Thursday 11/12: Section 01 and Section 05 finish PowerPoint
Section 03 has no class
Friday 11/13: All sections work in small groups writing questions for Tuesday's test. You will have a sub, since I will be chaperoning a JC field trip to the Big Apple.
Monday 11/16: Section 03 finishes the PowerPoint
Sections 01 and 05 have no class
Tuesday 11/17: All sections take test on North America!
Please see me before the end of the day Thursday if you have any questions.
The official instructor's blog for students enrolled in Mr. Schick's Human Geography class at The John Carroll School. Friends, parents, and curious onlookers welcome.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
MATT RYAN RAPS!
All sections met today, with class time spent reviewing your observations on North America.
But the king of summation
gave his dissertation
on both immigration
and urbanization
He's sweeping the nation
like Tupac-ization
his industrialization
caused a class sensation
A new education
through commercialization
Matt Ryan WAS his name
But now there's a new game
He's doin what he oughta
Call him "Buck&aQuarter"
Everybody toast him
When y'all do your postin
Seriously, when you post tonight, you should be transferring the notes you took in class today. A proper post is NOT "Today we talked about North America in class." You should include your notes on the five themes of human geography, and how they relate to North America. These notes will come in handy when it is time to take your test next Tuesday.
Yo, peace out.
But the king of summation
gave his dissertation
on both immigration
and urbanization
He's sweeping the nation
like Tupac-ization
his industrialization
caused a class sensation
A new education
through commercialization
Matt Ryan WAS his name
But now there's a new game
He's doin what he oughta
Call him "Buck&aQuarter"
Everybody toast him
When y'all do your postin
Seriously, when you post tonight, you should be transferring the notes you took in class today. A proper post is NOT "Today we talked about North America in class." You should include your notes on the five themes of human geography, and how they relate to North America. These notes will come in handy when it is time to take your test next Tuesday.
Yo, peace out.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Writing assignment
A few notes about your writing assignment:
You need to decide which of the five themes of geography will be the subject of your paper. So...
First, read the five short paragraphs on p. 73, then read the five bullet points on p. 122.
Decide which of the five themes look interesting to you.
Then find that theme in the chapter. Skim until you find some aspect of that theme that appeals to you.
Using the information in the chapter, write a minimum of 200 words on how this theme applies to North America.
I recommend you write your essay in Word. When you are done with the first draft, reread it slowly, checking for errors. Edit and rewrite as necessary.
When your paper is perfect, copy it to your blog and post it.
This assignment is due before the start of class Tuesday, and is worth 20 points.
Enjoy your three-day weekend!
You need to decide which of the five themes of geography will be the subject of your paper. So...
First, read the five short paragraphs on p. 73, then read the five bullet points on p. 122.
Decide which of the five themes look interesting to you.
Then find that theme in the chapter. Skim until you find some aspect of that theme that appeals to you.
Using the information in the chapter, write a minimum of 200 words on how this theme applies to North America.
I recommend you write your essay in Word. When you are done with the first draft, reread it slowly, checking for errors. Edit and rewrite as necessary.
When your paper is perfect, copy it to your blog and post it.
This assignment is due before the start of class Tuesday, and is worth 20 points.
Enjoy your three-day weekend!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Welcome to North America!
***IMPORTANT UPDATE!***
THIS ASSIGNMENT IS NOW DUE ON TUESDAY FOR ALL SECTIONS!
SPREAD THE WORD!
(The extra time should enable you to do a really good job on this 20-point assignment.)
*****************************
Read the five short paragraphs on p. 73.
Read the five bullet points on p. 122.
These reflect the five themes of geography we discussed at the beginning of the year. Tonight, pick ONE of these themes, and write approximately 200 words on how this theme applies to the region where you live: North America.
If you need more information to complete your essay, the pages between 74 and 122 will be very helpful.
After you've written (including proofreading and editing) your piece, post it on your blog.
THIS ASSIGNMENT IS NOW DUE ON TUESDAY FOR ALL SECTIONS!
SPREAD THE WORD!
(The extra time should enable you to do a really good job on this 20-point assignment.)
*****************************
Read the five short paragraphs on p. 73.
Read the five bullet points on p. 122.
These reflect the five themes of geography we discussed at the beginning of the year. Tonight, pick ONE of these themes, and write approximately 200 words on how this theme applies to the region where you live: North America.
If you need more information to complete your essay, the pages between 74 and 122 will be very helpful.
After you've written (including proofreading and editing) your piece, post it on your blog.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Preparing for tomorrow's test
Preparing for the test on Hurricane Katrina, Global Climates, and Global Warming
Part of the test will cover the video The Storm That Drowned a City: Hurricane Katrina (which can be viewed again here). You should refer to the notes you took while you watched. You may also refer to the accompanying website.
You are also responsible for the material on Global Climates found on p. 53 – 55 in your text. Be familiar with the five processes that influence our global climate.
There will be questions on the test about Global Warming that refer to p. 56 – 61 in your text. Be able to identify causes of Global Warming, and be able to identify the greenhouse gases and their sources. Based on this material, and our class discussions, you should also be able to tell the difference between a true statement, a false statement, and a statement of opinion.
