Young People Making a Difference

Malala, the fourteen year old girl from Pakistan who was shot by the Taliban because she was a voice for educating girls in her country, is recovering this week in a British hospital.  Her father, speaking on her behalf, stated that her health is improving and soon she will return to Pakistan and continue her crusade on behalf of all young people there.  The outpouring of the international community has been impressive as individuals make donations to help pay her expenses.  International support must continue so that all young people, no matter what country they live in, will have access to an education.

 

This week we also met another young person who has made a difference in his country, William Kamkwamba, “the boy who harnessed the wind.” William tells his own story as the young son of a poor farmer.  His family was hard hit by a drought, and because of the lack of money he was forced to drop out of school.  But he would not be defeated.  By reading a book on electricity from his local library (which had just two shelves of books), he was able to put together a wind mill out of scrap pieces of PVC pipe and old bicycle parts. He soon was generating enough electricity for his home, his family’s farm, and recharging people’s cell phones.  William uses proceeds from an award he received to conduct workshops in his home village in Malawi to teach other young people the skills he has learned.  His is an inspiring story.  For more on William, you can find his book at the Middletown Public Library or go to his blog, http://williamkamkwamba.typepad.com/.

 

Economics / Health Care Worksheet

 

The chapter on economics will help you think through the history of economic problems experienced by many countries in Africa and what steps countries are taking to improve their economic opportunities.  Think infrastructure…no business wants to locate in a place without a strong infrastructure.  We have linked the need for good infrastructure to our own state as efforts are underway to link rail service with the airport, improve Quonset Point port, upgrade our roads and bridges, and implement education reform that will result in a competitive work force.  When all these conditions are met, companies will locate and invest in a state or country. 

 

Since textbooks become out of date very quickly, we also read an article from The Economist magazine that gave us a more upbeat economic picture of Africa.  While numerous challenges remain, many economies are growing at 6-8% per year.  This is a significant change. The article concludes with a recommendation that the best way to help African economies is to encourage trade and education.

 

Our Health worksheet guided you through a section that was heavy on disease descriptions.  People who are ill are not good workers so more companies are investing in health care.  We spoke about the Bill and MelindaGates Foundation which has contributed millions of dollars with the goal of having all children under the age of 5 vaccinated. The diseases we read about, malaria, cholera, typhoid, and polio, are almost unheard of in the United States because vaccinations are part of routine child health care.  

 

Famine

After reading in our text about famine, we watched Nicolas Kristof’s video on “HiddenHunger” and the “60 Minutes” piece on Plumpy’Nut, a high calorie nutrition packed supplement for children.  Plumpy’Nut has a factory in Providence.  We will continue to look at Kristof’s ideas for fighting poverty as we start our study of South West Asia.  This award winning journalist thinks differently about how to solve big problems.  Instead of spending millions of dollars on grand projects, Kristof is a supporter of micro-financing.  He believes small loans directly to individuals will have a bigger impact on the quality of life.  If you want to read more about micro-financing I have given you a link to the Kiva website.  We will also watch a slide show based on “Half the Sky,” a book Kristof and his wife co-authored.  Three years ago one of our own MHS students did an independent study on micro-financing and helped a Mongolian woman buy a goat, a significant purchase for a poor family living at subsistence level.

 

Power Point Projects

 

One class has presented and the remaining class will do so on Monday.  Make sure you practice with your group, bring your notecards and email it to me no later than Sunday evening.  Please use your MHS email account so we don’t lose any projects, and put the name of the country and class period on the subject line.  On Monday we will have one folder to open and we should get through all the presentations.

 

Working in groups is one of the skills employers look for in an employee.  Spending the time to have a work plan and playing to people’s strengths gives everyone an opportunity to contribute.  After the presentation you will do a self-evaluation so you can think about the challenges of the project and to clearly state what your contribution was to the final product.

 

This is great practice for Capstone, when you will need to do a formal presentation before a group of judges. You will be expected to use note cards and not read off the slides.  You will also be judged on your appearance and ability to handle questions.

