NGPF 2018 PAYBACK Challenge 18-19 S1




Featured in the New York Times, our paying-for-college game PAYBACK has been played by over 150,000 students in just 3 months since launch! Teachers are saying, “It was an amazing game. All of my students were so highly engaged that it was time to go to lunch and none of them wanted to leave," AND "They loved that the game made them confront the money challenges of college but also helped them build the skills to survive and thrive.”  

Here is how to play (Yes, This is a class assignment as well):

Students Play PAYBACK (Click Here)
A single game-play takes 15-20 minutes, but you may also use a full 50-minute period by playing the game twice

Teachers: You can also use this corresponding classroom activity to support your students as they play the game.
    Students Write Short Essay (GOOGLE DOCUMENT)
    Use this Essay Template to create a 250 word essays that respond to this writing prompt: 
    "How could you use the online game, PAYBACK, to have a conversation with your parent/guardian about paying for college?"
    CRITERIA: Essays will be evaluated on the following:
    • Indicates an understanding of key concepts learned by playing the game PAYBACK.
    • Addresses concerns their parents/guardians may have about this sensitive topic. 
    • Takes a creative approach to engaging parents/guardians in a conversation about college. 
    MAKE SURE YOU USE THE R.A.C.E.S. METHOD TO ANSWER THE WRITING PROMPT: 
    R-Repeat The Question, A-Answer The Question, C-Cite Your Evidence/Examples, E-Explain Your Evidence/Examples, S-Summarize Your Thought (Wrap-Up)

    SHARE Your Essay With Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us) For Credit!

    ACADEMIC/LEARNING OBJECTIVE
    Scholars will use the online simulation "PAYBACK" to begin learning about the basics of how the choices they make for higher education can affect them financially.  This simulation, and associated standards for this assignment, will help them meet PA CEW Academic Standards, and also help students hone their skills for writing and information retention after participating in the simulation.  Students should reflect on this simulation, and use it as a prompt for conversation at home about the real costs associated with higher education, careers, and their future choices.



    SCHOLARS WILL ENTER THE CLASS QUIETLY AND BEGIN WORKING!


    Scholars will follow all directions log into their Google Account and then begin working on the NexGen Personal Finance Simulator (PAYBACK).  Scholars will spend 15-20 minutes completing the simulation.  When complete, scholars will download a copy of their final worksheet.  This image will be uploaded to their "CEW Evidence 515" folder in their Google Drive and SHARED, for credit, with Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us).  Scholars will then create a GOOGLE DOCUMENT titled 

    "(LastName) PAYBACK P? S2" and write a 250-word essay using the prompt listed above.  
    Scholars may use the EXAMPLE for reference, but must write this essay in their own words.
    The essay must be SHARED with Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us) for credit as well.

    Written November 28, 2018 by andre

     No comments

    BASIC BANKING: NEXTGEN Personal Finance Simulation Project (Middle School) CCS

    If you do not finish all assigned tasks before the end of the class, you must complete them on your own time. If you are finished early you may work on Khan Academy or typing.com (lessons only), or work for another class.


    Please Take This Survey Prior To Starting (Click Link Below)



    Bank Accounts – Teens should know how a bank account works and the fees associated; not only the account fees and how they incur (min balance amounts, activity fees, etc.), but also the ATM fees. Young people tend to like to do things online so they can search for a low cost, basic online checking account. And while check writing may someday be obsolete, don’t forget to show them how to write a check and explain how it works. Also, review how debit cards work, how to safeguard all their information, and how too many swipes at the checkout counter can lead to costly and embarrassing overdraft charges.
    Resource: https://www.forbes.com/sites/markavallone/2016/06/07/five-financial-concepts-your-teens-should-understand-before-high-school-graduation/#54a5b6fc4eab

    Please Follow ALL DIRECTIONS on the RolePlay Document located at:
    https://docs.google.com/a/ccs.us/document/d/1_Zg5qGcLkp0LQ0YzmYUbatuH9V1p44Td4y8RtlJtsaM/edit?usp=sharing

    Each student will click the link above and follow ALL DIRECTIONS! You will be learning, if you have never done it before, how to use an ATM, Write A Check, Deposit A Check, Make A Payment, and Pay Online Bills. Each activity has a link to a resource or simulation. You may complete these steps more than once to make sure you understand how to do these simple banking transactions.

