In FE8B Math we have been learning about different kinds of surveys like a census or a sample and how to tell if they are biased or reliable. I think it's interesting stuff to learn because you can use it in the future if, let's say, you were reading a survey that said 90% of Canadians' favourite sport is Beach Volleyball. But then, maybe it was only a sample taken from the people who went to Ashbridge's Bay, Toronto in a certain week. And maybe it was biased because the only people interviewed were those who were at the beach volleyball courts. So, therefore, you have to find out who was actually surveyed for the data before you take it extremely seriously. I'm not postive, but I'm pretty sure that not 90% Canadians think Beach Volleyball is their favourite sport, but it could easily be true about people playing Beach Volleyball at a beach.

In FE8B Science we are learning about simple machines and mechanical advantage. This knowledge will then be used in our making of the Rube Goldberg machines. It is cool to learn about the 6 simple machines (inclined plane, lever, wheel and axle, screw, wedge/gear, and pulleys) because you realize how much they are used in our lives. For example, in the summer I go to sailing camp and on a sailboat there are so many different pulleys. I never really realized it before, but there are aleast 7 pulleys on a sailboat that I can think of at the moment. Also on a sailboat are two 1st class levers: the centre board and the rudder. Here is a diagram of them all, the pulleys are green and the levers are red.



So that is what we have been learning in Math and Science and I personally am very excited for the Science unit especially as making the Rube Goldberg machine seems fun and interesting.
Until Next Wednesday,
-K