Please post two article ideas for each section (A&E, News, Opinion, Feature, Sports). Read the prior posts so you don't suggest the same ideas. Along with the idea, please include who needs to be interviewed (think experts on campus and off) and how this relates to the MA community.
Good work!
17 comments:
FEATURES:
- Break down MA's budget: explore what it takes to pay for an MA education and evaluate it in the context of our mission statement (interview Travis, Kathy Dell, Mike Joyce, Meg Wilson, Winston, informed students)
- Parking at MA: Why do we need so many spots? What are the options for students who aren't assigned ones? How will the master plan affect parking? What environmental, logistical, and equity issues are at play? (interview Lynne, Travis, J, MA parents, students with spots, students without spots)
A&E:
- Explore the similarities, differences, and boundaries that exist between visual arts and performing arts at MA (interview Anne, Jenny, David, Randee, arts students)
- Compare teenage life at MA to the teenage life depicted in popular tv shows (interview Sanjai, Charis, students of different backgrounds)
NEWS:
- Report on Greenfest as part of a broader look into the inner workings of Eco Action and the role of sustainability at MA (interview Liz, Mark, James, Scott, Micky Morris, Eco Action students)
- Traitor or hero: the role of Edward Snowden and government spying in the digital age. How is our community reacting? (interview Tom, James, Jared Huffman, politically-minded students)
SPORTS:
- Explore masculinity and gender roles in sports, with a focus on the MA community (interview Josh, Kacie, Sanjai, Trixie, male and female athletes)
- PE credits: What's their purpose? Are they fairly allocated? How do most students earn them? Why is the threshold 3.5? (interview Lynne, Evie, Josh, student athletes, administrators at other Bay Area high schools)
OPINIONS:
- My problem with political correctness: why the respected paradigm is detrimental to dialogue and diversity at MA
- God Bless America: the value of patriotism in a globalized world
FEATURES:
-How schools in CA and US are reacting to transgender students. My middle school SFday is an interesting school to take into account where gender fluid bathrooms now exist. Interview MA students as well as members of other school communities.
-Legalization of Marijuana. Politicians as well as growers now debating legalization and its effects/unintended consequences. How big of role should government play? Big vs. small gov?
A&E:
- Report on progress of one acts. Interview directors as well as actors about at least three one acts.
- Interview MA community about obsession with such shows as Breaking Bad, The Wire, Entourage, and KWTK.
NEWS:
-MA community reaction to US pledge of 380m allocated for Syrian civilians. (results/unintended consequences) Interview frosh, soph, junior, senior and two faculty members.
-Coverage of New York Fashion Week, trends, models, and impact on MA fashion. (Feb 6th-13th)
SPORTS:
- Write piece about potential boys volleyball team. Is it happening? Is it possible? What members of the MA community are interested?
- Upcoming seasons: Swimming, Girls Soccer, Lax. Do a profile on each captain about upcoming season.
