Review

Objective: To look back and analyze what worked, what didn't work and what could work in the future by discussing your thoughts about this class.

Please CLICK HERE to go to the form. Please answer as honest as possible, but be helpful honest. Don't just say "I liked it" or "I didn't like it." Tell me WHY.

Thanks,
Mr. Uttech

Keep your brain active

The following are games that make you THINK. They are not shooting/killing/push-buttons-as-fast-as-you-can games.

OBJECTIVE: To critically think your way through a problem in order to find a solution. To continue to keep your brain active even after a week of taking tests.

http://www.fossweb.com/modulesMS/index.html

To prepare for tomorrow's science test.

OR

Today you will be finding the states:

http://www.purposegames.com/game/states-of-the-usa-quiz

Mr. Uttech solved this game in 2:06.1 with 94 percent accuracy. Can you beat him?

You may also bring up a map of the United States to look at:

http://www.infoplease.com/states.html

Also try these:

http://www.purposegames.com/geoquiz

Econ 101

Open a WORD document.

Save it as "galileoweek"

For today, write:

Lemonade stand
Customer satisfaction:
Popularity ranking:
Gross earnings:
Net earnings:

CLICK HERE - http://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/games/lemonade/

Try to earn as much as you can in 30 days.

Record your customer satisfaction and popularity ranking.

Goals: Earn $50, rankings over 75 percent.

Technology Ideas

Objective: To write a story describing your thoughts about two possibilities by using your current knowledge of technology and writing skills.

Please open a WORD document. Save this WORD document as "technology."

1. Imagine all of the technology in the world stopped working at the same time. Write a story that describes what you think the world would be like in this situation.

2. Write a story that describes what you think the technology of the future will accomplish. What will we have? How will it help us?

• Write the story as if you were the main character. Describe what you see, what you would do and what is happening.
  
• Please make sure for each story (1 and 2), you have three paragraphs: beginning, middle and end.
• Each paragraph should be 4-5 sentences.
  

Current Events 12/8/10

Write 3-4 sentences. Use proper grammar and correct spelling.

Use google news to search. List your source.

CLICK HERE TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS

Google Maps

You will navigate Google Maps to:

* Learn about world cities and landmarks (geography)
* Find a landmark in the map and take a screen shot (command-shift-4)
* Write two paragraphs (3-5 sentences each) about each city and a landmark in that city.
* Collect your work in PAGES
* Drag your photos into PAGES, write your sentences in a text box.
* Remember to list your sources. (Where did you find the information?)
* Chose 5 out of the 10 choices

Here are the names of the cities to research:

1. London, England
2. Paris, France
3. Washington, DC
4. Great Wall of China
5. New York, New York
6. Baghdad, Iraq
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
8. Pyramids of Giza
9. Honolulu, Hawaii
10. Pick your own

Do Something - Free Rice

One 7th Grade group has found a way to help people by using Free Rice.com!

Click here to go to our group page

You must follow these directions so our group gets credit for the grains of rice we raise:

1. Then click on "Login" to join this group on the right hand side.

2. Login: mruttech
Password: castro

3. Then toward the bottom, there is a "Top Groups" menu with Castro Middle School listed. Click on Castro Middle School.

4. Click "Play" on the right hand side.

5. Choose any category you want. You can switch categories.

Try different categories and try to earn as much rice as you can. The more answers you get right, the more rice is given to people who need food.

We will be trying to win "Class of the Week!" on Free Rice.com

Give it a try and DO SOMETHING!

Final Brainstorm Before Action!

Our dosomething.org ideas are starting to take shape.

Let's continue to brainstorm for one more day so that we can jump into action.

Then we'll chose people's ideas who are the best formed at the end of the hour.

Be sure to open up a WORD document and take notes on your idea.

Search the Do Something website for ideas and also google. Type in your idea and find things that people have done before.

Now Do It, For Real

The dosomething.org website allows students like you to actually plan out your ideas. Take some time to think out your idea further.

And continue to explore the website for ideas and examples of other students your age making a change to make this world a better place.

CLICK here to continue to think out your idea before we post your idea.

Then start searching for websites that relate to your topic. For example, if you chose:

Animal Welfare, just type 'animal welfare' into google or check out http://www.azhumane.org/

Violence and Bullying, just type 'bullying' into google or check out Olweus

Discrimination, check out http://www.tolerance.org/

Be sure to bookmark sites you find or take notes in WORD

Do Something

Recently, you were asked "if you could change the world, what would you do?"

Today, let's explore our responses a little deeper.

You will be searching for information on dosomething.org. There are questions to answer, but the main purpose is to get you familiar with the website. Once you are familiar with the website, if you are inspired to do something, then let's do it!

1. Go to DOSOMETHING.ORG

2. Answer these questions.

Current Events

What is going on in the world?

It is important for us to think about, study and find out what is going on in our world. We can search and read about current events on the internet.

1. You will answer some questions.

2. You can search for your answers using news.google.com

3. Remember to write down where you found the information. You can cut and paste from the address bar.

4. Write 4-5 sentences for each answer.

Typing and Data Entry

With this assignment, you will be working on two important computer skills:

• Typing
• Data Entry

Today, you will be practicing your typing skills. You will go to a website and practice with games and lessons. Then when you are ready, you will take the tests.

Here is the website. Click here to go to the typing website.

At the end of the test, you will get a number for your words per minute and your errors. For now, just click NO and keep on trying to improve your typing.

Tomorrow we will move on to Part II: Data Entry. We will be inputting this information into a new program called Excel.

First Three Weeks

Hello,

I would like to know what you have learned and what you think about the first three weeks of class.

Please click on this link and answer the questions.

Please answer the longer questions with 4-5 sentence answers.

Your answers will be sent to me and, as always, I would like you to be honest and respectful.

