We will all collaborate to make a collection of our poetry on Google Docs. You should click on this link and follow the directions on the page to enter your poem. You may add an image, if you like, once your poem is done.
https://docs.google.com/a/nativity-cincinnati.org/document/d/1vmWOuMLEtztSlHzIJYPDA-Fnrtb9qVzCBScaTU2Xm4s/edit?hl=en_US&pli=1
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Freakish Frogs
Based on a Webquest Designed by
Brenda Solis
Brenda Solis
Introduction
You are taking a nature walk with your friend and you decide to stop and look at the nearby pond. You hear the croaks get louder as you approach the water. You see the creatures hopping nervously as you walk by them. You grab one and observe what looks like a frog and yet it has 2 extra legs. Your friend catches 2 of them but one has only 1 leg.
What causes freakish frogs? Discover some exciting, disturbing, and enlightening ideas from different sources regarding the subject of frog deformities. Form opinions about your findings and have fun doing it! Then, share your opinions and your reactions with your classmates, your teacher, and the entire school.
The Task
Read and record important details about the freakish frog problem.
Discuss your findings in a small group and come up with a group decision about the causes of frog deformities.
Create a slide show or poster convincing the rest of the class about your idea of what really causes freakish frogs.
You are taking a nature walk with your friend and you decide to stop and look at the nearby pond. You hear the croaks get louder as you approach the water. You see the creatures hopping nervously as you walk by them. You grab one and observe what looks like a frog and yet it has 2 extra legs. Your friend catches 2 of them but one has only 1 leg.
What causes freakish frogs? Discover some exciting, disturbing, and enlightening ideas from different sources regarding the subject of frog deformities. Form opinions about your findings and have fun doing it! Then, share your opinions and your reactions with your classmates, your teacher, and the entire school.
The Task
Read and record important details about the freakish frog problem.
Discuss your findings in a small group and come up with a group decision about the causes of frog deformities.
Create a slide show or poster convincing the rest of the class about your idea of what really causes freakish frogs.
The Process
Accomplishing your task is a step by step process that requires your time, attention and cooperation. This may take as long as 3 weeks to complete.
In groups of 3 or 4, brainstorm possible causes of the freakish frog problem.
Read news articles and browse through the following web sites that your teacher has selected for you:
Web Sites That You May Want To Look At While Researching The Freakish Frog Problem:
Evidence of the problem
The Frog Deformity Problem
Deformed Frogs in the News
Freakish Frogs Trigger Big Mystery
The Discovery of Deformed Frogs
Studying Frogs in Ohio
Or Maybe it is a Natural Thing
Chemical Culprits
Why Are The Frogs Malformed?
Parasite Hypothesis
Pesticide Hypothesis
Ecological Alarms
Chemical Culprits
Why Are The Frogs Malformed?
Parasite Hypothesis
Pesticide Hypothesis
Ecological Alarms
Deformed Frog Photos
Freakish Photos
Miscellaneous
Frog Sounds and Jokes
In your small group, each student should read articles that are different from what the other students are reading.This will give your group access to more information more quickly than if you all read the same information.
Individually write down all the important information. If you have a question about deformed frogs that you are having difficulty finding answers to, you may find what you need at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency -- Frog Information website.
Go back to your small group and share what you have found. Your notes should help.
Discuss what you think may be the real cause of the freakish frog problem. Make a group decision. Come to a consensus. Your group's decision may be different from other groups'. That's okay. NOTE: Your teacher will expect you to be able to explain what a "consensus" is, and describe how a group can work to achieve a "consensus." Be sure that you read and understand this part.
Based on your decision, create a diorama showing an ideal environment that will prevent the frog problem from reoccurring. Be ready to explain how this environment is different from that of the ponds where the freakish frogs were discovered.
Your group should create a slide show or poster convincing the rest of the class about your idea of what really causes frog deformities.
Evaluation
Your teacher will evaluate you according to the evaluation rubric below. Make sure you do your best
Oral Presentation --
Accomplishes little of what is considered "exemplary".
