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 your presentations. The list on the board clearly stated what you
would need to know for the quiz plus you had the special blog posting that
contained the video we watched in class and another review of the themes. 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.
Speaking of the quiz, many of you did a great job. You used the vocabulary to clearly define the
differences between absolute and relative location. The last question had you
apply the themes to a place you know well…Middletown, RI. When answering this type of question you need
to assume your reader knows nothing about the community and therefore you will
need to write a few sentences or bullets to cover the material. One theme, human and environment interaction,
asks how people change their environments.
One of the main changes people on Aquidneck Island have made is to build
bridges so they can move on and off the island with ease. You will be asked
again how you can apply the information you are learning in the classroom, so
be prepared.
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. Interterms are fast approaching and your folder needs to be updated
and in the bin to meet standard. You
have ample class time to arrange your folder.
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. Make sure when responding to a worksheet that
you take the time to understand the vocabulary.
As part of our study of culture we took the Pew Research
religion quiz. With a class average of
about 50%, we all have a great deal to learn about other religions so we can
better understand how to get along. And speaking of religion, remember your
next current event which is due on September 28 must have a link to
religion. As our introductory reading
stated, not a day goes by without some event happening in the world that is
directly related to religion.
We will finish our study of culture next week and that will
be followed by a quiz.
Characteristics of an Effective Map
We will be using and drawing maps this semester so we took
the time to go over the elements of an effective map. Your text has an excellent summary and
illustration of what makes up an effective map.
We focused on title, legends, symbols, scale, colors and labels. You
need to be able to distinguish the characteristics and uses of three types of
maps: physical, political and thematic.
World History
This week you had your first current events assignment. Many
of you did a great job. We will have a
number of current events assignments this year so let’s see if you can start
earning 9s and 10s. Our next current
event is due September 27. It must be
about our upcoming election.
Some helpful hints:
Make sure to select a story that
could appear in any paper across the country;
stay away from human interest
articles as they tend not to be big issues.
Make sure each of your paragraphs
is 5-7 sentences; the first paragraph is a summary of the article and the
second focuses on your comments, connections and predictions.
Make sure to include the source and
date of the article.
Word process if possible; this is a
good habit to get into for high school work and it enables you to run spell
check and edit.
Folders
We set up our folders this week. You have a status of assignment sheet that
you need to keep in the folder that lists all of your assignments and the
grades you earned. I will also post a list
of assignments on the side board so you can check from time to time to make
sure you are up to date. You have time
in class to keep your folder organized. You will find this folder especially
useful when it comes time for mid-term and final exams.
Reformation
You had a power point in class that led you through the
stages of the Reformation. We looked at
the bigger question of why people engage in reform movements and looked at two current
examples: the movement toward healthier eating and efforts to reform education.
We then went on to meet Martin Luther and see how he
responded to a Catholic Church he considered corrupt. We learned new vocabulary words: “recant,” “excommunicate”
and “indulgences.” Luther’s reform movement was continued by John Calvin. After reading the text, doing the section
review, and taking notes off the power point you were given a graphic organizer
to help you structure the information into manageable groupings. We spoke about the importance of grouping similar
information so you can easily compare and contrast movements. You worked with a
partner on filling in the organizer. We
will go over the organizer on Monday and then you will have your quiz on the Reformation. Make sure you know your vocab and the main
teachings of Luther and Calvin.
Email
I will be checking for your MHS account this coming week…be
prepared.
Open House
Thank you to all who came to our Open House on
Wednesday. The start of a new school
year is filled with excitement and high hopes.
Let’s keep that spirit alive throughout the year.
Extra Credit Question
Get extra credit by being the first in your class to respond
correctly using your MHS email account:
What popular stock hit $700 per share this week?
A Final Word
Wishing a faithful reader, MLM, a happy birthday!
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