9-4+(Example)

MTHS Unveils Exciting and Unconventional Method for Learning Physics: TPJ ---Mr. Physics September 4, 2008 (UPI)
 * The Physics Journalist**

Physics teachers at Manheim Township HS have developed an interesting new way for students to learn how the world works. This learning and assessment tool is called TPJ, short for The Physics Journalist. TPJ is a daily log of the class’s activities in Physics written in the form of a newspaper article, a letter, an advice column, diary entry, epic poem (!?!), or other viable form of writing.
 * What is it?**

There are five main reasons for TPJ: ==>What better way to learn something than to teach it to someone else? One Physics teacher, Mr. Manning, said, “I learned a lot about Physics in college. But, it wasn’t until I had to teach it that I really understood it!! When students teach other students, they really learn it well!” ==>What about those days you were absent from school? Students who were absent will be able to catch up on the day’s material by reading the day’s Journal. ==>Students are always asking “What can I do to bring my grade up"? TPJ is an easy way to get a quiz grade or two for the marking period. ==> And talk about future benefits!! Since the state assessment test, the PSSA, requires different types of writing background, this is another experience for the student and the teacher to assess student writing and understanding of Physics. Manning gave this reporter another good reason for the Journal: “I will use TPJ as one point of reference when writing college and scholarship recommendations for seniors (and sometimes juniors or sophomores for things like Governor’s School).”
 * The Purpose of TPJ**

Each student will write an article for TPJ one or two times during the marking period. A randomly generated list will determine on which day or days the student will write an article.
 * Who will write TPJ?**

Each article will be graded by the rubric used in the PSSA for the ability to Focus on the topic being discussed, the Physics Content, the Organization of the material, the Style used, and the correct use of Conventions (such as complete sentences, grammar, spelling, etc.). A copy of the rubric will be distributed to all students.
 * How will TPJ be graded?**

==>This reporter would expect the main format of TPJ to be that of a newspaper article. Manning agreed, but took a more global approach and included other formats like the ones mentioned at the beginning of this article. ==>The article must be at least 250 words long and include 1 graphic that supports the article. Students may not use pictures from the Internet. However, they CAN use the classroom camera. Another option is that students can use the drawing tools in Word or Paint or draw by hand and scan it in at the school’s Writing Center. Graphics include graphs, charts, diagrams from class, illustrations of demonstrations or labs, flow charts, graphic organizers, etc.
 * The Requirements for TPJ**

==>Manning makes it easy for the students to write the article by giving the following topics to be included: 1) Any objectives given in class. 2) Questions asked by the teacher or other students (and the answers!). 3) Information written on the board. 4) Explanations (not just a listing!!) of demonstration or labs done in class including results of labs. 5) Explanation of all Physics concepts discussed in class. 6) If a video was shown give its title and briefly explain its content. 7) Homework assignments (with instructions, if necessary. 8) Assignments handed in that day. 9) Long-term assignments such as tests, quizzes, and other info.

==>The MTHS students will need to make their submissions to the teacher in the form of a digital copy handed in by the next class period. They will need to use WIKISPACES since other students who were absent will depend on TPJ for a report that explains the Physics concepts involved. The link can be found on MOODLE! The Wikispaces explains more about what to do.

As far as this reporter is concerned, this is a superb way to really learn some very cool Physics!!! (NOTE: Word Count = 683 words)

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