Accomplishes some of what is considered "exemplary".
Accomplishes most of what is considered "exemplary".
Organized information, clear delivery, able to answer questions, and able to cite at least 5 facts.
Poster or Slide Show --
Accomplishes little of what is considered "exemplary".
Accomplishes some of what is considered "exemplary".
Accomplishes most of what is considered "exemplary".
Engaging pictures and text, accurate information that arouses the audience's interest and/or concern.
Diorama/Environment
Accomplishes little of what is considered "exemplary".
Accomplishes some of what is considered "exemplary".
Accomplishes most of what is considered "exemplary".
Contains all items frogs need to survive and a written explanation with a fact-based reason for the environment's design.
Conclusion
By completing the activities in this WebQuest unit, you will have made a difference in the life of freakish frogs. If you really applied yourself and accomplished all the steps in the process, you may even have made a difference in the lives of people!
Credits & References
Thanks to all these who created images, or published ideas used in the creation of this webquest:
ABC News Science and Stan Sessions
KIE Project
American Association for the Advancement of Science
National Environmental Health Information Service
PBS: Frontline
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA): Frog Live Cam
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA): Photos of Deformed Frogs
Thanks to all these who created images, or published ideas used in the creation of this webquest:
ABC News Science and Stan Sessions
KIE Project
American Association for the Advancement of Science
National Environmental Health Information Service
PBS: Frontline
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA): Frog Live Cam
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA): Photos of Deformed Frogs
Wangari Maathai
Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai was born in 1940 in a village in Kenya. In 2004, she became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The judges valued "her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace”. She is also a member of Kenya’s Parliament. She served as Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources between 2003 and 2005.
Maathai left Kenya after high school to study biology in the USA. She got both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and returned to Kenya. She became the first Kenyan woman to earn a Ph.D. In 1971, she became a professor at the University of Nairobi. In 2002, Maathai accepted a position at Yale University's Global Institute of Sustainable Forestry.
Her environmental roots were planted in 1977. She founded the Green Belt Movement, a non-governmental organization whose mission was to plant trees across Kenya to prevent soil erosion. It has planted over 40 million trees to date and earned her the nickname of "The Tree Mother of Africa." This experience sparked her keen interest in protecting the environment and saving the planet.
Dr. Maathai became more involved in environmental and women's issues. Her politician husband divorced her because of this. He said she was too strong-minded for a woman. Amazingly, the divorce judge agreed and jailed her! She has been imprisoned several times since for standing up for her beliefs. Today, she is a member of the Nobel Women's Initiative and campaigns globally for peace with justice and equality.
Watch this YouTube Video about Dr. Wangari Maathai
Complete the following activities. Print your work and turn it in for credit on this project.
CHOOSE THE CORRECT WORD
Delete the wrong word in each of the pairs of red italics:
Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai was born in 1940 in a village in Kenya. In 2004, she became the fast / first African woman to receiving / receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The judges valued "her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and piece / peace”. She is also a member of Kenya’s Parliament. She served / saved as Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources between 2003 and 2005.
Maathai left Kenya after high school to study biologist / biology in the USA. She got both them / her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and returned to Kenya. She became the first Kenyan woman to earn / learn a Ph.D. In 1971, she became a professor at the University of Nairobi. In 2002, Maathai accepted a position of / at Yale University's Global Institute of Sustainable Forestry.
Her environmental leaves / roots were planted in 1977. She founded the Green Belt Movement, a non-governmental organization who / whose mission was to plant trees across Kenya to prevent sail / soil erosion. It has planted over 40 million trees to date and earned her the nickname of "The Tree Mother of Africa." This experience sparked her been / keen interest in protecting the environment and saving the planet.
Dr. Maathai became more / many involved in environmental and women's issues. Her politician husband divorced her because of this. He said she was too strong-minded with / for a woman. Amazingly, the divorce judge agreed and jailed / freed her! She has been imprisoned several times since for standing / sitting up for her beliefs. Today, she is a member of the Nobel Women's Initiative and campaigns globally for peace with justice and equality.