 

World History

 

This week we completed our study of the Age of Exploration and how the Columbian Exchange affected the world.  The exchange brought new foods, animals, people, ideas, and diseases to North America, Europe and Africa.  Many of these exchanges brought positive results, such as better nutrition, but they also brought devastating diseases to people who had no immunity.

 

This exchange also brought a commercial revolution.  We spoke about capitalism, entrepreneurs and joint stock companies. People wanted to make money and they came up with innovative ideas and arrangements to spread the risks and rewards.  We compared the entrepreneurs of this age with Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook. This week you also had two book quizzes.  High grades should be earned by all if you are doing your homework and taking notes in class. 

 

We then started our unit on the Age of Absolutism by reading about King Philip II of Spain.  The powerpoint helped you focus on the key ideas in this section.  While we are not having a quiz on this reading, this section will give you valuable background knowledge to help you understand absolutism in France.  Our studies and readings give you numerous opportunities to acquire knowledge that can be used to make connections.  This makes your understanding of the world more meaningful.

 

The golden age of Spain lasted about 100 years.  Gold and silver came pouring in from the colonies in the new world. But after years of war, the loss of the Armada in 1588 and a decline in agriculture, Spain found itself overextended and was eclipsed by France.  By the late 1600s France was the most powerful nation in Europe.

 

This week we started reading about Louis XIV, the Sun King.  We read a play that portrayed two counts exchanging information about Louis and life at Versailles. We also watched a video clip about Louis and you got to see Versailles, the biggest palace in the world.  It is located about 15 miles outside of Paris and is an easy day trip.  Be prepared to be awed at the size, ornate details, and the 250 acres of gardens and forests.  When planning your trip, check for the times of the fountain displays as they are not to be missed.

 

For homework, you have a spoke diagram assignment on Louis XIV.  You have a rubric which clearly outlines the requirements: a picture, three of his policies, two character traits and one physical trait.  On the back of the diagram you need to write at least two sentences describing each of the policies and traits you selected.  Altogether you will have at least twelve sentences.  I drew a model on the board so you should have a clear idea of how to do this assignment.  You can use information from your text, the play and the video.

 

We also had our current events this week.  This assignment gives you the opportunity to keep up with the news (building background knowledge), practice your summarizing skills, and make connections and predictions.  It is my favorite day of the week as we get to discuss what is happening in the outside world.

Preparation Pays!

Grand Mosque in Mali

 

This week we continued our journey through Africa.  You had time to work in the library with your partners on your power point project.  Learning to work successfully with a group is a great skill to have as you get ready to enter the work force or go on to further professional development.  Using your MHS email accounts allowed you to collaborate beyond the school building and regular class hours.  As with any technology we have to be prepared for glitches.  Your room management plan clearly stated that MHS email accounts had to be up and running by October 1.  Many students were ready on time and that made the project start smoothly.  Some of the paper work got tied up in the office but again with enough advance warning most of you were ready.  You will need an MHS account for another project in the future so please be sure to make any necessary arrangements now.

A few last minute hints:

1.      Read the rubric and then reread it; it is a very clear list of what you will need to do to have a project that meets standard.

2.      Use visuals; limit writing on the slides; you may put all of your words on note cards that will be handed in.

3.      Practice your presentation; be confident, be comfortable; you are the expert on the country.

4.      Focus on the 3 main questions: what are the challenges, opportunities and successes of your country?

5.      Be knowledgeable about the entire presentation, not just the slide or slides you built.

If you have other questions about the assignment, please post a comment and I will get back to you.

Maps

You received your political map assignment on October 10 and 11. This assignment was also posted on the blog along with the rubric. Your quiz, using the map, was given to you on Thursday or Friday so you should have had ample time to complete the assignment.  Students who took the time to draw a clear and well labeled map earned high quiz grades.   Be sure to follow the rubric to earn all your points.

National Geographic Reading

We also read an excerpt from National Geographic on Africa and the impact of geography on its development. As we read, we took the time to pull out one or two main ideas per paragraph.  Keep in mind a paragraph contains at least one main idea and after reading you should be able to select the key idea.  Keep your notes short…don’t write long sentences…look for the nuggets of information.  Effective note taking skills are a necessity for your future years of work or school.

