Shibaura Institute of Technology Writing 1B: Task 5 Lab Report

Hi Everyone,
Yesterday we learned how to write a process paragraph. Your next task is to apply the lesson by writing a lab report. Some good examples of lab reports are below. Shibaura Institute of Technology students wrote the lab reports.
Enjoy!

A Comparison between Strong Acid and Weak Acid by Fumihisa T.

     You can do a simple experiment to prove that strong acid is a better conductor of electricity than weak acid. All you need is a suitable quantity of hydrochloric acid (strong acid) and acetic acid (weak acid), 2 test tubes, 2 light bulbs, 4 conductors and 4 electrode bars. First, fill half of a test tube with hydrochloric acid and another one with acetic acid. Second, connect a light bulb and 2 electrode bars with 2 conductors like in the diagram below. Do this once more. Then soak the electrode bars of one set in the hydrochloric acid and the electrode bars of the other set in the acetic acid. You will see that the light bulb connected to electrode bars that were soaked in hydrochloric acid flashes more brightly than the one connected to electrode bars soaked in acetic acid. This proves that strong acid is a better conductor of electricity than weak acid.

Image by Fumihisa T.

Specific Heat Experiment by Kimihiro O.

Purpose: To show that aluminum has a higher specific heat than steel.
Materials: 2 cans - 1 made of steel and 1 made of  aluminum, 2 thermometers, a refrigerator
Procedure:
1. Fill the can with water.
2. Put the cans into the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
3. Check the temperature of the water in the cans and compare
4. Repeat 2~3 times every 5 minutes
Result: The water in the aluminum can gets cold quickly.

Image by Kimihiro O.

     You can do a simple experiment to prove that aluminum has a higher specific heat than steel. All you need are 2 cans: one made of steel and another made of aluminum, 2 thermometers, and a refrigerator. First, fill the can with water. After that, put the cans into the refrigerator. After 5 minutes, check the temperature of the water in the cans and compare and repeat the process 2~3 times till the time water in the cans become the same temperature. You will see the water in the aluminum can gets cold quickly. This proves that aluminum has a higher specific heat than steel.


Note for teachers: As usual, I have reformulated the students' writing to make it grammatical and a bit more natural sounding. Scott Thornbury has written a great article about reformulation. You can see the abstract here: Reformulation and reconstruction: Tasks that promote 'noticing'.

Toyo Gakuen University Hallowe'en Party 2010

Hi everyone!
Yesterday we had a great party in the English Lounge. Fifty students came to the 5th annual Togaku Hallowe'en Party. Mr. Hardy was the host. We ate sweets. We drank pop, juice, and tea. We carved jack o' lanterns. We sang songs. We played games. It was a great party. I made a video of our party. The song that you can hear in the video was written and performed by my very good friend Marc Fedak. You can hear more of Marc's music on line. Please click this link: marc fedak on soundclick
Enjoy!

Toyo Gakuen University 応用英語1-2B Reading Chapter 1-3 Review and Midterm Exam Study Guide

Hello everyone!
Today we are going to review Chapters 1-3 and prepare for the midterm exam. The midterm exam will be next Friday the 4th of November.
Please study the following:

• Vocabulary - study all the words on the quizzes and in the chapter puzzles. You can review these words using our Smart.fm vocabulary list. Click this link: 応用英吾1-2B Reading
• Chapter 1 Review: Be sure to study the mindmap carefully, also please study the Chapter 1 review in your textbook on p.92
• Chapter 2 Review: Please read the comments, also please study the Chapter 2 review in your textbook on p.104
• Chapter 3 Review: Be sure to study the Timeline carefully, and please read the comments. Also please study the Chapter 3 review in your textbook on p.116
• Chapter Quizzes 1-3.  
• The picture of the crime scene on p. 84
• The map on p. 86
• The calendar on p.100
• The timeline on p.111

The midterm exam will have 3 parts:

1. Vocabulary - 10 randomly selected (無作為に選) questions from quizzes 1-3
2. Comprehension - 10 randomly selected questions from quizzes 1-3 
3. Tasks -  (a) draw a mind map describing all the suspects, and showing their relationship to the victim, their motive, and their suspicious behaviour. Look at the example mind map below. You can see the information for Leo Mench. On the printed copy of this mindmap, please fill in the information for the other suspects.

Don't forget that you can use your detective's note book in the exam so be sure to complete the crime report on p.10. Also please fill in the information for the Persons of Interest on p.11, and fill in all the clues in chapters 1-3 on p. 12

Have fun studying. You can get an A if you study hard!

A Special Presentation for Peace

I got a message from my friend Michele Steele about a special presentation about peace. On the 13th of November, Anna Baltzer will be speaking at the Daito Bunka Kaikan. You can see the details in the picture below. Ms. Baltzer's presentation is sponsored by JALT Gunma Chapter and the JALT Global Issues in Language Education Special Interest Group (GILE).

