To Mac or not To Mac?
(You decide) -ledge and develop innovative products and processes using
Academic Challenge Cluster
2009-2010
Teacher: Mrs. Markii E. Jacobs
Email: mjacobs@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Phone: 404-802-7538
Room: 211—the “i-pad”
Mission: To provide relevant quality educational
opportunities for all students to develop the skills
necessary to reach their maximum potential as
responsible problem solvers, productive citizens, and life-
long learners.
Class Description:
In room 211 (a.k.a. the “i-Pad”) it is my approach to foster
a commitment and love for life-long learning and an interest in
subjects that expand the child’s elementary school
experience. In the “i-Pad” this year students will tackle the
puzzling question…To Mac or not to Mac? It is my goal for
students to delve into the world of technology, comparing the
Apple Mac to the PC. Students will work with both brands of
computers to explore the endless amount of opportunities
technology leads from digital stories to music programming.
During the 8 weeks:
Students will decide are they a Mac or a PC.
Students will advocate and practice safe, legal and
responsible use of information and technology.
Students will use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct
research, manage projects, solve problems.
Students will make informed decisions using appropriate
digital tools and resources.
Student will communicate information and ideas to multiple
audiences using a variety of media and formats.
Student will demonstrate creative thinking, construct
know-
technology.
Students will make connections among mathematical ideas to
other disciplines. M5P4, M5P4, M5P4
Students will increase their data interpretation skills. M1D1,
M2D1, M2D1
Students will enhance and acquire the skills needed to
become Effective Communicators, Creative and Effective
Problem Solvers, Creative and Complex Thinkers, Self Directed
Learners, and Cooperative and Productive Learners.
• Homework is a very important part of the learning process.
Students will be assigned activities from the Math Rules!
Series weekly. Also the students are expected to visit the
class blog and post a comment or question at least ONCE
every 2 weeks. Other homework tasks may include, but are
not limited to assignments that are not completed in class.
• Possible Projects:
I find that students really enjoy a choice in deciding how
they would like to demonstrate the knowledge they have
acquired, so I like to incorporate Choice Boards into their
culminating projects. Possible projects include but are not
limited to digital math stories, online cartoons and/or
comics, game programming, etc…
• Attendance is critical. Seeing as how I only see your child
once a week and for only a 9 week period. Attendance is
vital, it is very important that your child do their best to
attend every week.
Content:
The following topics/activities are expected to be covered
during the 8 week section:
• Brain Busters
• Math Rules
• Problem Solving—across ALL curriculum areas (M1P1---M1P5,
M2P1—M2P5, M3P1—M3P5)
• Digital Citizenship
• Class Blog (http://KidsTalkTech.blogspot.com)
• Technology Operations and Concepts
Please note: The content is not limited to the list above

• 2-inch three-ring Supplies:
binder
• notebook paper
• dividers (at least 7)
• pencils
• Flash/Thumb Drive—to
save projects on
www.quickonlinetips.com/archives/200fte6/11/technology-
influences-generation-next-chidren-today/
www.hoagiesgifted.org
www.brainpop.com
• Team supplies:
www.4kids.org
-paper towels/Clorox wipes
www.braingle.com
-Kleenex www.thefutureschannel.com
-hand sanitizers www.funschool.com
-dry erase markers www.brainquest.com
www.figurethis.org
www.iknowthat.com

Students must always bring their Challenge Binder to class! A Special Note to the Parents:
I would like to communicate with you as much as possible about
Classroom Expectations: your child’s progress via phone, notes or preferably email
Students are expected to demonstrate that they are the verifying that you are reviewing your child’s Challenge Binder. I
BEST of the BEST and BRIGHTEST of the BRIGHTEST. look forward to working with you and your child n 2010-2011.
NOTE: Conduct and academic assessments are separate. Sincerely,
Grading Procedures:
Class Work/Class Participation/Quizzes/Homework: 50%
Tests/Projects/Notebooks: 50% Markii Jacobs
Due Dates:
Due dates for long-term projects or tests will be announced
far in advance along with specific instructions. Make-up work
for legitimate absences is the responsibility of the students.
Grading Scale:
4= I do what is asked of me and much more!
3= I do everything that is asked of me!
2= I don’t do all that I’m asked to do!
1= My work is missing or not done!
Student progress will be reported to the student and parents
through graded papers (organized in the notebook/folder),
telephone calls, conferences, e-mail, progress reports, and
report cards.

Recommended Websites for your Gifted Child: