Mr. Strom's online classroom

Citing sources using MLA format

2009-03-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

What is MLA format?
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/

How do I cite sources?
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/03/

How do I format quotes?
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/04/

List of topics (OWL-Purdue)
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/06/#resourcenav

Diana Hacker's website
http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/p04_c08_o.html

How to write an intro

2009-03-16T18:19:00.001-07:00

Step 1: Think of an intro
Step 2: Trash that intro, because it's probably a cliche, something that's been done a million times before. Have you ever read an essay that started with a question like "Have you ever...?"
Step 3: Look at professional examples. (Yes, I know, if you follow a professional example, then you are being unoriginal again. But you've got to start somewhere.)

Some examples.

Idea #1: narrative (a brief story)
Author: Steve Chapman's
Title of article: "Smile, you're on cop-car camera"
Publication: Chicago Tribune
Publication date: March 15, 2009
What makes this a narrative opening? Chapman begins by telling a story about a police officer who falsely accused a man of drunk driving.

Idea #2: description
Author: Barbara Brotman
Title of article: "Student Financial Aid"
Publication: Chicago Tribune
Publication date: March 17, 2009
What makes this a descriptive opening? Brotman begins by showing a series of related images that appeal to the five senses: shaking hands (sight and touch), a messy desk (sight), bitten fingernails (sight and touch), and profanities (sound).

Idea #3: connection to current events
Authors: Alice Waters and Katrina Heron
Title of article: "No Lunch Left Behind"
Publication: New York Times
Publication date: February 19, 2009
What makes this a "connection to current events" opening? Waters and Heron begin by linking their proposal to items in the news: government bailouts and "concern over wasteful spending."

Idea #4: attention-getting fact or statistic
Author: Paul Levi
Title of paper: "Cell Phones in the Hands of Drivers: A Risk or a Benefit?"
Publication: Diana Hacker website
Publication date: 2006

Online Databases

2009-02-25T19:57:00.000-08:00

First, a reminder about research: Research ain't easy! No one is going to hand you sources on a silver platter when you type in your first search. You have to try, try, try again --and again and again and again and again. (And again, again, again.) You will hit many dead ends in your research. But this is what research is all about: reading, searching, circling around, hitting dead ends, judging if an article is relevant or useful for the position you are taking. Is there anything here that can help support my argument? Constantly ask yourself this question and be prepared to read through a lot of material that is not helpful. Making a judgment about the article's usefulness is the essence of research. A lot of people have been asking to change their topic because they "can't find anything." This is not an option. Don't give up just because it's hard.

One other reminder: please read before asking questions. Don't underestimate your own ability to figure it out and solve the problem on your own. When you click on the link for ProQuest and SIRS, read through the list and find the links yourself.

FOUR USEFUL STARTING POINTS:

1. FirstSearch
http://www.firstsearch.oclc.org/
When using FirstSearch, I recommend using the WilsonSelectPlus database because it provides a lot of full-text articles. WorldCat can also be useful, especially if you click on the "internet" tab -- sometimes there will be links to articles on the internet.

2. ProQuest OneSearch
3. SIRS Researcher
http://www.chipublib.org/cplbooksmovies/research/database_atoz.php
ProQuest and SIRS are both excellent databases that cover a wide range of newspaper, magazine, and other articles. Many of these are full-text articles (meaning you don't have to go to the library to get them). However to use these databases, you have to have a Chicago Public Library card. So be sure to bring your library card to school every day! And if you don't have a library card, GET ONE! Go to the library with a piece of mail showing your address and ask how you can apply for a library card. SIRS also has sections called "Pro vs. Con" and "Leading Issues" that group articles by topic and highlight the best ones for student research.

4. Newsbank
http://www.infoweb.newsbank.com
Search Chicago newspapers. Username and password: 1140

I also recommend that you actually go to the public library to do research. This is your homework, after all; you are expected to do some of your research outside of school. We will continue to work on this in class, but you must also work on it at home and at the public library.

