English III: "We Didn't Start the Fire" Remixes

The English III class examined Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire". They first did collaborative research projects based on the original lyrics using Google Docs and Presentations. They then brainstormed, researched, and collaboratively rewrote the lyrics to cover the people, events, and fads from 1990 through 2012. Some of the finished videos can be viewed below.

Freshmen:

Select one of the following writing prompts for your short story writing assignment.

You’re digging in your garden and find a fist-sized nugget of gold.

The detective saw his opportunity. He grabbed the waitress’s arm and said…

And you thought dragons didn’t exist…

You walk into your house and it’s completely different — furniture, decor, all changed. And nobody’s home. 

A magic talisman that allows its keeper to read minds. It falls into the hands of a ...

Battle Bars Presentation Samples

Students in Composition II practiced their understanding of Toulmin's Model for Argumentation using the Battle Bars assignment. Students were able to select a candy bar from several different varieties. Their task was to then distinguish why the chosen bar was the best of any other option. Students developed five claims, then chose two of those claims to build their argument for the candy bar.


The arguments, while supported by real data, are humorous in nature and are merely demonstrating the understanding of the processes by which constructive and effective arguments should be developed.

Below are samples from the 2010-11 Composition II class. Presentations from this year's class will be uploaded soon.

KitKats make you stronger and boost your energy throughout the day!

KitKats bring the world together while helping people with math problems.

Skittles are part of a well-balanced diet and help to prevent dietary diseases, like scurvy.