PUT THE TEXT BACK TOGETHER
Number these lines in the correct order. The first one is done for you --
( ) peace”. She is also a member of Kenya’s Parliament. She served as Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources between 2003 and 2005.
( ) degrees and returned to Kenya. She became the first Kenyan woman to earn a Ph.D. In 1971, she became a professor
( 1 ) Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai was born in 1940 in a village in Kenya. In 2004, she became the first African woman to
( ) globally for peace with justice and equality.
( ) up for her beliefs. Today, she is a member of the Nobel Women's Initiative and campaigns
( ) soil erosion. It has planted over 40 million trees to date and earned her the nickname of
( ) Dr. Maathai became more involved in environmental and women's issues. Her politician husband
( ) "The Tree Mother of Africa." This experience sparked her keen interest in protecting the environment and saving the planet.
( ) receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The judges valued "her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and
( ) at the University of Nairobi. In 2002, Maathai accepted a position at Yale University's Global Institute of Sustainable Forestry.
( ) Maathai left Kenya after high school to study biology in the USA. She got both her Bachelor’s and Master’s
( ) agreed and jailed her! She has been imprisoned several times since for standing
( ) non-governmental organization whose mission was to plant trees across Kenya to prevent
( ) Her environmental roots were planted in 1977. She founded the Green Belt Movement, a
( ) divorced her because of this. He said she was too strong-minded for a woman. Amazingly, the divorce judge
THE WANGARI MAATHAI SURVEY
Write five questions about Wangari Maathai in the table. Interview another student in your class about the answers to your questions. Write down their answers.
Q.1.
Q.2.
Q.3.
Q.4.
Q.5.
Prepare a short presentation for the class on your findings.
PROJECT --
Search the Internet and find more information about Wangari Maathai. Use the information that you find to complete ONE of the following activities:
• WANGARI MAATHAI POSTER: Make a poster showing the different stages of the life of Wangari Maathai.
• MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Write a 5 paragraph magazine article about Wangari Maathai. Include an imaginary interview with her. Write about what she does every day and what she thinks about.
• LETTER: Write a letter to Wangari Maathai. Ask her three questions about her life. Give her three suggestions on what she should do in her future.
Maathai left Kenya after high school to study biology in the USA. She got both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and returned to Kenya. She became the first Kenyan woman to earn a Ph.D. In 1971, she became a professor at the University of Nairobi. In 2002, Maathai accepted a position at Yale University's Global Institute of Sustainable Forestry.
Her environmental roots were planted in 1977. She founded the Green Belt Movement, a non-governmental organization whose mission was to plant trees across Kenya to prevent soil erosion. It has planted over 40 million trees to date and earned her the nickname of "The Tree Mother of Africa." This experience sparked her keen interest in protecting the environment and saving the planet.
Dr. Maathai became more involved in environmental and women's issues. Her politician husband divorced her because of this. He said she was too strong-minded for a woman. Amazingly, the divorce judge agreed and jailed her! She has been imprisoned several times since for standing up for her beliefs. Today, she is a member of the Nobel Women's Initiative and campaigns globally for peace with justice and equality.
Watch this YouTube Video about Dr. Wangari Maathai
Complete the following activities. Print your work and turn it in for credit on this project.
CHOOSE THE CORRECT WORD
Delete the wrong word in each of the pairs of red italics:
Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai was born in 1940 in a village in Kenya. In 2004, she became the fast / first African woman to receiving / receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The judges valued "her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and piece / peace”. She is also a member of Kenya’s Parliament. She served / saved as Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources between 2003 and 2005.
Maathai left Kenya after high school to study biologist / biology in the USA. She got both them / her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and returned to Kenya. She became the first Kenyan woman to earn / learn a Ph.D. In 1971, she became a professor at the University of Nairobi. In 2002, Maathai accepted a position of / at Yale University's Global Institute of Sustainable Forestry.
