The Great Debate... Snapshots

Congratulations students!  I am genuinely impressed with the overall  level of effort, thought, professionalism and intellect that was on display during today's debate.  As far as I am concerned the victory belongs to us all.  Thanks you for your passion, hard work and creativity.

The Calm Before the Storm... Debate Day Commences

Debate Rules, Rubric, Dress Code, and Layout

Here are the debate schedule, rules, dress code, rubric and layout for tomorrow's main event.  These documents are brought to you by the 217 Senate.  They have themselves debated within their group in order to design the debate process fairly.  You may use these documents to enhance your arguments tonight and for the morning tomorrow as preparation.
Be on the lookout for Luke's email with further instructions.

Socrative Science Quiz Stopped

Dear Class,

Due to some inconsistencies on the quiz (some questions are weirdly worded while others are flat out wrong) ,I have pulled the online quiz.  Next time I get a quiz from from another teacher, I'll need to check the questions closer.  Let's go over the questions tomorrow to clear up any confusion that the quiz may have caused.

Sorry about the trouble.

See you all tomorrow,

Mr. Crame

Debate Progress

Today the senators finalized the debate rubric, began preliminary floor plans and drafted debate rules and penalties.  Pro and Con groups continued their production of opening statements and closing statements.  They also researched and created opposing speeches for practice.  They will be holding mock debates tomorrow.

Socrative... New Assessment Website

Here is a new website that I would like for us to try.  It is an amazing tool that can help us think about what we learned, take quizzes or polls and document our learning in a fun and efficient way.

The link is called Socrative.

You do not need to have an account. However, I want you to write your whole name as you enter.  The site will not record your name for any purpose.  All data collected will be sent to me only.  So, it is a safe and approved site. 

Once you have successfully signed on, you will be taken to today's challenge.  It can be a poll a reflection question, an exit ticket or a quiz.

There can only be one task assigned every time. So when there is an assignment, you will follow the sign-on process the same way every time.  Here is the process.

1. Go to http://www.socrative.com/

2. Enter Student Login

3. Enter Crame217 (no spaces) for the Teacher's Room Name

4. Click "Join Room"

5. Enter your whole name. Don't worry the site is safe.

6. Do the task.

7. Submit.

Try today's challenge.  It is a 7th Grade Basic Skills Test for Science.  You will notice that some of it you know, while some you may not.  Let's go over it together as you explore it the first time.  There are explanations to help you through the ones you don't understand.

Mr. Crame

Caution: Strategic Plans Underway

 Senators discussing the development of meeting norms, daily goals and a rubric creation to help judge the debate.

 Con Academy anticipates Pro's next moves.

Pro Team dividing and conquering.

Decision Day: Senators and Debate Team Unite

Pro Team: Andre, Charlie, Mia, Elizabeth, Aidan, Peter, Kyle, Maciek, Felix, Dominik, Sofia and Gabriella
Con Team: Annabella, Sydnie, Joe, Emerson, Kendra, Cyrus, James, Amelia, Saniya, Elliott
Senators: Luke, Sarah, Sophia, Oscar, Clara, Midori, Owen, Evelyn, Mathilde, Kaylen, Wesley

The Great Debate Parameters Debated

Today we studied the format for a Lincoln-Douglas Style Debate.  As a class, we laid out the parameters for our great debate next Friday.  We will hold the debate next Friday due to the Snow Day Make-Up.

Link to today's "How to" video: Lincoln Douglas Debate Format

Persuasive Writing Work in Session: Animal Rights

As we develop our personal first drafts, we are researching valid support from multiple resources.   As you take your essay through the Writer's Process, please consider how you might improve it through each of the six traits of writing.

1. Ideas: Are they valid, supported by research, original and compelling?
2. Organization:  Are your ideas supported by a logical or intentional organization pattern?  Do you support your ideas with multiple details?
3. Voice: Is your personal perspective evident in the writing? Does your essay evoke your intended emotion?
4. Word Choice: Are there ways to insert high level vocabulary to enhance your argument?
5. Sentence Fluency:  Does the flow of your sentences add or detract from your overall message? Do your sentence patterns vary for interest or repeat for emphasis?
6. Conventions:  Is your work free of grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors?

Lastly, please consider your essay and evaluate it for evidence/examples of the persuasive elements.
Ethos (credibility, character, authority), Pathos (emotional appeal), Logos (logical appeal using statistics and logic), Kairos (timeliness, opportunity)

SNOW DAY MAKE-UP: FRIDAY, JANUARY 30TH

Chicago City Of Learning (CCOL) Initiative

CCOL turns Chicago into a campus where youth can engage in informal learning experiences that help them develop their interests, talents, passions and futures.

CPS students have been granted free accounts on the CCOL website.  It is ERGC's goal to get 100% of its third through eighth grade students to claim their CPS account.  In class today we were able to claim our accounts and we began to explore all that CCOL has to offer.  The website offers many different digital tools that are geared towards enhancing student interest based learning.  You may use your account as often as you wish.  take some time to explore the site and if you find something you like, write a brief review to be posted on the blog.  That way we can share your experience with other students.


Have fun learning!
Mr. Crame

Here is a link that explains CCOL in greater detail:
https://chicagocityoflearning.org/about

The link has also been added to our "Liked Links" section of this blog.
https://chicagocityoflearning.org/index#

Lincoln Douglas Debate History Article

Lincoln-Douglas Debates Background Information

In preparation for the animal rights debate, we need to learn a little about the debate format.  We will be modifying the Lincoln-Douglas debate format for our classroom.  Above is link to an article explaining the famous debates.  Learn the history and significance of this debate by reading the article.  Be prepared to discuss your thoughts on this topic.  Next, we will be dissecting the Lincoln-Douglas debate format in depth as we prepare for next week's final debate... THURSDAY 1/29.

Remember, your PRO or CON persuasive essay draft is due this Friday.

Good Luck,

Mr. Crame

GAME ON!!! Literary Device Game Premiere