Mechanical Systems Unit Test - Monday, January 27th

We are wrapping up another science unit this week. We will spend some time reviewing on Friday so be sure to bring your notes in and any questions you may have. Listed below is a reminder of the topics we covered in this unit. 

The link to the textbook resource for this unit is on the right hand side of the blog page. 

• Definition of simple and complex machines
• Simple machines: 6 types, examples, and how each makes work easier (don’t forget there are 3 classes of levers and there is a fixed and a moveable pulley)
• Four effects of simple machines
• Complex machines: examples of machines that use a combination of these simple machines
• Systems and Subsystems (linkages, gears, transmissions and transfer of energy) 
• Work: scientific definition and formula (Work is measured in Joules (J or NM), force is measured in Newtons (N) and Distance is measured in metres (m))
• Mechanical advantage: definition, example using numbers of how we calculate it (3 different formulas)
• Speed ratio: definition and formula. 
• How a machine can make work faster
• What makes a machine “effective”?
• Mechanical Efficiency: formula(s)
• Friction
• Mechanical advantage of hydraulic systems
• Evaluating machines: what are the five criteria that we should consider when we think about how “good” a machine is?
• Progress and change: an example of a machine that has changed over time, and how

Jan 18th Hums

Sorry for the lack of an update last week.  It's always a little challenging to get back into the swing of things.  So we began reading Animal Farm as a class this past week, a classic fable about a societies decent from an imagined utopia, to horrific tyranny.  We were looking at the first two chapters, specifically Old Major's speech and exploring the power of speech to create change, both positive and negative.

We also started diving into the Renaissance with a short exploration of the multitude of things that Leonardo Da Vinci was known for.  Next week we are going to begin looking at the city of Florence, and the massive changes that occurred in the city under the leadership of the Medici family.

Kid Inventor Day Task

Here is a link to some of the slides to refer to while you are working. Good Luck! We are excited to hear your pitches.

K.I.D. Task

Science in the news- Week 3

Below is the link to the slides for this assignment. The slides have links to the articles as well as assignment criteria.

Due Tuesday, January 14th.



Australian Bushfires

Da Vinci Research Project

Here is a link to the assignment sheet and the group members
Da Vinci Sheet

See you in 2020!

Well that's a wrap on the first part of the 2019/2020 school year!

Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and generosity. I'm feeling really fortunate to get to spend most of my days in a wee bit of chaos with a great group of students.

Enjoy your break! Regardless of the holiday you celebrate, make sure you also take some time to appreciate your awesomeness and celebrate your 2019 successes.

I can't wait to see you in the new year. (well okay...I can wait a couple of weeks)


Merry Christmas to you and your families!
Mrs. C

Quick Note: PowerSchool is going to be down for maintenance as of this afternoon until January 5th, so Mr. Ibbitson and I will be unable to update any marks until we are back after the break.

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to put up a quick post to say that it has been a great first half of the year!  I'm really looking forward to jumping back into the Renaissance in January.  Have a wonderful Christmas, Yuel, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Festivus, Winter Solstice, or whatever you happen to celebrate!

Evelyn wishes you all happy holidays too.