What do you want to say, research, present that you haven't had a chance to yet? This is your chance!
You design this blog. The requirement is 300-500 words. At the beginning of the blog, you just need to say what your goal was before you write the actual blog. (i.e. I chose to do a summary of different personal stories around my issue OR I chose to do a review of another website that I have found very informative OR I am writing a research piece on why _______ happens OR this is my recommendation blog about what people should do about ________, etc.)
Vocab? Your choice: do you need to bring up that grade?
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Movie Review
Note: This blog is due 12/12 but I am posting it early for those of you who saw a movie over break and want a chance to do the write-up before you forget what you saw.
In class we discussed how to write a movie review and this is your opportunity to write a review for your fellow students.
Remember:
Blog length: 200-300 words
Two vocabulary words (remember to underline)
Respond to two other student blogs. Would you go see the movie based on their review?
In class we discussed how to write a movie review and this is your opportunity to write a review for your fellow students.
Remember:
- Catch their attention
- Summarize but don't give away the ending
- Give your opinion and back it up with specific examples
- Wrap it up and leave them a little something to think about
Blog length: 200-300 words
Two vocabulary words (remember to underline)
Respond to two other student blogs. Would you go see the movie based on their review?
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Interpreting Data
Consider: What insights are gained based on this data? Is the data reliable? Is the data complete? How might this info help someone understand your topic? What did you learn from the data?
Include: two vocab words and the citation!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Reflect and Reconsider
This is your personal reflection on what you've learned and written thus far. A one-page (250-500 words) personal essay response to: what you've learned, how you feel about your topic now, and what you still wonder. Develop each response topic with specific examples/explanations.How:
In your intro consider how you went about getting started on this project, from choosing a topic to creating your blog-- how was this process for you? What worked and didn't? What do feel you learned or gained in figuring it out?
In the body-- respond specifically and thoughtfully to what you've learned, your current understanding of, and current feelings on your topic.
To conclude, where are you now? What are you wondering? What will you find out in the second quarter?
As always: edit and use at least two vocab words
FYI: After Thanksgiving break you will be reviewing a film related to your topic, so start looking for a film that represents the issues you are researching-- you may want to watch it this weekend if you're really busy next week.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Deeper Research
Time to research! Choose one of your questions from the "10 questions" in class and look for answers! This should be a pretty BIG question with more than a "yes" or "no" answer.
Use the Internet, the public library databases, and the school library. Find as much info as you can. Then, write an expository essay (written to explain with an identifiable intro, body, conclusion) of 600-800 words that reports what you've found. In class on Tuesday, we will be reviewing what makes a strong essay and a strong thesis statement.
A few things to remember: 3rd person point of view, clear, supportable, identifiable thesis, each body paragraph focused on one point that supports thesis, and conclusion synthesizes what you've found.
Always: edited with two vocab words used well
Sources: @ least three with both in-text citations and a works cited at the bottom
Use the Internet, the public library databases, and the school library. Find as much info as you can. Then, write an expository essay (written to explain with an identifiable intro, body, conclusion) of 600-800 words that reports what you've found. In class on Tuesday, we will be reviewing what makes a strong essay and a strong thesis statement.
A few things to remember: 3rd person point of view, clear, supportable, identifiable thesis, each body paragraph focused on one point that supports thesis, and conclusion synthesizes what you've found.
Always: edited with two vocab words used well
Sources: @ least three with both in-text citations and a works cited at the bottom
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Great Debate
What are different points of view regarding your topic or a specific, controversial issue connected to your topic?
1) Find an editorial or other opinion piece for each side of the debate-- be sure that it is a credible opinion though, not a grocery store tabloid. I highly recommend Opposing Viewpoints on Garfield County Libraries' website.
2) In an essay, compare and contrast the arguments of each side. Leave your personal opinion out-- you are just reporting the different arguments from these sources.
3) Use some quotations in your post and have a works cited at the end of the post. No plagiarism!!!
4) Two vocab words and edited
1) Find an editorial or other opinion piece for each side of the debate-- be sure that it is a credible opinion though, not a grocery store tabloid. I highly recommend Opposing Viewpoints on Garfield County Libraries' website.
2) In an essay, compare and contrast the arguments of each side. Leave your personal opinion out-- you are just reporting the different arguments from these sources.
3) Use some quotations in your post and have a works cited at the end of the post. No plagiarism!!!
4) Two vocab words and edited
Monday, October 25, 2010
Survey Results
1) So, you made your survey, right?
2) Make sure you give it to ten (real) people (your imaginary friends do not count).
3) Ready to write? First, give an introduction: What did you ask and why? What responses did you expect?
