February 26, 2015

If you could come up with ANY machine or device that would do something “useful” and maybe a little crazy, what would it be and why? 

Consider things like the Tomato-Feeding Jogging Machine. 

STEP 1

Think of a “problem” or a situation you have that bothers you. Make sure it’s not a huge, serious problem. 

STEP 2

Think of a few possible solutions. 

STEP 3

Brainstorm ways to incorporate those possible solutions into a crazy machine of some sort. 

STEP 4

Try to sketch it out or plan how it might work. 

NOTE: Feel free to get as weird as possible. Real science is not as fun as unreal science! (at least for this little assignment)

One idea I had - I want something that will allow my cat to tell me when it needs to have water. I NEVER remember. Rube Goldberg

THIS IS BLOWING MY MIND!

I JUST CAN’T EVEN BELIEVE WHAT HE’S SAYING - SO LOGICAL

I Am Number Four - by Pittacus Lore

John Smith - main character

Henri - his “dad” - his protector

Where does this story take place? 

Seems like everywhere - somewhere in Florida - the Keys at first, but they move to Ohio

What do we know about Ohio? 

Corn, cows and nice people - in the book, at any rate

Why are they leaving the Florida Keys?

There are some “people” who are killing the other numbers ahead of John. As each one is killed - he manifests a scar on his body. 

One, two and three are dead, which means, that he is NEXT!

Whomever is after them all, will be looking for him now. 

His feelings at the start of the story are fear, worry, tired of running. I think he might be getting to the point where he might want to fight back. CORNERED!

Mogadorians - what are these guys? the alien bad guys who are killing the other numbers

We also note that there is some reference to a nice girl at school. I think this is foreshadowing something to happen with her. i.e. some sweet dating fun in a friendly and non-threatening alien way - Sabasgn predicts that this may be something alien after all!

Loric chest? - we need to figure out what this is… seems to be linked with his home planet - Lorien - now, we have to wonder what is inside this chest

Predictions after Chapter 3

Sabasgn - predicts that the girl at school is another number

Jonathon - predicts a light bulb high five

Jessica - predicts some dating

Shawn - predicts that the girl and boy with go to school together

Dawson - predicts that the lead character will be attacked

Ryan - rooster noises - not the most informed prediction

Danny - predicts that he is unsure what may happen

Matt - predicts that the girl might rat out Henri and John

Reading Journal #1 - February 26, 2015

What do you think are the qualities that “John Smith” has that make him an interesting LEAD CHARACTER?

1. John is smart, which means he makes the right decisions to keep the story going. If he didn’t make the right decisions, he would get killed too early and the story would be over!

2. John is different from everyone else, which makes the story more fun and special. The character is different from US, so the story is better to read.

3. John is always on the run, which makes the story change over time - it’s not boring. 

4. John gets scars when the other numbers die, which makes the story build up with excitement - we are worried about what will happen to him. 

(In the audiobook, Henri sounds like he an accent - Henri is a French name. )

5. John has something that he really wants, which makes us care about him more.