I hope to see you there!

Toyo Gakuen University 応用英語I-3B Writing Unit 6: It's a Party Part 2

Hello everyone,
Today we will continue working on our next task - writing a notice　（お知らせ） and writing a paragraph about a party.
First, let's review some vocabulary. Please click this link: 基礎英吾ステップ１
Now let's practice typing. Let's practice typing with some new games. Please click the links and play
Alpha Attack and Air Typer

Now let's upload our seal to fotobabble.Then read and record the paragraph that you wrote about your seal. Finally, share your fotobabble with me. Next week I will display your fotobabbles here, so we can see and enjoy everyone's seals.

Now, let's return to Task 2: It's a Party. Your homework for today is to write the first draft of your paragraph about your party. Don't forget to check the style sheet. You must send me your paragraph by Tuesday the 9th of November at 6 pm.
Enjoy!

Shibaura Institute of Technology 英語総合1B Lesson 5 Whiteboard Notes

Hi everyone!
Last lesson we started a new unit - Only One Earth. We learned a new reading strategy too - prediction. Also, we did an interesting survey about the world's biggest problems. You ranked the problems listed below:

• Too much garbage
• Endangered species
• Pollution
• Not enough food
• Not enough jobs

Seventy percent (70%) of you said that pollution was the biggest problem or the second biggest problem. After pollution, you thought that not enough food was the most important problem. Seventy-eight percent (78%) of you said that not enough jobs was the least important problem. 

You can see all our whiteboard notes from last lesson below.

The Hire Hire Festival at Toyo Gakuen University

Hello everybody,
Well, it's that time again!! The Hire Hire Festival starts tomorrow.
I spoke to Yuka, one of the organisers of the festival. Our chat was made into a podcast by Jerry Talandis, one of the great teachers at Toyo Gakuen University. You can listen to the podcast by clicking the link below.  There are many great things to see and do at the festival including:

• a flea market
• fireworks
• stamp rally
• stand-up comedy
• live music
• food stands
• ..and many more things!!

Please leave a comment.
Enjoy!

ELP 5: The Hire Hire Festival

Toyo Gakuen University 応用英語I-3B Writing Unit 6: It's a Party Part 1

Hello everyone!
Today we are going to start a new unit. In this unit we will learn how to write a notice and a paragraph about a class party.
First let's learn some vocabulary. Click this link: 基礎英語　ステップ3　Do the iKnow lesson two times.
Next, let's practice typing. Click this link: Qwerty Warriors. Play the game two times.
Now look at the picture below. What do you see?

Photo uploaded to Flickr by emrank

OK, let's start. Open your books to page 53.
Finally, let's make a Fotobabble with our seals. Click here:Sign up for fotobabble.

Shibaura Institute of Technology 英語総合１B Lesson 4 Whiteboard Notes

Hi everyone,
Below are the whiteboard notes we made last lesson.

Introduction to Business English 1-B Unit 7 People review

Hello everyone!
Well, it's been a while. Last week our class was cancelled due to the holiday. So, let's review Unit 7 People.
Luckily, I listened to an interesting person speak yesterday at the Japan Intercultural Institute conference at Shirayuri College. You can see a picture of Shirayuri College's beautiful campus below.

Shirayuri College, Tokyo

The main speaker at the conference was Glen Fukushima. You can see a picture of Glen Fukushima below.

Photo courtesy of Glen Fukushima

Please read the profile of Glen Fukushima.

• Born in 1949 in California
• Raised in California and in Japan
• Father was a sansei (三世), his mother was an issei  (一世) born and raised in Japan.
• Attended Stanford University, Havard Business School and Harvard Law School
• Started his career as a lawyer
• Worked for the U.S. government
• Has been an executive for AT&T, Arthur D. Little and NCR
• Currently head of Airbus Japan.

Is he Japanese or American? Write your answer as a comment.
In paragraph 20 of this article you can see what a Japanese businessman thinks about Glen Fukushima.

Toyo Gakuen University Extension Centre Class: Useful English for the Dentist

Hi,
Today we are going to learn some useful English for the dentist. First let's watch a funny video.



You can learn some useful English for teh dentist from these websites:
Vocabulary used in a dental office
English for Dentists and their patients 1
English for Dentists and their patients 2
English for Dentists and their patients 3

Here's another video that includes some useful vocabulary.



I need to learn some useful Japanese for the dentist. maybe you can help me learn.

Shibaura Institute of Technology Writing 1B Task 3

The Learning Support Center

Hello everyone!


In today's class we reviewed organising paragraphs using time order and we learned how to organise paragraphs using order of importance. Your homework is to edit and rewrite Task 2. To see some good examples of Task 2 please click this link: Task 2. Below you can see some good examples of Task 3. Please don't forget that you can come to get help from in the Learning Support Center. Enjoy!

