Statesman Journal Article Review

After reading the Statesman Journal article:
Oregon threatened by invasive species, please do the following:

List FIVE interesting things you learned about invasive species from reading the article.


Please write your responses in complete sentences.

Metaphor #4 - THE RESOLUTION

Well, there you have it; the adventure has passed for the boys! These few months on the island have no doubt changed the lives of these boys. Today's metaphor is The Resolution. In much the same way that people make New Year's resolutions, I want you to make a resolution for your future.

So a quick review with metaphors in place:

- You CRASHED at the IKE BOX

- You met the INHABITANTS

- You talked about your SELF

Now you are ready to make your RESOLUTIONS. For this last portion of your Final Paper, please describe what the future holds for you and what you plan to do. You can discuss schooling options, job possibilities, and whatever else you see coming up in your life.

NOW!!!!!! All four of your metaphors are in place and ready to be joined together in a Final Paper. This work will probably be 2-3 pages in length and resemble a quick overview of your time at Fresh Start. Good luck with the work and thank you for letting me read Lord of the Flies to you.

Ron Burkhart

Metaphor #3 - SELF

As you progress on your Final Paper for Language Arts and Lord of the Flies, let's do a quick metaphorical review:

Your first metaphor was The Crash - how you landed at the IKE BOX.

The second metaphor was The Inhabitants - who is/was here at the IKE BOX and Fresh Start.

Today we shift the focus to Self.....it is time to look at yourself and see what progress you have made and what obstacles you have overcome. Maybe there are still a few "issues" to resolve. This is a great part of the paper for that.

The boys on the island will soon all have to look at themselves and see what they have become.

Metaphor #2 - THE INHABITANTS

The second metaphor (and second part of your Final Paper) deals with The Inhabitants - those people you find after the crash. If the IKE BOX is your crash site or island, then the inhabitants are the people you know now and have known this year. In this section of your paper (in a few paragraphs), you will want to describe, remember, honor, or review the people you have known here. Fellow students, teachers, anyone are fair game. On the island during LOF, the boys made and lost and regained friends and acquaintances. What have your experiences been with the inhabitants of the IKE BOX?

Metaphor #1 - PLANE CRASH

We have 4 more reading sessions and we are finished with our novel. As this island adventure concludes, so does your adventure with Fresh Start. Therefore, there is a natural connection between you and the book.
As we have read through Lord of the Flies you may have noticed a lot of symbolism and metaphor - things are said to you or shown to you that may mean something else. The island, the pig's head, the parachutist, etc. could all be symbols or metaphors for something else.
I want to focus on metaphor. Over the next two weeks as we finish the novel, I want to hear from you about metaphors I give you.

The first metaphor is the PLANE CRASH. The boys' plane crashes on a deserted island at the start of the story; you crash landed at a new school. See the metaphor? I want you to write a good, solid paragraph or two about why and how you "crashed into" the IKE Box and Fresh Start. Why are you here and what happened? Over the next two weeks you will actually be writing your FINAL PAPER for Language Arts one section at a time. This is the first section. When you are finished with the 4 metaphors I give you, and have joined them all together,you will have a solid little essay to hand in. Have fun with metaphor #1 - PLANE CRASH!!

Endangered Species of Oregon

Topic: Endangered Species of Oregon

First, choose an Endangered Species of Oregon - see list provided by Ryan

Copy and Paste the following, then find the info:

(1) Species Common and Scientific Name:

(2) Habitat Description (where does it live)?:

(3) What caused it to become endangered?:


PLEASE WRITE IN COMPLETE SENTENCES.

Lord of the Flies - LOF

Miranda asked a question a week ago in class about the title of the book, "Lord of the Flies". In today's reading we get to examine the title as it shows up in the text.
Use this quote from the reading to explain what the Lord of the Flies is and what it means to you. (Hint: this is a difficult, analytical question).

"....the Lord of the Flies hung on his stick and grinned. At last Simon gave up and looked back; saw the white teeth and dim eyes, the blood- and his gaze was held by that ancient, inescapable recognition. In Simon's right temple, a pulse began to beat on the brain."

