Paul J. Gelinas JHS Library Information Center

Mrs. Cadolino's Bio-Poetry

2011-07-17T18:46:00.001-04:00

Mrs. Cadolino's 8th grade honors students created bio-poems. In this assignment, students were asked to decide "Who Interests You" in the world around us. They are to read a biography/autobiography/memoir of a person of their choice and become an "expert" them.

Catergories were chosen from:

People from history/political leaders
Literary figures
Musicians
Artists
Pop Culture
Athletes
Environmentalists
Innovators in Technology, Science, or Medicine

Spring Flower Power

2011-07-17T18:40:00.002-04:00

Spring is here! Flowers everywhere!

PJG greenhouse flowers

Interested in knowing more about plants? flowers?

Check out what the library has to offer.

1000 things you should know about plants- call# 580 Far
Flowering Plants- call# 582 Sid
Plants- call#581 Sil
Science projects about plants- call# 580 Car

Annual Science Awareness Day

2011-03-29T13:40:00.069-04:00

The Science department's held its annual Science Awareness Day on March 29th and 30th in the library.

There were 165 students participated who together created 77 projects.

VRC site of the Month: Occupational Outlook Handbook

2011-03-07T10:39:00.010-05:00

This month's featured database of the month is the "Occupational Outlook Handbook" which is published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The site provides an overview of job projections for 2008-2018. Users can search the job outlook for occupations in Management, Professional, Service Industry, Sales, Construction, Farming, Production, Transportation and the Armed Services.

See your school librarian for information on accessing the VRC.

Italian class display- Mrs. McDermott's Italian classes

2011-02-04T12:43:00.023-05:00

Mrs. McDermott's class made diorama's of Italian places. They are on display in the library.

Fantastico!

Mr. McArdle- Dinosaur Research Project

2010-12-09T12:57:00.005-05:00

Students will be researching information (physical characteristics, habitat, diet, etc.) about a specific dinosaur. The class will be given several periods in the library to allow time for their research. Internet and print resources may be utilized for the assignment. A works cited page is to be included. The school librarian, Mrs. Hatcher, will give a brief overview of resources available as well as instructions on work citation using Noodletools.

The following print resources are available in the school library:

A field guide to dinosaurs- Call # 567.9 Dix
How dinosaurs took flight- Call #567.9 Slo
Stegosaurus and other Jurassic plant eaters- Call #567.912 Coh
Tyrannosaurus Rex and other Cretaceous meat-eater- Call #567.912 Coh
Peaceful plant-eating dinosaurs- Call #567.9 Hol
Prehistoric North America: When life flourished in ancient seas- Call #563 Bla

Annual Book Fair

2010-11-04T14:31:00.005-04:00

Gelinas held it's annual book fair in the library. The event was sponsored by the PTA.

This year's popular book selections were all part of best selling series:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth (book 5 in the series) by Jeff Kinney
The Lost Hero (book 1 of the Last Olympians) by Rick Riordan
Sabotaged (book 3 of the Missing series) by Margaret Peterson Haddix

AP World History- Mr. Romero

2010-10-21T13:10:00.028-04:00

This project is designed to engage students with the dynamics of continuity and change across the three great classical civilizations. Students will learn to analyze the processes and causes involved in these continuities and changes in preparation for the AP Exam of the same topic.

Classical civilizations for this project to be covered are: China, India and the Mediterranean (Greece and Rome).

The five overarching themes to be included are:

1. Interaction between humans and the environment.

2. Development and interaction of cultures.

3. State-building, expansion, and conflict.

4. Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems.

5. Development and transformation of social structures.

Students will be given class time to utilize reference books provided by school librarian, Mrs. Hatcher.

Speak Teen Issue Research- Mrs. Palmer

2010-10-19T12:40:00.006-04:00

Students in this class have read the novel "Speak" in class. For this assignment, they will work on a research project/presentation about one of the following teen issues:

Signs and Symptoms of Teen Depression/How to Help
Bullying/Harrassment in school (Definition, Gelinas Code of Conduct, a positive message to increase awareness)
Teens and Parents: Ways to increase communication
Teen Safety: Online
Teen Saftey: Offline
Other topics that connect to novel in a relevant way

The project can be in the form of an oral presentation, pamphlet, video, Power-point, poster, skit (with screenplay), interview, or other. All projects must have MLA formated references with at least three reputable information sources listed.

Materials on online safety will be available in the school library.

Industrial Revolution Music, Art, & Lit- Mr. Worthington

2010-10-15T09:29:00.017-04:00

The music, art and literature of a society often portray important values of a culture. They act as teaching guides for the people of the community. In this project, students were responsible for researching a specific aspect of the Industrial Revolution between the years 1865-1914. Students were asked to create one of the following projects: A musical piece, an artistic representation, a play or a short story.

Examples of student work from the project:

Library materials available for research include the following items:

The History of U.S. Immigration- call #304.8 Bye
The Industrial Revolution- call #330.9 Ros
Up Before Daybreak: Cotton and People in America- call #331.7 Hop
Immigrant Children- call #305.23 Whi
You Wouldn't Want to be a Victorial Mill Worker- call #331.7 Mal
VRC database- ABC/CLIO- American History- Explore an Era

Check the Gelinas library OPAC for additional research materials or speak to Mrs. Hatcher for assistance.

Professional Reading: 100 Paid Summer Adventures for Teachers

2010-06-11T10:38:00.007-04:00

Looking for a summer adventure while getting paid?? Check out "100 Paid Summer Adventures for Teachers" by Jill Frankfort which is available in your school library.

Exerpt from book cover- Use the only summer resource guide for teachers to find the summer opportunity that is right for you. "100 Paid Summer Adventures for Teachers" has:

Opportunities for teachers of all subjects and levels
Detailed program descriptions that include requirements, application procedures, credit awards, financial support, and contact information.
Indexes organized by geography, program duration, eligibility, and credit offered.

Sample programs available:

Teacher at Sea (multiple locations, travel stipend). Through the Teacher at Sea Program, educators learn firsthand how scientists conduct research at sea by spending between one week and a month aboard one of 15 ships run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. K-16 science teachers are eligible to apply.
Presidential Academy for American History and Civics ($1,000 stipend PLUS). Participants in this program travel to Philadelphia, Gettysburg and Washington, D.C. to study the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. During the two-week program, esteemed scholars including Pulitzer Prize winners lead discussions about these critical moments in American history.....
Fund for Teachers (multiple locations, Individual grants up to $5,000, Team grants up to $7,5000). The Fund for Teachers provides financial support for teachers to pursue summer learning opportunities of their own design. Past summer pursuits have included travel to Ghana to develop a more in-depth unit of study on the country, attendance at the Teaching of Reading Institute at Columbia University, and participation in an international literacy convention in Havana. Full-time pre-K12 teachers who have at least three years of teaching experience...

