A Christmas Carol-Create a Go Animate

Create a Go Animate to show how Scrooge changes or an important theme of the play.
Click this link to go to Go Animate
Here's our classroom code:  0OSKQzn8JjqvRrlNrLVpT

try this one:  0OSKQzn8JjqvRrlNrLVpT6g

Ted Talk Tuesdays: Detention or Eco Club: Choosing your future - Juan Martinez

"When kids who have very little really experience the power of the great outdoors, it can change their whole lives."—Juan Martinez

Watch the Ted Talk and then complete the graphic organizer.  Be prepared to discuss in class on Tuesday.  Below you can find background information to explore some of the topics Martinez discusses in his Ted Talk.

• Click here to learn more about Juan Martinez and his work spearheading the group Natural Leaders Network of the Children & Nature Network

• Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods

• Click here for background on the LA Riots in 1992

• Learn more about his reference to the street gangs in LA 

Understanding Point of View

The Faces of the Syrian Refugee Crisis

This fall we read a Scope article on the Syrian Refugee Crisis- In "Swimming for her Life"  we read about Yusra Mardini's incredible journey from war-torn Syria to the Olympic Games (November Scope page 10).  We have also watched two videos about children refugees.  You are going to choose a topic connected to the Syrian Refugee crisis to research and create an Infographic which will explain the topic to other people who might not be informed.
Possible topics to explore:

     Children Refugees

     Why people leave Syria?

     Where do the refugees go when they leave?

     Settlement Camps

     Where is Syria?  (Background information)

     What is the conflict in Syria about?

What is an infographic?  Click here to see some examples of Infographics.

Research resources:
First try Ebscohost-on Barnard School website

Save the Children

Children Under Siege-UNICEF

Time for Kids-Children Refugees

Syrian Refugee crisis-what you need to know
Newsela-Refugee family settles in US after fleeing war in Syria
CNN-Everything you need to know about Syrian Crisis

Short Story Unit Test

You will be reviewing for your Short Story Unit Test.  Use the quizlet flashcard and review games to learn the Elements of Short Stories. You will not be able to use the stories or your notes for your test. 
Click here to go to the quizlet set

Short Story Unit Review

1.  Elements of Short Stories-

Review list and be able to identify elements

2.  Reread the Short Stories- Click title to go to a copy of the story

“Monkey’s Paw”

“The Lottery”

“The Most Dangerous Game”

3.  Use Graphic Organizers to study-
Be able to identify main characters

Literary devices/elements

Plot structure

Authors
Review any notes and annotations on stories

Scope "This is what Courage Looks Like” -additional resources

Consider the following essential questions:
What is courage?
How can people stand up for their rights?
What does it take to change an unfair law or practice?Why were Claudette Colvin and the Montgomery Bus Boycott so important to the civil rights movement?

Watch this short video on The Montgomery Bus Boycott


Around the same time Rosa Parks famously protested segregation by refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, a teenager named Claudette Colvin went to jail in Montgomery, Ala., for doing the exact same thing. This is her story.

Additional Resources:
Click here to read Browder v. Gayle:  The Women Before Rosa Parks 
This is a summary of the Browder v. Gayle case mentioned in Scene 7 of the play. 
Click here to read primary document-Rules for Riding Desegregated Buses
Why  did leaders think these types of suggestions were necessary? 

Grammar Flip and Kahoot!

We will be using Grammar Flip again this year which is an online Grammar Program that allows students to work on grammar skills at their own pace.  You will need to sign up for your class using the link and class code below.  We will also be using Kahoot a site similar to Socrative to play games to reinofrce what you are learning in Grammar Flip. 
Click here to join Grammar Flip
Grade 8:  barnardla8
Grade 7:  barnardla7
Grade 6:  barnardla6 
Let's try Kahoot now.  Log in and join the fun!  Click here to go to Kahoot!  Wait until Ms. Casassa gives you the game code to play.

