Saturday, January 22, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
composition of the exam
If it helps you to know such information, here is the makeup of the semester exam:
You have to write only one essay, but you have five topics to choose from.
Here's what the questions are worth:
I would wish you good luck, but if you have been studying, you won't need luck. You'll be ready.
- Questions 1 - 28 are on globalization, population, geography and migration
- 29 - 38 are on the events of 9/11
- 39 - 59 are on the Middle East and religion
- 60 - 72 are on population pyramids
- 73 - 83 are on the Lost Boys, Sudan, and God Grew Tired of Us
- 84 - 92 are on India
- 93 - 99 are on Korea
You have to write only one essay, but you have five topics to choose from.
Here's what the questions are worth:
- 50%: the 100 objective questions
- 30%: the 10 short answers
- 20%: your essay
I would wish you good luck, but if you have been studying, you won't need luck. You'll be ready.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
freezing drizzle, fo shizzle
Another day, another snow/ice cancellation! Here's what it means in terms of your exams:
Lucky you, getting an extra day to prepare and study for your exams!
- Wednesday: Math at 8:00, Foreign Language at 10:30
- Thursday: Religion at 8:00, Science at 10:30
- Friday: English at 8:00, Social Studies (Human Geo!) at 10:30
Lucky you, getting an extra day to prepare and study for your exams!
Monday, January 17, 2011
What if we are on a 2 hour delay?
Good question.
IF Harford County calls for a two-hour late start, we will still have exams. This is the official word, straight from Mr. Barker. The first test will begin at 10:00, and the second will begin at 12:30.
Obviously, if we have no school tomorrow, we have no exams tomorrow. Then we have exams Wed, Thur and Fri, instead of Tue, Wed and Thur.
Ice storms can be unpredictable, so if I were you, I would prepare as if we had classes tomorrow.
But you never know...!
IF Harford County calls for a two-hour late start, we will still have exams. This is the official word, straight from Mr. Barker. The first test will begin at 10:00, and the second will begin at 12:30.
Obviously, if we have no school tomorrow, we have no exams tomorrow. Then we have exams Wed, Thur and Fri, instead of Tue, Wed and Thur.
Ice storms can be unpredictable, so if I were you, I would prepare as if we had classes tomorrow.
But you never know...!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
the finish line is near
Today we took the last test of the semester. A couple absentees still need to take it, then I will post the grades.
Tomorrow we will talk about what will be on the final. If you don't want to wait for tomorrow, then just look back at your blog entries, starting from the beginning of the semester. That will tell the story of what we covered (as will looking back at my posts).
See you tomorrow - for the last day of Human Geography!
Tomorrow we will talk about what will be on the final. If you don't want to wait for tomorrow, then just look back at your blog entries, starting from the beginning of the semester. That will tell the story of what we covered (as will looking back at my posts).
See you tomorrow - for the last day of Human Geography!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
How 'bout that!
No school today!
Your homework assignment for today is to get out in the snow and have some fun! Grab your snowboard, find a sled, make some snow angels, just get outside and enjoy the snow!
See you tomorrow (when we take our test on Korea), and have a blast today!
(photo of my dawgs taken during last year's storm)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Early dismissal. Wait - what?
Section 01 finished the North Korea video, and is all caught up.
All sections will take the test on Korea tomorrow. If there is no school on Wednesday, we take the test on Thursday.
I think it is unlikely that we will miss school tomorrow - a two-hour late seems more likely to me - so be ready for anything.
This test represents the last graded assignment of the semester. The only other grade will be the 100-point class participation grade on Friday.
See you tomorrow... probably.
All sections will take the test on Korea tomorrow. If there is no school on Wednesday, we take the test on Thursday.
I think it is unlikely that we will miss school tomorrow - a two-hour late seems more likely to me - so be ready for anything.
This test represents the last graded assignment of the semester. The only other grade will be the 100-point class participation grade on Friday.
See you tomorrow... probably.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Pshaw.
The mighty 04 and 05 sections met today, and we finished the questions on Korea. Section 01 will finish tomorrow. Then everyone will take the test on Korea - covering on Wednesday. If weather cancels classes, the test will be the very next day.
To review for this test, look over your questions and your notes on the video. The video has been posted under Hot Links for your convenience.
If you were to ask me if class will be cancelled due to snow on Wednesday, I would say "Pshaw."
We'll see.
To review for this test, look over your questions and your notes on the video. The video has been posted under Hot Links for your convenience.