Technology Timeline Next Steps

You will be taking your information that you have gathered in WORD for your technology timeline and create a POWER POINT.

Technology Timeline

First, type in WORD these 20 facts:

1. Five (5) basic facts. Facts about yourself. When you were born, when you came to Castro, etc.

2. Five (5) personal technology facts. Facts about when you got your iPod, when your parents got a TV, etc.

3. Ten (10) world technology facts. Research online to learn when things were made. Research the history of music equipment (records, 8-tracks, tapes, cds, ipods), or the history of computers. Or something different!

Organize your facts in different colors.

Remember to give credit. Where did you find the information online?

Welcome to the "Working" Internet

Hello students,

This is your assignment web site. Welcome to the "working" internet.

Click here for your questions for today.

Your answers will be sent to me.

Welcome!

Hello,

My name is Mr. Uttech and I'm glad to have you in class. We'll be working hard and learning a lot, but this class will also be a special experience for you.

We won't have your normal "fill-in-the-bubble" tests in this class. We won't have worksheets. You will be working on projects and have the opportunity to work in groups at times.

This is called a CTE class, which stands for Career and Technical Education. You'll be learning skills which you'll be able to someday use in a job. You may not necessarily work with computers all day, or become a photo-journalist, but you may need to know how to successfully use email, type or design a poster.

Two things are for sure. You will need to know how to communicate. You will need to know how to solve problems, or as I like to say "use your brain." These things are important for your life and for future jobs.

More importantly, these things are important for you right now.

Let's work hard, do good things and use our brains.

Story Telling and turn in your work

Continue iMovie and be sure to turn in all your work.

When you are finished: Try this! http://domo.goanimate.com/create

• Tell a story using Domo Animate.
  
• It can be a story about yourself, your friends or a fictional story.
• Think about everything you do in writing class: characters, plot, setting, rising action, falling action, etc.

Prepare and iMovie

1. Prepare for conferences

• Make sure you have your progress report filled out.
• Make sure you have easy access to your projects. Make a folder so you can find your work quickly.
• Decide 3 or 4 top things you want to show to your parents/guardians/brothers/sisters.
  
• Clean up your desktop. Put any random photos in a folder.

2. iMovie discussion

• Using pictures to tell a story.

Observe

It is important to OBSERVE what is going on around us.

Go to USA Today

or

The Orlando Sentinel

• Look at five pictures
• For each picture, make five observations.
  
• Write your observations in PAGES.
• Drag the picture into PAGES with your written observations.
• Remember to record where you got the photo from.

Friday

1. Learning games

• Pick any of the games we played during this week: Lemonade stand, Free Rice, United States, Word/Math Games.

Also, today:

2. Open your progress report. Make sure you add Galileo Week games.

• Did you finish?
  
• What did you learn?

Word/Math Games

Please choose a word or math game.

http://www.theproblemsite.com/

United States of America

Today you will be finding the states:

http://www.purposegames.com/game/states-of-the-usa-quiz

Mr. Uttech solved this game in 2:06.1 with 94 percent accuracy. Can you beat him?

You may also bring up a map of the United States to look at:

http://www.infoplease.com/states.html

Also try these:

http://www.purposegames.com/geoquiz

Vocabulary and Free Rice

Add to your WORD document from yesterday:

Tuesday, Free Rice
Grains of free rice:
Consecutive words:
Level:

GO TO FREE RICE - http://beta.freerice.com/

Students will discover vocabulary words by earning as many grains of rice as possible.

Try for over 500

Try for most consecutive

Econ 101

Open a WORD document.

Save it as "galileoweek"

For today, write:

Lemonade stand
Customer satisfaction:
Popularity ranking:
Gross earnings:
Net earnings:

CLICK HERE - http://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/games/lemonade/

Try to earn as much as you can in 30 days.

Record your customer satisfaction and popularity ranking.

Goals: Earn $50, rankings over 75 percent.

School Principal

Imagine that you are the principal of Castro Middle School.

Write a story that describes what the school would be like with you as its leader.

Write three paragraphs (each paragraph should be 3-5 sentences). Your story should have a beginning, middle and end.

Use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Technology of the Future

What changes do you think will happen in the next year? Next five years? Next 10 years? Fifty years!?

(Just think, Google was created in 1998)

Write about what you think will exist in the future.

Write 3 paragraphs (3-5 sentences each) about what technology will exist in the future. How will it help us? Will it hurt us?

Technology Crash

Imagine that all of the computer technology in the world stopped working at the same time.

Write a story that describes what the world would be like in this situation.

Please write three paragraphs (beginning, middle, end). Each paragraph can be 3-5 sentences long.

You may want to use an outline to begin your work. Decide the who/what/where/when/why and how of your story.

Be sure to include details of what the world would be like and how the world will be changed.

Google Maps

You will navigate Google Maps to:

• Learn about world cities and landmarks (geography)
  
• Find a landmark in the map and take a screen shot (command-shift-4)
• Write three paragraphs (3-5 sentences each) about each city and a landmark in that city.
  
• Collect your work in PAGES
• Drag your photos into PAGES, write your sentences in a text box.
• Remember to list your sources. (Where did you find the information?)
  
• Chose 5 out of the 10 choices
  

Here are the names of the cities to research:

1. London, England
2. Paris, France
3. Washington, DC
4. Great Wall of China
5. New York, New York
6. Baghdad, Iraq
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
8. Pyramids of Giza
9. Honolulu, Hawaii
10. Pick your own

iWeb

Open iWeb

Explore making your own website.

You should have at least:

• One main page
• One page about you
• One page about what you want to do for a job

Think of it as an advertisement for yourself!

Progress Report

What? You will be creating your progress report using tables in PAGES.

