quiz tomorrow

Economic geography.  Developed countries, developing countries.  GNP per capita.  Literacy.  If you've been paying attention in class, taking tomorrow's quiz will feel like unwrapping your first Christmas present. 

more Quality of Life

Again, we had guest teachers in class.  Many thanks to Gary, Annalee, and Makenzie for illuminating us about economic geography, developed vs. developing nations, and quality of life.

If you didn't get all your work done in class, it's homework for tonight.

Section 01 presented the results of their research in class today.  Sections 02 and 03 go tomorrow.  Friday, everyone takes the last Human Geo quiz of 2011.  Then... the longest break of the school year!

Standard of Living, Quality of Life

How are we doing?  Are we living the good life?  Here are some quantitative measures to determine how good we have it.

• urbanization
• level of economic activity (primary, secondary, tertiary)
• Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita (PPP)
• school life expectancy
• literacy rate
• life expectancy
• infant mortality
• population % below the poverty line

And here are some countries we will be researching:

• USA
• Brazil
• Germany
• India
• Saudi Arabia
• Canada
• Colombia
• Greece
• China
• Mexico
• Liechtenstein
• Afghanistan
• Kenya
• Japan
• United Kingdom
• Angola
• Egypt
• South Korea

Here is one way to do this assignment.

After completing your research, each group should collaborate on a paragraph that summarizes the quality of life for each country.  Describe what was revealed about each country through your research. 

quiz day

Now that you've taken the quiz, I will get grades posted soon.  If you didn't get to take the quiz (because you were in the play, on a field trip, or playing a sport), you'll be able to make it up during class on Monday.

Have a great weekend, and thanks for all the birthday wishes!  Here's a pic of me celebrating at home.

sneak peek

If I tell you it's coming, is it still a pop quiz?

Maybe not.  In any case, tomorrow you get a 15-question, 45-point open-blog quiz on energy sources, the levels of economic activity, deforestation, and The People's Republic of Capitalism.

If you were paying attention during the student presentations and during the movie, this will be a piece of cake.

video

I hope you are enjoying the video we have been watching in class, The People's Republic of Capitalism.  If you missed seeing it because you weren't in class, it is on the web here.  The Jib Jab video Big Box Mart can be found here.

I have a slight correction to something I said in class:  80% (not 86%) of the items that Walmart stocks are made in China (source: ChinaToday.com).  Still quite a bit, don't you think?

Consider these questions:  When you buy something at a big-box retailer, do you read the label to find out the country of origin?  Would that influence your purchasing decisions?

These and more intriguing questions will follow as we continue to study how connected we are to China in our unit on economic geography.

finishing up the presentations

Generally speaking, I think you guys are getting better at doing these mini-research projects.  If we can just get the bubbles and ooVoo interruptions under control, we might really start learning!

(Seriously, you really should log out when class starts...)

presenting...

Today was another day of you guys teaching each other.  Hopefully you were all taking notes on your classmates' presentations.  These notes are what you should be posting on your blogs.

It might be a good idea to check your notes against someone else's in the class, to make sure you are getting all the important points.  As always, you can stop by my room after school if you have any questions.

in-class research

I'm proud of you guys for all the good work you did in class today.  Is it because we are getting a little closer to finals?  In any case, you really kicked it into gear and did some serious researching on your group's topic.

Tonight, in 3 - 4 sentences, summarize what you and your group learned today.  That's your blog entry.

turning the tables

I like where this is going.

You guys seemed to respond pretty well to the guest teachers.  Many thanks to Mr. Jump, Ms. Brannan, and Mr. Hodges for taking over on short notice.

Section 01 is off to a great start with the followup activity.  Looking forward to seeing how the rest of you do.  More tomorrow!

Don't forget to put your class notes on your blog, where they will be useful to you later.

Thanks,
Bob/Robert

For all three sections...

Yesterday's class featured a review of the test on Population Pyramids and Demographic Transition.

I also assigned new seats, explained why we will be using our computers in class a little less, lectured on how ooVoo reduces your GPA, and notified you that you need to come to class with your computer charged (or be prepared to take notes on paper).  All this is in the interest of making you better students.

