World leaders were focused on two key issues this week: the continuing debt crisis in Europe that could force the world into a double-dip recession, and the Palestinians’ efforts to seek full state status for their yet undefined country. While American trade with Europe represents only a modest share of our economy, some economist believe that even a slight slowdown could force the delicate American economy into a recession. The Dow dropped over 700 points this week. Investors lack confidence that the world economy is going to improve and thus money is being pulled out of the market.
Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian leader, addressed the United Nations on Friday and formally requested membership for the Palestinian people. While his request has worldwide support, the United States has come out against this move. President Obama has stated that only the Israelis and the Palestinians can negotiate a settlement. This is a complicated and decades long dispute. In the Letter to America from Osama bin Laden, we read about the Arab complaint that Americans always side with the Israelis and have done little to help the Palestinian Arabs.
Values
This week we finished our discussion of values. You had the opportunity to rank the value that was most important in your life. Many of you selected freedom, democracy or human rights as your top values. When this same question is asked of people around the world, the value most often selected as number one is stability. In the US we are used to having peace and stability. We don’t worry about being shot on our streets and we know where we can find food and shelter. While these are difficult times for many, we have the support of family, friends and social institutions. Life in other countries is less secure, so their citizens have different priorities. The different emphasis countries place on values can lead to conflict or misunderstandings.
Five Themes of Geography
Working in groups we looked at the five themes of geography: location (where is it?), place (what is it like?), region (how does it compare to other places?), movement and human-environment interaction. We read the section in our text, took notes, and then heard the presentations. The syllabus clearly states that you will have a quiz after this section so hopefully you are well prepared. The most important homework is the work you decide you need to do to be ready for the next class. It is easy to think that if you read, do a worksheet, or whatever homework is assigned that you will be ready, but all of us learn differently and you need to decide what additional steps might best prepare you for the next day – rereading, outlining, discussing content with someone else, etc. This is a great habit to develop as you get ready to go on to the next level of education or career.
Folders
This week we set up our folder system. You are responsible for putting all of your graded work into the folder and maintaining your status of assignment sheet. The sheet will allow you to monitor your work and grades. You are welcome to take the folder home from time to time to share with your family but please return it to the class bin when you are done. We are staying organized. This folder will be especially important when you prepare for midterms.
Elements of Culture
This week we started reading about the “knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors shared by and passed on by members of specific groups.” Anthropologists study how people live and act as a way to better understand the differences among different groups of people. Learning to think this way will be a highly valuable tool throughout your life as you interact with others in work, recreational and family settings. You will be reading your text and taking notes on the elements of culture. Using your notes you will be answering questions from a worksheet. This will be a good opportunity to evaluate your note taking strategies.
Current Events
We ended the week with our current events (G period due on Monday). This is a great opportunity to read about an international issue that you find of special interest. Your summary gives you the opportunity to practice selecting key information and your second paragraph allows you to make connections and predictions.
9/11 Memorial
I am writing this blog from New York City and as part of my weekend visit I had the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial. The size, beauty and power of the two four-sided waterfalls where the towers once stood are awe inspiring. The names of colleagues and friends are grouped along the rampart around the falls. I was struck by the variety of names and recalled from our 9/11 lesson that people from 155 nations lost their lives that day. If a trip to NYC is in your future, make plans to visit the site. Keep in mind that you need to request a ticket (free and available on line) and they are timed so no more than 1500 people are allowed in at one time to keep a sense of reverence.
Open House
Thank you to all of the parents, guardians, and students who stopped by on Tuesday evening. It is always a wonderful event as we celebrate the start of a new school year.
Email
This is your friendly reminder that your MHS email account needs to be set up by October 1.
And finally...
Happy Birthday MLM! A faithful blog reader and source of technical support.
Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian leader, addressed the United Nations on Friday and formally requested membership for the Palestinian people. While his request has worldwide support, the United States has come out against this move. President Obama has stated that only the Israelis and the Palestinians can negotiate a settlement. This is a complicated and decades long dispute. In the Letter to America from Osama bin Laden, we read about the Arab complaint that Americans always side with the Israelis and have done little to help the Palestinian Arabs.
Values
This week we finished our discussion of values. You had the opportunity to rank the value that was most important in your life. Many of you selected freedom, democracy or human rights as your top values. When this same question is asked of people around the world, the value most often selected as number one is stability. In the US we are used to having peace and stability. We don’t worry about being shot on our streets and we know where we can find food and shelter. While these are difficult times for many, we have the support of family, friends and social institutions. Life in other countries is less secure, so their citizens have different priorities. The different emphasis countries place on values can lead to conflict or misunderstandings.
Five Themes of Geography
Working in groups we looked at the five themes of geography: location (where is it?), place (what is it like?), region (how does it compare to other places?), movement and human-environment interaction. We read the section in our text, took notes, and then heard the presentations. The syllabus clearly states that you will have a quiz after this section so hopefully you are well prepared. The most important homework is the work you decide you need to do to be ready for the next class. It is easy to think that if you read, do a worksheet, or whatever homework is assigned that you will be ready, but all of us learn differently and you need to decide what additional steps might best prepare you for the next day – rereading, outlining, discussing content with someone else, etc. This is a great habit to develop as you get ready to go on to the next level of education or career.
Folders
This week we set up our folder system. You are responsible for putting all of your graded work into the folder and maintaining your status of assignment sheet. The sheet will allow you to monitor your work and grades. You are welcome to take the folder home from time to time to share with your family but please return it to the class bin when you are done. We are staying organized. This folder will be especially important when you prepare for midterms.
Elements of Culture
This week we started reading about the “knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors shared by and passed on by members of specific groups.” Anthropologists study how people live and act as a way to better understand the differences among different groups of people. Learning to think this way will be a highly valuable tool throughout your life as you interact with others in work, recreational and family settings. You will be reading your text and taking notes on the elements of culture. Using your notes you will be answering questions from a worksheet. This will be a good opportunity to evaluate your note taking strategies.
Current Events
We ended the week with our current events (G period due on Monday). This is a great opportunity to read about an international issue that you find of special interest. Your summary gives you the opportunity to practice selecting key information and your second paragraph allows you to make connections and predictions.
9/11 Memorial
I am writing this blog from New York City and as part of my weekend visit I had the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial. The size, beauty and power of the two four-sided waterfalls where the towers once stood are awe inspiring. The names of colleagues and friends are grouped along the rampart around the falls. I was struck by the variety of names and recalled from our 9/11 lesson that people from 155 nations lost their lives that day. If a trip to NYC is in your future, make plans to visit the site. Keep in mind that you need to request a ticket (free and available on line) and they are timed so no more than 1500 people are allowed in at one time to keep a sense of reverence.
Open House
Thank you to all of the parents, guardians, and students who stopped by on Tuesday evening. It is always a wonderful event as we celebrate the start of a new school year.
This is your friendly reminder that your MHS email account needs to be set up by October 1.
And finally...
Happy Birthday MLM! A faithful blog reader and source of technical support.
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