Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior Secondary

Image taken from Washington Post at http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/gallery/100401/GAL-10Apr01-4193/media/PHO-10Apr01-217693.jpg

Land of Fire and Ice

Please visit the hotlinks embedded within this post to learn more about this current event.

Just when things seemed to be calming, the outstanding volcano currently erupting in Iceland has strengthened. This came shortly after the European Union lifted its ban on air traffic creating three flight zones that will be used to ease the effects of the airline deadlock. This news was taken from the following VOA news site: http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/europe/Volcano-Eruption-in-Iceland-Strengthens-91560844.html.

Image taken from http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/04/19/article-1267116-0930DE20000005DC-99_634x328.jpg

Visit this YouTube link to see this outstanding volcano in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS9FgSVKeN4. Much of the sound distortion in the latter 2/3 of the clip appears to be from the chopper.

Iceland has a rich history with volcanoes due to its location over the hotspot known as the Iceland Plume. This volcanic hotspot, supposed to be the creator of Iceland, is situated between the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia. The spreading of these continental plates has been observed and measured on land. Read more about Iceland and its volcanoes at the following site: http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/en/iceland.html.

Image taken from http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/lemke/geog101/images/18m_iceland_usgs.gif

As Europe deals with the most significant airline economical crisis since 911, the volcano, named Eyjafjallajokull continues to spew its lava and ash into the atmosphere without any consideration of human need. The enormous economic effect that this volcano is causing no doubt will cause airlines, business and travelers great financial strain, but we must also consider the effects such a volcano has on the ecosystem of Iceland.

Image taken from http://www.freefoto.com/images/1341/07/1341_07_1---The-Blue-Lagoon--Iceland-_web.jpg

Please visit this site (http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/290858) to learn about the local effects the Icelandic volcano is having on the ecology, economics, and people of Iceland.

Please respond to this current event with any big idea you may have. We ask that you support your positions with specific examples you have taken from the hotlinks provided or research conducted on your own. If you are stuck for ideas, consider the following thought provoking questions:

• One facet that may separate humans from the rest of the world is our ability to use technology to support our needs and wants. We use technology to control nature and this is why humans can live in the most extreme places. Does this event support the idea that humans are separate from nature? Explain.
• Can humans control nature, or does nature have the ultimate say?
• Other than the effects noted in this post, what are other effects of this volcanic eruption?
• What type of volcano is erupting in Iceland and how can you compare it to other volcanoes in the world (think Hawaii)?
• Why might people live in such a nation as Iceland where volcanic activity is common? How does volcanic activity affect the people and ecology of Iceland?

This weblog will be assessed based on the rubric developed as a class. We are now adding a research component whereby an accomplished post must have evidence within to support a position. Please ask for clarification if needed.  You can use the video or audio feedback tools on edublogs to respond to this post, but you must submit a script of your response.

Image taken via Google Images

Snowmobiling is a favourite pastime by many outdoor enthusiasts, and is something that is enjoyed here in Tatla Lake. The exhilarating ride on a snowmobile offers many a euphoric feeling that provides great enjoyment. Without a doubt snowmobiling has its followers, and every season in BC people succumb to fatal snowmobiling accidents usually caused by an avalanche.

Image taken via Google Images

High marking is something snowmobile enthusiasts enjoy, and this is when a snowmobiler attempts to reach the highest possible elevation. Check out this YouTube clip of a High Maker:1010 High Marking. On Friday, an Alberta man died from an avalanche that was triggered from high marking. Check out this CBC report to learn more about this tragic accident. 

This accident follows on the heel of the Boulder mountain slide where two snowmobilers were killed and several were injured during a popular snowmobiling event, the Big Iron Shootout. Please visit the CBC report regarding this incident.

Without a doubt, outdoor activities come with risk, and users need to understand how to play safely.  It is unfortunate that people lose their lives when participating in activities that bring so much joy. Please reflect on this matter from any stance you wish, or you can consider one or more of the following though provoking questions.

• If you are a snowmobile enthusiast, describe what you like about this activity and what it does for you.
• What precautions should people take when snowmobiling?
• How might high marking trigger an avalanche?
• If you are snowmobiling up a steep slope with friend, how might you best protect yourselves against an avalanche?
• Should snowmobilers have to pass a licence test, much like a driver’s exam? 
• Is there etiquette involved with snowmobiling, or a code of conduct that all snowmobilers should follow?

2010 Winter Olympics

image taken via Google images

The 2010 Winter Olympics are well under way in Vancouver and Whistler. Hosting such an event is a great undertaking, and one that VANOC (Vancouver Organizing Committee) and the host cities have spent considerable time and effort preparing for. The cities of Vancouver and Whistler are bustling with excitement as fans and athletes celebrate and participate in the various Olympics events. As of Sunday, February 20^th, Canada is 5^th in the medal standings with 4 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze. If you wish to receive updates regarding the winter Olympics you can check out the following website: http://www.vancouver2010.com/ .