Finding a Topic

2009-02-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

Researched Argument – Topic Ideas

Education/Youth
affirmative action
trying violent juveniles as adults
intelligent design vs evolution taught in public schools
religion in public schools (prayer, clubs, etc.)
child/teen curfews
Gay-friendly high school in Chicago
military recruitment in high schools/military academies in Chicago
advertising in high schools
school cafeteria options
magnet schools in Chicago
charter schools
advertising of alcohol directed at youth
drug testing in schools/on job, for IHSA participation
online grades
athletics/grades policy at North-Grand/general participation in high school sports
freshman participation in athletics
required PE in high school
dress policy in public school
college application process
proving necessity/importance of arts education
graduation requirements
required pledge of allegiance in high school
standardized testing as a way to judge high schools / determining college admissions
going away vs. staying home for college
character education in public schools
school lunches/ nutrition
obesity in teens
developing emotional intelligence in school-age children
effects of teenage sleep deprivation
censorship of internet in schools
late start to school day
no child left behind - school failure/probation
underage drinking
pros and cons of AP courses, honors courses, tracking, weighted grades
impact of class sizes on learning environment
service learning requirement in schools
alternative grading procedures
year-round school
home school
steroid use in high schools
media’s influence on teenage body image
honor code/academic integrity
tuition vouchers for private school
longer school day
achievement gap across socioeconomic/racial/ethnic lines
homework
bullying in schools
Academic requirements for student-athletes
Should school libraries subscribe to non-academic magazines?
Politics/Government/Rights
electoral college
instant run-off election
capital punishment
welfare
mandatory minimum sentencing
second amendment restrictions/rights
adoption of children by gay parents
civil union/gay marriage/Proposition 8
Patriot Act
FISA
Stimulus Package – balancing cutting taxes w/ investing in infrastructure/job creation?
taxes/flat vs. progressive tax/deficit spending/tax cuts
getting young people to vote/participate/engage in politics
Richard Daley

Health/Safety
stem cell research
universal health care
smoking bans in workplace, public places
assisted suicide
cell phones/texting in cars, punishments
identifying and treating adolescent depression

Environment/Energy/Food
drilling for oil in Alaska/offshore
alternative energy sources/investment
Subsidies for agriculture/farm policy
Local food movement

Sports
genetic screening for susceptibility to diseases (Eddy Curry)
athletics and eating disorders
minimum age for NBA, NFL, MLB draft
steroid use in MLB
designated hitter in MLB
revenue sharing in professional sports

Society/Entertainment
illegal downloading movies/music/games
arranged marriage
is wal-mart good for a community/neighborhood/country?
effects of TV or video games on youth
segregation in schools, neighborhoods
getting rid of / keeping the penny
Cameras at intersections for traffic/selling drugs
incentives for participating in charity events

----------------

One of the best ways to explore research topics is to read the newspaper: current events and issues that make the news are often controversial and worthy of further research. And futhermore, they lend themselves to argumentation (taking sides on an issue, making an argument, using evidence to persuade...)

If one of these articles catches your interest, do a search of recent stories relating to the topic.

Should the US take a more active role in Darfur?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/opinion/19kristof.html (opinion article)

Should university students expect to get at least a B in a course if they attend the lectures? And should grades be based more on effort than the quality of the work?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/education/18college.html (news article)

Should the NFL pay for retired players' medical expenses when they have expensive football-related injuries (including dementia) and can no longer pay for their own care?
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100539758 (opinion article)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98668764 (opinion article)

Should there be more black head college football coaches? Should the BCS system be changed? http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99055694 (opinion article)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98336093

Should Manny Ramirez get a portion of the stimulus bill? Isn't he already rich enough?
http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/scott_boras_able_to_get?utm_source=a-section (satire)

Should CPS close schools that don't meet requirements for student test scores? Should the schools be replaced with charter schools and other privately-run educational companies?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/content/education/chi-cps-studiesfeb18,0,4051048.story (news article)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/content/education/chi-las-casas-closing-city-zonefeb12,0,6953984.story (news article)