Ray Badbury's "All Summer in a Day"

Barnard School Students Analyze the 2016 Election

Click here to work on the Election Analysis Presentation

Resources
FiveThirtyEight
CNN Election Results
New York Times Election Results
Scholastic News Election News
Huffington Post Article on Election Results
NPR-How Trump Won According to Exit Polls

Ted Talk Tuesday-Tim Urban-Inside the mind of a master procrastinator

Click here to get a copy of the Ted Talk Graphic Organizer

November is National Novel Writing Month!

Click here to sign up for our classroom at the National Novel Witting Month website
Here's our access code: RYJBRGKA

Stuck?!  Not sure what to do next?  Click here to use this National Novel Writing Resource

Literary Techniques: Flashback

A Flashback is a technique used by an author to take a reader back in time to explain something that happened. 
Stories with a flashback usually....START in PRESENT....then FLASHBACK to the PAST...then RETURN to the PRESENT.

Ted Talk Tuesday

Why do Videos go Viral? Kevin Allocca is YouTube's trends manager, and he has deep thoughts about silly web video. In this talk from TEDYouth, he shares the 4 reasons a video goes viral. After you watch the Ted talk, complete the graphic organizer and come prepared to discuss the talk in class on Ted Talk Tuesday!
Click here to watch the Ted Talk!

Storyboard That Classroom Account

I have signed up for a free 14 day trial with Storyboard That.  You may sign up using the link and class code below.  The only requirement for your storyboard is that it needs to have at least five frames following the traditional plot structure--see handout.

Storyboard Classroom
Class code:  words0555
Teacher: scasassa

Colonizing Mars: What would it take to live there?

Do you think it is possible to colonize Mars?  Read "What Would it Take to Live There?" pages 18-19 in Scope magazine.  Then conduct your own research, choosing one of the resources below.  Add at least two more challenges to the list on pages 18-19 and write a paragraph arguing for or against colonizing Mars.
Read the articles below:
"Would it Be Ethical to Colonize Mars?" 
 "How to Create a Bill of Rights for Mars"
Watch this video: 
"Should we Colonize Venus instead of Mars?"

Scope Fiction Selection-"Follow the Water"

Click here to read "Follow the Water."
Click here to listen "Follow the Water."
Click here to get a copy of the Literary Devices activity.

Grade 7: Learning about Fiction and Nonfiction

7th graders will have a quiz on the important definitions and terms in the Fiction and Nonfiction Unit this Friday, September 30th. Use this quizlet set to learn the definitions for terms in Unit 1-Fiction and Nonfiction.  Click here to view the quizlet flashcards.

TedYouth-"How Simple ideas lead to scientific discoveries"

Adam Savage: How simple ideas lead to scientific discoveries

Adam Savage is the host of Mythbusters, and the king of making scientific analysis fun. In this talk from TEDYouth 2011 — which happens to be half animated — he shows how simple methodologies led to two of the most exciting scientific discoveries of all time: Eratosthenes’ calculation of the Earth’s circumference and Hippolyte Fizeau’s measurement of the speed of light.

After you watch this TedYouth Talk, please complete the graphic organizer to prepare for our class discussion tomorrow.  Click here to access the graphic organizer.

Join Your LA Quizlet Class

Quizlet is a great study resource.  You may use sets your classmates have made by belonging to the same classroom.Join by clicking the links below.
1.  Log in to Google
2.  Click on each subject  to join the quizlet class

Science 6

Vocabulary 7

Science 7

Vocabulary 8

Science 8

Ms. Casassa's Language Arts

Life Vest Inside - Kindness Boomerang - "One Day"

Students in Grade 6-8 watched and discussed this video last week and thought about the ways that kindness can be contagious and life changing.  One small act of kindness can make such a difference.  We hope that the students can take this idea with them throughout the year and be mindful of and kind to each other.

