Please send this to me as an email before 3:30 on Friday 12/19.
For each section, be specific, honest & reflective.
1. What are you most proud of for the semester? Use a specific example to discuss why you are proud, how you used your strengths, etc.
2. What are you most proud of for the H2O Project? Use a specific example to discuss why you are proud, how you used your strengths, etc.
3. What do you plan on improving for second semester? Why?
4. How can you use at least one specific personal strength even better (or even more) to improve an area in which you feel that you could improve.
Make sure you send this to me as an email! This is worth up to 40 points and I will quote from it for your report card comments!
-RLS
Friday, December 19, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
H2O Project: Ownership
Please refer the "Ownership" section of the rubric for the H2O Project. Label which category you feel that you "belong in" for this project" Then write a detailed email to me (approx 500 words organized into 5 paragraphs) in which you explain your feelings about the concept of "ownership" and how much the final product of the H2O project represents your best work. Finally, give yourself a score out of 15 possible points.
Whenever possible, I will give you the score that you give yourself. I do reserve the right to correct gross miscalculations or other major errors. In the event that this occurs, I will contact you directly.
Do not post this one on your blog--email it to my gmail!
This is DUE at 3:30 on Thursday 12/18.
Muchas gracias.
Whenever possible, I will give you the score that you give yourself. I do reserve the right to correct gross miscalculations or other major errors. In the event that this occurs, I will contact you directly.
Do not post this one on your blog--email it to my gmail!
This is DUE at 3:30 on Thursday 12/18.
Muchas gracias.
Blog #25: Beginning your reflection
Post two examples of work that you are very proud of. Feel free to upload your videos to youtube and link them here, include photos of your work, or do whatever will get the work online.
For each example, write a detailed paragraph explaining why you are proud of this work. Then, write a detailed paragraph explaining how you accomplished this--what were the steps in the process that led to a positive result?
Due at 11:59:59 on 12/16
For each example, write a detailed paragraph explaining why you are proud of this work. Then, write a detailed paragraph explaining how you accomplished this--what were the steps in the process that led to a positive result?
Due at 11:59:59 on 12/16
Optional Assignments
Choose one of the following movies:
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind:
or...
2. Adaptation
Than:
In a well-devleoped essay with a clear thesis and thoughtfully chosen evidence, describe how story structure (such as the dramatic arc) and inextricably tied to characterization. How does one support and enhance the other? Be sure to use specific references to the selected screenplay and be sure to include specific references to traditional elements of characterization and story structure. This is an effort to intelligently analyze storytelling.
You can download each screenplay from beingcharliekaufman.com
If you would like to complete this assignment with another movie, please clear it with me first!
Due at 3:30 on Friday 12/19.
Enjoy!
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind:
or...
2. Adaptation
Than:
In a well-devleoped essay with a clear thesis and thoughtfully chosen evidence, describe how story structure (such as the dramatic arc) and inextricably tied to characterization. How does one support and enhance the other? Be sure to use specific references to the selected screenplay and be sure to include specific references to traditional elements of characterization and story structure. This is an effort to intelligently analyze storytelling.
You can download each screenplay from beingcharliekaufman.com
If you would like to complete this assignment with another movie, please clear it with me first!
Due at 3:30 on Friday 12/19.
Enjoy!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Blog #24: Sea Shepherd
Read the New Yorker article on the Sea Shepherd, which can be found here.
Then, answer one of the following in a well-developed essay with thoughtfully chosen evidence:
1. Who is "right" in the controversy involving whaling and the Sea Shepherd?
2. Describe the tactics Paul Watson uses to advance the mission of the Sea Shepherd. How did he develop these tactics and how successful are they?
3. Describe three literary techniques and/or writing conventions you can take from this article to use in your writing for the H2O Project?
This is due at 11:59:59 on Thursday, Dec. 4
Monday, December 1, 2008
Blog #23
Read Marie Arana's Washington Post editorial about language, race and Barack Obama, which you can find here.
Then, answer one of the following in a well-developed essay with thoughtfully chosen evidence:
1. Arana writes: "Isn't it time for the language to move on?" How do you feel about this? Why?
2. To what extent does the language of racial identity impact the thoughts and actions related to race in the present and future?