    Please click FILE, and MAKE A COPY of this document before beginning. Make sure you SHARE this document with Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us) for credit. Try to use the R.A.C.E. Response Method when answering the questions. (Restate the question, Answer the question, Cite your evidence/examples, Explain your evidence/examples)

    ACADEMIC/LEARNING OBJECTIVE
    Scholars will use the online simulation "BASIC BANKING" to begin learning about the basics of how to use basic banking procedures and processes. This simulation, and associated standards for this assignment, will help them meet PA CEW Academic Standards, and also help students hone their skills for writing and information retention after participating in the simulation. Students should reflect on this simulation, and use it as a prompt for conversation at home about the real costs associated with higher education, careers, and their future choices.

    SCHOLARS WILL ENTER THE CLASS QUIETLY AND BEGIN WORKING!

    Scholars will follow all directions log into their Google Account and then begin working on the NexGen Personal Finance Simulator (BASIC BANKING). Scholars will spend 15-20 minutes completing the simulation. Scholars will then create a GOOGLE DOCUMENT, using the provided link, name it correctly, and SHARE it for credit.
    "(LastName) P? S2" prior to title, and complete each question listed on the document. 
    Scholars may use the EXAMPLE for reference, but must write this essay in their own words.
    The essay must be SHARED with Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us) for credit as well.

    Written November 27, 2018 by andre

     No comments

    SPENT: A NEXTGEN Personal Finance Simulation Project (Middle School) CCS 18-19 S1

    If you do not finish all assigned tasks before the end of the class, you must complete them on your own time.  If you are finished early you may work on any previous assignment you owe, khan academy, typing.com (lessons only), or work for another class.

    The Inquiry below is intended to help introduce students to the decisions people have to make everyday when they are living paycheck to paycheck. The Supplemental Resources are provided only to support the Inquiry, but the Inquiry is a comprehensive lesson on its own.

    In this Inquiry, students will use a simulator to roleplay an adult trying to make ends meet when they don’t have a surplus of finances. In the process, students will learn about how their decisions impact the people around them and their ability to pay for the necessities each month as well as the pressures and decisions that many people face in this situation. Through this Inquiry, they will learn to use wise spending and saving habits, empathize with those dealing with the living wage, and assess the options people have when they are having financial difficulties.

    Make Sure You Click On The ROLEPLAY Inquiry Simulation Link Below, Click FILE and MAKE A COPY, and SHARE it with Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us) for credit!

    Learning Objectives:
    • Students will experience the circumstances of budgeting on the living wage.
    • Students will reflect on the impact of the decisions they made in order to learn from them for the future.
    • Students will explore the difficulties of living paycheck to paycheck and learn from the options they face as well as mistakes they make.
    • Students SHOULD Play the Game a SECOND Time after recording their answers to more fully understand some of the alternate choices in the simulation.

    ACTIVITY:
    Complete The Google Document Worksheet As You Complete The Online Simulation. Please Answer All Questions In COMPLETE SENTENCES! Try to use the R.A.C.E Response Method (Repeat the question, Answer the question, Cite your evidence/examples, Explain your evidence/examples) Make sure you SHARE the Google Document with Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us) for credit.

    Standards:

    Alignment to Anchor Standards for Reading:
    CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.1
    Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it.
    CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7
    Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words..

    Alignment to Jump$tart Spending and Saving Standards:
    1b: Analyze how spending and saving behavior can affect overall well-being.
    1c: Discuss the components of a personal spending plan, including income, planned saving, and expenses.  
    Alignment to Jump$tart Risk Management and Insurance Standards:
    1b: Predict the consequences of accepting risk with insufficient or no insurance.
    1c: Illustrate how to use insurance to share the risk of financial loss.
    Supplemental Resources:
    *Note: These supplemental resources are a work in progress and will be finalized soon!

