Mr. Bell's Blog

Hi Class! If you want to post your weekly reading reflection, go for it! Each week, reply to this thread. Be sure to include:

• title & author
• summary of your reading for the week
• critique of the book (feedback and reasoning using evidence from the text and personal connections/experiences)

Hi Class! This week we read about some ‘interesting’ jobs. Your task was to consider what would be your ideal, realistic job. Thus, a keeper of my parents’ basement / video game technician was out of the question. Post your ideal job description and explain why you would be qualified for the job (using at least 100 words).

Once jobs are posted, ‘apply’ to at least five other jobs by replying to each post. Again, explain why you would be best suited for each job.

Job postings are due Wednesday, May 21 and applications are due by the end of our computer block Monday, May 26.

Hi Class! We’ve read a bit about bacteria and antibiotics this week. This is leading into our last Science unit on living things that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Post a summary and several discussion questions for one of the following topics:

• Learn about Sir Alexander Fleming and his Nobel Prize from “A Science Odyssey” on the PBS website.
• Read “Arms Race with a Superbug,” follow the interactive timeline, and find out how bacteria can be good for you.
• Watch a two minute trailer for the documentary, “Rise of the Superbugs”
• Watch a video about the dangers of giving antibiotics to livestock.
• Read about efforts in the U.S. to curb antibiotic use in livestock.

An excellent summary retells the big ideas in your own words. Following your summary, pose at least three open ended questions for your classmates to respond to. Open ended questions are thought provoking, requiring someone to give a detailed and supported response. Your post is due April 23, 2014.

Hi Class! Read this link entitled Body Art and post your response to at least 2 of the following questions:

• What are some internal and external influences regarding the choices you make regarding your appearance?
• What effects do social and cultural forces have on individuals’ appearances? Explain.
• How is your appearance influenced? Explain how you determine/choose your ‘style’.
• What is your reaction to the body shaping section? Explain several thoughts.
• What is your reaction the piercing and ornamentation section? Explain several thoughts.

Each response must be at least one paragraph consisting of a minimum of 5 sentences (big idea, 3 supporting details, meaningful conclusion).

One paragraph is due before 12:15 today and the second paragraph is due before 10:30 Monday.

Hi Class!

Are you in favour of or opposed to the planned changes to mail delivery in Canada?

Post your reaction to the proposed changes to the way Canada Post operates. You are expected to write a convincing paragraph using details from the text and your own ideas.  A great paragraph has:

• a strong opening sentence with a big idea
• at least three sentences supporting the big idea with details from the text, class discussions and your own thoughts
• a powerful concluding sentence to convince the reader your viewpoint is correct

Your reply to this thread is due Wednesday, March 12.

Hi Class! Using this post’s title to begin your response, submit a detailed argument using complex sentences.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uxCOFY5xMw[/youtube]

Use powerful words. Support your argument. Craft smooth flowing sentences. Be convincing and creative. Though there is not a strict word count, students are expected to write at least 150 words.

Replies are due Monday (February 24).