Where? By using PAGES, you will continue your knowledge about that program and how it works.

When? Now.

Who? You.

Why?? To become an independent, reflective, problem-solving student, it is beneficial to you to take a look at your own work and make decisions about your own progress.

I definitely offer feedback if you say you completed everything, but your work does not show that you completed everything.

Your Assignments:

• Way of Life in WORD
• My Life in POWERPOINT
• Technology Timeline in WORD and POWERPOINT
• Typing Graph in EXCEL and WORD
• Research questions in WORD
  

My Business

What do you want to do when you grow up?

1. Pick what you want to be.

2. Research what it will take for you to do that job.

• This might include looking up jobs on the internet, looking at what skills you will need, what type of education you will need and more.
  

3. Take notes

• As you research, write down in WORD what skills you will need, what education you will need, where you'd like to work, what you'd like to do.
  

4. Create a business or find a business that you'd like to work for. What will you do there?

Your Microsoft WORD document might look something like this:

What I want to be:


What skills and education I will need:


Some names of places where I could work:


If I could make my own business, it would be:

Research Continued

Just like Thursday's work:

Write your answers in WORD.

Search for your answers on Google.

Remember to search for the main ideas of the question.

Write down where you found the information.

1. What Central American country had torrential rains that triggered mudslides, killing at least 40 during the last week?

2. In a speech Monday, President Obama promised to push for $50 billion to create jobs to upgrade America’s infrastructure. What does he (and the media) mean by this term?

3. What happened on Sept. 11, 2001?

4. What was the name of the storm earlier this week that hit parts of Mexico and then crossed into Texas, though most of the damage there was due to rain and flooding?

5. What happened in Colorado this week that destroyed an unknown number of homes in the foothills near Boulder?

6. With elections two months off, which party is worried about losing seats in the House and perhaps losing its control there?

Research

Click on File. Click on New Tab.

Now you have two tabs to switch back and forth.

In one, you'll have questions. In the other, you'll have google to search.

Question 1. What is the weather in Phoenix.

Focus on the main idea. Click on your google tab. Type "Phoenix weather."

Find what the weather is.

Open WORD using your spotlight.

Type what the weather is.

Type where you found the information. (Your source)

Now try these questions.

2. How old is President Obama?

3. What team won the Super Bowl in 2010?

4. What are the newest movies out in theaters?

Graphing Our Typing Data

Technology Timeline

First, type in word these 20 facts:

1. Five (5) basic facts. Facts about yourself. When you were born, when you came to Castro, etc.

2. Five (5) personal technology facts. Facts about when you got your iPod, when your parents got a TV, etc.

3. Ten (10) world technology facts. Research online to learn when things were made. Research the history of music equipment (records, 8-tracks, tapes, cds, ipods), or the history of computers. Or something different!

Organize your facts in different colors.

Remember to give credit. Where did you find the information online?

Technology, Part II

How has technology made your life harder?

What are some negatives about technology?

Write a 3-4 sentence comment and be sure to read other comments.

Technology

How has technology made your life easier?

Comment below. Remember to click on the comment link. Write your answer using full sentences and proper grammar. No texting language.

Write 3-4 sentences.

Click on the drop down menu to write your name, then click Post Comment.

This is Me

For the second week of computer class, you will be exploring Powerpoint. Powerpoint operates like Word but has some additional functions. We'll discuss these functions in class.

You will also be searching for photos on flickr.com/creativecommons

We will discuss how to use Powerpoint and how to use photos from the internet in class.

You will be finding images that show your personality and you'll be writing why these photos show your personality.

Look at your rubric for more information.

Write One Interesting Fact

"Everyone has a story."

What does that mean? We all have families, likes, dislikes, thoughts and ideas. We all want to do something, be somebody or be somewhere.

All it takes to hear your story is someone willing to listen.

Write one interesting fact about your self in the comment column below.

Remember to be respectful, and responsible about communicating via the internet.

Welcome

Hello,

My name is Mr. Uttech and I'm glad to have you in class. We'll be working hard and learning a lot, but this class will also be a special experience for you.

We won't have your normal "fill-in-the-bubble" tests in this class. We won't have worksheets. You will be working on projects and have the opportunity to work in groups at times.

This is called a CTE class, which stands for Career and Technical Education. You'll be learning skills which you'll be able to someday use in a job. You may not necessarily work with computers all day, or become a photo-journalist, but you may need to know how to successfully use email, type or design a poster.

Two things are for sure. You will need to know how to communicate. You will need to know how to solve problems, or as I like to say "use your brain." These things are important for your life and for future jobs.

More importantly, these things are important for you right now.

Let's work hard, do good things and use our brains.

Typing Practice

"I will improve my typing skills by using the games and activities to practice."

www.freetypinggame.net

Play at least 5 times. Take your scores and find the average. Record your score in WORD.

So, what did you think?

Please answer the following questions to let me know what you thought about this class. Please be honest AND respectful.

Please write at least one paragraph for each answer (5-7 sentences). Use correct spelling, proper grammar, complete sentences and correct punctuation.
Click here to take survey

Current Events

Please answer the questions in WORD.
Please answer five questions. You may skip one question.
Also, describe how this current event might be important to you. Explain why or why not.

Remember:
Please use full sentences and check your spelling, punctuation and grammar.
List your sources. (Where did you find the answer?)

1. What well-known tourist area was evacuated this weekend when an unexploded car bomb was discovered there?

2. The 40th anniversary of what event was commemorated last week on the Kent State University campus?

3. What state experienced record-breaking rainfall in the last week, leading to serious flooding and the death of at least 19?

4. Why does the oil spill continue to be a problem in the Gulf of Mexico, even though workers have been putting out thousands of feet of material to contain it?