    Video: Just In Case
    This video from Cha-Ching is a fun way for students to explore why they should think about having an emergency fund or getting insurance in case issues they can’t plan for arise!
    Suggested Follow Up Questions: 1) What are some examples of reasons you might need an emergency fund or insurance from the video? 2) Why do you think people say “plan for the worst” based on what you learned from the video?

    Interactive: PlayInsure
    This game allows students to learn about Auto Insurance and Homeowner's Insurance by letting them roleplay as an insured party  that encounters many different scenarios. This allows students to see the different plan options, why insurance costs a certain amount, and when it is useful. Since the game is created by the Texas Department of Insurance, it focuses on that state, but it is a great learning tool for students regardless of location.
    • Teacher Tip: Both the Auto Insurance and Homeowner’s Insurance games are very long (30 days) so they are quite repetitive. You might want to tell the students to play for something like 10-15 days!

    Video: Payday Loan Advertisement
    This Payday loan advertisement tries to sell people payday loans. In the process, it outlines why payday loans exist and why someone living paycheck to paycheck might feel the need to use one. Students might not understand what the big issue with payday loans is given the tone of the video, so discussion afterwards will help them understand.
    Suggested Follow Up Questions: 1) How are payday loans different from borrowing money for something like college or a house? 2) Why might someone be searching for a loan like this? 3) What are the 2 qualifications needed to get a payday loan? Why do you think the companies don’t require more info from the borrower? 4) What do you think are the downsides of taking out a payday loan?

    Comprehension Questions: Spent Kahoot
    This kahoot is a fun way to assess students on their understanding of the terms and concepts they learned in this lesson.
    This project taken directly from https://www.ngpf.org/courses/middle-school/

    Written November 26, 2018 by andre

     No comments

    Strikingly PSA Website Project 18-19 S1

    Please check out Strikingly.com.  It is a little hard to understand at first, but your results are going to be fantastic.  If you master this tool, you will be creating stunning, professional-quality sites in no time!  Have Fun With This Project!


    Please go to Strikingly.com and create a website.  Create an account using your Gmail address and a password you can remember.  On Strikingly.com you just click "Create Account" and enter your First Name, Email Address, and a Password you can remember.  You may use photos, Youtube video links, and other items.  Please make sure your website has the following items to receive credit for this project today:

    ASSIGNMENT:  CREATE A STRIKINGLY.COM WEBSITE AS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR A TOPIC YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT.

    Here is a video to help you with Strikingly.com (CLICK HERE)

    STRIKINGLY.COM HELP AND SUPPORT LINK

    Here are the steps to create a new WEBSITE:
    1. Log Into Your Google Account
    2. Go to Strikingly.com
    3. Sign In with your FIRST NAME, CCS Email Address, and a PASSWORD you can remember.
    4. Select ANY Template you like by moving the cursor over it and CLICK "Start Editing"
    5. Use "View Example" to see what it might look like before choosing the Template. (Then Step 4)
    6. Review the MENU to the Left.

    • PREVIEW: Shows what the site will look like LIVE
    • PUBLISH: Puts The Website LIVE Online (You can still make changes)
    • STYLES: Allows a change to a whole new style or type of site.
    • SETTINGS: Change other settings about your site:
      • Basic Info:  Site Title, Category of Site, Description, Keywords, Language
      • Domains:  You MUST use (any words).strikingly.com unless you pay.
      • Sharing Information: Social Image Share, Favicon, Twitter Card?
      • Mobile Actions: Do Not Worry About These (Must Go PRO) (DO NOT GO PRO! - Costs $)
      • Header & Footer Display Settings
      • ANALYTICS!
      • ADVANCED

    1. Preview all of the SECTIONS listed on the Site you chose.
    2. Adjust each SECTION to fit with your overall THEME and what you need to get your Message Accross.
    3. Once you have Setup your SECTIONS the way you want,  spend time on each section entering pictures, video, facts and links.
    4. When complete click PUBLISH and then Copy & Paste the link you created into an email to Mr. S for credit.  (hscribner@ccs.us)
    Here is what your "Public Service Announcement" STRIKINGLY Website should include:
    1. Website must be created using strikingly.com
    2. Website must include keywords ccstech and collegiumpsa
    3. Website must have at least one picture and one video (embedded)
    4. Website must have an informational theme
    5. Website must include at least 4-5 sentences of REAL DATA about your topic.  You  must have at least four (4) FACTS and (4) SOURCES listed as a reference.  
    6. Finally, when you are done, please search the class list for at least 5 other websites created by our class and post comments on them.  Be careful to be helpful not hurtful and let your classmates know that you appreciate their efforts!  
    ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