Economic and Health Worksheets

We started reading the sections in the text on health care challenges of Africa and how they are directly linked to the economic future of the continent. Bill and Melinda Gates are funding a major initiative to have all children in Africa vaccinated over the next few years.  Healthy children have a better chance of growing up to be healthy adults and workers.  Vaccinations are an affordable way to help this continent rid itself of diseases that are no longer known in the more developed countries. You will have additional time next week to complete this assignment.

Timbuktu

We also watched the MSNBC story on the ancient city of Timbuktu.  Western Africa was a rich region and home to wealthy and powerful kingdoms.  Cities traded in slaves, gold and salt.  Today, these cities have fallen into disrepair but there is a new interest in preserving the culture, especially the thousands of documents that were part of the Timbuktu library. As we study current conditions in African countries and consider their future possibilities, we must also be mindful of their rich history.

Current Event

Your next current event will be due Thursday, October 25, and it must be about Africa.  Why not take this opportunity and do an article from an African newspaper from your power point country – that way, you can use the article in your project!

Women in Africa

Thank you to Ms. Averill for her lesson on the changing role of women in Africa.  It was only a year ago that two women from Liberia, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and peace activist Leymah Gbowee, were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in bringing peace and stability to their country.

Political Radio Ad

This week your radio promo ad was due.  Congratulations to our creative students who taped the ads…well done and fun! You had a rubric and an article outlining the differences between Obama and Romney, and I posted a video on last week’s blog to help you with this project.  I look forward to reading your ads.  We have only 18 days to go before the election.

World History

This week we finished presenting our Scientific Revolution posters. We had a power point on what makes for a good project.  Please keep in mind that when you have a project, I expect to read your words…not the words of a source.  You can’t copy and paste or even paraphrase without giving credit to the original author.  How would you feel if your words were used by someone without attribution?  This was your first project so we followed up with a power point on what makes for a good project.

You had a quiz based on the presentations and you were able to use your notes.  Good grades were earned by all who took down the key contribution of each scientist.  

We continued with The Age of Exploration.  You had a map due that asked you to show the routes of the key explorers.  This was a good exercise to see how brave these explorers were in their efforts to “discover” new lands. You also had to read pages 372-378 and do questions 1-4 from the section review.  These questions then became the basis of the quiz you had on Friday.  Make sure when studying for a quiz that you know the key vocabulary.  Also you can turn the bold headlines in the text into questions…can you answer the question after reading the section?

For homework you need to complete the worksheet that goes along with chapter 16 section 5 on trade and the Columbian Exchange. You had a power point that helped you with some of the key vocabulary that might be new to you.

You also have a current event due on Friday…your choice of a national or international article.

Finally we had two baseline assignments: a document analysis sheet and a one-paragraph writing response.  These assignments will be used in designing lessons to help you improve in both areas.  The Social Studies Department is working to have you become better document analyzers and writers.

If You Are Out

As you can see, we have very full class days.  When you are absent it is your responsibility to come before or after school to sit down with me and go over the work and assignments.  It is not always possible to spend the time with you during class as we are continually working on the assignments. I would also urge you to check the blog every weekend.

Extra Credit Question

Who is Mohamed Bouazizi and why do we need to know him?  Be the first in your class to email me the correct answer using your MHS email account to earn extra credit.

Happy Birthday to BABM…a faithful reader.

 

From Violence to Peace

 

This week we learned of a horrifying attack on Malala Yousafzai, a 14 year old girl in Pakistan, who was attacked by the Taliban as she publicly spoke out in favor of education for girls.  Malala was shot in the neck and head on a school bus. As of this morning, she has undergone surgery to remove the bullets and is in stable condition.  Millions from around the world are rallying to her support.  Malala gained public attention when she was 11 years old when she urged Pakistani officials to provide education for all girls in her country.