Why I decided to come to Shibaura

Hiroaki K.

          There are three reasons that I decided to come to Shibaura. First, Shibaura is the university that is the nearest to my house. Second, Shibaura corresponds to my scholastic attainments. Most importantly, there is a fishing circle at Shibaura. I like this school.

Fumihisa T.


     There are several reasons why I decided to come to Shibaura. First, there is a department of Mechanical Engineering. I wanted to get into this subject by all means because I want to become a plane mechanic. Second, Shibaura is in the metropolitan Tokyo area. Thanks to the location, it is easy to commute. The most important reason is that the rate of employment of Shibaura graduates is high. This is a very important thing. For these reasons, I decided to come to Shibaura.

Keisuke H.

     I chose Shibaura Institute of Technology for these reasons. First of all, The university has a racing team. I like to make things. The racing team doesn't just race cars. We produce an original car. Through this activity, I want to have a great experience and learn about the technology of cars. Second, this campus is built near Tokyo. We can get employment in the center of the capital. Finally, my department has a variety of experimental instruments. We can have a variety of experiences. I think that I made the right choice when I chose this university.

Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Job

Yuki M.

     There are four important things to consider when you choose a job. First, you should consider location. If the company is far, the commute is long. The second thing is the work’s quality. Quality of work is related to willingness to work. In addition, the company’s education environment is very important. I want the company’s education to enhance my skills. The most important thing is salary. Money makes me happy. So I will consider these four things when I choose a job.

Note to teachers reading this post: These paragraphs have been reformulated. If you would like to see the unreformulated versions please contact me.

Toyo Gakuen University 応用英語1-2B Reading Chapter 3 Review

2010 Abax Some Rights Reserved

Hello everyone!

Today we are going to review Chapter 3. The story is getting exciting. Last week some of you made some comments about the evidence. Click the link to read the comments.

Look at the timeline below. Do you see anything suspicious?

Now let's learn some vocabulary. Click the link:応用英語1-2B Reading Chapter 3. Click "Chapter 3" Write the words and the translations in your Detectives' Notebooks. The look for the English definitions using the Simple English Wiktionary and the Oxford English Dictionary.

Next, let's get into groups and discuss Chapter 3. After that we will do the quiz.
Finally, who do you think is the number one suspect? Leave a comment below.

Toyo Gakuen University 応用英語I-3B Writing Unit 5: My Seal Part 4

Hello everyone,
I have read your first drafts, and I looked at your beautiful seals. Wow! Fantastic!
Today we are going to finish Unit 5. We will also write the second draft of Task 1: My Seal.
First: let's review some vocabulary. Click the link: 基礎英吾ステップ4. Do the iKnow lesson two times.
Next, let's practice some typing. Click this link: Qwerty Warriors. Click "Play". Select "medium". Play the game two times.
Now let's review some prepositions (前置詞) of place. Watch the video below.



Now let's play a fun game. Click this link: http://www.tcet.com/eaonline/flashedesl/catsmx.swf
Finally, please write your second draft. Use the "Grammar Error Codes" handout in the lecture folder to help you. You must submit it to me by e-mail by next Tuesday at 6 pm.
Have fun writing!

Shibaura Institute of Technology 英語総合B Global Issues Assignment 1

Hi everyone!
Today's lesson was great. Thanks!
In class today, I gave you your first assignment. You can see some great examples of Assignment 1 by clicking this link: Shibaura Institute of Technology Global Issues Projects: Water Diary.

Here is a link to an example of the water bottle survey:https://app.box.com/shared/mut5bfab8t


Also, today we talked about the One Drop Foundation. Click here to view the One Drop Foundation YouTube Channel

Finally, you can see a video about Michael Pritchard's amazing water bottle by clicking thsi link: 英語総合1B Michael Pritchard's Water Filter.

Don't forget to e-mail your assignments to me by next Monday night at 6 pm.
See you next week!

Shibaura Institute of Technology 英語総合B Global Issues Lesson 3 review and Lesson 4 preview

SIT students writing on the whiteboard, originally uploaded by mick62.

Hello everyone! I hope you are enjoying the long week-end.
Below is a set of photos of the whiteboard notes we made last lesson.

Next lesson we are going to read about reclaimed water. look at the picture below. Why do you think that we shouldn't drink reclaimed water?

See you tomorrow!

Shibaura Institute of Technology Writing 1B: Task 2 My Worst Experience - Best Experience

Downloaded from iStockphoto.com

 Hello!

Yesterday's class was great. Thank you. I'm sorry I was so disorganised at first. It was embarrassing.

Below you can see some examples of paragraphs wriiten by SIT students about their worst experiences. I have edited the paragraphs, so the grammar is correct. Enjoy!

