Exam Notes

EXAM!

The exam for the 8:30 class is Tuesday, December 15, 2015. The exam begins at 9:00 am. However, the room will be available at 8:30. YOU MUST BE PRESENT if you are in this class.

The exam for the 10:00 class is Thursday, December 17, 2015. The exam begins at 10:00 am. YOU MUST ATTEND if you are in this class.

You will:

A. Submit the final copy of your nature/environment essay on CANVAS. In addition to a paper copy.

B. Present your information and use the visual. The visual must also be submitted on CANVAS.

C. Take notes on the presentations and submit at 10% of the exam grade.

 

Thank you for a wonderful semester.

Grades will be posted no later than Monday, December 21. 

December 10, 2015 - Thursday

Class Work

#1  Peer Editing Activity - you need a paper copy of your draft. Select one partner to read your paper. Your partner will be looking for the items on the list below.

1.     Is the problem defined? What is the problem?

2.      Is there proof  that a problem exists and is getting worse? What is that proof?

3.     What are the causes of the problem?

4.     What are the effects? 

5.     Did the author answer these questions? Place a check by each one that was used.

a.     What will it cost to solve the problem?

b.    How much time will it take to help?

c.     How easy will it be to solve the problem?

d.    How long will it take for the solution to work?

e.     Is your solution socially acceptable? (Remember the line about dispatching deer to save the herd?)

f.     Is your solution legal?

g.    What do experts say?

h.     What has already been tried.

i.      Who needs to be convinced that the solutions need to happen?

j.      What other solutions might be considered? Why is yours the best?

k.     If you don't have answers to these points right now, please conduct research.

6.     Did the author include the following?

a.     A personal experience

b.    Reference to art, movies, music, and/or literature

c.     Evidence from experts (required)

d.    A chart or graph

7.       Was MLA formatting and documentation used correctly?

8.       Is there a Works Cited page?

9.       Are headers on each page?

10.   Would you join in and help to solve the problem? Explain why or why not. If so, what convinced you? If not, why not?

#2. How is your visual coming along? Here are the instructions:
Directions for the visual:
Create a PowerPoint or Prezi - numbers represent slides or bubbles.

Directions for the visual:
Create a PowerPoint or Prezi - numbers represent slides or bubbles.

1 Title Page to include your name , date and  title of your presentation
2-3 defining and/or describing the problem. Prove that a problem exists.
2-3 sharing the causes of the problem.
2-3 explaining the effects of the problem
2-3 giving solutions and calling us to action!
1 Works Cited page.

If you prefer, you may complete one of the following in place of a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation:

A. Brochure - you must cover the same items as listed in the PowerPoint requirements. You will need 12 brochures - We can share to look at your work.
B. Poster - be sure you take a picture of it and post it on CANVAS. Bring the poster to class on the day of the exam.
C. Clear other ideas/options with me.
You will have up to 3 1/2 minutes to share your information with the class. 

Here is the rubric:

Presentation Rubric

	Evaluating Student Presentations
Developed by Information Technology Evaluation Services, NC Department of Public Instruction
	1	2	3	4	Total
Organization	Audience cannot understand presentation because there is no sequence of information.	Audience has difficulty following presentation because student jumps around.	Student presents information in logical sequence which audience can follow.	Student presents information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can follow.
Subject Knowledge	Student does not have grasp of information; student cannot answer questions about subject.	Student is uncomfortable with information and is able to answer only rudimentary questions.	Student is at ease with expected answers to all questions, but fails to elaborate.	Student demonstrates full knowledge (more than required) by answering all class questions with explanations and elaboration.
Graphics	Student uses superfluous graphics or no graphics	Student occasionally uses graphics that rarely support text and presentation.	Student's graphics relate to text and presentation.	Student's graphics explain and reinforce screen text and presentation.
Mechanics	Student's presentation has four or more spelling errors and/or grammatical errors.	Presentation has three misspellings and/or grammatical errors.	Presentation has no more than two misspellings and/or grammatical errors.	Presentation has no misspellings or grammatical errors.
Eye Contact	Student reads all of report with no eye contact.	Student occasionally uses eye contact, but still reads most of report.	Student maintains eye contact most of the time but frequently returns to notes.	Student maintains eye contact with audience, seldom returning to notes.
Elocution	Student mumbles, incorrectly pronounces terms, and speaks too quietly for students in the back of class to hear.	Student's voice is low. Student incorrectly pronounces terms. Audience members have difficulty hearing presentation.	Student's voice is clear. Student pronounces most words correctly. Most audience members can hear presentation.	Student uses a clear voice and correct, precise pronunciation of terms so that all audience members can hear presentation.
				Total Points:

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 EXAM!