Her environmental leaves / roots were planted in 1977. She founded the Green Belt Movement, a non-governmental organization who / whose mission was to plant trees across Kenya to prevent sail / soil erosion. It has planted over 40 million trees to date and earned her the nickname of "The Tree Mother of Africa." This experience sparked her been / keen interest in protecting the environment and saving the planet.
Dr. Maathai became more / many involved in environmental and women's issues. Her politician husband divorced her because of this. He said she was too strong-minded with / for a woman. Amazingly, the divorce judge agreed and jailed / freed her! She has been imprisoned several times since for standing / sitting up for her beliefs. Today, she is a member of the Nobel Women's Initiative and campaigns globally for peace with justice and equality.
PUT THE TEXT BACK TOGETHER
Number these lines in the correct order. The first one is done for you --
( ) peace”. She is also a member of Kenya’s Parliament. She served as Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources between 2003 and 2005.
( ) degrees and returned to Kenya. She became the first Kenyan woman to earn a Ph.D. In 1971, she became a professor
( 1 ) Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai was born in 1940 in a village in Kenya. In 2004, she became the first African woman to
( ) globally for peace with justice and equality.
( ) up for her beliefs. Today, she is a member of the Nobel Women's Initiative and campaigns
( ) soil erosion. It has planted over 40 million trees to date and earned her the nickname of
( ) Dr. Maathai became more involved in environmental and women's issues. Her politician husband
( ) "The Tree Mother of Africa." This experience sparked her keen interest in protecting the environment and saving the planet.
( ) receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The judges valued "her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and
( ) at the University of Nairobi. In 2002, Maathai accepted a position at Yale University's Global Institute of Sustainable Forestry.
( ) Maathai left Kenya after high school to study biology in the USA. She got both her Bachelor’s and Master’s
( ) agreed and jailed her! She has been imprisoned several times since for standing
( ) non-governmental organization whose mission was to plant trees across Kenya to prevent
( ) Her environmental roots were planted in 1977. She founded the Green Belt Movement, a
( ) divorced her because of this. He said she was too strong-minded for a woman. Amazingly, the divorce judge
THE WANGARI MAATHAI SURVEY
Write five questions about Wangari Maathai in the table. Interview another student in your class about the answers to your questions. Write down their answers.
Q.1.
Q.2.
Q.3.
Q.4.
Q.5.
Prepare a short presentation for the class on your findings.
PROJECT --
Search the Internet and find more information about Wangari Maathai. Use the information that you find to complete ONE of the following activities:
• WANGARI MAATHAI POSTER: Make a poster showing the different stages of the life of Wangari Maathai.
• MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Write a 5 paragraph magazine article about Wangari Maathai. Include an imaginary interview with her. Write about what she does every day and what she thinks about.
• LETTER: Write a letter to Wangari Maathai. Ask her three questions about her life. Give her three suggestions on what she should do in her future.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
April 27, 2011
Geography -- USA map test is Friday
Mixed Topics Math -- read pages 80-82
Fraction Intensive Math (C.H., B.C., K.B., E.D.) -- page 607, lesson 6-6, odd numbered problems
Mixed Topics Math -- read pages 80-82
Fraction Intensive Math (C.H., B.C., K.B., E.D.) -- page 607, lesson 6-6, odd numbered problems
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
International Fair
This year’s 6th grade International Fair will focus on nations with significant Muslim populations. Your team will work together to learn about the culture of your assigned nation. Each team will then make a multi-faceted presentation of what they learn and discover together to their classmates, parents, and friends.
Working on this project will help you to learn about the geography, government, customs, cultural elements, and history of your assigned nation. Student groups are expected to prepare an attractive and informative display about their assigned nation (including an area where visitors can sample four or five simple dishes from the culture), and to present a cultural presentation including elements such as music, dance, poetry, story-telling, ceremonies, games, etc.
Project Requirements --
1) General Poster – Map, Flag, Climate, System of government, Currency, Leader, Current events
2) Historical Timeline – Drawn to scale and illustrated. Timelines should display at least 10 important events in the history of your country. Five of these events must be illustrated.
