Grade 6 - Dr. Holger Meinberg

Grade 6 students explored the properties of the O-wing glider, investigating how its flight responds to changes in the length of one of the two paper rings attached to the straw. Additionally, students who completed their O-wing glider experimented with different throwing techniques to observe their impact on flight. Some students attempted to enhance their glider by adding a third paper ring, although they did not observe improved flight properties. As a conclusion to the flight unit, students conducted research on the Air Canada Flight 759 incident, where a mistaken runway approach nearly led to a catastrophic collision on the taxiway. They also examined the Tenerife disaster, which stands as one of the most significant accidents in aviation history.

Grade 7 - Ms. Heather Exum

The week I eagerly watched as students presented their research presentations about a specific ecosystem, dangers to that ecosystem and how humans are helping prevent that damage. After presentations students got to work on their science showcase boards and I provided them with an agenda, checklist and exemplars to help them.

Grade 8-1   Dr. Holger Meinberg

This week, Grade 8 students progressed with their ongoing lab investigation, focusing on the diffusion of water from various solutions into gummi bears. Following the experimental design phase, they conducted their experiments in the lab to collect data for analysis and interpretation. Additionally, students were introduced to calculating the percent change in the mass of their gummi bears, a crucial aspect of their experimental findings.

Grade 8-2   Ms. Heather Exum

This week I assisted students in the final summative lab of the year. Students learned about percent change and got to use a new mathematical manipulation with this lab.

Grade 9 - Ms. Heather Exum

This week in my class, my students worked on an overview of genetics. Working with a book excerpt that I curated students would complete the questions for homework and then we would go over them in class. I called on students to read and answer the questions so that they could work on their speaking skills and guided them to the right answer if they were wrong.

Grade 10 - Mr. Nick Smith

Grade 10 Science students have continued with their Chemistry topic. Having now understood the structure of the atom they are capable of drawing electron structures for the first 20 elements. Students are now applying that knowledge to understand the formation of ions and how and why ionic bonds form. They now understand the ionic bond as the electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions. They also understand that ions form large lattice structures, where the ions are in fixed stoichiometric ratios. They are able to understand the formation of anions and cations, and identify the differnt forms of ions. They also understand the formation of ions based on forming stable outer valence shells. A fun activity to draw and label atoms was included this week.

Biology Class - Grade 11 - Ms. Marina Baltikian

This week in Grade 11 Biology, students wrapped up a summative assessment on the fundamental topic of Cell Structure (A2.2). Demonstrating their understanding of various cell components and their functions was a key focus. The class then moved on to explore the fascinating world of Organelles and Compartmentalization within Cells (B2.2). This topic delved deeper, particularly for Higher Level (HL) students, who received dedicated instruction on the intricate structures and specialized functions of organelles. To further enrich their understanding of cellular origins, HL students also participated in a separate session on Saturday exploring the fascinating theories surrounding A2.1, The Origin of Cells.

Chemistry Class - Grade 11 - Mr. Nick Smith

The main focus this week for Grade 11 Chemists has been to understand the concept of Enthalpy and to be able to do calculations of Enthalpy Changes. The practical lab used Calorimetry to investigate the enthalpy change of a displacement reaction. The reaction involved Zinc metal displacing Copper ions from solution. Students practiced using the vernier equipment, calculations of uncertainty understanding the theory of calorimetry and putting it to practical use in the lab.

ESS Class - Grade 11 - Mr. Samuel Ward

The grade 11 Environmental Systems and Societies students gained practical experience collecting abiotic data from various sources, as outlined in sub-topic 2.5 of investigating ecosystems. In the first part of the laboratory work, the students measured turbidity, pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen levels from water samples taken from three different sources, obtaining direct experience quantifying abiotic factors recommended for study in ecosystems. They then measured particulate matter (PM 2.5), relative humidity percentage, carbon dioxide concentration and air temperature both indoors and outdoors. Thus practicing techniques to quantify abiotic components of terrestrial environments.

Physics Class - Grade 11 - Mr. Geofrey Kivisha

The students conducted a comprehensive analysis of the basic concepts of electricity, including electric charge, potential, field, and potential. They obtained a comprehensive understanding of the interactions and contributions of these components to many events within the electromagnetic field. Furthermore, by obtaining this information, students enhanced their communication ability as one of the ATL skills, enabling them to articulate and comprehend complex scientific notions proficiently. They attain a thorough comprehension of the theoretical ideas and proficiently convey them.

Grade 6 (Ms. Joubert and Mr. Dooley)

Ms Joubert’s Grade 6 Phase 2/3 students are two weeks into UNIT 4, exploring professions and the work people do around the world. This week, students focused on organizations like VSO, a non-profit organization that aids Nepal's rural education and infrastructure. Engaging with unit vocabulary, students practiced their reading, writing, and listening skills whilst also preparing for an informal speaking presentation this coming Monday. Also, students completed their recorded interviews for CISH’s 10th Anniversary celebrations, culminating in a week of active language development.

