Science: Science assignments were collected.
Math: there was a unit test today, so students are simply assigned knowledge hook for homework.
Geography: some students will present on Monday.
Art: some students still have to present their art projects.
Reading: complete chapter 8 questions from the Outsiders; your book review is due Monday, June 10th.
Media: Monday, June 24th, your group newspapers are due.
Oral: you must have your lines learned by Monday, June the 3rd..

Science: there is a "good news and bad news" assignment that is due tomorrow regarding a positive aspect of science and a negative aspect of science
Reading : complete chapter 8 questions of the Outsiders; they are due on due Monday
Geography: we have to finish up our presentations about specialized crops.
Media: we have to begin putting together our articles for our group newspapers.
Math: there is math test tomorrow on transformations and pattering
There is track and field today and on Monday.
Oral: learn your lines for the play; next week, you are not allowed to use your scripts in front of the audience.

Science: Friday,  May 31st, there is a science assignment.
Geography: we still have to present the projects on specialized crops and please review your notes on rivers and oceans
Reading: complete questions for chapter 7 of the Outsiders and complete your book review
*After next week, we will no longer allow scripts on stage.  You must have your lines learned.*

Math: work on your knowledge hook
Reading: complete questions for chapter 7 of the Outsiders
Geography: review your notes regarding rivers and oceans
Science: there is a science test tomorrow; complete article review.
*Be sure to finish your book review.
*Begin work on your group newspaper.
*Memorize your lines for the play.
*Get your costumes ready for the play.

Math: page 443  #1-7, 1 & 12

Science: on the 30^th, there is science project; there is test on the 29^th; be sure to read the article regarding invasive species for the upcoming test.

Reading: complete your rough copy of your  book review;  you should have chapter 6 completed of the Outsiders.

Math: page 439 #1-14; knowledge hook needs to  be done; there is a test on Thursday, June the 6th.
Science: there is a news package or project to complete that is due on Friday, May 31st; there is a science test on Wednesday, May the 29th.
Reading: tomorrow, we will take up chapter 5 from the Outsiders.

Math: an in class assignment was completed today
Reading: you should have completed questions for chapters 4, 5, & 6; be sure to bring your answers to class; you need to have the rough copy of your historical book review completed.
Writing: we are working on "how to write a newspaper article" in class.
Geography: we are beginning the unit on rivers and oceans.
Health: tomorrow, the girls have an assignment that is due.
Science: there is a science project due on Wednesday, May the 29th; there is a test on Thursday, May the 30th.
Oral: be sure to rehearse your lines for the play.

Math: page 426 #1-7 regarding unit 13 transformations and properties of angles; work on knowledge hook
Reading: students should have questions completed up to chapter 6;  you should be finishing up your book review
Writing: you must have your song and fashion/video review done by this week
Oral: you have two weeks left before we take the scripts away while you are rehearsing on stage
Science: on Wednesday, May 29th, students must complete an article review that examines a positive and negative story regarding ecosystems
Geography: today, we looked at the topic of rivers and oceans
Health: the girls need to complete a worksheet by Thursday, May 23rd.

Grade 7: Characteristics of Rivers and Oceans

Part A: Vocabulary

1.     watershed- the highest physical point where water flows in one or two direction

2.     drainage basin-the area drained by a river system

3.     source- water can originate from a spring, a glacier or high point i.e. mountain

4.     tributary- creeks, streams, and small rivers lead into a major river

5.     channel- the lowest point where all water flows in a river

6.     floodplain- the lowest region that usually overflows with water

7.     meander- a turn, bend or loop in a river

8.     riverbank- the side of the river

9.     river bed- it is the bottom of the river

10.                        delta- where all the sediment or fine silt  builds at the mouth of the river in a triangular shape

11.                        mouth- the part of the river where it flows into a larger body of water

12.                        deposition- a process by which weathered material is laid down or deposited by wind, water, and ice

13.                        braided river- a shallow river flows over a flat area to carry a heavy load of sediment.  It drops materials which form small bars of sand and the river becomes a maze of interconnected channels as it flows around them

14.                        meandering river- a shallow river flows over a flat area and the water flows into a curve as it strikes the outer river bank  that is made of soft rock and erodes easily

15.                        erodes- wears away through time, temperature, water, wind and strength of rock