... and for Section 01

Many thanks to our guest lecturer today, for sharing his expertise on Economic Geography.

You should take the notes you took in class today, and post them in your blog for tonight.  Keep in mind that you can refer to your blog when you take your next test.  This should help you decide how thorough your posted notes should be.

giving thanks

Not every country has a national holiday set aside specifically to express gratitude.  But on the fourth Thursday of November, America does just that, and it is one of the healthiest things we can do.  Personally, my "Things To Be Thankful For" list centers around my family and my John Carroll relationships.  I am truly fortunate to be able to spend my days with all of you.  And it's not just the friendliness, humor, intelligence, and enthusiasm that you show that makes my day.  I'm grateful for those of you that challenge me.  I'm grateful for those of you who don't pay attention, and push me to make class more interesting.  I'm grateful for the quiet ones who make me work harder to get to know you.  All of you make this the best "job" I have ever had.

I hope you all have a terrific holiday break.  And even if it doesn't look like the perfect, idyllic picture above, I hope you enjoy the time with your family, and thank your lucky stars that you have such a good life.

Quiz day

If you were not in class today to take the quiz, please make it up after school tomorrow.  Meet me in the TV Studio right after the bell and take this quick 15 question quiz.  If you don't take it tomorrow, you will have to take it after the break, and you may forget some of this material.

Reminder about today's blog: post the names of everyone in your group, and your estimate of how much each person contributed to your project.  Be honest, and be fair.  Your estimate is confidential.

Also, be sure I am invited to view your Google Doc.  Use either of these addresses:

•  rschick@johncarroll.org 
•  bobschick13@gmail.com 

Looking forward to one last class (with 01) before the break!

projects due tomorrow

This is a little Sunday night reminder that your projects are due tomorrow before your class starts.  You have the rest of the night to get in touch with your group members and finish this 100-point assignment.

You will be held accountable for the amount of work YOU did on this project.  You will not be able to coast and let someone else do all the work.

The Ravens game is over, it's time to get to work.

Population/Demographic project

It looked like most of you got off to a very good start on this project.  Here is a reminder about some of the details of this 100-point assignment.

• assignment is due before class on Monday
• work not completed in class should be worked on together over the weekend
• remember to post the link to your Google Doc to your blog

Email me with any questions.

class discussion

Sometimes you participate in class discussions because you are involved and engaged.  Sometimes you have to know you're earning points before you get involved.  Sometimes even the points don't seem to matter.

What does it all mean?

Population pyramids, demographic transition charts, demographic characteristics - the goal here is to get you thinking about what all these things mean.  How do all these concepts tie together?  How do we interpret all this data?  And how would you fix these serious problems?

Like I said, something to think about.

worksheet

As we said in class, your homework is to finish the blue worksheet that we worked on in class.

And don't forget to blog!

Population Pyramids, Demographic Transitions, and other statistical study

(You guys must really be smart to be getting all this...!)

Sections 02 & 03 are introduced to the Demographic Transition chart.

Section 01 performs some analysis to put this new knowledge into practice.


It will be helpful to know all this when you are called upon to solve the world's overpopulation problems.  (You'll thank me later.)

Population Pyramids and the Demographic Transition

Sections 02 & 03 had good discussions today (thank you!) as we started looking at Population Pyramids.  An incredible site for seeing how the pyramids can change over time can be found here, and a nice summary of these pyramids can be found here.

Section 01 moved on to a discussion of the famous Demographic Transition.  Here's a recap of the four stages, plus the chart we covered today (with a bonus: Stage Five!):

Four stages of Demographic Transition

a. Stage 1:  High birth rate, high death rate; very slow growth, low RNI. In pre-industrial society, death rates and birth rates were both high and fluctuated rapidly according to natural events, such as drought and disease, to produce a relatively constant and young population. Children contributed to the economy of the household from an early age by carrying water, firewood, and messages, caring for younger siblings, sweeping, washing dishes, preparing food, and doing some work in the fields.

b. Stage 2:  Death rate falls dramatically, birth rate remains high; high RNI. A consequence of the decline in CDR in Stage Two is an increasingly rapid rise in population growth, called the "population explosion"), as the gap between deaths and births grows wider.

c. Stage 3:  Death rate remains low, birth rate drops; RNI slows. Stage Three moves the population towards stability through a decline in the birth rate.

d. Stage 4:  Death rate low, birth rate low; low RNI (as in stage 1). This occurs where birth and death rates are both low. Therefore, the total population is high and stable.

