Tuesday, 3/16 - Thursday, 3/18

1. Log on to Google Docs.
2. Click on "Create New" in the upper left-hand corner."
3. One the drop-down menu, select "from template."
4. Locate the file called Theme in Literature.  Click, "use this template."
5. Once opened, click "file," then "rename."
6. Rename your file in this format, "Last name_first name_Period #_Theme in Literature."
7. The prompt is embedded in the template.  You may erase it when you've finished reading it, or you may choose to leave it in the file.
8. Check the prompt and rubric at any time for assistance.
9. Invite me to your file.  Remember, click "Share" and "Invite Others."  Type my e-mail (mcmurrin@meanmcmurrin.com AND meanmcmurrin@roomofwonders.net).
   

Research Report Outline

Research Report Rubric

Monday, 2/1 - Wednesday, 2/3

Now that you've completed your research, it's time to write your report.

EXTRA CREDIT AVAILABLE: If you finish your research report early, you will have an option to create an extra credit PowerPoint presentation to accompany your research report.  You will receive information about the PowerPoint presentation on Tuesday.

1. Log on to Google Docs.  Once you've signed in, you need to click in the box called "Google Docs."  Do not click on the document title itself.  Click on the box title "Google Docs."
   
2. Once in Google Docs, click on "Create New" in the upper left-hand corner.
3. On the drop-down menu, select "from template."
4. Locate the template called "Student Research Report 2010."  Click "use this template."
5. Once opened, click "file," then "rename."
6. Rename your file in this format, "Last name_first name_Student Research Report."
7. Read the instructions printed in the template.
8. Begin writing your report.  Make sure to cite all sources.  If you need help with bibliography, make sure to read the bibliography instructions written at the bottom of the template.  Or, you may refer to the PowerPoint presentation embedded on this page.
9. Special note: once you've opened the template file and renamed it, you do not need to follow those instructions to work on your report.  The next time you access your file, simply go to Google Docs.  The file should be listed in your folder.
10. Share your document.  Make sure to click "Share" and "Invite Others."  In the appropriate box, type my e-mail address and invite me (meanmcmurrin@roomofwonders.net).
    

 

Wednesday, December 16th
    Now that you've chosen your research topic, it's time to find some information about it.

1. Go to Google or another search engine.
2. Enter your topic as a search term.
3. Look for information about your topic and relevant subtopics.  Remember to choose reliable websites to gather your information.
4. Create a Reporter's Note Page in your notebook to take notes on your topic.  You must create a Reporter's Note Page for each website you visit.  Remember to record all the bibliographic information on each page.

Wednesday, November 4th

 

1. Go to http://partnerpage.google.com/roomofwonders.net .
2. Your login information is firstnamelastname (example: javierayala).
3. Your password is 12345qwerty.  Follow all directions EXACTLY as provided by Ms. McMurrin.
4. Once you're in Google Docs, click "New" and select "document" from the pull-down menu on the upper left-hand corner.
5. Type your heading (name, period, date) in the top corner and write a title.
6. Click "share" and select "share with others" from the pull-down menu on the top right-hand corner.
7. In the "Invite people" box, type meanmcmurrin@roomofwonders.net and click "invite collaborators."  (For first period, type meanmcmurrin@roomofwonders.net and mr_gaunt@roomofwonders.net.)
8. After you click on "invite collaborators," a box will pop up.  In the message box, type a brief message to me.  Then, click "send."  (Note: you will not get credit for today's work unless I receive this message.)
9. Return to your document.  Click "save."  Save your document with this file name, last name_first name_period #_Learning from Experience."  (Example: ayala_javier_period4_Learning from Experience."  Your file name must be saved in this format in order to get credit.
10. Begin typing your draft.
    

Thursday, November 5th

 

1. Login to Google Docs.
2. Verify that your file name follows the format described in Thursday's agenda.  If your file name differs from the naming system described, you will not earn full credit for following directions.
   1. File name should be lastname_firstname_Period#_Learning from Experience.
   2. If your filename is different, click "File" and "Rename."  Then, rename file appropriately.
3. Review the notes from your Flood of Questions, prewriting, and drafts.
4. Review prompt and rubric.
5. Review "Characteristics of a Good Narrative" chart in your notebook; this will give you helpful reminders of things to consider when writing your personal narrative.
6. Using the pre-writing notes and the drafts in your R/W Notebook, start typing your essay.  Make sure to save your work periodically.
7. Make sure you sign out of your Google docs account before you turn off your computer--otherwise another student will have access to your account. 

