SS11-Feb. 28

Today we reviewed the causes of the Great Depression in groups.  In this activity you should have become aware of my expectations of you in an answer......always, ANSWER the questions, give supporting detail and tell me the SIGNIFICANCE!  Working in groups is something that is a skill and one that if excelled at will create more success for you in life.  I assessed your performance in groups today and tomorrow we will review what 'effective' group work looks like.  I also had you work on/complete a journal entry from the persepctive of a woman in the 1930s.  I am looking for your clear understanding of the 'perspective', supporting examples/details and 'why' it is important to you (significance).  I also handed back your first 'essays' of the semester-we will review essay criteria/expectations later this week. 

For tomorrow:
- your presentation on 1920s images is due-EVERYONE presents first block.
-pg. 100 in text, questions #1-3
-journal entry from a woman's perspective in the 1930s (at LEAST 1/2 page)

Psych 11/12-Feb. 28

Today we explored the use of animals in experimentation.  Is it right?  WHEN is it right?  Who should make that decision?  You got in to groups and brainstormed some great ideas about 'ethical principles' that should be followed when using animals in experimentation.  We will pick up this idea first thing tomorrow.  After that, we will review the 'Scientific Method' and how it is used in experiment reports.  I am also hoping to introduce to you your 'summative project' for this unit--your own Psychological experiment and show you some examples.........

See you then:)

SS11-Feb. 27

We have finished our exploration in to the 'Roaring 20s' and have been introduced to the 'Dirty 30s.'  After today you SHOULD know the basics of economic vocabulary (please see Exercise #9).  Although it is complicated, it is important that you understand what led to the stock market crash of 1929 and ultimately the Great Depression.  Here are a few videos for your viewing pleasure:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM8yxBL21Pk- this is the intro we watched in class
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=7233622324068640582&ei=Iyr2SsvYOYeWqAP8wdHVDw&hl=en#- This is a US version but it helps in the understanding of Canada and the Depression because it is difficult to seperate our situation from what happens with our neighbours in the South.

For tomorrow: Please read pg. 94-104 in text, p. 76-83 in the Workbook (up to Bennet's New Deal).  We will discuss and be using these concepts in a class activity.

Psych 11/12-Feb. 27

Hello All:)!  Today we looked at 'Ethics and Experimentation'-based on our knowledge of Milgram's Experiment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcvSNg0HZwk.  You will need to be 'well acquainted' with these ideas in order to launch your OWN psychological experiment.  It is not a bad idea to start brainstorming what kinds of topics/ideas interest you.

For tomorrow: Be prepared to discuss the use of animals in experimentation.  Where do you stand on the issue?  In what circumstances do you think is the use of animals warranted?

SS11-Feb. 20

Today was assessment day:)!!  Now my work really begins.....I will get your essays back to you as soon as I can-we will go over them as a class.  For tomorrow-bring your cue cards for Ch.2 and your timeline with the feedback I gave you-we will be reviewing them!!  Also, bring your text/workbook as we will be introduced to the 'Roaring 20s'.  I encourage you to get a glimpse of the 'roaring 20s' online before you come to class tomorrow.  See you then:)!

Psych 11/12-Feb. 20

Today we researched the 'fathers of Psychology' and what they mean to the field.  Ensure that you have a good idea about their contributions to the field and what made them remarkable (always interesting to FURTHER research these theorists on your own).  Tomorrow-be ready to sit on the floor!  We will be doing an exercise that requires no desks/chairs, but you will still need a pen/paper.  See you tomorrow:)!

SS11-FYI

Hi All!  As I know you are ALL going to study today.......I am having SERIOUS issues uploading anything on to my website-so I apologize.  If you have any questions about anything, please email me:)

SS11-Feb. 17

We were a whirlwind of info. today!!  We ended WWI-finally!  However, THAT means, summative assessment time.....we took a class vote and you voted for an 'assessment in the test format'....crazy......
SO I gave you the 'long answer'/multi-paragraph question options to take home to ponder.  **Look at the website by Saturday, I will post PowerPoints/Exercises if you need!  Also, for your viewing pleasure, check out these clips on the 'End of War'
Part1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YJfOZkriyk

Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-7YCcZUXmw

Choose one:

1)Discuss the ways in which Canada, as a nation, matured as a result of the First World War
2)Explain the factors which made the First World War different from previous wars, and as a result, became known as the first modern war.

**You will be required to provide a brainstorm/outline (pre-plan) for your answer, you may bring it in with you if you wish on Monday.  Once you are finished the multi-paragraph answer, we will do the rest of the test.

