Mastering the basics: key skills taught in MARS
On Wednesday, September 14th, Rockway students participated in the first of two Academic MARS (Meet and Read/Study) sessions scheduled this year. This initiative originated from the visioning done during the Math Department’s Academic Program Review last year. The goal of this initiative was to address an area of need in both the Math/Science and Humanities Departments.
The grades 7-10 used the MARS period to address common calculator issues. The grade 7&8 group met in the library and participated in some activities to help them discern when it was advantageous to use a calculator and when it was better to do the math mentally. The students worked in groups which paired grade 7’s with grade 8’s so was useful in building relationships outside of their grade.
The grade 9’s & 10’s worked through exercises dealing with common calculators mistakes. They also learned how to use scientific notation on their calculators. The goal was to give students a head start on dealing with many of the common pitfalls we see in the math and science classrooms.
The English Department, with a skit, short talk, videos and hands on exercise, used the time to address the issue of plagiarism with the Grade 11’s and 12’s. Plagiarism was defined, examples of how to avoid the pitfalls and consequences of plagiarism were given, and a review of proper quoting and paraphrasing practices rounded out the time. The English Department at Rockway is committed to teaching the proper form and style of research and the importance of using other’s ideas with integrity.
In early February, the Academic MARS periods will be reversed; students in Grades 7-10 will learn about plagiarism and students in Grades 11 and 12 will be in-serviced on calculator use.
I would like to thank Mr. Klassen and Mr. Kruger, alongside their Departments, for facilitating this new initiative!
Ann L. Schultz – Principal