3) Travel Guide Brochure – Places to visit, Usual weather, Tips for travelers, Special events
4) Biographical Poster of famous Muslim (required – one from each group member)
Scientist, Scholar, Artist, Poet, Musician, Architect, Leader, Athlete, Author, Doctor, Explorer, etc. Find someone who is interesting to you. Maybe you would like to find someone who is a woman, or from a particular racial group, or disabled. You are encouraged to browse through the lists to choose your person.
Include – Date and place of birth, family, education, accomplishments, portrait, fun or interesting facts
5) Food Items from the country (one required from each group member) – Your food item must be able to be served cold or at room temperature. We will have no facility for heating or reheating dishes, so choose your food item carefully. Desserts, salads, breads, dips or spreads, and appetizer-style items work best. Whatever you decide to bring, it should serve at least 6. Bring your item to school the morning of the International festival in a container that is clearly marked with your name. Attach any necessary directions for serving the item to the container. You must provide a neatly typed copy of the recipe, and you should bring any required serving items (plates, bowls, cups, spoons, etc.)
6) Group Presentation – Each group will be required to make a cultural presentation about their country. Your presentation should be well organized and carefully practiced. It should last 3-5 minutes. Group members should dress in the caftans that we will make in class. Material for the presentation may include any two of the following:
Summary and Description of Interview with Muslim Visitor
Poem
Prayer
Song
Dance
Story or Folktale
Dramatic scene
Informative presentation about your country's history and traditions
Game
Demonstration: craft, celebration, ceremony, ritual, etc.
Other (with teacher approval)
Resources –
Every effort will be made to connect students with a Muslim visitor from the country that they are studying. However, it is important to remember that these are volunteers who generously give of their time in order to facilitate this project. There is no guarantee that every group will have the opportunity to visit personally with a member of our local Muslim community. Some of our visitors cannot be at school during the regular school day, in these cases, students will be asked to stay after school or return to school to meet their guest.
General Information --
CIA World Factbook
Famous People by Nationality
Islamic Studies Topics
Stories, Fables, Folk Tales for kids
Poems for Children
History for Kids
Classical Islamic Poetry
Links for Dances --
Traditional Iranian Dance
Traditional Egyptian Dance
Traditional Moroccan Dance
Traditional South African Dance
Traditional Chinese/Taiwanese Dance
Traditional Palestinian Dance
Traditional Bosnian Dance
Traditional Mauritanian Dance
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Build a Medieval Castle
Credits:
Step 1 - Daily Life
To begin your research look at the Internet site "Life in a Medieval Castle" which will give you a good look at daily life in a Welsh castle. Keep careful, hand-written notes in which you record all of the important aspects of daily life so you can address these areas in the design of the Baron's castle. Use the following guide questions to help you take notes on certain important areas:
What is the importance of a "Great Hall" in a castle?
What did a typical hall look like? Flooring? Lighting?
Describe how heating was accomplished in the Medieval halls.
Step 2 - The Baron's Castle Specifications
Once you have taken notes on the life of the castle inhabitants, you are ready to review Baron William de Clare's specific requirements. Use the Internet's "Glossary of Castle Terms" to identify each of the following things that the Baron is requiring in his castle. Write the definition of each word on a sheet of paper and keep it with you for your reference. Be sure you do not leave anything the Baron wants out (he is not a forgiving man), so review the list carefully!
1. wicket
2. allure
3. turret
4. arch
5. rampart
6. aumbry
7. postern gate
8. bailey
9. parapet
10. barbican
11. parados
12. battlement
13. outer ward
14. buttery
15. outer curtain
16. buttress
17. murder holes
18. crosswall
19. moat
20. donjon or keep
21. Hall
22. dormer
23. great chamber
24. drawbridge
25. gate house
26. dungeon
27. garderobe
28. gallery
Step 3 - Castle Research
Once you have made a list of all of Baron de Clare's requests, you may begin researching other castles for design ideas. Be sure you stay focused on castles from the same approximate time frame - 1000 to 1150. A good place to begin your search is at the Castles on the Web Internet site.