Has the No Child Left Behind legislation helped or hurt students? Should it be renewed, changed, or totally eliminated?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/content/education/chi-duncan-classroom-17dec17,0,1937617.story (news article)

Should people be allowed to own firearms, as the second amendment provides? Should firearm ownership be prohibited or limited in any way?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-nance-holt-city-zonefeb20,0,4491316.story (news article)

Is online learning the future of education? Are ipod lectures more effective than traditional classes?
http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2009/02/iprof-experiment-shows-podcasted-lectures-more-effective-than-the-real-thing.html (opinion article)

Should there be a "faith-based office" of the White House? Should faith-based organizations be eligible for federal funding (money from the federal government)? If so, should these organizations be allowed to restrict their hiring to believers?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-faith-basedfeb06,0,5145471.story (news article)

Should President Obama wear a raincoat and/or use an umbrella in the rain? Should he walk briskly or should he walk at a medium or slower pace?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-president-departure,0,708786.story (news article)

Should we drink tap water instead of bottled water?
http://www.landinstitute.org/vnews/display.v/ART/2008/11/18/4926e8a202efc (opinion article)

Should it be legal everywhere to hang your laundry out to dry on a line?
http://www.landinstitute.org/vnews/display.v/ART/2008/08/11/48a0b3c650e26 (opinion article)

Should the government pay farmers to grow corn in order to produce more ethanol? Is this really helpful for the environment?
http://www.landinstitute.org/vnews/display.v/ART/2008/07/09/48779b5be8969 (opinion article)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/opinion/04pollan.html (opinion article)

Should industrial farmers be allowed to keep animals in tiny cages that allow the animal little or no movement?
http://www.landinstitute.org/vnews/display.v/ART/2008/07/11/4877b66f210cc (opinion article)

Should we consume more (spend more money) to get the economy growing again?
http://www.landinstitute.org/vnews/display.v/ART/2008/11/27/493574c4351d0 (opinion article)

Is soil erosion a problem on our farms, and if so, what should be done about it?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/05/opinion/05berry.html (opinion article)

Which is more important, conservation or efficiency? Which should be our focus if we are serious about being good stewards of the land?
http://www.landinstitute.org/vnews/display.v/ART/2009/02/11/499c917ec7056 (opinion article)

Can one person make a difference when it comes to global warming/climate change?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/20/magazine/20wwln-lede-t.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&hp (opinion article)

Research Scavenger Hunt!

2009-02-16T17:40:00.001-08:00

In the computer lab today you will complete a short scavenger hunt. Why, you ask? Simple: 1.) to have fun and 2.) to start learning about the parts of a research paper. (By the way, for the next seven weeks, we'll be working on a research paper! omg, isn't that exciting!)

You can work with a partner to do this, but you have to turn in your own sheet with only your name and your responses on it. Don't let anyone copy your work! Only work with someone if he/she is willing to do his/her share of the work.

After you have taken out a sheet of looseleaf paper, open a second browser wondow so you can flip back and forth between this page (your instructions) and the website where you'll be scavenging (hunting around).

After you finish reading this paragraph, you will go to a website that has two sample research papers written by students. When you get to the website, click on "Sample Papers" in the ORANGE "Humanities/MLA" section. (Don't click on the sample papers in the blue, green, or purple bars.) The scavenger hunt will pertain to the MLA sample papers by Paul Levi and Angela Daly (both papers are on the same topic: cell phones and driving). Check the names to be sure you have the right papers. If you can't find the papers, reread these instructions and try again.

The website is www.dianahacker.com/resdoc.

