Summer Reading Part 2

Have something to say about the books you have been reading? Join the discussions on the new ITC Summer Reading Blog!

Get started today by either following the link on the iLibrary@ITC Link List to the right or by clicking here.

Mr. Sohoski

A New Place with a New Face

As many of may you know, ITC will be temporarily moving into Levy as our school is being remodeled. What you might not know is that in addition to a larger library you will also be getting a new librarian!

My name is Mr. Sohoski and I will be your new ITC librarian. My journey to ITC has been an interesting one and has included experiences such as working as a chemical engineer and teacher, to SCUBA diving with sharks and traveling through Europe.

I look forward to working with all of you to create a new library at Levy that will not only meet, but exceed our needs.

Sincerely,

Mr. Sohoski

PS - Let us all send our best wishes with Mrs. LeFever as she transitions into another exciting position within the Syracuse City School District!

Summer Reading

Happy summer vacation!

A bit of exercise will keep your brain in great shape for the new season of learning that kicks off in September! What better to train your brain than a good book?

We bought the book for you, now all you have to do is pick it up so you can start exercising (a.k.a. reading and discussing)! For now we will use this blog as our means of communicating. Soon enough, we will have other activities in which you should participate as well, so check back here often for more details!

Freshmen - Entering 9th graders will receive a copy of Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson during UTC this July. Check out the details about this book on Anderson's Web site!

Students entering grades 10-12 will need to stop by the ITC office at 258 East Adams Street (435-4300) to pick up a copy of the assigned reading as follows:

Sophomores - Students entering 10th grade will be reading A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. Check out the Web site for this book!

Juniors - Our newly promoted eleventh graders will read Unwind by Neal Shusterman. Shusterman has a great site that even includes a fanmade trailer!

Seniors - ITC's first ever 12th grade class will read State of Fear by Michael Crichton. More details can be found on the official Crichton site!

Be prepared to provide a reflection about the book to your Humanities (ELA/SS) teachers during the first days back from summer vacation in September!!

Questions? Click the comment link below this post. Then check back in a few days for a response. Happy summer vacation and happy reading!!!

Humanities Independent Assignment 2

Role – movie/book critic
Audience – blog-reading high school students
Format – movie/review review
Task – to critique one movie and one book
Due Date: June 14, 2010

Part I: You are a movie critic. Your editor asked you to review a film that high school students could watch to deepen their understanding of US History. Research movies about 20th - 21st Century (1900+)life in the United States. Watch your selected movie. Write a movie review in which you:
Paragraph 1 – summarize the movie
Paragraph 2 – critique the movie
Paragraph 3 – evaluate the use of the movie as part of a US History course
Post your movie review to the ITC Library blog via the comment link below. Mrs. LeFever will demonstrate how to correctly post to the blog.

Internet Movie Database

Part II: You are a book critic. Your editor asked you to review a book that high school students could read to deepen their understanding of US History. Research books about life in the United States during the 20th - 21st Century (1900+). Read your selected book. Write a book review in which you:

Paragraph 1 – summarize the book
Paragraph 2 – critique the book
Paragraph 3 – evaluate the use of the book as part of a US History course

Post your book review to the ITC Library blog via the comment link below. Mrs. LeFever will demonstrate how to correctly post to the blog.

SCSD Catalog (includes reviews)

**Note: It is a good idea to type your movie/book reviews in word document to make use of the spelling & grammar review tool before posting. Then all you will need to do is copy and paste your reviews to post them to the blog. This also avoids any unnecessary loss of your work if there is a technical difficulty while you are posting to the blog.

