Sunday, May 15, 2011

American Government 5/13/11

In Class - Reflect on the discussion.  Turn in all written work.  Hand out article by Nancy Gibbs - short reflection is due on Monday.

Homework - Update your blog.  Reflection from article.

World History 5/13/11

In Class - Finish "13 Days."  Write a short reflection on the speech JFK gives at the end of the movie on how it relates to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Homework - Quiz on Monday over the video.

American Government 5/12/11

In Class - Day 2 of Final Discussion.  Continue to fill out evaluation forms for your partner.  Hand out discussion reflection: due tomorrow.

Homework - I will collect the following tomorrow: moral/ethical dilemmas, torture questions, current event (2nd and 4th periods), partner evaluations (2), and reflection.  Update your blog.

EXTRA CREDIT TOMORROW BEFORE SCHOOL AT 6:45.

World History 5/12/11

In Class - Continue watching "13 Days."

Homework - Watch the news.

EXTRA CREDIT VIDEO DUE WEDNESDAY, MAY 18.

American Government 5/11/11

In Class - Final: Discussion on the death of bin Laden, what it means to the world, and more importantly, to you.  Inner/Outer Circle discussion with group leaders: fill out evaluation for your partner on the inner circle.

Homework - Day 2 of the discussion will be tomorrow.

World History 5/11/11

In Class - Continue watching "13 Days."  Take notes during the video.  Homework due before you leave (packet from Monday).

Homework - Watch the news.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

American Government 5/10/11

In Class - Work Day: 1) Moral/ethical dilemmas (8) 2) Video questions (2): Should the US use alternative interrogation techniques and is it necessary for the national security of the US?  3) Begin formulating arguments and talking points for tomorrow's final (150 points).

Homework - Written work (#'s 1 and 2) will be collected tomorrow.  Prepare for tomorrow's final.  Update your blog.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY - SPRING CLEANING: FRIDAY MORNING AT 6:45.

World History 5/10/11

In Class - Continue analyzing the Cold War.  Introduction to the Cuban Missile Crisis (class notes).  Begin watching Thirteen Days.  Take notes during the video.

Homework - Cold War quiz (packet from Monday) is due at the beginning of class tomorrow.

EXTRA CREDIT "DUCK AND COVER" VIDEO IS DUE ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 18.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Separated By War, Reunited By The Web: Photo Project Links Holocaust Survivors

Claire O'Neill, NPR.org, May 9, 2011.

Although this has nothing to do with our topic (or does it?), I thought this was a cool article.  It is truly amazing how social media and technology have created opportunities for people to connect.  It happened throughout the Middle East and North Africa with revolutions created and sustained through social media.  We now have the means to reconnect people.  Really cool idea.

American Government 5/9/11

In Class - Discussion has been postponed until Wednesday.  Hand out discussion rubric (worth 150 points).  You need to be preparing yourself for this discussion as it is your final.  Inner/Outer Circle Simulation of the topic.

Homework - Update your blog.  Bring stuff to work on tomorrow in class to prepare for the discussion on Wednesday.  I will collect all written work then.

World History 5/9/11

In Class - Watch the National Defense Video "Duck and Cover."  See how this video was used for training during the Cold War in which to prepare for a nuclear attack.  Also, extra credit is available to anyone that wants to recreate the "Duck and Cover" video with more of a modern twist.  Continue to discuss the Cold War leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis.  Hand out homework (packet) due on Wednesday.

Homework - Packet due on Wednesday.  Quiz tomorrow.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Osama bin Laden: Why should we care?

As I was reading through some of the QOW responses from last week (only half of you responded : ( I have come to the conclusion that some of you have a grasp on the topic.  I have been watching the news all weekend about the breaking and recent developments from the story, and for me, it leaves me with only more questions.  However, I take the time to find the answers to my questions.  It's obvious I have a deep-rooted interest with the death of Osama bin Laden.  This event truly affects the entire world.  I also believe that today's student does not truly understand the significance of bin Laden's death.  This is of no fault of their own, but they were merely children on 9/11.   

Come prepared for tomorrow's discussion.

Remembering 9/11 and what's truly important

David Gergen, CNN Political Analyst, CNN.com, May 6, 2011.

The continued debate and discussions regarding key questions over the death of Osama bin Laden will continue, but we as a nation need to look forward.  This is an excellent overview of where the US needs to go from here.

Obama meets bin Laden raiders, promises victory over al Qaeda

CNN staff, CNN.com, May 6, 2011.

President Obama met at Fort Campbell, KY to address 2,300 troops just returning home from Afghanistan about how his administration is promising a defeat over Al Qaeda.  He also met with the Navy SEAL Team 6 privately about the raid.  Good resources on this website.

The killing of bin Laden: Was it legal?

Alan Silverleib, CNN.com, May 6, 2011.

Considering the world's most wanted terrorist was shot and killed during a highly classified raid in Pakistan, was the killing of Osama bin Laden legal under international law?  According to the Obama Administration, the answer is yes.  Interesting article.