Daichi H's Worst Experience

        When I was 11, I went to a skate park with my family. I enjoyed skating for a short time. Suddenly a child jumped in front of me. I avoided crashing, but I slipped. Unfortunately my leg broke. I suffered great pain. Fifteen minutes later,  I was carried to an ambulance and everyone looked at me with interest. I was very embarrassed. This is the worst experience in my life.

Fumihisa T's Worst Experience

        It was a snowy day when I was 16 years old. On my way to school, I was going to get on a train. In the train, there were many passengers. When I set foot in the train, due to the wet floor, I fell on my backside. Everybody in the train saw me. I was very ashamed and I blushed. I moved to another car. That was my worst experience.

Hiroaki K's Worst Experience

        When I was twenty years old, I went fishing in the river. When I jumped down, I fell in the river. I swam to the opposite bank, and crawled up from the river. I noticed that my trousers were torn. I returned to my house.  Since I was wet and my trousers were torn, I was very ashamed, until I got home.

Saki H's Worst Experience

        The worst experience of my life happened this spring. On the way to school, I was in the train. I tried to sit in a priority seat, because I had a stomachache. There were a lot of people in the train. An elderly lady asked me to give up the seat. I was perplexed because I didn’t know how to answer.  I was stared at by all the people around me. I felt that I was surrounded by people. I gave up the seat.  I gave it to the lady.

Have fun writing about your worst experiences. See you next Saturday!

Toyo Gakuen University 応用英語1-2B Reading Chapter 2 Review and Chapter 3 preview

Abax 2010 Some rights reserved

Hello!
Today we are going to review Chapter 2 and do the quiz. After that, we will start Chapter 3. First, let's learn some vocabulary. Click this link: 応用英語1-2B Reading.

Leave a comment below. 

Toyo Gakuen University 応用英語1-3B Writing Unit 5 My Seal Part 3

Hello everyone,

Today we are going to start the first draft (第一草稿) of our first writing task: My Seal.

First, let's study some vocabulary. Click this link: 基礎英語ステップ１. Do 2 iKnow lessons.
Now let's practice typing: Click this link: Qwerty Warriors. Click "Play". Select "medium". Play the game two times.

Now open the lecture folder and save the file called  応用英語1-3B Preposition practice. Do the tasks. Then open your textbook to page 48 and do the tasks.
Your homework today is to write the your first draft of Task 1: my Seal.
Enjoy!

Shibaura Institute of Technology Global Issues B: Chapter 2 Reading 1 Review & Reading 2 Preview

Hello!
Look at the images below. You can see the notes we made on the whiteboard last Tuesday.



Our next reading is called How safe is your Water? In the reading we will learn that some people in the United States don't think their tap water is safe. On the other hand, bottled water may not be any safer. To learn the Story of Bottled Water, watch the video below.

Toyo Gakuen University Introduction to Business English B: Unit 7 People Lesson 2

Hello everyone,
I hope you had a great week-end. Today we are going to finish Unit 7. We will read profiles of two famous business people: Mercedes Erra and Bill Gates. We will also learn about conflict resolution.

Image downloaded from iStockphoto

Click this link to learn more about Mercedes Erra and Bill Gates: http://1l2.us/bmE . Read the post and do the tasks. After that return to this post.

Finally, let's think. Last week we talked about the kinds of people we like working with. Sometimes conflict happens because we define things differently. For example, how do you define "hard working":

•  働き過ぎ - over working yourself, working for a very long time, working overtime
• よく働く- industrious, efficient
• 頑張る- trying hard, pulling one's weight, doing one's best

Last week my great colleague Phil Brown left a comment on this blog. Mr. Brown is bicultural. His father is English and his mother is Japanese. He told me, "For me, the saying "Never be afraid of a bit of hard work!" (よく働く) is something I grew up with on my English side with 頑張る strong on my Japanese side..."
What do you think. Do Japanese people define "hard work" differently?
Leave a comment below.

Shibaura Institute of Technology Writing 1B: Task 1 My life at Shibaura

Hello!
Your first task is to write a paragraph about your life at Shibaura. Look at the paragraph below. This is an example of a paragraph about life at Shibaura. It's one of my favourites. I love the honesty!

The Last of Remaining Light, originally uploaded by Insight Imaging: John A Ryan Photography (Having a.

My Life at Shibaura by Hiroaki K.

I belong to the handball club and the fishing circle. I like fishing. I go fishing sometimes skipping lectures. When I am not in class I go fishing. I am a student of Applied Chemistry. However, I am not so interested in chemistry. I entered this school because there is a fishing circle. I came to this school to fish.

You can see more examples here: http://mrstoutsblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/shibaura-institute-of-technology.html

Have fun writing. See you next week!