Don't miss the new Harry Potter exhibition at the Ontario Science Center. There are tons of items on display from the movie and information on mythical creatures.

Click here to visit the exhibit website!

The Water Cycle

Tomorrow during Science we will be discussing the Water Cycle. Check out this video - the song might help introduce the topic so you'll all be ready to contribute in discussion after we perform our experiment.

For more information on the Water Cycle, click visit this website.

Medieval Kids

Since we've just started our unit on Medieval Society in Social Studies, I bet you're wondering what life was like for kids in the Middle Ages. Life for Medieval children wasn't all about doing chores around the house, learning a trade or helping around the farm. Kids in the Middle Ages were actually a lot more like you than you might think.

Here's an artifact that was found in England and can be traced back to the Middle Ages, it's a tin soldier that a young boy would of had as a toy - I'm sure some of you played with or still play with soldier toys or small figurine toys like army men or Transformers.

Here's a doll from the 16th Century. Many of you played or still play with dolls or barbies. Medieval dolls were very popular with children from royal or noble families, some children even had clothes for their dolls. Children that did not come from wealthy families sometimes had dolls too but they were not as elaborate.

So, Medieval children had toys, just like you. They also played games, many of which you're probably familiar with...but we'll be talking about those in class, maybe even playing a few too!

Click here for more information on the Middle Ages!

Studying for Tests and Quizzes.

Studying for tests and quizzes can be very stressful. The most important thing you can do to be sure your ready and and feel confident is learn to study correctly. We all have different learning styles so some of these suggestions may work better for some people than others but here are a few tips and tricks that may help you get ready for a big test.

Pace yourself
Craming the night before a test is not only stressful but it usually isn't that effective! Your better off using your time wisely and setting aside a little time each day for about a week before the test to prepare yourself.

Get Organized
It is important that all your study materials are organized so you don't need to go on a search for things when you start to study. Also, refer to your textbook, notes, homework and handouts when studying - one might explain a concept better than the other!

Peace and Quiet
Make sure you study in a quiet space with few distractions. Sitting in front of the television won't do you any good. If you're feeling tired or distracted, take a quick break.

Buddy System
You may want to ask a parent or friend to help you study. They may quiz you on what you know or you can pretend you are a teacher and teach them all about what you're studying!

The Night Before
The night before a test or quiz get plenty of rest, you'll need to be alert and well rested in order to perform at your best.

The Big Day
One the day of the test or quiz make sure to eat a good breakfast, it will give you the energy you'll need to put all that studying to good use! Most importantly, relax! If you've done the best you can be happy, take a few deep breathes and rock that test!

For more tips on studying click here!

Geography Song

As promised, here is the geography video from yesterday's class! Glad everyone found it entertaining. Bonus marks for any student who can memorize the whole song!

Calling All Poets!

The Toronto Reading Council is having a poetry contest. If selected your poem will be featured in an anthology with their photo and their writing will be read by a published author and featured on a CD.The contest ends April 30th! Check out this website for more details on how to enter.

Albion Hills Class Trip

Just a friendly reminder to students and guardians that our trip to Albion Hills Conservation Area is next Tuesday (March 30th). The weather is always questionable at this time of year so students are asked to please come prepared in case it rains.

If you would like to visit the Albion Hills Website

I hope you're excited as I am!