Thursday, December 16, 2010

Google Launches New Book Database


The New York Times
December 16, 2010


With little fanfare, Google has made a mammoth database culled from nearly 5.2 million digitized books available to the public for free downloads and online searches, opening a new landscape of possibilities for research and education in the humanities.
The digital storehouse, which comprises words and short phrases as well as a year-by-year count of how often they appear, represents the first time a data set of this magnitude and searching tools are at the disposal of Ph.D.’s, middle school students and anyone else who likes to spend time in front of a small screen...


Monday, December 13, 2010

Mrs. Emma Domino-----Family and Consumer Science-----Emotional Development of the Preschooler



EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE PRESCHOOLER
CHILDCARE ECE
Library Resources
Virtual Reference Collection
eLibrary
Proquest Multiple Databases
Gale Student Resources in Context
Web Collection Plus Catalog
Academic Integrity
NoodleTools Citation System
Citation Machine
Find an article on emotional development of preschoolers 4-6 and type and attach article to it.
Some suggested topics:
Anger
Rage
Loneliness
Sibling rivalry
Defiance
Fear
Isolation
Aggressiveness
Separation anxiety
Sadness
Violent behavior

Be prepared to read what you have written(so proofread) and give at least 2 suggestions for the problem you researched. The suggestions would be as if you were an Early Childhood Educator and was giving advice to a parent or fellow colleague. This will be handed in to me and counted as a test grade.


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Ms. Clarice Riggio-----Social Studies-----Important People of the 19th Century


Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar


IMPORTANT PEOPLE OF THE 19TH CENTURY


Library Resources
ABC CLIO World History /Modern Era
Biography Reference Bank
Proquest Historical New York Times (1851-)
Proquest Multiple Databases (includes NY Times-current)
Academic Integrity
NoodleTools Citation System
Citation Machine
Websites

Background Information: The umbrella of the 19th Century covers the time period of 1750 to 1914. Historians refer to this period as The Long 19th Century and it is characterized by several themes which have shaped the world we live in today. These themes are Industrialization, Revolution and Independence Movements, Nationalism, Reform Movements, Imperialism and Emancipation. These themes illustrate the changes that helped set in motion the increase in the power of the West in the world at large.

Task: You are to choose one of the aforementioned themes of the 19th Century and discuss TWO individuals that personified that theme. You are to discuss ONE Male and ONE Female. They must be related to the same theme and have had similar goals, but they do NOT have to have worked together! You should try to avoid people from the United States, but you may use ONE person from the U.S.. Papers should discuss the background information of each individual, the contributions/activities of each individual and their impact on World History. Your introduction should include a thesis and examine the theme. Your conclusion should establish a connection between the two individuals by comparing and contrasting their achievements.

Grading: The grade for this project will be determined by the following criteria:
Introduction (Including Thesis and Discussion of Theme): 10 points
Background Information: 20 points total (10 points for each individual) Activities/Contributions: 20 points total (10 points for each individual)
Impact: 20 points total (10 points for each individual)
Conclusion/Connection: 10 points
Bibliography/Parenthetical Citations: (MLA Format): 10 points
Format, Spelling, Grammar: 10 points
MLA Format can be found at: Information Center Blog
Papers should be approximately 5-7 pages in length.
Papers MUST be typed, doubled-spaced, 1” margins, 12 pt. font Times New Roman or Arial.
Papers should have the rubric staples to the front. Papers will NOT be accepted unless they are stapled with the rubric! (Additional Rubric are posted on Moodle)
Papers are Due no later than Wednesday, January 19.
Late papers will lose half a letter grade for each day they are late (5 Points).
This project is your second quarter project grade which is 20% of your second Quarter grade!!
Plagiarism will NOT be tolerated!!
Biography Proposal: Your theme and the people you are planning to research MUST be approved by Ms. Riggio by Wednesday, December 22!


Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Ms. Jennifer Thomas-----English 10H-----Antigone by Sophocles



Websites
Library Resources
Virtual Reference Collection
Biography Reference Bank
Bloom's Literary Reference Online
Literature Reference Center
eLibrary
Facts.com World News Digest
Proquest Historical New York Times
Proquest K-12
ABC-CLIO World History/Modern/Ancient and Medieval Eras
Academic Integrity

For this assignment, you will write a case study of a person or small group that is admired for standing up to authority, especially governmental authority, and doing what they believed was right. Select someone who lived (or is living) during the 20th-21st centuries. An example would be Nelson Mandela, who endured many years as a political prisoner before becoming the leader of South Africa. In your case study, describe the background and motivations of this person or group and the environmental, economic, or political factors that shaped his or her life and actions.

Choose someone who interests you, and for whom you can find enough information to write a case study. Teacher approval of your individual is a must before you start your research. Be sure to answer the following questions in your case study:
1. When and where did this person live?
2. What was this person’s family life like?
3. What was this person’s education or training?
4. What gave this person courage?
5. Why did this person oppose some type of authority?
6. What were the short and long term results of this opposition, for this person and others?

You are to construct a well-written, informative research paper on your chosen topic.
Your writing shou1d be expressed in well-constructed paragraphs, reflecting the techniques of good essay writing in structure, organization, word choice, content, etc. Familiarize yourself with the grading rubric before you begin.

The key to a quality paper is a well crafted thesis statement. This is an assertion that you are proving as a result of your research. You should start with a question about your topic that you will answer through in your paper.

The following are the basic requirements of the paper:
• Typed, double-spaced, 12-font, Times New Roman and formatted according to MLA guidelines.
• Length is a minimum of five pages, not to exceed 7 full pages. These lengths do not include a Works Cited Page.
A minimum of five sources must be used, three of which must be scholarly, peer-reviewed, articles. Your other sources can come from websites, magazines, interviews, and other valid resources.
• All sources must be printed or photocopied. Students must highlight passages that are directly quoted or paraphrased in the paper.
• Before beginning the writing process, an outline is required that has a complete introduction, thesis statement, complete topic sentences and information from secondary sources in it in addition to their own examples.
• An outline, rough draft, and a final copy are required.
Works Cited Page

Monday, December 6, 2010

Ms. Kristen Melnick----Global Studies 10--Imperialism Project



Imperialism Project
Due December 22, 2010
Library Resources
Big6 Information Skills
Gale Student Resources in Context
Virtual Reference Collection
ABC CLIO World History (Modern Era)
Proquest Historical NY Times (from 1851)