On a more positive note, the Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to the European Union in recognition of the 27 countries who have joined together since World War II to promote peace, democracy and human rights.  In announcing the award, the chairman of the Committee credited the EU with transforming Europe "from a continent of wars to a continent of peace."  The Committee also noted the importance of recognizing the achievements of the EU at a time when it is struggling to meet the challenges of economic instability and social unrest.

 And closer to home, we had a lively and fun Spirit Week filled with crazy costumes, floats and lots of blue and white throughout MHS – and a big win on the football field!

CWI

This week we did a group activity focused on the foreign policy positions of our two presidential candidates.  You had a graphic organizer that helped you sort through the different positions on key problem areas, including the Israel/Palestine standoff, the rise of China, the continuing threat of Iran, and the new strength of Russia.  You brought in news articles to share with your group that helped you better understand the different approaches to dealing with international issues that President Obama and Governor Romney espouse.  We also read an article from The Economist, “Aworld of troubles.” If you feel you need more information there are numerous articles posted on the web or you can check out this PBS site. With all this background knowledge, you should be prepared to write (or tape) a 30 second radio ad for the candidate of your choice.  You have a rubric which clearly outlines what you need to do to meet standard.  This should be a fun activity as we get closer to selecting our president.  This project is due on October 18 for period G and October 19 for all other classes. 

We started our study of Africa with a montage of photos and music that introduced us to this large and diverse continent.  You have your political map assignment which you can turn in any day next week.  You will have a quiz on the map so a good map will earn you a good quiz grade.

We also started our group projects on Africa.  We went over some helpful hints for working in groups, including making a plan, having a timetable that allows for the unexpected, playing to people’s strengths and having a system of communicating among group members.  The room management plan required you to have your MHS email account up and running for this project. Using this account allows you to easily share information and slides, which makes the project easier to handle.

While you may be building only one or two slides yourself, make sure you understand all the information about your country that your group members have gathered.  Make sure to spend time reading a newspaper from the assigned country as that is clearly listed as a requirement on the rubric. Be prepared to respond to questions from our class.

World History

We only met twice this week due to our holiday. Your Scientific Revolution poster projects were due on Wednesday but only half the class was prepared to present.  We took the time to run through all the reasons why projects were not done and did some problem solving.  You need to manage your time so you can complete work on time. You had a rubric to guide you.  You had one day in the library where you could have printed the picture and found the quote.  If you don’t have access to a computer at home this was your chance to do what needed to be done.  Keep in mind our public library on West Main is an excellent resource as there are people to help you and lots of computers.

We did some of our presentations and will finish the rest on Monday.  We are taking notes on key information so we can be prepared for the quiz.

We also did a “baseline” assessment on a primary source reading.  You had an excerpt from the 95 Theses by Martin Luther and using a graphic organizer you had to answer questions about the document and the time period.  This was our first primary source evaluation and we will have more over the coming months.  By doing this baseline assessment I can see where you need extra instruction so you can improve and be ready for the tasks required for graduation.

Events That Connect Us

This week we had good news on the economic front with a reduction in unemployment, now below 8 percent for the first time in four years.  We saw our Presidential candidates side by side in the first of their three debates (the Vice Presidential candidates will also have one debate), and we had a worrisome exchange of artillery fire between Turkey and Syria.  All these events have implications for your future and the opportunities and challenges you will face.  The path our country takes and the kind of economy you will be living in depend a lot on who is at the helm.  Be informed, and try to understand how what you see in the news will affect you personally.

 

Testing and schedule disruptions

 

This past week and the next we are dealing with NECAP testing and shorter class periods.  I wish you the best as you undertake the testing required in your Junior year.  If you have been absent any time this past week, you will be rescheduled for your tests and will have to arrange to make up your class work.  Time is available any afternoon except Wednesdays.