Meanwhile Mr. Dooley’s Grade 6 class Language Acquisition class were also very busy. Students finished off their work for the 10-year anniversary celebration where they recorded interviews with staff and students about our experiences at the school and created a transcript of the audio. Students read about a person describing their experiences with public transport in Hong Kong and discussed how their hometown compares to their experiences. Students analysed a blog post describing how the public transportation may evolve in the future.

Grade 7 (Mr. Hood and Mr. Dooley)

Mr. Hood’s Grade 7s continued working on CISH’s 10th Anniversary interviews in their groups in which they conducted two interviews. One interview between each other and one interview with a chosen teacher. Upon completing their interviews, the Grade 7s then transcribed their interviews. The Grade 7s finished the week completing reading comprehensions.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dooley’s Grade 7 class Language Acquisition class were also very busy. Students finished off their work for the 10-year anniversary celebration whereby they recorded interviews with staff and students about their own personal experiences at the school followed by created transcript of the audio. Next students brainstormed different forms of communication and looked at how they could use formal and informal communication in different situations. This was followed by students reading about how people in the past used pigeons as a form of communication; the kind of content that would be appropriate, in what situation and to whom they would send it to.

Grade 8 (Mr. Hood and Ms. Bartoszak)

Mr. Hood’s Grade 8s spent the week drafting scripts for their 10th Anniversary interviews. Upon completing their scripts, the Grade were required to conduct two interviews followed by transcribing their interviews and then also had to add pictures of the people they had interviewed. The Grade 8s practiced communication and collaboration skills throughout the week and also used time management to finish the interviews on time.

Meanwhile, Ms Bartoszak’s Grade 8 students continued their engagement in drafting, recording and taking pictures of their interviews. Grade 8’s did a range of interviews: teachers, peers, and small group interviews, sharing their experiences at CISH. Students then focused on their presentational skills as they wrote up their scripts and uploaded their photos, all of which was a great opportunity to also develop their ATL skills: organization, timing and social. 

Grade 9 (Mr. Hood and Mr. Dooley)

Mr. Hood’s Grade 9s completed their 10th Anniversary interviews this week. Students worked very effectively during their interviews and showed great collaboration in terms of dividing work equally to make the task more manageable, assisting each other both in and outside the classroom. The Grade 9s also communicated well this week and regularly asked questions to gain a better understanding of the task and will continue with their Unit 4 work next week.

Meanwhile Mr. Dooley’s Grade 9 Language Acquisition class were also very busy. Students finished off their work for the 10-year anniversary celebration whereby they recorded interviews with staff and students about personal experiences at the school and created a transcript of the audio. Students looked at the how a chamber orchestra from Norway that travels the world making music and then discussed their favorite varied form of entertainment and how it has evolved over time. At the end of the week student read the story of Lego and how it changed from a tire manufacturer into a toy manufacturer.

Grade 10 (Ms Najuma and Mr. Dooley )

In Ms. Najuma's grade 10 English class, students will continue to hone their listening skills through regular weekly activities. This week's topic centered on 'Team Building'. Using a KWL chart, students first reflected on their existing knowledge and curiosities about WWII and the Holocaust before diving into their unit 4 novel, “Maus.” Additionally, the class explored the reading features of tone, style, and register through a video presentation and accompanying note taking.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dooley’s Grade 10 class Language Acquisition class were also very busy. Students finished off their work for the 10-year anniversary celebration whereby they recorded interviews with staff and students about our experiences at the school and created a transcript of the audio. Students used a KWL chart to investigate how much they already know about the Holocaust and identified areas they would like to explore further. A the end of the week, students started reading the first div of the Maus book looking for how the main characters interact with each other and what they could gleam about their relationships.

Grade 11 (Ms. Bartoszak)

Ms Bartoszak’s students in Grade 11 started the week developing their listening skills whilst watching a short informative trailer video on Plastic Oceans Foundation. They also developed their note taking skills, which was continued by listening to Ted Talk given by Lauren Singer about living a zero waste life. Students then used the information from their notes as well as their own ideas and under exam conditions they wrote an official report. This was also a practice for their end of year exam whereby students need to write a text within a set time. 

Grade 12 (Mr. Kiefer and Ms. Bartoszak)

Mr. Kiefer’s and Ms Bartoszak’s students continued to focus on reviewing their writing skills. Students focused on analysing the scenario and identifying language features as well as audience and purpose. They also discussed the most appropriate text type and why. Students continued to revise text type unique features as well as register, tone and language to suit specific audience and purpose.