We're back from break, and today we're working on our projects in class. Since it is a really bad idea to procrastinate on a project this size, and the paper is due December 16, (two weeks from tomorrow), now is the time to get to work.
As you research your topic, here are a couple suggestions that are far more useful than the lazy Google search:
Facts on File: World News Digest This site is perfect for this project. Example: I typed "Amazon deforestation" in the search box and got 23 stories. "Mexican drug cartels": 48 stories. "US - Mexican immigration policy": 81 stories. You get the picture.
History Study Center Great place to find Historical documents. Example: Type "Panama Canal" in the search box and choose "Historical documents" in the second drop box, and you get 26 excellent primary source documents. Choose "Multimedia" in that dropbox, and you get some incredible old photographs.
CIA Factbook Choose a country, then click on "Transnational Issues" (near the bottom). Often a goldmine of information. Plus, there is never any dispute about this being a legitimate source of unbiased information.
I will post these under "Useful Links" on the right hand side of my blog. More to follow.
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Challenges
As we have worked our way through this chapter on global warming, a lot of things have surprised me. I’ve been surprised at how strongly some of you feel about this issue. Surprised at how much you discuss this class with your parents. Surprised at how much work you have done in researching this topic. That’s all good. Nice work!
As we near the end of this section, I want to make a few statements that apply not just to global warming, but to your education in general.
When necessary, you should challenge what you are being taught. When I say challenge, I don’t mean reject. Take what your textbook (or your teacher) tells you and research it, to see if it holds up under scrutiny. Do good, academic-based, thorough research, like we have been talking about in class. If what you have been reading can be backed up and verified, you’re good to go.
If you get into the habit of challenging what you are being told, this will serve you well in many aspects of your life. Challenge what commercials tell you, and maybe you won’t be disappointed by unnecessary purchases. Challenge what politicians (from both parties) tell you, and maybe we’ll elect fewer snake-oil salesmen, and more public servants. Challenge what television, newspapers, and the Internet tells you, and you will be able to make up your own mind when it really counts.
If we all exercised our brains as much as we exercise our abs and our biceps, we would be in terrific intellectual shape. When it comes to knowledge, stay thirsty, my friends!
More on this tomorrow in class.
As we near the end of this section, I want to make a few statements that apply not just to global warming, but to your education in general.
When necessary, you should challenge what you are being taught. When I say challenge, I don’t mean reject. Take what your textbook (or your teacher) tells you and research it, to see if it holds up under scrutiny. Do good, academic-based, thorough research, like we have been talking about in class. If what you have been reading can be backed up and verified, you’re good to go.
If you get into the habit of challenging what you are being told, this will serve you well in many aspects of your life. Challenge what commercials tell you, and maybe you won’t be disappointed by unnecessary purchases. Challenge what politicians (from both parties) tell you, and maybe we’ll elect fewer snake-oil salesmen, and more public servants. Challenge what television, newspapers, and the Internet tells you, and you will be able to make up your own mind when it really counts.
If we all exercised our brains as much as we exercise our abs and our biceps, we would be in terrific intellectual shape. When it comes to knowledge, stay thirsty, my friends!
More on this tomorrow in class.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)