RAFT Lauren Hatfield

Lauren Hatfield

Role- Travel Advisor

Audience- Tourist/ Traveler

Format- Itinerary

Topic- Important Landmarks and Traditions in Madrid, Spain

 

Hello Traveler,

The people of Madrid are happy that you have chosen to learn more about Spanish culture and see the sights of our beautiful city. I have prepared a day of activities for you to partake in to make the most of your experience in Madrid, Spain.

Your day will begin at 10 am at the Museo del Prado (Prado Museum). This museum includes works by artists such as Francisco de Goya and Diego Velázquez.  The art is based from the former Spanish Royal Collection and is considered the best collection of Spanish art. The best work on display is the Las Meninas by Velázquez. The next part of the day will include visiting El Escorial, the historical residence of the King of Spain. El Escorial functions as a monastery, royal palace, museum, and school.

The afternoon will include a visit to Las Ventas to see a Bull Fight. Bull Fighting is a popular event that takes place in Madrid and Andalucía. The evening will include a viewing of a Flamenco show. Flamenco is a popular genre of music in Spain. The evening Flamenco shows are usually coordinated to the audience. The evening shows tend to be more authentic because most Spaniards like to witness these shows at night.

This itinerary does not include places for meals, but there are many options for you to enjoy Spanish food throughout the day. We hope you’re visit in Madrid, Spain gives you an experience of the culture that will become lasting memories. Enjoy your trip!

Well Wishes,

Your Travel Advisor

Frankstein: Aaron Dunbar

Aaron Dunbar

Assignment: We are almost done with Mary Shelly’s book Frankenstein. The assignment for today is to put yourself in Victor Frankenstein’s shoes. You are Victor Frankenstein and the village people are coming to destroy your creation. This is your only chance to stir their hearts and change their minds by writing a speech.

Role: Victor Frankenstein

Audience: Angry Mob coming to destroy

Format: Persuasive speech

Topic: Why the angry mob should not destroy your creation.

Victor: People I need you to understand what you are doing here. You are not destroying a house or some object, you are hurting someone rather. He will feel everything you do to him; he is just like me or you only made a different way and looks different than us. I made him in our image, not separate from us, but, the same in and out. Do not be afraid because you do not understand, try to learn the things that don’t make sense to you and teach him how to be more like us.  People of Geneva please do try to be the kind and generous people I know you can be. Take a minute to think about what I have just said and then come to the right choice.

Wheelchair ramp regulations: Katie Hendricks

     Now that you have learned lessons on right triangle trig and researching wheelchair ramp regulations, you need to write a letter to the construction company that is building your wheelchair ramp. You should write to them as if you are in a wheelchair that pulls a 5% grade. Let them know how the sides should measure for a door that is 10 inches from the ground.






Dear builder,
     My name is Suzy. I am writing to you to ask how the building of my wheelchair ramp is going. I know that I gave you the door height of 10 inches. I also wanted to let you know the problem with the wheelchair regulation. The national wheelchair regulation is 1:12. This shows that for every inch of rise, you need 12 inches of run. This show approximately an 8% grade. My wheelchair is not a standard wheelchair that you can roll manually. My wheelchair is a motorized wheelchair that only pulls at a 5% grade. You can see the issue here. If you build my ramp to be an 8% grade, my wheelchair won't make it up. My 5% grade show a 1:20 ratio. This says that for every inch of rise, you will need 20 inches of run. This means for my 10 inch door, you will need to extend the ramp our 200 inches. This means that the sloped edge of my ramp will need to be 200.25 inches to meet my regulations. Thank you so much for your cooperation.
     Sincerely,
          Suzy
         

The Metamorphosis-- Kellie Overton

Assignment instructions:

After reading The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, you will complete a R.A.F.T. as if you are Gregor Sampsa writing a letter to his father. It can be funny, sad, or thought-provoking as long as I see you have a conceptual understanding of the character relationships at play.

Role: Gregor Samsa

Audience: Father

Format: Letter

Topic: How you feel about father's treatment of you.


Student Sample:


My Dear Father,

As you may have noticed, I have experienced a few.... "changes" lately. I am unable to complete my work as a traveling salesman to support the family now that my appearance is less than desirable. I know that this has caused some tension among you and mother since you cannot rely on my income anymore, but really, that's no reason to have thrown that apple at me! I mean, c'mon dad, it really hurt. In all honesty, you could have been working all these years too so I would have had the time to meet a nice woman, instead of having to support your dead-beat ways. I know I'm a bug now dad, but you're the one who's a pest. Good luck finding that new job. I'll be under the couch eating some garbage when you get back.