SCAVENGER HUNT QUESTIONS: (Note: Complete as many as you can! If you get stuck on one, get help or skip it and come back later. Write complete sentences!)
1. How many pages does Angela Daly's paper have?
2. Look at Levi's paper and Daly's paper. Explain each writer's position on the issue of cell phones and driving.
3. Copy Levi's thesis.
4. Both writer's locate their thesis statements in the same place. Where?
5. Which paper includes an outline?
6. What information is included in parentheses throughout both papers?
7. Why do you think this information in parentheses is included?
8. What is a signal phrase?
9. Find one example of logical evidence (logos!) used by either Levi or Daly to support his/her thesis.
10. What information is included on the "Works Cited" page?
11. How is the information arranged on the Works Cited page?
12. Who wrote the article "Phone Use Faulted in Collision" in the Washington Post newspaper?
13. What newspaper does Corey Kilgannon write for?
14. Where does Paul Levi address the counter-argument in his paper? Explain how he uses this technique to his advantage.
15. How long are most paragraphs in these two papers?
16. Read both conclusions. If you were going to teach someone how to write a conclusion based on these examples, what would you say?

World Lit Post

2008-05-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

Link to downloadable research materials.

Revision

2008-02-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

As I said in class last week, we are going to tackle citing sources this week in order to eliminate any kind of plagiarism in our essays. I can't emphasize enough how important this is to learn. Get as much done today in the lab as possible -- you will likely not have any more time in class to work in the lab before this is due.

Another note: if you wrote about someone you know personally and did not use outside sources, concentrate on revising for clarity, fixing grammar and spelling, etc. Make the essay better -- don't just print out another copy of the same thing and turn it in. I will check each draft (especially your most recent draft) for evidence of revision -- that means I am looking for YOUR WRITING on your drafts.

Due date: Thursday, February 21, 2008

What's due, you ask?
1. Revised essay, with in-text parenthetical citations and a works cited page. Also you are expected to revise for grammar, spelling, formatting, and clarity. NOW ANY INSTANCES OF PLAGIARISM WILL RESULT IN A GRADE OF "F" FOR THE ASSIGNMENT, AND YOU WILL NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RE-DO THE ASSIGNMENT. THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY, NOW, TO RE-DO THE ASSIGNMENT.
2. All previous drafts -- marked up, written on, brimming with ideas and revision. (Yes, all of the drafts! Including the peer edit form!)

How do I do all this?

It's actually pretty easy, and I promise this is the last thing we do with this essay. After this, we will move on.

1. Search through your essay for the slightest hint of plagiarism. This means sentences you cut and pasted without quoting or sentences that are carelessly paraphrased (meaning you only changed a few words). For direct quotes, use quotations marks and in-text citation (author's last name and page number, if available). For paraphrasing, you really have to change the whole sentence, and then still insert an in-text citation giving credit to the author. Some people will find that their entire essay is one long careless paraphrase or a series of direct quotes. If that applies to you, you will have to rework much of the paper. You can't turn in a bunch of long quotations or paraphrases and call it your essay. That is someone else's essay. The key is that YOUR thinking, YOUR original ideas must be the driving force of the essay. The quotations and paraphrases support what YOU have to say on the subject.

2. If you are unsure if a sentence is copied, try googling the sentence. But really, come on -- you know what you wrote or did not write.

3. Cite sources properly in the text. (Careful paraphrases, quotation marks, in-text citations.) Use the Diana Hacker website for detailed instructions on in-text citations: http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/p04_c08_s1.html

4. Create a Works Cited page and properly document your sources using the MLA system. (It's more than just listed the URL of the website!) http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/p04_c08_s2.html

5. For an example of what your revised essay will (sort of) look like, go (again, sorry, it's a good site) to the Diana Hacker website: http://dianahacker.com/pdfs/Hacker-Levi-MLA.pdf. Obviously our essay is not a full-blown research paper, so you don't need a title page or outline, but most of the other things apply.

6. If you have trouble with any of this, please ask for help.

For your reference, here is a link to the powerpoint on plagiarism we discussed in class on 2/7/08. We looked mostly at the first one (West Alabama) but also some of the second one (Springfield HS).