Each review posting should include:
1. Title of the movie/book all in CAPS
2. List the director/author
3. Three paragraph review per the directions
4. Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure - no “texting” language


Grading Criteria:
Writing Mechanics
Content/thoroughness
Creativity/authenticity in embracing RAFT format
Media Literacy (accessed books/movies; correctly posted review)

Virtual PD

Web 2.0 Tools for Inquiry

I have developed a virtual professional development opportunity for all you. The topic of the module is Inquiry and Web 2.0 Tool Integration, and I believe it has something that could benefit everyone, especially as we continue to move towards technology-rich project-based instruction. The module is an overview of Web 2.0 Tools I have found to be most beneficial in classroom instruction including tips on selection and integration. If you would like to be paid for your participation in the learning module, please follow these directions:

1. Email me (llefever@scsd.us) to let me know your planned level of participation:
Level 1 - View the 30 minute tutorial and complete a 10 question reflection/feedback survey
Level 2 - Level 1, plus creation and submission of a lesson plan/project overview that incorporates one or more of the technologies listed (or similar technologies) by June 18, 2010

2. View the module at the following link: Web 2.0 Module
A. When you open the PPT, make sure to ENABLE MACROS in the security window.
B. Play the slideshow from the beginning in full screen mode to hear the narration.
C. Video links will open in an internet browser window. Login to the filter with your district username/password.
D. When videos end, return to the PPT via your status bar or dock, and move to the next slide.

3. Complete the survey linked on the last slide of the PPT. You must complete all 10 questions for PD time.

4. Email me to let me know you have completed the module and survey. I will have you fill out a time card at this point.

5. If you choose to complete level 2, email me your lesson by June 18, 2010 at which point I will have you fill out another time card. If you need any help working on the lesson, let me know, and we will schedule a collaboration session.

Classroom 2.0 Webinars

I emailed you a list of Webinars available this coming week. I have often found the offerings from Classroom 2.0 to be enlightening. You will have to register for an account to participate, but membership is free. I also extend you the opportunity to earn an hour paid PD time for each you complete. Simply sign-up, participate and reflect by posting your answers to the following questions to the library blog via the comment link below.

Questions:
1. Summarize the Webinar. What was it about?
2. Discuss how information in the Webinar will affect your instruction.
3. Share any "aha" moments you had during the Webinar.
4. What questions/needs did this Webinar bring to mind?
5. What else?

Please see me if you have any questions at any time. I would be glad to help.

Dygert - English 11 Advanced

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

This novel is set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement in the particularly tumultuous summer of 1964. The movement for civil rights, though always important, came to a political head during this period in American history. At this time, the rights of minorities were called into question with regard to equal rights under the U.S. Constitution.

First, review MLA Citation by viewing this tutorial:
MLA Tutorial

Second, take this quiz to assess your knowledge of MLA citation:
MLA Quiz
You will receive a username in the library.
The password is English11ADV (case sensitive).

Next, choose one of the following topics and research its historical context according to the directions you receive from Ms. Dygert.
Topics:
• Jim Crow Laws
• Civil Rights Act of 1964
• President John F. Kennedy’s work with Civil Rights
• President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s first congressional address

Resources:
Project Guide
Print Resource Note-taking Sheet
Electronic Resource Note-taking Sheet

The best databases for your research are available @
Library Links Databases
Look for:
Facts on File (Super Search)
Opposing Viewpoints (News)
ABC-CLIO Social Studies (SS)
Annals of American History (SS)

Some good Web sites include:
Civil Rights Digital Library
JFK Library
The White House
PBS
World Digital Library
Library of Congress

Whatever you do, make sure you follow the directions on your project guide including keeping track of sources you use while you research! Good luck!

Book Reviews

What are you reading? Tell us about it! Not sure what to read? Click the Book Reviews link above to discover what professional readers think about books at the New York Times or read posts here to find out what your classmates are reading. What should you include in the post:

1. Well, starting with a TITLE would be great! That way someone else can find the book!
2. An author is helpful too...obvious reasons.
3. What did you think of the book?

Not sure what to say? Again, check out the NY Times Book Reviews Linked to the post title above, but keep yours a bit shorter if you can. Happy reading!

Lopez & Wallace Unit 4 Jigsaw

You will create a Glog (digital poster) based on a specific Chapter and Section of your US History Textbook. The Glogs that you and your classmates create will be used to teach each other the information for UNIT 4. You will also use the Glogs during a Unit Quiz at the end of week.

