February 25, 2016 - Thursday

Class Work

1. What do you think - are people healthier because of the Internet or is the Internet causing trouble? In one or two sentences, write your reaction on a post it and post on the board in the appropriate spot.  (Pick a side! You can't go for both on this activity.)
"There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury - as we read this, keep track of the futuristic inventions that are just the norm today. (Chart provided)
2. We will finish "There Will Come Soft Rains." Continue with your prediction/reality chart.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzbtlcAsIeTnTlNmSnhOV010bHM/edit?pli=1 (Story)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzhlU8rXgHc Story read by Leonard Nimoy

3. Technology through the eyes of an artist -

A. Think of a technical object. This might be the gadget of gizmo you researched for a homework assignment - something from home.  Or, you might want t select something else.

 

Looking at Art

· What is the title of the work? How does the title help you to understand the message? What is the message?

· How does this work relate to your topic? Discuss.

· What is the most obvious image in the work. To where is your eye drawn?

· Look at the colors. Are they symbolic? Would the message be different if the colors were different? Explain.

· Study the shading and shadowing. How do these elements impact the overall message?

· How do the lines and angles impact your eye as you study the work?

· Who is the artist? When was the work created? Is the artist's message about a specific event in history? What was going on in the world when the work was created? Is the art universal - speaks to people of all times and in all places, or is it limited to the audience for whom it was created.

· How does the work relate to us in 21st century America?

 

Assignment: Create a 3-5 slide PowerPoint or Prezi presentation. Think of yourself as the guide at a 21st century art gallery and share the art with the class on Tuesday.

Reminders:

A. The art must appear on the first slide.

B. No more than six bullets per slide.

C. No more than six words per bullet.

(50 points - 30 for the slides/20 for the presentation)

 

Homework
Read "OMG! We've Been Here B4" by Clive Thompson http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/texting-isnt-first-new-technology-thought-impair-social-skills-180958091/ (Links to an external site.)
Answer the following:

1. What does the author claim? In other words, what is the point of the article?
2. What reasons does the author provide for believing that claim?
3. What proof or evidence does the author provide to convince the reader that the reasons are valid?
4. Was the author convincing? If so, what did the author do to convince you of the claim? If not, what was weak about the argument?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starry Night: Meaning of the Vincent Van Gogh Landscape Painting

FILED UNDER:

art

 

Exmple:

Assignment: Prepare a 3 slice or bubble PowerPoint or Prezi show to share wth the class on Tuesday. Your task is to explain the work of art to the class.

Remiders:

No more than six bullets per slide

No ore that six words per bullet

One slide must show the work of art.

Post in CANVAS. (50 points - 30 for the slides and 20 for the presentation)

 

 

Homework

Read "OMG! We've Been Here B4" by Clive Thompson http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/texting-isnt-first-new-technology-thought-impair-social-skills-180958091/

Answer the following:

1. What does the author claim? In other words, what is the point of the article?

2. What reasons does the author provide for believing that claim?

3. What proof or evidence does the author provide to convince the reader that the reasons are valid?

4. Was the author convincing? If so, what did the author do to convince you of the claim? If not, what was weak about the argument?

February 23, 2016 - Tuesday

Class Work

#1 Quick Write

On Thursday, we looked at the article "I Can't Think" by  Sharon Begley. You were to review the article and be ready for a Quick Write.  For homework, you also read "The Whole World Is Watching by Thomas L. Friedman.

Select one of the following prompts and respond in writing. You have 15 minutes. This is a personal opinion response, but you need to back up your opinion with examples from the article and life. Post in CANVAS.

Topic #1:

 "The Whole World Is Watching" by Thomas L. Friedman http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/27/opinion/27friedman.html?_r=0

“The persistence of memory in electronic form makes second chances harder to come by,” writes Seidman. “In the information age, life has no chapters or closets; you can leave nothing behind, and you have nowhere to hide your skeletons. Your past is your present.” So the only way to get ahead in life will be by getting your “hows” right.

 Is Friedman correct? Is your privacy invaded?

Topic #2
“I Can’t Think” by  Sharon Begley’s February 27, 2011, in Newsweek.http://www.sharonlbegley.com/the-science-of-making-decisions )

What do you think, or can you?. Is our culture Twitterized? Are our brains frozen? Do we have trouble making decisions? Support what you think with examples from life and from this article.

******************************************************************************

 #2  "There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury - as we read this, keep track of the futuristic inventions that are just the norm today. (Chart provided)

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzbtlcAsIeTnTlNmSnhOV010bHM/edit?pli=1 (Story)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzhlU8rXgHc Story read by Leonard Nimoy

Homework

What about your health? Is technology helpful or invasive? Read one person's opinion.
"When the Patient Is a Googler" by Scott Haighttp://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1681838,00.html
Questions:
1. What reasons does Haig give to explain why he does not want googlers as patients?

2. I a paragraph or two, agree or disagree with Haig. Should patients research their symptoms on the Internet before seeking medical advice? What are the dangers? What are the advantages?

