Gang Induction

Click-on the link below and complete the webquest.
www.zunal.com/webquest.php?w=89429

Technology adapted Lesson Plan

The following lesson plan calls for students to compose a multi-paragraph essay about a single topic. Typically, during this lesson student are required to compose their assignments in a composition book. However, this assignment has been adapted using technology.

Objectives: Following this assignment, students will be able to compose a multi-paragraph essay using a word processing program. They will be able to create an e-mail account. Students will also be able to use the Webspiration web-site to brainstorm their topic. Student will be able send a document via e-mail. Students will be able to receive a message via e-mail, open the message and respond to the message.  

1.    Student's will compose a multi-paragraph essay and submit it to the teacher via e-mail. 

2.     In place of the composition book is a word processing program.

3.      Students are required to create a g-mail account;  pre-authorized by site administration and parents/guardian.

4.      Student will compose their essay using Google docs.

5.      For assistance with brainstorming students will use Webspiration and import it into Google docs.

6.      Students will then send the document to the teacher via e-mail.

7.      Teacher will correct essay and suggest changes via email.

8.      Finally, students will make changes and e-mail corrected document to teacher.

9.      This process will be repeated until teacher is satisfied with essay document and student's ability to use the required technology.

Question 3

3) How does current education practice apply both to 21st Century Learning Skills and Core Knowledge?

 Current education practice, if done correctly incorporates both 21^st century learning skills along with Core Knowledge. The core standards that are prescribed in all states are a prime example of Core knowledge being applied in the classroom. Most states also have technology standards from which teachers are directed to work from.  However, from my experience the technology standard definitely take a bake seat to the Core Knowledge. However, Universities are requiring students attempting to acquire a teaching credential to pass a technology class. For example, our fine state of California has required that all perspective teachers take a class on technology in the classroom.

http://blog.coreknowledge.org/2011/04/12/what-do-teachers-%e2%80%9cproduce%e2%80%9d/

http://www.21stcenturyskills.org.

Question 9

9) What does research say about using Interactive Whiteboards? What are the pros and cons? Would you want to have one in your classroom?

It appears that there has been quite a bit of research on interactive whiteboards in the classroom. However, research has been inconsistent with its findings. Some research has been 100% positive while other report data to the contrary. One thing that I did find was that a lot of research done on the Whiteboard has been funded by SmartTech, creators of the Whiteboard. This obviously cast a large shadow of doubt on the integrity of the study and the effectiveness of the Whiteboard. I currently have one of these whiteboard in my classroom, But it is not compatible with my computer, so I am prevented from fully using it in lessons. I like it, but having prior tech knowledge is absolutely pivitol.

http://www2.smarttech.com/NR/rdonlyres/2C729F6E-0A8D-42B8-9B32-F90BE0A746D8/0/Int_Whiteboard_Research_Whitepaper_Update.pdf

http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/tutorials/whiteboards.html

Question 8

8) How does your current skill set compare to the NETS for teachers?

    I would say that I am above average based on the standards outlined in NETS,  I am comfortable using new technology and I have a strong base using it. However, I am well aware that I have much room for improvement. So much so, that I am going to take technology classes to max out my salary points. I can see how technology can assist and motivate, therefore I would like to enhance my skill as much as possible.

http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students.aspx

Question 6

6) How does motivation tie in to student success in the classroom? Give 3 examples of strategies to motivate today's students.

There are several factors that determine motivation. Internal factors include the characteristics, moods, and attitudes of the student.  These can be influenced by numerous factors.  Nonetheless, the task of motivating students still exsist. One strategy that has many applications is to spark student interest at the beginning of every lesson. This can be accomplished in numerous ways: realia, Q and A sessions that solicit students opinions, and tying in the students’ previous experiences to the lesson. Using video, technology and other equipment can motivate even the most stubborn of students.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/863582

Question 7

7) What are the NETS for students?