5. What two airlines announced they are merging to form the world’s largest airline?

6. What holiday was celebrated Sunday?

Objectives:
“I will read and research current events.”

“I will study articles for good writing techniques.”

"I will analyze current events by discussing how it relates to my life."

Observe and Report

Good writers need to observe the world around them.

Take a look at recent news photos:
Washington Post
USA Today
Orlando Sentinel
Arizona Republic

1. Pick a photo.
1. Write down 5 observations about that photo. (Who, what, where, when, why or anything you observe)
3. Write 5 questions you'd like to ask the people in the photo or the person who took the photo.
4. Write a new caption for the photo.
5. Think of a headline for the story that would go with this photo.

Source: http://www.hsj.org/Teachers/Lesson_Plans/Detail.cfm?lessonplanid=259

Current Events 4/28/10

• Open a WORD document
  

• Please use full sentences and check your spelling, punctuation and grammar.

• List your sources. (Where did you find the answer?)

• Describe how this current event might be important to you. Explain why or why not.

• When you finish: go to http://www.freetypinggame.net and practice typing.
  

1. What nation has been the focus of a $60 billion bailout so it won’t default on its debts, a concern for members of the European Union?

2. An oil spill from last week’s oil rig explosion is coming dangerously near what state’s coastline?

3. Tornadoes last weekend killed 10 and leveled the town of Yazoo City in what state?

4. Now who is complaining that Facebook needs to do more to protect its users’ privacy?

5. Where will Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez soon be posting messages, ironic because he is known for his long speeches?

Objectives:
“I will read and research current events.”

“I will study articles for good writing techniques.”

Expanding Our Reach

What has been happening around your school or Phoenix or Arizona or the United States or the world?

If you need help with a topic, go to azcentral.com
Take a look at the many possible topics you could write about:

• News
• Sports
• Money
• Things to Do
• Style
• Travel
• Pets
• Weather
• Health
• Food
• Home
  

Write a one- to two-paragraph story focused on a news event.

Find an image using http://www.flickr.com/creativecommons/

You must give credit for anything you use that is not yours.

OR, use iMovie to produce a television news segment.

You must include a quote from a friend.

You must think of a good hook for the beginning. Why would I want to read your story? Your first sentence should make me want to read on.

You can work in groups. SAVE your work. We will post these stories to our school news websites.

Current Events

Objectives:
“I will read and research current events.”

Please use full sentences and check your spelling, punctuation and grammar.

List your sources. (Where did you find the answer?)

Describe how this current event might be important to you. Explain why or why not.

1. Name one of the two events that included President Obama Monday, both more fun than what his job usually includes. (HINT: One was in the morning and included children, and one was in the afternoon and had to do with sports..)

2. What left the Kennedy Space Center in Florida Monday morning, heading to the international space station?

3. Which team Monday night won the NCAA men’s basketball championship? Which team won the NCAA women’s basketball championship Tuesday?

4. The Obama administration this week announced a major change in its policy about what kind of weapons?

5. What country experienced a 7.7 earthquake Tuesday?

Your School News

What is going on at your school?

What have you observed/seen/heard?

Is there conflict? Action? Something new?

Write two paragraphs. Include quotes from a friend in class if you can.

When you think you are finished, go back and read your story again. Double-check it for errors, spelling, grammar, punctuation and sentences that make sense.

PSA Rubric

Things you need in your iMovie PSA:

• Photos or Video
• A title page, a credits page (who did what) and any other text.
• Transitions
• Music or sound effects
• List a website so people who watch can get more information.
• A clear message
  

Public Service Announcement (PSA)

What is a PSA?
PSAs are intended to let people know about specific issues. The most common topics of PSAs are health and safety.

What do PSAs do?

• Gets the viewer's attention
• Convinces the viewer that they can make a difference
• Makes every word and image count
• Uses emotions to compel your viewer
• Clearly calls the viewer to action

What are some examples of PSAs?

• Drug Abuse Prevention
  
• Nutrition
• Gun Violence
• High School Dropout Prevention
• Stop Bullying
• Global Warming
• Youth Voter Participation
• Hearing Loss
• Wearing your seat belt

Source: http://www.ivieawards.org/categories/psa/psa.html

Guidelines for your PSA:

• be serious
• have a clear message
• be no longer than 30-45 seconds
• have important information
• have accurate information
• use someone who looks believable
• use someone famous (but does not have to be)
• use someone who is likeable and respected
• use someone who can act ( is credible)
• use someone who is dressed appropriately for the part he is playing
• give statistics (when appropriate, e.g. number of people that die because they were not wearing seatbelts)

Source: TeacherNet

Assignment:
Create your own PSA. It could be about one of the topics listed above or you could make it about something here at school.

• What do you want people to know?

Things you will need:

• Research from the internet (remember where you found it)
  
• Photos that you take or from the internet
  
• You will need to write out what you are going to say and how you are going to say it.
• Video
• Use iMovie to produce your PSA

Objectives:
Students will be able to discuss topics that affect them and others and give information through the use of PSAs and iMovie. Students will be able to analyze topics and create ways to get a specific message out to others through the use of PSAs and the iMovie editing process.

Interviewing and Listening

For your interview, you will work in groups of two or three.

• Write down observations of about your partner and write at least seven open-ended questions (not YES or NO questions).
  
• Ask the questions to your partner.
  
• While asking the open-ended questions, listen and think about two follow-up questions and two challenge questions.
• Ask your follow-up questions and the challenge questions.
• Write an article about your partner based only on your observations and what was said during the interview.
• Take pictures or video that will enhance your interview.
• Consider the aspects of journalism in your interview. Does your partner have a story that involves conflict, action, novelty, prominence, impact?
  

Objectives: (Language) The students will be able to discover new information by asking their partner's initial questions, demonstrating active listening and asking follow-up/challenge questions.