Endangered Habitats

Topic: Endangered Habitats

In addition to individual species needing protection, researchers have begun to identify entire ecosystems which have almost disappeared. If these habitats are lost, the many kinds of plant and animal species which depend upon the habitats will also disappear. Below are examples of some of the most critically endangered ecosystems:

• Atlantic white-cedar stands in Virginia and North Carolina
• California native grasslands
• Eastern U.S. old-growth forests
• Florida dry prairies
• Louisiana wet coastal prairies
• Midwestern tallgrass prairies and oak savannas
• Southeastern U.S. coastal longleaf pine forests
• Vermont lake sand beaches
• Wisconsin sedge meadows

Question to Ponder: Why should we care about these endangered habitats? Is it a big deal habitats are disappearing?

Please answer this in at least one paragraph 4-6 sentences.

FEAR - LOF

As Ralph and Jack climb towards the beast, they encounter many fears. And when they come face to face with the beast, they react to those fears.

Please tell a quick story about your most fearful moment OR detail what it is you most fear.

Ron Burkhart - Reader

Evaluation Day - LOF

A few months have passed on the island and the boys are dealing with lots of issues: fire and smoke for a possible rescue, hunting, forming social groups, anger, boredom....the list goes on and on. Now it's time as a reader to take inventory and see if you can sort out the main characters and how they are doing. This is called character development. Here is your assignment:

For each of these characters - real or imaginary - write a "progress report" for their time on the island. This should be at least two sentences each and can discuss any of their physical, emotional, spiritual or personal growth or decline.

PIGGY

RALPH

JACK

SIMON

The LITTLE ONES

The BEAST

Benefits of Trees

Topic to Ponder: What are all of the benefits of trees? Consider, not just the birds, but the fish, insects, humans, children, bats, squirrels, burning of fossil fuels, air quality, water quality, soil quality, habitat, food, shelter, spiders, chipmunks, weasels, bear, owls, etc.

Need I say more?

Predictions anyone? - LOF

The battle between the hunters and the "fire keepers" is raging! Jack and Ralph are the two natural leaders. Now we are introduced to a "Beast from the Air"!

Your blog comments today are to be made about two thoughts:

1. What do you think the beast is that comes from the air? Please explain in detail.

2. Make an educated predicition for the outcome of this story (we are half way through the novel). Please use actual happenings from the book and some common sense to explain your answer.

Gun Control

Topic: Gun Control

Question to Ponder: Should laws be passed to limit gun ownership further?

Background Info: Gun laws vary widely from country to country, so this topic focuses upon arguments for tightening gun laws in principle. Particular debates might center upon different categories of guns (for example automatic weapons, handguns or shotguns), licensing requirements for ownership, the right to carry concealed weapons, or requirements that manufacturers increase the safety features on their weapons. The USA is exceptional in protecting the right to own firearms in the Second Amendment to its Constitution, and gun control has been a major issue in American politics over the last few years, partly due to a series of tragic massacres involving children.

Directions: Please develop an argument FOR or AGAINST the topic of laws to limit gun ownership. Please go to the following LINK for more information to develop your argument.


Your response should be typed in complete sentences and spell checked.

The Beast Within - LOF

Our young friend Simon doesn't have alot to say, but when he does say something, it is profound. During the chapter called Beast From the Water, Simon says, "What I mean is....maybe it's only us?" How are the boys the BEAST?

THE SEPARATION - LOF

Jack and Ralph are two boys with different personalities. How can they co-exist on this island? Please use the quote from the novel to explain what has happened to them. See if you can tell me what this quote means and what it could mean to the story:
"So Ralph asserted his chieftanship and could not have chosen a better way if he had thought for days. Against his weapon, so indefinable and so effective, Jack was powerless and raged without knowing why. By the time the pile was built, they were on different sides of a high barrier."

CHRISTOPER GARDNER

Topic: An evening with Christopher Gardner

Please respond to the following prompts:
(1) Chris Gardner talked a lot about overcoming “life” in order to achieve his dream of becoming a stock broker on Wall Street. Have you ever felt like there was something that you were passionate about achieving in your life? What was it? Explain.

(2) Becoming a stock broker on Wall Street with only a high school diploma, these days, seems nearly impossible. It is a cutthroat world out there. What are your career dreams and what are some of the steps you need to take in order to achieve them?

(3) Do you think you really understand the reality of achieving your dreams? What are some characteristics it takes to make your dreams come true? Explain these characteristics.

(4) On a side note: If you attended the dinner and the presentation, what did you like best about the evening and did anything Chris say resonate with you?

Please proof your work prior to posting!

