thank you

As often as I say it, I feel like I don't say it often enough:

Thank You.

Thank you for your effort, your insight, your willingness to risk and make mistakes and change your mind;

Thank you for your trust, for your sense of humor, for your curiosity;

Thank you for your time, for your attention, and

Most of all

Thank you for taking this learning trip with me this year.

I hope you feel like it was time well-spent.

Wishing you the best this summer and always,

Dr. Preston

no one said "have a good summer" like thoreau

june 2

This is it.

1. Find your textbook and bring it to the library.
2. Turn in your paper.
3. Turn in your journal (if you haven't already).
4. Turn in your self-assessment.
5. Sign up with your menu item(s) for next week's two-hour final period.
6. Give your presentation if you're signed up today.
7. Post anything you want considered for your grade to your blog by 12:00 A.M. Sunday PDT.

sixth period

Man... I can't believe I have to miss another day of this class.  I am seriously bummed at not being able to watch the presentations in person. 

Since this is our second-to-last day, we can't afford any further delay.  If you can figure out how to use the big screen you're welcome to it.  Otherwise, please run your presentation on your tablet and get a smaller group to watch/take notes/offer questions, ideas and feedback.  If you're an audience member, please make sure to curate the experience on your blog.  You're the social media showing me what I'm missing! 

See you tomorrow.

today i heard something i never heard before

I am hopelessly behind in curating this week's Masterpiece Academy presentations (I'll post as much as I can this weekend between grading papers), but Mario just said something in a way I never heard or even thought about.  He was talking about milk:

"Cow's milk is great-- if you want to grow tumors.  Why are we drinking someone else's milk?  The only milk we need is from our mothers when we're infants.  If you're going to drink cow's milk, why not rat's milk?  Why not gorilla milk?  That would make the most sense; we share 98% of our DNA in common."

Gorilla milk.  Never thought of that.  And I'd love to see someone try and milk a gorilla.  I'm out.

june 1: the penultimatum

Holy crap: it's June!

This is our second-to-last day.  Tomorrow, please bring:

• Your completed research paper
• Your journal (if it's not already in the room)
• Your self-assessment (please do this tonight) which includes:
• What you learned this semester/year in this course
• How hard you worked
• At least one great mistake you made and how it helped you
• What you did well
• What you still need to improve
• What letter grade you believe you deserve
• Your idea of what you would like to make for our final two-hour meeting next week 

may 30

(Huh. Just noticed this got stuck in Draft mode and didn't publish.  So I'm publishing it now. -dp)

I won't be in class today.  I just called into class and Ms. Anderson told me someone is already presenting.

Nice work: this is now officially a self-sustained learning community.  I am proud to be part of it.

Please take notes and curate the moment on your blogs.

And please turn in your journals.  I have a lot of reading to do this week.  If you completed a notebook already and you have it at home, please bring it with you tomorrow.

mla sample

Request granted.  Check out the sample HERE.  Please comment with any questions.

may 31

You know who you are.

You know what to do.

After today's presentations we'll talk a little about MLA style.

The paper is due on Friday.

That's 48 hours.

masterpiece academy day 5/ period 4

Sometimes the most powerful questions are about things that we see every day and take for granted.  Trevor asked us: Why do we operate on a seven-day week?

He traced the development of the calendar back through the ages, from cultural traditions to spiritual texts.  He shared a chart with the names of each weekday and the names of corresponding ancient Gods.  And he showed us this video:


For more, please visit Trevor's blog.

Adan took the stage next and talked about why we believe (or don't) in the existence of extraterrestrial life.  Check out his presentation here.

Why Are There People Who Dont Believe in Extraterestial Life by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Adan also showed us a video.  At first I thought it was a joke.  Then I realized that there are really, truly stupid* (*literally, intentionally resistant to new or dissonant information) people who live in the world. I can't bear to embed it here.  You'll have to ask Adan.  It's a near-perfect example of painfully unbelievable ethos mixed with misdirected pathos and totally flawed logos.  Yuck.

may 25

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Today's the day.  But... the day for what?  Explain your answer.

--or--

You find a scorpion in your shoe.  The hard way.  Describe in detail.

--or--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy

3
Vivian (10)
Katie (15)
Elizabeth (10)
Nicol (10)

4
Kaylee
Angelina

5
Yamile (10)
Elyssa (10)
Amy (5)
Victoria (10)

6
Maira (10)
Elizabet (10)
Maria (10)
Daniel (10)

apologies to period 6

I have to leave campus unexpectedly to attend to a family matter.  I don't know if the school has found a substitute.  I will be back tomorrow, and I will work with today's presenters to find times for them to show us what they got.  I apologize for the inconvenience.

may 24

JOURNAL TOPIC:
"Good luck."  What a bunch of crap.  We know better.  Since the 1600s we've had sayings like, "The harder I work, the better luck I have" and "Chance favors the prepared mind."  So why do so many of us ignore the obvious and just hope for the best without taking the right-minded action that will more likely create the results we desire?  Why leave your fate to... well, fate?  What can you do today to improve your luck?

--OR--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy


3
Emily (10)
Chris (10)
Isaias (6)

4
Trevor (10)
Adan (9)

5
Andrea (13)
Sofia (15)

6
David (10)
Johanna (10)
Esperanza (10)
Jesus (10)

may 23

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Write a short story that includes the following ingredients: an alligator, a cafeteria worker, a magic lamp, and an allusion.

--or--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy:

3
Jocelyn (10)
Victor (10)
Emily (10)
Alex (10)

4
Blake (10)
Erik

5
Carlos (15)

6
Joe (10)
Gladdis (10)
Axel (10)
Junior (10)

may 22

JOURNAL TOPIC:

Please reflect on the Masterpiece Academy presentations you've seen so far.  What have you learned?


AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy Day 4

3
Robert (10)
Richard (20)
Ofelia (10)
Eli (12)

4
Leo (9)
Ana (5)
Jacky (8)
Giselle (10)

5
Uri (8)
Adamari (8)
Jesus O. (15)
Jesus L. (15)

6
Angel (10)
Maddi (10)

masterpiece academy day 3 / period 6

Regina tackled a truly Big Question: Was religion invented to control people?