Friday, November 6th

1. Login to Google Docs using the link on the left of the Writing Workshop page.
2. Make sure your file name follows the EXACT directions described above.  You will LOSE POINTS IF YOU DON'T NAME THE FILE EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED.
3. Continue typing your personal narrative.
4. Include at least one example of figurative language in your writing.  It may be a simile, metaphor, personification, or any of the other types of figurative language we discussed in class.  Use a different color font to highlight your figurative language example.
5. Share your figurative language example.
   1. Click the Share tab on the top right.
   2. Click to "E-mail collaborators."
   3. Copy and paste your figurative language example and send the message to Ms. McMurrin.

Turning in your essay
Follow these instructions to turn in your essay.  If you do not turn them in EXACTLY as described, you will not get credit for your work.  The completed essay is due on Monday, 11/9.  If you do not finish the work in class, you must finish it on your own time before the due date.  If you do not have Internet access at home, you'll need to see me about making alternate arrangements.  You are responsible for contacting me if you need to make arrangements!

1. Make sure you're happy with your work.  Review it carefully for spelling, grammar, and mechanics.
2. Click the "share" tab.
3. Click "send message to collaborators."
4. Check the boxes to indicate to which collaborators you want to send your final draft.  All classes must select Ms. McMurrin.  First period students must select Mr. Gaunt and Ms. McMurrin.
5. Type a message stating that you are ready for your essay to be turned in.  Your message should also state what score you feel you deserve with a brief explanation of why.
6. Check the box that says, "Paste the document itself into the email message."
7. Click "send."
8. Make sure to review the agendas from all the previous days and complete all parts of each day's agenda so that you get full credit for each activity.
   1. Share with collaborators.
   2. E-mail your figurative language example.
   3. Complete the end of essay reflection.
   4. E-mail to state that you are finished with the essay.

Yearbook Writing Workshop

1. Read the following prompts.
2. Choose the one you'd like to respond to.
3. Click on the appropriate link.
4. Login to Google Docs.
5. Click to "share" with meanmcmurrin@roomofwonders.net.
6. Write your response.

Prompt List

Characteristics of a President
What are the most important characteristics for a president to have?  The U.S. Constitution states that the President of the United States must be at least 35 years old and have been born in the United States.  
But there are obviously other requirements that a president must meet. In a detailed essay, describe the qualities that are needed in a president of the United States that can make him or her successful.

Changes the Next President Should Make
In 2008, the Democratic Party made history by being the first national political party to nominate an African American to be its Presidential candidate.  This historic choice underscores one of the central themes of Barack Obama's candidacy, which is "Change."  Indeed, the need for "change" is a frequent rallying cry of politicians vying for votes in national elections.  What advice would you provide to a candidate, who wants to implement changes, to help him or her run an effective and successful campaign?
In a well-organized essay, considering the current condition of the nation, persuade a candidate to make an important change.  Be sure to support your position with examples and reasons drawn from your studies and observations.

Society's Biggest Problem
In our society we face a number of problems, such as crime, poverty, and pollution.  What do you think is the biggest problem we face in our society today, and why is it a serious issue?
Write an essay explaining the issue or problem you have chosen and why it is having such a negative effect on our society.

Advice to a Presidential Candidate
As the U.S. Presidential election season heats up, the voices of America's diverse citizenry cry out, expressing the people's needs, opinions, and visions for the future.  In the midst of all these competing voices, the Presidential candidates have to carefully consider what they say in return.  Imagine that you have the opportunity to speak privately to the candidate of your choice before he or she makes an important speech.  What would you tell him or her to say to America?
In a multi-paragraph essay, discuss the advice you would give to a presidential candidate on a speech to be made to the American public.  Include facts and details to support your discussion.

Olive Vista's Mock Election
Last week, Olive Vista conducted a mock election.  Students from all over the state of California participated in the same mock election.  We reviewed the results and compared Olive Vista's results with those from other students in the state.

Describe the process you went through in your history class.  Remember to include any class discussions, the voting process, and your thoughts upon hearing the results.  You may also want to include any opinions you have or had about the candidates and/or the propositions.