Jasey Jay Anderson wins gold in Men's Snowboard Parallel Slalom

Update: Morning of February 28

Canada has jumped into 3rd in the medal standings, but  of greater notice is the amount of gold medals currently held. Canada has 13 gold medals, the most of any nation, and with the pending Canda Vs. USA gold medal hockey match tonight, this number could rise.  Check out the following site for details surrounding our medal count. http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/story/2010/02/27/sp-canada-gold-otp.html 

Men's Ski Cross

 The Olympics haven’t been without some tragedy and controversy. In the midst of a low economic state in Canada, some people feel the Olympics are an unnecessary expense and that the money could be spent on social needs. There have been protests since the start of the games with most of the people protesting in a non-violent manner. During a training run, Georgian luge competitor, Nodar Kumaritashvili suffered a fatal accident when his sled left the track. The opening ceremony was dedicated to the life of Nodar Kumaritashvili.

image taken via Google images

Please share some of your thoughts surrounding the Olympics, and you may want to consider some of the following points/questions.

• What is your opinion about the Olympics games?
• What is your favourite event at the winter Olympics? Describe the event, athletes and any other details you wish to share.
• Do you think it is important for Canada to have a good medal standing at these Olympics? Explain with detail.
• Do you think we should be hosting the Olympics in BC?
• What do you think hosting the Olympics might do for winter sports in our country?
• The Canadian government has spent millions in training athletes for the winter Olympics and the committee supporting this is called “Own the Podium”. Check out http://www.ownthepodium2010.com/ to learn more about their mission and goals. Do you think “Own the Podium” is a good motto for our Olympic athletes to use?

image taken via Google images @ http://www.momgoesgreen.com/wp-content//haiti-quake.jpg

On Tuesday, January 12 a massive earthquake struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake was centred just south of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The quake was followed soon after by two strong aftershocks. Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, was left in utter chaos as people tried to make sense of the  devastation that quickly took hold of their home.

Please visit the following site to learn more about the Haiti earthquake as reported on January 13, 2010 by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation).  Please be advised that this report contains graphic video taken soon after the quake.   http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8455629.stm

image taken via Google images @ http://www.eastvillagers.org/uploads_article/1000/47/0_3989.jpg

Smoking

Image taken via Google Images @ http://blog.arendsen.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/smoking2.jpg

At one time smoking was socially acceptable, and the public knew little about how harmful smoking is to your health. Through the years we have gained much more knowledge about the perils of smoking, and we now know that smoking can not only kill you, but can seriously harm the health of those around you. Some estimates indicate that 50% of those who smoke may die as a direct result.

Image taken via Google Images @ http://www.accessrx.com/health-articles/files/media/image/smoking_silhouette.jpg

In the past and today even, tobacco companies have promoted their product as a hobby with esteem and have associated it with a healthy lifestyle. Tobacco companies have also targeted children in their advertising knowing how easy it is to become addicted to smoking. Many people find it extremely difficult to quit smoking and will try many different measures to kick the habit.

Image taken via Google Images @ http://carryoncitizens.com/files/af1-marlboro.jpg

We will be creating a technological awareness project surrounding smoking, but we first need to become informed about the many effects of smoking.

Your Task:

Choose one of the topics below and research it using Google Scholar @ http://scholar.google.ca/ . This search engine will provide you with more academic and trustworthy resources, but do keep in mind that everything posted on this search site is not necessarily factual. Jot down some notes for your topic and write down the URL and author of your information. Take these notes and write a paragraph or two reporting on your topic. We will collate (organize) this information and use it for our smoking awareness project.  Post this paragraph with your information source noted on the weblog.

Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance and/or validity of your information. Your submission of a paragraph (minimum) of information will be credited towards your final smoking awareness project.

Topics:

• Ingredients in cigarette tobacco (including chemicals) S
• Describe the ingredients in tobacco that are toxic C
• Describe the effects smoking use can have on your health (adult or youth user) A
• Describe the effects tobacco smoke may have on a non-smoker (i.e., second hand smoke)
• Describe the effects second hand smoke may have on children M
• Describe the effects tobacco use may have when a women smokes during pregnancy AB
• Describe why people may choose to smoke
• Describe the growth and production process MZ
• Describe how smoking is advertised in the media (past and present)

taken from Google Images @ http://www.gfxcomments.com/media/72/Christmas-Animations-171-4PJADIR5P7.gif

Hello Everyone,

On Thursday, December 17 we invite you to gather at Tatla Lake School for an evening Christmas Gala. The event begins @ 5pm and includes the following:

• sit down dinner hosted by PAC
• student awards presentation
• student performance of “Angel Pig”
• Christmas Caroling
• Student presentation of writing samples
• All ages dance to follow

Supper tickets are $15 for an adult and $10 for a child.  Please contact the school @ 250.476.1117 to make reservations.