You can see her presentation below.  (Spoiler: the short answer seems to be Yes.)

Was Religion Invented to Control People by dpreston1441 on Scribd

masterpiece academy day 3 / period 5

His challenges with taboo language and spelling aside, Ricky gave us an important weather report.

Short version: the weather is cranky and getting worse, and it's probably our fault.  Here is his presentation:

Presentation by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Mario followed up with a compelling presentation on vegetarianism.  Mario is one of the most compelling speakers we've seen so far-- he started by asking us to take out our ear buds and turn off our electronics, because this is a topic that is important to him.  As a speaker, this guy is off the charts.  He told us that some of his images were graphic, and invited squeamish classmates to look away-- but he also reminded us that, "If factory farming isn't good enough for your eyes, how can it be good enough for your stomach?"

Just five months ago, Mario was a huge meat-eater.  But then he learned some things that completely changed his perspective on issues from protein/health to economics to the environment (animal agriculture --> 18% of greenhouse gas/ more than transportation? Jeez!!!) to animal cruelty.  Check out his Prezi, below.  I may finally have to order from the other side of the menu. 

masterpiece academy day 3 / period 4

Most students can't imagine what their lives would be like without smart phones.  Daniel tried.  Here is his presentation:

Big Question Presentation by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Then Cesar gave us some winning strategies for going beyond our limits:

My Big Question by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Importantly, he also showed us what happens when we try to fool ourselves without proper commitment, sacrifice, and preparation:

masterpiece academy day 3 / period 3

Thanks Jason for the presentation on reselling sneakers for profit!

Go figure.  Who knew there were "sneaker mobs" on Twitter?


After Jason's business advice, we got a real treat.  Jaime shared his love for food and taught us how to make lasagna.  You can see his presentation here:

How to Make Lasagna by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Speaking of recipes, our last presenter Adrian gave us his recipe for success.  He reminded us that anyone can be successful, no matter how humble our beginnings or how difficult our path.  Adrian talked about sacrifice, discipline, and hard work.

Adrian said, "When I get ready to do something, I look back and ask myself: 'What brought me here?'"

may 19

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Choose your own.  Or write about how it is that a 52 year-old successful rock star can be so (?) that he takes his own life.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy Day 3

PRESENTATIONS

3
Jaime (11)
Elvis (10)
Jason (10)
Adrian (10)

4
Daniel (5)
Cesar (10)
Erik (5)

5
Mario (20)
Jose (10)
Ricky (10)
Andrew (8)

6
Regina (10)
Jish (10) 

may 18

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Since you didn't get to choose your own journal topic yesterday...

Choose your own journal topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. MGOM -- if you haven't yet presented, work to make it the best ever; if you have already presented, help a friend who hasn't, and/or go through the course blog to find information for your paper (you can also take the time to look into MLA Style).  Whatever you do, blog about it.

masterpiece academy day 2 / period 6

"Yasmin, what are you doing to us?!?" cried the class after the opening video of Yasmin's presentation on sleep paralysis.  If you dare, check out the video and the rest here:

Sleep Paralysis Presentation by dpreston1441 on Scribd

masterpiece academy day 2 / period 5

Alvaro brought us into the world of video games and showed us some video of his exploits.

For the non-gamers in the room, the experience was a window into a world of challenge, complex storytelling, and increasingly advanced technology and business models.
 
Alex brought us back to the real world.  Some 18 year-olds create million-dollar businesses or use million-dollar high-tech weaponry to kill.  Other 18 year-olds can't manage to do their own laundry. Or vote.  So, it's a good question:

Why Are We Considered Adults at the Age 18 by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Edmundo gave us some powerful ideas to consider about racism and labels.  I'd be personally grateful if you would spend some time considering his presentation-- and watching the video he embedded in it-- and considering how the ways we've been trained to think are changeable.  Thanks Edmundo, this is good stuff.  We can all do better.



Frank made the point that racism and nationalism aren't only powerful psychological and cultural influencers-- they are also American policy.  This was a powerful wake-up call.  Frank began by saying he loves America; it's every patriot's duty to ask the tough questions.  We need the courage to take a clear-eyed view of ourselves and make the world a better place for every human being.

Frank P.5 by dpreston1441 on Scribd

masterpiece academy day 2 / period 3

First up, Angel presented on Real Life Cops v. Video Game Cops.

It was an interesting conversation about the word "cop" and the current reputation of law enforcement officers.  Most everyone thinks the police are unreasonably authoritative and often violent.  There is a lot of fear and anger around the topic.  Here is Angel's slide presentation:

English Project Cops and Video Game Cops by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Next, Jose gave a talk on the reasons that people can't seem to get along better. (Hmm, there was a theme in these first two presentations!)  He talked about some of the personal and cultural factors that lead to bias and not listening to each other.  Although it was challenging to find a mentor in this field (maybe in future Jose will become a mediator), Jose pointed us to leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Gandhi.  Here is his presentation:

English Presentation by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Then Luis changed our thinking with his presentation on thrift stores and clothing.  He showed us how celebrities and everyday people update their looks with vintage clothes that are great values.

Th Riff Ting by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Not only did Luis walk the walk, he talked the talk-- he's already created his own online thrift store!  Check out his website HERE.

masterpiece academy day 2 / period 4

Eric got us started with a presentation on photography.  Since everyone with a phone is a digital photographer, Eric's tips should help make life look a little better.  Check out his Prezi:



If you're going to take pictures, you should take pictures of something adorable-- no, Internet, I'm not talking about cats.  DOGS.  Man's best friend.  The animal that doesn't judge you, who is always happy to see you, who doesn't give you a bunch of crappy excuses about why they couldn't do that project by the date you agreed on... DOGS.  Awesome.  For more, check out Patti's presentation:

Man’s Best Friend by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Cynthia ended the period by giving us some auditory to complement the visual.  She talked about the power of music.  Songs inspire us, help us concentrate, and sometimes even move us to tears.  These emotional responses are created by the dopamine that our brain releases in response to the music.  Visit her blog to trade favorite songs and ideas!

may 17

JOURNAL TOPIC: ["Hotel California" by The Eagles; "California Dreaming" by The Mamas and The Papas; "California Love" by 2Pac]

Why do you think California so legendary for so many people around the world?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy Day 2


3
Jose (11)
Luis (12)
Jay (10)
Angel (11)

4
Eriberto (5)
Patty (10)
Cynthia (15)

5
Alex (10)
Edmundo (10)
Frank (12)
Alvaro (10)

6
?

masterpiece academy day 1 / period 6

Many thanks to Jorge for the actors' workshop!