(Content) The students will be able to write questions, actively listen and write a story based on an interview. Students will be able to extend their interview by using pictures and video.

Standards: Writing S1C4: Editing Identify punctuation, spelling, and grammar and usage errors in the draft.
Journalism 34.7a Conduct an interview, 34.9a Demonstrate improvisational skills, 21.4 Practice techniques to involve each member of the team, 21.5 Demonstrate teamwork

What you should have completed:

A three-paragraph article about your partner, including quotes. Your article should have a beginning, middle and end. Check for correct grammar and spelling. Include pictures or video after you finish your written article.

Grammar and Testing

Open WORD

Write one paragraph about why tests might be good
Write at least three details explaining why

Write one paragraph about why tests might be bad
Write at least three details explaining why

Raise your hand and I will come around to check your work
I will mark you off as having completed your work, which will go toward your grade for this class.

When you finish, go to:

http://www.newsroom101.com/

Find NEWSROOM EXERCISES

Click on SET 1

Do Newsroom 1 through 5 and the Newsroom 1-5 Review

K-8 Schools: Journalism and Life Ethics

Ethics are a system of moral principles: what is right and what is wrong.

Journalists have a code of ethics.

1. Be responsible.
2. Be fair.
3. Be honest.
4. Be accurate.
5. Be independent.
6. Minimize harm.
7. Be accountable.

As we record the news of your school, I would like us to follow this code or a similar code of ethics.

Using WORD or POWER POINT, please write or discuss your thoughts on each number (1 through 7). You may also bring in photos from the internet to help you show your thoughts. You MUST list your source (where you found the photo).

For example, tell me what you think it means to be responsible. Tell me what you think it means for journalists, writers or story tellers to be responsible. Tell me how you think you'll be a responsible reporter for your school's news.

Write a paragraph detailing your thoughts and ideas for all seven points.

Later, we'll be writing our own code of ethics. You may begin to brainstorm ideas as you write your definitions.

Objectives:
Students will be able to analyze a code of ethics and make connections by explaining the meanings using 'Word' or 'PowerPoint.'

Standards:
Journalism 9.1 Explore code of ethics for an audio/visual environment
Writing C4 PO 1. Write persuasive text (e.g., essay, paragraph, written communications) that: a. establishes and develops a controlling idea and b. supports arguments with detailed evidence.

Olympic Current Events

Objectives:
“I will read and research current events.”

“I will study articles for good writing techniques.”

Use full sentences and correct grammar for your answers.

List your sources. (Where did you find the answer?)

1. The Olympics got off to a sad start with the death of an athlete from Georgia who died on a training run. What was his event?

2. What country is leading the total medal count with 18 medals?

Matching: Match the athlete with his/her medal:

3.____ Lindsey Vonn
4.____ Julia Mancuso
5.____ Shaun White
6.____ Shauni Davis
7.____ Seth Wescott
8.____ Bode Miller
9.____ Johnny Spillane
10.____Hannah Kearney
11.____Apolo Anton Ohno
12.____J.R. Celski
13.____Evan Lysacek
14.____Hannah Teter
15.____Scotty Lago

A. Men’s Short Track 1500m Bronze
B. Ladies’ Super Combined and Women’s Downhill Silver
C. Ladies’ Halfpipe Silver
D. Men’s Halfpipe Bronze
E. Ladies’ Moguls Gold
F. Men’s Snowboard Cross Gold
G. Women’s Downhill Gold
H. Men’s Short Track 1500m Silver
I. Nordic Combined Silver
J. Men’s Downhill Bronze
K. Men’s Figure Skating Gold
L. Men’s Halfpipe Gold
M. 1000m Speed Skating Gold

Current Events 2/18/10

Objectives:
“I will read and research current events.”

“I will study articles for good writing techniques.”

Use full sentences and correct grammar for your answers.

List your sources. (Where did you find the answer?)

1. Why was Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh in the news this week?
Extra credit: Which party is concerned now because it may lose yet another seat in the Senate?

2. The Olympics got off to a sad start with the death of an athlete from Georgia who died on a training run. What was his event?

3. Late last week, which former U.S. President was in the news when he required a procedure for a blocked artery?

4. New Orleans celebrated its team’s Super Bowl victory recently, but what else has it been celebrating for more than a week, lasting until Tuesday night?

5. What did every state in the U.S. except Hawaii have as of Friday? (HINT: This news came from the National Weather Service.)

6. What 40-day religious observance began this week?

7. Dr. Amy Bishop is charged with capital murder in the fatal shootings of three fellow faculty members at her university. What did some reports say might have caused her to be upset?
Extra credit: The latest news stories this week about Bishop indicate she could perhaps have been charged with what in 1986?

8. The U.S. Secretary of State has been in the Persian Gulf this week. Name this diplomat.

What is Journalism?

Content Objective: Students will analyze the work they've completed by comparing it to the definitions of journalism.

Students will explore their own definition of journalism.

Language Objective: Students will create and present their portfolios to the class by discussing what they have done and how it relates to the given definitions of journalism.

Below are some definitions of journalism.

Please read the definitions. Then, make five connections to what we have been doing in class that relate to the definitions. Describe what we have done in class and talk about how it does or does not follow the definitions of journalism.

Imagine you are making a presentation about what we have been doing in class for your parents or the principal. Create your presentation in Powerpoint or iMovie. Use the stories you have written, the photos you have taken and the work you have done.

You should have at least 5 slides in Powerpoint or five ideas in iMovie. This is a collection, or portfolio, of work you have already completed.