16.                        levees- the banks or sides of the river can be built up naturally or through construction projects in order to protect homes from the river bursting at the sides and destroying or flooding property

17.                        estuary- partly enclosed body of water where the fresh water of the river mixes with the ocean’s salt water; this is where sediment can be stirred up and a unique ecosystem can exist

18.                        gyre- is a large circular oceanic surface current

19.                        the North Atlantic Drift- a current which originates from the Gulf of Mexico and flows across the Atlantic to Western Europe which keeps their ports ice- free

20.                        El Nino- every 2 to 7 years warm water is pushed from the western Pacific across to the eastern Pacific near South America

21.                        La Nina- the cooling of the surface water near South America every 3 to 5 years

22.                        Algae- a simple plant ranging from one-celled forms to seaweed and giant kelp

23.                        the continental shelf- the shallow gently sloping submerged zone of a continent next to an ocean

24.                        river diversion- in order to meet the needs for people, rivers are redirected through canals, dams, and new man-made river channels; about 70% of the rivers have been redirected

25.                        canal- a waterway that tallows boats to travel where there was once land; it is a wide and deep ditch that is not  lined with rock or concrete  i.e. the Welland Canal in the Niagara Region connect Lake Erie and Lake Ontario; the Erie canal connect Lake Erie to the Hudson River; the Panama Canal connects the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean

26.                        dam- a barrier that is built across a river and water is diverted to turn blade on a turbine which converts the energy from the falling water into electricity; the held back water can be diverted to a reservoir or man-mad lake and be used for farms, industries and communities

27.                        reservoir- it can be the new lake or widened river that exists behind or next to the dam

28.                        pollutants- harmful substances that enter the environment i.e. dioxins and mercury can cause cancer

29.                        sewage- waste material that is carried from homes and commercial factories

30.                        treated- sewage and wastewater that has undergone a process to remove contaminants so that it can be safely returned to the environment

What do oceans do?

1.     Their currents can warm or cool land masses.

2.     Their temperatures and currents can create weather systems. El Nino and La Nina can affect global climate patterns and result in many storms.

3.     They change the land since waves and currents erode rocks and cliffs over time or create sea stacks.  Their erosion turns sea shells and rocks into fine particles of sand.

4.     They affect climate since the winds move the heat from the equator to the Polar Regions while the surface temperature is affected by latitude or the direct or indirect rays of light. The because of the spin or rotation of the Earth the ocean currents turns clockwise in the North and counter in the South.

5.     They affect habitats since the depth, light, temperature and chemical makeup of the water create a variety of habitats.  The deeper colder layers contain nutrients and CO2 which are brought up to the warmer surface layers.  This allows different types of algae to grow in the sun.  Therefore, oceans affect the living conditions of many marine plants and animals.

Pollution

Factors, fertilizers and pesticides wash off lawns and farmers’ fields.  Nitrogen and phosphate runoff from farms can feed algae that choke out the oxygen levels in lakes such as Lake Erie in the 1970’s.  Water pollution kills 14 000 people a day.  Untreated sewage that gets into waterways can get into waterways and raise the E-coli levels in lakes.  Bacteria and viruses can be harmful to living things.

Ocean Habitats

Coral colonies are tiny marine organisms whose secretions form colourful underwater structures that can be hard or soft.  Coral can be physically damaged or it can die from the acidity levels or PH levels changing in the ocean.

There are several reasons why there is a loss of habitat in oceans:

1)    Fish nets are dragged across the ocean floor and the sediment smothers nearby reefs.

2)    Poor farming practise result in large amount of soil washing off the land and into the oceans.

3)    Tour boats collide with the fragile reefs or divers break off chunks intentionally or intentionally for souvenirs.  Coral jewelry is banned in certain countries.

4)    Coral is mined to use as road-fill or bricks for homes.

5)    Chemicals feed the algae and the algae blooms block out the sunlight, which the coral needs to grow.

Polluting the Oceans

1)    Toxins enter the food chain and either accumulate in the animals and destroy the food chain.

2)    Algae uses up the all the oxygen in the ocean if it overfed by farmer runoff.  Hence, fish die.

3)    Oil spills release harmful levels of oil that harm sea life.  For example the Exxon Valdez ruined pristine wildlife along the shores of Alaska during the 1980’s.

How do we protect the Earth’s rivers and oceans?