    In addition to the items above, you must also include the following items on your new website:
    1. Add a video to your website.  You may copy/paste the link from Youtube or Vimeo, but it must be appropriate for school use.  DO NOT POST ANYTHING that might be offensive or inappropriate.
    2. Add a FORM for visitors to send you an email.  
    3. Add a MAP of the address of our school. 
    YOU MUST EMAIL THE ACTIVE LINK TO YOUR WEBSITE TO MR. S FOR CREDIT!
      Have Fun With This!!

      - Mr. S

      OBJECTIVE & STUDENT OUTCOMES

      Students will use online collaboration tools (STRIKINGLY.COM) to create a single-page webpage. Students will learn to use the online toolbar in Strikingly.com to add content to their website, share their website, and publish their website online. Students will comment (positively) on other pages posted online.

      STUDENTS MUST READ ALL DIRECTIONS ON THIS WEBSITE PRIOR TO STARTING ANY TASK!

      Students will enter the class quietly and LOG IN to ccs.us Google Accounts. Students will read all directions posted on the class assignment site prior to starting work. Students will choose a Public Service Announcement topic to create a web-page about using Strikingly.com. Students will be guided through the creation process for a Strikingly.com website, and then be given time in class to complete the project. Students must SHARE their projects, once published, by emailing the link to Mr.S. Once complete, Students will then review other sites created by their peers, and leave constructive (positive) comments to each other!

      Written November 12, 2018 by andre

       No comments

      Web Design Introduction

      Today we will start to discuss why you might want to Build a Website!  This will start as a brainstorming session.  

      To start thinking about your future websites, you probably should think of the reasons to create one.  Please review this article as people are entering the class, so we can discuss it when the bell rings:

      https://www.bluehost.com/blog/websites/7-reasons-every-student-should-start-a-website-9565/

      Please watch the video below together and discuss what you saw as a class:


      Answer the following questions as a class:

      1. What do you do with the Internet?
      2. What is the benefit to having the Internet?  (School / Home / Business / Doctor, etc.)
      3. Who creates the sites on the Internet, and Why?
      4. Who Controls The Internet?




      Define The Vocabulary:

      WWW - World Wide Web

      Web Browser - What Are They?

      Web Host:

      Domain Name:


      Discuss the main themes and terms from the video!

      We just  learned that a ​ web browser​ is the software application you use to access the web pages and ​ HTML​ (HyperText Markup Language) is the language you use to tell a web browser how to make a web page look.

      Planning For Your Blogger Webpage

      EMAIL ASSESSMENT:
      Please Answer The Following Questions Using the R.A.C.E. [(R)epeat The Question, (A)nswer The Questions, (C)ite Your Evidence/Examples, (E)xplain Your Evidence/Examples] Method:

      Who Is Your Target Audience?

      What Content Do You Want To Have On Your Site?

      What other sites are you going to link too?

      What topics will you highlight on your blog?

      Write a final paragraph describing a website you want to create for this class.  You should start thinking about a topic for your site.  It will be similar to the PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO you created earlier in this course.

      HOW DO PEOPLE FIND THINGS ON THE INTERNET?


      Questions To Answer:

      What is an Algorithm?  How is an Algorithm used to decide what you see?

      What is a Spider in a SEARCH ENGINE?

      What is a KEYWORD?  How can you add Keywords to your site to increase traffic?


      Written November 08, 2018 by andre

       No comments

      Digital Animation Video Clip Project - Part Duex!

      Today you will be using your scene to create a 75-slide (minimum) animated scene. Eventually you will EXPORT your slides as Images (JPEG) and using MS Movie Maker to create a Digital Animation with Music, Titles, and Credits.