My Reading Life

Dear . Class,
    I am really excited to begin talking about reading with all of you! I love to read.  I always have a book that I am reading.  I belong to a book group and meet monthly to talk about a book we have all read.  I am a person who will read many different types of books-fiction and nonfiction, but I like fiction the best.  I read for a wide variety of purposes.  I spend a lot of my day reading for work and pleasure.  I read emails, text messages, the newspaper, social media, novels, student writing and professional writing.  I also read directions, grocery lists, messages and notes from family.
   I can't remember exactly when I learned to read but I know I have always loved reading.  When I was little I read The Cat in the Hat and other Dr. Seuss books.  I loved to spend hours looking at The Busy Town books by Richard Scary.  I think my favorite chapter book when I was little was Charlotte's Web.  I liked all of E.B. White's books, especially The Trumpet of the Swan and Stuart Little.  My mom taught me how to read and I was reading before I went to kindergarten.  I think she taught me mainly by reading to me a lot, but I also had a lot of easy readers that I practiced with.
     It's hard to remember now what book got me "hooked" on reading.  There were many books that got me started down one path or genre or author.  I read all The Little House on the Prairie books, I loved The Earth Sea Trilogy by Ursula LeGuin which then led me to read Mary Stewart's novels about Merlin the Magician.  But I also liked reading mystery and read as many Agatha Christie novels I could find the summer after seventh grade!  I loved reading Judy Bloom and Katharine Paterson in middle school. As I child I played sports, spent time with friends and my large family and spent hours outside in the summer, but also spent a lot of time reading.  I think not having technology to distract me gave me more time to read than kids have today.
     My reading habits have changed.  I mainly read for pleasure at the end of the day and on the weekends.  It takes me much longer to finish books.  I usually have one book a month I have to read for my book group.  I love the summer when I have more time to read.
     I think my biggest challenge is finding time to read (and not falling asleep when I start reading!).  As a goal this year, I'd like to read more Young Adult fiction.  You all recommend so many great books to me and I never get to read many of them.  I want to make reading student recommended books a priority.  I am most proud of the wide variety of books I have read and how many books I have read.  I also am proud of the way I have made connections with so many people because of my love of reading. I am also proud that I chose a job that allowed me to share something I feel so strongly about and get such satisfaction from with other people.
     I am looking forward to talking about reading with all of you this year.  Happy Reading!
Sincerely,
Ms. Casassa
   

Welcome Back!

The Holocaust Memorial

 Holocaust Memorial for Auschwitz-Birkenau

 The committee that created the New England Holocaust Memorial chose two quotes for each of the six main death camps.  If they had asked you to choose a quotation from Night for the tower that represents Auschwitz-Birkenau what quotation would you have selected?  Identify the quotation and explain why you chose it.  Create a slide on our class PowerPoint with the quote, an image that illustrates the quote and a brief explanation of why you chose it to represent Night.

Click here to go to the Class of 2016 Powerpoint
 Click here to go to the Class of 2015 Powerpoint

Scope Article: "Thirst"

Do you agree with the UN—is clean water a human right? Read the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs decision:  Human Right to Water and Sanitation

Create your own Mini-Page

For your next assignment in Writing, you will choose a subject you are interested in, research the topic and turn it into a newspaper, modeled after the Mini-Page.  A good topic for this assignment would be one you are interested in and already know a lot about.  It should be a topic that you can write about different aspects or subject areas.  For example, if you choose a sport, you will research the sport in general, learn about famous people who have played the sport, the history, etc.

Go to Google Classroom to access the pre-writing graphic organizer
Click here for the Mini Page assignment and Template

Not sure exactly what a Mini Page is.  Look at the examples below. Or visit the Mini Page archive.
Our Fragile Butterflies
Rosa Parks
Political Parties

Grade 8: Night by Elie Weisel

Watch the video of Elie Wiesel's return to Auschwitz with Oprah Winfrey

Grade 7: Reading Beowulf

We studied the epic story of Perseus and discovered what makes an epic and an epic hero.  We are going to begin reading Beowulf.  This story comes from an Anglo-Saxon poem, which was probably written sometime between the years 700 and 800 A.D  The Anglo-Saxon people began to settle in Britain around 450 A.D. They came from Europe, mainly from the countries we now call Germany and Denmark.  Beowulf is written in an Anglo-Saxon Language (sometimes called Old English), but the the story does not take place in England at all. It is about some of the ancestors of the Anglo-Saxons, tribes who lived in countries that are now called Denmark and Sweden.