World Atlas (World Geography and Culture)
Online Catalog
Academic Integrity
NoodleTools Citation System
Citation Machine
Historical Context: As a result of the Industrial Revolution, many European nations needed to find sources of raw materials and new markets to sell their product. An Age of Imperialism ensued, as nations began looking outside their borders for the means to meet their insatiable demands.
Task: You will be assigned to research a present-day country that was a victim of the forces of imperialism during the 19th and/or 20th centur(ies). The information you gather will be used to complete the following:
Part I: Research Report (45 points)
Write a report that thoroughly discusses the following components:
• History of your assigned country before imperialism:
o Type of government that existed before imperialism
o Names of ethnic/cultural groups that lived there before the land was imperialized
o Cultural aspects (language, religion, traditions, etc.) of society before imperialism
• History of your assigned country during imperialism:
o Name of European country that imposed imperialistic rule
o Name of your assigned country during imperialistic rule
o Explain how imperialism occurred- was there violence involved? Which resources/raw materials did the European country look to acquire?
o How did the imperial country rule- was it a colony? If so, was it directly or indirectly ruled? Was it a protectorate? Sphere of influence?
o For how long was your assigned country imperialized?
• Independence:
o Explain how independence was achieved- Was there any violence involved?
o Key figures from both sides
o Year independence was achieved
• Effects of Imperialism:
o Type of government today
o Evidence of cultural diffusion
o Positives and negatives
Part II: Timeline (20 points)
Create a timeline that includes 10 key events in your country’s history. At least 5 of the events must have occurred during the time of imperialistic rule.
Part III: Two Maps (10 points)
1. On the map provided, locate, label, and color in your assigned country.
2. Create a map of your assigned country (find a blank outline map online) and include the following details:
o Rivers and lakes
o Capital and major cities
o Natural resources
o Industrial centers (if any)
Part IV: Opinion Piece (20 points)
You must complete one of the following:
1. Create a political cartoon depicting life in your assigned country during imperialistic rule. This can be from the point of view of a foreign imperialist or a native to the country. Be sure to include symbols such as the names of key figures, places, and/or events.
OR
2. Write an editorial news article detailing an opinion of imperialism in your assigned country. Be sure to include the names of key figures, places, and/or events. This can be from the point of view of a foreign imperialist or a native to the country. Must be at least one full page typed in 12-point Times New Roman font. Please double space.
A works cited page must be included. You must use at least 5 sources of information.
It is worth 5 points!
Countries: (Your assigned country is highlighted)
1. Angola (Cabinda)
2. Rep. of the Congo
3. Namibia
4. Zimbabwe
5. South Africa
6. Algeria
7. Nigeria
8. Kenya
9. Chad
10. Zanzibar (Tanzania)
11. Egypt
12. Tunisia
13. Morocco
14. Burkina Faso
15. Togo
16. Uganda
17. Rwanda
18. Somalia
19. Sudan
20. Cameroon
21. Cote D’Ivoire
22. Sierra Leone
23. Malawi
24. Gambia
25. Ghana
26. Sao Tome & Principe
27. Gabon
28. Botswana
29. Zambia
30. Mozambique
Suggested Websites:

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Ms. Jennifer Thomas-----English Department-----10R-----Greek Mythology Research Project



Websites
Internet Public Library-Greek Mythology
Encyclopedia Mythica
Encyclopdia of Greek Mythology
Library Resources
Virtual Reference Collection
Bloom's Literary Reference Online
Literature Reference Center
ABC-CLIO World History/Ancient and Medieval Eras
Gale Student Resources in Context
Online Catalog
Academic Integrity
NoodleTools Citation System
Citation Machine
The Writing Center of the University of Wisconsin

We have learned that Greek drama grew out
of religious rituals, particularly those honoring
Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility.
When we read Antigone, we will discuss many
references to other Greek gods and myths.

For this project, you will research one of those allusions to learn more about it. You will then present your findings to the class, so that we will all understand its importance to the ancient Greeks and why Sophocles chose to reference it in his play.
Directions:
You have been given the name of a mythological allusion taken from the play Antigone. That allusion refers to a god or goddess, a myth, mythological figure, or famous place. Your job is to research your assigned reference and report back to the class.
Your project should contain the following:
• A retelling of the myth that explains the origin of the god, person or place.
• The importance of the god, person, or place in Greek society.
• The main theme or central message behind the reference.
• A visual image to accompany your presentation. This could be a poster, sculpture, drawing, etc., depicting important characters and events in your myth.
A works cited page with at least three (3) scholarly sources, cited correctly using the MLA format.
The due date for this project is Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The grading rubric is on the back grading rubric to follow.
You have been given the name of a mythological allusion taken from the play Antigone. That allusion refers to a god or goddess, a myth, mythological figure, or famous place. Your job is to research your assigned reference and report back to the class.
Subject of Project:
Your project should contain the following:
Excellent Good Fair Poor None
Retelling of the myth
Interpretation of importance
of myth to Greek culture
Explanation of the theme
Visual Image
Tone of Voice, Eye Contact
Originality/Creativity/Effort
Overall Project
Grading Scale: Final Grade
Excellent 100
Good 88
Good 88
Fair 78
Poor 65
None 0