3. Make a list of all of the health related technology you can think of or that you use. For example, do you wear a "FitBit" or other health-tracking device? Do you or does someone you know regularly check blood pressure at home? Do you own a treadmill or other fitness equipment?

4. Does technology make us healthier? Explain in a brief paragraph. (30 points)

 

 

February 18, 2016 - Thursday

Class Work

1. Quick discussion . . . How "wired" are we as a society?
This was the homework -
Look around your home. Take an inventory of the technology there. Pick one item to study.

• Who invented the item?
• What caused a need for the item?
• What did it look like originally?
• What does it look like now?
• How much does it cost?
• How has the item changed/evolved in your life time?
• Are there any dangers associated with the item?
• Have some fun, what do you think the item will be like in the future? Think about size, cost, and function.
• If you do not see a future for your item, what will replace it? Why won't it be needed? (Think about land-line phones.)
• In 20 years, will you still own/need one? Explain.(20 points)

2. "I Can't Think" activity- listen for the instructions.
"I Can't Think" by Sharon Begley

http://www.sharonlbegley.com/the-science-of-making-decisions

Read the entire article over the weekend. Be ready for a Quick-Write activity on Tuesday.

 

HOMEWORK

Topic: Favorite App! (30 points)

1. What is your favorite app?
2. How much time do you spend using it?
3. What makes it so wonderful?
4. What do you have to do to use it? In other words, what are the instructions?
5. How does this app improve your life, or does it?
6. Finally, convince readers that they should download the app and start using it!

AND

 Read the article and post your answers in CANVAS. "The Whole World Is Watching" by Thomas L. Friedman http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/27/opinion/27friedman.html?_r=0

Questions:

1. How does Friedman choose to begin his article? Is the introduction effective?

2. Is our world more transparent than the world of our great grandparents? Explain.

3. What is a "digital fingerprint"? Is a digital fingerprint a blessing or a curse in your life?

4. Google yourself. Who are you in cyberspace? How much information is "out there" about you? What might a future employer think about the information?

5. Has your privacy been invaded or are you safer because of technology?

(25 points)

 

 

 

February 16, 2016 - Tuesday

Class Work

Let's get rid of those pesky run-on sentences. Here's how! http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/powerpoint.htm

This information is also great for avoiding comma splices!

Solution #1: 

 Let's meet the FANBOYS! They are a wonderful group of words designed to connect words and independent clauses (sentences). However, since sentences are usually bigger than words, they must call for help! Also, meet the powerful comma, a multifaceted punctuation mark!

Solution #2: Semicolons alone

Solution #3: Semicolons with conjunctive adverbs/(Snob words), and commas

http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/conjunctiveadverb.htm

Solution #4: Write two sentences instead of one on-and-on sentence.

 

Let's practice: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/runons_quiz.htm

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/nova/nova4.htm

 

Handout: Help is on the way! Work with a partner to improve these pesky run-on sentences. Some may be sentences with comma splices. Either way, help is needed!

 

1. Homework

 

Make corrections to your Body Art essay.

A. Staple the corrected essay to the essay that needs corrections.

B. Turn it in by hand on Thursday.

C. Earn up to three extra points on your score.

 

 

Something new . . .

2. Look around your home. Take an inventory of the technology there. Pick one item to study.

• Who invented the item?
• What caused a need for the item?
• What did it look like originally?
• What does it look like now?
• How much does it cost?
• How has the item changed/evolved in your life time?
• Are there any dangers associated with the item?
• Have some fun, what do you think the item will be like in the future? Think about size, cost, and function.
• If you do not see a future for your item, what will replace it? Why won't it be needed? (Think about land-line phones.)
• In 20 years, will you still own/need one? Explain.(20 points)

Write this in paragraph form. The "history" part needs to be researched. Credit your sources with the URLs.

Also post the inventory. (5 points)

February 11, 2016 - Thursday

Class Work

I. Punctuating Dialogue Review and Individual Practice:
http://beta.calloway.kyschools.us/Schools/Middle%20School/cwalker/Handouts%20and%20Worksheets/dialogue_rules.pdf


II. Persuasive techniques - review

How did you like the ads that were aired during the Super Bowl? Favorites? Why? Dislikes? Why?

• What makes a powerful ad?
• What is the goal of advertising?
• What makes YOU watch or not watch ads?
• What techniques are used? 
• Here is a list: http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson1166/PersuasiveTechniques.pdf
•    
• 2016 Super Bowl Ads - What techniques were used? https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video;_ylt=AwrTHRQX5blW9nEAw6lXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEyMjg5MGQwBGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwMzBHZ0aWQDQjE1OTFfMQRzZWMDc2M-?p=Super+Bowl+Ads+2016&fr=spigot-nt-gc
• 
  What about other ads?
• http://news.yahoo.com/fda-launching-anti-smoking-campaign-aimed-youth-052937844--finance.html Would teens respond to this? Would the ads make a difference?

