Your Blogging RUBRIC!!

"So, wait, how am I being graded for these blogs?"

Have you asked yourself that question yet?

Here are the requirements in rubric form:

Post Appearance ____/10
4 headings are bold and separated
Entry is readable, fonts and colors are reasonable

Name at top of entry ____/5
First name only, last initial if needed

Article is linked properly: _____/10
Link is specific, entire article not copy/pasted, etc.

Article is appropriate: ____/5
Phys/Earth Science related
Current within last year or so
Current event, not an informational article

Summary: ______/15
5 or more good sentences, 3 pts each
Article is well summarized, all major points included

"Why..." statement ____/15
3 or more good sentences, 5 pts each
Statement relates article to Phys/Earth Science
Includes explanation of interest in article

Total Points Earned ____/60

How do I comment on my peer's work?

8th graders: Each time we have a round of Current Events Blog Posts, you will need to choose at least one post and comment on that one. Before commenting, you should follow the link to the article and read it, then read your classmate's summary and "Why I chose this article" statement. Once you've done that, you many click the comment link below the post and leave feedback. 

You should include the following items:

1. One point/fact/etc. that you found interesting/confusing/weird/fascinating in the article that original poster either DID NOT mention or DID NOT ELABORATE ON. Your job is NOT to restate what he or she said -- the most interesting conversations will arise when you have something new to say!  This could be a statement, or it might be a question that the article made you ponder.

2. Something you thought the original poster did well when explaining the article -- this could include (but is not limited to) things like: clarifying a confusing point, using descriptive language, explaining a link to Physical Science really well, etc.

3. Sign your comment professionally with your first name and last name's initial.

You might want to include other things, and that is GREAT! Just keep them constructive and respectful. If you have a question, if the post made you think of something you want to share, if you want to respond to another comment that one of your peers made, if you just read a funny comic that IS SO COOL BECAUSE IT'S ABOUT HOW CLOUDS MAKE HORSES SLEEPY WHICH IS WHAT THIS ARTICLE WAS ABOUT OMG!... that you think everyone should read... link it!

Once you have posted your comment, you can continue to comment on any of the posts made in the current round of blogging. If you are the original poster of an article, feel free to respond to any of your commenters. If they paid you a compliment, you might want to thank them! It's polite! If they asked you how you feel about something, go ahead and share your response if you like. If you disagree with something someone wrote, you can respectfully share your point of view and explain why it differs.

Remember to keep your comments professional and respectful; 8th grade Physical Science bloggers pledge to remain polite, curious, and curteous when addressing fellow student's work. Remember the Golden Rule EVEN WHEN YOU'RE ONLINE: Do unto others as you would have them do unto YOU!

So let's see what awesome current events we can dig up this year!

So you want to know HOW to post current events blogs? Read Below!

Hey Campbell Hall 8th graders! Follow these steps for creating your Current Events Blog entry. Check out the entry on this page for a good example!

Here's the easiest way to make your own personal entry:

1. Go to the dashboard (You can click on "View my complete profile" over there on the left, or paste this address into your browser: http://www.blogger.com/profile/12394196667234233530

2. Click on YOUR, and ONLY your block's blog.

3. Once your block's blog is open, click "New Post" at the top.

4. Type the NAME OF THE ARTICLE YOU CHOSE exactly as the author wrote it into the "Subject" box. This will serve as your post title.

5. Copy the following headings into the body of your post, and then replace the directions under them with your own BRILLIANT work:

6. Click "PUBLISH POST" for everyone else to see your work!

Author:

Use only your FIRST name. If there are more than two students in the class with your name, add your last initial ONLY.

Link to article:

This link needs to take your reader DIRECTLY to the article. If you find an article on nytimes.com, DO NOT just type in "nytimes.com." This will probably look like a big confusing string of letters, but it is a very important part of your entry. If we cannot get to your article to read it, the rest of your work won't mean anything!

Summary:

This should be at least 5 GOOD sentences summarizing the article. Try to hit all the major points in the article, and avoid sentences like, "This is about atoms. Atoms are really small. Atoms are cool." I mean, yeah, they are, but your summary should makes us WANT to read your article. If YOU'RE not excited, your reader won't be either, so be sure to choose an article you really like!

Why did I think this was a good article for the Physical Science Current Events Blog?

This paragraph should answer the above question completely and be at least 3 sentences long. How does the issue or research relate to your own life, or our lives together at Campbell Hall? Why did you choose it? MAKE SURE you pick articles that are PHYSICAL SCIENCE related and are CURRENT, which means within the last year or so.

6. Make sure the headings are BOLD so they are easy to see. You may add pictures, colors, or fonts that positively contribute to your entry; please avoid extremely large fonts or hard-to-read colors.

7. HAVE FUN and take this opportunity to find fascinating information!

Welcome to the 8th grade Science of the Physical World Current Events Blog!

LET'S START BLOGGING!

Your teachers, Ms. Eccleston-Banwer and Mr. Evans, are very excited to learn about new issues that YOU have discovered in the field of science! 

Even better, think of it as a chance to teach your teachers and your fellow students at the same time!