Then, answer one of the following in a well-developed essay with thoughtfully chosen evidence:
1. Arana writes: "Isn't it time for the language to move on?" How do you feel about this? Why?
2. To what extent does the language of racial identity impact the thoughts and actions related to race in the present and future?
Workin' over time! Part two!
Write a news story about the beach clean up at Imperial Beach that took place on Dec. 13. Be sure to have a complete, news-style lede, include numerous quotes from well-chosen sources, and thoughtful transitions between your quotes.
up to 20 points; post it before 3:30 on Dec. 15 (remember, the gradebook closes at 3:30 on Mon Dec. 15). This is an optional assignment!
up to 20 points; post it before 3:30 on Dec. 15 (remember, the gradebook closes at 3:30 on Mon Dec. 15). This is an optional assignment!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
workin' over time!
Write a news story about the beach clean up at Dog Beach in OB that took place today. Be sure to have a complete, news-style lede, include numerous quotes from well-chosen sources, and thoughtful transitions between your quotes.
up to 20 points; post it before midnight Nov. 30. This is an optional assignment!
Happy TG!
up to 20 points; post it before midnight Nov. 30. This is an optional assignment!
Happy TG!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thanksgiving!
Part one...
What are you thankful for this year?
Part two...
Post three specific things that you will accomplish for this project before TG break is over! Then, bring those things to school on Monday Dec. 2.
Part three...
Have a wonderful break! Spend time with your family and friends and definitely go outside and do something fun!
What are you thankful for this year?
Part two...
Post three specific things that you will accomplish for this project before TG break is over! Then, bring those things to school on Monday Dec. 2.
Part three...
Have a wonderful break! Spend time with your family and friends and definitely go outside and do something fun!
The H2O Project
What are you discovering so far?
What surprises you about this project?
What re your next steps to have a cool product and a great piece of writing?
What surprises you about this project?
What re your next steps to have a cool product and a great piece of writing?
Friday, November 14, 2008
Honors Writing #3
Honors Students, please post the following blog entry by the end of the school day on Friday, Nov. 21. These will be graded over TG Break and are worth 20 points.
Everyone else: if you are interested in doing this as a challenge assignments (an extra grade), just let me know.
Literature:
Describe the use of three specific literary techniques that the author uses in your novel to develop the theme. Be sure to identify a specific theme and express it as a distinct, thoughtful phrase (or eve a complete sentence). Also, be sure to directly link each lit technique to the theme and support your claims with at least three pieces of direct evidence in each body paragraph.
US History:
Address the following prompt in the form of a well-developed, organized essay. All of your evidence should come from the Nation of Nations text. Your essay should be a minimum of five paragraphs and each paragraph should support your thesis with thoughtfully chosen pieces of evidence from Nation of Nations (a minimum of three pieces of evidence in each body paragraph).
Why is the Civil War is often described as the Second American Revolution?
Everyone else: if you are interested in doing this as a challenge assignments (an extra grade), just let me know.
Literature:
Describe the use of three specific literary techniques that the author uses in your novel to develop the theme. Be sure to identify a specific theme and express it as a distinct, thoughtful phrase (or eve a complete sentence). Also, be sure to directly link each lit technique to the theme and support your claims with at least three pieces of direct evidence in each body paragraph.
US History:
Address the following prompt in the form of a well-developed, organized essay. All of your evidence should come from the Nation of Nations text. Your essay should be a minimum of five paragraphs and each paragraph should support your thesis with thoughtfully chosen pieces of evidence from Nation of Nations (a minimum of three pieces of evidence in each body paragraph).
Why is the Civil War is often described as the Second American Revolution?
Friday, November 7, 2008
Blog #20
Post two examples of "products" that you can use as models for your own work in the H2O Project.
Analyze three specific aspects of each product. Explain how each aspect contributes to the overall success of the example you are citing.
Describe your own plans and how you can use these examples to guide your work.