4) Now summarize the details-- give us the numbers: 10 of 22 students plan to attend the soccer game if RFHS makes it to the playoffs. Of those students, 6 were athletes.
5) Now interpret-- Why do you think the number came out this way? What might be influencing people to respond in the way they did? Is it a surprise to you, or did they respond as you expected?
6) Finally, conclude: Based on this survey, what might you research and report on in your blog in the next few weeks in order to further educate, stretch the thinking of, and/or support what people are thinking about your topic? In other words, what ideas does this give you for next steps.
REMEMBER: two vocab words, 200-400 words, edit and spell check.
2) Make sure you give it to ten (real) people (your imaginary friends do not count).
3) Ready to write? First, give an introduction: What did you ask and why? What responses did you expect?
4) Now summarize the details-- give us the numbers: 10 of 22 students plan to attend the soccer game if RFHS makes it to the playoffs. Of those students, 6 were athletes.
5) Now interpret-- Why do you think the number came out this way? What might be influencing people to respond in the way they did? Is it a surprise to you, or did they respond as you expected?
6) Finally, conclude: Based on this survey, what might you research and report on in your blog in the next few weeks in order to further educate, stretch the thinking of, and/or support what people are thinking about your topic? In other words, what ideas does this give you for next steps.
REMEMBER: two vocab words, 200-400 words, edit and spell check.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Blog three requires you to find a website dedicated to your topic (not an encyclopedia).
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness, accuracy, and credibility of the website
1) Post a link to the website on a Links List-- you can find these under the same "Gadget" menu where you found the Poll.
2) Click through the entire website reading relevant information
3) Find who created this site (may be a person, may be an organization), when it was created, when it was last updated, and who the sponsors are (if any).
4) Review the site based on four things
a. Effectiveness: Is it laid out effectively? Is it easy to navigate? Can you find information easily? Is it visually appealing? Is it written well and edited?
b. Accuracy: From your research so far, evaluate the accuracy of the information on the site. Are they trying to give all sides to the issue? Do they have all the basics correct?
c. Credibility: Look again at who created the site, sponsors, the site itself, when it was last updated, etc. Is this a trustworthy source for information? Why or why not? Is there an apparent bias? What is it? Is the site up to date?
d. Content: What can someone learn from this site? What topics are covered? What is the main goal of the site and is it met? Are the topics explained and supported well? Are there helpful visuals?
Format of your blog post: This should be expository (3rd person, written to explain). Additionally, it should be ORGANIZED clearly. Just because it is on a blog, doesn't mean it doesn't need an intro, body, and conclusion. An example thesis statement might be: "The website iAbolish is an effective, accurate, and credible source for information on the modern day slavery crisis." Then, the rest of the paper would back up why I am claiming that without ever using "I."
--Use two words and underline them in the body of your text.
--Cite the website in MLA format at the end of the post.
--Spell-check and edit before you publish.
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness, accuracy, and credibility of the website
1) Post a link to the website on a Links List-- you can find these under the same "Gadget" menu where you found the Poll.
2) Click through the entire website reading relevant information
3) Find who created this site (may be a person, may be an organization), when it was created, when it was last updated, and who the sponsors are (if any).
4) Review the site based on four things
a. Effectiveness: Is it laid out effectively? Is it easy to navigate? Can you find information easily? Is it visually appealing? Is it written well and edited?
b. Accuracy: From your research so far, evaluate the accuracy of the information on the site. Are they trying to give all sides to the issue? Do they have all the basics correct?
c. Credibility: Look again at who created the site, sponsors, the site itself, when it was last updated, etc. Is this a trustworthy source for information? Why or why not? Is there an apparent bias? What is it? Is the site up to date?
d. Content: What can someone learn from this site? What topics are covered? What is the main goal of the site and is it met? Are the topics explained and supported well? Are there helpful visuals?
Format of your blog post: This should be expository (3rd person, written to explain). Additionally, it should be ORGANIZED clearly. Just because it is on a blog, doesn't mean it doesn't need an intro, body, and conclusion. An example thesis statement might be: "The website iAbolish is an effective, accurate, and credible source for information on the modern day slavery crisis." Then, the rest of the paper would back up why I am claiming that without ever using "I."
--Use two words and underline them in the body of your text.
--Cite the website in MLA format at the end of the post.
--Spell-check and edit before you publish.
Monday, October 11, 2010
21st Century Learning Poll
This week you are going to do two things.
1) Add a poll to your blog. First go to Design and then Gadget. Scroll down until you see a link for "Create a Poll."
2) Respond to this posting with at least two things you have learned about your topic that you didn't know before. If you have trouble then you are not digging deep enough in your research.
