1. Creating a blog Your mission is to create a multimedia blog that addresses a social issue and makes a compelling argument for or against. You must have at least three credible outside sources to back up your claims and opinions. They will be listed at the end of your blog, so copy and paste them as you use them. You may work directly in Kidblog or work offline and paste your finished product into the blog when you finish. Your blog will include a title, argument/opinion, three sources of research, and one multimedia component. Your final grade will be based on all of these elements, plus at least three appropriate comments on others’ blogs.

2. Tips for a quality blog Start with a strong opinion, question, anecdote, or statistic that gets a reaction out of people. Consider counterclaims. In other words, how will people argue against your opinion? If you are addressing a problem, offer solutions. Don’t just complain, solve the problem! Consider how to get readers to respond. Polls? Quizzes? Graphic images? (Be careful with this!)

3. PRIZES! There will be prizes for the top three blogs in the following categories: most conversation/comments best research best written overall best argument. Prizes will include pizza and soda!

4. Rubric Title10 points Argument/opinion50 points CUPS10 points Three sources of research15 points At least three appropriate comments on others’ blogs15 points One multimedia component (BONUS)up to 10 points