Love,
Gregor

Archimedes Raft - Dwight Rice

Assignment Instructions:

Follow the R.A.F.T. format to create a letter from Hippasus to Pythagoras after Hippasus has been sent to his death on the Mediterranean for his discovery.

Role - Hippasus

Audience - Pythagoras

Format - Letter

Topic - Constructible numbers and how you have been wronged as Hippasus



To my soon to be murderer:

           While I understand that you are greatly troubled and in panic over the implications of my discovery, let it be known that you have cast down your vengeance on a student that has surpassed his teacher. Every thing we know about math is a fallacy as not every number can be constructed. You've seen my discovery, and it cannot be unseen. Now you know that if you try to draw the diagonal of a unit square, it cannot be done. Instead of moving forward as mathematicians, you have prevented any possible progress. While you're greatest achievement the Pythagorean Theorem may live on, someone else will see the same problem I did. You will be remembered not only as a great fool that refused to see the truth, but now as a murderer!

The soon to be deceased,
Hippasus

Taylor Woods R.A.F.T

Role: People of the Thirteen Colonies

Audience: The King George III

Form: Breakup Letter

Topic: Declaration of Independence

Student Response:

Listen I think it’s time for our relationship to come to an end. It isn’t you, it’s me. I also just don’t think it’s God’s will for us to be together anymore. I don’t feel like you’re treating me nicely. I don’t get to make my own decisions anymore; we just do whatever you want to. I’d like to think that I have the right to pursue happiness just as much as you do. Sometimes you refuse to even listen, you forbid me from doing certain activities, you won’t make decisions on very important issues without asking “mom and dad”, and worst of all you decide things without asking me! I’ve tried to have sit down conversations with you to address these problems, but you choose to completely ignore me! This is my official breakup letter to you, I never want to be in a relationship like this with you again, but we can still be friends right?

Tyler Minor-Raft

Assignment: 

In this class we have identified, organized, investigated, and analyzed information concerning western expansion of the United States from the 1860s through the 1900s. For this assignment you are to take upon the role of a Native American Chief. Your tribe can be a small branch from a larger nation or you can represent the Chief of the Nation. You are to write a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs explaining your side of the argument while acknowledging the United States government’s perspective.  

Role: Native American Chief

Audience: Bureau of Indian Affairs

Format: Letter

Topic: Native American view on western expansion

Student Sample:

To the Bureau of Indian Affairs,

            My name is Chief Wakoyantanke. In your language my name means large thunder. I am a member of the Sioux nation. I am Chief over a band of Sioux, which resides in the Montana Territory. Your greed for land has torn my Nation from our homeland in the Dakotas and pushed us to the Montana Territory. You send us to reservations and pay us annuity, yet your white trader’s goods are too high of a price and we starve—disease ridden. Buffalo on the plains have been annihilated, thus Mother Nature cannot provide for her children. I understand your people are vast, but you must realize such punishment will only cause further conflict.

With great respect,

Chief Wakoyantanke

Elyse Boles - RAFT

Assignment: You are the character of Darwen Arkwright from A.J. Hartley's Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact. You are going into the mirror to try and help save Moth and her forest that is being destroyed. In case you don't make it back out alive, you want to leave a note. You are in a hurry! Moth and the forest need your help!

Role: Darwen Arkwright


Audience: Rich, Alexandra, Aunt Honoria


Format: Letter


Topic: Why you are leaving and why you may not return.


Student Sample:


Dear Aunt Honoria, Alexandra, and Rich,

               I know you are probably worried about me, but I had to do this. Aunt Honoria, Alexandra and Rich can explain to you all the details of how I have got myself into this mess. They can even take you and show you Mr. Peregrine's mirror shop. I love all of you guys, and I am sorry I am leaving, but I will be back as soon as I can if i can make it back. I have to help Moth and I have to save the forest. I'm helping those I love, and that is what is most important. I love you all, and please don't be angry. I have a gift and I have to use it! Just like Mr. Peregrine said!

                                                                                                 I love you,
                                                                                             Darwen Arkwright

Kristen Drown's RAFT

Assignment: After reading chapters 3 and 4 of “The Grammar Bible” and our discussion and activities over the last couple class periods, you are to write a “lengthy text message” from an upset adverb begging his fraternal brother, Adjective to stop taking all the credit for modifying words. Get as fun as you want with this, just make sure to include what each part of speech’s job is within the message. This should be a lengthy text message, of 100 words at least.

Role: Adverb

Audience: His fraternal brother, Adjective

Format: Lengthy Text Message

Topic: Why does everyone think I’m you?!