      FOR SOUND EFFECTS USE FREESOUND.ORG and AUDACITY!

      STEP BY STEP Audacity Instructions:

      Link to Audacity Tutorial:

      https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/tutorial_recording_computer_playback_on_windows.html

      Step 1.  Open a website (YouTube, Freesound, etc.) with the media you want a sample of.

      Step 2.  Click on the Audacity shortcut from the Windows Programs Button.

      Step 3.  Once open, you will need to click each window so they are "split-screen" (you can view both windows on the computer screen at once).

      Step 4.  Make sure your settings on Audacity are set to record from "Windows WASABI", Speakers both Input and Output, and Stereo Quality (not Mono)!

      Step 5.  Press RECORD (Red Dot) button on Audacity, then quickly press PLAY button on the Internet Media.  You should see the levels on Audacity jump to match the playback on  your Internet Media.  When you have recorded enough media for your project, click STOP (Black Square) button on Audacity, and stop your Internet Media playback.

      Step 6.  Click FILE and EXPORT on Audacity.  Choose either MP4 or WAV from the list, click/enter the location you are saving the file too (preferably your desktop for easy reference), and click SAVE.  This will export your file for use in other media.  You should preview the file in Audacity prior to exporting it if you like, or once exported you should click the new file created and make sure it plays on your computer's music program (ITunes, MS Media Player, VLC, etc.)

      Mr. Scribner's Digital Animation Examples:


      MAKE YOUR DIGITAL ANIMATION INTO A MOVIE CLIP USING OpenShot:
      Step 1. Open your project in Google Slides.  Click FILE, Click DOWNLOAD, Click Microsoft PowerPoint.  Once Downloaded, Open the file in PowerPoint.

      Step 2. With PowerPoint open, click FILE, EXPORT and choose CHANGE FILE TYPE.  Click on JPEG and click SAVE AS.  Choose your Desktop as the destination, adjust the filename if necessary, and click SAVE.  When the window appears, click ALL SLIDES.  A file folder should appear on your Desktop.  Your slides are now images in that folder.

      Step 3. Open the folder with your slide images.  Select all of them.  Open OpenShot on your computer.  Make sure that both of these are in split-screen mode.  Click all of the slides and drag them into OpenShot.  You will be asked if you want to IMPORT them as an Image Sequence (Video Clip), Click YES.  You can now drag your Video Clip down into your project.

      Step 4. Using OpenShot Video Editor, you must create a Digital Animation "Short-Film" by making each image "flash" for around 1/2-second each. This will give the impression that the images are animated. You should add Titles, Credits, and a short burst of music to finish the film.

      • Once OpenShot is started, drag your sound effects and music files into the PROJECT FILES Window.
      • Drag your images (individually or as an image sequence/video clip) into the PROJECT FILES Window.
      • Drag any video clips, or other media (Production Logo, or Video Logo from you previous projects) into the PROJECT FILES Window.
      • Create any TITLES/END-CREDITS you might need in OpenShot from the menu items.  For this specific project you only need to add the Titles outlined below.
      • Assemble your PROJECT Files in Tracks 0-4 as follows:
        • Titles and End Credits in Track 4
        • Single Images in Track 3
        • Video Clips in Track 2
        • Audio Sound-Effects in Track 1
        • Music / Background Audio in Track 0
      • Place/Adjust your files any way you like.  Add Transitions/Effects as needed.  Preview your project in the window provided (Preview May Not Work Right).  NOTE:  If you play the project and cannot hear the audio, Click SAVE Project (to Desktop), Close/Exit OpenShot, Restart OpenShot making sure your headphones are not plugged in.  Once started, choose FILE and RECENT from the menu, and click on the first choice.  Your video project should open, and the audio should play in the preview through the speaker on the computer you are using (DO NOT PLUG IN HEADPHONES AGAIN UNTIL AFTER YOU EXPORT IT).
      • Once your Video Project is complete, click FILE and EXPORT.  In the window that pops-up make sure you change the name of your project, and choose the Desktop as the Export location.  YOU NEED TO EXPORT YOUR PROJECT AS AN MP4 FOR CREDIT.
      • Once your PROJECT is on the Desktop as an MP4 file, Open your Google Drive and (using split screen again) click and drag the file to your Google Drive.  You will see the Upload progress in a pop-up window.  Once it is uploaded to your Google Drive, double-click the file to open it.  In the upper right corner you will see three (3) dots, click them, click SHARE, and enter Mr. Scribner's (hscribner@ccs.us) email to submit your project for credit.  MAKE SURE YOU UPLOAD THE MP4 VIDEO FILE FOR CREDIT, NOT THE OSP (OpenShot Project File).