Site of the Month: English Language Learner (ELL) Reference Center

2010-04-09T10:26:00.016-04:00

The English Language Learner Reference Center is designed to help students who are English language learners read article texts in English. The database has a read aloud feature that enables readers to highlight text and click to listen.

Articles are available in the following subject areas: History & Civics, Life Skills, Literature and Science. Other features include a dictionary, student worksheets, and a research guide.

VRC site of the month: Discovery Education Science

2010-03-10T10:19:00.008-05:00

Discovery Education Streaming

On March 8th, Gelinas school librarian, A. Hatcher, presented the Discovery Education Science site to the Science department. Some highlights of the presentation were:

An overview of Discovery Education Streaming

Detailed review of Discovery Science Middle school

See your school librarian for school passcode.

http://www.discoveryeducation.com/

Mr. Mutter's Science Research- Prehistoric Life

2010-01-28T17:47:00.025-05:00

Mr. Mutter's 7th grade science research class are doing research on prehistoric animals. The students have a list of animals to choose from (e.g. Trilobite, Diplodocus, Smilodon) from different prehistoric eras. They will be utilizing both print and electronic research resources for this assignment. A complete works cited page is expected. The LMS, Mrs Hatcher, will be assisting the class using the Big6 information skills format as well as noodletools for works citation.

Some available print resources:

The Complete Guide to Prehistoric Life by Tim Haines and Paul Chambers
Guide to Dinosaurs by David Lambert
The Consise Dinosaur Encyclopeida by David Burnie

Electronic resources:

See Mrs. Hatcher and/or class handout for additional resources.

Learning Standards:

IL Essentials of Learning: C1.1a, C1.1b, C.1.2b, C2.2a, C.4.1a, C4.2a, C5.1a, C5.2b, C6.2b-c

NYS-MST: 2, 4

Big6 Skills: 1-6

Diversity Day- MLK Collage by the National Honor Society

2010-01-15T10:00:00.008-05:00

Art teacher, Mike Sacco, holds a book about Martin Luther King as he poses in front of a mural created by his students. The artwork was designed as part of our school's Diversity Day celebration. Terrific!

World Religions- Mr. Worthington gr. 9

2010-01-11T10:25:00.026-05:00

Students will work in groups of 4 to research a topic on world religions from the list below. Using resources available in the library and the classroom, students will create a 3-5 minute presentation that highlights the assigned religion. Highlights are to include the key aspects and historical influence of the religion.

Topics:
A. Hinduism & Buddhism
B. Confucianism & Taoism
C. Judaism
D. Christianity
E. Islam
F. Shinto & Animism

Some available library resources:

The Encyclopedia of World Religions- Ref 200 Enc
Historical Atlas of Religions- Ref 911 Far
The Illustrated Guide to World Religions- Ref 291 Ill
Religions of the Middle East- ebook

VRC: ABC-CLIO World History/Ancient & Medieval Eras

Learning Standards:
IL Essentials of learning: A1.2a, A.1.2d, C.1.1a, C.1.2b, C2.2a-c, C3.1a,
NYS-Soc Stud. 2

Mrs. Servedio- Controversial Issues Assignment

2009-11-23T22:55:00.031-05:00

Students will write a 3 page research paper on a controversial issue of their choice. For this assignment students must use the VRC to locate journal/magazine/newspaper articles on their topic.
The paper must also be written using MLA format. Noodletools will be used. See Mrs. Hatcher for info on the VRC & Noodletools.

(image: UCLA protestors by Albert Sabate)

Learning Standards:
AASL: 1.1.5, 1.1.8, 1.2.2, 1.3.1, 1.4.2,2.14, 2.3.2, 2.4.1, 3.1.5
Big6 Skills: 1.1, 1.2, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 6.1, 6.2
NYS- MST: 2

The Odyssey Research Project- Ms. Leidahl, Mrs. Palmer

2009-11-18T17:47:00.020-05:00

For the Odyssey Research Project, students must design a storybook that tells the Creation Story of the Greeks, or the story of any specific set, pair, or individual god/goddesses, monsters, nymphs, or muses. The book must be based on original research, contain illustrations (drawn or computer generated), and written for a specific audience. All project books must have a cover page, story title, author's names, illustrations and a reference (work cited) page.

Students will be given class time in the Information Center to work on the assignment. The LMS, Mrs. Hatcher will provide instruction on using MLA style and Noodletools. There will be several checkpoints/conferences to monitor progress by Mrs. Palmer, Ms. Leidahl and Mrs. Hatcher.

Learning Standards:

AASL: 1.1.5, 1.3.1, 1.4.2, 2.1.6, 3.1.2, 3.1.4, 3.4.3
NYS-ELA: 1, 2

Big6 Skills: 1.1, 1.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2

The Big6: Information & Technology Skills for Student Achievement

2009-11-09T20:33:00.006-05:00

The Big6 is an information and technology literacy model and curriculum, implemented in thousands of schools - K through higher education. Some people call the Big6 an information problem-solving strategy because with the Big6, students are able to handle any problem, assignment, decision or task.

The Big6 Skills:

1. Task Definition
- 1.1 Define the information problem
- 1.2 Identify information needed (to solve the information problem)

2. Information Seeking Strategies
- 2.1 Determine all possible sources (brainstorm)
- 2.2 Select the best sources

3. Location and Access
- 3.1 Locate sources (intellectually and physically)
- 3.2 Find information within sources

4. Use of Information
- 4.1 Engage (e.g., read, view, hear, touch)
- 4.2 Extract relevant information

5. Synthesis
- 5.1 Organize from multiple sources
- 5.2 Present the information

6. Evaluation
- 6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness)
- 6.2 Judge the process (efficiency)

The “Big6™” is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit: www.big6.com

VRC site of the month: ABC CLIO- World History

2009-11-05T11:54:00.007-05:00

ABC-CLIO World History: Ancient & Medieval Eras allows students and staff to explore and/or analyze eras from a global perspective.

Timelines:

Pre-History: Beginnings to 1000 B.C.

Ancient Asia, 3000 B.C.- A.D. 500

Ancient Rome, 1000 B.C.- A.D. 500

The Islamic World, A.D. 600- 1500

The Americas, 3000 B.C.- A.D. 1500

Medieval Europe, A.D. 500-1500

Egypt and the Near East, 3200-500 B.C.

Ancient Greece, 2000- 30 B.C.

The Byzantine Empire and Russia, A.D. 300-1500

Africa, 3000 B.C. - A.D. 1500

Central and East Asia, A.D. 500-1500

See Mrs. Hatcher for VRC username and password.

Library Resource Scavenger Hunt- Mrs. Hatcher

2009-10-26T10:13:00.009-04:00

As part of orientation, students from 7th grade Social Studies have been coming to the Library/Information Center for a scavenger hunt of resources. The activity is designed to familiarize the students with the resources available in our library. Students were given a task card that featured a print or non-print (computer-based) item found somewhere in the library. Once a student finds his/her item they will evaluate it and discuss what they learned about the item with their classmates.