1)    Set water quality guidelines.

2)    Make strict regulations.

3)    Encourage technology.

4)    Switch to renewable resources.

5)    Limit the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

6)    Encourage consumer awareness.

Math: complete your ladder of inference; work on knowledge hook
Reading: read and answer questions to chapter 5 of the Outsiders; complete your dislike section of your historical fiction book review
Writing: students should have their song or video game/fashion review column completed for the class newspaper
Geography: Wednesday, May 15th, there is a test on the unit regarding vegetation
Students will be at the Ontario Science Centre tomorrow.  Dress accordingly and bring your lunch.

Math: page 413 #1-17; there is a unit test tomorrow.

Grade 7: Why is Vegetation Important?

Without working with our vegetation rather than against it, we put ourselves and the planet at great risk.

1.      ecosystem- interactions that link living and non-living parts of the environment

2.      natural vegetation-plants that are natural to an area and grow freely there

3.      boreal – of the North or northern region

4.      tropical – between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn

5.      subtropical – just north of the Tropic of Cancer and just south of the Tropic of Capricorn

6.      Equatorial zones exist along the equator which are ideal for coffee.

7.      tundra – vast Arctic region without trees where the soil is frozen all year round

Vegetation Zone                                             Climate                                   Description     

8.      Tropical broadleaf forest                  -large and frequent rainfall   - broad or flat leaves

9.      Subtropical broadleaf forest             -large rainfall yet dry months -deciduous

10.  Mediterranean forest                                    -moderate rainfall                 -woodlands, shrubs &

cork & olive trees

11.   Broadleaf deciduous forest              -moderate rainfall throughout  -deciduous i.e. oak,

the year                                   beech, and maple

12.  Mixed forest                           -steady precipitation                        coniferous/deciduous

13.  Needle leaf evergreen                                    -snow & short growing          -coniferous, needle-

season                                     like i.e. spruce & pine

or boreal forest                                                                                  -lichen and moss

14.  Tropical grasslands                            -short moist season               -grassland for grazing

animals i.e. zebras

15.  Mid-latitude grassland                       -cold winters/warm summers – tall & short grasses

 -root systems are matted

16.  Semi-desert scrub                              -high rates of evaporation    -sagebrush & dwarf

shrub

17.    Desert                                                                    -hot days and cool nights                    -long rooted plants

-less leaves to reduce

evaporation

18.    Tundra and high-mountain                 -moisture is locked in the                   -permafrost except

vegetation                                                             snow                                                       for top few cms i.e. lichen

The 5 Benefits of Vegetation

Without plants, there would more soil erosion and there would be the less maintenance of the water cycle.  The Earth could not absorb higher CO2 levels while oxygen levels would be depleted.  Global warming and climate change would increase.

1.      Oxygen is produced through photosynthesis. This is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy for growth.

2.      Natural habitats provide animals their food, water, shelter, and protection from predators.  Habitats provide animals with all their needs for survival.

3.      Resources from plants are used for shelters, transportation, clothing, medicine, and domestication of wild plants for food sources.

4.      Recreation or ecotourism is less possible without vegetation.  People who wish to may a low impact on the environment yet still enjoy nature.

5.      Spiritual connections are very common for indigenous groups who use plants for ceremonial and medicinal purposes such as sweet grass, sage, and cedar.

How do natural factors and vegetation interact?

Moisture levels are determined by precipitation and evaporation that occurs in a region.

Precipitation is the amount of water in the form of rain, snow or sleet that falls in an area.

Evaporation or the loss of moisture can be retained by plants.  In order for plant life to thrive, evaporation levels cannot be too great.  

The temperature of the Earth varies with latitude.  The natural vegetation adapts to the amount of light and moisture.

Photosynthesis requires light but it also requires a temperature range between 6 to 20 degrees Celsius for ideal conditions. 

The elevation in an area affects climate, since air particles are further spread apart.  Therefore, the temperature drops, the air becomes dry, and the soil becomes thin. Where trees can no longer grow on mountains, a treeline forms.

Soil acts as an anchor for plants and decomposing plants return nutrients to it.  Without nutrients, soils become depleted and unsuitable for farming.