 

Student Example:

Bro, we need to tlk. I’m so sick of everyone thinking I don’t exist. Could you stnd up for me evry once in a while mybe? I mean seriously. You modify nouns and pronouns, I modify verbs. I honestly don’t get it, my name has the word VERB in it.   Is it rly that hard for people to remember? EVERYONE’S heard of you (I get it)…could ya start gettin’ my name out there…I’d appreciate it if ya tried. I know yur Mom’s fav, but for the entire world to think you do your job and my job? I’m sick of you taking all the credit. NOT COOL MAN. Txt back asap.

RAFT Assignment - Zack Rakes

After reading Shakespeare's "The Tempest," write a letter to Prospero about how you think he should have ruled the island, from the perspective of a modern day citizen. Be sure to include both Puck and Caliban in your letter, and be sure to use story points as your reference for your reasoning.

R - Modern-day citizen
A - Prospero
F - Letter
T - How to run the island

Dear Duke Prospero,
I realize that since you are a powerful magician that you can run your island however you want to, but I think you should have done some things differently. For example, I do not like that you made Caliban your slave. Even though he did some things that he should not have done, making him a slave for life as punishment is very harsh, especially since he helped you out so much before. I also think you could have been a little nicer to Puck, but having him do stuff for you was okay since he owed you his life. Anyway, I don't want to tell you how to run your island, I just wanted to give you my opinion as a future citizen.

RAFT assignment - Kristin Hayes

After learning about the women's suffrage movement in the United States, write a thank you letter to an activist of your choice (Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, etc) from the perspective of a 21st century woman. Use historical background information from the text to give examples in your writing to how your activist contributed, either directly or indirectly, to the 19th amendment.

R - 21st century woman
A - Women's suffrage activist, Susan B. Anthony
F - Thank-you note
T - Women's rights and the right to vote


Dear Mrs. Anthony,
Today, I was able to vote in the 2012 election for not only local and state representatives, but also for federal Congressmen/women and our President and Vice-President of the United States. Yes, there are Congresswomen today! Our President has also included women in his Cabinet, which you know advises him on the issues facing the country. I even think I will see a female President in my time. Anyways, I would like to thank you for the hard work you did in the 19th century. Founding the National Woman Suffrage Association alongside Elizabeth Cady Stanton really helped set a strong foundation for the suffrage movement. Also, whether your friend Stanton realized, it was a very smart move to merge with the less-radical group, the American Woman Suffrage Association. Your message was gotten across to a larger group of Americans which spread into the 20th century with the passage of the 19th amendment! I will not forget the work you have done for women across the country, and I will continue fighting the good fight for equality!

With much gratitude,
Kristin Hayes

RAFT Michael Kuhn

After studying about World War II and how European Jews were treated during this time, you are going to put yourself in the shoes of a Jewish citizen during this time period and write a letter to Hitler in an attempt to get him to reconsider his laws set forth against all Jews.  Include the hardships that you, as a Jewish citizen, have been going through.

R- European Jewish citizen
A- Adolf Hitler
F- Letter
T- Letter of protest to convince Hitler to abolish laws that discriminate against Jews.

Dear Hitler,
                    I write you this letter on behalf of my friends and family.  They would write you themselves, but as you know they are away at these camps of yours.  I really wish you would reconsider all the discrimination against myself and others of my religion, its not our fault you didn't get into art school!  It's so hard to run my business that has been in my family for generations since you convinced everyone to boycott it just because its run by a Jewish citizen.  I'm now the only one working because all my employees have mysteriously disappeared.  Its so weird no one has seen or heard from them for a few days.  Anyways I just ask that you reconsider your stand on all Jewish citizens.  I must go now because there are some men at the door and they are pretty stern on taking me away.

                                                                                                                       Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                        Michael Kuhn

RAFT Charity Baker-Art

Having studied Picasso and his work during his Blue Period, you are to write a letter to his dead friend, Casagemas, explaining your remorse, sorrow, and the painting you, Picasso, have done in his honor. Be sure to describe characteristics of the Blue Period, Picasso's relationship to Casagemas and speak without current colloquialisms. We will share these in class, followed by a discussion of which elements of the assignment were successful.Also be sure to utilize the vocabulary you have learned in this unit.

R. Picasso

A. The dead Casagemas

F. Letter

T. Missing you so much I made a painting in your honor. 

Dear Casagemas,

              Oh! How awful it is knowing you've lain to rest. The days of our Bohemian lifestyle were not more a yesterday away. I, full of remorse, cannot stand to know the darkness you must have been suffocated by. No woman's hand deserves such a price as your love-filled heart. It is to my disbelief that someone with your passion and talent could be gone from the world so quickly. It was unexpected news to me as I rested not in your same city. I could not believe the information that was relayed to my ears. I felt like one of my abstract paintings with all of my facial features distorted and misplaced. In your honor, I have layered over a painting I had started using my own image. Only x-rays will tell of my previous subject matter. Now on my canvas lies a painting containing the components of a life that once held your presence and suggestion to the events that occurred. Deep tints and shades of blues and grey depict the mood in which I currently find myself immobile in. dark lines, cool, melancholy foreground and background elements play on my heart strings. Rest in peace my dear friend, I do miss you so. 