OPINIONS:
- SF vs. Marin vs. East Bay (percieved differences/similarities/characteristics of each community and its members who attend MA)
- Opinion on phone/tech use during class, assembly, and break (why it's detrimental to the MA community)
FEATURES:
-MA’s reputation- how is it changing if at all? How is MA viewed in the eyes of prospective students and how is that image different from its reality? Are we more arts or sports focused? Or are we well-rounded? (interview students from all grade levels, Dan, Connie, Sue, teachers who have been at the school for a while as well as new ones)
- How healthy is our student body? What is in the food we eat at school? What do people have access to at home? Exploring the varying levels of health at our school + healthy habits some people have as opposed to others. (interview Lisa + other Epicurean Group employees, Lynne, students of all grade levels, student athletes)
A&E:
-explore how much creativity is fostered in classes other than visual/performing arts & how it changes with each grade level, ex. Is English II less creative than Poetry? When/how much does creativity come into play as far as learning? Could focus on one specific class other than art or a wide range. (interview teachers of chosen subject matter, students of all grade levels, possibly dean of faculty as well as department of chosen subject matter)
- explore what books MA students are exposed to in their classes throughout their time at MA- the variety of subject matter, perspective, time period, etc. profile this by using a couple of students of varying grade levels to see how many levels an MA student’s education reaches through the books we read in our classes, also possibly explore how teachers choose the books we read (interview teachers of subjects, one student of each grade level)
NEWS:
-investigating the Laptop Thief but from the angle of campus safety and how safe students feel on MA’s generally open campus, goal wouldn’t be to investigate and find the thief as much as explore what it brings up amongst the student body (interview Lynne, Scott, Travis, and students of all grades + genders, possibly interview those who have been stolen from)
-investigate the job market today as well as what it’s expected to be in the future when it becomes all of our reality, how much are people paying attention to our futures and what is being done now that will impact them? (interview history teachers + possibly Kevin with his knowledge of stat, students of all grade levels especially seniors who are going off to college + thinking of their futures more)
SPORTS:
-Winter Olympics→ who is everyone watching? Favorite sports amongst the student body? How much do people actually care? (interview student body- people of all grades + gender, interview teachers with interests in sports, very general)
-Impact of sports on overall well-being of students- how physical activity can increase your happiness, productivity, etc (interview Joani, Josh, students who play sports & possibly those who don’t)
OPINIONS:
-opinion piece on senior projects- how they’ve evolved over time, how the restrictions have evolved over time? What the future looks like? What are the real benefits of the program? (interview Lynne, Jaimie, students planning on senior projects, possibly juniors hoping to do one)
-opinion piece on student/teacher relationships- how well students feel heard/that their opinion matters in terms of their learning, what are the biggest disconnects between teachers and students despite the increased familiarity between all of them at a school like MA
Feature
How do student's commute times affect their experience at MA? Their ability to do their homework? Their social life? After-school activities? Amount of sleep - how much does it affect their performance? Do students who live closer have an advantage?
How safe are we? What are students' reactions to recent school shootings and how does that influence their feeling of safety at MA? Do they think they're safe just because we're in Marin? What security measures does the school have in place in case of an attack?
A&E
Trends in YA literature - Why are do many popular books now have such dark themes/plots? Why have Dystopian books especially become so popular?
Sports Ads - Why are they mostly beer, cars, and junk food? How does this influence all the teenagers who watch sports? What does this show about the general stereotyoes of men's interests?
News
What happens to all the excess food in local restaurants at the end of each day? If some products are "made fresh each day", what happens to the unsold products? What happens to the food in the MA cafeteria?
The predicted drought - how will that affect everyone? How concerned is the MA community about it? Is anyone taking measures to prepare for it?
Sports
Sports nutrition - What to eat and when to eat it for optimal performance.
MA Sports vs. club sports - Pros and cons of each, similarities and differences of each.
Opinions
How well is Ma preparing us for college? Future jobs? Are there any classes or subjects that students feel are missing? Any that students feel are unneeded?
How do grading differentials among teachers affect students?
Feature
How do student's commute times affect their experience at MA? Their ability to do their homework? Their social life? After-school activities? Amount of sleep - how much does it affect their performance? Do students who live closer have an advantage?
How safe are we? What are students' reactions to recent school shootings and how does that influence their feeling of safety at MA? Do they think they're safe just because we're in Marin? What security measures does the school have in place in case of an attack?
A&E
Trends in YA literature - Why are do many popular books now have such dark themes/plots? Why have Dystopian books especially become so popular?
Sports Ads - Why are they mostly beer, cars, and junk food? How does this influence all the teenagers who watch sports? What does this show about the general stereotyoes of men's interests?
News
What happens to all the excess food in local restaurants at the end of each day? If some products are "made fresh each day", what happens to the unsold products? What happens to the food in the MA cafeteria?
The predicted drought - how will that affect everyone? How concerned is the MA community about it? Is anyone taking measures to prepare for it?
Sports
Sports nutrition - What to eat and when to eat it for optimal performance.
MA Sports vs. club sports - Pros and cons of each, similarities and differences of each.
Opinions
How well is Ma preparing us for college? Future jobs? Are there any classes or subjects that students feel are missing? Any that students feel are unneeded?