Jorge started out by taking us all out of our comfort zone (Confession: I don't actually have a comfort zone. But it sure looked like others had fun stepping over the edge!) and getting us actively involved.

Jorge made many good points.  And he was such a good speaker that I forgot to take notes all the way through.  So here are some highlights:

• Table reading and working with a script
• Delivery
• Connecting with a character
• Relationships in the industry

Below this paragraph you can see Jorge's Prezi. But really, you shoulda been there.  His enthusiasm and passion for his topic, combined with his extensive knowledge, was beyond informative and inspiring.  The dude gave a performance of a lifetime, and I have the feeling that someday we'll be watching him on a screen saying things like, "I knew that dude back when..."

masterpiece academy day 1/ period 5

 Thanks David for the brilliant presentation on digital art! 

Highlights:

• I love art-- especially digital art
• Got my inspiration from Van Gogh and Monet
• I just wanted to draw a picture
• As the video progresses I went from a sky and flowers to something different-- I didn't like what I did in the beginning, and I'm never satisfied with the end 
• Anyone can do this if they're motivated
• Haircuts are art. Engineering is art. Everything is art and everyone is an artist.
• I decided to make this short because I didn't want my talking to be the focus, I wanted my art to speak for itself
• My art is different from yours
• Art doesn't define you, it's what you create that defines you
• My hope is this (here David points to the finished work on the screen)
• (Video used screen o matic)

Here's the video:




And just when we thought it couldn't get any better, Alexis gave a presentation on how to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle.   He talked about nutrition, exercise, and a healthy mental outlook-- here's the PowerPoint:

Alexis on Healthy Lifestyle by dpreston1441 on Scribd

masterpiece academy day 1/ period 4

Thanks Roxanna for the great presentation on makeup!  Apart from the how-to advice (which I doubt I'll ever use :), it was interesting to hear your perspective on how we present ourselves.  Some people have insecurities and imperfections that they cover up.

Someone asked the question, "How much makeup is too much?"  When it becomes the focus instead of the person wearing it.

History: during Queen Elizabeth's time, white skin was associated with a wealthy lifestyle.  In ancient Egypt they were into the dark eyeliner.

class photographers?

I was just reviewing my first Masterpiece Academy presentation post, and my pictures suck.  As you take pictures or video for your posts, if you get a really good one would you please email it to me so I can post it here too?  Mahalo.

masterpiece academy day 1 / period 3

Thanks for a great kick-off!

Satchel set the tone by presenting ways we can improve the American system of education.  He started with a team exercise in which members had to help each other solve a riddle (The horse's name was Friday!).

Based on his research, his suggestions included:

• Teachers should get out of students' way
• Students should focus on skills -- like teamwork and collaboration -- that will help them later in life
• Numbers and grades don't help students get better
• Teachers and mentors should evaluate students with portfolios
• Team members should evaluate each other based on strengths and weaknesses
• Update learner-centered models-- Satchel went to Montessori and he sees way we can apply those methods in the Information Age 
• Learning environments shouldn't suck; decades-old "portables" and fluorescent lights don't inspire

Satchel received some valuable feedback from the audience, most especially that they were persuaded by his thoughts and they believed he will make school better for future learners!


After Satchel got us started, Etzell gave a presentation on success.  She talked about being responsible, disciplined, and motivated.

• (I missed the first and second steps, can someone please add those in a comment?)
• Third step: be creative, be imaginative, be yourself!
• Video: get over negative self-talk ("I don't know how to do that" or "I don't have that" or "I'm not like those successful people") and DON'T STOP

may 16

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Today the thinking is all about your thinking.  What are you thinking about?  Why are you thinking about it?  How is your thinking influenced by your feelings and your memories, your fears and hopes and expectations and rumblings in your tummy?  What can you do in this very moment to change your thinking in ways you think will help you think better?  Will this improve your life?  Ya think? ;)

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Complete sign-ups
3. Masterpiece Academy Day 1: Satchel, Etzell, Roxanna, & David
4. Notes/ MGOM

masterpiece academy lineup

Below is the first draft schedule (with presenters' time estimates in parentheses/ example 5/15).  If you haven't yet requested a date, please do so by Monday May 15).   Please remember to include your period number in the comments. I look forward to taking your micro-courses!

