News on the human diet...

This week each student should find a news article (no duplicates please-check before you post) from a reputable news source  which relates to humans and the food or supplements we consume.  This is a very wide topic.  Find something that seems interesting to you and share it with the rest of the class.  Make sure you give credit to the author by telling us we might find this information.  Some of us may want to read the article so we need to be able to find it. 

Reputable sources include but are not limited to:

CNN.com
MSNBC.com (both have science pages)
News for Kids
sciencedaily.com
National Geographic


Next, post a summary of your article.  Your goal is to spark conversation between yourself and your classmates. Here are some questions to help guide your summary:

1.  The main points of the article are...
2.  A brief summary of the science discussed in the article.
3.  A critical analysis of the source of the article's information (Do they tell you where they got their data?  Is it clear who conducted the research and whether or not they had a conflict of interest?)
4.  What do you think of the topic being discussed?  Do you have further questions that were not answered by the article?
5.  Spark discussion...ask a question, give others something to ponder and write about.

Remember, never criticize people, just ideas.  Always explain why you agree or disagree.  Back up your comments!

I can't wait to read your summaries!

Don't forget...original post by Wednesday at 11:59pm, replies by Friday at 11:59pm.

Welcome To Our Classroom Blog!

 Each new assigned post will be added on a Monday.  You must make your first original post in response to the comment by Wednesday evening at 11:59pm.  Your original post must be thoughtful, clear and adhere to the rules of our blog site.  You should respond to the post and include at least one source (news article, website, etc.) that backs up your comments.  Please cite your source in your post so others can view the information that you found.

Part 2 of the assignment:  AFTER you have made your original post(Thursday or Friday), you should read the posts of others and reply to at least two comments of your classmates.  Comments should use correct spelling, punctuation and grammar (no chat language).  Please be complimentary to the author, ask them questions about their comment, and add information that is relevant to their comment.

Please complete part two by Friday evening at 11:59pm.  Don't forget to check your comments!  If someone asks you a question they would like to get an answer!

Sometimes you may have trouble getting the blog to show or post comments.  Usually if you "delete cookies" on your computer or smartphone it works.  You can do this where you would delete your browsing history.  Ask if you don't know how to do this.  I always recommend typing longer posts in a word document and then saving it.  You can copy and paste it into the blog.  That way you have a saved copy in case something happens when you try to publish.

Safety:

• Only use first names of the students in our class, yourself included.
• Use common sense when it comes to safety.  Never give away your location, home alone, etc.
• DO NOT give out any personal information or information about others.
• Do not post pictures of you, your friends, other students, parents or siblings unless instructed to do so.  Pictures relating to our discussion are definitely encouraged!
• Follow all school and classroom rules.
• Never be unkind or inappropriate with your fellow bloggers.
• If an uncomfortable or frightening situation does occur, inform your teacher immediately.

Your first assignment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please read the blogging information that I have posted for you.  Make a comment on this post by Wednesday evening at 11:59pm.  Please ask any questions that you may have about how to use this blog. Also include your comments about blogging in the classroom.  What advantages do you see with using blogging in the classroom?  What disadvantages do you see with using blogging in the classroom?  Is there anything in Biology that you think would make a great topic?  Next, you need to respond to the comments of two of your classmates by Friday at 11:59pm.  They must be different classmates.  Remember...this week's assignment is as much about learning for me as it is for you. If you run into any speed bumps, let me know asap!    This assignment this week will be worth 20 points.  You receive 10 for your original post and 5 for each of the two comments to classmates you make.

How to comment:  Think about what you want to say and click at the bottom of the post where it mentions comments.  Type your comment and where it says "comment as:" you must click on the drop down menu to where it says Name/URL.  Type in your first name only and then click the submit button.  Go ahead and publish your comment.  It will have a time stamp on it so I will know when you commented.  That's all!

Good Luck and happy blogging!