                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                           Sincerely,

                                                                                                                           Your friend Pablo Picasso

RAFT ASSIGNMENT - CHASSIDY MARCUM

After reading the first scene of Romeo and Juliet, the students will be assigned the following R.A.F.T assignment.

Imagine that you are a news reporter in Verona. You want to inform the citizens about the fight that just broke out in the street between the Capulets and the Montagues. In the form of news report, please write about the altercation. It may be helpful to interview the onlookers.

R- News Reporter in Verona

A- The citizens of Verona

F- News Report

T-  The altercation between the Montagues and the Capulets

BREAKING NEWS! This breaking news is brought to you by Verona’s News Channel 2. Servants of the Montague and Capulet family start a brawl in the middle of the streets. Onlookers described the scene as dramatic and frightening. An eyewitness stated that the fight started because Sampson, a Capulet servant, bites his thumb at the Montagues. The men begin to argue, and Benvolio tries to stop the fight. Once Tybalt sees Benevolio has drawn his sword, Tybalt does the same. Benevolio tries to explain that he was just trying to stop the fight. Tybalt, on the other hand, begins ranting about his hatred of the Montague family. Tybalt tries to attack Benevolio. Capulet and Montague approach the scene of the fight, and their wives try to stop them from attacking the other. Both families stop fighting. The Prince states that the fighting must stop. If anyone disturbs the peace, then he or she will be punished with a death sentence. The Prince seemed adamant that the peace treaty should be enforced or death will be the punishment. People of Verona be warned!

RAFT Assignment Elizabeth Farley

Imagine that you are the commanding officer of a British fort during the French and Indian War.  In the form of a journal that you hope to pass onto your children, write down your thoughts about life inside of the fort.

R:  British officer during the French and Indian War

A:  Children

F:  Journal

T:  Life during the French and Indian War

April 14^th

Three nights prior, we took in four survivors of a nearby Indian attack.  Their homes had been burned, and those who were injured or could not escape in time were taken captive by the Indians.  I am afraid that our already low food supplies will not hold out much longer with all these extra mouths.  Before dawn, I sent out a party of men to scout along the river and bring back any game that they could find.  They came back empty-handed, with reports that the Indians and the French had ambushed them two miles out, leaving two members of the party dead.  I do not think it will be longer before we find ourselves under siege, so I have dispatched a rider with a plea for back up from the surrounding forts.  Even more disturbing, one of the men came down with what appears to be smallpox.  We have isolated him to the infirmary, but I fear what will happen if we find ourselves with a smallpox outbreak in the middle of a siege.

R.A.F.T. Assignment - Othello

Hannah Workman

R.A.F.T. Assignment - After reading and studying Shakespeare's Othello, students will be asked to write a letter from the viewpoint of Desdemona to Emilia. Desdemona knows she is about to die, and Emilia is her closest friend.

Role: Desdemona

Audience: Emilia

Format: Letter

Topic: Last letter to her friend before Othello takes her life

My dearest friend Emilia,

            My Othello plans to take my life this evening for a crime I did not commit. Can you even imagine it? Cheating our your husband? Why, the very idea is absurd! I love Othello, and have remained faithful to him since we married against my father’s wishes. When he returned from Venice, I was there waiting for him as he came off the ship. I have never questioned our love. However, when he slapped me yesterday in front of so many of our friends, I knew something had changed. Now my love is in question, and no matter what I say, there is no convincing my dear husband that I have not been unfaithful. Thank you for always trusting in me. You have been a dear friend for so long. If Othello does end up taking my life tonight, know that I love and appreciate the friendship that we have had over the years.

With love,

Desdemona 

Romeo and Juliet R.A.F.T

Kaitlin Hall

R.A.F.T. Assignment

Role: Juliet

Audience: Nurse

Format: Letter

Topic: Please help me tell my mother and father that I’m already married to Romeo

To my loving and loyal Nurse,

            As you already know, my insistent father has arranged for me to marry Paris, a kinsman of the Prince on Thursday.  You can see how this poses a problem, as I am already madly in love and married to another man.  My dear nurse, you have cared for me and been by my side for all of my fourteen years and you must not abandon me now.  You must help me find a way to tell my mother and father that I have married our greatest enemy: a Montague.  Oh, please, Nurse!  You must help me!  My happiness depends on this. 

Sincerely,

Juliet