The exam for the 8:30 class is Tuesday, December 15, 2015. The exam begins at 9:00 am. However, the room will be available at 8:30. YOU MUST BE PRESENT if you are in this class.

The exam for the 10:00 class is Thursday, December 17, 2015. The exam begins at 10:00 am. YOU MUST ATTEND if you are in this class.

You will:

A. Submit the final copy of your nature/environment essay on CANVAS. In addition to a paper copy.

B. Present your information and use the visual. The visual must also be submitted on CANVAS.

C. Take notes on the presentations and submit at 10% of the exam grade.

No Class on Tuesday, December 8, 2015

We will not be meeting as a class on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. Please use the time to work on your nature essay and visual.  The complete instructions are on the blog post of December 3, 2015. The instructions are also on CANVAS.

Be sure to bring a paper copy of the essay to class on Thursday for a peer/self editing activity.

December 3, 2015 - Thursday

Class Work

1. What did you discover with your homework? What is new with Global Warming? What other issues is Mother Nature facing?
2. It is now time to select ONE topic related to a problem facing Mother Nature or the environment.
3. You will be writing a problem/solution essay AND creating a visual or PowerPoint or Prezi for the final project of the semester.
4. Here are 16 steps to follow: http://www.enotes.com/topics/essay/essay-writing-tips/how-write-problem-solution-essay
5. Let's look at sample essays:

• Deer "Practical Wildlife Management"
• Update from Al Gore: " The Plan That Saved the Planet"
• "So Mother Nature Had This Boyfriend" (Save for the next class.)

6. A problem/solution essay:

• Defines the problem - proves that there is a problem-shows that the problem is getting worse
• Gives the causes of the problem
• Gives the effects of the problem (Some of the effects are given in the definition or proof that a problem exists
• Provides solutions. Ask and answer:
• What will it cost to solve the problem?
• How much time will it take to help?
• How easy will it be to solve the problem?
• How long will it take for the solution to work?
• Is your solution socially acceptable? (Remember the line about dispatching deer to save the herd?)
• Is your solution legal?
• What do experts say?
• What has already been tried.
• Who needs to be convinced that the solutions need to happen?
• What other solutions might be considered? Why is yours the best?
• If you don't have answers to these points right now, please conduct research.

7. In writing your essay, please include:

• A personal experience
• Reference to art, movies, music, and/or literature
• Evidence from experts (required)
• A chart or graph

8. Use MLA formatting and documentation. Be sure to include the Works Cited page.
9. The draft of the essay is due next Thursday for a peer editing activity that will count as part of the grade. Be ready!

*************************
Directions for the visual:
Create a PowerPoint or Prezi - numbers represent slides or bubbles.

• 1 Title Page to include your name , date and  title of your presentation
• 2-3 defining and/or describing the problem. Prove that a problem exists.
• 2-3 sharing the causes of the problem.
• 2-3 explaining the effects of the problem
• 2-3 giving solutions and calling us to action!
• 1 Works Cited page.

 

If you prefer, you may complete one of the following in place of a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation:

• Brochure - you must cover the same items as listed in the PowerPoint requirements. You will need 12 brochures - We can share to look at your work.
• Poster - be sure you take a picture of it and post it on CANVAS. Bring the poster to class on the day of the exam.
• Clear other ideas/options with me.

You will have up to 3 1/2 minutes to share your information with the class. More details will be given next week.