How do grading differentials among teachers affect students?
FEATURES:
-Explore ethnic diversity in MA, and thoughts on the subject. Interview: various students, Sanjai, Dan, Travis, teachers
- explore students motivations and expectations in going to MA, and reasons for attending this school, what MA offers pertaining to the future of students. Interview: Students, Travis,
A&E:
-how skills learned when participating in visual/performing arts are used in students everyday life, and how students experience with the arts affected/changed their life. Interviews: Students a part of the arts program at MA, maybe alumni who actively participated/participate in the arts, arts teachers.
-netflix being a big trend among student, their thoughts on it and if they are aware of netflix among other big corporations causing the downfall of local video businesses. Interview:students + teachers who use netflix, video store owners
NEWS:
-the “modern family”, how different family situations affect students life at MA, and impact the academic and social aspects of their lives. Interview: students with different family backgrounds, counselors at MA,
-are advancements in technology helping or limiting students? Interview: students, counselors, Travis, teachers
SPORTS:
- sports bringing students together, creating relationships, also breaking barriers between age differences. Interview: student athletes, coaches, Josh, Kacie,
-sport injuries and how they affect students with their both physically and emotionally, and fear of getting injured and its effects. Interview: Student athletes with or without injuries, Aaron, coaches
OPINIONS:
-The overall MA environment pressuring and stimulating at the same time to excel in school
-having the privilege of going to MA comes with a responsibility to give back to the community and the world.
NEWS:
-- YouTube's growing influence, how is it changing the way we use the internet? What can we get from youtube educationally, socially and politically? What do people use youtube for? student based interviews
-- value of clubs on campus: how have they evolved since their conception, what do regular students and leaders get out of the meetings and experiences... student based
FEATURES:
-- Marketing in the Modern World and its impact upon MA students: How influenced are students and young people affected by brands and marketing? Are decisions (about places to eat, things to buy) influenced by brand names? How harmful is this? (less about socio-economics, more about how often people associate their lives and choices with brands) Interview various MA students of different backgrounds, Bill and HCI students in particular.
-- About the new online classes with different schools: interview teachers about the classes that will be offered (not sure who they are), find out who would be interested in taking them and what the benefits are
SPORTS:
-- Sochi Games Preview with lens of LGBT (timing is key): Who are the athletes to watch? What has been done in Russia to prepare? MA Opinion: what should be done (if anything) by athletes to protest the LGBT discrimination? What will be the historical significance of this Olympics? What will the games say about the future of LGBT rights? Interview history teachers, various MA students of different backgrounds.
A&E:
-- Award Season (Grammy's, Academy Awards, Coverage: Best dressed, most deserving of a win, favorite movies/tv in the opinion of MA students, we can do fun polls, infographics etc.
-- 2014 movie preview, what are people excited to see?
OPINION:
-- religion @ MA (hasn't been covered in a while)
-- drugs and professional sports, what should/can be done?
Upcoming music concerts: what kind of preparation does this take, who is performing… Interview: (Bob, Music students (specific bands), tech crew, Kelly)
Randee and Nicole’s visit to the Kennedy Center- experience, preparation. Interview: (Randee and Nicole, dance student’s)
News:
Art Students not having to earn tech credits. Interview: (Kelly, Annie/David, Bob, Art students, Music/Theater/Dance Students, Anne, Randee)
Computers being stolen around campus- how students feel about leaving their bags and computers around campus, staff’s trust in students (do they think an MA student is taking the computers?) impact on ability to do homework/productivity. Interview: (student’s with stolen computers, student’s who leave computers around campus, class deans, Lynne Hansen)
Opinion:
Is MA preparing its students for college adequately ? (teachers, senior students, alumni)
-How do seniors feel about leaving- are they ready?
-From the perspective of new students- Freshmen, do they feel that their teachers are beginning to prepare them?
-Does Evie see people adding/dropping classes for the sake of the applications?