When is it due? Tuesday, Nov. 11 @ 11:59:59pm
Analyze three specific aspects of each product. Explain how each aspect contributes to the overall success of the example you are citing.
Describe your own plans and how you can use these examples to guide your work.
When is it due? Tuesday, Nov. 11 @ 11:59:59pm
Blog #19
Read this editorial: Harvard Prof on Barack Obama, Integration & Inclusion
(edit: the writers comments on African Americans, women and young people; be aware that there are many parts of the population that he could have mentioned, such as Native Americans, Hispanics, etc.).
Now, describe the process of including one specific group of people into the overall voting population in America. What is the historical background of their story? What is the current state of their voting power in America?
Be sure to include at least one link to a current story about this group of people and their role as participants in American government.
When is it due? Tuesday, Nov. 11 @ 11:59:59 pm
(edit: the writers comments on African Americans, women and young people; be aware that there are many parts of the population that he could have mentioned, such as Native Americans, Hispanics, etc.).
Now, describe the process of including one specific group of people into the overall voting population in America. What is the historical background of their story? What is the current state of their voting power in America?
Be sure to include at least one link to a current story about this group of people and their role as participants in American government.
When is it due? Tuesday, Nov. 11 @ 11:59:59 pm
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Blog #18
This is a two-part blog!
Part 1:
Post your election reflection. How do you feel about the election? What are your hopes for America and your community in the next few years? What are your concerns for America and your community for the next few years?
then...
Evaluate your own level of civic knowledge. What have we done well as a class to build your understanding of current events? What can we improve as a class (or you as an individual) to better build your understanding of current events? How do you feel in the numerous conversations about current events that take place outside of class?
Part 2:
Post a highly detailed specific plan to develop your product for the H2O Project. You must post:
a) All resources needed
b) All people needed
c) A detailed schedule for yourself that runs day by day from tomorrow for two weeks.
Please be as complete as possible and be highly specific, accurate and responsible in this plan. your resources will be distributed based on the completeness of your plan.
Please also ensure that the google doc is 100% accurate and complete.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Blog #17
Post two research questions that you are considering exploring for the H2O Project. With each question, post the beginnings of your research. This should consist of a summary of your ideas for each question accompanied by links to relevant documents, news stories, maps, images, video, or other media.
This entry is due by 11:59:59 am on Sunday (so that I can read them before school on Monday)—We'll be back to our regular schedule next week!
This blog entry is worth 20 pts towards your grade (10 points for each question, summary and links).
This entry is due by 11:59:59 am on Sunday (so that I can read them before school on Monday)—We'll be back to our regular schedule next week!
This blog entry is worth 20 pts towards your grade (10 points for each question, summary and links).
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Honors Blog
This blog entry is optional...but required for students earning honors.
Literature: In a well-developed essay, analyze the use of selected literary devices in order to develop that main theme of your novel.
US History: In a well-developed essay, analyze the role of Jacksonian Democracy in development of early America (use your copy of Nation of Nations as part of your answer).
Post your reply by 11:59:59 pm on Thursday.
Literature: In a well-developed essay, analyze the use of selected literary devices in order to develop that main theme of your novel.
US History: In a well-developed essay, analyze the role of Jacksonian Democracy in development of early America (use your copy of Nation of Nations as part of your answer).
Post your reply by 11:59:59 pm on Thursday.
Blog #16: Voting rights
Compare the two current controversies involving voting rights in America: that of the ACORN scandal vs. the potential for vote-suppression. Be sure to use a minimum of five reliable sources. Your answer should be an in-depth piece of comparative writing.
Possibly helpful articles:
NYTimes editorial on ACORN
WaPo editorial ACORN
A collection of editorials on ACORN
Another WaPo article on ACORN
Possibly helpful articles:
NYTimes editorial on ACORN
WaPo editorial ACORN
A collection of editorials on ACORN
Another WaPo article on ACORN
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Study Guide for the Mid-Term
These questions are samples of some of the ideas that will be on the Mid-Term.
Q’s
WARNING: THESE QUESTIONS ARE ONLY IN DRAFT FORM!!!!
