Units of Study 2019-2020
Debate
The students were introduced to debate in middle school GT. Now, it is time to take it to the next level. This exciting and challenging interactive unit will help to build critical thinking skills around relevant issues and topics. Throughout our learning activities and lessons, students will learn to...
· defend an opinion
· make strong word choices
· demonstrate their understanding of argumentation concepts (assertions, reasoning, evidence, fallacies of reasoning, and conclusions)
· demonstrate their understanding of refutation, evidence, and opinion
· research for a debate, cite sources, and write up argument cards or outlines
· anticipate the opponents arguments and prepare accordingly
· coordinate with a team to present a ‘united front’ to debate opponents
I encourage all students to sign up for this incredible learning experience, even if you feel intimidated at first. We will ease into the process and I will be sensitive to different personalities. My hope is that every student will gain the necessary confidence throughout the lessons and activities to be eager to debate in the end. I understand that there are students who would rather work on a team to research, write, prepare, and coach, instead of speak in front of the crowd. You should still sign up for the unit, even if you do not plan on fulfilling a speaking role on your team.
Independent Study/Creativity Project
Students can either research a topic that interests them and/or use their creativity to produce something original. Past projects include video game design, artwork, chosen topic research, songwriting, photography, robotics, sign language, and much more. If you were given the freedom to direct your own learning and creativity, what would you choose?
Global Awareness, Heifer International Global Challenge
After this 3rd nine weeks unit, students will have the amazing opportunity to take part in an adventure of a lifetime. The Global Challenge at the Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas is a three day/ two night program that provides a first-hand look at the challenges surrounding hunger and poverty across the globe. By living the lessons of poverty first-hand, participants come to understand the complications surrounding the issue and see their connection in creating change that brings possibility and hope to millions around the world. The group will build communication, critical thinking and group cooperation skills while discovering that they have the power to change the world. (More trip information coming soon)
The students were introduced to debate in middle school GT. Now, it is time to take it to the next level. This exciting and challenging interactive unit will help to build critical thinking skills around relevant issues and topics. Throughout our learning activities and lessons, students will learn to...
· defend an opinion
· make strong word choices
· demonstrate their understanding of argumentation concepts (assertions, reasoning, evidence, fallacies of reasoning, and conclusions)
· demonstrate their understanding of refutation, evidence, and opinion
· research for a debate, cite sources, and write up argument cards or outlines
· anticipate the opponents arguments and prepare accordingly
· coordinate with a team to present a ‘united front’ to debate opponents
I encourage all students to sign up for this incredible learning experience, even if you feel intimidated at first. We will ease into the process and I will be sensitive to different personalities. My hope is that every student will gain the necessary confidence throughout the lessons and activities to be eager to debate in the end. I understand that there are students who would rather work on a team to research, write, prepare, and coach, instead of speak in front of the crowd. You should still sign up for the unit, even if you do not plan on fulfilling a speaking role on your team.
Independent Study/Creativity Project
Students can either research a topic that interests them and/or use their creativity to produce something original. Past projects include video game design, artwork, chosen topic research, songwriting, photography, robotics, sign language, and much more. If you were given the freedom to direct your own learning and creativity, what would you choose?
Global Awareness, Heifer International Global Challenge
After this 3rd nine weeks unit, students will have the amazing opportunity to take part in an adventure of a lifetime. The Global Challenge at the Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas is a three day/ two night program that provides a first-hand look at the challenges surrounding hunger and poverty across the globe. By living the lessons of poverty first-hand, participants come to understand the complications surrounding the issue and see their connection in creating change that brings possibility and hope to millions around the world. The group will build communication, critical thinking and group cooperation skills while discovering that they have the power to change the world. (More trip information coming soon)
Units of Study 2018-2019
Unit 1: Discover the Philosopher in You- Philosophy for Teens.
The students will be asking questions such as:
• What is Love?
• Is Beauty a Matter of Fact or a Matter of Taste?
• Do Animals have Rights?
• Why do Bad things Happen to Good People?
• Is Lying always Wrong?
While we don't plan on solving every philosophical question, junior high is a good age to start pondering these questions that have consumed philosophers and people throughout history. We will study many famous philosophers and learn about their points of view. Students will reflect after each lesson & class discussion and write about their own personal questions and thoughts related to each topic. Students will also participate in self-exploration and create their very own time capsule. It will be returned to them their Senior year of high school.