Homework
1. Select a topic. Post on the discussion board on CANVAS. Respond to at least one additional post - more to be kind.
2. Research, research, research . . . begin your draft. The draft is due next Thursday. Bring a paper copy of the draft to class for the peer editing activity on Thursday. It counts as part of your exam.
*****************************************************************
Exam Day:

8:30 Class :  9:00-10:50 on Tuesday, 12/15/15
10:00 Class: 10:00-11:50 on Thursday, 12/17/15

You MUST attend the exam. You will be sharing your visual and submitting the final copy of your problem/solution essay.

December 1, 2015 - Tuesday

Class Work

1. We will finish An Inconvenient Truth. A brief discussion will follow. Submit your paper copy of the Q&A sheet before leaving class today.

2. Let's look at deer . . . what are the problems? What are the solutions? (We will save this for Thurseday.)

3. Here's where we are going with this. You need to select a topic of importance to you that is related to the environment or nature. Are you worried that a species might be going extinct?  Are you concerned about our food and food sources? Perhaps you worry that the air we breath might not support life in the future.
A. Take two minutes to create a list of possible topics. Work with a partner.
B. Select a topic for research for the last project in this class.
C. Start searching for proof that a problem exists.
D. Discover what caused the problem.
E. See what solutions are offered for the problem.

Homework

Read: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/energy/2015/11/151130-how-billionaires-gates-bezos-zuckerberg-could-boost-clean-energy/

  There are also several links there to additional articles on clean energy and climate warming. Read one additional article.

Write a summary of each.
A. Read the article looking for key words and phrases.
B. Note the "point" or main idea of the article.
C. Summarize the article. What did you learn? What was important? What does the author want you, the reader, to know and do as a result of reading this article? (Think about how you would explain this article to a friend who asked you about it.)
D. Be sure to identify the title and author or the article in the first line or two.
E. In the final paragraph, you may share if you agree or disagree with the article. Keep your opinion out of the summary until the end.

November 24, 2015 - Tuesday

Class Work

1. Brief discussion . . . what are the "earth, wind, fire, water" issues facing us today?
2. Today, we will finish viewing and discussing An Inconvenient Truth. Write your responses on the paper copy of the questions. (See last Thursday's blog for the questions.) If you were absent on Thursday, just jump in where we begin today.

Homework:

Please enjoy the time with family and friends and food.

Also, read: "Hot Enough for You?" by Jerry Adler in Smithsonian Magazine , May 2014. Here is the link to the article. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/reality-hotter-world-already-here-180951172/

This article is about Phoenix.
A. Before you read the article, write a personal experience paragraph or two about summer in the Phoenix area. Think about the heat. What is it like to spend time outside in July or August when the thermometer climbs to 120 degrees? What do you do to endure and possibly enjoy the heat? Describe a typical day for you.
B. Read the article. Make a bulleted list of the 10 most interesting or important bits of information you discovered in the article.
C. Write a brief paragraph and agree or disagree with the author's thesis. Is the "climate apocalypse"upon us?

November 19, 2015 - Thursday

Class Work

1. Let's take a look at "The Bounty of the Sea" by Jacque Cousteau, the father of Jean-Michel Cousteau who wrote "Saving the Songs of the Sea."


2. Watching An Inconvenient Truth

An Inconvenient Truth – Questions

After viewing the documentary, answer the following questions.

1.       Why does the film open and close with serene images of nature: lush green leaves and a gently flowing river on a sunny day, followed by Al Gore’s voice-over about this peaceful place? What is the impact on the viewer?

2.       In this film, Gore narrates a moment in 1989 when his six-year-old son dropped his father’s hand, ran into the street, and was severely injured. How does this personal story relate to Gore’s mission?

3.       Much of the film consists of scientific facts and charts. Think back and answer the following:

·         Why do we have global warming?

·         What is the relationship between carbon dioxide and temperature?

·         How does global warming contribute to an increase in the number and severity of storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and typhoons?

·         How can global warming cause both violent precipitation as well as droughts?