Due dates:

-Cue Cards for Ch.2 (you would think that completing these would GREATLY enhance your chance of success on the test, so......but if you don't complete them-Tuesday, Feb.21)

-Portfolio-this is an ongoing process and should be 'worked on' whenever you have a free moment in class.  Your first one will likely be due the beginning of March (before Spring Break). 

Psych 11/12-Feb. 17

Today we worked on our Autobiography projects-they are DUE on Wed. Feb. 22.  On Monday we will be having a portfolio work day and perhaps starting our new unit on 'How do we know what is right?'  Have a great weekend!

SS11-I'm Back.......Feb. 16

First, thank-you to those who wished me a Happy Birthday, NO THANKS to those of you who guessed I was older than I am.....(I will remember that.....)

As for class, we are in a bit of a 'catch-up' mode right now because I was away so long-so buckle in and get ready to work your tail off!  Today we reviewed the 'Home Front' and Women's role in the War and how it helped/did not help their liberation.  We also discussed the Portfolio process and what that looks like.  We ended with 'how WWI ended'-most specifically, Wilson's 14 pts. and the Treaty of Versailles.  Try and complete the question sheet I gave you on this topic as much as possible for tomorrow as we do not have a lot of time to work on it in class (can use in your portfolio). 

Tomorrow: we will end WWI, get introduced to our first 'summative assessment' AND get time to work on portfolios.........busy day!  Be ready:)  Nice to see you again today:)

ALL-Feb. 13

Hi All,

I am still very sick-will not be there tomorrow.  Psych 11/12-you are working on your autobiography assignment, print off the criteria at home before you get to class.

SS11-I am not sure how far you got on Thursday....Exercises 8-11 should be done.  You need to know Canadians role in the 4 major battles-you will do an exercise on Monday with that.  You will also be exploring the 'war at sea/air' as well.  I will try and post tomorrow-please check.

SS11-Feb. 8

Today we completed our first 'assessment for learning' task and created a descriptive timeline on the events leading up to WWI.  Feedback on those should be coming your way shortly:)......

We also discussed Canada's response to WWI and some predictions about Canada's ultimate role (see your reflective journal).

For tomorrow: You NEED to bring your parents email address to me (just one, and preferably the one that checks it often).  You will also be receiving your learning outcomes for the WWI unit and a 'mini portfolio lesson.'

Psych 11/12-Feb. 8

Today we investigated the work of Brene Brown and Neil Paricha-please see website if you would like to watch their 'talks' again.  What connections can we make between these two speakers?  Please feel free to comment below (keeping in mind participation is 'key' to success in this class:)........

For Monday (I know, I don't get to see your wonderful faces until Monday:(  You will receive the criteria for your Autobiography project (criteria is already posted on website for you eager-beavers:) and you will get time to work on this in class-should be FUN!

SS11-Feb. 7

Today we reviewed the 'big reasons' why WWI broke out.  We also did a 'mini timeline' of events that led up to WWI (which you will be able to use for your 'assessment for learning tomorrow) so bring it to class!  For the second half of class, we played a game-that is right, in SS11 we played a game:)!  We got in to our 'country groups' and TRIED to STOP the outbreak of WWI!  After much yelling, negotiating and promises we determined that there were too many factors working against us and WWI still broke out.  However, do not feel bad, the game was meant to show you all the factors that politicians at the time were trying to work within and how the factors during that time made peace very difficult.  Great job!  The only way it could have been better was if we did it outside in the sunshine (I'll work on that).  For tomorrow, review the events that led up to WWI for your 'assessment for learning'-remember this is meant as a tool for learning, not a judgement of ability.  See you tomorrow:)!

Psych 11/12-Feb. 7

Today's class we looked to our relationships as a clue in to 'who we are'.  We got in to groups and brainstormed what a 'close, trusting or great relationship' looked like.  There was some agreement however it was interesting to see that the word 'vulnerable' never arrived in any of our groups.  It is interesting because when we consulted the 'experts' (Brene Brown) on her research behind human connection she claims that "vulnerability is the key to human connection."  We are going to try and 'unravel' Brene's talk from TED talks more tomorrow but I would like you to come prepared tomorrow with a personal reflection on your thoughts/reactions to her talk.

SS11/12-Feb. 6

Today, we reviewed/worked on what is expected of you when you complete your 'cue cards' for every unit.  You are expected to be completed your first set on the Pre-War unit by tomorrow at the beginning of class.  You also received your 'Study Guide for WWI', complete with the Vocabulary words for your next Cue Card Assignment (remember-I advise you do 5 a night, then you won't panic at the end to complete them).