Strange Things Happen - LOF

The boys are getting familiar with the routine of the island and are getting to know each other. Once in a while we meet people we doubt we will ever talk with, much less befriend. Tell a story of someone you know personally, or are friends with, who you never would have expected to befriend.

Alone - LOF

Simon finds a place on the island where he can be alone after all the chaos that has taken place with the boys.
Do you find value in being alone sometimes? Why or why not? Is it important to be by yourself or is there no real value in it?

MOLD

Topic: Mold

Questions to Ponder:

1. Where Does Mold Grow?
2. Why does dew form outside on cold mornings? (Please use the following terms in your answer: dew point, condensation, relative humidity, temperature)
3. Where does moisture collect indoors?
4. What problems may arise when moisture collects indoors?

Please answer all the above questions in complete sentences. You may need to do some additional research to aid you in obtaining the correct answers.

Who Needs Rules? - LOF

Who needs rules anyway? Let's just do what we want!!! The boys on the island don't all see the need for rules as they begin their stay. What do you think of a society with no rules? Give a paragraph for why we need them or a paragraph for why we don't.
Thanks,
Ron Burkhart

The Hierarchy of Friends - LOF

The Hierarchy of Friends - LOF

Now that the boys are on the island, they tend to sort themselves out in groups of friends - much like we do. Using your group of friends, choose 5 or 6 and give them names that describe what they do in your circle of friends. (Ex. Ryan-clown, Ron-instigator, Eric-daredevil - Then provide a short explanation for each person.) Please do not use real names but choose creative nicknames for them.

Thanks, Ron Burkhart

P.S. If you missed any part of chapter one, please see Ron for info on how to make it up!

Ides of March

Topic: The Ides of March

Questions to Ponder: What is the Ides of March? What is the historical significance of it? Predict what the world might be like had a certain event did not take place on March 15th, 44BC.

You may need to do some research on this.

THE WORST VANDALISM

TOPIC: THE WORST VANDALISM

Here are some acts of vandalism. Some cause more harm than others. Put them in order, with one being least harmful. Write the reasons for your decisions. Perhaps some put people in danger and other might not look attractive.

(1) Put things in order.
(2) Reasons for your decisions- What harm does it cause?

Throwing stones onto a railway line - painting graffiti on a public building - breaking a park bench - leaving litter in the countryside - breaking glass in a bus shelter - setting fire to a school - Putting dish soap into a fountain - damaging a phone box - breaking street lighting - damaging seats on buses - throwing eggs at cars and homes

Destruction - LOF

Ralph and Simon and Jack are scouting out the island. While climbing, they spot a huge slab of rock and decide to leverage it over the cliff.....just for fun.

What is it about destruction, breaking things, and violence that attracts young people of all ages? Please describe what you think causes this (2 paragraphs).

Thanks,
Ron Burkhart

No Rules

No Rules

Topic to Ponder: Imagine a world in which there were no rules. What do you think would happen?

Consider the significance of all the rules we currently operate with in our lives. Pretty darn significant, huh??

Please proof your work prior to posting. Thank you!

Children Rule the World

Topic: Children Rule the World



What if this were true? Describe how you think the world might be a different place if children really did rule the world. Consider the role of adults, laws and rules, work, play, politics, etc.


Please have your work proofed prior to posting.

Talking Animals?

Talking Animals

Questions to Ponder:
What would happen if animals could talk? What are some of the questions you would like to ask animals? Which animals?

Please proof your work prior to posting. Thank you!

SPACE LIVING

Topic: Space Living
What would happen if everyone lived in space? What type of houses would they live in? What type of clothing would they wear? What type of food would they eat? How would they travel?

Be creative!

Please proof your work prior to posting. Thank you!

Best Advice

Topic: Best Advice

What is the best advice you have ever received? How has it impacted your life?

Please have your post proofed prior to posting.

Rites of Passage

Rites of Passage:

BACKGROUND INFO
What is a Rite of Passage?

A rite is an official ceremony and a passage is moving from one place (childhood) to another (adulthood).

Culturally accepted: graduation, driver's license, job, marriage, etc.


TOPIC TO BLOG:

• What are some rites of passage you have experienced in your life? Explain the before and after effect as it changed your life.
• What rite of passage are your looking forward to? Explain why.

Please have your work proofed prior to posting.

U.S. Imperialism

United States Imperialism

Question to Ponder: Is the United States of America imperialist?

