Independent Study: Infographic Rubric

Image Source

We've been looking at some really awesome inforgraphics in class, while evaluating what works in quality infographic design. From that evaluation, you created the rubric and decided on how the different parts should be graded. 

As you continue with your research, remember that you should try to narrow your topic. A narrow topic creates more in depth research, and is more interesting to you as well as your audience. A broad topic creates shallow research, that only covers the surface, common knowledge information on a topic. 

Also, be aware that your research is going to be transformed into an infographic. Start thinking about how you want to present your information. What facts need to be included? What can be translated into graphs and charts? How can you make your infographic engaging and interesting? Keep in mind the point values you gave to  each item on the rubric (below) as you start to think about this project. 

Click for Infographic Rubric

Journal Write: Immigration

Image Source

Today we start taking a look at immigration and immigration issues in America. Because of our location, as a border state with Mexico, I would hazard a guess that many of us know at least one person who has immigrated to the United States, legal or not. As we move through this topic, we will often look at the stories of people who have fought to come here, to the country and the life we often take advantage of.

For your journal write today, I want you to think about the people you know who have immigrated, or tried to, to the United States. What do you know of their story? Are they legal? What do you know of the process to becoming a legal immigrant? What is life like for someone who is in the country illegally?

If you don’t know someone who is an immigrant, write about what you think it would be like to come into a new country and try to start a new life. What would motivate a person to leave the country of their birth? What kind of impact has immigration had on the US, both in the past and now, as part of current events? Is it a positive one? Is it negative?

Word of the Day Quiz

Image Source

Our next word of the day quiz is upon us. You'll be expected to know the following:

Insipid –adj 1. without distinctive, interesting, or stimulating qualities. 2. without taste to be pleasing, as food or drink; bland

Harbinger -n 1: one that pioneers in or initiates a major change, precursor 2: one that presages or foreshadows what is to come

Doppelganger -n 1. A ghostly double or counterpart of a living person. 2. Alter ego; double.

Abscond -v To depart secretly; to steal away and hide oneself; used especially of persons who withdraw to avoid arrest or prosecution

Homage –n 1)respect or reverence paid or rendered 2)something done or given in acknowledgment or consideration of the worth of another

Gung-ho -adj 1. Wholeheartedly enthusiastic and loyal; eager; zealous. 2. In a successful manner

Woebegone -adj. 1: strongly afflicted with woe; woeful. 2: exhibiting great woe, sorrow, or misery. 3: being in a sorry state

Hubris –n. excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance.

Oscillate –v 1. to swing or move to and fro as a pendulum does. 2 to vary or vacillate between differing beliefs, opinions, conditions

Encroach–v 1. To advance beyond proper, established, or usual limits. 2. To trespass upon the domain, or rights of another.

Blight –n. 1)the rapid discoloration, wilting, and death of plant tissues. 2)any cause of destruction, ruin, or frustration.

Zenith -n. 1. A highest point or state; culmination. 2. The point on the celestial sphere vertically above a given position.

Study Skills Job Presentation

Image Source

We've been researching different jobs and careers the last few weeks, now its time to put it together into a presentation for the whole class.

My Job of Choice: PowerPoint Presentation

Create a PowerPoint Presentation on the job you have been researching. Your presentation should include the information you have gathered, as well as interesting and colorful images. You need to make sure the information is clear, in complete sentences, without any misspellings or typos. Don't forget to proofread!

You will be presenting this PowerPoint to the class, you presentation should last at least 3 minutes.

Your PowerPoint should have the following, required slides. 

1. Title Slide - Includes Name, Class Period, Title, Ect...
2. Description - What kind of work would you be doing? What is your responsibilities?
3. Salary - How much does this job pay per hour, or per year?
4. Educational Requirements for the Job - What type of education do you need to do this job?
5. Educational Steps - Where can you get the education, certification, or training you need to do this job?
6. Advantages/Disadvantages of this Job - What are some good things about having this job? What are some bad things?

Marvel: Civil War - Final Project

Image Source

At this point we have read Marvel: Civil War, looked at post September 11^th legislation, and discussed how the two relate to one another.  The fact is, superheroes are important to us and become more so when we enter into times of war or political conflict. Marvel’s Civil War is very much a reflection of the fear and politics that ran rampant after the September 11^th terrorist attacks, and the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

For your final project you are going to do the following:

• Think about what kind of events/conflicts that are going on in the world TODAY. How would these topics be handled in the Marvel or DC universe?
• Create a comic storyline that reflects your chosen current event in the same way Marvel: Civil War reflects post 9/11 politics.
• Storyboard your storyline into 6 separate scenes (with 6 images). Write 1 paragraph to describe the evens of each scene.
• Write a 2 page paper in which you discuss your comic storyline and analyze its relationship with your chosen current event. 
• You may use any superheroes you like, even ones you make up yourself! 

Journal Write: The Power of Change – Egypt, Revolution, and You

Write a 1 page, hand written response to the prompt below:

Back in November 2008, Barak Obama won the presidential election running on a platform of change and hope. Many of his supporters came from young voters, who rose up and made their voices heard as a political force that has not been seen before, or since.

In Egypt, a popular uprising is in progress, a movement organized by young Egyptians, whose passion for freedom and civil liberties has sparked a national movement calling for massive change of the Egyptian government. Though the protesters come from all walks of like the initial demonstrations where organized by young people, using Facebook.

It is time to recognize the power that young people hold over world and the future of our society. Consider you beliefs; think about what is important to you. What are you willing to give up? Where do you draw the line? What would you be willing to do to protect what is important to you? At what point would you be willing to put your life in danger, and fight for what you believe is right?

Infographic on Egypt Protests

Image Source - Visual News