How Vegetation and Climate Interact

1.      By storing water in roots, plants can decrease the moisture levels in regions.

2.      Photosynthesis actually cools the air since leaves absorb sunlight.

How Vegetation, Climate and Soil Interact

Humus or decaying plants are deposited in the top layers of the soil.  These nutrients are drawn into the soil after rainfall and feed future plants.  The cycle continues.

Timeline for Desertification

Between 7000 B.C.E.  and 4000 B.C.E., the grasslands of the Sahara or North Africa turned  to desert because of grazing animals and weather patterns.  If land is mismanaged, it can easily turn to desert.

Reducing Natural Vegetation

One third of the Earth is now farmland rather than natural vegetation.

Losing Forests

Historically and currently farmers have used ‘slash-and-burn’ techniques on forests  to create farmland, roads, cities, and other settlements. Clear cutting also contributes to soil erosion, landslides, and desertification since roots are lost and the land is quickly worn away over a short period of time.

Burning grasslands was a common practise for farmers who let their animals overgraze.  Farmers would set fire to grasslands to encourage new growth for their animals to eat.  This process accelerates top soil erosion.

Preserving vegetation through ecotourism is an effort to preserve the environment while learning and minimizing one’s carbon footprint or detrimental effects on an environment. 

How do changing vegetation patterns affect species?

Loss of Biodiversity

The following areas of the greatest levels of biodiversity: Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Ecuador, and Australia.

A rise in non-native plant species lead to a loss of natural species. Invasive species cause native species to become extinct.

What now?  How do we manage our forests, so we avoid clear cutting or slash and burn techniques.

The Current Situation:  Forests both contribute to production of oxygen, the creation of natural habitats, and the cleansing of the environment. However, clear cutting methods destroy them.

Question: How do we make logging sustainable, yet at the same time appease the stakeholders involved in forestry?

 Who are the stakeholders or people affected by the logging industry?

A)     Indigenous people__________________________________.

B)     Logging companies_________________________________.

C)     People who want work______________________________.

D)     Consumers who want wood products ___________________.

E)      Politicians who wish to be (re)-elected or have a prosperous

economy for tax revenues and higher employment_________________________________________.

A)         Indigenous People can have their lands untouched by logging companies while profits from the Amazon can go towards the sustainment of their traditional communities.

B)         Logging Companies can practise selective cutting, replant, and re-invest profits into the community.

C)         People who want work can work for eco-tourism and tree planting organizations.

D)        Consumers who want wood products can choose from replanted forests, bamboo sources or reclaimed wood sources.

E)         Politicians who wish to

be (re)-elected or a prosperous

economy for tax revenues and

higher employment can refuse to do trade with countries that do not practise proper foresting techniques and re-invest tax revenues into reforestation efforts.

Math: page 413 #1-3,5,7,8,11,14,15, & 17-23; be sure to work on knowledge hook; there is a math test quiz tomorrow and on Friday, there is a unit test.

Geography: on Wednesday, May 15^th, there is a test on vegetation; you project on a specialized crop should be completed and ready to present.

Writing: students should have their song review done today and their review on fashion or  a video game by Monday.

Reading: you should have chapters 1 &2 done regarding the Outsiders

French: there is a test on Friday regarding verbs and vocabulary.

Music: be sure to finish up your song within two classes.

*Providing that it does not rain, there is track and field tomorrow.

*Bring in any donations for the breakfast basket.

*Bring in your trip forms for the science trip as soon as possible.

Math: page 407 #1-3,5,7,9,11,13,14,16,17,& 19-23
Reading: read and complete questions for chapters 1 and 2 of the novel, the Outsiders
Geography: review your notes regarding vegetation
Writing: complete your song review by Wednesday and either a fashion or video game review by Friday

Math: page 401 #1-3, 4-9, 11-16
*We are still looking for volunteers for our upcoming trip to the Ontario Science Center.

Math: there is a quiz tomorrow on variables; complete knowledge hook; Mr. Watt will be checking the assigned homework from yesterday.

Writing: students need to work on their song review which is due next Wednesday, the May 8^th.

Geography: your specialized crop project is due Tuesday, May the 7^th.

Music: complete blues lyrics for your song.

Art: your art project is due Monday, May the 6^th.

Track and field will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Bring in your permission forms for the Ontario Science Centre.

7B is making a gift basket.  The theme is “Breakfast of Champions” or “What’s for Breakfast?”  Please bring in donations such as pancake syrup or a box of cereal.