As you browse through other castles, be sure to look for features that will help you make the Baron's castle as strong as possible. In other words, it must be able to withstand the strongest and longest attack from any enemy! Some good information on castle defenses can be found at the Castle Siegecraft and Defense site. This site will give you lots of information on how to design your castle to withstand attacks successfully.Add ideas and information to your notes as you find it.
Step 4 - Castle Layout and Design
Now that you have researched several different castles, it is time to begin designing the Baron's Castle. Begin by establishing the dimensions of the castle, be sure it is large enough to accommodate all of the castle inhabitants, including the serfs, in case of a siege.
Plan the layout of the main castle and of all the outbuildings that you will need. Include all gardens and food storage facilities that you will need. Remember food capacity is crucial to survive in case the castle is under siege. Some sieges lasted for over a year in Medieval times!
You may want to use a ruler to draw the dimensions of the castle to scale. Drawing to scale means you must choose a standard scale for measuring so that each building is in proportion with the others. For example, each 10 square feet of castle space may equal 1 inch on your blueprint. You may choose your own scale, however, your finished model must not be larger than a standard sheet of poster board.
Step 5 - The Model
Now that you have completed your plans, begin the construction of the model. Your three-dimensional model may be constructed of any materials that you choose. Clay, salt and flour dough, papier mache, sugar cubes, styrofoam, cardboard, various fabrics, sticks, real stones – all of these are all possibilities (NOTE: LEGOS are not an acceptable model material for this project). Use your imagination to create a realistic rendering of your castle design.
In conducting your research, use the "magical device" known as the Internet to help you locate other castles. No one in Medieval history knows what the Internet is, so the Baron will be VERY impressed by how much information you gathered and how fast your horse rode all over Europe!
Try looking up these Internet sites:
The Daily Life of a castle is one of several helpful sites that explain in detail life in a Medieval castle.
The Castle Siegecraft and Defense is a good site for looking at types of defense structures you may want to include in the design of your castle.
The Castles for Kids page also has great information on the life and defense of castles.
Look up the Castle Terminology to view each section of your castle design. You can click on the outer curtain, the outer bailey, and other areas!
Your castle will be judged based on how well you cover the following areas (each is eligible for up to 25 points):
Research on the background of Medieval daily life (notes and sketches)
Meeting all of the Baron's specific requirements for the castle
Creative design of the castle
Strong defensive features
- Author: Linda M. Ricchiuti - Curriculum Specialist; California Technology Assistance Project
- School District: San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Office
- School Address: 601 N. E Street, San Bernardino CA 92410-3093
During the Medieval era, life was lived by a very different set of political, economic, and social rules. The only form of government was a Monarchy where the king or queen ruled by "divine right." "Divine right" simply meant that people believed that God appointed the king or queen to rule with absolute power. The main economic system was Feudalism in which the king appointed a baron or knight to oversee a portion of his land in return for loyalty and protection in case of invasion. The baron or knight would oversee the serfs who labored on the land in return for protection given by the baron or knight. In order to better understand Feudalism and Monarchy, click here before you begin your task.
You are a famous builder of Medieval Castles, living in Wales in the year 1076. You are hired by the Norman Baron William de Clare to build him a fantastic castle in Aberystwyth, Wales. The population of Aberystwyth is approximately 300 serfs, 150 soldiers in residence, a household staff of about 50 people and approximately 20 family members. Before beginning the design of the castle, it is important that you see the location. Click here and locate Aberystwyth on the map of Wales. Be sure to note any geographical features that you will want to accommodate in your plans.
The Baron wants his castle to not only be beautiful, but also the strongest defensive castle ever built. You are confident that you can build the Baron this castle because you have the technology to search out many different castles all over the world and select the best features from each.
Before you can begin the castle design, you must first become familiar with the Welsh people who are going to inhabit this castle. It is important for you to research the purpose of the castle and become familiar with the daily life of a Welsh castle. After researching and taking notes on what daily life in a Welsh castle is like, you will then begin the design of the Baron's new castle. Be sure to familiarize yourselves with the Baron's list of things he wants in the castle. You may use your imaginations to design the rest.