III. Let's look at weasel words.










https://ethridgeenglish.wikispaces.com/file/view/Weasel+Words.PDF 
Topics:
1. Help
2. Virtually
3. New and Improved
4. Acts Fast or Works
5 Like Magic
6. Can't be up to the claim...
7. Unfinished words
8. Combining Weasel Words
9. Read the Label or the Brochure
10 Other Tricks of the Trade




















IV. A bit of punctuation . . .

Let's get rid of those pesky run-on sentences. Here's how! http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/powerpoint.htm

Solution #1: 

 Let's meet the FANBOYS! They are a wonderful group of words designed to connect words and independent clauses (sentences). However, since sentences are usually bigger than words, they must call for help! Also, meet the powerful comma, a multifaceted punctuation mark!

Solution #2: Semicolons alone

Solution #3: Semicolons with conjunctive adverbs/(Snob words), and commas

Solution #4: Write two sentences instead on one on-and-on sentence.

In class, you will be writing sentences that demonstrate your ability to correctly use all four solutions!

Homework
Write a letter to an individual and explain your position on body art. For example, a 14 year old might be thinking about getting a tattoo. Or, an elderly person might be against piercings or "unnatural" hair coloring. Perhaps a place of business has a dress code and you are trying to convince your boss that changes are needed. Convince the individual of your choice that the body art in question is or is not acceptable.

Post in Canvas by Tuesday, February 16, 2016.

February 9, 2016 - Tuesday

Class Work

1.Practice punctuating dialogue:

• Look here! http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/keep-it-simple-keys-to-realistic-dialogue-part-i 
• https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/577/01/
• Practice with a partner. The person closest to the door write the dialogue for the good-guy. The person farthest from the door write the dialogue for bad-guy.
• Select a place for the conversation to happen.
• Select a topic to discuss.
• Describe your characters.
• Write the conversation in narrative form using the rules of punctuating dialogue.
• You have 10 minutes and then we will share.

2. Persuasive Techniques
How did you like the ads that were aired during the Super Bowl? Favorites? Why? Dislikes? Why?

• What makes a powerful ad?
• What is the goal of advertising?
• What makes YOU watch or not watch ads?
• What techniques are used? 
• Here is a list: http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson1166/PersuasiveTechniques.pdf
•    You will be assigned a technique. Your assignment is to read the technique listed and explain it to the class. Think hard and give us an example from a commercial or magazine ad. Your assignment as a listener is to take notes. 
• 2016 Super Bowl Ads - What techniques were used? https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video;_ylt=AwrTHRQX5blW9nEAw6lXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEyMjg5MGQwBGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwMzBHZ0aWQDQjE1OTFfMQRzZWMDc2M-?p=Super+Bowl+Ads+2016&fr=spigot-nt-gc
• 
  What about other ads?
• http://news.yahoo.com/fda-launching-anti-smoking-campaign-aimed-youth-052937844--finance.html Would teens respond to this? Would the ads make a difference?

3. Find an ad in a magazine. Either work with a partner or alone and study the techniques used to convince you to spend your money on the product. More than one technique might be used in an ad.

Homework: Read this persuasive article by Ann Quindlen. Answer the questions on CANVAS. Due: February

• http://www.newsweek.com/lets-talk-about-sex-76263
•   Anna Quindlen, a Newsweek writer discusses another "anti" campaign. Read the article and look for the following:
1. The thesis/claim(s) Answer, "What's the message or what's the point?"  after reading the entire article. Do you agree or disagree with the position or stance?
2. Reasons 
3. Evidence
4. What argumentative strategies stand out in the piece? Is this a compelling argument?
5. Are larger points presented? Did the larger points hinder or help to convince you?
6. Did the article dismiss or ignore other points of view? Why or why not?

 

February 4, 2016 - Thursday

Class Work

1. Take notes on the last presentation. Submit the paper after completing a quick-write on canvas.

Topic: Body Art: Yes or No?

Time: 10 minutes

2.  Participate in a peer editing activity on your personal body art narrative.
A. Two readers as assigned by CANVAS.
B. Look for the elements of story:

• Characters
•  Dialogue
• Setting
• Description
• Plot - What happened first, next, and finally?

C. Write a note to the author that addresses the five bullets. Do you have any questions about the narrative? Do you want to know more about any part of the story? What was your favorite section of the narrative?

3. Learn to punctuate dialogue in a narrative.

• What rules do you already know? Let's brainstorm together.
• Look here! http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/keep-it-simple-keys-to-realistic-dialogue-part-i 
• https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/577/01/
• Practice with a partner. The person closest to the door write the dialogue for the good-guy. The person farthest from the door write the dialogue for bad-guy.
• Select a place for the conversation to happen.
• Select a topic to discuss.
• Describe your characters.
• Write the conversation in narrative form using the rules of punctuating dialogue.
• You have 10 minutes and then we will share.

4. Homework:  Revise your personal body art story. Add details. Use dialogue. Post the revision in CANVAS by Tuesday.
5. Watch the commercials for the Super Bowl. Select three for this activity. If you are not able to watch, simply watch three commercials at any time from any show. Directions:

•  Describe the ad and identify the product.
• Would you purchase the product based on the ad? Why or why not?
•  Did you like the ad regardless of your decision to purchase the product or not? Explain. (27 pts)