F.I.R.S.T. --> Finding Information, Reporting Solutions with Technology
2022-2023 Theme --> How does my daily purpose shape my future?
F.I.R.S.T. is a required one semester course for freshmen offered both semesters. I teach all three sections offered both semesters.
Each student will choose his/her own topic that fits into the theme How does my daily purpose shape my future? Students will compose a central question of a slightly-opinionated nature and 15 or more informational questions which, when answered, will lead the viewer to believe that the student’s theory (central question) is, in fact, correct. For instance, a student might have a central question that reads, “Why should more Americans drive hybrid cars?” It is clear from reading this central question what their opinion is; they think hybrids are good! However, it is now your task to convince the viewer that you are right. Students will answer informational questions to garner the evidence needed to persuade their audience, using credible sources!
Students need to be creative and choose a topic that each is passionate about. The class will spend the first 6-7 weeks of each semester researching the topic using the computer to access books, magazines, research papers, multimedia, etc. from online databases. The class will emphasize proper MLA citations. The final 11-12 weeks of each semester will be primarily the creation of each student’s website devoted to his or her topic. This will include producing several pieces of student-created multimedia including green screen movies, podcasting and slideshows. At the end of the school year, all F.I.R.S.T. students will present their findings to a group of students from 9th-11th grades (groups of 14-16 students).
Starting with the fall of 2014, the website is created using Google Sites online software after years of using iWeb. Fall of 2021: switch to the New Google Sites, after years of using Google Sites Classic.