Today we introduced Ch. 18 "America since the 1970's". Carson read from the text, answered geography connection questions, and we watched part of a documentary on President Nixon.
As we have completed our work on the argumentative essay, this week we are moving on to the explanatory or informative essay. We discussed various tennis related topics that Carson could address followed by my listing and discussing the types of transition phrases and words that often appear in this type of essay. We noted that the general structure of the essay will be similar to the argumentative essay, but the purpose ,to inform, will adopt a different tone. Next, we read and analyzed an informative or explanatory essay from the Lit book. As we read, I pointed out the author's use of rhetorical questions , topic sentences, and critically, how the writer uses details or facts to inform the reader.
Carson read about voltage and analyzed the diagrams of a 3V and 6V battery in circuit with a light bulb. I asked comprehension questions. He completed 3-Dimensional Thinking on voltage. He used the PhET Interactive Simulation "Ohm's Law" to manipulate variables in the Ohm's Law formula V=IR. He read the article "A Smart Grid? Electric Energy and the Future." I asked comprehension questions and he researched why a smart grid is necessary for the development of alternative energy sources.
After providing instruction on techniques and elements to incorporate into the conclusion of an argumentative essay, Carson applied one of the techniques- leaving the reader with a vivid image- and completed his essay on the dangers of technology . We then began the editing process by combining sentences and employing stronger more vivid verbs. Further, I made suggestions to the conclusion so that the examples better supported the thesis . By the end of the session, Carson had completed a good argumentative essay. We will begin working on an informative or explanatory essay next week.
Carson had MAPS testing again today. He worked hard all period. He was able to finish the test with just a few minutes left in the period. So we went outside to play ping pong.
Today, Carson read the textbook and answered questions about Rosa Parks. We also discussed how Black Americans had fought for equality for decades, but the Civil Rights Movement gained new momentum in the mid-20th century.