Background Info: The United States of America (US or USA) is in the process of staking out not just the globe but also the last unarmed spot in our neighborhood - the heavens - as a militarized sphere of influence. Our earth and its skies are, for the US administration, the final frontiers of imperial control. More and more people speak English and the American way of life has become the best export article of the US. The country's research and development is still the world leader in every field. Its international policies have recently become more unilateral. However, all these phenomena are not necessarily enough for us to say that the US is an empire; it is a mistake to mix primacy with imperialism. The USA, for now, has no formal political or economic control over other countries and denies any imperial impulse which might motivate it to acquire new territory overseas.

Please go to the following LINK to learn more about the topic.

Develop an argument FOR or AGAINST the topic of U.S. Imperialism. Please support your opinion with arguments listed on the above link.

Please have your work proofed prior to posting.

When You Die

When You Die

Question to Ponder: How do you want people to remember you?

When your time has come and your life ends, how do you want people to remember you? What do you hope to accomplish in your life? Were you liked or disliked? Were you a positive contributor to society and your family? What was the number one thing in your life? Did you sit around waiting for things to happen or did you make things happen? Did you do what you loved most?

Please consider these questions above when you post your response.

Censorship of the Arts

Topic: Censorship of the Arts

Question to Ponder: What is the right balance to strike between freedom of and restrictions upon artistic expression?

Background Info: The concept of "censorship" is somewhat ambiguous but a better debate results if the Prop side takes the commonly accepted definition – that certain texts, images, or films should be banned. If "censorship" is defined as any form of regulation or law, then it becomes almost truistic as a definition, since the opposition would (if they accepted such a silly definition) have to argue that Art somehow exists above all laws.The Proposition can also include age restrictions as part of their definition of censorship. For example, certain texts, images, or films may only be viewable by people of a certain age, or under the grounds of official academic research.This debate sometimes becomes one about the broader concept of censorship, rather than a debate specifically about whether the arts should be censored. The debate can also go in other directions – some debates will instead evolve into a discussion about the nature of art and how we can decide that a work has redeeming artistic value.

Please go to the following LINK to learn more about the topic.

Develop an argument FOR or AGAINST the censorship of art. Please support your opinion with arguments listed on the above link.

Please have your work proofed prior to posting.

Parental Consent for Abortion

Topic: Parental Consent for Abortion

Question to Ponder:
Should parental consent be required for underage pregnant women to have abortions?

Background:
Teenage pregnancy is a stressful experience, and many people would agree that it would be sensible for a pregnant unmarried teenage girl to seek advice from a responsible adult. Parental involvement laws would make notification of pregnancy and consent for abortion from one or both parents mandatory. Such laws exist in 43 US states, but are enforced in only 32. Most of the statutes apply to young women under 18 and provide for a court bypass procedure should a young woman be unable to involve her parents. Most of them include exceptions for medical emergencies. In principle, of course, similar laws could be introduced anywhere where abortion is legal. The definition of underage will vary from culture to culture, and will need clear explanation by the proposing speakers.

Please note: You are not arguing the morality of abortion at this time. Assume that abortion is illegal. Argue for or against the requirement of parental consent of a pregnant teenager.

Please go to the following LINK to learn more about the topic.

Develop an argument FOR or AGAINST the consent of parents when a teen has an abortion. Please support your opinion with arguments listed on the above link.

Please have your work proofed prior to posting.

Should Marijuana Be Legalized?

Topic: The Legalization of Marijuana



Background Information:
The debate regarding the legalization of drugs, particularly that of soft drugs like cannabis (or marijuana) is capable of being characterized as one which pits the concept of freedom of the individual against the concept of a paternalistic State. Advocates of legalization argue, amongst other things, that cannabis is not only less harmful than legal substances like alcohol and tobacco, but as a matter of fact has been proven to possess certain medicinal properties. In stark contrast, those opposed to legalization argue that the legalization of cannabis will act as a precursor to increased addiction to hard drugs, and will necessarily lead to an increase in the crime rate itself.

Please go to the following LINK to learn more about the topic.

Develop an argument FOR or AGAINST the legalization of marijuana. Please support your opinion with arguments listed on the above link.

Please have your work proofed prior to posting.

Genetically Modified Children

Topic: Genetically Modified Children

You are 21 years old and are given the opportunity to participate in an experiment in which your children will be genetically modified so that they become very attractive, super intelligent, and outstanding athletes All of your friends are given the same choice and some agree to go along with the experiment. What do you choose? (traits) What happens as a result of this experiment in 20 years time?

