Students will create some fabulous tessellations. 

The word tessellate is a verb which means to create a pattern with small interlocking squares, often mosaic tiles on a floor.  However tessellations are often used in other art forms.  There is even a link between tessellations and some math that 

we will be looking at soon.  M.C. Escher was a famous and very talented artist who was fascinated by tessellations.  You can watch a little video about him here. I know your tessellations will be as creative and beautiful as the examples on this page…or even more so!  It’s not difficult to make a tessellation, but you do need to be precise.  Imagination is key.

Follow these steps to make a basic tessellation:

1.   Use one of the square pieces of cardboard that I give you (three inches by three  inches).
2.   Draw a wiggly pattern from almost one corner to almost the other corner on the same edge of the square.  Don’t get too complicated or it will be difficult to cut.
3.   Cut out the shape carefully in one piece because you still need it.
4.   Carefully slide the cut out piece across the square to the opposite side without flipping it over or twisting it in any direction.  It’s a translation, not a reflection or a rotation.
5.   Tape the cut piece on to it’s new location.  Make sure that it is lined up directly across from where you took it.
6.   Trace the shape on a big piece of paper multiple times. It can be on an angle on the page, it doesn’t have to be straight.
7.   The tiles should fit together as perfectly as possible.
8.   Turn the paper around and look at it until you see something interesting in the shape.
9.   Sketch some detail into each shape, making them the same, or differing them in a repeated pattern.
10.   Add more detail with pencil crayon and shading.  Do not use markers.

You can create a more challenging tessellation by changing two sides of the square.  Have a look at this video if you’d like more of a challenge. Or, have a look at this website for a step by step explanation with pictures.

Remember, always do your best work!

Assigned:  Tuesday April 2, 2024
Due:  Friday April 26, 2024

A psychoactive substance is a drug or other substance that affects how the brain works and causes changes in mood, awareness, thoughts, feelings, or behavior.  Examples include nicotine, caffeine, and, among others, the substances below.

I am going to assign you to a group and a topic. Your group will examine one of the following topics, in detail, and present to the class:

1. caffeine
2. nicotine
3. alcohol
4. cannabis
5. magic mushrooms
6. opioids including fentanyl
7. cocaine and crack cocaine
8. heroin
9. ecstasy
10. methamphetamines

Remember to remain compassionate and thoughtful while you do this research. Some ideas for you to include in your presentation are:

1. What is a psychoactive substance?
2. What is addiction? How does addiction affect the brain/body?
3. Why do people use psychoactive substances, generally?
4. Describe the substance your group is studying. What is it? What type of drug is it? When, how, and by whom is it used? How commonly is it used? Is the substance addictive?
5. Is this substance used for a medical purpose?
6. What stigma is attached to the use of the substance you are studying?
7. Describe the addictive properties of this substance.
8. What problematic behaviours may occur with use of this substance?
9. Is the substance legal, controlled, or illegal?
10. What are the health risks associated with short term and long term use of this substance?
11. How does a person stop using the substance? Where can they get help?
12. Can you include a real life story of a person suffering from addiction to the substance you’re studying?

When creating your presentation, please do not do a question and answer format. Find an interesting way to organize the information.

Research

Here are some websites you may find helpful:

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

Canadian Centre for Addiction: Addiction Among Youth

Controlled and Illegal Drugs

Strengthening Canada’s Approach to Substance Use Issues

Drug Free Kids Canada

WebMD Street Drugs, Know the Facts and Risks

Decriminalizing People Who Use Psychoactive Substances

Public Safety Canada

Presentation

Please note: In all cases, you need to hand in a script of your whole project and presentation to me on paper.

Think about how you will present your knowledge to the class. Here are some ideas, which all involve all members of your group talking in front of the class:

• Create a slideshow or PowerPoint presentation
• Create a video
• Create and perform a news broadcast with an expert panel
• Write and present a speech
• Write and present a debate
• If you have another idea, talk to me about it first

Assigned: Tuesday April 2, 2024

Due: Monday April 29, 2024

• This is an individual project.
• Use our large white paper.
• Create, draw, and colour a not-so-scary monster/creature with a head, face, and limbs.
• Give your monster/creature a name.
• You can introduce your monster or have your monster introduce themselves.
• Describe it in French using the language of the body, colours, etc, that we have been learning.
• Use full sentences, in French.
• Have fun and, as always, do your best!

This is a fun and colourful project! You’ll be amazed at how well you can do.

• Choose a realistic magazine image or a card and place tape it to a piece of 8.5″ x 11″ paper. This is regular photocopy paper. Use a rolled piece of tape on the back for now. We will glue it down when finished.
• Imagine what is beyond the edges of the image that you have chosen.
• Sketch details lightly in pencil first.
• The more details you add, the better.
• Try to match the colours that are in your image using pencil crayons only.
• Expand the image as much as you can.
• Use these examples done by previous students as inspiration, but always do your own, best work.

Assigned: Monday January 8, 2024

Due Date: Friday February 9, 2024