*Highest RNI is in stage 2*

Population Pyramids

We discussed them in class today.  If we went a little too fast for you, feel free to check out Wiki's description here.

See you tomorrow!

essay test today

I'm looking forward to reading your work over the next few days.

Be ready for tomorrow's test.

Come to class on time.  Have a fully charged computer, ready to go wireless.  All windows/programs you won't need for this essay must be closed.

You will spend the entire class period writing and rewriting this essay.  You will not be permitted to work for 20 minutes and turn in your essay just to be done with it.  This is your chance to show me your best work.  I have high expectations for this essay, so don't give me anything less than your best.

Here is the email address where you will email the final draft:  rschick@johncarroll.org .

terms to include in your essay

All of the following terms should be covered in your essay on geopolitics:

• discrimination
• genocide
• apartheid
• Nelson Mandela
• colonialism (especially in Africa)
• tribunal
• propaganda
• refugee
• the Holocaust
• United Nations

If you want feedback over the weekend, post your essay on your blog today or tonight.  Don't forget as always, your blog must be posted by midnight Saturday night in order for you to get credit.

Warning: taking the time to write and submit this essay may cause your grade on Monday's essay test to improve dramatically.

writing workshop

Today, it was Section 02 & 03's turn to do some writing.  If you want to get a little feedback on your work so far, post it on your blog and I will try to get to it this evening.

geopolitics

So, Sections 02 & 03 went over the last test today.  And Section 01 happily, eagerly and enthusiastically began writing an essay on geopolitics.

Section 01 All-Stars: if you would like, you may post today's writing as tonight's blog entry.

More writing tomorrow!

In the meantime, some geo-food for thought.


Geopolitics is:
a)  a theory that describes the relation between politics and territory
b)  the art and practice of analyzing, forecasting, and the using of political power over a given territory 
c)  a method of foreign policy analysis which seeks to understand, explain and predict international political behavior primarily in terms of geographical variables 
d)  the impact of geography on politics, but its usage has evolved over the past century to encompass wider connotations
e)  all of the above (this is the correct answer!)

back in the saddle

Okay, the three-day weekend is behind us.  Section 01 met today and reviewed the last test.  We had an awesome shadow named Joseph who drew me as a superhero.  (I like that kid.)  And I announced that the next test will not be Friday, as originally planned.  We need a little more time to cover this Geopolitics unit.  The test will probably be Monday - stay tuned for news.

Welcome to the second quarter!

good discussions!

This is a good trend.  You're thinking about important issues, learning about how to conduct good, responsible research, and contributing to the class discussion more than usual.  Nice work.

The things I want you to remember about the classes of the last couple days?  We live in complicated times, and there are not always clearcut answers to complex issues.  Should we come to the aid of victims of genocide?  Are we legally obligated to stop genocide?  Can we even afford to help those whose human rights are being violated in plain sight of the world?

Perhaps the most important point about our discussion: seek out answers to these difficult questions yourself.  The mini-research sessions we conducted in class are an example of this.  If you can cultivate the habit of researching on your own, rather than being told (by the media, the government, or even your teachers) what the answer is, you are well on your way to being truly well-informed.

Now blog about that!

New Unit!

We began our unit on geopolitics with a discussion of genocide, discrimination, colonialism, and apartheid, among other things.  Homework for all sections is to fill out the reverse side of the handout.  All groups blog tonight, with Section 03 writing about Nelson Mandela, and Section 01 writing about propaganda.  Section 02 can sum up their notes from today's discussion.

test today

Thanks, Sam for the sensational homemade sausage on Section 01!