Interview: Students of all grades but specifically seniors and frosh, freshman teachers/other teachers, Evie)
Is bullying a problem at MA?
how often is it seen, and what type of reputation is MA trying to maintain?
(Interview students, class deans, counselor…)
Feature:
Add/Drop Period: can people really get a feel for the class in less than a week?
-Do students see a better way to get around this system?
-What does this process entail?
Interview: (Evie, students who add/drop classes, teachers with students dropping out
The story behind the cast parties- drugs and alcohol’s role
-Are people feeling pressured to try drugs/ alcohol
-Anonymous quotes?
Sports:
J.V or Varsity- determining where a student athlete should be placed (Sports coaches, athletes)
Salary Difference between coaches and professors in public colleges- is this seen at MA? (Josh, sport coaches, teachers, others who fund the sports program)
Features:
- Religion vs. spirituality. Is there a distinction between the two of them? Is the MA community more spiritual or religious? Interview students and teachers.
- How much do MA students know about other countries? Fun facts, type of leader, how country is split up, etc.
A&E
- Criticism of women during the Golden Globes (and possibly other award shows) in other articles. Student interviews with reactions.
- Thoughts on Super Bowl commercials and the hype behind them. Could be before or after Super Bowl.
News:
- Where do student get their news, if at all?
- How well do MA students know European geography? Do they know as much as they think they do? Could they fill out a blank map of Europe? I saw something like this but with Europeans tested on America, I think it could be fun to do a version of it with MA students.
Sports:
- Most common sports injuries at MA and if/how they can be avoided. Interview coaches, Aaron, and students with those injuries.
- Professional athletes as role models and how they affect high school athletes. What do they do differently because of these athletes? Interview students who play sports and maybe coaches.
Opinions:
- Opinion on religion at MA and if/how it is different from other states or towns in CA.
- Opinion on the 2016 election and why in some ways it has already started.
Features:
1. divorce and how it effects daily life of MA students (two houses etc)
2. how well prepared did you feel entering high school?
A&E:
1. slang now versus slang back in the day: What did our teachers say/ what do teachers think of current day slang?
2. Exploring the lost and found. What is in there and where does it go if no one claims it?
News:
1. Spare the air→ record number, how bad air quality is effecting students with asthma
2. Flu in the bay area- who is being effected, how to stay healthy
Sports:
1. MA’s best ever teams/seasons
2. Do athletics have any influence over MA's admissions? Do the athletic directors speak to admissions about which teams need new players?
Opinions:
1. hum dev→ why we are so lucky to have it
2. Why are our MA emails discontinued after we graduate? Poses some challenges to students who use it as their main email
Features:
1.how important is finding a niche in High school, good or bad? cliques. talk to students, lynne, charis, joanne
2. clubs at MA, why do many never meet? not enough student support? talk to students, club leaders, teachers involved
News
1. how MA will be affected by drought, if rainless trend continues, talk to liz/ellie, eco action/council, are students informed?
2. Use of technology in the class room, talk to teachers who use it heavily (jen, jon) student's take, scott, lynne
A&E
1. careers in the arts after MA, talk to aspiring students, bob, MA alums
2. how will lack of snow affect MA outings/ minicourse/student winter breaks - talk to beps and other skiers/snowboards, leaders of skiing minicourse and possible skiing outings
Sports
1. Girls lax coming to MA? - talk to Amelia, other students interested, Josh(s)
2.
Opinions
1.
2.
Sports:
1. The pressure of sports and balancing it out with school work. How does it affect stress levels of students? Easy to manage?
2. No football or cheerleading: 2 of the things that most high schools have, why not MA?
Features:
1. Transportation: how do people get to school? What time do they wake up? Bus, car, walk, bike?We can have a survey for the students.
2. Winter formal, Spirit dance and Prom. Which one do students prefer? Is it all just hype about being part of the stereotypical "high school experience?" Important?
A&E:
1." Importance" of social media: How often are students opening their Instagram, Facebook, twitter etc? How does it affect their self esteem? Why does it feel so important to keep up with everything and every one?
2. Dropping the arts: all though an art is not required all 4 years, why do students drop it? Are there other priorities?