Detailed Directions & Graphic Organizer

Regents Site

Glogster

Here is the schedule for he unit:
Monday:
1. Gather notes on your assigned topic and complete a graphic organizer.
2. Select and record three related Regents questions.
Tuesday & Wednesday:
1. Read over the requirements for your glog.
2. Create your glog.
Friday:
1. Complete your unit quiz while viewing class glogs.
2. Comment on and rate at least 3 of your classmates' glogs.

Need help? Ask!

Lopez - Progressive Era Glogs

The time period after the Civil War and Reconstruction was a time of great change in the United States. One way in which issues in American Society are demonstrated is visually through posters, photographs and political cartoons.

For this project, you must:

1. Find at least 3 images from the time period 1870 – 1920
2. Include the date, any title or caption and a description for each image
3. Hyperlink the picture sources to the pictures

Some topics from this time period you might wish to consider are:

Industrialization
Immigration
Working Conditions
Organized Labor – Unions
Living Conditions
Corruption in Government
Treatment of Native Americans
Westward Expansion

Influential people from the time period include:

Jacob Riis – a photographer who captured images of life in New York City
Thomas Nast – a political cartoonist
Upton Sinclair – an author who wrote The Jungle about the conditions of a meat packing factory.

We will be using Glogster to complete this assignment. Glogster is an online tool that lets you create posters online.

http://www.glogster.com

Here is a great resource for images: 19th & 20th Century Labor Prints

Example Glogs:
http://andy327.glogster.com/Andyusprogressivism/
http://whenindoubt.glogster.com/Progressive-Era/
http://nick346.glogster.com/History-Project-Glog/
http://spradlinh.glogster.com/progressive-reformers/

Humanities - Independent Assignment

Role – movie/book critic

Audience – blog-reading high school students

Format – movie/review review

Task – to critique one movie and one book

Due Date: April 9, 2010


Part I: You are a movie critic. Your editor asked you to review a film that high school students could watch to deepen their understanding of US History. Research movies about 18th or 19th Century (1700s or 1800s) life in the United States. Watch your selected movie. Write a movie review in which you:
Paragraph 1 – summarize the movie
Paragraph 2 – critique the movie
Paragraph 3 – evaluate the use of the movie as part of a US History course
Post your movie review to the ITC Library blog via the comment link below. Mrs. LeFever will demonstrate how to correctly post to the blog.

Internet Movie Database
Movie Review Query Engine
Roger Ebert
Syracuse Post-Standard
Onondaga County Public Library Catalog

Part II: You are a book critic. Your editor asked you to review a book that high school students could read to deepen their understanding of US History. Research books about life in the United States during the 18th or 19th Centuries (1700s or 1800s). Read your selected book. Write a book review in which you:
Paragraph 1 – summarize the movie
Paragraph 2 – critique the movie
Paragraph 3 – evaluate the use of the movie as part of a US History course.
Post your book review to the ITC Library blog via the comment link below. Mrs. LeFever will demonstrate how to correctly post to the blog.

SCSD Catalog (includes reviews)
Onondaga County Public Library Catalog
New York Times Reviews
Historical Fiction Blog
PLCMC
School Library Journal Reviews
Flamingnet Reviews

**Note: It is a good idea to type your movie/book reviews in word document to make use of the spelling & grammar review tool before posting. Then all you will need to do is copy and paste your reviews to post them to the blog. This also avoids any unnecessary loss of your work if there is a technical difficulty while you are posting to the blog.

