Challenge #1!

Your first blogging assignment is to create a post revolving around you.  Tell us about yourself.  What are your interests?  What are your goals?  What do you want to do when you get older?  The main rule is to be creative.  The introduction may take the form of a Prezi, a Slideshare, a poem, a story, a video, an audible, or a list of facts.  The possibilities are endless.  Remember….be creative!

Also remember to be internet safe and not add any personal information.

Once this has been completed and posted on your blog, read and respond to at least 3 other people’s posts.

Good luck and have fun!

Mr. Boettger  :-)

Epic

Epic is an upcoming 3D computer animated film loosely based on William Joyce's children book The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs. The movie tells the story of a young girl named Mary Katherine, who lives in a cabin in the woods with her father and dog. One day, while out searching for her father, Mary Katherine happens upon a group of glowing, falling leaves. She catches one of the leaves and is shrunken down. In her new minuscule state, she discovers a group of warriors, known as the Leafmen. Mary Katherine works with the Leafman as they fight the Boggans and their villainous leader Mandrake to save their miniature world and, in the process, saves the real world.

Watch the trailer below and then answer the following question:

Epic features a miniscule world where the residents depend on and defend the forest. Writers and filmmakers often try to create thought-provoking stories to help shine a light on a variety of important issues in our society. What message(s) do you think the filmmakers are trying to share with this story?

Once you have completed your selections and posted your explanation, read and respond to at least 2 peers.


Mr. Boettger  :-)

Animal Testing - Yes or No?

The human brain has over 100 billion nerve cells - it is the most complex organ in the human body. Scientists spend a great deal of time studying the human brain and, while they have discovered a lot, they have yet to fully master and understand this remarkable organ. Understanding the connection between brain cells, behavior and disease is important and scientists have developed a variety of new techniques that will help them map brain activity.

Watch the video and then answer the following questions:

In the video you saw laboratory tests being conducted on mice.

1.  Are you 'for' or 'against' scientific tests on animals?
2.  If scientists were not able to test on animals, how would they conduct their experiments?
3.  Are there any instances when you would support animal testing?

Once you have completed your selections and posted your explanation, read and respond to at least 2 peers.

Mr. Boettger  :-)

Three Truths and a Lie

Hello Grade 6/7's!

Clearly list four statements about yourself. Three of the statements should be true and one should be made up. These could be places you've been, things you've done, your likes/dislikes, etc.  The more creative, the better! Just remember to keep it appropriate for school! Thanks! :-)

After I have approved the comments, you must respond to at least five (5) of your peers by guessing which one of their statements is false.

Please remember the usual rules and have fun!

Mr. Boettger :-)

Welcome Back!

Hello my trusty Grade 6/7's and welcome to your very first "blog" question!

Establishing Expectations for Behaviour: The Dos and Don'ts for Online Student Communication

Please read the "Dos and Don'ts for Online Student Communication" below:

- Use each other's names.  Using a person's name when you respond to his/her posting creates a friendly online tone.  However, do not use the person's full name.  Instead, please use the username the school board has given to you (the first four initials of your first name and a random 4 digit number).

- Read questions and conversational postings carefully to avoid unnecessary confusion.

- Compliment your peers when they post strong responses or contribute original ideas.

- Ask questions.  If anything is unclear or you want further information or insight on a topic, just ask.  If you have a question, there are probably other members of the group who are confused and need further clarification as well.

- Be considerate. Remember that your peers cannot see your body language or hear your tone of voice, so you need to keep your language direct and respectful.

- Avoid slang, jargon and sarcasm.

- Listen to all ideas presented.  Remember there is no right or wrong in a discussion.  A variety of perspectives add depth and I love depth!  :-)

- Stay open minded.

- Respond instead of reacting.  Do not write a response if you are angry or upset.  Instead, wait until you have had time to calm down and collect your thoughts.

- Really read your peers responses.  Avoid skimming.  Respect the time your peers have spent articulating their thoughts by reading carefully and thoughtfully.

- Reread your messages before sending them to ensure that your ideas are clearly communicated and supported.

- Critique the content, not the person.

- Do not present your personal opinions as fact.  Back up your ideas with information to strengthen your statements.

- Courteously answer all questions addressed directly to you.

- Make "I" statements when respectfully disagreeing.  Sharing an opposing opinion or idea is an important part of discussion, but it needs to be presented in a constructive manner that encourages further discussion.

- Do not use all caps when writing.  It is interpreted as yelling.

- Avoid emotional punctuation, like exclamation points, unless you are complimenting an idea shared.

Have I missed anything?  Is there anything that you would like to add to the list?  Please let me know in the comments section.

Thank-you for your feedback and let's have a great year blogging!  :-)

Mr. Boettger

Please remember this about the internet and privacy:  Photo courtesy of Dave Hoffman

As well as this:  This picture pretty much sums everything up!  I can't remember where I found it.  So, apologies to the person that made it.  When I find it again, I will give the proper credit!

Be safe everyone!