1) Add a poll to your blog. First go to Design and then Gadget. Scroll down until you see a link for "Create a Poll."
2) Respond to this posting with at least two things you have learned about your topic that you didn't know before. If you have trouble then you are not digging deep enough in your research.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Current State of Affairs
Subject: Current State of Affairs
Sources: @ least two with one being print-- must be credible/well-known sources; list the two sources at the end of the blog in correct MLA format
Purpose: To explain the issue/topic as it stands today. What are the current beliefs about this topic, arguments about it, and research about it. What are people saying NOW? Or, how is it organized, set-up or dealt with nowadays?
Vocab: Use two vocab words
Other: 300-500 words
Sources: @ least two with one being print-- must be credible/well-known sources; list the two sources at the end of the blog in correct MLA format
Purpose: To explain the issue/topic as it stands today. What are the current beliefs about this topic, arguments about it, and research about it. What are people saying NOW? Or, how is it organized, set-up or dealt with nowadays?
Vocab: Use two vocab words
Other: 300-500 words
Sunday, September 26, 2010
First Content Blog
Yea! You're ready to go!
Here's What You Need to Know To Write Your First Real Blog--
Subject: Background Information
Purpose: To explain the basics about your topic clearly-- the history of the issue, why it's of concern or interest, who's involved and why, etc.
Audience: The other students in class
Vocab: Uses at least two of your vocab words
Sources: List your two sources at the end in correct MLA format- use easybib.com OR "The OWL at Purdue" to review MLA formatting if necessary
Other Requirements: At least one page in length (type in Word and copy and paste), spell checked, correct conventions
Please Note--
Blogs turned in past the week's due date will not receive a grade. HOWEVER, in order for the next blog(s) to count, you must make up the missed blog. In other words, if you don't complete this blog on time then you must complete it before next weeks will count.
Here's What You Need to Know To Write Your First Real Blog--
Subject: Background Information
Purpose: To explain the basics about your topic clearly-- the history of the issue, why it's of concern or interest, who's involved and why, etc.
Audience: The other students in class
Vocab: Uses at least two of your vocab words
Sources: List your two sources at the end in correct MLA format- use easybib.com OR "The OWL at Purdue" to review MLA formatting if necessary
Other Requirements: At least one page in length (type in Word and copy and paste), spell checked, correct conventions
Please Note--
Blogs turned in past the week's due date will not receive a grade. HOWEVER, in order for the next blog(s) to count, you must make up the missed blog. In other words, if you don't complete this blog on time then you must complete it before next weeks will count.
Monday, September 13, 2010
"Blog" comes from two words: web log
Get it?
The purpose of your blog is to inform each other. This is important: your audience is the other students in this class. You need to carefully select information and present it in interesting ways that will help other students to understand and make decisions about their world-- don't waste their time!
If you have a Google account (think iGoogle, Google Docs) you can sign in right now. If you don't have a Google account, you'll have to create one now-- either way, the link should be in the upper right hand corner of this screen.
Once you sign in, you will "create a new blog." It's pretty self-explanatory, and by the time you click through you'll be in a box ready to type your first blog! Woohoo!
So, what should you write in your first blog? An introduction! Not about you, but about your topic-- tell us: the background information you know about this topic, your reasons for choosing this topic, and then give 3-5 BIG questions you hope to explore and maybe answer during your research this semester. Remember that a BIG question does not have an easy yes or no or factual answer. A BIG questions makes you think and really have to dig in to figure it out.
When you're done with your 1st blog post create your user profile, play with your settings and layout, view your blog, help your friends, leave a comment on one of the other students' blogs.
Get it?
The purpose of your blog is to inform each other. This is important: your audience is the other students in this class. You need to carefully select information and present it in interesting ways that will help other students to understand and make decisions about their world-- don't waste their time!
If you have a Google account (think iGoogle, Google Docs) you can sign in right now. If you don't have a Google account, you'll have to create one now-- either way, the link should be in the upper right hand corner of this screen.
Once you sign in, you will "create a new blog." It's pretty self-explanatory, and by the time you click through you'll be in a box ready to type your first blog! Woohoo!
So, what should you write in your first blog? An introduction! Not about you, but about your topic-- tell us: the background information you know about this topic, your reasons for choosing this topic, and then give 3-5 BIG questions you hope to explore and maybe answer during your research this semester. Remember that a BIG question does not have an easy yes or no or factual answer. A BIG questions makes you think and really have to dig in to figure it out.
When you're done with your 1st blog post create your user profile, play with your settings and layout, view your blog, help your friends, leave a comment on one of the other students' blogs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)