Announcements

Standing up for what you believe in is not always easy. An informed citizen of the world bases his/her beliefs on facts and an unbiased perspective. This project is designed to help you explore an issue and give you the time to decide what you believe in. __**Group Project – 50% of your final grade (see rubric for details)**__
 * __I stand for…__**
 * You will be assigned to a group of 3 or 4 other peers.
 * As a group, decide which of the following jobs each person will do:
 * __**Illustrator**__ – This person is responsible for sorting and applying all of the illustrations and photos etc. used in the project. Others may help contribute but remember the illustrator has the final say.
 * __**Communicator**__ - The communicator will be the person who will communicate group questions and ideas using the wiki or orally during class and works on the wording for your project including proofing all work. Each person in the group works on what the project end is but the communicator has the final say so. (This person must be confident with spelling and conventions of writing or have a good handle on spell check!)
 * __**Reporter-wiki Master**__ – This person oversees that all of the research is completed, manages the wiki, makes sure everyone knows and does his/her job in this project.
 * __**Connector**__ – This person thinks deeply about what the group is exploring and works to connect all of the group’s ideas together. “Researcher” and innovator.
 * __**Other**__- to be determined
 * You will be given a folder of information.
 * You will read the information in the folder with your group
 * You will work with your group and decide what issue the group will explore based upon the material you were given. You may also have a contentious issue you would like to explore that is not mentioned- share with me!
 * The group will write down what issue you will be exploring and have me approve it.
 * Your group will complete the following and use a wiki to share your information and ideas (much like your collaborative Novel Study Project):
 * Research your issue and decide what arguments exist for the issue.
 * Create a wiki to support your argument, collaborate with peers and share your issue:
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 108px;">Title page including peers and responsibilities
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 108px;">Page that explains the issue
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 108px;">At least 2 pages that describes the different perspectives about the issue
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 108px;">Photo support and evidence of both views
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 108px;">You must write a persuasive letter: to public officials, to the editor
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 108px;">Your own choice to enhance your project and creative ideas! Have fun!
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 72px;">How can you inform others about this issue? Develop your ideas with the following and attach on your wiki site:
 * Advertisement (I-movie)
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 144px;">Prezi
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 144px;">Voice Thread
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 144px;">Wordle
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 144px;">Presentations Due: May 24th, 25th adn 26th, 2011


 * __Persuasive Essay__**

__**Persuasive Essay- Individual Project – 50% of your final grade (see rubric for details)**__

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; text-align: left;">In your group you have had the chance to explore the issue. Now, it is time to stand up for what you believe with a strong voice. You’ve researched the facts. You’ve looked at both sides of the argument. Now you decide what you believe and write about it. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; text-align: left;">Your assignment is to write a five paragraph persuasive essay that states your beliefs about this issue. Make sure you:
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 90px;">Anticipate the objections of your opponents
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 90px;">State your position clearly
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 90px;">Back up all your assertions with data
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 90px;">Demonstrate the benefits of your position
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 90px;">Be sure to utilize your anchors and refer to previously completed essays
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 90px;">Be sure to carefully reflect on your own work and that of your peers
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 90px;">Utilize Descriptive feedback appropriately
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 90px;">Seek support as required
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 6pt; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; padding-left: 90px;">Essay is due on May 20th, 2011

This project is due this week- no excuses! I will be keeping this page up to date, and we will be checking on it on a regular basis.