Creating an Exploration Blog

Site addy: http://mskdrking.blogspot.com/

Discovering new lands brought much excitement to the European world in the 15th and 16th century. The
people looked forward to reading firsthand accounts as the explorers chronicled their adventures.

Essential Question: How do you write a narrative in a way that will inspire and capture the attention of
the audience?
Standards covered:
RL1, RL4, W1, W3, W4, C1, LSV2
Your task: Create an exploration narrative modern style

Today, people are participating in personal exploration. They are choosing an adventure and narrating
every step of the way for friends, family, and other interested individuals. They post daily happenings on
blogs and make their adventure available to world. You are going to step into your imagination and create
your own exploration blog.

Requirements:
1. Research: Think of a place you would like to go or an adventure you’d like to have and research
it! Look for pictures, facts about the location, things you’d have to get to have the adventure.
a. Example: My dream adventure is to go to Australia. So, I would look up information on
how to get there and what things to do once I got there.
b. Research will be evident in your post.
2. Draft your blog entry
a. Your initial blog post should have a paragraph explaining why you have chosen to take
this adventure.
b. The next paragraph(s) should be a narrative about what is going on as you journey.
Remember the term we discussed: Imagery. Be very descriptive! You can capture the
audiences’ attention by using words that appeal to your senses – taste, touch, sight,
sound, smell.
c. Type up your draft in a word document. Check for spelling and grammatical errors.
d. Then post your paragraphs in a comment on the exploration blog found at the address
above.
e. Your initial blog should be a minimum of two paragraphs. More is better.
f. Have fun and use your imagination!
3. Read others blog.
a. After your initial blog is posted. You need to take the time to read what others have
submitted.
b. You are required to respond to the post of at least two of your classmates.
c. Your response needs to be more than a word or two or a sentence. It needs to be
meaningful and constructive.
i. Tell them why you like their post.
ii. Ask them questions if you have any.
iii. Keep the discussion going.
4. Respond to your posts. If someone comments on your post, respond to them.

Following these above guidelines and reading the rubric will ensure your successful completion of this
assignment.

Ask questions!!!!!
 Exploration Blog Rubric
Criteria Unacceptable Acceptable Good Excellent
0Points 1point 2Points 3Points
Initial No assignment Post lacks The post is The post is well
Assignment posted evidence of planned and developed and
Post preparation; It thought out. It addresses every
doesn’t address addresses some aspect of the
all aspects of aspects of the assigned task. It
the task task. is creative and
engages the
reader. It uses
strong imagery.
Follow-up No follow-up The post is The post The post
Postings postings shallow in its elaborates on an extends
contribution. It existing post meaningful
doesn’t not with further discussion by
continue the comment or building on
discussion or observation. previous posts.
explain The post
specifically what specifies
was liked or strengthens and
disliked. weaknesses of
original post.
The response
makes
connection to
classroom
content that was
covered.
Content The posts The posts are The posts are The post is
Contribution contain simply repeats accurate but accurate,
information that of information does not help demonstrates
is off topic, that has already the reader to reflection, and
incorrect, or been stated. fully understand has substances
irrelevant to the the creator’s that makes for
discussion and thought process. interesting
assignment. reading and
encourages
discussion.
Reference and Does not include Includes Includes some Thoroughly uses
Support research or experience, but references to research and
experience. does not research and personal
indicate personal experience to
researched experience. support ideas
information.
Clarity and Post is The post is Thoughts are The post
Mechanics unorganized and communicated clear and the contributes to
contains in a friendly post has a few the discussion;
multiple errors. manner, but has minor the comments
many mechanical are easy to read
mechanical errors. and are free of
errors. mechanical
errors.