Each review posting should include:
1. Title of the movie/book all in CAPS
2. List the director/author
3. Three paragraph review per the directions
4. Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure. No “texting” language


Grading Criteria:

Writing Mechanics
Content/thoroughness
Creativity/authenticity in embracing RAFT format
Media Literacy (accessed books/movies; correctly posted review)

Wallace - InvestWrite Project

Prizes
1st Place - 3 Day/2 Night Trip to New York City and a "Wall Street Experience"
2nd Place - Mini Notebook Computer
3rd Place - Mini Notebook Computer
4th Place - $25 Gift Card

Background
Imagine MTV is starting a new program about financial literacy and discovers you have become a skilled investor after participating in The Stock Market Game program at school. Pretend they offered you a summer internship to write and produce a weekly financial program. The time slot they’ve given you allows you to read your ideas and comments, of 700 words or less, on camera. Your program can deal with current domestic and international events, such as changes in consumer spending, interest rates, the Federal Reserve, prices of oil and other resources, government regulation, jobs, the housing market, congressional legislation, economic recovery funding or any other events you think can affect the stock market.

Project Description

Project Resources

Go Ask Alice

We are bringing Alice and her diary into the 21st Century and blogging about it! Below, I have linked an important section of the novel to which you will respond. You will be interacting personally with the text as well as with your classmates. Read all of the directions below and the excerpt carefully before clicking on the "comments" link at the bottom of the post. Then, you will need to follow the posting directions to POST 4 TIMES. If you have questions, please ask BEFORE you make a mistake!

Go Ask Alice Excerpt

Part A:

You will complete both of these choices, you can decide which you would like to do first. You will be evaluated on your ability to discuss the novel in a productive and interesting manner.

1) You will respond to Alice's diary entry as if it were a letter to you and you are her pen pal. Write back to her and offer her your advice, criticism, encouragement, and friendship.

2) You will personally respond to Alice's diary entry in any way that you wish. Some prompts for your response might include:

This connects to my life because…

I wonder about…

I’m confused because…

I want to remember this because…

This is important because…

This is interesting because…

Part B:

For each time we blog in class you are to respond to at least two other classmates posts. These responses should be thoughtful and constructive. They should not say anything negative or anything that is not relevant to the text. Once again you will be evaluated on your ability to discuss and share your thoughts on the book.

Rubric:

50 points--CREATIVITY: Make sure that your responses are creative, thoughtful, and that you put a lot of time and effort into forming your blog posts. You will receive full credit if you put forth your full effort to formulate a unique and worthwhile post.

30 points--COMPREHENSION: Make sure that your blog posts reflect your understanding of the book. They should be creative, yet based off of what you get from your reading. You will receive full points if your posts reflect that you understand and are thinking about the novel.

10 points--APPEARANCE: Make sure your blog posts look wonderful and are something that you are proud to have published on the website. Write in full paragraphs and self-edit carefully. Put forth your best work.

10 points--RESPECT: Make sure you respond to your classmates with respect and care. Read their blog posts and respond in a thoughtful manner that shows you read what they wrote and are taking what they say into consideration. Converse respectfully with your classmates.

Teen Book Festival Projects

As we prepare to meet over 25 authors at the Greater Rochester Teen Book Festival on May 15, 2010 at Nazareth College, your job is to use a 21st Century Technology to create a product representing one or more of the Festival authors and/or books. You will be able to work alone, with a partner or in a small group, but you must have a unique project focus (book or author). When we are done, we will be posting your projects for all to see, so do your personal best!!

Teen Book Festival Web Site

We will share some sample projects during book club. The sky is the limit! Be creative with books and 21st Century technology!

Project Rubric

WEB 2.0 TOOLS

1. Voicethread- With Voicethread you can create a slide show and record your voice

EXAMPLE: William Shakespeare


2. Animoto- With Animoto you create music videos using images, pictures and
videos.

EXAMPLE: Matt de La Pena

3. Glogster- With Glogster you create an online poster

EXAMPLE: Holocaust


4. Wikispaces- With Wikispaces you create a Web page

EXAMPLE: Marissa Doyle


5. Edublogs- With Edublogs you can create blogs

EXAMPLE: Movie Blog


6. Facebook- With Facebook you can create a person profile or book profile

7. Twitter- With Twitter you can write up to 140 characters, many business use twitter to advertise their products

8. Google- With Google you can use Google docs and create a document or presentation and with Google sites you can make a website.