I hope you all aced the test today.  Don't forget to blog about today's class (before Saturday night at midnight), and have a great weekend!

test on Culture tomorrow

Tomorrow's test will be cover my PowerPoint and class discussion on Culture, as well as the classwork and presentations you guys did.  You are allowed to use your blog, but you can't just call up the link to my PowerPoint.  I would recommend taking notes on it, and posting those notes in your blog.

Congratulations on reaching the last test of the first quarter.  Study hard, and finish strong.

food today, test on Friday

THANK YOU to those of you who brought in international foods as part of our studies on culture.  Please note the following:

• Check your PowerSchool to make sure you got your 10 points of extra credit.  If I missed you, send me an email and let me know.
• Please pick up any Tupperware, serving dishes, spoons, handle bags, etc., from Room 121 (the TV Studio) ASAP.

The test on the Culture unit is this Friday.  It will cover my lectures, your presentations, and the PowerPoint I have posted.  This is the last test of the first quarter.

Thanks again for making the classrooms smell and taste so good!

multiple choice quiz

What did Section 01 accomplish in class today?
       a.  they wrote their own questions for Friday's test
       b.  they worked on their WikiBooks chapter on culture
       c.  they wished Tatiana a happy birthday
       d.  they ate M&Ms and root beer barrels
       e.  all of the above

The correct answer is e.  Nice work!

why excellence matters

I refuse to believe that some of the presentations I saw in class today are the best you can do.

If you are going to fall into the habit of doing as little work as possible just to get by, then here are a few things you should start getting used to:

• seeing other people get jobs and raises you think you deserve
• watching someone else get the girl (or guy) you had your eye on
• having a job that offers no satisfaction, just a paycheck
• being defeated by teams that aren't as talented as yours

The good news?  You guys are in your early teens, so it's not too late to turn it around.  Here are some thoughts to ponder before your next project/paper/test/whatever:

You can't make a great play unless you do it first in practice.
                                                                      -- Chuck Noll

It isn't hard to be good from time to time in sports. What is tough, is being good every day.
                                                                                                                  -- Willie Mays

So be good.   

         -- Me

let's do something special

Many of you are familiar with the Race For The Cure, which raises funds to try to find a cure for breast cancer.  And a lot of you know Amanda Brannan, one of your classmates in this awesome freshman class.  But some of you may not know that Amanda is this year's biggest single fundraiser!  This is incredible!

If you (through your parents) want to help Amanda raise even more funds in memory of her Mom, click here to go to her donation page.  Every little bit helps, and you'll feel good knowing you have helped to make a positive difference in the world.

Good luck on the PSAT test today, have a great l-o-o-o-o-ng weekend, and thank you for your generosity!

researching culture

The following information is for Section 01 

and their WikiBooks project.

New York Times editorial on why students should go into Cultural Geography:  http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/10/opinion/11brooks.done.html

Fantastic website on culture from a geographic perspective:
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/socst/grade3/geograph.html

Wikimedia Commons is THE source for images that are in the public domain, which means you have the right to use these images without seeking anyone's permission.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Pictures_and_images

This is an introduction to the online course in Cultural Geography offered by the University of Wisconsin.
http://online.uwc.edu/academics/catalog/course.asp?cid=001776

This info is for Sections 02 and 03.

Thanks to all who brought in food today, including Rachel, Megan, and Merina in Section 02, and ND, Erica, Eleanor, Megan, and both Amandas in Section 03.  (Did I forget anyone?  Let me know!)  Way to add some cultural flavor to the class!

No class tomorrow, or the rest of this week, but we'll be back next Monday.  If you want to bring in an authentic dish from the nation you are studying on Monday, feel free.

Tonight, everybody blogs.

Rubric for presentation

I have posted the rubric for your culture presentation.  You should take a look at this to make sure you know exactly how I am going to grade your presentation to the class.  It's posted under my Links section.

See you Monday!

Culture assignment

Sections 2 & 3:  the culture assignments are due at the start of class on Monday.  We will draw names to determine what order we go in.  Everyone should be ready to present.