All answers must include the thoughtful use of direct evidence. Be sure to quote from historically relevant documents. A professional list of references must accompany each answer. Each answer should be less than or equal to 500 words.
Primary Documents
Group A
1. Write a news story analyzing one of the L-D debates. Be sure to: capture the central conflict of the debate in your lede; use high quality quotes representing a variety of perspectives; place the specific debate in historical context; and use concise, focused paragraphs.
2. On what grounds did Americans make a case for independence from Great Britain?
Group B
3. Describe how James Madison’s concept of human nature influences the ideas of federalism in the early U.S. government.
4. Describe the 2008 Presidential debates in comparison to the Lincoln Douglas Debates.
Open Notes
WARNING: THESE QUESTIONS ARE ONLY IN DRAFT FORM!!!!
DOUBLE WARNING: THERE WILL BE MORE QUESTIONS! I AM STILL BRAINSTORMING!
All answers must include the thoughtful use of direct evidence. Be sure to quote from historically relevant documents. A professional list of references must accompany each answer. Each answer should be less than or equal to 500 words.
Group A
1. To what extent does the current state of America offer the incoming President an opportunity to review and revise the social contract that upholds this country? Be sure to discuss at least one specific issue that relates to American society, politics, and/or economics.
2. To what extent does the current state of America offer the incoming President the opportunity to review and revise the use of federal power to regulate society? Be sure to discuss at least one specific issue that relates to American society, politics, and/or economics.
Group B
3. Slavery can be approached politically from two different perspectives: a matter of morality or a matter of public policy. Compare how politicians of the time engaged these two different perspectives regarding the then-ongoing issue of slavery.
4. Analyze the Dred Scott decision and it’s historical impact in America.
Group C
5. The future President will likely have the opportunity to appoint one or more justices to the Supreme Court. Describe your recommendations in the form of a professional email to the President.
6. Describe the relationship between the messages found in the 2008 Presidential elections and what is found in the US founding documents and the Enlightenment philosophies that were popular at that time. Where have we come as a country? Where might we be going?
Q’s
WARNING: THESE QUESTIONS ARE ONLY IN DRAFT FORM!!!!
All answers must include the thoughtful use of direct evidence. Be sure to quote from historically relevant documents. A professional list of references must accompany each answer. Each answer should be less than or equal to 500 words.
Primary Documents
Group A
1. Write a news story analyzing one of the L-D debates. Be sure to: capture the central conflict of the debate in your lede; use high quality quotes representing a variety of perspectives; place the specific debate in historical context; and use concise, focused paragraphs.
2. On what grounds did Americans make a case for independence from Great Britain?
Group B
3. Describe how James Madison’s concept of human nature influences the ideas of federalism in the early U.S. government.
4. Describe the 2008 Presidential debates in comparison to the Lincoln Douglas Debates.
Open Notes
WARNING: THESE QUESTIONS ARE ONLY IN DRAFT FORM!!!!
DOUBLE WARNING: THERE WILL BE MORE QUESTIONS! I AM STILL BRAINSTORMING!
All answers must include the thoughtful use of direct evidence. Be sure to quote from historically relevant documents. A professional list of references must accompany each answer. Each answer should be less than or equal to 500 words.
Group A
1. To what extent does the current state of America offer the incoming President an opportunity to review and revise the social contract that upholds this country? Be sure to discuss at least one specific issue that relates to American society, politics, and/or economics.
2. To what extent does the current state of America offer the incoming President the opportunity to review and revise the use of federal power to regulate society? Be sure to discuss at least one specific issue that relates to American society, politics, and/or economics.
Group B
3. Slavery can be approached politically from two different perspectives: a matter of morality or a matter of public policy. Compare how politicians of the time engaged these two different perspectives regarding the then-ongoing issue of slavery.
4. Analyze the Dred Scott decision and it’s historical impact in America.
Group C
5. The future President will likely have the opportunity to appoint one or more justices to the Supreme Court. Describe your recommendations in the form of a professional email to the President.
6. Describe the relationship between the messages found in the 2008 Presidential elections and what is found in the US founding documents and the Enlightenment philosophies that were popular at that time. Where have we come as a country? Where might we be going?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Debate # 3 Reflection
Please choose two of the following for your final debate reflection.