Learning Standards:

AASL: 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.2.6, 3.2.1, 4.4.2

Big6: 1.1, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2

Technology dept.- Pumpk'n Chunk'n Trebuchet

2009-10-23T13:46:00.005-04:00

Good Day Everyone,

We just wanted to extend a thank you for everyone’s support on last Friday’s Pumpk’n Chunk’n Event. The response from students, staff, and administration alike were inspiring to the event. It was nice to see so many familiar faces in the media via Newsday, News12, Fios1, TV55 and our own district newsletter (Thanks to Jen Finn). Together the entire staff of Gelinas created an event that students will remember for years to come and solidified our rank in their educational experience.

The record toss of a 4lb pumpkin over 221 feet was either set by Mr. Hueber or our Superintendent Mr. Webster (whom ever buys us lunch first). Now that's honey turkey, on a wrap; just kidding. In all seriousness Mr. Hueber and Mr. Santana deserve a direct thank you for not only allowing us to hold the event, but also for allocating the funding to construct the trebuchet. Maybe next year we’ll even let Mr. Mutter fire the trebuchet again.

While we had plenty of fun with this oversized visual aid, it helped students to understand:
Trajectory
Apogee
Range
1st 2nd and 3rd Class Levers
Counterweight
Centrifugal Force
Potential and Kinetic Energy

Thank you all for taking classroom time out of your day and wagering your cars in the parking lot.

Sincerely,
The Gelinas Technology Department

Available Library Resources:

- The Art of the Catapult: build Greek Ballistae, Roman onagers, English trebuchets, and more ancient artillery by William Gurstelle.

-Levers, Wheels and Pulleys by John Farndon

- Levers by David Glover

VRC site of the Month: Custom Newspapers

2009-10-06T09:17:00.005-04:00

Custom Newspapers is a great site to use for news information. It contains 150 national and international newspapers with full text articles going back to 1980. This database is updated daily. You can search by subject and keyword. Citation information for each article is included.

See Mrs. Hatcher for your username and password to access the VRC.

Mrs. DiLorenzo- Art Tribal Portraits

2009-09-16T09:17:00.019-04:00

Assignment: Students are asked to depict themselves as a member of a tribe in which they are actually not a member of. They will work from digital photographs of themselves along with images that are taken from actual tribes, such as the Masai, Zulus, etc. They will research the adornments, hairstyles, tatoos, etc. of the tribes they wish to identify with and incorporate these looks into their own drawings. In a sense they will become a "member" of that tribe.

The class will spend some time in the Library Information Center to gather research information for the project. Mrs. Hatcher will provide an introduction on available resources.

Library Information Center- Suggested Resources:

Google images

VRC> Grolier Multimedia online

VRC> World Atlas

Keyword terms to use along with tribal group name:

people
culture
tribe
customs

Learning Standards:

AASL: 1.1.1, 2.1.1, 2.2.1, 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 3.3.4, 3.4.2, 4.4.5

NYS: Art 3

Weiner/Schuchman- Women in Science & Engineering

2009-09-16T08:39:00.013-04:00

Assignment: Try this with your friends, siblings or parents: ask them to draw a picture of a scientist. Unfortunately, the people you ask are most likely to draw a picture of a male. Now ask the same people to name one famous female scientist. You will most likely discover that people will find it hard to name one.

It is your duty as a fellow scientist to learn about these individuals and their contributions to science and engineering. Working with a partner, you will research and write about one female scientist in an effort to enlighten your classmates, friends, family and your teacher.

Review your class handout for assignment requirements and a list of women in science and engineering.

The class will spend several days in the Library Information Center. Mrs. Hatcher will have a list of available resources. In addition, a selection of reference materials will be placed on a cart for student use.

Library Information Center Resources: (More titles available in the library)

American women of science- Call #920 Cam

Dignifying science: stories about women scientists- call #920 Ott PB

Extraordinary women in medicine- Call #920 Sti

Women inventors and their discoveries- Call #920 Var

Hidden from history: the lives of eight American women scientists- Call #920 Zac PB

World Book's biographical encyclopedia of scientists-Call #Ref 509.2 Wor

Notable women scientists- Call # Ref 920 Ref

A to Z of women in science and math- Call # Ref 920 You

Learning Standards:

AASL: 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 3.1.2, 2.2.1, 3.2.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.3, 1.4.1, 1.4.3, 1.4.4

NYS-MST 4

Mrs. DiLorenzo- Art Book Review

2009-05-28T08:42:00.007-04:00

I recently was able to get some great ideas from the book "Alter This: Radical Ideas for Transforming Books into Art". Finding projects that students relate to is a difficult task at times. This book really gives you some great instruction on how to create projects that are truly unique and interesting to the students. Not only are the directions clear but the book also offers visual aids to help you. While flipping through the pages, I was able to use one of the ideas in the book, and applied it to a line design project I do with 8th grade. The project came out great!

Stefanie DiLorenzo/Art teacher

Mr. Worthington- Decades Assignment

2009-05-11T14:01:00.011-04:00

As part of this group assignment students will focus on one of the decades from the lst half of the 20th century. Each group will have 10 minutes to give the class a feel for the decade. The focus should be on political, economic and social aspects of the decade, as well as key cultural and scientific achievements of the era.

Suggested topics but not limited to:

1950's- Civil Rights Movements, Korean War, McCarthyism, etc.
1960's- Malcolm X, Berlin, JFK Assassination, Beatlemania, etc.
1970's- President Nixon, Watergate, Detente, Hostage Crisis (Iran)
1980's- President Reagan, Sandra Day O'Connor, Moral Majority, etc.
1990's- President Bush, Global Warming, NAFTA, Waco, Texas, etc.

See Assignment sheet for additional topics

Students will have time in the Library Information Center to work on the project.

Library Information Center Materials:

General Information on Decades:

Our American Century- REF 973.923 Tur
American Decades 1970-1979- REF 973.92 Am
The 20th Century- REF 909.82 Dow

Specific Topics: Use Search Plus to find individual topics such as Korean War, Global Warming, AIDS, etc.

VRC sites:

ABC CLIO- American History
ABC CLIO- World History/Modern
World Book Online

Information Literacy Standards:

Skills: 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.1.9, 3.1.2, 3.1.4

Dispositions in Action: 1.2.2, 1.2.3, 2.2.4, 3.2.1, 3.2.2

Responsibilities: 1.3.2, 1.3.4, 2.3.1

Self-Assessment Strategies: 3.4.2, 3.4.3

Mr. Daguerre- Everyday Science Project

2009-05-11T09:39:00.018-04:00

For this 4th quarter assignment students must create a poster, PowerPoint presentation, and a 1 page summary about an everyday science topic. Rubric points will be given for research/content, visual presentation, oral presentation and a summary paper. Students must show that they are experts on their topic.