• Click here to see Beowulf in its original form. Can you read it?
• Resources for the study of Beowulf  
• Shmoop-Beowulf
• Beowulf in hypertext 

Do you want to know more about the famous epic?  Click here to go to an interactive site to read more about Beowulf.

Click here to watch a video why you SHOULD read Beowulf!

Click here for a Glossary of Beowulf 

Click here to learn more about topics and different sections of the story.

Click here to view some of the things you can find out about in Beowulf for Beginners. This list will help you know where to look.


Click here to watch a summary of Beowulf

Johnny Appleseed

Click here to learn more about Johnny Appleseed!

Book Trailer using iMovie

You have finished your independent reading book, now you are going to create a Book Trailer based on the book.  A Book Trailer is a lot like a movie trailer--a short clip that pulls you into the book and makes you want to read it.  The music, pictures and captions all spark the viewer's interest.  Book Trailers are short--they either create the mood, sum up the theme or the main problem of the book.  Today we're going to watch some Book trailers and discus how they were made and why they work.

Things to consider as you view the Book Trailers: 

Do they speak or are only words used?

How did they use music?

Did they use still pictures or actors?

How did they use writing to grab your attention?

How much information did they give the viewer?

How did they create interest?

Watch a couple different trailers for Legend.  Think about what's the same in all three and what's different.






A Monster Calls



This Dark Endeavor

Sean Griswold’s Head

 

The Fault in Our Stars
 

The Myth of Perseus

Today we are going to watch two versions of Perseus and the Gorgon--  

Watch the video
Medusa-Clash of the Titans (compare the original and the remake)
Watch this video on Perseus and the Gorgon
Watch Storyteller-Greek Myths - Perseus and the Gorgon in Educational | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Read the myth
Want to read another version of the myth?  Click here! 
And here's another version
 

Let's Get Ready! Review of the Smarter Balance Test

Tomorrow middle school students will begin their Smarter Balance Testing.  This online format should be familiar to all of you.  Today we will review the Language Arts test and discuss good test taking strategies. 

Click here to go to the Smarter Balance Practice test

Oral Tradition: Myths to expllain Natural Phenomenons

Myths are stories that explain a natural phenomenon. Before humans found scientific explanations for such things as the moon and the sun and rainbows, they tried to understand them by telling stories. These tales — which often include gods and goddesses and other supernatural characters who have the power to make extraordinary things happen — remain popular today. We will examine a few of these stories and then you will start to think about writing your own myth.
Lesson taken from http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mff/mythmachine.htm

Links to Examples of Myths
Myth and Legends Showcase
Examples of Natural Phenomenon Myths

Follow these five steps.
1. Pick out the natural phenomenon you want to write about.
Make it something that really interests you. You might want to think about the way a single rainstorm can cause a flood. Or think about the way a snowstorm can cover the ground like an icy blanket. Consider the way the tide comes in and out each day.

2. Observe carefully.
It helps to know a thing well before trying to make up a story about it. The old myths were created by poets and storytellers who were well-acquainted with nature. Find out as much as you can about the natural phenomenon that you've chosen. Do some research and find out what it is scientifically — and read what other storytellers have said about it.

3. Write down what is actual about the phenomenon.
Keep a record of what you have observed or read. What are the smells, sights, and sounds connected to this natural phenomenon? If you are artistic, you might want to try drawing sketches or painting pictures. Think of yourself as a reporter, not a storyteller.

4. Write down key words from your research.
If you're researching the desert, the words you find could be: sand, rain, gully, wash. Then look in a thesaurus or dictionary to find as many synonyms, phrases, and meanings for your words as you can. For example, under "sand" you might find grain, granule, gravel, shingle, powder, pulverizer. As you are writing those words down, think about the images behind them. It's those images that will help you build your myth. For example, I thought of a pepper grinder when I reached the word pulverizer. Once you've got a picture in your mind, it's time for the big WHAT IF. . . ?

