M13 - Lost in the Subcontinent (Due A-April 22, B-April 29)

This Week's Mission: 

Traveling across India you can explore rivers, mountains, plateaus, and deserts.

The Indian Subcontinent is a land of many contrasts. Our original intent was to drop you on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. Unfortunately a mistake has been made, and you have been dropped into the middle of Hindu Kush; don't worry we've provided you with warm clothes for the snowy weather.

The good news is you get to travel across India and explore the beauty of this wonderful land! Your mission is to travel from Hindu Kush to the Bay of Bengal describing at least one part of the terrain you cross. The route you take is your own choice.

Your post might include:

• spend your nights crossing the Thar Desert, and your days in the shade watching the amazing desert animals
• take a ride down the Brahmaputra River during the monsoon season.
• hike across the Himalaya Mountains climbing glaciers and great peaks
• walk right across the middle and explore the wonders of the Deccan Plateau

Specific Post Requirements:

• Must contain two pieces of factual information about at least one physical feature of Indian Geography.
• Use Writer's Secret 2-6 (commas in a series). Be sure to highlight it when used.
• Must use and underline the delicious word: famished or instantaneous.

General Post and Comment Requirements:

A reminder about the general requirements for each post can be found at the top left of this blog site.

Special Writer's Challenge:

This is a special challenge for those of you who would like a little extra practice in your writing craft. If you choose to do this challenge please add the letters "WC" to your post title. Students who successfully complete this challenge will receive 1 extra credit point.

The challenge: For this challenge you must include at least one adjective for EVERY noun. However, you may not use an adjective more than once in the entire post. This includes variations of the same word, for example: ugly and ugliest. Don't forget that there is a difference between adjectives and adverbs. You do not need to underline or highlight the adjectives.

A Time Delay

Greetings Travelers!

It is with a sad heart that I inform you there will not be a new Time Travel Mission for 3 weeks.

We here at Time Travelers Incorporated are busy preparing to send many of our travelers on an amazing trip to the mountains of Western Oregon. In order to ensure we are properly prepared for this journey our attention will be focused there.

Fear not! Mission 13 will be posted the Week of April 17th, then you'll begin exploring the wonders of Ancient India! Until then, travel well.

Extra Credit Mission: Roman Expansion (Due March 25)

A Bonus Mission: 

If looking to gain some extra credit, you could write an extra post about Roman Expansion.

Rome wasn't built in a day. For this mission you get to visit Rome during one of the four periods of expansion (as defined in Chapter 34). Write a post about your experiences.

In your post you might:

• sign a peace treaty and ally with the Etruscans
• fight in a battle during the Punic Wars
• join Spartacus or Caesar in revolt against authority
• plot and debate with your fellow senators about murdering Caesar
• experience the growth of arts and education during the Pax Romana

Specific Post Requirements:

• Must contain the letters "EC" at the start of your post title
• Must contain two pieces of factual information about the period of expansion you've selected
• Must use Writer's Secret 2-3 (AAAWWUBBIS). Be sure to highlight it when used.
• Must use and underline any TWO of the following new delicious words: acquiesce, extol, flabbergasted, mandate, impeccable, or nonchalant.

General Post & Comment Requirements:

You do not have to comment on other posts for this extra mission; the second delicious word will earn you the 2 points normally given for reading and commenting.

M12 - La Dolce Vita (Due A-Mar 11, B-March 18)

This Week's Mission: 

You think life in modern America is great, but you haven't seen anything yet.

At the height of its power the Roman Empire was well known as a center for culture and civilization. Choose one of the 8 aspects of Roman Life covered in Chapter 35 (Recreation, Education, Housing, Food & Drink, Religion, Family life, Law & Order, and Country Life). Then spend some time exploring your chosen aspect.

Your post might include:

• spending a day in a Roman court and describing some of the trials you witness (or being on trial yourself!)
• being a guest in the house of a Roman and talking about the roles and activities each family member performs
• attend a fancy Roman dinner party and describe the food, entertainment, and decorations
• visit the Circus Maximus: describe the stadium and some of the "sports" you watch---or participate in!

Specific Post Requirements:

• Must contain two pieces of factual information about the aspect of Roman life you have selected
• No new writer's secret this week. Instead revisit Writer's Secret 2-1 (FANBOYS). Be sure to highlight it when used.
• Must use and underline the delicious words: invisible or waffle.

General Post & Comment Requirements:

A reminder about the general requirements for each post can be found at the top left of this blog site.

Special Writer's Challenge:

This is a special challenge for those of you who would like a little extra practice in your writing craft. If you choose to do this challenge please add the letters "WC" to your post title. Students who successfully complete this challenge will receive 1 extra credit point.

The challenge: Homonyms are words that sound alike but mean completely different things. These words can be confusing to many writers and, when misused, can really confuse your readers. One of the most common homonyms is: there - their - they're. For this writer's secret you will need to correctly use these three words in your post two times each. When you use them, make them bold and change the font color to help them stand out. Good Luck!