May 15

3
Dr. Preston (10)


4



5


6



May 16

3
Satchel (15)
Etzell (10)

4
Roxy (20)

5
David Bautista (7)

6
Jorge (20)


May 17

3
Jose (11)
Luis (12)
Jay (10)
Angel (11)

4
Eriberto (5)
Patty (10)
Cynthia (15)

5
Alex (10)
Edmundo (10)
Frank (12)

6
Yasmin (15)

May 19

3
Jaime (11)
Elvis (10)
Jason (10)
Adrian (10)

4
Daniel (5)
Cesar (10)
Erik (5)

5
Mario (20)
Jose (10)
Ricky (10)
Andrew (8)

6
Regina (10)
Jish (10)

May 22

3
Robert (10)
Richard (20)
Ofelia (10)
Eli (12)

4
Kaylee (10)
Leo (9)
Ana (5)
Jacky (8)
Giselle (10)

5
Uri (8)
Adamari (8)
Jesus O. (15)
Jesus L. (15)

6
Angel (10)
Maddi (10)


May 23


3
Jocelyn (10)
Victor (10)
Emily (10)
Alex (10)

4
Blake (10)
Erik

5
Carlos (15)

6
Joe (10)
Gladdis (10)
Axel (10)
Junior (10

May 24


3
Chris (10)
Isaias (6)

4
Trevor (10)
Adan (9)

5
Andrea (13)
Sofia (15)

6
David (10)
Johanna (10)
Esperanza (10)
Jesus (10)


May 25

3
Vivian (10)
Katie (15)
Elizabeth (10)
Nicol (10)

4
Kaylee
Angelina

5
Yamile (10)
Elyssa (10)
Amy (5)
Victoria (10)

6
Maira (10)
Elizabet (10)
Maria (10)
Daniel (10)


May 30



3
Carlos (10)
Klieff (10)
Giovanni (10)
Marcos (10)

4
Sokratis (9)
Michelle (10)


5
Jesus (10)
Noelia (10)
Tanya (7)

6
Angel (10)
Lionel (10)
Edgar (10)
Polo (10)




May 31

3
Alin (10)

4
Isaac (10)

5
Beatrice (10)

6
Arielle (10)
Daniella (10)
Leo (10)

June 1 


3


4

5

6
Demi
Lesley
Neri

June 2


3


4
Araceli (5)
Alicia (8)

5

6
Paola (10)
Jose (10)
Anahi (10)

may 15

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "When You Wish Upon A Star" by Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards)]

Wave your mental magic wand and imagine the next three weeks as valuable, unforgettable learning.  What do you expect from the Masterpiece Academy and how can you contribute to making it the experience you envision?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy: logistics and (maybe?) a kick-off presentation on this short day

HW:

Applied Self-determination Theory, as expressed through your masterpiece work and/or literary exploration.

masterpiece academy final question

When the last presentation has been given, this is the question I will ask you to write on for your final reflection.  Please start a post or notes that will help you remember what's important.
______________________________________________________________________________

For the next few weeks the Masterpiece Academy will be your showcase.  As you reflect on this experience, and your overall experience in this course throughout the year, please address the following questions in a traditional MLA-style essay.  Then post about it to your blog in any medium (music, pictures, video, animation, [?]) that brings your thesis to life.  (You may embed the original paper if you can't think of a better way to communicate.)

Please Note: Everything on the traditional paper assignment counts.  Please proofread and/or ask a friend or relative to help with organization, flow, and mechanics (capitalization, punctuation, spelling, grammar, MLA style, e.g.)


Masterpiece Academy Question

Montaigne ended his essay "Of The Education of Children" this way:

To return to my subject, there is nothing like alluring the appetite and affections; otherwise you make nothing but so many asses laden with books; by dint of the lash, you give them their pocketful of learning to keep; whereas, to do well you should not only lodge it with them, but make them espouse it. (1580)

The word espouse originally meant "to marry" and took on connotations like "embrace," "love," and "advocate."  Have you espoused learning?  Explain your growth in this course via a narrative that portrays you as the dynamic protagonist in your own Bildungsroman.  Please include the following elements.

ELEMENT 1: You have been treated as colleagues and you have been given a great deal of choice in this course; this represents a high level of trust.  Did you and the others deserve it?  Earn it?  Honor it? 

ELEMENT 2: Fiction has been called "the lie that tells the truth."  Which works, authors, or characters did you read this year that rang true enough to make you feel like they described parts of you and/or your journey? (Please mention at least three.  It makes them sad when we forget them.)

ELEMENT 3: Have you re/connected with a passion that drives you?  If so, how will you continue your learning?  If not, how will you proceed?

ELEMENT 4: [Something about literature or this course that made you laugh out loud.]

ELEMENT 5: [A unifying theme that runs through a minimum of five (5) presentations; a quality of the content, or the speakers, or their communication techniques that strikes you as something important that we have in common.]  Please illustrate/support your point with specific examples from the presentations.

ELEMENT 6: Evaluate whether you completed the hero's journey.  Are you a hero?  To what extent did you respond to the call of adventure?  Did you find a mentor, conquer a challenge, and return enlightened?

ELEMENT 7: For old time's sake, sneak in a literary technique.  Don't make a big deal out of it.  I'll know it's there.

because sometimes technology

I just caught a glitch in the schedule platform I used on Friday, and realized that today's schedule-- the first day of the Masterpiece Academy-- didn't make it online.  So, on one hand, the people I selected as our first faculty members don't know who they are.  On the other hand, everyone is supposed to be ready today, and you've all had ample notice (we've only been talking about your Big Questions since last August).  So: when class begins today I will take volunteers. Looking forward!

may 12

I'm off campus today, so:

1. Write about whatever is on your mind and remember to leave your journal;

and

2. Use the time to gather/organize your information, develop your presentation, bounce ideas off your colleagues and get ready to kick off our Masterpiece Academy on Monday.

I will post our tentative schedule and our expectations / tools for evaluation later today.

Have a great day!

because the internet

Link HERE (thanks BoingBoing!)

may 11

JOURNAL TOPIC:
What makes you want to listen to someone and/or trust what s/he says?  What makes you less likely to listen to someone and trust what s/he says?  Describe at least two examples.

--OR--

Choose your own topic.


AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy schedule (draft)
3. Rubric
4. Blog analytics

stanford study hack

(Want to go from a B to an A?  Yes, you do.)

In breaking news, a Stanford postgrad has "discovered" what we've known about learning for a long, long time... here's THE LINK so you can read about it and take someone else's word beside mine. :)

may 10

JOURNAL TOPIC:
In school we say, "Do your own thinking/use your own words/don't look at your neighbor's paper."  At work we say, "Be a team player/share your thinking/anything you say or type on company hardware belongs to the company."  When are our thoughts private and when aren't they?

--OR--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Discussion/ MGOM

masterpiece presentations (II): expectations & logistics

Here are the observations you made in class yesterday:

EXPECTATIONS

Do:

• Prepare
• Organize
• Talk to us; don't just read off your paper or your slides
• Meet our eyes and share your enthusiasm & passion for your Big Question/idea/skill
• Give us at least one awesome thing to remember
• Be clear
• Manage your time
• Show your confidence
• Involve your audience

Don't:

• Bore us
• Wait until the last minute

LOGISTICS

• Each presentation should be >10 minutes
•  How are you presenting? 
• Do you need Internet connection or other online tools?
• Are you using PowerPoint or Prezi?
• Are you creating a video to show on YouTube, Vimeo, or another platform?
• What do you need?
• Materials
• Support

may 9

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Six hundred years after he stopped writing, we are still quoting Shakespeare-- often without knowing it.  Is there a lyricist or a rapper who will be remembered as having such an impact?  Who?  Why?