Some possible topics are:

Physics of Music
Chemistry of Cosmetics
Physics of Amusement Parks
Precious Metals and Gems/Jewelry
Chemistry of Art (Paints)
Engineering of Aircraft
Invasive Species

For the research/content component, students are to gather information from a variety of quality electronic and print sources. Sources should be balanced and relevant. In addition, a work cited page should be included.

The Library Information Center has the following materials available for this assignment:

The Way Things Work by David Macaulay
The New Way Things Work by David Macaulay
Cool Stuff 2.0 and how it works by Chris Woodford
Cool Stuff Exploded: Get Inside Modern Technology by Chris Woodford
National Graphic Book of Inventions by Ian Harrison

In addition, students are able to utilize Search Plus for print materials on a variety of subjects.

Information Literacy Standards:

Skills: 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.7, 2.1.2, 3.1.1, 3.1.4

Dispositions in Action: 1.2.1, 1.2.2,1.2.6, 2.1.2, 3.2.1

Responsibilities: 1.3.1,1.3.4

Self-Assessment Strategies: 1.4.1, 1.4.3, 1.4.4

VRC Site of the Month- World Book Online

2009-05-04T09:10:00.006-04:00

World Book Online: The premier online reference source containing every article from the 22 volume encyclopedia print set plus thousands more.

Ways you can search @ World Book Online:

IMAGES & VIDEOS:
By title
Atlas
CONTENT:
By subject
Alphabetically
Dictionary

The site also includes research tools, access to a Spanish version, a biography center, quizzes & activities, and a featured video of the day.

Mr. Worthington- AP World Art Assignment

2009-04-20T14:15:00.010-04:00

The music, art and literature of a society can provide important insights into the culture of a group of people.

For this assignment AP World history students must complete two separate tasks.

Task One: Find two examples of artwork from the same historical era, but from different geopolitical regions. (For example- Italy 1500 CE and China 1500 CE) Each piece of Art must be put into its historical context. Students must then describe how each piece of art is reflective of the society its from. They must also make any relevant comparisons and contrasts that are apparent in the two pieces. All selected artwork must be photocopied.

Task Two: Find two examples of artwork from the same geographic region, but from different historical eras. (For example- Rome 50 BCE and Florence 1450) Students must then put each piece of art into its historical context and analyze them. Also, they must discuss how change over time is reflected in the artwork.

Available Library Information Center materials:

Art of the Far East
Art of the Early Middle Ages
Renaissance and Mannerist Art
Pre-Columbian Art and later...
The Art of the Renaissance
The Horizon Book of Great Cathedrals
Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture of Ancient Egypt
Spain: A History in Art

Students can search for additional titles using the OPAC or by consulting with Mrs. Hatcher.

Information Literacy Standards:

Skills: 1.1.4, 1.1.6

Dispositions in action: 1.2.6, 2.2.3

Responsibilities: 2.3.2

Self-Assessment Strategies: 2.4.2,

VRC Site of the Month- TeachingBooks.Net

2009-04-03T11:27:00.004-04:00

WHAT IS TEACHINGBOOKS.NET?TeachingBooks.net is an easy-to-use website that is dedicated to adding a multimedia dimension to everyone's reading experiences of children's and young adult books. TeachingBooks.net strives for all teachers, librarians, students, and families to use today's online technologies to meet and learn from the author when reading his or her book.
TeachingBooks.net contains thousands of resources about fiction and nonfiction books that are used in K–12 environments, including:

-Movies of authors being interviewed in their studios
-Authors introducing and reading their books
-Stimulating book discussion and activity guides
-Authors saying their names ... and much more!

To use TeachingBooks.net, just search on a title or author of interest, and find materials that will enliven and add depth to discussions, lesson planning, and reading experiences. Additionally, the purple "Browse" bar on the bottom of the home page quickly identifies resources pertaining to specific grade levels and curricular areas.

Learn more by watching TeachingBooks.net video training sessions: http://teachingbooks.net/webinars

Questions? Please ask. We look forward to sharing author programs and K–12 book resources with you.

Nick Glass Founder & Principal TeachingBooks.net (800) 596-0710 nick@TeachingBooks.net

Mr. Mutter- Science Research- Volcanoes of the World

2009-04-01T14:21:00.011-04:00

Students are researching volcanoes of the world from a select list provided by Mr. Mutter. For this research students will work in groups and answer questions from a volcano information handout. The information will then be compiled into a Powerpoint presentation using images and graphics that tells the story of the group's volcano. The class will utilize the Library Information Center and Ms. Hatcher will provide instruction in Work Citation.

Some suggested volcano websites:

USGS Volcano Hazard Site: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/
Volcano World: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vw.html
Volcano Live: http://www.volcanolive.com/
Discovery Channel Volcanoes: http://www.exn.ca/volcanoes/home/cfm

Information Literacy Standards:

Skills: 1.1.4, 1.1.9, 3.1.4
Dispositions in action: 1.2.2, 3.3.1
Responsibilities: 1.3.3, 3.3.1
Self Assessment Strategies: 1.4.2, 1.4.4, 3.4.2

Ms. Leidahl- 8H- Independent Reading-Multicultural fiction

2009-03-19T13:43:00.019-04:00

For this assignment students are asked to choose a book from a multicultural fiction list. A list is available from the LMS, Ms. Hatcher. The students must write a 2 page critique following the guidelines of critique components and reader connection. In addition, the students will visit the Library Information Center for a booktalk session with Mrs. Hatcher and a review of the book selection list.

Some of the booktalk titles:

The Trap by John Smelcer- Native Amer. Literature

Heaven by Angela Johnson- African Amer. Literature

Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan- Latino Amer. Literature

Kira-Kira- by Cynthia Kadohata- Asian Amer. Literature

Shabanu Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Staples- Islamic Culture Literature

When I Dream of Heaven: Angelina's Story by Steven Kroll- Italian Amer. Literature

Information Literacy Standards:

Skills: 3.1.1, 3.1.3, 4.1.2, 4.1.3

Disposition: 4.2.2

Responsibility: 2.3.1, 2.3.2

Self-Assessment: 2.4.1

Science Awareness Fair

2009-03-18T08:35:00.136-04:00

On March 17 and 18th, the Gelinas Junior High School Library was transformed into a showcase for scientific research at the school’s annual Science Awareness Day. The science fair provided students a non-competitive environment in which to display their work. Topics spanned the scientific disciplines. Many of the students who participated in the event are enrolled in the school’s science research classes, a unique program to be offered at the junior high/middle school level. Over 220 students from Gelinas participated, and some will also present their work at the regional Long Island Science Congress next month. Students from Ward Melville High School’s InStar® research program and Stony Brook University’s Science Education program served as evaluators for the projects.

Information Center Resources for Science Fair projects:

Sensational Science Projects with Simple Machines by R. Gardner
Chemistry Science Fair Projects using French Fries, Gumdrops, Soap, and Other Organic Stuff by R. Gardner
Sports Science Projects: The Physics of Balls in Motion by Madeline Goodstein
Science Projects about Tempature and Heat by R. Gardner & Eric Kemer
More Science Projects for All Students by Facts on File
Electricity and Magnetism Science Fair Projects.. by R. Gardner
Simple Earth Science Experiments with Everyday Materials by Louis Loesching
Science Projects about Kitchen Chemistry by R. Gardner
And many more.........................