Drafts

2008-01-30T15:32:00.000-08:00

I've posted several versions of my evolving essay. What do you think?
W, 2/13 >> 2A-106; 3A-206; 4A-206
T, 2/19 >> 2A-106; 3A-206; 4A-106

Final Draft of Essay

2008-01-28T06:24:00.000-08:00

First Draft due in class Monday, January 28, 2008 -- 10 points
Second Draft due in class Thursday, January 31, 2008 -- 20 points
Peer Edit (available Th., 1/31) -- 20 points
Final Draft (with first and second drafts and Peer Edit attached) due in class Monday, February 4, 2008 -- 80 points

OFFICIAL REMINDERS
1. Topic: What event or person in African-American history has most influenced or inspired you or modern society? Why? (slightly changed, but basically what we expected)
2. Typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font
3. Do not use bold or italic font.
4. Word limit: 600-700 words.
5. Title centered at top of first page. Do not underline title or use quotation marks.
6. Do not type your name on your essay. Attach an entry identification form (available in class Feb. 4). Do not staple your essay together; instead, use a paper clip.
7. Essays will be judged on "originality and creativity, cultural knowledge and research, organized structure and clarity, as well as spelling and grammar."

STROM'S HINTS FOR SUCCESS
1. Be original. Check your essay for sentences that could appear in anyone's essay.
2. Don't be afraid to write about a non-famous person.
3. Focus on one or two key aspects (traits, ideas, accomplishments) of the person or event you choose. Don't give the person's entire biography.
4. Connect to your life. Your essay's power will come from the way you show how the person or event has affected you. Don't just say it affected you; show it. This part should be at least a full paragraph.
5. Your essay should contain some imagery (words that help the reader to create images in his/her mind, to visualize).
6. Avoid cliches, especially in your beginning and end. (Examples of opening-sentence cliches: "The person who has most influenced me is..." or "This essay is going to be about..." or "Rosa Parks was born in 1913..." or "Oprah has made a huge contribution to our society..."

See Strom's first draft.

Documenting Sources

2008-01-10T07:34:00.000-08:00

When you take notes from various websites or books, be sure to write down the bibliographical information about each source. You will be expected to include a bibliography that credits the sources of your research. See examples at this site:

http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/p04_c08_s2.html

Use the drop down menu to select "Electronic Sources" if you are using a website. Ask Mr. Strom if you have any questions.

What African American person has made a remarkable contribution to our society?

2008-01-06T13:32:00.000-08:00

This will likely be the prompt for the Black History Month Essay Competition---our next assignment will be to write an essay for submission to this contest. In the past, several $5000 scholarships, computers, and other prizes have been awared to winners---some of whom have been North-Grand students. Details about the essay will be released soon; until then, we will begin talking about and researching ideas for your essay.

Today, simply browse through some of these websites and think about how you might answer the above question. Begin researching a few of the names you come across and read about their stories. On Thursday, 1/10, you must come to class with the name of a person you are interested in learning more about, an African American person who, in your mind, has made a remarkable contribution to our society. If you decide on someone today, you can start gathering information and background knowledge. Read as much as you can about that person today and in the next few days.

You may choose the same person as someone else, but be advised: your essay must be entirely your own words, entirely original, entirely unique. Keep in mind also that there will probably be a lot of essays on people like Martin Luther King, Jr., Michael Jordan, and Oprah---yes, you can still write about a "popular" person, but you might have to work harder to make your essay unique.

Alternatively, your essay could be about a lesser-known African American---the essay does not have to be about someone who is famous.

Whether the person you choose is famous or not, you should make connections between that person's contribution(s) and your life---show how the person has impacted, inspired, or changed you. You can certainly also make connections between the person's contribution(s) and society---for example, you can point out the larger and continued impact of the person---but don't forget to make personal connections as well.

Research, read, research, read, read, read. Read some more. Learn everything you can about the person. Take notes. Make a file. Write down the sources you use. Then...

AFTER YOU HAVE BECOME AN EXPERT AUTHORITY ON THE PERSON YOU'VE CHOSEN:

You can start planning your essay. Details about length and due date will be available soon. Until then, think about the following and jot down some notes:

How can I make my essay ORIGINAL? Avoid writing what someone else could (and probably will) write.
How can I weave background information, cultural knowledge, and research into my essay without copying from a website or book? Show that you are knowledgable about the person, but don't just write a biography. The essay is YOUR unique perspective on why this person's contribution is remarkable. Don't just give a list of facts.
What personal connection can I make with this person? How does this person's contribution affect me? How could I weave personal narrative (a story from my own life) into this essay?
How can I hook the reader? Again, be original. Don't begin with "This essay is going to be about..." or "Rosa Parks was born in 1913..." or "Oprah has made a huge contribution to our society..." Be creative.