WWI-We looked at the background to the breakout of WWI-Why did it happen?  I showed you a PowerPoint and you used your textbooks as our 'base knowledge.'  From there I broke you in to groups and gave you a 'real-life scenario' that utilizes the 4 main reasons for WWI (Nationalism, Militarism, Alliances and Imperialism).  You needed to create a creative ending in your group for the real-life scenario and compare it to WWI.

For tomorrow--be READY for more WWI.  We will look at the 4 reasons a little more in detail and formulate a timeline of events for the lead up to war. 

Psych 11/12-Feb. 6

Today was a 'work day' and you are expected to have your comprehensive letter 'About You' (see criteria from class) finished by the beginning of class tomorrow!  For tomorrow, we are going to start looking to those around you and to your future aspirations in an effort to gain a better understanding of 'who you are.'

SS11-Feb. 3

TODAY......We investigated how the history of our nation STILL has an impact on us as citizens today.  The example we looked at was the residential schooling system and how its damage carries on(see website if you missed video).  We also did our first 'Historical Reflection' (again, see website).  We finished up this Chapter with some more notes on the Economy and Resources in Canada.  Then we investigated some answers to Laurier's quote in 1904, "Let me tell you, my fellow countrymen, that the twentieth century shall be the century of Canada and Canadian development."  What evidence have we seen thus far in our learning that would agree/disagree with Laurier's prediction? (feel free to comment below)

For Monday: BRING your cue cards-we will have some time to complete them.  Also....bring your textbook (due to our limited number I have only signed them out to those who would like them, first come, first serve......)

Psych 11/12-Feb.3

Today we did our share session on 'our favourite songs'.....awesome choices!  As we begin to discover exactly 'who we are' it is important to investigate many different avenues.  Music seems to connect with people and plays an important part in almost everyone's life.  It can commemorate a relationship, a feeling or a memory.  Why do you think music is such a powerful force? (feel free to comment below)

BTW: Monday-bring your 'letter brainstorms'

SS11-Feb. 2

WHOA!!  Had our first debate today-I can tell this group is passionate about their beliefs!  I love to use debate as a tool to enhance learning so this was a GREAT start!  We ended today's class talking about the injustices that many immigrants faced but most specifically, Aboriginal people in Canada during this time.  Tomorrow we will see how residential schools affected the lives of the Aboriginal people and hopefully gain a better understanding of how what we do in the past DOES have an affect on the future......We are ending our 'Pre-War' unit (by the end of tomorrow) so we will be discussing/taking some last notes and I will give you time to work on your 'Cue Card Assignment.'  I am also hoping to give you an introduction on how the 'portfolio' system in my class works!  See you tomorrow!

To bring tomorrow:
-textbook (if you have one)
-cue cards (and something to 'wrap' them together in, ex: elastic band, binder clip, etc)
-Reflections Journal.....(remember a notebook that is SEPERATE from your binder)

SS11-Feb. 1

Most of you brought personal artifacts that demonstrated your own 'Canadian Identity'-great work!  After sharing and writing about the artifacts we did a poll (using our cell phones) and had a discussion about 'Will America's influence over Canada increase or decrease over time?'  There were some great points and interesting insights about what our future holds......

Then-off to the 'good stuff'-the HISTORY!  We touched on Canada and what it means to be 'Canadian' today but what about in the early part of the 20th century (1896-1914)?  We talked about what society looked like, how Laurier ran things, French-English relations, the role of Britain, and immigration (please see PowerPoint on website as a reference or Ch. 1 in Counterpoints).  As we ended, I asked you to read pg. 10-11 in your text, it talked about some of the 'wrongs/injustices' that Canada has done in the past (ex: head tax, residential schools, Komagata Maru).  Tomorrow we will start there-a discussion question!

Should we (Canada) try to 'rights' the wrongs of past generations?  Please prepare a brief written response to this BEFORE class so we can begin right away!!

Psych 11/12-Feb.1

Today-we explored our own personal artifacts and how they are important in our lives.  We also did some exercises where you worked with a partner and they helped you to determine the true significance in your item.  We are using these same skills on Friday so you need to be prepared!  Please bring:
- a different personal artifact
- your favourite song (bring a device with your song loaded on to it)  Refer back to the criteria that I gave you in class........(hint: this song needs to have meaning to you-either today or in the past).
**also, bring your own set of headphones-seriously, anyone else find sharing headphones kinda 'yucky?'
Excited to hear your songs on Friday!!!!  (P.S.-check my blog again before Friday as I MAY be sharing what my daughter's favourite song is.....it is pretty cute!)

One more thing.........make sure you have your 'brainstorm' for your letter assignment completed by Friday.  We will be working on this assignment next week:)