You will present your finished design to the Baron as a three-dimensional model. The design must be complete and detailed and must give the viewer a true sense of what the castle will look like when it is actually built. Important features of the castle should be labeled on the model.
Keep a pad next to the computer so that as you see things on different castles that you would like to add, you can sketch pictures and take notes. For example, if you wanted to add a specific turret from a castle in Scotland, you could make notes on the specific features so you can remember to add them to the Baron's castle. Be sure you do not forget to add everything to the Baron's castle that was on his list of things he wanted! Keep that list next to the computer as you work on your research.
The Baron wants his castle to not only be beautiful, but also the strongest defensive castle ever built. You are confident that you can build the Baron this castle because you have the technology to search out many different castles all over the world and select the best features from each.
Before you can begin the castle design, you must first become familiar with the Welsh people who are going to inhabit this castle. It is important for you to research the purpose of the castle and become familiar with the daily life of a Welsh castle. After researching and taking notes on what daily life in a Welsh castle is like, you will then begin the design of the Baron's new castle. Be sure to familiarize yourselves with the Baron's list of things he wants in the castle. You may use your imaginations to design the rest.
You will present your finished design to the Baron as a three-dimensional model. The design must be complete and detailed and must give the viewer a true sense of what the castle will look like when it is actually built. Important features of the castle should be labeled on the model.
Keep a pad next to the computer so that as you see things on different castles that you would like to add, you can sketch pictures and take notes. For example, if you wanted to add a specific turret from a castle in Scotland, you could make notes on the specific features so you can remember to add them to the Baron's castle. Be sure you do not forget to add everything to the Baron's castle that was on his list of things he wanted! Keep that list next to the computer as you work on your research.
Step 1 - Daily LifeTo begin your research look at the Internet site "Life in a Medieval Castle" which will give you a good look at daily life in a Welsh castle. Keep careful, hand-written notes in which you record all of the important aspects of daily life so you can address these areas in the design of the Baron's castle. Use the following guide questions to help you take notes on certain important areas:
What is the importance of a "Great Hall" in a castle?
What did a typical hall look like? Flooring? Lighting?
Describe how heating was accomplished in the Medieval halls.
Describe the kitchens usually found in Medieval castles.
Explain how the main bedrooms and guest rooms were laid out in the castle.
What were squints used for?
Did castles have water accessible on all floors? Explain.
Where was the chapel located in early castles?
How are guests seated when they come for dinner?
List four things you learned about knights.
Explain how the main bedrooms and guest rooms were laid out in the castle.
What were squints used for?
Did castles have water accessible on all floors? Explain.
Where was the chapel located in early castles?
How are guests seated when they come for dinner?
List four things you learned about knights.
Step 2 - The Baron's Castle Specifications
Once you have taken notes on the life of the castle inhabitants, you are ready to review Baron William de Clare's specific requirements. Use the Internet's "Glossary of Castle Terms" to identify each of the following things that the Baron is requiring in his castle. Write the definition of each word on a sheet of paper and keep it with you for your reference. Be sure you do not leave anything the Baron wants out (he is not a forgiving man), so review the list carefully!
1. wicket
2. allure
3. turret
4. arch
5. rampart
6. aumbry
7. postern gate
8. bailey
9. parapet
10. barbican
11. parados
12. battlement
13. outer ward
14. buttery
15. outer curtain
16. buttress
17. murder holes
18. crosswall
19. moat
20. donjon or keep
21. Hall
22. dormer
23. great chamber
24. drawbridge
25. gate house
26. dungeon
27. garderobe
28. gallery
Step 3 - Castle Research
Once you have made a list of all of Baron de Clare's requests, you may begin researching other castles for design ideas. Be sure you stay focused on castles from the same approximate time frame - 1000 to 1150. A good place to begin your search is at the Castles on the Web Internet site.