Budget Reduction for 2010/11

Taken from Google Images @ http://citizentom.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/school.png

Hello Everyone,

As many of you are aware, our Board of Education for School District # 27 has announced that our district will need to reduce our expenditures by approximately three million dollars for the next school year. This reduction is in response to the downturn of our economy, and in particular financial pressures from declining enrolment, loss of funding protection, carbon credits, unfunded provincially mandated contractual obligations, and Medical Services Plan increases.

Our Board is currently reviewing options for reducing expenditures and will announce their ideas at the public Board meeting on January 14, 2010. No decisions have been made as we are in a time of review. If you have an idea of how to reduce expenditure that you would like to share, please post your idea here.  Your suggestions are a way for all of us to gain more insight into differing perspectives of educational stakeholders.

By clicking on the title of this post you will be given a screen at the bottom to post your comments.

Thank-you for your thought in this matter!

University Student Group Suspended!

image taken from wikipedia commons

The Student Society of McGill University (SSMU) in Montreal recently suspended an anti-abortion student group, Choose Life, from gathering and promoting their cause opposing abortion. The student society voted 16-7 in favour of suspending Choose Life, and the group is no longer able to use campus space for gathering, or supplying anti-abortion materials to people on campus. Criticism of Choose Life’s method of portraying their message may have led to the suspension. Graphic anti-abortion literature and complaints of harassment have been mentioned as reasons leading to this suspension.

Please keep in mind that all information you hear or read can be biased, and is not always an objective portrayal. This post is merely to get you thinking about different sides of important issues and does not portray personal opinion of the author.

Please visit the following CBC news report for more information:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2009/11/18/montreal-ssmu-pro-life-choose-life.html

You should also search for more information regarding this matter and may wish to consider the following keywords:

• Freedom of speech
• Human Rights
• Harassment
• Public Gatherings
• Distribution of information

You are to respond to this post with a well constructed paragraph response.  Your response should be focussed on one main idea, and if you wish to expand, please consider using more paragraphs. Please reflect on this matter how you see fit, or consider one or more of the following thought provoking questions.

• Many people believe in, and value freedom of speech as a basic human right. Do you believe that suspension of the Choose Life student group from McGill University violates this human right?
• Should controversial student groups be allowed to gather and promote their beliefs in public school institutions?
• Can you describe how promotion of beliefs in a public setting might cross an ethical boundary?
• Complaints of Choose Life’s tactics of promoting their beliefs may have led to the suspension. Do we know enough from this media report to really understand how Choose Life promotes their beliefs?

image taken through Google images @ http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/10/16/alg_balloon_floats.jpg

This past weekend the Heene family of Colorado caught the attention and spotlight of the media. Self-proclaimed inventors, Richard and Mayumi Heene reported that their six year old son was trapped in a free-floating helium balloon that the Heene’s created. News media and reporters scrambled to track the balloon’s (and child’s) journey that lasted for over one hour. When the balloon reached ground, the world soon learned that the child was not aboard, and that the child had been at home hiding in the attic.

Initially, police investigating the case reported nothing suspicious, and that the Heenes’ report of their missing child was valid. Upon further investigation and interviews of the Heene family, police are now reporting this incident as suspicious, and that the family may have been trying to capture media attention. The Heene’s have been on ABC’s reality show “Wife Swap” twice, and speculation is that the family is trying to secure their own reality show.

Please visit this CBC new report for further information regarding this event:

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/10/18/balloon-boy-charges.html 

Keeping in mind that much of this speculation has not been proven, respond to this event with one (or more) well-developed and supported paragraph(s). You may choose to respond with your own unique reflection, or you may wish to consider one (or more) of the following thought provoking questions.

1. If the Heene family did indeed stage this event as a publicity stunt, evaluate the costs and benefits of such media attention.
2. Do you feel we know enough information about this case to pass judgement?  Explain.
3. If the Heene parents did indeed believe that their child was trapped in the helium balloon, how do you think the media attention is affecting them now?
4. How might a life behind a reality show affect a family like the Heene’s?

Following the posting of your response, you will read the opinion of your peers, and provide them with respectful and constructive feedback.

Image taken from Google Images @ http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/kisatchie/images/kids/boy_girl_playing_leaves_hg_clr.gif

 

One Big Adventure

Jesse and John might at first glance appear to be average teenagers, but when you learn about their amazing adventures, you soon realize that these two are special. Jesse is a 14 year old girl and her cousin John who is 13 years old, attend the same school, and have been best friends since they were toddlers. Every week these two best friends end up going on an amazing adventure of some type. Whether it is when walking home from school, going to the store to buy snacks, or meeting their friends to play badminton, Jesse and John always end up having an extraordinary experience. 

To be continued…