Spirit of Discovery

Fun homework!  Is that possible?

Hoshi Saga game.  Lots of critical thinking and discovery!
Here is the workaround if you are at school: Hoshi Saga Safe

Your task this week is to play the Hoshi Saga game and discover the stars in each row which will open up all the squares with the ? marks.

Uncover all the ? marks in the first level.  You must also collaborate in this blog with your colleagues by leaving (at least) one hint below about any star box.  You can also submit questions on some of the tough ones if you want!

Accomplish all the ? marks* and one comment hint in the blog and you are done with this weeks homework!

Challenge!  If you choose to go on and complete the next levels, the top player will receive a free homework pass for next week!  All homework entries due by Saturday Midnight!  See note below

Submitting your homework entry: Take a screen shot of your final board. Try to catch the score at the top.  Email it to me.
 
dkovesdy@pvschools.net

* (if you fail to complete a row thus leaving a ? mark = -5 points per ? each remaining on your board)

Have fun!

PS It used to release new levels when you completed the board.  Now they are separate and actually different too!  So if you want to do the "Challenge!" here are a few more levels:

Hoshi 2
Hoshi 3
Hoshi 4
Hoshi 5 

That's it!

Battle of the Bands Conundrum

Check out the short story of this high school videographer:    Newman's Story

1.  Do you think she did anything wrong?  Explain.

2.  Theoretically...what about the money for the sale of the tapes/CD's?  Who should get a cut?

• School?  
• Performers? 
• Metallica? 
• No one! It all belongs to Newman

3.  21st Century students have cameras in hands fairly often.  What things should students consider when shooting video to avoid a visit to the principal's office? 

4.  How does YouTube factor into this discussion?

5.  ONE WORD ANSWER -> Do you think digital citizenship should be taught in the school curriculum?

The "Physical Web"

It's the future of the web. It's happening now. You might be using it.  What is it?

Read this story:
Physical Web: How Apps Can Move Atoms and Bend Time

Download and watch this short PowerPoint:
Physical Web by Shasta Ventures

Ubercab, Nike+iPod, Webkinz, Gowalla  are four examples of Physical Web applications.

Your blog entry this week is to pick a physical web application.
NOTE: You may pick one of the examples above, but no one can duplicate an entry.  So you will have to read the blog entries before you!


1. Describe a physical web application and how it works relative to this equation:

2.  Describe how you or someone you know would use it specifically.

3.  What is your apps potential to grow, expand services over time?  How do you think it will happen?

As always, please number your comments.

mac vs pc

A geeks favorite controversy!  Your task this week is to approach it from both angles.  Pick two of the newest comparable products and compare a feature of each.    Be sure to number your responses.   Pick different features for 1 and 2.

1.  MAC vs pc.  Sell me a new mac based on a wonderful feature that a new pc is inferior.  Specify exact models and OS and fully describe the feature.

2.  PC vs mac.  Sell me a new pc based on a wonderful feature that a new mac is inferior.  Specify exact models and OS and fully describe the feature.

Check out this link...
mac vs pc

File name formats

A filename extension is the data to the right of a file name.  This extension tells you properties of the file and often what application it will work with.  Some file extensions only work with certain operating systems.  Read about file name extensions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filename_extension

Explore File Names Examples:
http://www.fileinfo.com/
http://www.file-extensions.org/


You will be providing 3 comments.  Please number each one.


1.  Name a file extension that only works with Windows/Microsoft products. What would be an analogous file for mac? (10 pts)

2.  Name 2 graphics or image files.  Which ones are the most compatible in most operating systems? What are the reasons you would pick this image file or not pick it? (20 pts)

3.  Explore the example sites above.   Discover an interesting extension that you've never heard of but think you might use it in the future.  Why does this file interest you and how do you think you will use that app?  (30 pts)

GenYes International

Visit the GenYes International website and get a sense of the the big picture.  Watch the movie.  Explore the site and read an article or two.  Comment in your own words why this concept for schools is so successful.  How does it impact teachers at SMHS?  What role will you play?