Classic Cinema

We are all used to big special effects displays in movies.  I figured it would be nice for you guys to see where cinema came from.  This classic science fiction film broke new ground in the area of special effects and cinematography.  It may not look impressive to you, but these were major advances at the time.

Photography and Writing

Ansel Adams is a very famous American landscape photographer.  Read this short article and check out the landscapes in the article.  Could you use one of these as a jumping off point for some creative writing?  Do you enjoy landscape photography?  Read up on Adams and check out some of his other work as well.

Perfect Sensory Sentences (8th grade)

Here is your shot to write me a great sensory sentence that creates an effect.  Remember, I need to see at least 9 PERFECT sentences up here!!!

Specific Sensory Details (8th grade only)

Check out this website that has some very useful information on specific sensory details and sensory details for effect.

Some Fun Facts on Galileo

Check out this article on Galileo...feel free to quiz Sinusas on his knowledge of this famous scientist.

Making Full Circle Connections

7TH GRADE ONLY...
When making a connection you need to go FULL CIRCLE.  Remember that we always connect to themes or character feeling/motivation

Step 1:  What does the text remind you of?
The character Margot in "All Summer in a Day" reminds me of the main character in a children's book called "Weslandia"...

Step 2:  Why?
because in both books the main character feels alienated because of their differences.

Step 3:  How does this opinion show up in Text 1?
Margot spent her first four years on Earth and has strong memories of sunlight, which makes her different than her classmates who hate her for that fact.

Step 4:  How does this opinion show up in Text 2?
In Weslandia, the character is independent and likes to do things his own way.  This results in his classmates and family making fun of him and trying to make him "normal" like everyone else.

Step 5:  Bring it full circle...return to the original text.
The one difference is that the character in Weslandia is eventually accepted and revered for his difference.  Margot is ostracized and locked out of the excitement of seeing the sun.  This shows that the story "All Summer in a Day" is a story where people are cruel to others just because they are different.

Character Traits

Check out this story...what word would you use to describe this little lizard?  Don't forget to SEW it up!

Student Work

I have added a section to the Documents page of the website.  Under the section labeled "Student Work" there is a part of a writing piece that a student wants constructive feedback on.  If you get a chance, read his piece and post some feedback here...

If you have any writing you would like feedback on, just email it to me and I can post your work either on the website or directly here on the blog.

Closing out Marking Period 2

Just like Marking Period 1, I would like you to spend a few minutes thinking about the following questions before posting a short reflection under this post.
1.  What have I gotten better at during MP2?
2.  What do I continue to struggle with?
3.  What do I want to focus on during MP3?
4.  What is one thing I definitely want the class to do during MP3?

Regulating the Internet

There has been a large debate going on in Washington D.C. and other places about the nature of the internet and the access that people should/should not have to it.  It has culminated in a very controversial piece of legislation.  On Wednesday, many internet sites are "blacking out" in protest.  Read up on the SOPA legislation and post your ideas about it here.

Once Upon a Time...

"If you want your children to be bright, read them fairytales.  If you want them to be brilliant, read them even more fairytales." - Albert Einstein

What does this quote mean to you?  How does reading fiction make you "bright" or even "brilliant"?

A for Activity

This is an interesting article that links exercise to success in school.  Do you think you get enough exercise?  If yuo got a little more do you think it would improve your grades or concentration in class?  How about something like recess?  It looks like recess might be more than just a little break in the day, it could actually help students perform better in school.

Some Strange Snow

Seeing as how we have not had a single snowflake this year I figured I would give you guys a chance to see some snow that isn't so much fun.  How weird is this?

Stay Healthy

Winter is the time of year that many people fall victim to a cold or the dreaded "stomach bug".  This article has some tips on beating the winter sicknesses.  Do you currently do any of them?  Do you know any others?

A Little Holiday Cheer

Check out this article.  Have you ever know someone who did something similar?  How could you make somebody's life a little better as this year closes.