5. Ask yourself, WHAT IF?
Hop onto your image and head off into myth land. This is the point from which you need to start brainstorming! Take a picture in your mind of what an aspect of the world would be like if certain events happened. Then use this "what if" to create a story that explains why the natural phenomenon exists. The story can be as fantastic as you want.

For example, take the pepper grinder from Step 4. What if there was a chef to the gods who lived in a beautiful green countryside but became upset one day because no one ever complimented his cooking? While wandering around, he sat under one of those beautiful green trees and wished (always be careful what you wish for in a myth) that he could somehow make the gods take notice. And suddenly in front of him was a special pepper grinder that said, "Use me, and you will be noticed." And so the chef took the pepper grinder and used it that evening as he was seasoning the gods' stew. But instead of churning out pepper, it ground out sand — more sand than the chef had ever seen! The sand kept pouring out, completely covering the beautiful green countryside. And thus the desert came into existence.

Are you ready to write your myth? Then let's begin!
Pretend you have an audience of the king's court before you. Or that you are in a cave with other cave painters trying to summon the sun or the rain. Or think of yourself as a griot in an African village who is about to explain to your people how the world began. Using your brainstorming observations and ideas, write a story that explains a phenomenon in the natural world that you've experienced or witnessed on TV. You can pick almost anything — a snowstorm, an earthquake, or even a rainy day. Be as creative as you can — let your imagination run wild!
If you need more help, try using the Myth Brainstorming Machine to get your ideas flowing.

http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mff/mythmachine.htm

Creating a Timelline for the Holcaust

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8^th Grade Tech—Studying the Holocaust

Create a timeline for one of the following topics:

Hitler’s Rise to Power

Restrictions placed on Jews from 1930-1945

Anne Frank

Concentration Camps

Your timeline needs to include:

1.      Date

2.     Brief description of event

3.     Image

Sources:  Click here to visit my Holocaust Blog.  Resources are listed on right side of page.

Create a document with the links to your sources.

To make your timeline:

Google Drawing

Readwritethink Interactive Timeline: 

Beginning to read Anne Frank

Have you ever had a friend spend the week or weekend over at your house? How have you felt after that weekend was over? Like you never wanted to see that person again since they “got on your nerves” during the weekend? Imagine, like Anne, you had to spend two years of your life in hiding with seven other people. How would it make you feel?   Remember, you would not have any technology.  You have to be quiet all day and you can not go outside.  Write your response in the comment section of this post.  You may read the previous comments and respond to those as well.

Writing: The Hero's Journey

In writing you are going to learn about The Hero's Journey--steps that most heroes take in stories or movies.  Can you name your favorite heroes?  As we will watch this video which explains the most important parts of the journey, see if you recognize any of these heroes.


Click here top watch the Ted Talk on the Hero's Journey
Click here to create your own Hero's Journey 
Want to learn more about the Hero's Journey?  Here's a good place to start. 
Three examples of the Hero's Journey 

Grade 7: Introduction to Oral Tradition and Folktales

We are beginning a new unit!  We will be studying Oral Traditions and storytelling, starting with the study of American Tall Tales and Folklore.  Today you will learn about some of the New Hampshire folklore and some legendary heroes in American Folk history.  Complete the questions on the handout and enjoy learning about some bigger than life heroes!

 Quizlet-  Oral Tradition Flashcards.  Study the definitions of important terms you need to know during this unit.

Complete the worksheet on Folk Heroes (Go to Google Classroom for a copy or click here for a copy of the worksheet)-  Use the sites below to find the information.