Journalism is:

• listening and interviewing
• researching and reading
• writing and rewriting
• photographing and cartooning
  

Journalism is:

• telling the truth
• double checking the facts
• investigating all sources
• verifying everything
  

Journalism is NOT:

• ignoring and talking
• imagining and creating
• copying and pasting
• downloading and rephrasing
  

Journalism is NOT:

• telling YOUR side of the story
• creating facts to spice up a story
• taking someone's word without checking it out
• listening to only one viewpoint
  

The essence of journalism is a discipline of verification.

In the end, the discipline of verification is what separates journalism from entertainment, propaganda, fiction, or art. Entertainment – and its cousin “infotainment” – focuses on what is most diverting. Propaganda selects facts or invents them to serve the real purpose: persuasion and manipulation. Fiction invents scenarios to get at a more personal impression of what it calls the truth.

Journalism alone is focused on getting what happened down right.

As Walter Lippmann put it in 1920, “There can be no liberty for a community which lacks the information by which to detect lies.”

Words of the Day

Objectives: "I will use the computer as a learning tool to deepen my knowledge of a vocabulary word by giving a visual definition of the word."

"I will use words and pictures to help to determine the meaning of a word."

Programs: "I will use Firefox, Word, PowerPoint, iPhoto, Cameras and Photo Booth."

1. Click here

January Words of the Day

or

February Words of the Day

2. Pick three words. Click on the word and listen to the pronunciation and read its meaning.

3. Write the definition for each word.

4. Use each word in a sentence.

5. Using photo booth, take a picture that shows the definition or use of the word.

Once you take a picture, you can click on your picture and drag it into WORD. If dragging your picture does not work, in word, you need to click on INSERT, scroll down to PICTURE and select FROM FILE. Then scroll down to MEDIA, click on PHOTOS and go to PHOTO BOOTH and pick your picture.

6. Access your picture using iPhoto and crop and edit if there is anything in your picture you want cropped out.

7. Using the program WORD or PowerPoint, put your word, picture, definition and sentence into a document on the desktop and save it. Create a slide show of words or how you define the word could be a slide show.

Have fun! And be ready to share your words and photos!

Current Events 2/11/10

Objectives:
“I will read and research current events.”

“I will study articles for good writing techniques.”

Use full sentences and correct grammar for your answers.

List your sources. (Where did you find the answer?)

1. What city is hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, which start Friday?

2. Whose doctor has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in his death?

3. What part of the country was bracing again Tuesday night for the second major snow storm in less than a week?

4. Whose family is disputing a medical examiner’s report about the cause of their father’s death?

5. What has been the main topic this week of President Obama’s meetings with Republican leaders?

6. The Let’s Move Campaign First Lady Michelle Obama announced this week is designed to fight what?

7. This week, Sarah Palin took some kidding because, after she had joked about President Obama’s use of teleprompters, what did those at her speech discover SHE had done?

8. What country has recently worried the U.S. and other nations because it has begun enriching more uranium that could be used for weapons?

Libel/Slander

Libel: falsely written or printed words, pictures, or in any form other than by spoken words or gestures. Or unjustified injury of the good reputation of another.

Slander: a malicious, false statement or report

http://education.illinois.edu/wp/censorship/ppt/sld039.htm

Give an example of a libelous or slanderous statement you've heard or read.

Ask These 10 Questions to Make Good Ethical Decisions

Ask These 10 Questions to Make Good Ethical Decisions

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Freedom of Religion:

• The government cannot force anyone to join or practice a religion.
• The government cannot prevent anyone from practicing a religion.

Freedom of Speech:

• Citizens of the United States are free to criticize the government.
• Citizens are free to express opinion based on their beliefs.
  

Freedom of the Press:

• The Congress cannot require a journalist or the media to have a license.
• All U.S. citizens have the right to print or publish.

Freedom of Assembly:

• Citizens of the United States have the freedom to gather in public places for meetings, for worship or to watch events as spectators.

Freedom to Petition:

• Citizens have the right to ask the government to change laws or practices.
• Citizens have the right to vote on petitions.

Can anything be limited?

Public schools can prevent expression if the expression would lead to a material and substantial disruption of the school day.

Schools can limit expressions that would interfere with teaching and learning.

Schools can limit expression that would prevent the school from functioning as a school.

What do you think?

How do you see the First Amendment as useful for journalists, TV newscasters, magazine editors and writers?

How do you see the First Amendment as useful for anyone?

How do you see the First Amendment as useful for 8th graders?

Is it fair that schools can limit expression?

Objectives:

Students will connect how the First Amendment affects them, by writing personal responses.
Social Studies Strand 1: Concept 4 PO4


Credit: Middle School Journalism - Semester 1, by Thomas J. Kaup and Dianne Smith published by TEACHINGpoint

What Makes A Good Video Story

What Makes A Good Video Story

Posted using ShareThis

Internet Ethics and Privacy

Let's review our ethics that we talked about a couple weeks ago:

1. Be responsible.
2. Be fair.
3. Be honest.
4. Be accurate.
5. Be independent.
6. Minimize harm.
7. Be accountable.

Read http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3965039

or

Read http://thenextweb.com/2009/08/31/woman-fired-caps-email/

Then, write two paragraphs explaining why it is important to be respectful on the Internet. How does being respectful on the Internet also translate into being respectful in real life? Also explain why things on the Internet might not be totally private. Do you think it was right for these people to lose their jobs?

Please email me these paragraphs using gaggle.

Objectives:

Discuss how social skills are helpful in obtaining and maintaining a job

Demonstrate work ethics

Demonstrate business etiquette

Review guidelines for effective written communication (letters, reports, email)

Current Events 2/4/10

Objectives:
“I will read and research current events.”

“I will study articles for good writing techniques.”

Use full sentences and correct grammar for your answers.

List your sources. (Where did you find the answer?)

1. The Obama administration announced its budget proposal for 2011, a tough task with two wars and a recession. The bottom line announced Monday is (a) $3.83 trillion, (b) $3.83 billion or (c) $3.83 million.