Of course, this means that if you didn't finish working on your presentation in class, you need to do it over the weekend.  Since you are all collaborating via Google Docs, you can get this done.

Only the person who actually prepares and brings in food gets the extra credit points.  It is expected that you prepare the food yourself (or with your parents' help).  Do not buy a prepared dish from a restaurant or a grocery store.  We learn by doing.

If your food needs to be refrigerated, please check to see if your advisor has a mini-fridge in your room.  If not, stop by my room (the TV Studio - Room 121) before school.

Put an address label or something else with your name on it on the bottom of the dish or Tupperware so we can get it back to you.

I'm really looking forward to learning about the culture of these countries from you guys.  Should be a tasty class!

Culture project

Today Sections 02 and 03 started their projects on culture around the world.  The details are found in the document Culture Assignment, found in my Links section.

Brendon H, you need to join a group.  Email someone you want to work with, and join their group.

Work continues in class tomorrow, but it would be a good idea to get some of the research done tonight.  Plus, you need to blog tonight.  Any questions about the project - just ask.

culture discussion

Thank you and congratulations to those of you who participated in today's discussion about culture.  This is not a lecture-only class.  You may encounter such a class when you get to college, where there are several hundred students in a large lecture hall listening to a professor talk for two hours.  But in our class, with only a couple dozen of you, I rely on you to participate, to ask questions, to volunteer information, to share your thoughts and opinions.  This is an expectation, spelled out in my syllabus.

Don't forget to blog about today's class!

preview of culture

What did Section 01 learn in class today?  Well, we learned to be prepared for class.  We learned that cutting-and-pasting is not always the most effective way to learn things, unless we can elaborate and explain what we pasted.  We learned that "Ummm..." is not always the best way to start an oral report.  And we learned that you guys can be pretty tough on each other when it comes to grades.

But what did we learn about culture?  You tell me.  In your blog tonight, summarize what you learned about culture during our class discussion today.

(Great class today, by the way.  You guys make Human Geo fun!)

Culture defined

Culture is the shared experience, traits, and activities of a group of people who have a common heritage.  - from Cracking the AP Human Geography Exam, 2011 Edition

Tonight's homework:  find two other definitions of culture, plus the sources where you found them.  Then in a paragraph of at least 100 words, combine these into your own personal definition of what culture means to you.

new rules for your blogs

As we discussed in class today, I am making two changes regarding your blogs.

• New deadline for Friday's blog.  The blog you enter for Friday's class must be posted by Saturday night at midnight.  This will enable me to grade the previous week's blogs on Sunday.  Please make sure you post your blog on Friday or Saturday.

• More detail required.  You need to post a longer, more detailed, more useful blog in order to receive full credit.  Describe what we did in class, or what you learned, or transcribe the notes you took.  The more information you put in your blog, the more useful it will be to you later.  Remember, these are notes you may refer to during a test, or when the time comes to study for your semester exam.

Example of a bad post:  Today we watched part of a movie in class.

Example of a good post:  Today in God Grew Tired of Us, we saw how John Bul, Panther and Daniel are adjusting to life in America.  They are going to have to pay back their airfare, and they will have to pay for their own rent and food and gas, plus they want to send money back to their families in Africa.  So, some of them are taking on many jobs, like working at McDonald's, at a grocery store, in a gasket factory, or as a security guard. This is putting a lot of pressure on them.

Obviously, you can write even more than that if you like.  The more detail in the post, the more it will help you later.

Good posts will earn you two points apiece.  Bad posts get you one point.  No post gets you zero.  The new grading guidelines go into effect next week.

I'm looking forward to reading some great posts from you guys!  Have a fantastic weekend and I hope to see you at the game tonight!

tomorrow's test covers...

This 100-point test will cover everything we have studied regarding Population and Migration for the last two weeks.  To be specific:

• God Grew Tired of Us
• population density
• TFR
• net migration rate
• life expectancy
• rate of natural increase
• immigrants/emigrants
• infant mortality

You will be able to use your blog as a resource on the test.