Be creative and use the learning you have had in class to enhance your response.

Please respond in complete sentences and have it proofed prior to posting.

McKinley Reflection - 2/8

McKinley Reflection

Please respond to the following three prompts:
(Please use examples as much as possible.)

(1) What did you like best about the experience at McKinley?

(2) What aspect of the experience was the most difficult for you?

(3) How do you think the 3rd graders benefited from you being there? List some benefits.


(Please respond in complete sentences and proof your work!)

I hate... 2/6

Please complete the following statement:

"What I really hate is... "


(consider all the things in your life that you really hate - what is it that destroys society and humanity?)

My Love... 2/5

Please complete the following statement:

"What I really love is... "

(consider all the things in your life that you really love - objects, relationships, ideas, etc.)

Identical Twins - 2/4

Topic: Identical Twins

Two identical twins were separated at birth. A wealthy family raised one, and a very poor family raised the other. When they reach age 20, a research team is sent to investigate.

• What do they find?

• Be sure to compare and contrast the two individuals and predict how their lifestyles may or may not be different. Use examples.

(Please proof your work carefully before you post. Make it error-free!)

What do you value? - 2/1

What do you value?

Please identify three things you value: an object, a relationship, and an idea. Explain why you value these three things.


Prior to posting, please have your writing proofed for spelling, capitalization, punctuation and other typographical errors. Thank you!

Ryan's 3-R's - 1/28

Please respond to the following three prompts below:
(Prior to posting, please have work checked for errors.)

Respect
~yourself and your potential
~others rights and ideas
~teacher directions and instruction

PROMPT ONE: In your opinion, what does respect look like in the classroom? What are your personal views about respect?


Responsibility
~to your learning: come prepared to work and work at learning
~to your grade: complete all assignments to the best of your ability and in a timely manner
~to the class: contribute to an effective work environment

PROMPT TWO: In your opinion, what does responsibility look like in the classroom? What are your personal views of responsibility?


Reality
~Whenever respect or responsibility issues are ignored, you will be held accountable.

PROMPT THREE: What does the above statement mean to you?

Reaction #13 - Capitalism or Socialism?

Topic: Which is the superior system – capitalism, or socialism?

Background:
Capitalism is the world’s dominant economic system. Within it, the means of production and distribution are owned by individuals: private ownership and free enterprise are believed to lead to more efficiency, lower prices, better products and rising prosperity. Socialism advocates the ownership and control of the means of production and industry by the community as a whole: the community is believed to be both more just and more efficient through central planning. In Marxist theory Socialism represents the stage following capitalism in a state transforming to communism; for many, however, it is a goal in itself. This binary view of potential political and economic systems may be thought simplistic, but it is a debate that is extremely common. Necessarily, many other systems are not touched upon.

Directions - go to the following LINK and read over the arguments.

YOUR REACTION: Based on your research, develop an argument FOR or AGAINST socialism or capitalism being the superior system.

Be prepared to discuss your argument with the class.

Journal 1/11 - Shellburg Falls

Journal 1/11:

Reflect on the Shellburg Falls field trip. Share your experience and what you liked or disliked about it. What did you learn? Please upload a picture from the day.


~If you missed the trip, see Ryan for topic.

Plant and Animal Cells

Please find a picture of a plant cell and a picture of an animal cell and post them for this entry.

~ In addition, please answer the following questions from Part II of your cell project:

Write and type up two short paragraphs which describe the following:

(1) The difference between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. (10 pts)

(2) The 3 major differences between plant and animal cells. (10 pts)

Please proof your work prior to posting it.

Reaction #12 - Advertising

Reaction #12 1/7 Topic: Advertisements do more harm than good.

Background Info: Advertising has grown to be an industry worth many billions of dollars across the world. Almost all public space has some advertisements in sight and all forms of media, from newspapers to the internet, are also filled with adverts. Whilst this helps companies sell their products, and helps consumers to learn what is on offer, many believe that this huge amount of advertising can be harmful. It may make people want too much, or things that they cannot have, or it might make them feel inadequate when they don't have something. Research shows that children can be particularly open to these kinds of risk.

Directions - go to the following LINK and read over the arguments.

YOUR REACTION: Based on your research, develop an argument FOR or AGAINST advertising being harmful or not.

Be prepared to discuss your argument with the class.