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.

Critical Thinking Activity - English 9

Please respond to the following critical thinking prompt in the comments.  Your reflective respond need to be at least 6-8 sentences.

You have entered a country searching for a cure for a new disease that is only found in one country but is spreading rapidly. After investigating thoroughly, you realize the cure is only found in the wing feathers of the native people’s holiest, sacred icon – the scarlet ibis,  which is also an endangered species.

However, if you don’t harvest these wings and manufacture this drug, the bacterial scourge now contained in only one country may infect the entire world.

Convince the natives that you must have these wings.

Be thoughtful, creative, and practical in your persuasion. Apply all conventions and mechanics, as your writing style and usage will account for a portion of your grade. Begin the writing with "Dear Natives,".

Senior Spotlight Survey

SENIORS: The Cadet Gazette needs your help. Please click HERE to take the survey for the Senior Spotlight 2012.

Links to English III British Novel Multi-Genre Project Blogs, Wikis, and More

The juniors at CAL Community High School each selected a novel from selected British works. The students then read independently, focusing on 10 areas for a comprehensive novel study: Author, Character, Setting, Conflict, Symbolism, Theme, Language, Applicability, Literary Theory and Criticism, and Impact on the Reader. Students then had to create 10 projects according to descriptions and multiple genres. The students completed the work as an independent study, furthering their abilities to research, think critically, and be resourceful. The final component of the multi-genre novel study was to present the projects through some form of electronic medium: a blog, a web site, a wiki, LiveBinders, or any other media they were able to access. Some projects are visual, some have a solid researched backgrounds, some are creative venues, and some are very strictly formatted.

Some of the sites can be found through the links below.

The Picture of Dorian Gray #1

The Picture of Dorian Gray #2

The Picture of Dorian Gray #3

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Frankenstein

1984

Animal Farm #1

The Metamorphosis

Jane Eyre

Use the form attached to submit the URL to your Digital MG Project for your independent novel study.
Click HERE.