1. Use the transcripts to identify a significant section of the debate in which you see a direct relationship to what we have studied in class.
2. Identify and analyze a section of the transcript that is not factually correct.
3. Comment on the reaction of the news media to this debate.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Blog #15—10/21/08
Describe the 2008 Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates in their historical context.
Blog #14—10/16/08
How has the Internet affected the way that Americans approach democracy? How does the Internet and it's effects fit into the historical context of technology and democracy in America?
Blog #13—10/14/08
Free Choice! Find an article that relates to the most interesting thing we have discussed, read or done in class so far this year!
Hey Photographers! Post pictures that:
1. demonstrate a good sense of composition, such as use of rule of thirds (and/or breaking the rule, in a good way)
2. deliberate use of depth of field
3. Eyes, Color, Fill the Frame
4. Interesting use of light
5. Shooting at eye-level (of a subject that is not eye-level with you)
6. Macro photography
7. Anything else you like!
Be sure to label and explain each pic...and of course, give credit where credit is due.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Blog #12—10/9/08
Everyone, please do both of the following:
1. Describe your specific debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in the context of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Be sure to include relevant quotes and historical and/or biographical information.
Check out the following resources:
The Lincoln-Douglas Debates (the google-book)
The Lincoln-Douglas Debates (helpful website from the National Park Service)
USNews article on the L-D Debates
Lincoln-Douglas.org (a very helpful site)
2. Describe your initial thoughts regarding the 2008 Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates, given their historic context.
Blog #11—10/7/08
Everyone—Describe questions you have regarding demographics
Step 2—Choose one of the following:
1. Explain how a particular demographic may be impacted by—or could impact—the election of one of the candidates for President.
or....
2. Describe current applications for GIS in the present day or near future.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Wait for me!
Okay, thanks, I'm here. I know many of the people visiting at this are required to do so... probably by me. So, here it is... here is where you can find topics to write about on your own blog, suggested articles and other media, and so on.
Don't forget to stay current with my digital portfolio and the "blogging to learn" page—this page is only a part of your experience in the blogosphere.
Without any further ado, here are the previous topics. All new ones will be listed as posts right here.
Search the news for current events that relate to the following topics…What can you find? Be sure to check here often to find out what’s next!
The first two blog entries must be posted by 11:59:59 pm Thursday night. I know that you can change the dates on blogger.com. Please be honest with all blog entry dates. For blog entries #3 and on, the due date is posted next to the assignment.
Blog topics:
1. Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness (the concept from the Declaration of Independence!)
2. A specific concept from the Enlightenment that you see as relevant in American culture, recent history, social affairs, etc.
3. The conflict between the Federalists and anti-Federalists. Challenge: use direct evidence from one or more of The Federalist Papers and/or the Anti-Federalist Papers. Due before 11:59:59 pm on Tuesday 9/9.
4. A free one!!! Choose a specific article that relates what you feel is the most interesting thing we have studied this year!
5. Your choice: Give advice to the Federal Government on how to solve the current financial issues with Lehman & Merrill Lynch & the Stock Market (keep your advice grounded in Federalist or Anti-Federalist philosophies) OR Select the most significant passage from the Declaration of Independence and write about a current event that is connected to this document.
6. Your Choice: Select the most interesting item on Factcheck.org and write about this and a related current event; OR Write about a "Constitutional Crisis" in the recent past--Have American politicians been following the rules laid out in the US Constitution?
7. Blog Reflection: Answer THREE of the following questions in depth with examples:
a. What are you most proud of on your blog? Why?
b. What would you like to improve on your blog? Why? How?
c. How can we better connect our class' blogs?
d. How has blogging impacted your understanding of the US? the Media? Current Events? "Old" news (like the Constitution, Federalist Papers, etc.)
8. Revise an old blog entry for ALL of the following:
a. Factual accuracy
b. Quality of Evidence
c. Rhetoric (structure, logic, sequence and clarity of your writing
9. Your choice: reflect on the impact of Marbury vs. Madison OR Post your new Federal Privacy Law and explain what you think would happen during the possible process of judicial review OR Describe a an important Supreme Court case that took place before 1865 in it's historical context--what precedents were set, whatimpact did they have and what is the case's relevance today?