2. Who did President Obama say he will meet with later this month…and now China has told him not to do so?

3. The Oscars were big entertainment news this week. Name one of the Best Picture nominees.
Extra credit: What is different this year about that category?

4. Why was a rodent in the news Tuesday morning? What group wants to replace this animal with a robot so the flesh and blood version doesn’t suffer?

5. An Illinois primary Tuesday was the first step in filling whose former Senate seat?

Story Telling

It's great that you are thinking about the "News of Castro!" You're more aware of events going on, things happening and possibilities for stories.

Good writers are very observant of their surroundings and can recreate events by using great word choice. Remember, you are telling the story to people who might not have been at an event or don't know about a certain thing.

You have to be descriptive and have many details.

Objective: I will outline a story by focusing on the 5W and H. I will also determine what questions I would like to ask other students or teachers.

Language objective: I will share my ideas with a classmate by explaining what type of story I am writing and what details and descriptive words I will chose.

Assignment:

Write the "News of Castro" or begin work on a video. You'll need a topic and you'll need to think out your questions and who you are going to talk to before you go.

You can also tell a story by having a series of pictures. Decide first how you are going to set up your "picture story." What pictures will you need? What order will you put them in?

Click here for an iPhoto tutorial

Topic:

Who
What
Where
When
Why
How

Questions:

Photo Elements

Objectives:

Language: I will be able to discuss why we selected a certain photograph by explaining what specific elements are in the picture.

Content: I will be able to take, choose and compare photographs that include the six elements.

Elements of Photography:
CVI
Rule of thirds
Framing
Repetition
Action/Emotion
Leading Lines

Journalism Standards
4.2 Identify audio and visual approaches that connect with an audience
5.5 Demonstrate teamwork
5.6 Practice effective time and meeting management
5.10 Practice decision making process
16.1 Conduct formal/informal research to collect appropriate information for a presentation on an audio/visual technology topic

Current Events 1/28/10

Objectives:
“I will read and research current events.”

“I will study articles for good writing techniques.”

Use full sentences and correct grammar for your answers.

List your sources. (Where did you find the answer?)

1. What automobile maker told dealers to stop selling eight car models for at least several weeks because of a problem with accelerator pedals?

2. What speech did President Obama give Wednesday night?

3. One of the things he is expected to cover in the speech is putting a freeze on spending for some domestic programs and even some White House officials’ salaries. How long is the freeze expected to last?

4. What company comes out with a much-hyped 10-inch multimedia tablet device this week?

5. In what country this week did U.N. troops have to fire tear gas and warning shots to prevent a mob from taking aid supplies?

6. After last Sunday’s games, two teams are left to play in the Super Bowl Feb. 7. Name one of them.
Extra credit: Name the other

7. This week, what surpassed “Titanic” as the highest-grossing movie ever?

8. North and South _____________ exchanged artillery fire this week.

Bias (Every story has two, or more, sides)

Objectives: Using the code of ethics you worked on yesterday (or are finishing today), analyze other schools' news. Determine if the articles follow the code of ethics. Decide if the articles can be corrected or written from a different point of view.

Assignment: Write a response article (at least 3-5 paragraphs) or the same type of article from your viewpoint. Be sure to follow the code of ethics as you write your article.

Code of Ethics:
1. Be responsible. (Are they doing the right thing?)
2. Be fair.
3. Be honest.
4. Be accurate. (Are all parts of the story true?)
5. Be independent. (Do they offer other ideas or just one idea?)
6. Minimize harm. (Is it hurtful?)
7. Be accountable. (Can they back up what they wrote?)

School News Websites:
Borman Broadcast
Cartwright Community
Downs Dispatch
Harris Headlines

Standards:
Electronic Journalism 9.1 Explore code of ethics for an audio/visual environment
Social Studies: S2PO6 Determine the credibility and bias of primary and secondary sources.

Journalism and Life Ethics

Ethics are a system of moral principles: what is right and what is wrong.

Journalists have a code of ethics.

1. Be responsible.
2. Be fair.
3. Be honest.
4. Be accurate.
5. Be independent.
6. Minimize harm.
7. Be accountable.

As we record the news of Castro, I would like us to follow this code or a similar code of ethics.

Using WORD, Powerpoint or GARAGE BAND, please write or discuss your thoughts on each number (1 through 7). With GARAGE BAND, you can record a podcast.

For example, tell me what you think it means to be responsible. Tell me what you think it means for journalists, writers or story tellers to be responsible. Tell me how you think you'll be a responsible reporter for Castro news.

Write a paragraph detailing your thoughts and ideas for all seven points.

Later, we'll be writing our own code of ethics. You may begin to brainstorm ideas as you write your definitions.

Objectives:
Students will be able to analyze a code of ethics and make connections by explaining the meanings using 'Word' or 'Garage Band.'

Standards:
Journalism 9.1 Explore code of ethics for an audio/visual environment
Writing C4 PO 1. Write persuasive text (e.g., essay, paragraph, written communications) that: a. establishes and develops a controlling idea and b. supports arguments with detailed evidence.

Current Events 1/21/10

Objectives:
“I will read and research current events.”

“I will study articles for good writing techniques.”

Use full sentences and correct grammar for your answers.

List your sources. (Where did you find the answer?)

1. Getting aid to what earthquake-ravaged country has been a major problem this week?

2. What two former presidents are working on relief for this country?

3. What commemoration Monday meant most schools and many businesses were closed?

4. The Golden Globes this week kicked off the season of movie and television awards. Which movie won the best motion picture () OR which won the best motion picture (comedy or musical)?

5. What state was hit Tuesday by a powerful storm with a tornado, at least four water spouts, winds up to 80 mph and torrential rains?