Global Languages Week

2009-03-06T13:58:00.017-05:00

Global Language Week is a good time to come in and explore the world around us through the library Information Center's collection.

New materials have recently been added that reflect a multitude of different cultures.

The Arts in Spain by John Moffitt

Asian Dance by Janet Descutner

Italian Dictionary for Beginners by H. Davies

The Oxford New Italian Dictionary

Art & Architecture of China by Sheila Holihan-Elliot

Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women

African and Asian Dance by Andrew Solway

Cooking the North African Way by Mary Winget

Teens in Mexico by Brian Baumgart

Latino Americans in Sports, Film, Music, & Government by J. Limon

Want to borrow one of these titles?

Go to Gelinas Library Online Catalog located on this blog.

VRC Site of the Month: CultureGrams

2009-03-05T11:32:00.016-05:00

CultureGrams has information on cultures of 182 countries and territories, maps, statistics, glossary and 50 US states with timelines.

Did you know . . . that Iceland has more internet users per capita than any other country? That Cambodia consumes the least electricity? Or that the United States is the global imports leader? Discover 50 of the world’s statistical extremes in CultureGrams Graphs and tables.

Click the picture above to get to the VRC and Culturegrams

Mrs. Hatcher- 7th gr. Cyber Bullying Discussion

2009-03-05T11:09:00.019-05:00

Bullying is not just on the playground any more! Cyberbullying is a form of bullying in which the perpetrator chooses to torment his or her victim through a technological device (Cell phones and Computers)

Seventh grade Health classes have been visiting the Library Information Center for an ISAFE presentation on Cyberbullying with Mrs. Hatcher. The presentation included a discussion of recent news about "Facebook" regarding a cyberbullying lawsuit against the site, as well as recent
issues with "MySpace." Students also viewed a video called "Seven Ways to Block a Cyberbully" and completed its accompanying activity sheet.

For more information on this topic go to www.ConnectSafely.org or www.GetNetWise.org

Rachel's Challenge- Inspiring Stories

2009-02-26T14:24:00.008-05:00

A display was created as part of the Rachel's Challenge activity in order to encourage everyone to read inspiring stories.

Love Your Library Week

2009-02-12T14:22:00.006-05:00

"Love Your Library Week" celebration. There were raffles of prizes, treats, themed bookmarks and a special book fair sponsored by the PTA.
It was a lot of fun! We are looking forward to doing it again next year.

Faculty Book Presentation

2009-02-04T11:40:00.008-05:00

April Hatcher showcasing one of the new books presented at the February faculty meeting. The new collection of books include curriculum support materials for the various subject areas. There is also an updated Professional collection.

Some new titles in our library collection:

Building Big by David Macaulay- Technology dept.
Celtic Art by R. & V. Megaw- Art dept.
The Biography of Chocolate by Adrianna Morganelli- FACS dept.
Italian Dictionary for Beginners by H. Davies- Global Languages dept.
New Views of the Solar System by Comptons Britannica- Science dept.
Say No and Go: Stranger Safety by Jill Donahue- Special Ed dept.
Profiles in Mathematics: Anicent Mathematicians by Rod Staeger- Math dept.
Sports Technology by Ron Fridell- Physical Ed. dept.

Some new titles in the Professional Collection:

40 Ways to Support Struggling Readers in Content Classrooms, gr. 6-12
Thinking Like Mathematicians: Putting the NCTM Standards into Practice
101 Answers for New Teachers and their Mentors
Caught Ya! Grammar with a Giggle for Middle School
50 Graphic Organizers for Reading, Writing & More
Statistics without Tears: A Primer for Non-Mathematicians
55 Teaching Dilemmas
20 Ideas for Teaching Gifted Kids in the Middle School & High School

Mrs. Hatcher- 8th gr.- ISAFE Personal Online Safety

2009-02-04T10:21:00.017-05:00

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8th grade students at Gelinas attended a workshop on ISAFE Personal Online Safety with Mrs. Hatcher. There was a brief discussion of recent news concerning online safety issues with Facebook, MySpace, etc.

In addition, students worked on a class activity in which they were divided into 5 "expert" groups. Each group represented an area of Internet safety such as "Privacy Online", "Safety Resources", and "Online Interaction". Each group had to share at least two rules about online safety with their classmates.

Library Information Center Resources on Internet Safety:

Books:

Safe surfing on the Internet by Art Wolinsky- 004.67 Wol
MySpace Safety: 51Tips for Teens and Parents by K. Farnmham- 004.67
Everything you need to know about staying safe in Cyberspace- J. Croft- E025.04 Cro
Online social networking by Sylvia Engdahl, ed. - 004.67 Onl

Websites:

http://www.isafe.org/

http://www.netsmartz.org/

http://www.wiredsafety.org/youth.html

Ms. Schwartz- 9th gr. Research Paper

2009-01-26T11:07:00.014-05:00

Students will write a research paper that presents and interprets information gathered through the extensive study of a subject. The paper is due in stages (thesis, preliminary bibliography, Note Cards, Outline, Final paper). Ms. Scwhartz will guide students through the different stages.

Research Paper Topics:

Go green: environmentalism
Gun Control
Civil rights
Book censorship
Women's rights
Animal rights
Ethics and professional sports
cloning

Students will visit the school library where they will have the opportunity to peruse books on the above named subjects. It is there that they will narrow the area of study and identify an open-ended question to answer for the research.

The LMS, Mrs. Hatcher, will also work with the classes during various stages of the research process. There will be a discussion on the VRC databases pertinent to the topics of study as well as proper work citation style.

Recommended Resources:

VRC- SIRS Discoverer
VRC-Topic Search

Use Search Plus to find books on a particular subject. Books will be held on a cart in the Information Center.

Example: Global Warming

Information Literacy Standards:

Skills: 1.1.5, 1.1.7, 1.1.8, 2.1.2, 3.1.5

Disposition: 1.2.1, 1.2.5, 1.2.6

Responsibility: 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 3.3.2

Self Assessment Strategy: 1.4.2, 1.4.3

Mrs. Hatcher- 7th gr. ISAFE Internet Safety

2009-01-09T09:04:00.004-05:00

This week 7th grade Social Studies classes have been coming to the Information Center for a ISAFE presentation on Internet Safety by Mrs. Hatcher.

Internet Safety Topic: Predator Alertness

Students need to:

Understand the need for being safe in the cyber community - just like your physical community.

Understand how predators typically approach kids and teens online.

Understand the importance of refusing inappropriate advances.

Know how to Report suspicious activities that you encounter on the Internet.

The activity included a powerpoint presentation with class discussion followed by a short video.

Students also received a handout of safety tips.