10. This blog entry is due at 11:59:59 pm on 10/2 and should be answered in the form of a polished piece of writing no longer than 500 words:
Table’s choice! Tables must choose the same question. Hint, hint(!): Share resources, read each other’s blogs regularly. As a group, choose one of the following questions or create your own (and let your teacher approve it):
a. Choose a landmark Supreme Court case. How is this case relevant to American society? How is this case relevant today?
b. How do the current political parties compare to their original versions? How might various Founders feel about the current state of the political parties in the U.S?
c. Give advice to the future President. If the future President has the opportunity to appoint a new Supreme Court justice, who should be chosen? Why?
d. Describe a current social issue that could be related to the Supreme Court. What is the historical context for this issue? What might happen in the future?
e. Describe the relevance of an issue embedded in the Civil War to modern America
Don't forget to stay current with my digital portfolio and the "blogging to learn" page—this page is only a part of your experience in the blogosphere.
Without any further ado, here are the previous topics. All new ones will be listed as posts right here.
Search the news for current events that relate to the following topics…What can you find? Be sure to check here often to find out what’s next!
The first two blog entries must be posted by 11:59:59 pm Thursday night. I know that you can change the dates on blogger.com. Please be honest with all blog entry dates. For blog entries #3 and on, the due date is posted next to the assignment.
Blog topics:
1. Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness (the concept from the Declaration of Independence!)
2. A specific concept from the Enlightenment that you see as relevant in American culture, recent history, social affairs, etc.
3. The conflict between the Federalists and anti-Federalists. Challenge: use direct evidence from one or more of The Federalist Papers and/or the Anti-Federalist Papers. Due before 11:59:59 pm on Tuesday 9/9.
4. A free one!!! Choose a specific article that relates what you feel is the most interesting thing we have studied this year!
5. Your choice: Give advice to the Federal Government on how to solve the current financial issues with Lehman & Merrill Lynch & the Stock Market (keep your advice grounded in Federalist or Anti-Federalist philosophies) OR Select the most significant passage from the Declaration of Independence and write about a current event that is connected to this document.
6. Your Choice: Select the most interesting item on Factcheck.org and write about this and a related current event; OR Write about a "Constitutional Crisis" in the recent past--Have American politicians been following the rules laid out in the US Constitution?
7. Blog Reflection: Answer THREE of the following questions in depth with examples:
a. What are you most proud of on your blog? Why?
b. What would you like to improve on your blog? Why? How?
c. How can we better connect our class' blogs?
d. How has blogging impacted your understanding of the US? the Media? Current Events? "Old" news (like the Constitution, Federalist Papers, etc.)
8. Revise an old blog entry for ALL of the following:
a. Factual accuracy
b. Quality of Evidence
c. Rhetoric (structure, logic, sequence and clarity of your writing
9. Your choice: reflect on the impact of Marbury vs. Madison OR Post your new Federal Privacy Law and explain what you think would happen during the possible process of judicial review OR Describe a an important Supreme Court case that took place before 1865 in it's historical context--what precedents were set, whatimpact did they have and what is the case's relevance today?
10. This blog entry is due at 11:59:59 pm on 10/2 and should be answered in the form of a polished piece of writing no longer than 500 words:
Table’s choice! Tables must choose the same question. Hint, hint(!): Share resources, read each other’s blogs regularly. As a group, choose one of the following questions or create your own (and let your teacher approve it):
a. Choose a landmark Supreme Court case. How is this case relevant to American society? How is this case relevant today?
b. How do the current political parties compare to their original versions? How might various Founders feel about the current state of the political parties in the U.S?
c. Give advice to the future President. If the future President has the opportunity to appoint a new Supreme Court justice, who should be chosen? Why?
d. Describe a current social issue that could be related to the Supreme Court. What is the historical context for this issue? What might happen in the future?
e. Describe the relevance of an issue embedded in the Civil War to modern America
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