Literacy Skills for April 5-16, 2010/LaBarbera/6-1

Literacy Skills for April 5-16, 2010/LaBarbera/6-1



New: Complete AR tests for mystery unit.

Futuristics unit: In preparation of the futuristics unit, students will be given several topics for research. Communication, transportation, education, fuel sources, clothing, medical advances are topics to explore .
We will work in this unit between approximately. April 5-May 3. .. ( May 6- Novel exam)
a. What is a plan for the future of ( example: communication)?
b. In the United States, who is at the forefront promoting advancements in the field of communication, transportation, education, medical.. etc. ?
c. What is the projected cost to the manufacture a cell phone of the future? Research.
d. When will the advanced computer, car, device be used by the average consumer?
e. What do YOU see as a problem for moving communication and transportation devices forward ? Cost? Resources? Govt. Regulations? International cooperation? Other?
f. What would YOU invent for a future ( example: communication device...... transportation vehicle...... fuel source..... other.... )?
Research these topics through the unit. Be prepared to share your findings by April 26-30.

a. After preliminary activities and discussions, students will begin reading the novel, The White Mountains by John Christopher.
b. The research file ( May 3) , futuristics fashion show* (approx. May 6), and a novel exam on The White Mountains ( taken by May 6) will be highlights of the futuristics unit.

Extended Responses----An extended response is due Monday, April 12 and one extended response is due Monday, April 26.
The prompts are: April 12----Identify the problem maker and the problem solver in the story you are reading. Explain how you determined who is the antagonist and the protagonist in the story.
If you are reading an informational text, share at least 5 new facts you learned.
Prompt for April 26: Compare and contrast characters in the novel you are reading. Who is a strong personality? Who needs guidance? Who has the most intelligence? What clue do you have that helps you determine intelligence of the characters?

May 6* Futuristic fashion show. Create a piece of clothing that could be worn in the future. You may use old clothes , gadgets, pipe cleaners, aluminum foil, recycled objects, etc. OR create a poster that shows samples of futuristic clothing . Answer the questions: When do you predict clothing like this would be worn? Why? How much do you think this clothing will cost in the future? More information to follow.
Wanted: CD with instrumental music with futuristic theme or tone.