Mrs. Waldbauer- 8th gr.- Independent Reading

2009-01-08T10:11:00.008-05:00

Mrs. Waldbauer's classes came to the Library Information Center for an independent reading assignment. Students were given a book talk on a variety of genre titles by the Information Specialist, Mrs. Hatcher.

Students listened to book talks on the following titles:

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
Hoot by Carl Hiassen
No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman
Roughnecks by Thomas Cochran
Ashes of Roses by Mary Jane Auch
Surviving the Applewhites by Stehpanie Tolan
Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan
Crispin: the Cross of Lead by Avi

21st-Century Information Literacy Standard(s):

Skills: 4.1.1, 4.1.2., 4.1.3., 4.1.5

Dispositions: 4.2.4

Responsibilities: 2.3.1, 2.3.2

Self-Assessment Strategies: 4.4.1, 4.4.2, 4.4.6

VRC Site of the Month: Health & Wellness Resource

2009-01-06T11:21:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year! Like many people, you may have made a resolution to get healthy in the new year. Check out the Health & Wellness Resource site on the VRC.

The site contains magazines, journals, newspapers, definitions, directories, and information on: Fitness, Pregnancy, Medicine, Nutrition, Diseases, Public Health, Occupational Health and Safety, Alcohol and Drug abuse, Prescription Drugs, Herbal remedies, and alternative or complementary treatments.

Mr. Worthington- 8th gr. Comparing & Constrasting Presidents

2008-12-23T11:10:00.005-05:00

President Roosevelt is considered, by many historians, to be one of the greatest presidents the United States has ever had. For this assignment, students will compare and contrast Teddy Roosevelt's presidency with that of another prominet president such as John F. Kennedy, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, etc.

Factors to consider are:

The role of the U.S. in world during the individual's presidency.
Leadership qualities of the person
Domestic iniatives
Economic climate of the country
General outlook of the country
Intangibles

Students will be conducting research in the Library Information Center.

Available Resources include:

The Complete Book of U.S. Resources- REF DeG.
Current Biography- 921 Bio
SIRS Discoverer- See Notable People section

Information Literacy Standards:

Standard 2-The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively.

Matrix Helps Students Weigh Internet Research

2008-12-19T12:05:00.008-05:00

eSchool News Report:

For anyone doing research online, the abundance of information available can be overwhelming--and so can the task of sifting out unreliable information. Now, a pair of researchers hopes to give students a method for assessing the reliability of material they find on the internet, whether it's in Wikipedia articles, YouTube videos, or blogs.

In a paper they recently presented at a teaching symposium, English professor Susan Miller-Cochran (North Carolina State U.) and Rochelle Rodrigo (Mesa Community College in Arizona), suggest that students be given a sort of checklist to explore as they consider online--and offline--texts.

The two main questions they encourage students to ask are: How does the information change over time--is it constantly updated and revised, or static? And, how has the information been reviewed?

The professors' published guideline is formatted as a matrix of questions aimed at helping students decipher what should be used in a research project and what should be ignored. The guide asks if sources are "continuously changeable through repeat performances or revisions," "reviewed by someone with authority or certification prior to publication," and "published and revised by the author." It also prompts students to question if the material was reviewed by other experts in the same profession.

Often, as in the case of Wikipedia, which has elements of peer review as well as self-publication, the answers can get murky. But Miller-Cochran says the end goal is for students to learn how to analyze texts without "pigeonholing the material based on where it was found."

*Although today's students are much more likely to begin their research online, Miller-Cochran said students still often perceive the articles, charts, and data found in books as more authoritative than online information.

VRC Site of the Month: SIRS Discoverer

2008-12-15T12:02:00.005-05:00

SIRS Discoverer:
This site contains full-text articles and images from thousands of domestic and international publications appropriate for grades 1-9. It includes access to Current Events, World Almanac for Kids, Thesaurus, Dictionary, Encyclopedia, Maps of the World and an Educators' Resources.

You can also browse the following subjects:

Animals
Arts
Cultures
Countries
Environment
Health & Human Body
History & Government
Notable People
Science
Social Issues
Sports
Technology

Mr. Mutter- 8th gr.- The Science in Science Fiction

2008-12-11T13:32:00.008-05:00

Students will select a science fiction novel from a pre-approved list. They will then conduct research and prepare a paper that separates science fiction from current science and examines the possibility for the future based on science trends. Ideas in the paper must be supported by scientific data and a minimum of 5 resources (including at least 2 book/periodical resources) must be cited.

Ms. Hatcher (LMS) will be working with the students on work citation and research sources throughout the project.

Information Literacy Standard(s):

Standard 1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively.

Mrs. Cadolino- 8th gr. Flowers for Algernon

2008-12-10T14:28:00.006-05:00

Mrs. Cadolino's class is researching the pros and cons of animal testing as part of an assignment for the book "Flowers for Algernon." Ms. Hatcher (LMS) instructed the class in the use of following VRC databases: SIRS Discoverer and the Science Reference Center.

Suggested search terms for the assignment:

Cosmetic testing
Animal testing
Cosmetics industry
Animal experimentation
Commercial testing

Information Literacy Standard(s):

Standard 2: The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently.
Standard 9: The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and participates effectively in groups to pursue and generate information.

New Fiction Titles

2008-11-30T22:00:00.006-05:00

New fiction books are in!!

Some available titles are:

Adventure:

Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz

Contemporary:

Three Days by Donna Jo Napoli
The Unmaking of Duncan Veerick
Small Steps by Sachar
Stranded in Boringsville by Catherine Bateson

Fantasy:

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini
The Seer and the Sword by Victoria Hanley
Fire Arrow by Edith Pattou
The Wizard's Dilemna by Diane Duane
Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde
Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Historical Fiction:

The Tears of the Salamander by Peter Dickinson
Hush: An Irish Princess Tale by Donna Jo Napoli
Dragon's Gate by Laurence Yep

Multicultural Fiction:

Kampung Boy by Lat
Bound by Donna Jo Napoli
Parvana's Journey by Deborah Ellis

Science Fiction:

The Secret Under My Skin by Janet McNaughton

Short Stories:

The Midnight Library by Damien Graves

Information Literacy Standards:

Standard 5: The student who is an independant learner is information literate and appreciates literature and other creative expressions of information.

3 Apples Teen Book Award

2008-11-25T14:10:00.022-05:00

The 3 Apples Teen Choice Book Award finalists have been announced and the list is now available at the Gelinas Library Information Center.

The award has been developed to encourage the joy of reading for pleasure, and to give teens of N.Y. State the opportunity to participate in honoring their favorite books. Each year teens in grades 7-12 nominate their favorite book, creating a statewide ballot of fifteen of the most popular titles.

For more information about the 3 Apples Book Award, please visit the website: www.3applesbookaward.org/teens

Visit your local public or school library between November 2008 and April 2009 to borrow books from the list of nominees.

National Book Awards Announced

2008-11-20T14:25:00.008-05:00

The National Book Awards for 2008 have been announced.

