Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support. FOR THE WEEK OF NOV. 29, 2021 Holiday tech gifts: Check out what's new, innovative and affordableCan you spot gifts – digital or not – that you want?
Find news of a local holiday performance, display or other event that sounds like fun.
Look for people or a group helping the less fortunate. Who benefits and how?
Tech devices and accessories that you give or get this season can be practical as well as cool. Check out new digital gadgets and electronic tools in the categories of apps, games, consoles, cameras, audio gear and streaming devices. "Deathloop" ($40) is the latest hit from Bethesda Softworks studio. Time-loop mechanics let players learn from their mistakes and try new paths with each playthrough. For those lucky enough to have PlayStation 5, "Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart" ($70) has distinctive twists, colorful characters and gameplay that uses the adaptive triggers on the Dualsense controller. And for Nintendo gamers, a $20 hardshell case from RDS Industries can hold your Switch and a cartridge case. There's also an adjustable viewing stand for propping up your Switch while inside — an improvement on the flimsy kickstand originally supplied. It's $40 at GameStop, Best Buy and Amazon. A new $50 webcam from VisionTek has 1080-pixel resolution and a 77-degree field of view that keep people in the frame even if far from the camera. A tripod mount is included. For hands-free phone use, the MagicMount Pro2 is designed for iPhone 12 and 13 models that have a built-in circle of magnets. The $40-$50 accessory is useful for watching videos, taping TikToks or chatting without holding a phone. Here’s more to consider asking for or picking up as a gift:Trendy T-shirt: Non-tech choices include shirts from Billionaire Boys Club, a maker of Gen Z-friendly clothes with tie-dye, punchy graphics and quotes. The brand, carried at Nordstom, also gives back to charitable organizations as a core part of its mission, including Black Lives Matter, Stop Asian Hate, mental health charities and more. Card game: ESPN Trivia Night is a $19 no-tech alternative with 1,000 sports-based questions and fun mini-games. Target sells it. Chest-strap pack: Totes that used to be called fanny packs are actually stylish now—but only when strapped across the chest. Those made by Herschel come in 25 colors and patterns. Amazon has 'em. Front Page Talking Points is written by
Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2024
Front Page Talking Points Archive►New book explores mental health impact of 'the phone-based childhood' ►Feds vs. Apple: Major case tests whether iPhone breaks a 19th century law against monopolies ►Beyoncé's 'historic' new album, 'Country Carter,' is 'breaking down barriers' ►Total solar eclipse next week will be a rare, memorable sight – and a vivid science lesson ►Tricky balance: Supreme Court tries to keep law and politics separate this election year ►Here's why SAT and ACT exams are back on more students' college paths ►Congress moves toward TikTok forced sale or ban for national security reasons ►Swift and sleek: Amtrak is closer to saying 'all aboard' for a new era of high-speed rail travel ►New era in space: Flying to the moon is a business for private companies now |