Tuesday, March 15 (E9)

Today's Objective: Students will discuss and analyze bias and counter-arguments.

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Today's SAT Word: Counter-argument (n.): an opposing viewpoint

"After John McCain gave his speech, Barack Obama was given the opportunity to offer a counter-argument."

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Today's Warm-Up Question: Should abortion remain legal in the U.S., or should it be banned? Defend your answer!

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Today's Lesson Notes: Click here.

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Tonight's Homework:

STAGE TWO of your persuasive projects is due on Thursday, March 17. You will need to have completed your project outline worksheet.

Hamlet II.i and II.Ii (E10 4B)

Warm Up:

Is the ghost actually Hamlet's father? Or is the ghost a devil from Hell? Defend your answer using evidence from the text.

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ACT I QFR CHARTS were due for submission LAST WEEK!!!

If you missed class, please submit your QFR chart upon your return.

Remember: Each QFR chart is a major assessment grade that is worth up to 20 points.

You will need to type the information they contain into one, giant QFR chart for submission at the conclusion of the play.

IF YOU LOSE A QFR CHART, YOU *ARE STILL RESPONSIBLE* FOR INCLUDING ANY LOST INFORMATION INTO YOUR QFR CHART AT THE END OF THE PLAY.

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Here are a handful of really helpful links to help you make sense of this challenging new text.

Click here to view our in-class presentation notes (updated daily).

Click here for a "modern English" line-by-line translation of the text.

Click here for a how-to guide on making sense of Hamlet's soliloquies.

Click here for the SparkNotes character analyses and scene summaries of the play.

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Homework: For next class, you will submit your FINAL DRAFTS!!!

In order to receive full credit for this assignment, your final drafts should include:

1) Completed Stamp Sheet -- stapled to cover of...

2) Printed copy of your final draft (standard formatting rules apply)

3) Digital copy of your final draft (e-mailed to john.meehan@pgcps.org)

Death of a Salesman, Day 4 (E10 1B)

Today's Objective: Students will review conflict while continuing to read their first Q3 text.

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Today's SAT Word: Conflict (n.): a problem

Generally speaking, characters encounter any one of six major types of conflict in literature.

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Today's New Vocabulary Terms:

Consumes
Saccharine
Dictation
Fascinating
Solitary
Reliance
Proposition
Pennant
Incredulously
Mocking

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Tonight's Homework: Finish reading up to the phrase "goal posts" on page 69.

BRING IN YOUR REVISED DRAFTS FOR TEACHER REVIEW!!!

Brian's Song, Day 4 (2B)

Today's Objective: Students will review conflict while continuing to read their first Q3 text.

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Today's SAT Word: Conflict (n.): a problem

Generally speaking, characters encounter any one of six major types of conflict in literature.

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Today's New Vocabulary Terms:

Blustery
Grim
Stoic
Befuddled
Quell
Imperceptible
Dwindle
Sprawling
Vibrant
Exuberantly
Enervated

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Tonight's Homework: Finish reading up to the phrase "I'm pregnant" on page 84.

BRING YOUR REVISED DRAFTS FOR TEACHER REVIEW!!!

Build Your Own Wii Whiteboard

Hey folks:

A lot of people have been asking how I managed to construct a homemade "SMART board" for our classroom, and so I wanted to take a quick opportunity to share that information here.

Assuming you already have a working USB projector and a computer, you can make your own SMART whiteboard out of any available surface simply by using a Nintendo "WiiMote" and a homemade infared pen. Making the Wii Whiteboard took very little in the way of "construction" know-how, and was incredibly easy to do. Since I already owned a Wii remote, I was able to complete the entire project in less than one hour for under $10.

Here's what you'll need:

1. Wii to Whiteboard Software (FREE DOWNLOAD):
   http://www.uweschmidt.org/wiimote-whiteboard
   
   
2. Infared Wiimote Pen:
   Buy one online ($20 + shipping)
   Build your own ($10 + tools)
   
   
3. (Optional) *Note: The Wiimote automatically "syncs" with most computers using built-in Bluetooth technology, which comes standard on all newer laptops and PCs. If your computer does not have built-in Bluetooth recognition, you will need to purchase a Bluetooth dongle (available at Radio Shack or Best Buy for under $10) in order to connect the Wiimote to your computer.

Materials Needed:
Wii Remote Control ($50)
Infared LED ($2 at Radio Shack - catalog #276-143)
Size "N" Battery and Battery Holder ($3 at Radio Shack)
Non-Locking Push-Button Switch ($1 at Radio Shack)
Expo Dry Erase Marker (or similar PVC-cased marker shell) ($1)
Small-Gauge Electrical Wire
Electrician's Tape

Tools Needed:
Needle Nose Pliers
Soldering Iron and Solder
Drill
Digital Camera (this is used to check that your infared signal is properly transmitting)

Total Time to Construct:
One Hour

Total Cost of Project:
$60

Happy crafting!

- M.