This year's winners are:

Fiction: Peter Matthiessen won for "Shadow Country"

Non-Fiction: Annette Gordon-Reed won for "The Hemingses of Monticello"

Poetry: Mark Doty won for "Fire to Fire: New and Collected Poems"

YA Literature: Judy Blundell won for "What I Saw and How I lied"

You can listen to the authors read excerpts from the books by clicking on the book titles.

For more information. Visit http://www.nationalbook.org/

VRC Site of the Month: Soundzabound

2008-11-10T09:16:00.014-05:00

Royalty Free Music by Soundzabound is background audio for Power Point, video productions, plays, morning news shows, and other multi media presentations.

Available sound clips include:

Audio for Podcasts

Classical

Cultural

Dance

Decades of Music

Hip-Hop/Urban

Jazz

TV & Movie

Rock

Ms. Meek 9th gr.- "To Kill A Mockingbird" Research

2008-11-04T14:22:00.009-05:00

Ms. Meek's classes are researching the following topics:

Harper Lee
Truman Capote
Segregation Laws and Race Relations in the 1930's
Scottsboro 9 and the Trial
History of lynching in the U.S.

Students must find relevant information that is biographical, historical, informational and visual. They must also include a "Works Cited" that reflects the final research material.

Information Center materials available include the following:

Great American Writers- Ref 810.9

Reference Library of Black America- Ref 301.451

Encyclopedia of Civil Rights- Ref 323.1

As well as use of the VRC (Literature Resource Center, ABC-CLIO American History)

Information Literacy Standards:

Standard 5: The student who is an independent learner is information literate and appreciates literature and other creative expressions of information.

Standard 8: The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and practices ethical behavior in regard to information and information technology.

Ms. Leidahl: 7th gr. Newbery Award Book Report

2008-10-29T14:29:00.010-04:00

Ms. Leidahl's classes are working on a "Road-Map Book Report" using Newbery Award & Honor books. Students will create a timeline in the shape of a roadmap which will show important events from their chosen book. For part of the assignment, students visited the information center where Mrs. Hatcher gave a talk about the award's history. Newbery themed bookmarks and bibliographies were distributed to the class following the talk.

A few Newbery Titles:

Crispin: the Cross of Lead by Avi
Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis
Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff

Information Literacy Standard:

Standard 5: The student who is an independent learner is information literate and appreciates literature and other creative expressions of information.

Daguerre/Gerber 8th gr. Famous Women Scientists Report

2008-10-28T14:15:00.008-04:00

Mr. Daguerre and Ms. Gerber's classes are conducting research on famous women scientists. Students have been assigned a famous scientist and must create a poster or artifact from research.

The research report must include a least three sources of information of which one must be a book or encyclopedia. In addition, students must include a Work Citation page. Students have been utilizing the Library Information Center resources to complete the project.

Information Sources Available:

Notable Women Scientists
Extroadinary Women of Medicine
American Women of Science
Biography Section 921

Information Literacy Standards:

Standard 1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively.

Standard 2: The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently.

Mr. Wormuth- 7th Gr. Health Research

2008-10-27T14:11:00.013-04:00

Mr. Wormuth's 7th grade class is creating webpages and powerpoints for the health research topic "The Real Scoop on Tobacco". Students must organize and record all information and activities throughout the project. Mrs. Hatcher will instruct students in the use of the VRC's SIRS Discoverer for topic information. In addition, students will learn how to incorporate sound effects into their projects
using the Soundzabound Royalty Free Music for Schools.

Information Literacy Standards:

Standard 3: The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively.

Library Information Center Orientation- 7th Grade

2008-10-16T14:11:00.011-04:00

Ms. D'Eletto's class visits the Information Center as part of the annual 7th grade orientation conducted by the Library Media Specialist, Mrs. Hatcher. The orientation consists of a review of Information Center policies, available services and resources. The students are also given a tour of the facility. The session ends with a Library Jeopardy game.

Internet Safety: Cyber Security Awareness

2008-10-15T13:37:00.009-04:00

The Internet is supposed to make our lives better, and for most of us, that's exactly what it does. October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and it's a good time to take a look how our online behaviors may be putting us in harm's way. By following a few common sense tips, you can make the most out of your Internet experience, while protecting you and your family from online threats.

For tips on staying safe online visit staysafeonline.org

Virtual Reference Collection

2008-09-25T10:42:00.008-04:00

Paul J. Gelinas JHS subscribes annually to a Virtual Reference Collection (VRC) & Digital Media Library. The VRC contains a wealth of information in a database collection of newspapers, magazines, enyclopedias, e-books, etc.

Some examples of the VRC include the following:

Science Reference Center
New York State newspapers
World Atlas
CultureGrams
Ebsco Animals
TeachingBooks (Student & Teacher edition)
Health & Wellness Resource Center
Twayne's Author Series
ERIC
Soundzabound Royalty Free Music for schools

And many more subject area resources.........

Mr. Vorwald's Hurricane Project- 8th grade Science

2008-09-25T09:22:00.009-04:00

Hurricane Project

Students will learn about hurricane classification, tracks, and emergency preparedness. Using Information Center resources (Books, Magazines, Internet sites) students will research hurricanes in order to answer a set of questions. All resources used will need to cited or referenced using in-text citations. Students will receive instruction from Mrs. Hatcher, the school Information Specialist, in the proper MLA style technique for work citation.

Information Resources

Websites:

www.fema.gov/hazards/hurricanes/hurricaf.shtm

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

http://fermi.jhuapl.edu/hurr/index.html

VRC:

-Science Reference Center

-Custom Newspapers (for the latest information on hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike)

Print Materials:

-Encyclopedias

-Magazines such as Time & Newsweek

Summertime Reading for Teachers & Parents

2008-07-31T07:51:00.004-04:00

Looking for a good vacation read?

Check out these titles from the NY Times best sellers list.

Hardcover Fiction:

1. TRIBUTE, by Nora Roberts

2. THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE, by David Wroblewski

3. RULES OF DECEPTION, by Christopher Reich

4. THE HOST, by Stephenie Meyer

5. THE LAST PATRIOT, by Brad Thor

Paperback Fiction: Great to take to the beach or on the airplane

1. STEP ON A CRACK, by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

2. DOUBLE TAKE, by Catherine Coulter

3. LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN, by Janet Evanovich

4. THE NAVIGATOR, by Clive Cussler with Paul Kemprecos

5. THE WHEEL OF DARKNESS, by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Paperback Non-Fiction:

1. THREE CUPS OF TEA, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

2. EAT, PRAY, LOVE, by Elizabeth Gilbert

3. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch with Jeff Zaslow

4. WISDOM OF OUR FATHERS, by Tim Russert

5. THE AUDACITY OF HOPE, by Barack Obama

ENJOY!!