If you were to ask me if class will be cancelled due to snow on Wednesday, I would say "Pshaw."
We'll see.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
our question for President Carter
Today is an historic day for the people of Sudan, whom we studied a couple months ago. Today they hold a referendum for self-determination - meaning, the people of the southern part of Sudan will vote on whether or not to secede and create a new, independent nation.
The New York Times is allowing its readers to ask questions of former President Jimmy Carter, who is helping to oversee the election. I sent in questions on our behalf (printed below). I hope he answers them for us! A lot of other people also asked questions - over 200 others, as of Sunday morning - but I will let you know if he answers our questions (# 196) directly.
If you go to the question, and recommend it, it might increase our chances of the former President answering it. Click here to recommend (question # 196).
"Our high school freshman Human Geography class was moved by the plight of the Lost Boys of Sudan after viewing the film God Grew Tired of Us. We would like to know what will become of the refugees and IDPs who were forced to flee their homes and take up residence in refugee camps. Assuming this referendum passes, are there provisions being made to repatriate them to their ancestral lands? What kind of economic opportunities will present themselves in a New Sudan? And will there be sufficient roads, schools, housing, and even drinking water to handle the influx of people?"
A Times article on the referendum can be found here, and the questions for President Carter can be found here. Stay tuned!
The New York Times is allowing its readers to ask questions of former President Jimmy Carter, who is helping to oversee the election. I sent in questions on our behalf (printed below). I hope he answers them for us! A lot of other people also asked questions - over 200 others, as of Sunday morning - but I will let you know if he answers our questions (# 196) directly.
If you go to the question, and recommend it, it might increase our chances of the former President answering it. Click here to recommend (question # 196).
"Our high school freshman Human Geography class was moved by the plight of the Lost Boys of Sudan after viewing the film God Grew Tired of Us. We would like to know what will become of the refugees and IDPs who were forced to flee their homes and take up residence in refugee camps. Assuming this referendum passes, are there provisions being made to repatriate them to their ancestral lands? What kind of economic opportunities will present themselves in a New Sudan? And will there be sufficient roads, schools, housing, and even drinking water to handle the influx of people?"
A Times article on the referendum can be found here, and the questions for President Carter can be found here. Stay tuned!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
incredible timing!
Sometimes I'm amazed at the way life works.
After talking about the Koreas all week long, THIS news story hits. About two hours ago.
You really should read this - it's hard to imagine something tieing in more closely with what you guys have been discussing in class.
I'll post it under Hot Links, too.
Have a great weekend, and don't forget to finish up the 22 Qs!
After talking about the Koreas all week long, THIS news story hits. About two hours ago.
You really should read this - it's hard to imagine something tieing in more closely with what you guys have been discussing in class.
I'll post it under Hot Links, too.
Have a great weekend, and don't forget to finish up the 22 Qs!
Friday, January 7, 2011
more on Korea
Today we will finish up the video on North Korea. (This video can be viewed here, and I have also listed the link under Hot Links. So, if you missed seeing part of the video in class, or if you just want to review, you can do so.)
Our discussion of the 22 questions continues today (if we have time) and through next week. Therefore, it is important that you finish answering the questions, and post the answers on your blog, over the weekend. Also, you don't need to put the answers in a PowerPoint or a Prezi - you may just post them on your blog.
Our discussion of the 22 questions continues today (if we have time) and through next week. Therefore, it is important that you finish answering the questions, and post the answers on your blog, over the weekend. Also, you don't need to put the answers in a PowerPoint or a Prezi - you may just post them on your blog.
I'll be checking.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
getting to the core of Korea
Tonight, pick up where you left off - probably question 3 or 4 - and answer up to question #10. Post these to your blog.
BTW, I loved today's class. You guys ask good questions. More on Korea, North and South, tomorrow.
In the meantime, here's a look at an old-fashioned fallout shelter. Aren't you glad you missed out on this?
BTW, I loved today's class. You guys ask good questions. More on Korea, North and South, tomorrow.
In the meantime, here's a look at an old-fashioned fallout shelter. Aren't you glad you missed out on this?
"Is the coast clear?"
