AVID September 2015

Elementary: Self-Driving Car Hits the Roads

In the graphic “Self-driving car hits public roads,” Tribune News Service explains the technology and safety of the Google Car.

Secondary: Why Do Dogs and Kids Keep Dying in Hot Cars?

In the article “Why do dogs and kids keep dying in hot cars?” Lindsay Pollard-Post informs readers of the recent increase of hot-car deaths and encourages everyone to take action.

All AVID Weekly articles, lesson plans and activities are archived monthly and are available in the following Google Folders for anyone to access and use:

Elementary

Secondary

Fishbowl Speeches

A "Fishbowl Speech" is an impromptu speech that promotes critical thinking, creativity, and structured communication "on the fly" in a short duration of time.

Set Up:

• Pre-selected topics for speeches, based on the experience and comfort level of students.
• A container to hold the topics, one topic per strip of paper.
• Timer

Instructional Steps:

• A student selects a topic from the container and reads it aloud.
• Allow a short amount of time (30 seconds - 1 minute) for the student to brainstorm the content and delivery of his or her speech.
• Provide one minute for the student to present his or her response to the topic.
• Repeat for as many students as there is time.
• Close the activity with a debrief (verbal or written).

Variations:

• Opposing Viewpoints Group Fishbowl - groups of students collaborate to develop their fishbowl speech on a viewpoint that is in opposition to the other groups.
• Multiple Perspectives Fishbowl - students deliver their speeches from the perspective of someone else (young, old, male, female, parent, soldier, lawyer, scientist, president, doctor, mathematician, musician, etc.)

*If you would like access to any of these resources and do not currently have an account on my.avid.org, contact Kelly Killorn