Should Schools Teach Cursive?

Today we read an article in Time For Kids that brought up an interesting question. Should schools teach cursive?

After reading the article and hearing both sides of the debate, come up with your own opinion about this question. Write a short paragraph explaining your opinion. Please use complete sentences with proper punctuation and capitalization.

Remembering 9/11

Today is the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 attack on America. It was a day that has changed American's lives forever and will continue to stir up emotions for those who lived through it. Today, we watched a video similar to the one posted here about the rebuilding of Ground Zero. None of you were alive eleven years ago on the day of the attack but you are reminded every year of the tragedy by your parents, teachers, TV, and many more avenues. While you were watching the film today about the rebuilding of Ground Zero, think about these questions and answer them with a well formulated response. Remember to use proper punctuation and capitalization.


Questions to think about:
1. What is the importance of rebuilding on the site where the towers fell?
2. Which piece of the Memorial would you most like to see? (Memorial  Waterfalls, Museum or Tower) Why?

Welcome Back to School

Welcome back students! This year we will be using this blog to share our thoughts and opinions about many different topics. We first must learn how to post to the blog in a respectful manner. Please take a few minutes to think about your summer. Then, answer the question: If you could do anything while on summer vacation, what would you do? Please include what you would do, how you would do it and why. Be sure you let Mr. Watanabe check your post before you submit.

Red Bull Stratos

Recently our class was given an incredible opportunity to meet and talk to Dr. Jonathan Clark. He is the medical director of the Red Bull Stratos project. Dr. Clark is a distinguished expert in the field of space medicine. He is a professor at the Baylor College of Medicine and served as the flight surgeon for the space shuttle missions. As a class, we explored the Red Bull Stratos website in an attempt to understand how humans and space interact. As you listened to Dr. Clark and explored the Red Bull Stratos site, what questions do you have for the team?

Post your questions in the comments stream. You may want to include who you would like to answer your question.

Here is an example:
"My question is for Felix: Are you scared to jump from 120,000 ft.?"

We will submit your questions to the Red Bull Stratos team and get some of our questions answered!

Thanks to Natasha for mentioning our class on the Red Bull Stratos Blog! CLICK HERE to see her post!

WHAT IS RED BULL STRATOS?

What if Martin Luther King Jr. were never born?

We have watched several videos and read about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. over the past few days. He is an American hero who overcame countless injustices. He used non-violent protests to spread the message of equality for all people regardless of race. On Monday, we will be honoring his legacy with a national holiday.

Think about the impact of Dr. King and write a short paragraph answering the question:

What if Martin Luther King Jr. were never born?

Ideas: You might want to include how he has affected your life and the life of all Americans.
You might also include ideas about how the world would be different without him.

Who are you thankful for?

Next week you will be off of school for Thanksgiving. As we think about all the loving friends and family in our lives, think about someone you are thankful for. Maybe it is your mom or dad, maybe a good friend, maybe a teacher or coach, maybe a sister or brother...

Please select one person. Once you have narrowed it down, use the questions below to write a paragraph about who you are thankful for...

1. Who are you thankful for this year?
2. Why are you thankful for this person? What has this person done to help or support you?
3. What can you do to show this person that you are thankful for them?

Do boys and girls learn better together or apart?

Think about going to school and walking into a class with only boys (or only girls). A recent article in Time For Kids debated the idea of having all girls or all boys classes.

Read this article: http://www.timeforkids.com/news/debate/16621

Form an opinion about this topic and respond to the question:

Would you like to go to a school with only boys and girls? Why or Why Not?

Please write using complete sentences, with correct punctuation.