This week President Obama became the third sitting President to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Many were surprised that Obama, who has been in office less than a year, was awarded what many consider the most prestigious award for public service. The statement accompanying the award said that Obama was receiving this accolade for “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” In addition, the Committee cited the President’s efforts towards nuclear disarmament. We should all pause and think about the implications of this award as we try to move towards a more peaceful world and to consider how we as Americans relate to the people of other nations.
CWI
We have struggled this week with NECAP testing and shorter class periods. If you have been absent any time this past week, you will be rescheduled for your tests and you will have to make arrangements to make up your class work after school. Time is available any afternoon except Tuesdays but keep in mind you have five days to make up missed work due to an excused absence.
Your current event linked to religion was due on October 5. As you read about conflicts around the world, you will quickly note that many disagreements are based on religious differences and misunderstandings. There seems to be unwillingness to share and work towards cooperation when religious differences are in the forefront. Your next current event is due October 14 and it must be an international economics or business story. Keep in mind that most newspapers and journals have a designated section for business so you should be able to find an article that interests you.
This week we discussed the different types of governments that are found around the world. Knowing how a country governs itself will give you special insight into its relationship with the world. In addition, we talked about how the size, location and shape of a country impact its ability to trade and to protect itself. Think about the disadvantages a landlocked country may have as opposed to a country with ample sea ports.
We also tackled a difficult chapter on economic geography. The text was loaded with new vocabulary words to help describe economic systems, activities and how to measure economic output. These vocabulary words will be useful when you analyze your current event on business.
We had a series of “quizzes” as we ended each of these segments. The questions have been a mixture of identification based on the vocabulary and an open ended question which allows you to apply the information you have learned. Full credit will be earned for responses that are well thought out and respond to all parts of the question.
Finally, the period F class conducted their first accountable talk activity based on readings about Africa. Accountable talk gives you the opportunity to discuss issues with your classmates. You can share your insights and observations. You can ask fellow students for clarification of complex problems and questions. It is a time to delve more deeply into articles and speculate and make predictions. We will continue to work on this activity so you can improve your thinking and speaking skills.
Interterm reports
Our interterm reports went out this week. Many of you had well organized portfolios with an up to date status of assignment sheet. You will be pleased that all of your work is in one location as it will give you a head start for studying for the mid term exam. As announced for the past 2 weeks, if you did not have a folder with an update sheet, you were below standard. Take the time to organize your work and keep the folder in the bin so you can earn all of your credit.
World History
We had our second current event this week and your next one is due October 16. The next event must be an international event. Make sure to follow the rubric to earn full credit.
We finished our historical dialogues. We will be doing this again as it is a great way to step back into history and try to put yourself in the place of some of our leading figures.
This week you had the opportunity to work with a partner on your scientific revolution project. We met some interesting people who made major contributions to our understanding of scientific method, math, medicine and astronomy. You also linked these people from the past with contemporary scientists who continue to lead our common effort to better understand our world and the universe beyond.
Improving your presentation skills will be an important goal as you prepare for your Capstone in your junior year. You need to feel confident with your material, show that you have practiced your presentation and effectively use note cards. We will continue to have opportunities to practice these skills.
You were given a rubric for this project. Make sure to read the rubric carefully and ask questions to clarify any of the requirements. Also keep in mind that arrangement of material on a poster is important. A well organized poster allows the viewer to quickly grasp key information. Many times, students tend to put so much information on the poster that it is difficult to read.
Columbus Day Weekend
We have a long weekend as Monday we celebrate Columbus Day. This holiday has come under attack recently as some historians have questioned Columbus’ contribution. Did he really discover new lands or report back to Europeans about the existence of the islands in the Caribbean? Did he treat the indigenous people with respect, and if not why should we be honoring this man? At the same time, many use this holiday to honor all great explorers no matter when or where they went as they opened up new lands and established links between peoples who previously had not known of one another.
CWI
We have struggled this week with NECAP testing and shorter class periods. If you have been absent any time this past week, you will be rescheduled for your tests and you will have to make arrangements to make up your class work after school. Time is available any afternoon except Tuesdays but keep in mind you have five days to make up missed work due to an excused absence.
Your current event linked to religion was due on October 5. As you read about conflicts around the world, you will quickly note that many disagreements are based on religious differences and misunderstandings. There seems to be unwillingness to share and work towards cooperation when religious differences are in the forefront. Your next current event is due October 14 and it must be an international economics or business story. Keep in mind that most newspapers and journals have a designated section for business so you should be able to find an article that interests you.
This week we discussed the different types of governments that are found around the world. Knowing how a country governs itself will give you special insight into its relationship with the world. In addition, we talked about how the size, location and shape of a country impact its ability to trade and to protect itself. Think about the disadvantages a landlocked country may have as opposed to a country with ample sea ports.
We also tackled a difficult chapter on economic geography. The text was loaded with new vocabulary words to help describe economic systems, activities and how to measure economic output. These vocabulary words will be useful when you analyze your current event on business.
We had a series of “quizzes” as we ended each of these segments. The questions have been a mixture of identification based on the vocabulary and an open ended question which allows you to apply the information you have learned. Full credit will be earned for responses that are well thought out and respond to all parts of the question.
Finally, the period F class conducted their first accountable talk activity based on readings about Africa. Accountable talk gives you the opportunity to discuss issues with your classmates. You can share your insights and observations. You can ask fellow students for clarification of complex problems and questions. It is a time to delve more deeply into articles and speculate and make predictions. We will continue to work on this activity so you can improve your thinking and speaking skills.
Interterm reports
Our interterm reports went out this week. Many of you had well organized portfolios with an up to date status of assignment sheet. You will be pleased that all of your work is in one location as it will give you a head start for studying for the mid term exam. As announced for the past 2 weeks, if you did not have a folder with an update sheet, you were below standard. Take the time to organize your work and keep the folder in the bin so you can earn all of your credit.
World History
We had our second current event this week and your next one is due October 16. The next event must be an international event. Make sure to follow the rubric to earn full credit.
We finished our historical dialogues. We will be doing this again as it is a great way to step back into history and try to put yourself in the place of some of our leading figures.
This week you had the opportunity to work with a partner on your scientific revolution project. We met some interesting people who made major contributions to our understanding of scientific method, math, medicine and astronomy. You also linked these people from the past with contemporary scientists who continue to lead our common effort to better understand our world and the universe beyond.
Improving your presentation skills will be an important goal as you prepare for your Capstone in your junior year. You need to feel confident with your material, show that you have practiced your presentation and effectively use note cards. We will continue to have opportunities to practice these skills.
You were given a rubric for this project. Make sure to read the rubric carefully and ask questions to clarify any of the requirements. Also keep in mind that arrangement of material on a poster is important. A well organized poster allows the viewer to quickly grasp key information. Many times, students tend to put so much information on the poster that it is difficult to read.
Columbus Day Weekend
We have a long weekend as Monday we celebrate Columbus Day. This holiday has come under attack recently as some historians have questioned Columbus’ contribution. Did he really discover new lands or report back to Europeans about the existence of the islands in the Caribbean? Did he treat the indigenous people with respect, and if not why should we be honoring this man? At the same time, many use this holiday to honor all great explorers no matter when or where they went as they opened up new lands and established links between peoples who previously had not known of one another.
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