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
the home stretch
Section 01 met today, and they did the same thing that Sections 04 and 05 did yesterday: discuss the rest of the semester. This includes:
- Regular classes this week (Jan 3 - 7)
- Regular classes next week (Jan. 10 - 14)
- no school Monday, Jan. 17 (Martin Luther King Jr. holiday)
- Semester Exams Tue. - Thurs. (Jan 18, 19, 20)
- (Human Geo exam is on Thurs., 1/20)
- no school Friday, Jan. 21, unless an exam day is snowed out
- Second Semester begins Monday, January 24
We will have one more test in Human Geo, covering our studies on Korea, which we began in class today. For the next six or seven class sessions, we will discuss the questions I have posted in the Links section, and watch a video on North Korea.
And, of course, we will continue to observe the DMZ in our classroom.
Monday, January 3, 2011
review of today's class
Here is a look at the schedule for the rest of the first semester:
- Regular classes this week (Jan 3 - 7)
- Regular classes next week (Jan. 10 - 14)
- no school Monday, Jan. 17 (Martin Luther King Jr. holiday)
- Semester Exams Tue. - Thurs. (Jan 18, 19, 20)
- (Human Geo exam is on Thurs., 1/20)
- no school Friday, Jan. 21, unless an exam day is snowed out
- Second Semester begins Monday, January 24
We will have one more test in Human Geo, covering our studies on Korea, which we began in class today. For the next six or seven class sessions, we will discuss the questions I have posted in the Links section, and watch a video on North Korea.
And, of course, we will continue to observe the DMZ in our classroom.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Thursday, December 16, 2010
great work!
I was very impressed with the quality of the group discussions over the last two days. So, it's on with the Christmas party! How can you help with the festivities and earn some extra credit at the same time? Easy! Just bring some food to class - enough to share with everybody - and I'll give you a few points. Bring an authentic Indian dish or treat - korma, chai, cardamom cookies - and I'll give you even more points. Hopefully, many of you will participate, and we will have ourselves a merry little Christmas party. If you need to refrigerate or store anything, find me in the TV Studio before school or during advisory.
See you tomorrow!
Monday, December 13, 2010
India Project guidelines
The ultimate purpose of this project is to help us gain a greater understanding of India. We just watched a movie showing certain aspects of life in Mumbai. We have researched India at sites like the CIA Factbook. You read a number of New York Times news stories describing modern life in India. All these sources, plus whatever you researched on your own, should give us a pretty comprehensive look at life in this amazing country.
Now, it's time to put it all together. Did you comprehend the readings? What did you learn about India from watching Slumdog Millionaire? What did you discover in your research? How do all the facts tie together?
This project should tell me what you have learned.
50% of your grade will be based on the material contained in your presentation. You should be able to organize what you learned about India using the format of your choice (PowerPoint, Prezi, essay, etc.). You should be able to answer questions about our studies of India. The more you tie everything together - the poverty, the growth, the opportunities, the religious conflicts, the corruption, the employment situation, the arts and entertainment, the economy - the better it will be.
50% of your grade will come from your participation in our discussions. You are expected to take part, to ask questions, to dispute points, to offer evidence that agrees (or disagrees) with what someone else says. The best way to get zero points on this part of the assignment is to not say anything at all during the group discussion. I am serious about this. Everyone is expected to fully participate in the group discussion.
There is not an organization in the world that does not use discussion as part of their format. Britain's Parliament, the board members at Apple, the faculty at John Carroll, the Indian National Congress, all hold open discussions and debates to reach a consensus. That is our intention with this discussion. We intend to reach a consensus and understanding about modern-day India. The better your participation, the better your grade, and the better the class will be.
The presentation must be submitted to me before the beginning of class Wednesday, December 15. One person may submit the group's project, either by posting it on their website or emailing it to me at rschick@johncarroll.org. It is essential that the names of all members of the group be included with the project. I spent way too much time trying to hunt down this information on your last project. Therefore, if you do not include member names, 10% will be deducted from the grade of all members in the group.
This, like everything we do in class, is research-based work. You must cite your sources. This can be done within the project itself (at the end of a paragraph, as part of the PPt slide, within the Prezi, etc.). Wikipedia is not to be used as a primary source.
Rubric? I got your rubric, right here.
This is all we will do in class on Wednesday and Thursday. If it goes well, we should all be rewarded for our hard work on Friday. If it doesn't go well, Friday will involve some in-class writing. It's up to you! जय हो ! (Jai ho!)
Now, it's time to put it all together. Did you comprehend the readings? What did you learn about India from watching Slumdog Millionaire? What did you discover in your research? How do all the facts tie together?
This project should tell me what you have learned.