Study, be ready.  See you tomorrow.

as the film concludes...

...we move on to studies of the terms needed to understand population and migration.  Sections 02 & 03 watched the conclusion of the film today, and began discussing important terms like population density and total fertility rate (TFR).

Tonight, your homework is to use the CIA Factbook to research population facts about Sudan, Kenya, the US, and other nations.  This should help us more fully appreciate the situation in Sudan, and in the brand new nation of South Sudan.

Using the Population Indicators link, answer the questions about population, density, and total fertility rate (TFR).  Use the CIA Factbook, except where I have given you another source.  Post those answers to your blog tonight.  You will answer the rest of the questions in class tomorrow.  

The test on Friday will cover the use of these terms, as well as our viewing of  God Grew Tired of Us.  As before, you will be able to use your blog as a resource on this test. 

Also, if you missed any of the film, I will be available to show all or part of the movie after school in the TV Studio tomorrow (Thursday).  Be in Room 121 by 3:00 if you want to see any part you missed.


By the way, have any of you been successful at friending John Bul Dau yet?

measuring population

Section 01 watched the conclusion of the film today, and began discussing terms we will use when we study the population of countries.

Tonight, your homework is to use the CIA Factbook to research population facts about Sudan, Kenya, the US, and other nations.  This should help us more fully appreciate the situation in Sudan, and in the brand new nation of South Sudan.

Using the Population Indicators link, answer the questions about population, density, and total fertility rate (TFR).  Post those answers to your blog tonight.  You will answer the rest of the questions in class tomorrow.  Thanks for a great class today!

the story continues...

The amazing saga of Panther, Daniel, and John continues, as some (but not all) of the Lost Boys have contact with their families.

Ay-yi-yi-yi-yiiiii!

more from the Lost Boys of Sudan

Today we watched more of God Grew Tired of Us, the story of John, Daniel, and Panther, forced from their homeland in Sudan.  As you write your blog for today, consider how the events of the movie relate to the concepts we are learning in class, such as IEPs and refugees, migration, GDP per capita, British colonialism, and  natural resources.

Have a great weekend!

our in-class movie

God Grew Tired of Us - the award-winning movie about the Lost Boys of Sudan - is underway.  Sections 02 and 03 need to do some research to enhance their appreciation of the film. Your homework is to use the CIA Factbook to discover some essential data about the country of Sudan: their GDP per capita, their type of government and date of independence, the transnational issues they face, the numbers of IDPs / refugees, and the natural resources that drive their economy.  (For the transnational part, I recommend reading the part on Disputes, then summing it up in your own words, especially as it relates to the movie.)  If you like, you may also post what you think of the film so far.

today's work

Section 02 and 03 had their discussion about globalization today - your homework is to blog about it!

Section 01 began watching God Grew Tired of Us  - your homework is to use the CIA Factbook to discover the GDP per capita, the type of government and date of independence, the transnational issues, numbers of IDPs / refugees, and the natural resources that drive the economy, all for the country of Sudan.

globalization - the great debate

Good discussion from the 01 section in class today, detailing some of the pros and cons of globalization.

When you get into class like you did today, lots of good things happen.   My job gets easier (thank you).  You are more engaged, so class is more interesting (hopefully).  And you learn more (always a plus).

For homework... you know the drill.  Blog about today's class.

globalization

First, a definition of globalization that makes me happy:
 
Globalization is a process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and governments of different nations, a process driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology. This process has effects on the environment, on culture, on political systems, on economic development and prosperity, and on human physical well-being in societies around the world.

Source:  globalization101.org

Then, an assignment to help you understand the positives and negatives of globalization:


Although globalization is here to stay, not everyone thinks it is a great idea.  Find a group or organization that is pro-globalization, summarize their position, and give me the link where you found your information.  Then find a group or organization that is anti-globalization, summarize their position, and give me the link where you found that information. 


Be ready to discuss this in class, and tell me what group you most agree with.

what's next

In class tomorrow we will begin the next unit:  Population and Migration.  We're going to begin with a brief definition and discussion of globalization, so watch out.  Be ready to think, talk, and even argue.