As you write and edits your drafts, come back frequently to this list and check your essay against it.

STRUCTURING YOUR ESSAY: THREE APPROACHES

Traditional structure: Thesis and support structure this essay. Introductory paragraph ends with thesis statement. Two, three, or more body paragraphs offer evidence to support and prove thesis. One main idea per paragraph. Closing paragraph revisits thesis and gives reader a final thought, call to action, or provocative question. (NOTE: Be original when composing your thesis. Check it with Mr. Strom. "Martin Luther King has made some important contributions to our society" is BORRRRIIINNNNGGG. There will be 50 essays with that thesis. Be original. Be original! Write a thesis no one else could have written.)
Narrative/Elliptical structure: Start with personal narrative (a story from your own life) that somehow leads into or meshes with the story of the person you've chosen. (This personal narrative might, for example, show a change in you that can be linked to the peron you have chosen to research---but there are other possibilities.) The interweaving of the two (or more) stories illustrates the impact (on you, possibly also on others) and also the larger significance of the person's contribution. Rather than listing evidence that logically proves your point, this essay attempts to show, illustrate, and embody the point through interweaving narratives (stories). Alternatively, the essay could start with a narrative episode about the person who is the subject of your essay and then proceed from there. Or it could tell the story of someone you know, if that helps illustrate your point. There are many possibilities. In any case, you should, at some point, interrupt your narrative to analyze and comment on the stories (after all, it is an essay, not a pure narrative). This type of essay is more challenging and harder to define (there are so many different possibilities), but it is also potentially more creative and more interesting.
Blended: Has a traditional thesis and support structure, but uses narrative as evidence to support and prove thesis. Also could use narrative as a hook in introduction followed by traditional thesis and support. When using this approach (narrative as hook) you might consider revisiting the narrative again in the final paragraph---this creates a sort of frame for your essay.

simplified instructions for the paper

2007-03-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

Due: Friday, 3/30/07
Length: 600 words
Purpose: To extend our understanding of global warming and to make a commitment to take action to reverse it.
Typed? Recommended, but not required.
Points: 50 points

The paper has three parts. Each part should be about 200 words.

PART 1. Personal response. Look over your notes and think about the film. Give your opinion on one or two specific parts of the film. Don't just say "global warming is bad" or "I didn't like the film" ... be specific. [USE YOUR NOTES]

PART 2. Tell about one "interesting but out of reach" way to save energy. This is something that you personally cannot do right now, but it is a way to reduce global warming. (Examples: hybrid cars, energy-efficient home design, biodiesel technology, etc.) Explain how it works and how it could reduce global warming. [INTERNET RESEARCH]

PART 3. Choose one or two energy-saving changes that you can make in your life right now. Explain how this idea works and how it could reduce global warming. Then, describe your plan of action: where can you get the materials? How much does it cost to do this? How will you go about making it happen. (Examples: fluourescent lightbulbs, composting, growing a garden, buying locally grown food, turning off lights, etc. -- simple stuff.) [INTERNET RESEARCH]

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Where do I go to do research? Here are some websites that might be helpful. You can also do your own internet searching. Remember, research means searching, exploring, hunting... don't expect to find what you are looking for right away. It takes persistence.

http://www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/
http://www.rprogress.org/newprojects/ecolFoot/faq/index.shtml -
http://www.newdream.org/cnad/user/turn_the_tide.php -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_architecture -
http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/chklst.htm

One week until spring break!

2007-03-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

NOTE: I will be checking binders all week, so be sure to bring your neat, orderly binder every day.