--OR--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. The 7-step lesson plan: a classic model of teaching
3. MGOM/ checking in with everyone on timing

masterpiece presentations

Now it's time for the inmates to take over the asylum.

Each student will show how s/he has become a master.  Each of you will teach the rest of us:

• How you decided what you're passionate about;
• The value your topic/field/skill has for us;
• How you learned more about the topic/field/skill by:
• Finding resources
• Becoming fluent in the language of the practitioner
• Seeking out a mentor 
• Collaborating and getting feedback from peers/blog followers
• How this has enriched your life and your experience in this course.

Per our conversations in class, your presentation should include:

• Visuals and/or hands-on experiences that bring the audience into your world
• Enough craft so as to convince us you didn't just throw something together for a grade
• Handouts or main points you think we should remember.

Please note that there will be a final essay exam based on the curriculum you create, so be sure-- as both presenter and audience member-- that you are getting the maximum understanding and value from everyone's presentations.

We will discuss general expectations and logistics today in class.

on giving up

The post you can see HERE was put on the 2014-2015 American Lit course blog by a student.  Have a look: it's just as true now as it was then.

may 8

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Invent a magic spell.  Explain what it does, why you wrote it, and how it makes the world a better place. 

--OR--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece expectations
3. Masterpiece logistics
4. Next steps

jostens scam

Read the full story HERE

may 5

JOURNAL TOPIC:

Author Guillermo Gutierrez has written that, "In America Cinco de Mayo is nothing more than a cynical excuse for gringos to buy and sell alcohol, wear sombreros, and exercise their First Amendment right to act like idiots in public."

Agree or disagree with this statement using what you have learned from traditional and online media, as well as personal experience.

--OR--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. MGOM/ Individual conferences
3. Next steps

give markstone a hand

Hey everyone, SMHS tech guru Mr. Markstone has asked for our help.  Please go to THIS LINK and take the brief survey.  Mahalo.

may 4

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Huh.  A student and his family just did something so nice that I am actually speechless.  You know me: speechless is not normal.

Describe a time someone did something so nice for you that it actually shocked you.

--OR--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. MGOM
3. Individual conferences

BLOG POST:

Today please post to your blog (title: MGOM).  In this post, please:

• Explain what you are doing with your time this week in class, and how you experience the Monster Garage of the Mind;
• Provide a status report of your project that includes:
• how you've refined your topic
• how many people you have shared with, and 
• how you intend to present your work

may 3

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Sometimes I miss all the graffiti and designs from my old classroom.  One of my favorite quotes on the wall was from author Kurt Vonnegut (who we'd be reading if we had more time).  It said:

True terror is waking up one morning to discover your high school class is running the country.

In the not-to-distant future, you and your colleagues will take on increasing responsibility in your lives, your communities, your professions, and your country.  What makes you feel ready for this?  What more will you need to learn or prepare?

--OR--

Choose your own topic.


AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. MGOM (you may not yet be running the country, but you are starting to run this course)
3. Individual conferences

ap practicum/ boot camp

Please come to 645 at lunch any day this week if you want additional practice on the AP English Language & Composition timed writings or multiple choice.

may 2

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "I Melt With You" by Modern English; "Modern Love" by David Bowie; "Modern Man" by Bad Religion]

Agree or disagree with the following quote:

I have always had this view about the modern education system: we pay attention to brain development, but the development of warmheartedness we take for granted.
Dalai Lama

--OR--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. MGOM
3. Individual planning conferences

this just in: facebook stalking insecure kids

Facebook is using covert surveillance methods to target high school-age kids who are "insecure, stressed out, overwhelmed" etc.  Full story HERE.

may 1

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Look back through your journal.  What was your favorite topic so far?  Why?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Essays & other ways to tell our stories

april 28

JOURNAL TOPIC: (on a separate piece of paper)

Today is the end of our second-to-last grading period.  You know what I'm going to ask: Where are you doing well?  Where do you need to improve?  How committed are you to doing your best work?  If you were recording the grade, what would it be?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. "Social media" defined

* Please read this post for your essay this weekend; give yourself no more than 5 minutes to read the question and do a pre-write, no more than 25 minutes to write, and no more than 10 minutes to proofread and post the essay to your blog.  Please bring your original hard copy to class on Monday.

we eat social media for breakfast

I originally wrote this last year for teachers at Pioneer Valley.  It applies to us too.  Please read and respond to the following prompt on your blog in a post entitled WE EAT SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BREAKFAST.

Write an essay in which you analyze the author's use of diction, syntax, tone, and rhetorical strategies to develop his main argument.

___________________________

This weekend I did something I swore I would never do.

I texted pictures of my breakfast.

Oh no, I thought.  I’ve become one of those narcissistic sharers I used to make fun of.  I’m a wannabe Millenial!

But there’s more to this than meets the eye.  For starters, you need the right tool for the job.

(For a slightly deeper dive on this, and to see how I introduced the idea to students, click HERE.)

Selecting tools requires critical thinking: What IS the job?  What do we want to accomplish by sharing information?  And what tool to use?  How does a tablet compare with a composition book?  Is it best to use an online format that supports text?  Photos?  Video?  Music?  Interaction/ conversation?  What are we trying to say, and what impact do we want to make on the person or people to whom we say it? 

I didn’t really understand the Internet until I learned about its history and its culture from the people who BUILT it.  Now I understand that it’s not a toy, or even a tool.  The Internet isn’t just the next evolutionary step from papyrus or the printing press—it represents a belief system about how we interact and communicate.  If that sounds like a mouthful, it’s because the popular focus has been on developing and celebrating tools.  We have a great opportunity to be more mindful about what we’re doing with these tools, and how we can do it better. (Please click "Read More" below to see the rest.)

real-time fb news

This just in: Facebook is now using "machine learning and intelligence agency-level analysis" to identify false accounts and propaganda efforts.

april 27

JOURNAL TOPIC:
[Choose your own]

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Ignite talks evaluation
3. "The Digital Divide"

Do your own research on The Digital Divide.  Where do you stand?  Is your use of technology helping you get ahead and achieve your goals, or is it holding you back?  How private and protected is your data?  How do people see you online?

period 6 ignite talks

[PLEASE NOTE! The wi-fi glitched out at the end of the period and it looks like some of the presentations are missing-- if you see anything that is incorrect or incomplete, please comment with the information.  Thank you! -dp]

Sarai: Why do people try so hard to fit in?  Over the break I started looking into this and I need to do more research.