EXAMPLE: Book Reviews


9. Ning- With Ning you can create your own social network

EXAMPLE: James Patterson

10. Proboards- With Proboards you can create your own forum

EXAMPLE: For the Love of Books

More possibilities:
Video, Pod/Vodcast, Photo Story, Website, PowerPoint, Survey Monkey, Google Tools, Wordle


You are not limited to these Web 2.0 tools! There are many others to choose from so feel free to pick what would be best for you. Mrs. LeFever and I will be here to help you as you create your digital book advertisements!

Here is an example of a Photo Story for Laurie Halse Anderson

Teen Book Festival Digital Ad Rubric
Must be based on at least one Teen Book Festival author and/or book.
For the author/book listing go to: http://www.tbflive.org/?pg=AuthorBio

Must use at least one digital tool (voicethread, Glogster, blogs, etc). For tools, go to ITC Library Blog:
http://libraryitc.blogspot.com/

Student Projects:

April's Glog

Issue Research - Cosgrove and Sobon

As and individual, in pairs or in a group of three - Research a contemporary social issue, develop an opinion, and write a paper (3-5 pages/Times New Roman or Arial/12 point font) on the issue. Topic choices are listed in the assignment page linked below. Your paper must incorporate proper MLA citation guidelines.

SCSD Government Project Assignment

Helpful resources:

SCSD Library Links

Remote username: syrsls
Remote password: syrsls

Recommended Databases:
Social Studies - Issues and Controversies & ABC CLIO Issues
News and Opinions - Opposing Viewpoints & Global Issues in Context

Notetaking Sheet

Citation Machine

Night by Elie Wiesel - Mr. Flanders

Students, in preparation for Elie Wiesel’s, NIGHT, will investigate, articulate, and expostulate the following in the form of a research report. The report will focus on the life of Wiesel since WWII using information gleaned from the internet, and include the following:

A. Vital statistics (year of birth, family, etc.)
B. Three quotations (interpreting each one)
C. Career Highlights (awards, citations, etc.)
D. Two news article summaries
E. Pictures, including captions (create own caption for pictures)
F. A list of books, magazine articles written by Wiesel
G. Your paper will have a cover sheet that will include a picture and a title.
H. 2-3 pages of factual information as mentioned above.
I. The last page will be a bibliography.

Assignment Page

Helpful Resources:
Library Links Database Page
Remote username: syrsls
Remote password: syrsls

Biography Resource Center
Look at all the tabs: Biographies, Magazines and News, & Websites!

The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity

Academy of Achievement

Notetaking Sheet

Citation Machine

UNWIND Project - Ms. Jordan

Student UNWIND Blog (Project Product)

After finishing the book, UNWIND by Neal Shusterman, you will participate in a multi-genre project. Out of the following 11 activities, you will have to complete at least two, one “choice” and one research paper. However, the more assignments completed, the higher your grade will be. Once both (all) assignments are complete, as a class, you will post them on a blog. Everyone must post their own projects, but as a class, all will decide on how the blog will look. The assignment will be due on Thursday, February 11th. Late work will result in a loss of 10 points!

Download your UNWIND project assignment sheet.

Link to the Library Databases for your research.
Username: syrsls Password: syrsls

A&P Genetic Engineering - Ms. Jordan

Here's some links to some resources to help you complete your Genetic Engineering Position Paper. Don't forget to cite your sources along the way in preparation for your citation page. The electronic notes page should help you cut and paste the source citations to save for later. See Ms. Jordan or Mrs. LeFever if you have any questions!

Electronic Notes Page
Project Description Page

Academic Resources - Search Genetic Engineering
Remote Access Username: syrsls Password: syrsls
Global Issues in Context
Opposing Viewpoints
eLibrary Science
Today's Science
Health & Wellness (NEWS tab)

Background Information:
Wikipedia
Medical Engineer
Doctor's Guide

Don't forget to create a citation page for all the information resources you used!