Schedule for Week 9 of Third Quarter:

Mon., 3/26 - Library computer lab - research for your 600-word RESPONSE PAPER (see last week's post for instructions) to An Inconvenient Truth.
Tues., 3/27 - Room 106 computer lab - type your paper
Th., 3/29 - Room 109 - Watch the final 10 minutes of the film; tutorial for the rest of the period
Fri., 3/30 - Room 109 - 600-word RESPONSE PAPER is due.

Week 8-9 assignment

2007-03-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

This week in class we'll be watching the film that won Best Documentary of 2006 at this year's Academy Awards: An Inconvenient Truth. Read a little about the film here.

Remember that there are basically only two weeks left in the third quarter! Spring Break starts Friday, March 30, and when you return, you'll have exams and then the quarter will be over. (And don't forget parent-teacher conferences will happen immediately after third quarter....)

Binder checks will happen throughout the next two weeks, so be prepared.

Here's the schedule for this week:

Monday, 3/19 - Read the rest of this post (5 min.), take the Ecological Footprint Quiz and post your results -- with your name -- as a comment (10 min.), do some Keytrain (20 min., no math allowed), and use the rest of the period for tutorial.
Tuesday, 3/20 - Part 1, An Inconvenient Truth - take cornell notes (28 min.), tutorial (20 min.)
Wednesday, 3/21 - Student Development
Thursday, 3/22 - Part 2, An Inconvenient Truth - take cornell notes (28 min.), tutorial (20 min.)
Friday, 3/23 - Part 3, An Inconvenient Truth - take cornell notes (whole period)
Next week (3/26-3/30): tutorial, time to research in the computer lab one day, binder checks, and one discussion on the film.

Upcoming assignments and due dates:

Copy and paste your results for the Ecological Footprint Quiz as a comment (click where it says "Posted by Mr. Strom at ... 0 comments" below). Due by the end of the period today, Monday, 3/19. (5 points)
Turn in all cornell notes (including completed left column and summary section) for all three parts of the film. Due Friday, 3/23. (20 points)
Deadline to re-take Grammar Unit Test (40 points) from last week: Friday, 3/23. Re-take it any day after school this week.
Turn in your RESPONSE to the film. Due Friday, 3/30. What's the RESPONSE? Keep reading...

The RESPONSE (due 3/30, worth 50 points) to the film includes the following:

Personal response to the film (200 words). This is NOT a summary. Look over your notes -- choose a specific moment from the film and respond to it. You may begin with a brief general reaction to the film as a whole, but this personal response must be based mostly on your response to a specific moment (or maybe two) from the film.
Report on at least one "interesting but out of reach" (meaning you can't actually do this yourself) energy-saving or sustainable practice that can reduce one's ecological footprint (200 words). Cite sources!
Choose one or two energy-saving or sustainable change(s) you can make to actually reduce your ecological footprint. Describe in detail what you plan to do (where will you purchase the light bulb? how much does it cost? how will you convince your parents to turn down the thermostat?), explain what effect your actions will have, and make a promise to follow through with sustained (long-term) action (200 words). Sign and date your pledge. Cite sources!
Include a "Works Cited" section at the end of your paper. (Here's how. FYI, If you want to see an example of what a full research paper looks like, go here.)
Also indicate in the body of your paper where your facts came from. Use a phrase like According to climatecrisis.net... to show where you got your info. If you quote directly from a source, use quotation marks (""). Use direct quotes sparingly (not a lot).
Create an original heading for each of the three sections (don't just call #1 "Personal Response"). Make sure your name is on each page. It is not required that you type your paper, but it sure would look nice....

Resources for research (#2 and #3):

http://www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/
http://www.rprogress.org/newprojects/ecolFoot/faq/index.shtml - about the Ecological Footprint Quiz - lots of info here!
http://www.newdream.org/cnad/user/turn_the_tide.php - simple things you can do
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_architecture - about sustainable architecture - read though this article and follow links within the article
http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/chklst.htm

Good luck! See me if you have any questions. If you need more computer time than we have in class (only two class periods: Monday, 3/19 and Monday, 3/26), you are welcome to stay after school with me. I will find you a computer to work on.