And maybe learn.

I hope you aced it!

Now the first Human Geo test of the year is in your rear-view mirror.  I'm looking forward to grading them, especially your short answer responses.

If you didn't take the test today, be prepared to take it Monday in class.

For today's blog, why don't you tell me what you thought of the test?  Was it too easy, too hard, fair, challenging?  I like feedback.

No other HW this weekend.  We start a new unit on Monday.  See you then, and have a good weekend.

test tomorrow

Sections 02 & 03 completed their work on countries, continents, and regions.  They also adjusted their blogs' time settings and privacy settings.


I will be grading your "Did You Know 2.0" essays this weekend.  I hope to get to your tests this weekend, too.  Rule of thumb: if you see a blank grade in your PowerSchool for a particular assignment, don't worry.  It's when you see a zero that you should be concerned.  Thanks.

All three sections will test tomorrow.  This 100 point test will cover the CIA World Factbook and the 25 related questions, the use of maps, and identification of countries, continents, and regions.  You will be able to use your blog as a resource for this test.


Be ready!

studying regions

Today the 02 & 03 sections began to identify our 24 nations by regions.  If you did not complete this work in class, please finish it for homework.

Section 01 completed their work on countries, continents, and regions.  They also adjusted their blogs' time settings and privacy settings.

All three sections will test on Friday.  This 100 point test will cover the CIA World Factbook and the 25 related questions, the use of maps, and identification of countries, continents, and regions.  You will be able to use your blog as a resource for this test.

from continents to regions

Today the mighty Section 01 took the 24 nations we looked at yesterday, and identified them by region instead of continent.  We also discussed why geographers might prefer to analyze and study different cultures according to the region where they live.

Please note:  the first test of the year will be on Friday.  It's worth 100 points, and will cover material related to the CIA Factbook, our discussions of the 25 questions, our use of maps, and identifying nations by continent and region.  More on this in class. 

locating countries

Interesting class today!  Hopefully you have all had a chance to complete the Countries/Continents assignment, which should help you become more spatially familiar with some of the more important nations in the world.

And hopefully you have also learned the value of reading instructions carefully, which will help you on exams, in your other classes, and in many other aspects of your life.

Making a Difference

A friend of mine has asked me to spread the word about a contest they are trying to win.  If you would like to help, please go to http://www.refresheverything.com/calebspennies and vote, then help spread the word through Facebook and Twitter and any other social media you use.

Thanks for considering helping a very worthy cause - helping to provide financial assistance to families with a critically ill child.

writing assignment

This is a reminder to post your written assignment before Sunday night at midnight. The assignment is described in detail on Thursday's blog.

Late penalties of 10% per day will apply if you are late in posting this assignment to your blog.

Email me at rschick@johncarroll.org if you have any questions.

I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts!

Video assignment

Your assignment for this weekend is to carefully watch this video, and write a three paragraph essay. In each of the first two paragraphs, choose a quote or statistic from Did You Know 2.0, and describe what it means to you, how you think it affects you, and whether you think it is a positive or a negative thing.

In the final paragraph, think of the video as a whole, and write about your role as a student in the 21st century. What are the implications of living in this rapidly changing world? What should John Carroll do to prepare you for college and beyond?

I realize some things in the video are already outdated. After all, this version is four whole years old! MySpace is now fairly irrelevant, and Facebook actually has over 750,000,000 users (third biggest "country" in the world). But that just helps make the point of how quickly things change.

Lastly, I invite you to show your parents this video, and ask them what they think of it. Their perspective is different from yours, and you may end up having an enlightening conversation.

Be sure to write well - pay attention to spelling, grammar, etc. - but most importantly, write a thoughtful essay that shows focus, clarity, and originality. This is your first writing assignment for me - use it to impress me with your brilliance.

This essay must be posted to your blog by Sunday night at midnight. It's worth 50 points.

a microcosm of the course

Our exploration of the CIA Factbook is kind of like the entire Human Geography course in miniature.  We look at how humans react and interact in the context of their economies, their governments, their cultures and their religions, based on where they live and who they are.