   NETS are technology standards for the academic classroom. These standards, developed in 2007, “identify higher-order thinking skills and digital citizenship as critical for students to learn effectively for a lifetime and live productively in our emerging global society.”  Included in these standards are the ability to; demonstrate creativity and innovation, communicate, collaborate, conduct research and use information, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions

While there are many people who are up in arms about technology in the classroom, as the above quote points out these skill are essential to thrive in modern global culture.

http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students.aspx

Question 5

5) How does the US compare to other like-minded countries in our education system? What are our strengths and/or weakness? In comparison to 95% of the countries the US is doing well over all countries except Indonesia and China. In regard to Math and Science these countries have surpassed  the US, however, in other categories, these countries are not on par with the US. However, as on article points out comparing countries can be difficult,  “Kids don’t start school at the same age in different countries,” he said. “Not all kids are in school in grade eight, and the percentage differs from country to country.” Because of such differences, Dr. Kingsbury said, it would be a mistake to infer too much about the relative rigor of the educational systems across the states and nations in the study based merely on test score differences.  Nonetheless the US’s weaknesses are in Math/Science. Strengths are language, business, assistance to students with disabilities.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/education/14students.html

Question 4

4) OPINION: Do we need more or less emphasis of either Core Knowledge or 21st Century Learning Skills? How would we go about it?

As my previous reply states there is only one required technology course for students attempting to get their credential. However, students are required to take numerous courses and test to assess their core knowledge. I think that it is safe to say that an absorbent amount of emphasis is being placed on core knowledge, but very little focus is placed on 21^st century skills. During my research it was revealed the people pro core knowledge have a very rudimentary understanding of 21^st Century learning skills. They believe that core skills are going to be pushed aside. However, I saw it that Core Knowledge is the content that will be used via the 21^st century learning skills.

Question 2

2) What is Core Knowledge and how does it apply to education theory?

Core knowledge is the belief that knowledge builds on knowledge. Meaning each generations learns from the previous generations and eventually contributes to that cache of knowledge.  A theorist that is big on Core Knowledge is E.D. Hirsh., who belives that education and knowledge is like money, in his own words ,“." Similar to money as capital, the more knowledge and skill a person has, the more they can acquire” ( p. 256). As this quote implies, the more core knowledge one has, the better off they will be in achieving their future goals.

http://blog.coreknowledge.org/2011/04/12/what-do-teachers-%e2%80%9cproduce%e2%80%9d/

http://www.21stcenturyskills.org.

Question 1

1) What are the learning outcomes established by the Partnership for 21st Century Learning? (Include information about who/what the Partnership itself is.)

The Partnership for 21^st Century Learning is a national group that supports, and advocates for the teaching of 21^st Century learning skills. According to the website www.p21.org, 21^st century learning skills focus on critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation. These skills are not taught in place of the core curriculum of reading, writing, and arithmetic, instead they are used to access the curriculum at another level. Using the standards established through the 21^st  century learning skills students will develop skills that will assist them to access a broader depth of knowledge,  communicate with broader range of people, face the challenges of acquiring a higher education, and be more competitive in the workplace.

http://www.p21.org/

Medieval Manor

We have been studying several different topics in history this semester. One of our most interesting has been the the Medieval Period in both Europe and Japan. Click-on the link below and watch the movie. After your done, we will create a 3D drawing of our own.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHmnWcf4Ud8

Magna Carta

Check out the animated video of a baron and King John discussing the Magna Carta. Click the link below to start video.

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/11416080

Japan Quake and Tsunami

As we study the history of Japan we are able to see a major historic event occur. Above are a few pictures from the multiple natural disasters that occured in Japan on 3-11-2011. Carefully view each picture and write a complete sentence about a specific part of the picture, not the picture as a whole.

