Weekly Editorial

This week's editorial asks students to write about their favorite sport or physical activity. Students should describe this activity in detail as well as how he or she feels while participating in this activity. All editorials are due on Friday, April 3rd.

End of the 3rd Quarter

Just a reminder that the 3rd quarter ends this Friday. Students need to turn in all assignments by the end of the day on Friday. Because teachers do not need to turn in grades until 4/9/09, the 7th grade Drama Project will count for the 3rd quarter.

7th Grade Drama Project

As a culminating activity for our drama unit, students will be creating original plays to dramatize a specific theme. Students will be writing and editing scripts, creating costumes and scenery, and staging their productions. Students have the choice of creating a comedy or tragedy based on the assigned theme and their group's personal preference. Students will be working on this project throughout the week and will begin presentations next Monday, April 6th.

SUNY ESF Science Fair 2009

Many students participated in the SUNY ESF Science Fair. Use the link to look at photos of our budding scientists.

http://www.esf.edu/outreach/k12/sciencefair/2009/documents/2009webphotos.pdf

"The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street"

In class, we have been dramatizing the teleplay, "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street." Written by Rod Serling, the play was actually written as an episode of "The Twilight Zone." Follow the link below to watch it on youtube.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WT5oxKMPCw

Drama Vocabulary

This week we have embarked on a new unit studying drama. The following are some definitions that we have been studying to help us understand drama and the elements that comprise it. Students should have and be actively reviewing these terms.

drama - a story intended to be performed by actors on a stage or before television or movie cameras

comedy - type of play that is often humorous with a happy ending

tragedy - type of play that involves a main character who suffers a downfall, the downfall often affects the character and those around him or her in a negative way

script - the way the text of a play is written, contains dialogue and stage directions

dialogue - the conversations held by two or more characters in a play, helps to move the action of the story

monologue - when one character from a play gives a speech on the stage by him or herself

stage directions - instructions written by the playwright to describe the character's appearance or movements, lighting, sound effects, and/or scenery

scenes and acts - the way in which a play is organized, a group of scenes make up an act

Fun With Drama

Students have begun a unit on drama. Last week, we kicked off the unit by performing the play, "The Trial of Goldilocks." This week we will be reviewing elements of drama as well as exploring a variety of improvisational games to help improve our dramatic techniques. Here are a few examples of improvisation from the television show, "Whose Line Is It Anyway."

Profiles

Students created profiles of an adult of importance in their world. Some students interviewed an actual person and others did research on a famous person in African American history. Ms. Porzio helped students create podcasts or audio boiradcasts that can be listened to over the computer. Although we tried to link the podcasts to this site, it was unsuccessfuul. If you would like a copy of the podcasts, please have your child let me know and I will make you a copy. Thank you!

Getting Healthy at HW Smith

Take a look at the kickoff celebration of the "Healthy Steps to Albany" Program.

Economic Bail Out - Yes or No?

This week's editorial asks students whether the government should bail out failing businesses like those in the banking and automotive industries. Here are a few video clips to give students background on the problem.


Watch CBS Videos Online


Watch CBS Videos Online


Watch CBS Videos Online