2008-03-19T10:39:00.001-04:00

Check Out The New Spring Arrivals Joining Our Library Collection

Realistic Fiction:
Eggs by Jerry Spinelli
Sand Dollar Summer by Kimberly K. Jones
Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen
Undercover by Beth Kephart
Zen and the Art of Faking it by Jordan Sonnenblick
Leap Day by Wendy Mass
I Conquer Britain by Dyan Sheldon
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga
Right Behind You by Gail Giles

Historical Fiction:
Run, Boy, Run by Uri Orlev
Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell
Singing Hands by Delia Ray
A Drowned Maiden’s Hair: A Melodrama by Laura Amy Schlitz
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt
Runner by Robert Newton

Multicultural:
Bearwalker by Joseph Bruchac
Quicksand Pony by Alison Lester
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Standing Against the Wind by Traci L. Jones
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr
Zia by Scott O’Dell
Camel Rider by Prue Mason

Science Fiction:
Dark Ground #3: The Nightmare Game by Gillian Cross
The Secret Under My Skin by Janet Mcnaughton
Epic by Conor Kostick

Fantasy:
Darkwing by Kenneth Oppel

Horror:
Eighth Grade Bites (Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, Book 1) by Heather Brewer

Humanities Project- Children's Book

2008-03-06T07:51:00.006-05:00

Over the next few weeks, 8th grade Social Studies students will work with a partner to create a children's book that incorporates a topic from American History. This will be a combined English/History project and it is expected that students will include thematic aspects from each discipline in the creation of their story.

Requirements:

1. The book must have an original story that is written from an audience between the ages of nine and sixteen (4th-10th grade). The students need to select an age group and write for it. A book for a fifth grader will have language and visuals that are different from a book for a tenth grader.

2. The book should include illustrations to enhance the story. These may be drawn or cut out (magzines, clip art, etc.)

3. The book should have a cover that includes the story title, author's name(s) and an illustration.

4. The story should be creative and based on an original idea. It also needs to incoporate a theme or topic from American History. Possible suggestions include:

American culture and holidays

Immigration

Civil Rights Movement

Heroes from American History

Key Eras (Progressive Era, Roaring Twenties, Great Depression, etc.)

5. The book must reflect Literary Elements as dicussed in English Class (i.e. plot structure, descriptive language, characterization/setting, proper dialogue format).

6. Students will receive a grade for their English class as well as your history class for this assignment.

Note: 1. The story should be 10-12 pages long. 2. Once a topic is selected, it will need to be approved. 3. Time will be set aside in both English and History classes to work on the assignment.

Also, it is a good idea to create a rough draft before you move on to a finished product.

Library Information Resources for this Project:

VRC (Virtual Reference Collection) is available. (The Teaching Books link has examples of children's book creation by various authors.

In addition students can utilize various encyclopedias and magazines/newspapers for historical information.)

Work Citation format sheets are available at the circulation desk if needed.

Noodle Tool accounts can be utilized. See Ms. Hatcher for assistance.

Various information on American History can be found in 900's section of the library book shelves.

Researchers Link Higher Test Scores with Certified Librarians in Schools

2008-02-29T11:45:00.004-05:00

New York state schools with certified librarians have higher scores on average on the fourth-grade ELA test than those who don't, according to findings of researchers Ruth Small and others at Syracuse University. This preliminary report reaffirms what 19 other state studies have shown, that school libraries staffed by cerfified librarians and equipped with current books and technology can have a positive impact on student academic achievement, says Michael Borges, executive director of the New York Library Association.

Mr. Worthington- Music, Art and Literature of the Postclassical World

2008-02-11T12:39:00.000-05:00

The music, art and literature of a group of people often portray important values of a culture. They act as teaching guides for the people of a community. For this project, students are to research a specific aspect of the postclassical era.

Areas of focus: (500CE-1450 CE)
- Rise and Spread of Islam - African Kingdoms( Ghana, Mali and Songhay) (966.2)
- Byzantine Empire (949.5) - Mesoamerican Civilizations (Inca, Mayan and Aztec)
- Middle Ages in Europe (909.07) - Tang and Song Dynasties in China (509.51)
- Impact of Islam on India - Rise of the mongols (921 Kha, 921 Gen, etc.)
- Japenese Feudalism (952)

Mrs. Van Zandt- Islamic Civilization Achievements

2008-02-04T09:01:00.000-05:00

Document Based Question Assignment: What were the most important Islamic achievements? Why were the Muslims able to make such great contributions and how did these contributions impact their world?
Areas of Achievement are: Chemistry and Medicine, Art and Architecture, Philosophy and History, Astronomy and Geography, Literature, Mathematics.

*Print Resource Materials for these topics are on display in the Gelinas Information Center.
Some titles available are: - Science in Medieval Islam (Call #509 Tur)
- The Atlas of Islam (REF 911 Mor)
- The Muslim Almanac (REF 297 Mus)
-The Islamic World: Past and Present (REF 509 Esp)

Book Group Buzz: A Booklist Blog

2008-01-10T14:23:00.000-05:00

Catch the buzz! Booklist has a one-stop book group resource. "Book Group Buzz" is a blog that keeps you up to date on all things book group. "A corps of bloggers posts about books that worked well (or books that bombed) and provides organizational tips and read-alike insights. The blog also points you to Web sites that offer book club ideas, reading guides, and other helpful resources."

2007-12-21T11:43:00.000-05:00

Information Specialists, April Hatcher, David Miller and Lisa Lewis meet at Murphy JHS to publish their library blogs to the school community.

Mrs. Hatcher- ISAFE Internet Predator Awareness

2007-11-20T14:02:00.000-05:00

As part of 7th grade Orientation, Mrs. Nagle's 7th grade Social Studies class attended a session of ISAFE Internet Predator Awareness. The goal of the session was for students to:

Understand the need for being safe in the Cyber community.
Understand how predators typically approach kids and teens online.
Understand the importance of refusing inappropriate advances.
Know how to Report suspicious activities encountered online.

Mrs. Palmer's "Flowers for Algernon" Essay

2007-11-14T09:05:00.000-05:00

"Tomorrow, I will discuss with Dr. Strauss the manner in which I can work in this area... There is so much that might be done with this technique. If I could be made into a genius, what about thousands of others like myself? What fantastic levels might be achieved by using this technique on normal people? On geniuses? ---Charlie Gordon, "Flowers for Algernon"

1. For this assignment, students are required to find an article that presents a "current genetics event." The "Genectics Event" article may be a newspaper, magazine, journal article or Internet document. It must come from a valid source. We will discuss this during our visit to the Information Center. Mrs. Hatcher, the school librarian, will provide instruction on the use of the VRC for this assignment.
2. Write an essay that presents your opinion on both the experiment in the short story as well as one "genetic event" that you have discovered is taking place in the world today.

Recommended VRC sources:

Science Reference Center
Custom Newspapers
SIRS Discoverer> Science> Genetics

Web 2.0

2007-09-04T14:20:00.001-04:00

PJ Gelinas Information Center joins the Blogosphere!