Maria: Why are we here (on Earth)?  I'm interested in the religion but the science, and I need to do more research.

Madison: How do our voices change and go into different pitches?  I learned that our voices change when we talk to people we love. This reminded me of how Daisy's voice changed in Gatsby.  I have found an expert on this and I'm going to interview him.

Jorge: How can a person become an actor?  One thing I learned over the break is how to find a relationship with a character-- this class has helped me connect with characters in books.  I plan to continue reading monologues and practicing.

Edgar: How did soccer become a sport?  Over break I watched a few games to analyze them.  Next I plan to research the history of the game.

Johanna: What if people stopped acting in self-defeating ways?  I watched a show where a girl hurt herself and started thinking about how she could be more successful.  Connection: in this course people could succeed more if they changed their habits and stopped procrastinating.

Daniela: Why do people lie?  I started by asking people why they lie.  I learned that people do this to hide bad feelings or get along with others.  In The Great Gatsby Tom lied to Daisy when he cheated on her.  I want to encourage people to tell the truth.

Joe: What is magic?  It can mean lots of things.  The connection between magic and this presentation is getting me out of my comfort zone so I'm not as shy.  I'll be performing at Ethel Pope in May.

Junior: Wi-Fi.  We use it every single day.  Over the break my phone lost data and I felt miserable.  I'm going to learn how it works.

Jish: Why does religion divide us when it's supposed to unite us?  Over break I researched different religions and I learned that they're supposed to be made for peace.  But the Koran has 109 verses on killing non-believers, and the Bible has lots of passages about how to deal harshly with non-believers.  I'm going to explore something different.

Regina: Was religion invented to control people?  One thing I learned is that yes it can-- so can school, or marriage, or other social institutions.  Connection: in F451 society was trying to control people.  I'm just beginning my research on this topic.

Lionel: How can we have the most fun?  I learned that having fun can make you happy.  I went to Universal Studios as a start.  Not sure where to take this next.

Polo: If man evolved from apes, why are there still apes?  I want to study evolution.  This topic reminded me of the story "Sound of Thunder" because small changes can lead to big effects.

Demi: How can someone enjoy seeing someone else suffer?  Over break I watched a lot of "Criminal Minds" and I learned that many criminals are out for revenge, or have a problem in their brains.  I want to learn more about schadenfreude.

Maira:

Jasmin: Sleep paralysis.  People believe in a spiritual background to this. Connection: when Dr. Preston asks the class a question and no one answers.

David: What is time?  Over the break I listened to podcasts and watched documentaries, and I learned that time is not constant.  It can depend on your location, or your emotion, and I want to learn more about this.

Arielle: Why do people buy Family/friends.  Last line of Gatsby makes more sense if you're older than 30.

period 5 ignite talks

Andrea: Why is there still racism in 2017?  I noticed even when we made foodI asked older people including my Mom.  Next steps: I'm going to talk to more people and do more research.

Michael: Does life exist in other galaxies?  I Googled this and discovered that people believe there is life out there.  I connected this with Fahrenheit 451 and I plan to do more research.

Alex: Why are we considered adults at the age of 18?  I did some research and learned that some people start making better decisions then, but I also think at that age many people still have the mind of a child.  I need to do more research and think about the differences between 18, 21, and older.

Ruby: Why do some people really enjoy having their alone time?  I talked to my mom about this, and I am focusing more on my own alone time.

David: My topic is about art-- I always thought art was fascinating and inspiring.  I look up to Claude Monet.  This is loosely connected to the course in terms of creativity. I hope to visit a museum.

Amy: What does it take to start a popular clothing line?  Connection with class is just looking at people to see what they're wearing.  Next step: research new trends and incorporate into design to increase popularity.

Mario: What are the benefits of living a plant-based lifestyle v. being a meat-eater?  Over the break I saw live buffalo-- these animals are huge, powerful, and fast, and they eat nothing but plants.

Dom: What's the difference between wanting and waiting?  You want a job, a boy/girl friend -- what inspires us and motivates us to get what we want?  What are we waiting for?

Andrew: How do I improve my writing skills?  Over the break I focused on social media and reading online.  I spent a lot of time texting people.  In this course we write essays and I want to practice that next.

Beatrice: Why do people commit suicide instead of getting help?  Over the break I watched "13 Reasons Why" about a girl whose friends betrayed her.  It reminded me of the lady in F 451 who died for her books.  In the show the girl shut down and killed herself.  Next step: I'm creating a blog where people can share their feelings and express themselves.

Alexis: How can we have a healthy lifestyle?  I asked Coach Wallace and he said exercise and eating right can help.  I'm going to talk to my other coaches and ask how they eat and what they do.

Cynthia: Why do people get old and age?  I looked online and found this happens because of DNA replication.

Avelina: Why is social media so important in people's lives?  I did some research and found that FOMO (fear of missing out) matters.  Next step: I'm going to try lowering the amount of time I spend on social media.

Jesus: What makes us human?  What is the difference between us and Artificial Intelligence?  I read articles about robots and they are not self-aware.  Connection: the mechanical hound in F451 was not really dead or alive.  Next I'm going to do more research.

Jesus O:  Can you trust your gut?  Over the break I worked in fields and it was hard.  I am still picking strawberries because I am trusting my gut.  Is this right?  I also found a beautiful beach because I trusted my gut.  Connection: "Immigrants in Our Own Land."

Ricky: Why is weather so bi-polar?  Blazing heat and then it freezes my toes off.  Over break the weather in Cancun was extreme.  I am going to do more research.

Noelia: Why do people judge each other?  My aunt thinks it's because of racism and jealousy.  This reminds me of "On Self-Reliance" because of what happens when you do things others don't understand.

