Stearns Fatherblog » 30 Futures

Give a Penny, Take a Penny, Write an Essay

nstearns — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:06:06 +0000

So, in class, we’ll be working on the in-class Synthetic essay on: THE PENNY!

Afterwards, we’ll look at 2 fellow students’ essays and compare with the AP Center’s Anchor papers.

HW: Be ready to debrief the class on the current state of research on your 30 Future.

Battle for the Future

nstearns — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:09:50 +0000

First I’d like us to hear Richard Preston talk about very tall trees and talk about what he has to say.

Then, we’ll talk about the Bill Joy article…Imagine that you are preparing for a debate in which you agree or disagree with Joy’s conclusions. Prepare a set of talking points that would help you. Should we “slow down” or does science offer humanity opportunities to reduce suffering? Please pull in at least 4 Joy quotes that you think are relevant or interesting.

Next, we’ll look at the rhetorical analysis anchor papers and scoring guide and even the scoring commentary to judge why they got what they got.

Let’s keep on going with the AP exam and take a look at the argument paper. These are the anchors and here is the scoring guide.

Finally, I’d like us to sign up for our Futures and decide what we will focus on this month and part of next.

HW: Read and outline how you would respond to this synthetic essay. Also, search Alltop for at least 3 blog posts that are relevant to you Future. Link and discuss them on the wiki.

Image Credit: IEEE Spectrum: The Rise of the Machines

Does the Future need us?

nstearns — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:45:06 +0000

First, we’ll take the Four Idols quiz and grade it.

Next, we’ll break down Bacon’s essay into five paragraphs and have table groups prepare to lead short discussions about what he is saying. Create leading questions designed to check understanding and connections with real-life situations which are relevant.

Paragraph 9
Paragaph 12
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 29

Then, it’s AP test time. We’ll explore the wonders of the AP rhetorical analysis essay. Here is the test. The Scoring Guide. The Anchors. (Alternative links Test, Scoring Guide, Anchors).

Finally, I want to read Bill Joy’s essay Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us. For HW: Write a 200-word response explaing what problems Joy sees with the Kurzweil-ian Singularity and what we should do to ensure a future that retains a human sense of dignity and meaning.