Friday, May 29, 2015

Genius Hour Projects today!

Just a reminder! Genius Hour Project presentations are a course requirement. We did not complete all of the presentations today because of time. However any presentations left to do must be done on Monday to be considered. Any student who does not submit a project will receive a full letter grade drop in their final grade as this was 20% of the instructional time during the spring semester. 

Final Exam study guides were provided in class today as well. This is a required assignment, but if you put some effort into it you should do well on the final exam. All the questions are here except the essay. 

Any questions, please email me!

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

The Odyssey questions

After finishing The Odyssey film yesterday, I must ask some questions. Answer each question fully (a paragraph each would be nice).

1. Is Odysseus an effective leader? Why or why not? Tell what traits he demonstrates that support your answer.

2. Is Polyphemus a savage brute or a haplss victim? Explain your answer.

3. Is Oysseus a hero? Is he admirable? Why/why not?

4. Is Odyssus worthy for Penelope's faithfulness? Explain your thinking.

5. What role do women play in The Odyssey? For what characteristics are women prized? Do you think this represents roles from Ancient Greece?

6. Explain how the struggles of Odysseus to return home are a contest between Poseidon and Athena.

Friday, May 8, 2015

UpDate!!

We have been watching the Odyssey in class and discussing mythology. My apologies for the blog being behind. They myths we have read are:

1. Demeter and Persephone
2. Echo and Narcissus
3. Pyramus and Thisbe

Watching the Odyssey students are to focus on the events of Odysseus path. How he ended up on this Odyssey, who he encounters, and how all the events come together. 

Today is a genius today. Students sign up for Presentation time slots that will take place during the last week of May. Students who do not choose their time slot will be assigned one. 

Genius Presentations will impact grades by:
1. A great project/presentation that demonstrates learning and personal discovery will improve the students 'gradebook grade' by at least 1/2 a letter.
2. A so-so project/presentation that is compulsory, and weak will leave the 'gradebook grade' where it stands.
3. A weak project with limited work accomplished and little progress will bring 'gradebook grade' down by up to a half a letter grade.
4. No project/presentation will result in a drop in grade from 'gradebook grade' by one full letter.

*I reserve the right to adjust as necessary according to what I observe both in classroom engagement and in work posted on the blog. Excellent work as demonstrated by thoughtful posts and use of media will be more valuable in this process than many posts.