6. Those in Massachusetts voted this week to decide who would fill the late Sen. Edward Kennedy’s spot. To what party does the winner belong? This is important because what has changed in the Senate now?

5W, H, Who Cares, So What Project

The “Who, What, Where, When, Why, How, Who cares, So what” Project

Using photos and words, define the 5Ws, H and Who Cares, So What with a photo/writing collage.

You can also click here to search images on flickr creative commons. Be sure to list your sources!

Be creative: use close ups, use props, use people, think!

Explore the program Keynote or PowerPoint and write text, drag in photos, be creative!!

News of Castro

Today and in this class, we are focused on the:

Who, what, when, where, why and how of Castro.

1. Think of your audience. Are you writing so that students will be reading or teachers or parents or everyone?

2. Think of your story. What do you want to write about. What things do you know are going around here at Castro. What is important to you?

3. Begin writing. Write, edit, revise, rewrite. Details, full sentences, grammar and punctuation.

4. Your story should have a beginning, middle and end.

Current Events 1/14/10

Objectives:
“I will read and research current events.”

“I will study articles for good writing techniques.”

Use full sentences and correct grammar for your answers.
List your sources. (Where did you find the answer?)

1. What former vice presidential candidate is now going to be a television news contributor?
Extra credit: Which channel?

2. What comedian, moved to prime time from late night in September, will be pulled from that spot before the Olympics begin in February?

3. What state has had such cold weather in the last week that both its major orange crop and its iguanas (which fell out of trees when they were too cold to hold on) are in danger?

4. One hundred-year-old Miep Gies died this week. She was the Dutch woman responsible for saving whose diaries in 1944?

5. What country had a major earthquake registering 7.0 near its capital Tuesday?

Welcome Second Semester Students

Hello and welcome to Mr. Uttech's Photojournalism class!

This blog has been designed for students in photojournalism. The students will use this site to gain more experience using the technology involved. They will be working on text, photo and video functions as well as design features. They will also be able to read their assignments.

These stories, photos and designs will need editing and fine-tuning. Once this material is edited and peer-reviewed, select stories will by chosen to be placed on their school blogs. In a sense, this is our drawing board.

Please remember that this is purely an assignment and brainstorming site.
Thank you and enjoy!

Classroom Rules

Respect, Responsibility, Honest, Caring, Do your best

Goals

I want us to learn and relax. You have a special opportunity to learn in a different way in this class. But this class is not playtime. If you are not doing your work in class there will be consequences.

Consequences for not doing your work: “Three strikes and you’re out”

1. Turn your computer off, write the objective, turn your computer back on and resume your work.
2. Turn computer off, Think sheet, turn computer on and resume your work
3. Turn computer off, Art room, think sheet, then return and resume your work
4. Office referral
   

Going “On Assignment”

On of the ways we learn in this class is “by doing.” You will at times have the opportunity to leave the room to go take pictures, get interviews and shoot video. When you leave the room, you must still follow the class and school rules. I do speak with other teachers and they will tell me if you are doing a good job or not.

Procedure to go “on assignment”

1. You must have a plan.

• A written story
• Written questions
• Written list of photo ideas
  

2. You must sign out and return within 10 minutes. If you do not return within 10 minutes, there will be a consequence.

3. If you need to go to a classroom or get another student, you need to plan ahead of time. See the REQUEST FORM

First Semester Last Day

You made it! You worked hard and survived the first semester ever of Photo Journalism at Castro Middle School. Congratulations!!

Please let me know how it went. For the long answers, you need to write at least five sentences. Don't forget capitalization, punctuation and grammar.

Thank you!

Click here to take survey

Also, finish any projects from this week: current events, photo-word match.

CURRENT EVENTS

Who are the Arizona Cardinals playing this week and why is it different than last week?

Are gasoline prices rising again? How much could gas cost in a couple months?

What new technology did Apple recently unveil? How did Microsoft, Apple’s main competitor, respond?

Just how cold is it getting in the deep south?

Word/Photo Match

Objectives: "I will use the computer as a learning tool to deepen my knowledge of a vocabulary word."

"I will use words and pictures to help to determine the meaning of a word."

Programs: "I will use Firefox, Word, iPhoto and Photo Booth."

1. Click here

December Words of the Day

or

January Words of the Day

2. Pick three words. Click on the word and listen to the pronunciation and read its meaning.

3. Write the definition for each word.

4. Use each word in a sentence.

5. Using photo booth, take a picture that shows the definition or use of the word.

Once you take a picture, you can click on your picture and drag it into WORD. If dragging your picture does not work, in word, you need to click on INSERT, scroll down to PICTURE and select FROM FILE. Then scroll down to MEDIA, click on PHOTOS and go to PHOTO BOOTH and pick your picture.

6. Access your picture using iPhoto and crop and edit if there is anything in your picture you want cropped out.

7. Using the program WORD on your computer, put your word, picture, definition and sentence into a document on the desktop and save it.

Have fun! And be ready to share your words and photos next week!

Grade Rubric:
Word, definition, sentence, photo (all four parts) - A
Three of the four parts - B
Two of the four parts - C
One of the four parts - D
None of the four parts - F

Review, Edit, Build, Update

1. Find one of your stories on castrocougarcourier.blogspot.com.

2. If you don't have a story posted on Castro Cougar Courier, write one! You could write a feature article about this class for the incoming students.

3. Focus on what makes something newsworthy. Who, what, where, when, why, how, conflict, action, timeliness, novelty, impact, proximity and prominence.

4. Work to build on your story. Decide if you need more information, quotes from students or teachers, photos or video.

5. If you find more information on a website or news website, be sure to list your source. For example, write: "According to cnn.com, ...."

6. Add at least three more paragraphs to your story.