Tanya: I am interested in cosmetology.  Over the break I took a class and learned you have to have passion and patience.  Next I'm going to practice more and take more classes.

Yamile: Will there ever be a cure for cancer?  Over the break I volunteered in a surgery center.  Next I'm going to watch shows about animals because scientists are making a lot of progress.  Curing cancer is like Open Source Learning, you can give others opportunities to

Alvaro: What is the difference between someone who goes pro and someone who plays for love?  I went on a site called Twitch where there are both types of gamers.  Pros told me it's all about practice and learning, and having the passion to practice and spend a lot of time.  Next step is to find new ways to learn from my mistakes.

Carlos: I want to cut hair.  Over break I watched my barber and I learned the longer you have a client the better he likes his haircut.  Reminded me of Gatsby.  I'm going to get clippers and watch a YouTube video.

Elizabeth: How are engines built?  Over break I learned about the components and how to change the oil.  I want to build an engine.

Adamari: I want to know why trained animals are still caged and tied up. I did research over break and learned that there is still a small chance they can attack.  This reminded me of F451 because the animals are trained to be the same and not think for themselves.

Sofia: What does it mean to identify as indigenous?  Over the break I went to Raza College Day and another conference about indigenous culture and expression.  Some students at our school speak Misteco.  I connected this with F451 in that they were trying to get Montag to forget who he was and fit in.  Now I'm going to do interviews and more research.

Frank: Why is America the biggest gangster out there?  After doing research I don't believe we're always the good guys.  We are only in Syria for the oil.  I plan to look more deeply into this.

Elyssa: Are words more powerful than weapons?  They hurt people emotionally where weapons just hurt people physically.  Next steps are to help people watch what they say.

Edmundo: Why are we judged by the color of our skin and not the content of our character?  I started this topic before I knew the quote from Martin Luther King, and I want to do more research on this.

Uri:  Why is business so risky?  I visited my brother in San Jose and he's going to start a Mexican restaurant.  I want to learn about the mistakes people make when they start businesses.

Carlos: My topic is math and physics.  Over the break I did more math problems and I read about physics.  Connection: F451 was all about advancements in science.  Next I will review concepts and practice more.

Devin (NO SHOW)

Victoria: Why do people follow new trends?  People want to fit in and feel secure.  This is similar to F451 because everyone wants to belong.

Angel: What would happen to a person inside a black hole?  I started doing research and I learned that we don't really know, but the forces inside a black hole are so intense that you wouldn't survive.

Jose: What do you need to become a civil engineer?  I spoke to an engineer and he told me that you just need creativity and math.  Connection: it's like this class because you have the freedom to design your own thing.  Next step: research four-year program.

what you don't know will most definitely hurt you

Everything you do on a computer generates data.  That data is so valuable to governments and corporations that companies like Google and Facebook let you use their services for free-- so they can collect your data and sell it.

So what happens to the data you create on school-issued machines and software?  It might interest you to know that "ed tech" has become its own industry, worth an estimated $8B per year.

period 4

Cesar: Why does it seem like there is a limit to how good you can be at something?  I interviewed my track coaches and I learned that our bodies and minds trick us into believing our limitations.  Connection: in F 451.  Next step: I'm going to interview a professional runner I met on Instagram.

Eric: What does it take to be a photographer and create meaning through pictures?  I've learned to use sunlight and compose pictures to tell a story.  Connection: in F451 the lady getting burned with her books means different things to different people.  Next steps: get more information and learn more about photography.

Trevor: Why does the week start on Sunday and end on Saturday?  Over break I did some research but didn't get any answers.  One thing I learned was that being around baseball so much made me lose track of time.  I just want to know how we started this 7-day tradition.

Jose: Why do people criticize each other for what they do and say?  This was a big part of Fahrenheit 451 and we see it in society.

Leo: The use of nuclear weapons.  They are used mostly for threats and destruction.  I learned that the US spends $173B and our most powerful bomb is 75x more powerful than the bombs we dropped on Japan.  This relates to F 451, and also to current events like with North Korea.  I need more information about this

Alicia: Why do people judge without knowing you?  I did some research and talked it over with my friends.  Connection: Earth on Turtle's Back because the other animals didn't think he could do it.

Cynthia: Why don't I know what career I want to pursue?  Over break I researched to see what careers were well-paid.  Of the careers I studied, I realized I wanted to be a nurse because they help people.  Now I need to do more research about becoming a nurse.

Sokrates: I am exploring how to properly build a business.  Over break I asked my uncle about this because he owns three successful restaurants.  He said that I should start with family, because he worked for his uncle until he saved enough to buy into the business as a part-owner and grow from there.  I am going to ask more of my uncles because they also own their own businesses

Miguel: Why do we work for everything?  This connects with the course because we have to work for grades.  I want to keep researching this topic.

Angelina: Is there an afternlife?  I researched claims from people who said they died and came back.  Connection: Young Goodman Brown.  Next I will continue my research.

Roxanna: Is time real or is it an illusion?  I think it is an illusion.  My next step is to research Dr. Preston's book on time.

Isaac: What am I going to be in the future?  I love music and I visited my cousin.  Music connects everyone.  Next steps: I'm going to keep researching music

Aiden:Why don't people believe in life beyond Earth?  In F 451 books are rejected.  I have more research to do to see whether we can gather enough information for people to believe in life elsewhere.

Giselle: Why are people on their phones the whole time?  Even little kids like my niece are on social media the whole time.  Connection: we spend a lot of time on our phones in this class.

Jackie: Why do we get so much homework when we spend seven hours in school every day?  I took a proper Spring Break and was more able to come back and focus.  I want to learn more about this.

Ana: Why does time go by so fast when you're having a good time and why does it go so slow when you want the day to be over?  One thing I learned over break is that if you help someone out you can do amazing things in time.  One thing I can do is spend my time more wisely.

Daniel:  How would a person's life be without a phone or any technology?  I tried to go a whole day without games or videos and I couldn't.  Connection: F 451 robot dog.  Next step is to ask others what they would do.

