-11-09T13:15:00.003-05:00

November 9 - 13

What a great weekend we just had: T-shirts in November and relaxing fall hikes are on my list of favourite things!

Well BTT, we have finally made it to Desktop Publishing!

Desktop Publishing Partner Activity

Your task is to create a one page overview of your assigned principle of design. Make it look good, especially focusing on your principle. You need to include the following information:

title (name of principle)
definition
why it is important (ex. does it set a tone or mood? minimize clutter?)
diagram(s)
examples of publications using your principle

You can use borders, clip art, changed fonts, etc. to add to the quality of your overview. It wil be a nice desktop publication destined to be printed OR presented electronically. Please use arial font.

Evaluation:

KU (content): /10

Comm (edited for errors?): /5

App (use the principle?): /5

DUE: Friday, November 13

Week 9

2009-11-05T12:28:00.000-05:00

November 2 - 6

Can you believe it's November already?!

Due to some technical difficulties I have struggled to post this week's information. Sorry!

We are finishing up the Spreadsheet unit this Friday, November 6. Everything we have done must be handed in on Friday!

Here are the items to print and hand in:

Cafeteria
Products Purchased
Store Sales

Also, you should have completed up to Ex. #11.

Next week we start Desktop Publishing so you can remove your math hats and put on something more creative!

Week 8

2009-10-28T08:45:00.000-04:00

October 26-30

Happy Halloween week! Don't forget to wear black and orange on Thursday and make sure you buy your dance ticket for Friday's dance (1-3:00pm).

Important Information:

Cafeteria spreadsheet assignment should be handed in on Wednesday, Oct. 28
Have up to ex. 9 done
Film Review is due on Tuesday, November 3 at the START of class.

Week 7

2009-10-19T15:13:00.000-04:00

October 19-23

A little reminder to parents and guardians that Parent - Teacher Interviews are on Wednesday from 6:30 until 8:30. I would love to see you there!

BTT Students - we are starting a new unit this week! Spreadsheet application is the new topic of choice.

Important Dates

Newspapers are due now
Spreadsheet due dates will follow

You're invited.....

2009-10-14T14:34:00.000-04:00

Dear parents and guardians,

You are invited to Parent-Teacher night on Wednesday, October 21 from 6:30 until 8:30pm. I would love to meet you!

Mrs. McCormack

Week 6

2009-10-14T14:18:00.000-04:00

October 13 - 16

Oooops.......THIS is the real Week 6!

I hope everyone had a happy, relaxing and restful weekend. We had lots of fun with our families and playing outside in the back yard. Thanksgiving always makes me stop to think about what I am thankful for, so I thought I would say thank you to my students for being so awesome!

Also, EXCELLENT work on last week's test!!!!!

We are finishing the Word Processing unit this Friday. Students are working on a Newspaper Assignment with a partner. Some time outside of class may be required to write the articles but all formatting should be done in class. It is due on Monday, October 19.

Important information:

Exercises 31 and 49 are due! Get them in asap.

Interim report cards go out on Friday.

Newspapers are due on Monday, Oct. 19

Week 6

2009-10-06T15:09:00.000-04:00

Oct. 5 - 9

Test #1 is on Wednesday.
It will be open book but still study!

Turnaround day is on Thursday so we will have class during Block B.

2009-10-01T15:36:00.001-04:00

No test tomorrow. We will have it next week. More information to follow.
Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Test Information

2009-09-30T14:35:00.000-04:00

Test is being held on Friday, October 2
Part A - Multiple Choice
Part B - Short Answer

list
explain
define, etc.

Part C - Diagrams

label

Part D - Application

complete questions using Wordperfect
similar to the exercises you have been doing thus far

Stuff to study:

"Introduction to Computers and Applications" worksheet (diagrams, definitions, etc.)
Chapter 1 up to "Software brings the computer to life"
exercises we have been doing so far
keep looking here for more tips!

Good luck!

2009-09-28T09:11:00.000-04:00

Week 4 - Set. 28 - Oct. 2

Important reminder: Test #1 is on Friday, Oct. 2

I will post your test outline on Wednesday so you can prepare ahead of time. Be sure to do some studying at home!

Be sure to submit exercise 22. It was due last Friday.

Week 3 - Sept. 21 - 25

2009-09-21T13:19:00.000-04:00

A few reminders for this week:

1. a few students still owe the $5.00 course fee. Please submit asap.

2. we will be having our first test on Friday, October 2 - next week!!!

3. school dance Thursday night from 7-10:00pm

Course work to be done by the end of this week:

all exercises up to #22 (submit #22)
make sure your notes and computer files are well organized to help you prepare for next week's test

Week 2 - Sept. 14-18

2009-09-15T14:26:00.000-04:00

BTT1O1

This week has started off well. Students have a busy week ahead.

Course work to be done by the end of this week:

all exercises up to #13 (submit #5 and #13)
Introduction to Computers and Applications worksheet (submit)

Course work to have started by the end of this week:

Personal Profile
Chapter 1: The Amazing Computer reading and questions

Some students still owe $5.00. You must pay your course fee to print assignments.

Week One - Sept. 8 - 11

2009-09-10T15:40:00.000-04:00

BTT1O1

Course fee of $5.00 is due ASAP.
Course outlines and the computer usage agreement must be signed by a parent/guardian ASAP. Please submit to Mrs. McCormack.
No homework this week.