7th Grade History:Charlemagne

Charlemagne: King of the Franks

1. Began his rule after his father, Pepin the short, in 786.
2. Built the greatest european empire since the Romans.
3. By 800 he ruled much of western europe.
4. He ran a very organized kingdom, using Counts, powerful landowners, to help run the country.
5. Often visited the Counts to ensure they were just rulers. 

Charlemagne and Christianity:

1. Deeply religious man.
2. often encouraged and/or forced the people he conquered to convert to Christianity.
3. Under his rule Christianity grew stronger in western europe.

1. Copy the notes above.
2. Read page 294 in you textbook.
3.  Write one sentence about Charlemagne's belief in Christianity.
4. Watch the video on the Middle Ages.

7th grade:Feudal Europe

1. Click on the link below to access the Feudal Europe presentation.
2.  After you are done with the presentation write a 5-6 sentence paragraph about what you learned in the presentation.
3. After you have completed steps 1 and 2, choose a picture from the presentation and draw it to the best of your ability.

Feudal Europe

8th grade; Jefferson Takes Office

1. The Election of 1800:

• Both Thomas Jefferson and Arron Burr received 73 vote in the electoral college.
• The House of Representatives was responsible for deciding the tie.
• After 35 elections the House of Representatives was finally able to vote Jefferson in on the 36th ballot.
• Arron Burr became the vice- president.

   2.    Jefferson's Philosophy:

• Tried to calm America's fighting by promoting a common way of life.
• Wanted the U.S. to be a nation of small independent farmers.
• Believed in strong morals and democratic values.
• Behaved like more like a gentleman than a politician.
• Only had round table in the home so that guest all ate as equals.(no head of the table)
• Epitaph said nothing about him being the President of the United States of America.

   3.  Marbury vs. Madison:

• Case established the principle of  Judicial Review: Supreme Court has last say in what is Constitutional.
• Established a true "check and balance" between the three branches of Government.

Assignment:

1. Copy notes from above.
2. Answer the two 8th grade poll questions.

7th grade World History

Becoming a Knight:

1. At 6 years old boys were sent to a Castle where they became a Page of a Lord.

• Received fight training
• Main duty was to help the Lord dress in and maintain his Armor.
• Taught how to carve and serve meat, sing, dance, play, an musical instument.   
• Learned the social courtesies and how to treat a lady(Chivalry). 
• Also taught to hunt and handle a hawk or falcon.
• Worked toward becoming a Squire.

   2.   At 14-15 years old boys become a Squires to one specific Knight.

•  Practiced with real weapons as opposed to wooden swords, spears, and lances.
• Learned advanced horsemanship.
• Went to war with his Knight; hunted, cooked, maintained weapons, armor, and horses.
• Continued to learn the Code of Chivalry.
• At 18 years of age became a Knight if he was deemed worthy by the Knight/Lord that he served.

Assignment:

1. Copy notes above.
2. Read, Becoming a Knight.
3. Answer all Comprehension questions, including both short written response questions
4. Answer the 7th grade poll question on this blog

7th grade World History

The Development of Feudalism (Chapter 9 lesson 1)

• Feudalism: Social system during the Middle Ages where people where given land and protection for their labor and commitment to an Army. 
• The feudal system that devloped in Europe after the collapse of the Frankish kingdom provided a social and political structure during the Middle Ages.

Assignment:

1. Copy down the notes from above.
2. Read, What Were the Middle Ages, and answer all questions at the end of the reading.
3. Complete Cloze assignment.

8th grade US History

The Jefferson Era:

• Thomas Jefferson becomes president in 1801.
• Jefferson believes the United States should become a nation of small, independent farmers.
• Chief Justice John Marshall establishes the principle of judicial review in Marbury vs. Madison.

When going over this Chapter on Thomas Jefferson look for the answers to the following questions and be prepared to answer them in a group discussion.

1. How was the tie between Jefferson and Burr settled after the election of 1800?
2. In what ways did Jefferson's talents reach beyond politics?
3. How did the opinions of Jefferson and Hamilton regarding the public debt differ?