50% of your grade will be based on the material contained in your presentation. You should be able to organize what you learned about India using the format of your choice (PowerPoint, Prezi, essay, etc.). You should be able to answer questions about our studies of India. The more you tie everything together - the poverty, the growth, the opportunities, the religious conflicts, the corruption, the employment situation, the arts and entertainment, the economy - the better it will be.
50% of your grade will come from your participation in our discussions. You are expected to take part, to ask questions, to dispute points, to offer evidence that agrees (or disagrees) with what someone else says. The best way to get zero points on this part of the assignment is to not say anything at all during the group discussion. I am serious about this. Everyone is expected to fully participate in the group discussion.
There is not an organization in the world that does not use discussion as part of their format. Britain's Parliament, the board members at Apple, the faculty at John Carroll, the Indian National Congress, all hold open discussions and debates to reach a consensus. That is our intention with this discussion. We intend to reach a consensus and understanding about modern-day India. The better your participation, the better your grade, and the better the class will be.
The presentation must be submitted to me before the beginning of class Wednesday, December 15. One person may submit the group's project, either by posting it on their website or emailing it to me at rschick@johncarroll.org. It is essential that the names of all members of the group be included with the project. I spent way too much time trying to hunt down this information on your last project. Therefore, if you do not include member names, 10% will be deducted from the grade of all members in the group.
This, like everything we do in class, is research-based work. You must cite your sources. This can be done within the project itself (at the end of a paragraph, as part of the PPt slide, within the Prezi, etc.). Wikipedia is not to be used as a primary source.
Rubric? I got your rubric, right here.
This is all we will do in class on Wednesday and Thursday. If it goes well, we should all be rewarded for our hard work on Friday. If it doesn't go well, Friday will involve some in-class writing. It's up to you! जय हो ! (Jai ho!)
Friday, December 10, 2010
film vs. reality
That was one of the best birthdays ever, thanks to you! The cards, the candy, the singing... and who doesn't like cupcakes? All day long, I felt like I'd won a game show. You guys are incredible!
I got a lot of great feedback from you about Slumdog Millionaire. It won the Academy Award for Best Film in 2008, and seven other Oscars as well. Part of the reason was because the film made you feel like you were really in Mumbai, and you could experience what is was like to live in a shantytown.
Or could you?
Was the film accurate? Did it give a true and complete look at modern life in Mumbai?
We're going to gather some evidence and find out. Here are some news articles and videos that should give us a more complete picture of India.
- Building Modern India - who builds such a fast-growing country? (Think of the conversation between Jamal and Malik in the skyscraper.)
- You know how many people live in India. What happens when huge numbers of people hit the cities looking for these jobs? Read New Arrivals Strain India’s Cities to Breaking Point to find out.
- So you're lucky enough to be working on a big construction project now. Where - and how - do you live? India's Poor Struggle for Shelter has some answers.
- What if you don't want to be a laborer? India's College Exam Season shows what teenagers are doing - and it's not trying to get on a game show.
- Lastly, where do you live if you are the richest man in India? Check out Soaring Above India's Poverty, a 27-Story Home.
Oh yeah: champion brickworker here.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
back to our show
In class today, we watched more of Millionaire. Tonight's HW, as usual, blog on today's class.
Rather than giving you a new writing assignment, I want you to revise an old one. Go back to the essay you wrote at the start of this week. Refine it. Proofread it. Revise it. Clarify it. Treat it like it's going to be graded like the 20-point assignment it is. Repost it by the end of the day tomorrow (that's 11:59 PM, Thursday, December 9). Show me your best writing.
More Millionaire tomorrow!
Rather than giving you a new writing assignment, I want you to revise an old one. Go back to the essay you wrote at the start of this week. Refine it. Proofread it. Revise it. Clarify it. Treat it like it's going to be graded like the 20-point assignment it is. Repost it by the end of the day tomorrow (that's 11:59 PM, Thursday, December 9). Show me your best writing.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tuesday in class
Today, Section 01 got the same assignment that the other sections got yesterday. Here it is:
Write an essay that summarizes what you have learned so far in this unit on India. Pick a few of the following, and describe in detail how they tie together:
Many of you finished in class. I give full credit to you, and to the awesome Indian music that we played.
Write an essay that summarizes what you have learned so far in this unit on India. Pick a few of the following, and describe in detail how they tie together:
- the large population of India
- India's poverty
- life in the slums of Mumbai
- India's film industry, including Bollywood
- India's problems with human trafficking
- does our movie portray life in India accurately
Many of you finished in class. I give full credit to you, and to the awesome Indian music that we played.
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