 

Global diversity

 

This week we discussed the different types of governments around the world.  Knowing how a country governs itself will give you insight into its relationship with the international community.  In addition, we talked about how the size, location and shape of a country affect its ability to trade and 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 ways to measure economic output.  These vocabulary words will be useful when you analyze current events and begin to study different regions.  We also put key points on the board which you should have written in your notebook. To help you understand the implications of economic investment, you had two readings and questions on infrastructure.  Working with a partner and having an opportunity to pair and share gave you additional information on how cement might be able to save the world.  Yes, that is a bit of an exaggeration but after reading “Paving Paradise” you may be tempted to come to the same conclusion.  After our whole-class discussion you had the opportunity to write about how an economic and military alliance between a small and large country could affect both countries.

 

This week you also received your presidential promo ad assignment.  You will be writing a 30 second ad for the candidate of your choice based on his position on one foreign policy issue.  To help you with this project you need to bring in one article on a foreign policy issue on October 9.  You may also bring in material from either candidate’s campaign site that speaks to these issues.  Working with a group will give you the chance to think more deeply about the topics and select the one that means the most to you.  Keep in mind that you may also tape your ad for the final product. I have given you a sample of a side by side analysis of the candidates’ foreign policy positions to get you started.

 

 

Interterm reports

 

Our interterm reports are almost ready.  Many of you have well organized portfolios with an up to date status of assignment sheet.  You will find it very useful to have all your work in one location, as it will give you a head start when studying for the midterm exam.  As announced for the past two weeks, if you did not have a folder with an update sheet, you are below standard. A final check of folders will be done on October 9.  Take the time to organize your work and keep the folder in the bin so you can earn all of your credit. If you are below standard, you still have four weeks to bring up your grade.  What is your plan???

 

Email

 

Is your MHS account ready to go? You can check your account by going to the Middletown High School web page...use your password...go to mail...type in your name and then check “Charlie Checker” to see if it becomes highlighted...if yes...you are ready. You will need a school email account to do the Africa project.

 

World History

 

This week you presented your interviews with a person from the Reformation.  This was a great opportunity for you to be creative, work with a partner and have some fun learning more about this time period.  You seemed to enjoy this activity so let’s plan on doing another interview.

 

We watched a power point on the spread of the Reformation to England.  The power point along with the interviews gave you the information you needed to do well on your quiz. Congratulations - many of you earned high grades.

 

You also had the Elizabeth project due on Friday.  We went over this assignment on the computer in class so you knew how to access the lesson, navigate the web site and produce your final writing assessment that linked a quote of your choosing with Elizabeth’s leadership style.  We were unable to get time in the computer lab this week due to state testing, so you had to find another way to get access to a computer.  If you have not completed the assignment and don’t have access to a computer at home, try to use the school library, computers in your advisory, or the public library.  You need to plan and not wait till the last minute to do assignments.

 

We started the Scientific Revolution with a worksheet and a power point presentation. We also tackled our first primary source reading from Sir Francis Bacon.  The primary sources, which were written at the time, are more difficult to read because of the arcane sentence structure and vocabulary, but with patience and perseverance you were able to understand Bacon’s approach to scientific inquiry. Good job!

 

On Friday you had the entire period to work on your Scientific Revolution character project.  You have one person to research for this activity.  Be sure to follow the rubric.  The “poster” should be no larger than 11x12…if you plan carefully you should be able to fit all the information on an 8x11 sheet of paper. You will present the information in class so make sure to practice at home…be able to explain the quote…and use your own words, not copying and pasting.  This project will be your final assessment for this chapter…no quiz!

 

 

 

Columbus Day Weekend

 

We have a long weekend as we celebrate Columbus Day on Monday.  This holiday has come under criticism in recent years as historians note Columbus did not really “discover” new lands, which were already inhabited by advanced civilizations, but instead reported their existence to Europeans previously unaware of them.  He and those who followed him have also been sharply criticized for their treatment of the indigenous people, many of whom did not survive the coming of the Europeans.  These criticisms raise questions about whether we should continue to honor Columbus.  On the other hand, many people view this holiday as an occasion to acknowledge all explorers throughout the ages who established links between peoples previously unknown to one another, thereby laying the foundations for today’s global community.

 

Spirit Week Has Arrived!

 

Have fun and stay safe as we celebrate all that is good at MHS!