American Folklore-  Use this site to find tall tales from different parts of the country
Tall Tales -the basics  A lot of good links to different tall tales
American Tall Tales-  good site with some videos to watch
Animated Tall Tales- a fun, interactive site to learn more about tall tales
Myths, Folklore and Fairy Tales- Read different myths and legends from around the world
Aesop's Fables- online collection of Aesop Fables

Here are some good resources to learn about American Folk Heroes

"Tall talk, or exaggerated storytelling, began in the 1800s as a way for Americans to come to terms with the vast and inhospitable lands they’d come to inhabit – thick, dark forests filled with bears and panthers; treeless, arid deserts and plains; towering mountains; and uncharted seacoasts.  The heroes and heroines of the tales were like the land itself – gigantic, extravagant, restless, and flamboyant.  Their exaggerated feats of courage and endurance helped the backwoodsman face the overwhelming task of developing such a land."   --American Tall Tales, by Mary Pope Osborne, 1991.

Tall Tale Heroes  --Links to information and resources on many American Folk Heroes (see left side of page)
Fact Monster- information on Tall Tale characters

Seth's Top 5 Books

"The Highway Man" by Alfred Noyes

Click here to read "The Highway Man" online.  Identify the figurative language and poetic devices in the poem.
Click here to listen to the song

Tech 6-8: Digital Citizenship Lesson

Tech Grades 7-8 Digital Citizenship Lesson

Click here to go to Digital Bytes a resource on Common Sense Media to think about the impact on Social Media to identity and fame.
Assignment for February 25th:  
1.  Finish your "Instafamous" assignment.
2.  Go to the Interpretation section and watch the "Power of Likes" video.  Answer the questions and complete the activity for that section.  Hand in your work at the end of class.

February 11th Assignment:
Your task:
1.  Watch the video "Instafamous"
2.  Answer one of the questions in the box provided on site.  Print your response.

•  What was your biggest takeaway from this video? 
• What part of this video struck you the most? Why? 
• What do you want to know more about? Why?  

3.  Pick a case study video. Watch the video.  Take notes on questions and be prepared to discuss in small groups.
4.  If there is time, choose one of the response in "Time to Innovate" to create.  Post your creation on your blog to share.

Tech  Grade 6 Digital Citizenship Lesson

Click here to go to the Digital Compass, a resource provided by Common Sense Media.  Choose a topic to explore.  Complete the interactive games and questions to learn how to be a responsible digital citizen!

Argument Writing- Choosing a topic

Grade 6- You should choose a topic that impacts your everyday life--a rule at school or home that you would like to change, longer recess, more gym, art, or music class, a new ski club location, etc.  Remember, the best topic will be one you actually care about and one that you can find facts and evidence to back your claim/position! Topics need to be approved by Ms. Casassa.

Grades 7 and 8- You should choose a significant issue or topic and take a side.  Your topic should be one that you can research, gather evidence/facts, and write at least two pages about!  There are many sites that you can go to for help choosing a topic.  I have also included a list of possible topics.  Be sure your topic is middle school appropriate. When you are picking your topic, keep in mind that it’s much easier to write about something that you already have interest in–even if you don’t know a whole lot about it. Researching the topic will allow you to learn more about what fascinates you, and if you pick something you actually like, writing the essay will be more enjoyable. Topics need to be approved by Ms. Casassa.

Once you have chosen a topic, go to Google Classroom to complete Argument Essay Graphic Organizer

Here are some places to start researching possible topics.

Newsela Pro/Con Articles


 List of Argument Topics

Pro/Con--THE LEADING SOURCE FOR PROS & CONS OF CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES

Argument Writing Topics

NY Times Learning Blog- Argument Writing Topics 

Examples of Strong Thesis Statements for Argument Essays-- this is a good spot to find topic ideas!