News:
1. Senior Retreat and the experience. What do the seniors think about it? Does it bring the students even closer together? Should it be continued?
2. The 2014 Olympics delegation of gay athletes. How do students at MA feel about that? Will they be watching even with this restriction? Are the olympics that important?
Opinions:
1. Should MA have a stronger dress code? Are the clothing that students wear currently "distracting"?
2. Social ranks or divisions: MA is known for having kind and open community, but is that just a generalization? Do we have cliques and groups? Are we ignoring it?
Features –
MA’s take on the controversy over the new planned parenthood nearby. Could also look at birth control among MA teens. Would interview Mark Stefanski and members of peace and justice club who discussed this at a recent meeting, Sanjai or Charis, and students.
Changes in English curriculums, look at why, what new books are being read. Interview librarians, English dept, compare student perspectives.
Opinion –
Why don’t seniors and juniors have the option to take a Hum Dev course?
Parents providing drugs/alcohol for parties.
Sports –
League opening MA game vs Urban – interview Kyle, Connor, Josh, Basketball coach and students who attended
Controversy over Seahawks game not selling tickets to Californian’s – interview people who like sports
A&E –
Advanced band profiles, could explore evolution of MA music program. Interview Bob, members of each band
Perez Hilton sends Kesha to rehab, a look at the way constant media attention can warp people’s views. Interview Sanjai, Charis and Joanie/Tracy and students.
News –
Chris Christie bridge scandal coverage, what you need to know and why it’s important
Recent shooting in New Mexico, how it relates to safety at MA. Talk to students, Lynn, Travis, Charis.
FEATURES:
- The place of high-school education in the information age: how can MA adapt its teaching paradigm to provide opportunities that internet courses cannot? (Interview: Scott Young, Laura Webber, students who have taken Khan Academy courses)
- Are night owls a neglected group? Should the schedule have accommodations to better suit their needs? Genetic difference, or time management choice? Health effects of lack of sleep? (Interview: Lynne Hansen, at least five self-identified night owls and early birds)
A&E:
- Is film photography here to stay, or fading echo of the past? Plans for the future of the program, and opinions (from interviewees) on film's place in the modern world is, in MA and elsewhere. (interview: Anne Maurice)
- Internet piracy: How prevalent is it at MA? is it socially condoned in our community? Should it be? Legal dangers, moral dilemmas. Anonymous polls, interviews about the topic as a whole. No interviews discussing personal experience, for legal reasons.
NEWS:
- The Chinese moon rover: how does MA feel about China's advancement out into space? Congratulatory and hopeful, or subtly fearful? How does this compare to the average American opinion on the topic (or at least opinions from outside Marin)? Role of patriotism? Do we feel (and want to feel) more pride in our species, or our nation?
- Bitcoin: has it reached MA? Has a Marin Academy student or teacher ever completed a transaction with Bitcoin? Made any money from investment in it? Has all of MA heard of it, and, if so, how many understand it?
sports
I apologize, but I'm so unfamiliar with the sports culture and events at MA that I can't be helpful here.
opinions
- Finals anxiety: an unnecessary evil. Why MA should allow retakes on all final exams.
- How overuse will render standing ovations meaningless.
News
-Michael Sam, potential gay nfl player, comes out
-connect to gay rights around the world and sports (olypics)
-effects on NFL
A&E
summary of trends at New York Fashion Week
-interview MA students about trends at MA
-compare and contrast
Sports
March Madness
-discuss upcoming brackets
-interview people about teams that they support
Features
- How schools in CA and US are reacting to transgender students. My middle school SFday is an interesting school to take into account where gender fluid bathrooms now exist. Interview MA students as well as members of other school communities.
Opinion
Selfie Madness
-interview MA kids (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) about the phenomonon.
-annoying vs fun
- SF vs. Marin vs. East Bay (percieved differences/similarities/characteristics of each community and its members who attend MA
-Good Week/Bad Week on Campus
-Opinion on phone/tech use during class, assembly, and break (why it's detrimental to the MA community)
Post a Comment