Unit 2: Robotics
Using Lego Mindstorm EV3 Robotics sets, students will build a sensing, moving, working robot with a purpose. This unit is designed to get students involved with real-world engineering, computer science, design, math and applied physics. They will use their creativity to construct a robot that will amaze everyone when introduced to their classmates, teachers, and staff.
Unit 3: Order in the Court
After several lessons and activities to learn courtroom terms and order of a trial, the students will perform a short theft-related courtroom drama. But the unit is just getting started. The students will then be presented with the facts of a murder case for which they must prepare and perform. Here it is…
People of the State of New York V. Donna Osborn:
On September 6, 2014, the Monroe County Grand Jury returned a true bill against Donna Osborn, which indicated her on the charge of Murder in the Second Degree, a violation of Section 125.25 of the Penal Law. Specifically, it is alleged that on or about February 14, 2014, Donna Osborn intended to and did cause the death of her husband, Clinton Osborn II, while at their residence at 806 Clover Street. She fired two shots from a Beretta 9 m.m. semi-automatic pistol, which struck Clinton Osborn II in the back and caused his death.
The defendant and the defense team will claim that it was an act of self-defense, as there is record of a history of physical abuse in the home.
All of the witnesses are given a statement that tells their story and what they know regarding the case. They work with the lawyers to design a plan/script for their direct examination. The lawyers are responsible for writing and performing the opening and closing statements, and conducting direct and cross-examinations of the witnesses. During the trial, a jury will listen to both sides and decide if Donna Osborn is guilty or not guilty of murder in the second degree, given the information presented. Parents are welcome to attend.
Unit 4: Independent Study/Creativity Project
Students can either research a topic that interests them and/or use their creativity to produce something original. Past projects include artwork, songwriting, dance choreography, photography, videogame design, storytelling, robotics, sign language, and much more. If you were given the freedom to direct your own learning and creativity, what would you choose?
The students will be asking questions such as:
• What is Love?
• Is Beauty a Matter of Fact or a Matter of Taste?
• Do Animals have Rights?
• Why do Bad things Happen to Good People?
• Is Lying always Wrong?
While we don't plan on solving every philosophical question, junior high is a good age to start pondering these questions that have consumed philosophers and people throughout history. We will study many famous philosophers and learn about their points of view. Students will reflect after each lesson & class discussion and write about their own personal questions and thoughts related to each topic. Students will also participate in self-exploration and create their very own time capsule. It will be returned to them their Senior year of high school.
Unit 2: Robotics
Using Lego Mindstorm EV3 Robotics sets, students will build a sensing, moving, working robot with a purpose. This unit is designed to get students involved with real-world engineering, computer science, design, math and applied physics. They will use their creativity to construct a robot that will amaze everyone when introduced to their classmates, teachers, and staff.
Unit 3: Order in the Court
After several lessons and activities to learn courtroom terms and order of a trial, the students will perform a short theft-related courtroom drama. But the unit is just getting started. The students will then be presented with the facts of a murder case for which they must prepare and perform. Here it is…
People of the State of New York V. Donna Osborn:
On September 6, 2014, the Monroe County Grand Jury returned a true bill against Donna Osborn, which indicated her on the charge of Murder in the Second Degree, a violation of Section 125.25 of the Penal Law. Specifically, it is alleged that on or about February 14, 2014, Donna Osborn intended to and did cause the death of her husband, Clinton Osborn II, while at their residence at 806 Clover Street. She fired two shots from a Beretta 9 m.m. semi-automatic pistol, which struck Clinton Osborn II in the back and caused his death.
The defendant and the defense team will claim that it was an act of self-defense, as there is record of a history of physical abuse in the home.
All of the witnesses are given a statement that tells their story and what they know regarding the case. They work with the lawyers to design a plan/script for their direct examination. The lawyers are responsible for writing and performing the opening and closing statements, and conducting direct and cross-examinations of the witnesses. During the trial, a jury will listen to both sides and decide if Donna Osborn is guilty or not guilty of murder in the second degree, given the information presented. Parents are welcome to attend.
Unit 4: Independent Study/Creativity Project
Students can either research a topic that interests them and/or use their creativity to produce something original. Past projects include artwork, songwriting, dance choreography, photography, videogame design, storytelling, robotics, sign language, and much more. If you were given the freedom to direct your own learning and creativity, what would you choose?