Blake: My topic is how psychedelic drugs (like LSD and mushrooms) affect the human brain.  I learned that these substances are meant to alter perception.  Connection: this class causes me to think differently. Writing in a journal and having Socratic seminars make me use different parts of my brain-- I guess this class is like a psychedelic drug.  Next step is to talk with people who have researched or experienced these substances.

Patti: Are dreams related or connected to past lives?

Claudia:  Is change good?  Over the break I asked my cousin and she said that it can be, if you're changing for yourself-- but that you shouldn't change for someone else.  Gatsby was wrong to change for Daisy.

Robert: Why are there so many different religions and cultures and ways of life?  Over break I talked to older people who are very religious.  They didn't really give me reasons, they just believe what they believe.  Next I want to talk to church leaders to see what they say.  Connection: Montag began to believe in a different way of being and then he wanted to convince others.

Araceli: I want to prepare for my career.  Connection: speaking in class.  I want to start interviewing people.

Michelle: Why do people judge in our society?  Connection: Gatsby couldn't be with Daisy because her parents wanted her to be with a rich guy.  Next step is to talk about this with friends.

Kaylee: How was Earth created?  I learned through research that Earth began about 4.5B years ago, and this relates to Earth on Turtle's Back.  Next I will interview an expert.

Eric: I want to learn more about war.  Seems like we've been at war for a long time and we're not solving any problems.  I learned that I wasn't really taking in what I learned until I gave my phone back to my mom, and now I look up and see what's around me.  Seems like war depends on someone thinking they're better than someone else.  Next I'm going to talk to my cousin.

E.J.: Why do police abuse their power and authority?  Over the break I watched a movie that was based on a true story and afterward I did some research.  My cousin is a police officer and next I'm going to interview him about this.

period 3 ignite talks

Elizabeth: Are children smarter because they're on the Internet?

Karen: Why are women represented in negative ways?  Images on the Internet portray female bodies in unrealistic ways -- pretty and skinny, and this makes real people develop unreal expectations.  I looked at a lot of videos and the women all look the same.

Adrian: action speaks louder than words; football comeback;

Elias: how to turn nothing into something; over the break I tried to go beyond my limitations, and I learned it takes heart, drive, and motivation.  You shouldn't stop doing something you love.

Klieff: global warming is a serious threat; I'm doing research on the Internet, and I learned that it's getting serious.  The sea level is rising, by as much as seven inches by the end of the century.

Ofelia: Topic is why people can't control their anger.  Some people get into conflict This is connected to Fahrenheit 451 because the book is fill

Nicol: My topic is racism because I have lived with it all my life.  I see a connection with the course because in Fahrenheit 451 they talk about books and knowledge.

Jocelyn: Why can't we have free tuition for college?  I looked up resources and found arguments for this online.  It gives us knowledge and helps people.

Jason: How to become a barber.  Over the break I got a haircut.  I started learning about getting a license to cut hair.  Connection: everyone in here needs a haircut.

Marcos: How to become a tattoo artist.  The first step is drawing, so I drew a lot over break.  Then I'll ink pig skin.

Giovanni:  What makes people creative?  You have to live in a creative state and open your heart and mind.  Everyone is creative in their own way, like in the books we read in this class.

Isaias: How can we provide food without being cruel to animals?  I researched PETA and other resources, and my next step is to change my own eating habits and become a vegetarian.

Chris: How to become a barber.  Over Spring Break I researched the program I'll need to get my license.  But I also realized I needed to familiarize myself with the tools and cut some hair to see if I like it enough to commit.

Jose: Why can't everyone get along?  Why are some people racists or narrow-minded?  Over the break I did some research and looked at current events.  Connection: in The Great Gatsby Tom was a racist.

Angel: What does it take to become a police officer?  Over the break I talked to my uncle because he's a former police officer.  He said to study criminal justice and get a degree.  From my online research I learned that you also need to overcome your own challenges, like we're getting over being nervous so we can present today.

Jaime: My masterpiece is about joining the military.  I researched some websites about what it takes to join, and my next step is to identify any obstacles I need to overcome in this process.

Etzell: My big question is, Will I ever succeed?  Since I was a little girl I've had a passion for singing.

Satchel: How can we upgrade education?  How can we make the school system more like this cool?  I researched Montessori and combined it with Open Source Learning.  This is going to take a long time and my next step is to research the standards and qualifications that are required to adopt this learning system in schools.

Carlos: Why do people get into school so much?  Why do they care or do community service?

Karen:(NO SHOW)

Maria: Is time real?  In reality, are we in the right time or do we just believe what others tell us?  Why do we always have to hurry-- just because others tell us to?  Connection: people always rush to get things done.

Elizabeth: (NO SHOW)

Victor: What religion is the true religion of God?  Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all make claims.  Next steps: I plan to read the texts of Christianity and Islam.

Katie: Different learning types.  I learned a little about this in my Intro to Education class, and I worked with my Dad to put this in practice.  People learn visually, auditorily, and kinesthetically.

Vivian: Animal behavior.  I did some research online and I also tested training ideas on my pig.  Experimenting taught me a lot.  Animals respond to facial expressions. My next step is to interview a professional animal behaviorist.

Alin: How to become a professional performer of Ballet Folklorico. Connection: they get paid for every dance they do, just like we get grades for everything we do.

Emily: I've been thinking about how we learn with Open Source Learning, and I'd like to introduce this program in Mexico.  I think they would make more use of this than we do here.  We can volunteer at schools.

Robert: What is the best route to become a police officer?  Over break I talked to my cousin and my next step is

Luis: Finding vintage clothing online or thrift stores.  Over the break I learned that it's easier to find deals and selection in big cities.  Eventually I plan to open an online store to resell clothes.

Alex: Create my own clothing brand.

Richard: Why does music have such a big impact on people?  Keep listening to music.  Connection: in Fahrenheit 451 some of the things in the book are actually happening in our culture.

Elvis: Why don't school counselors help students with their real problems?  Counselors just put you into classes.  Next steps: talk to therapists and see what we can do

Jay: How to become a mechanical engineer.  I learned that you have to have a 4-year degree.  Over the break I talked to racers.  I want to learn more about the best college in California where I can study this.

Brayan: Profiling teachers... (to be continued)