Learning How to Debate and Prezi!

Good evening,

Students were so enthusiastic about coding yesterday that we had many requests to continue today, so given it is Computer Science Week, and it is nice to see everyone so excited, we had more time in the morning to continue projects from Code.org, Scratch, or other programs.

This was followed by Library time. Just a reminder to ensure all books come back every Tuesday. At Suncrest, students are allowed to keep their library books over the break; however, next Tuesday, all books should still come in as per the regular system.

We also had time today to discuss the difference between casual debate through class discussion and a formal debate. We will be doing a formal debate for our unit around the topic of video games and whether or not students should be playing them as much as they do. While a discussion debate allows students to comment on either side of the issue, a formal debate requires students to take on specific roles, either supporting a resolution or arguing against it. A discussion debate will allow students to comment openly or even ask questions about the topic; however, a formal debate will require them to do research, find facts, and support a particular position. For homework, I have asked everyone to look for facts and evidence to support or argue against the long hours students spend playing video games, and then tomorrow, we will discuss the format of the debate and organize our facts in preparation for polite arguing!

Also, as we end our unit on machines and technology soon, we began talking about our end project. Students will be choosing an invention, machine, or technology that is man made to research, and the item must be something they believe has had the most impact, positive or negative, on human society. Then, they will use technology to create a presentation with at least 10 slides, with commentary and pictures, that will prove their point. We began today by looking at the presentation tool Prezi, which offers a more dynamic format than Power Point, but with some of the same tools. Students have been told they can use Prezi, Power Point, and any other slide presentation technology app, such as Slide Shark or Haiku Deck, which can be used on the iPad as well as the laptops. Our goal will be to finish and present these before break.

Finally, we worked on a super top-secret Christmas item for art in preparation for the holidays. More on that one later…..much later…..as in, the 25th.

Please return all blue movie notices and white BAG notices. The PAC is still looking for parent volunteers for the pancake breakfast next week. A notice about this will go home tomorrow. We are doing Secret Santa as a class, so more to come on this later. We also have plans to do a holiday party on the Friday before break. Lots of events going on next week, so make sure you look at the calendar! Hope you are all enjoying the holiday!