As you browse through other castles, be sure to look for features that will help you make the Baron's castle as strong as possible. In other words, it must be able to withstand the strongest and longest attack from any enemy! Some good information on castle defenses can be found at the Castle Siegecraft and Defense site. This site will give you lots of information on how to design your castle to withstand attacks successfully.Add ideas and information to your notes as you find it.
Step 4 - Castle Layout and Design
Now that you have researched several different castles, it is time to begin designing the Baron's Castle. Begin by establishing the dimensions of the castle, be sure it is large enough to accommodate all of the castle inhabitants, including the serfs, in case of a siege.
Plan the layout of the main castle and of all the outbuildings that you will need. Include all gardens and food storage facilities that you will need. Remember food capacity is crucial to survive in case the castle is under siege. Some sieges lasted for over a year in Medieval times!
You may want to use a ruler to draw the dimensions of the castle to scale. Drawing to scale means you must choose a standard scale for measuring so that each building is in proportion with the others. For example, each 10 square feet of castle space may equal 1 inch on your blueprint. You may choose your own scale, however, your finished model must not be larger than a standard sheet of poster board.
Step 5 - The Model
Now that you have completed your plans, begin the construction of the model. Your three-dimensional model may be constructed of any materials that you choose. Clay, salt and flour dough, papier mache, sugar cubes, styrofoam, cardboard, various fabrics, sticks, real stones – all of these are all possibilities (NOTE: LEGOS are not an acceptable model material for this project). Use your imagination to create a realistic rendering of your castle design.
In conducting your research, use the "magical device" known as the Internet to help you locate other castles. No one in Medieval history knows what the Internet is, so the Baron will be VERY impressed by how much information you gathered and how fast your horse rode all over Europe!
Try looking up these Internet sites:
The Daily Life of a castle is one of several helpful sites that explain in detail life in a Medieval castle.
The Castle Siegecraft and Defense is a good site for looking at types of defense structures you may want to include in the design of your castle.
The Castles for Kids page also has great information on the life and defense of castles.
Look up the Castle Terminology to view each section of your castle design. You can click on the outer curtain, the outer bailey, and other areas!
Your castle will be judged based on how well you cover the following areas (each is eligible for up to 25 points):
Research on the background of Medieval daily life (notes and sketches)
Meeting all of the Baron's specific requirements for the castle
Creative design of the castle
Strong defensive features
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Calculation Nation Training
Play each of the Calculation Nation games online. You must play each game in the “Challenge Yourself” mode until you win at least once. Use this form to keep track of how many of each game you play before you learn how to win the game. Here is the website. You will need to create a user name and a password for yourself.
__________ neXtu
Next to nothing is more fun than capturing your enemy’ s pieces! Strategically place geometric pieces with point values on the game board to collect more shapes and points than your opponent.
__________ Square Off
Perimeter, area, and alien spaceships — oh, my! The more ships you capture and area you cover, the more you score.
__________ Factor Dazzle
It’s dazzle-icious! Find all the factors of a number to earn points. Then, choose a number for which your opponent must find the factors.
__________ Fraction Feud
Prepare to battle in this game of fraction action! In each joust, earn points by creating a larger (or smaller) fraction than your opponent.
__________ Times Square
Exercise your skill with factors and multiples! Try to get four squares in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
__________ Slam Ball
Hit tokens, collect points! Slam the ball into the sides of the game board, and use your knowledge of angles, symmetry, and reflections to choose the best path.
__________ Dig It
Let’s get dirty! Create and locate fractions on a number line to tell your shovel where to dig. Earn points for the amount of dirt you collect and the number of jewels you discover.
__________ Drop Zone
Make sums of 1 and prevent your opponent from making sums of 1.
__________ Ker-Splash
Dive into math fun as you grab tokens, combine terms, and use your algebra skills! Increase the coefficients to maximize your score when the secret values of the variables are revealed.
__________ PrimeTime
Take a random walk on the wild side! Roll dice, spin a spinner, or flip coins to determine your next move — but which one will give you the best chance of landing on a prime number or bonus space?
WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THIS WORK, TURN IN YOUR RECORD SHEET TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THIS PROJECT.
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