4.       Explain the significance of each of these references from the film:

·         The findings of core drills

·         The thawing of the permafrost, the splitting of the Ward Hunt ice shelf, and the disappearance of the Larson ice shelf

·         The Arctic ice cap disappearing

·         The image of a canary in a coal mine

·         The image of the frog in the cooking pot

5.       Cite three ecological consequences of global warming in the animal and plant communities.

6.       Gore used quotations from several memorable people.  Explain how they apply to the topic of global warming.

·         Mark Twain: “What gets us into trouble is not what we don’t know; it’s what we know that just ain’t so.”

·         Upton Sinclair: “It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.” Consider citing specific ways that this statement is illustrated throughout this film.

·         Stephen Pacala and Robert Socolow in Science magazine: “Humanity already possesses the fundamental scientific, technical, and industrial know-how to solve the carbon and climate problems.”

7.       Explain the significance of the film’s title An Inconvenient Truth.


Homework

Locate two articles on one environmental issue that is important to you. It can deal with earth, wind, fire, water, or any creature or element linked to these.  Identify the problem, causes, and/or effects of the issue. Also list the URL or the bibliographical information if you are using a paper source. Due: Tuesday, November 24, 2015. Post in CANVAS.

No class on Tuesday, November 17, 2015

We will not be meeting on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. We will meet on Thursday.

November 12, 2015 - Thursday

Class Work

1. Document your sources . . . do you remember how to create in-text citations?
Don't forget the Works Cited page!
Sample Essay: http://writershelp.bedfordstmartins.com/ebooks/helphandbook/pdfs/Hacker-Daly-MLA.pdf
 and
http://www.dianahacker.com/bedhandbook6e/subpages/model.html

Step #1: Look over your own draft and note the places where you either cited sources or need to. Mark those - highlighters are available.
Step #2: We will go over one of the sample essays together. Look at your own essay and determine if you credited your sources correctly. Take notes on how to do that. Write in your margins.
Step #3: Look at your Works Cited page. Double check to be sure that all of the sources you cited in the paper are listed on your Works Cited page.
Step #4: Make sure the Works Cited page is double spaced, has hanging indents, and is in alphabetical order. If you used EasyBib correctly or other citation machine, it should be correct.

2. Post the final copy of your essay in CANVAS. It is due Tuesday.

3. "Saving the Songs of the Sea" (paper handout)

• Take three notecards and one copy of the essay
• Join a group. Groups need to be four or five in size. Meet in one of the four corners or in the bonus room.
• Read the essay silently to yourself.
• Highlight words, phrases, or sentences that are important or interesting to you.
• Select the three most important words, phrases, or sentences and write each on its own notecard.
• Flip the card over and explain why you were impressed by or drawn to the word, phrase, or sentence. Why is it important?
• Listen to the directions for the next part of the activity - Save the Last Word for Me.

November 10, 2015 - Tuesday

Class Work

1. If you did not present your technology/art picture, now is the time!
2. Please hand me the paper copy of your technology/art notes if you have not already done so.
3. You will need a paper copy of your "Technology: Friend or Foe?" inventory. Take a minute to print.
4. You will be talking to two other students in the class and sharing your outline/inventory. Take three minutes for each partner to share. Ask each other questions. Point out strengths - tell your partner what you like about their inventory. Tell additional information would help you to better understand.
Points for discussion:

• What is the most interesting piece of information you have located so far?
• How do you plan to introduce the topic? What will you do to capture the attention of the reading audience?
• What evidence do you plan to include in your essay?
• Expert sources?
• Interview?
• News accounts?
• Personal anecdote?
• Lines from literature or music?
• Art?
• Strong statistics?
• What will you do to wrap it up for the readers?
• What do you want them to do as a result of reading your essay?
• Do they need the technology?
• Have you mentioned:
• Convenience?
• Cost?
• Safety?
• Environmental impact
• Impact of society? (How would society be different without the technology? Better? Worse?)

5. Jot down your notes. Reflect on what you plan to do now that you are ready to complete the draft of your essay. The draft is due on Thursday. Begin your Works Cited page in EasyBib or other bibliography tracker. Be sure to note in your draft where you will need to use in-text citations or simply include them now. This is your homework. Post the draft in CANVAS by Thursday.

6. The rest of the time is yours to work on your draft. I will be around to take a look at your progress and to answer questions.