This test will be taken on paper, so remember to bring a pen. Questions will be fill in the blank, multiple choice, and short answer, plus you will write a brief essay. You may refer to your notes, blogs and websites while taking the test. You may not refer to your textbook.
The test is worth 100 points. Study hard and good things will happen!
Part of the test will cover the video The Storm That Drowned a City: Hurricane Katrina (which can be viewed again here). You should refer to the notes you took while you watched. You may also refer to the accompanying website.
You are also responsible for the material on Global Climates found on p. 53 – 55 in your text. Be familiar with the five processes that influence our global climate.
There will be questions on the test about Global Warming that refer to p. 56 – 61 in your text. Be able to identify causes of Global Warming, and be able to identify the greenhouse gases and their sources. Based on this material, and our class discussions, you should also be able to tell the difference between a true statement, a false statement, and a statement of opinion.
This test will be taken on paper, so remember to bring a pen. Questions will be fill in the blank, multiple choice, and short answer, plus you will write a brief essay. You may refer to your notes, blogs and websites while taking the test. You may not refer to your textbook.
The test is worth 100 points. Study hard and good things will happen!
Labels:
Global Climates,
global warming,
Hurricane Katrina
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.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
PowerPointPresentations
Our discussion on global warming is heating up. (Get it? Warming? Heating up?) More tomorrow as we continue with causes, effects, and controversy.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
take a stand!
Global warming, climate change - whatever you call it, it's one of the most important and most discussed issues of our time. In this assignment, you will take a stand on global warming, and defend your position with facts and evidence. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but a well-informed opinion is always based on knowledge and information.
Each of your small groups has spent class time working on a PowerPoint presentation, in which you will attempt to convince the class of your position. It's up to you how many slides you need to make an effective argument. Please make sure the first slide has your section number and the full names of everyone in the group, and the last slide should have the websites and other sources where you found your evidence. We'll let you take the first mod of the next class to polish up your PPt, but most of the work should be done tonight.
Remember, if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything!
Each of your small groups has spent class time working on a PowerPoint presentation, in which you will attempt to convince the class of your position. It's up to you how many slides you need to make an effective argument. Please make sure the first slide has your section number and the full names of everyone in the group, and the last slide should have the websites and other sources where you found your evidence. We'll let you take the first mod of the next class to polish up your PPt, but most of the work should be done tonight.
Remember, if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything!
Monday, October 26, 2009
03 discussing global warming
Very impressive! Section 03 weighed in today on global warming. Some people made some excellent points. It's obvious that many of you feel quite strongly about this (while some of you care very little!) and express yourselves brilliantly.
So don't just sit there...blog about it, 03!
So don't just sit there...blog about it, 03!
last call for Q1
I'm finalizing your first quarter grades, so check your gradebook, and check comments I have put on your blog. If you have any questions, you must see me in person by 3:00 today (Monday Oct. 26). Any makeup work must be posted (with an email to rschick@johncarroll.org, telling me you're turning in makeup work) by 5:00 today. Make it a priority.
Friday, October 23, 2009
A-B-C's of Global Warming
Your blog will cover three aspects of the global warming discussion.
Your sources of information will include the textbook (p. 56-60) and these online news sources:
* New York Times
* Google news
* BBC News
* Yahoo! News
* Guardian
* The Independent (UK)
Write a paragraph on each of these topics:
A) What are the causes of global warming?
B) What are the effects of global warming?
C) What are the controversies surrounding global warming?
Please provide the links to any website you found helpful in completing this assignment. This is due at the beginning of the next class.
Your sources of information will include the textbook (p. 56-60) and these online news sources:
* New York Times
* Google news
* BBC News
* Yahoo! News
* Guardian
* The Independent (UK)
Write a paragraph on each of these topics:
A) What are the causes of global warming?
B) What are the effects of global warming?
C) What are the controversies surrounding global warming?
Please provide the links to any website you found helpful in completing this assignment. This is due at the beginning of the next class.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Why YouTube is just as good as a textbook (sometimes)
First, look at Figure 2.11 on page 55 of your text.
Then, watch this video.
Seriously, you guys are so lucky to be living in the 21st century! (Thanks for the video, Katelyn, Hannah, Mike and Alexa)
My recommendation: stare at the video for all 53 seconds. Then read the material found on p. 53 to 55. Then watch the video again. Then read again. Then watch again. Do this for an hour. When you're finished, you will be a meteorologist.
Don't forget to blog.
Then, watch this video.
Seriously, you guys are so lucky to be living in the 21st century! (Thanks for the video, Katelyn, Hannah, Mike and Alexa)
My recommendation: stare at the video for all 53 seconds. Then read the material found on p. 53 to 55. Then watch the video again. Then read again. Then watch again. Do this for an hour. When you're finished, you will be a meteorologist.
Don't forget to blog.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Okay, now you teach.

We're learning about the different factors that determine our climate. A little bit of reading (p. 53-55) and a little bit of class lecture got us started. Now it's your turn.
In your small groups, you're going to teach the rest of the class about one atmospheric process that controls climate. At least three PowerPoint slides should do the trick. Make them interesting and informative. Start with the info in the text, and expand from there if you think it will help the class understand.
What you don't finish in class is homework, due at the beginning of your next class.
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