As always, don't forget to post to your blog tonight.  Summing up what we did in class today is good; including your thoughts and opinions is even better.

If you are STILL having trouble creating your blog or posting to your blog, you MUST come to see me after school tomorrow.  Blogging is the way we communicate in this class, and we have to make sure we can do this smoothly.  Thanks.

Fun with the Factbook

Section 01 met today, and we worked on getting the last of your blogs up to speed (c'mon, Tyler & Hunter & Shawn & Brian, you can do it!).  We also started exploring the fantastically informative CIA World Factbook.

By the way, if some of you are looking for ways to get involved at school, we have a Speech & Debate club that is a lot of fun.  Look for our purple Speech Creatures t-shirts in the halls tomorrow!  We meet on Wednesdays after school in the TV Studio (Room 121 in the Fine Arts Wing), and we would love to see you there at 3:00!

We also have an Academic Team that you might enjoy - it's like being on Jeopardy, except you don't have to fly to Los Angeles.  And yes, we use buzzers.  We also meet in the TV Studio most afternoons after school.

Come on down...you know you want to.  Right?  Right.

expectations

This is a review of what has been expected of you so far.

• Create your class blog and send me the URL.
• Post your Six Word Memoir (worth 5 points).
• Post what you did in class on Friday (Section 01 should have had two posts this week, Sections 02 and 03 should have had three posts, all worth a total of 8 points).
• One person in your group is to post the answers to the 25 questions about the CIA Factbook, plus list the names of the people in your group (classwork worth 10 points).

Some of you have done all of these assignments.  Congratulations on your perfect score in this class!

Some of you have done none of these, and have started the class with a zero.  

I have explained in class what you need to do, and I have posted the assignments on this blog.  It is up to you to follow up and do your work.

If you have questions or problems, email me at rschick@johncarroll.org.

Friday's classwork

Today in class you will be introduced to the CIA World Factbook. Your task is to retrieve the information needed to answer questions about our nation and many other countries of the world.  You will need to find data by exploring the Factbook, and you will need to analyze and interpret some of the more complex questions in order to find these answers.  By the time you finish, you will be able to navigate your way around this fascinating site with ease, and you will become familiar with the wealth of available material about every single nation on earth.

You will work in groups of three, so you can help each other find all the information.  One member will enter the answers in their blog.

All the questions are to be answered in complete sentences.

This is important:  please list the first and last names of the members of your group.  Write these names in your post before you answer any questions.

Any questions you don't answer in class are to be done for homework.

The CIA World Factbook is the only source you may use for this assignment.

The CIA World Factbook can be found by clicking here.

The 25 questions you need to answer can be found by clicking here.

If you finish in class, go to Freerice.com and see how many Geography questions you can answer!

Last, but not least, if you still have not created your blog, emailed me the URL, and posted your Six Word Memoir, you must do that this weekend.  Points will be deducted if you do not complete this by Monday night.  Email me if you have questions.

Good luck, have fun, wish me luck at my conference, and I will see you next week!

getting up to speed

Part of today's class was spent making sure everyone has a working blog, and getting the URL to me.  The other part of class was an introduction to one of the most useful websites you will ever see:  the CIA Factbook.  We will be using this site a lot this year, and you will definitely be exploring it tomorrow in class (although, sadly, I will not be with you).

If you still have not created your blog and emailed me the URL, please try to do so as soon as possible.  Thanks!

our first day is in the books

I think we are off to a good start!  This is just a reminder to post your assignment on your new blog, and be sure to email me the URL address.  See yesterday's posting for more details on this five-point assignment.

Welcome!

Today's class features introductions.  You will be introduced to me, to each other, and to the Human Geography course.

Your homework tonight:

• subscribe to my blog
• favorite/bookmark my blog
• use your Gmail account to set up your class blog through blogger.com
• send the URL for your blog to rschick@johncarroll.org
• set up Google Chrome as your default browser
• make your first post, the Six Word Memoir (after reading this)
• look over the class syllabus, and let me know if you have any questions
• make sure you know when and where class meets next