      YOU MUST IMPORT AT LEAST ONE (1) SOUND EFFECT/MUSIC AND ADD IT TO THE ANIMATION PRIOR TO SAVING IT!  (You can use freesound.org and audacity to record sound effects or music for use in this project.)

      Your TITLES should include the Name of the Video and "by (Your Initials)

      Have Fun with this project. If you would like to know more, here is the original link to 50 more digital animation websites at TEACHTHOUGHT.COM (Click Here)! Good Luck!















      RUBRIC FOR DIGITAL ANIMATION PROJECT

      Item / Points15105
      Animation and Rendering 
      20 %
      		Accomplished
      Animation and rendering is done well, works properly and is saved in an appropriate file format. All files are properly named as required      		Developing
      Animation and rendering is average, works properly for the most part. Few files are properly named as required      		Beginning
      Animation and rendering does not work properly or is not saved/rendered properly.Files are not properly named as required
      Model Complexity 
      20 %
      		Accomplished
      Model is mostly complex and/or detailed but lacks some evidence of sub-object modeling to define/refine modeled details      		Developing
      Model is mostly simplistic and/or lacks evidence of sub-object modeling to define/refine modeled details      		Beginning
      Model design is inappropriate or overly simplistic.
      Organization 
      30 %
      		Accomplished
      Objects, Materials and Textures are mostly named      		Developing
      Few Objects, Materials and Textures are named      		Beginning
      None of Objects, Materials and Textures are named
      Environment 
      10 %
      		Accomplished
      Model is placed in an appropriate or interesting environment (either modeled or background imaged)      		Developing
      Model is not placed in an appropriate or interesting environment (either modeled or background imaged)      		Beginning
      There is no environment used whatsoever
      Graphic Design & Visual Appearance 
      10 %
      		Accomplished
      Model shows good design qualities and is aesthetically pleasing      		Developing
      Model shows basic design qualities and is aesthetically acceptable      		Beginning
      Model shows poor design qualities and is not aesthetically acceptable
      Skill Level 
      5 %
      		Accomplished
      Very good skill level is evident      		Developing
      Basic skill level is evident      		Beginning
      Poor skill level is evident
      Project Guidelines Compliance 
      5 %
      		Accomplished
      Project guidelines are mostly complete and all required elements are present.      		Developing
      There is a missing important project requirement, or a guideline not followed      		Beginning
      There are missing 2 or more important project requirements, or project guidelines not followed


      ACADEMIC/LEARNING OBJECTIVE
      Scholars will learn the basics of Digital Animation. Scholars will be able to create "mini" animations using an online application. Scholars will also start creating the basic drawing that will be used for a future "line-art" digital animation project. Scholars will be able to complete a Constructed Response about the "History of Animation" and discuss what they like, or do not like about the project.

      STUDENTS WILL ENTER THE CLASS QUIETLY AND BEGIN WORKING! 

      Scholars will sign into Google Drive as they enter the class. Scholars will read all directions on this post thoroughly.  Scholars will review the examples linked above to determine the type of movie they are interested in making.  They will need to create a short (3-9 second) video clip, with at least one sound effect, for credit.  When complete, they will UPLOAD both the RAW Project, and their FINAL Project to Google Drive and SHARE it with Mr. S for review.   The basis for their projects will be created using a single slide in Google Slides that they should create first.

      THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE TODAY!

      Standards Covered In This Class 
      PA 3.7.7 & 11 Section C / ISTE 2011
      CSTA Tied With Common Core ELA/Math rev. 2011

      Written November 05, 2018 by andre

       No comments
      Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)