Other possible topics:
    Is Cheating Getting Worse?
    Should Students Be Able to Grade Their Teachers?
    Should Reading and Math Be Taught in Gym Class Too?
    Should Schools Offer Cash Bonuses for Good Test Scores?
    Do Schools Provide Students With Enough Opportunities to Be Creative?
    How Important Is Arts Education?
    Does Gym Help Students Perform Better in All Their Classes?
    Who Should Be Able to See Students’ Records?
    Are Children of Illegal Immigrants Entitled to a Public Education?
    Is Your School Day Too Short?
    Do You Think a Longer School Calendar Is a Good Idea?
    Should the Dropout Age Be Raised?
    How Should Schools Address Bullying?
    Should Schools Put Tracking Devices in Students’ ID Cards?
    What Do You Think of Grouping Students by Ability in Schools?
    Do We Need a New Way to Teach Math?
    Does Class Size Matter?
    Should All Children Be Able to Go to Preschool?
    Do You Support Affirmative Action?
    Is animal testing necessary?
    Should consumers buy items from countries that endorse child labor?
    Do patients have a right to die via physician-assisted suicide?
    Should children’s beauty pageants be banned?
    Does freedom of speech give people the right to use hate speech?
    Do people who commit heinous crimes deserve the death penalty?
    Do children deserve/need an allowance?
    Is it okay for parents to monitor teens’ internet use?
    Should parents be able to spank their children?
    Should parents push their kids into extracurricular activities such as music or sports?
    Is a child’s room really theirs, or is it their parents’?
    Should single people be able to adopt children as easily as couples?
    Should parents pay children for good grades?




   

Grades 6-8 Technology: Introducing...The 2016 Presidential Candidates--Create an Infomercial or Brochure

Introducing...The 2016 Presidential Candidates--Create an Infomercial or Brochure

Learn about the election:  Click here to read Newsela articles about the candidates and the issues
Assignment: 
Part I:  Choose one of the candidates running in the NH Primary Election on Tuesday, February 9, 2016.  Research the candidate and identify his/her position on the following three issues:  economy, immigration and health care.  Be sure to check at least two sources and that they are credible.

How do you know a site is credible?  What is it’s web address?  Who is the author?  Does there seem to be a bias (is the reporting one sided?).

Cite your sources.   Be sure to copy and paste the web address of the sites you use. 

DO NOT PLAGIARIZE! DO NOT COPY AND PASTE FROM WEB SITES!  Put your research in your own words or use direct quotes!


Part II:  Create an infomercial or brochure.  For your infomercial:Watch a couple political campaigns on YouTube. Choose one of the topics to create a infomercial about.  Use images, music and words to get your candidate’s message across.  We should know what his/her position is on the issue and what they plan to do to improve the area of concern.  Be sure to be accurate and do not sensationalize!  An iMovie would work well for this project.  If you have other tech ideas check with Ms. Casassa first. For your brochure:  use a brochure template on Microsoft word.  Include images/visuals, bold captions and headlines and text that shows their platform on one of the issues.  The layout and appearance are VERY important.  Proofread your work!


Sites to start with:
On The Issues
NY TImes:  Who is Running for President?
The Atlantic:  The US Presidential Race-A Cheat Sheet
CNN 2016 Election -this site has campaign videos
Presidential Candidates 2016
Fox News 2016 Candidate Watch
Fact Check.org- not sure you believe what th candidates are saying?  Go to Fact Check and find out!
I Side With

 Copy of Graphic Organizer:

Name of candidate
ECONOMY
HEALTH CARE
IMMIGRATION
OTHER

Rubric:

	Political Primary Infomercial/Brochure
Requirements	Comments	Points
Research- handed in graphic organizer, clearly explained platform on each issue, cited sources		/25
Demonstrated proficiency with technology- used either iMovie or Microsoft word, can save and insert images, can use features available		/20
Final product clearly presents candidate’s views on one issue- information is accurate, explained thoroughly		/30
Presentation-you clearly present your candidate and issue.  Able to answer questions on both from class.		/15
Conventions- error free—no spelling, grammatical or function error!	:	/10
Grade:		/100

Add to The Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman Thinglink

Show what you know!  Add an interesting fact, vidoe, music, link to the images on the Thinglink.  Log in to Thinglink:
barnardla@barnardschool.org
barnardla58
Click here to go to the Thinglink

Thinglink on Underground Railroad