EXTRA CREDIT

Click on the link and take the quiz.  Post a comment on this stating your score and a short reflection on the questions.  How did you do?  Are you an informed citizen?  This is due by Wednesday, May 11.

American Government 5/6/11

In Class - Work day: work on the moral/ethical dilemmas and begin formulating arguments for Monday's class discussion (death of bin Laden and the effects on the world).

Homework - Update blog (extra credit for this week).  Written work (response to questions concerning torture, moral/ethical dilemmas, current events (2nd and 4th periods).

World History 5/6/11

In Class - Continue discussion on bin Laden.

Homework - Watch the news.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

My Take: bin Laden died long ago

Rev. David Lewicki, Special to CNN.  CNN.com. May 3, 2011.

Interesting religious perspective regarding the death of Osama bin Laden and the American reaction in almost "celebration" of his death.  Might change your mind a little bit.

Canine of the Year: Military Dog Reportedly Assisted in bin Laden Raid

Thought this was pretty cool if you like dogs.

Al Qaeda plotted 9/11 anniversary rail attack: U.S.

American Government 5/5/11

In Class - Continue to watch "The Torture Question."  Continue to discuss whether or not alternative interrogation techniques are permissable under US or international law.  Is it worth it?  What are the arguments for and against?  Hand out arguments sheet; CLASS DISCUSSION ON MONDAY, MAY 9.  If you won't be in class that day (AP testing) then let me know.  Hand out ethical/moral dilemmas.  Written responses to these are due on Monday, May 9.

Homework - Continue to blog (extra credit this week).  QOW due by Friday.  Start working to prepare your arguments for the discussion on Monday.

World History 5/5/11

In Class - It seems like a popular topic, so we will continue our discussion on the US and bin Laden.

Homework - Watch the news.

American Government 5/4/11

In Class - Continue discussion regarding the death of Osama bin Laden.  How does it relate to US foregin policy in Pakistan?  What will be the reactions of the world?  What really happened during the raid?  How did we know he was there?  What intelligence did we gather from enemy detainees?  How did we gather this intelligence?  Will this affect the 2012 Presidential election? 

Begin watching the documentary "The Torture Question" from PBSFrontline.com (link attached to the title of this post).  Answer the following questions: Should the United States use alternative interrogation techniques in order to gather intelligence from enemy detainees?  And, is it necessary for the national security of the United States?

Lots to think about.  2nd and 4th periods: hang onto your current events.

Homework - Blog Update (extra credit this week).  QOW due by Friday. 

World History 5/4/11

In Class - Continue class discussion regarding the death of Osama bin Laden. 

Homework - Watch the news.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Complete Coverage on the Death of bin Laden

Courtesy of CNN.com.  Excellent resource concerning everything you want to know.

Obama on Sunday: A photo for the ages?

Alan Silverleib, CNN.com. May 3, 2011.

It may prove to be the defining image of Barack Obama's presidency.

American Government 5/3/11

In Class - Current event (about Osama bin Laden): must have this to particpate in class.  Group activity with current events.

Homework - QOW response due by Friday.  Continue to update your blog.

Tomorrow in class, we will discuss your final.

World History 5/3/11

In Class - Short video clip regarding Osama bin Laden.  3rd Period: Hand back video notes from last Friday (America in the 20th Century: The Cold War).  Discuss the questions and answers.  Homework - Summarize the main points.  5th Period: Continue discussion on Osama bin Laden.

Homework - 3rd Period: Summary of video notes.  5th Period: Watch the news.

American Reaction

Monday, May 2, 2011

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Key members of Obama's cabinet look on viewing real time images of the Navy SEAL operation to kill Osama bin Laden.

Absent on 4/29???

Watch the documentary and write a solid reaction (minimum of one paragraph) about what you learned and how you can use what you have learned in the future.

President Obama's Address

American Government 5/2/11

In Class - Short video clips.  Discuss the historical significance of President Obama's address to the nation concerning Osama bin Laden.

Homework - Bring a current event regarding Osama bin Laden to class tomorrow.  This is your ticket in the door.  QOW due by Friday, May 6.  Update your blog.

QOW - Considering the historic nature of President Obama's address to the nation regarding the death of Osama bin Laden, use specific arguments from a minimum of two (2) sources to respond to the following questions: 1) What were your first reactions to the news regarding the death of bin Laden?  2) How will the US be affected in terms of national pride or unity, military objectives (Iraq/Afghanistan), politically, world affairs, families of 9/11 victims?  Be sure to include specific references from your sources and also include an MLA works cited with your response.

World History 5/2/11

In Class - Watch President Obama's address concerning Osama bin Laden.  Discuss the Cold War relevances to this historic announcement.

Homework - Watch the news.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

In Phoenix, Foreign-Born Workers Find Jobs Faster

Ted Robbins. NPR.org, February 17, 2011.

One thing is lagging in the recovery from the Great Recession — jobs. But one demographic group, foreign-born workers, has been gaining jobs back faster than its native-born counterparts.

War Turning Mexican Kids Into Targets — Or Killers

Jason Beaubien, NPR.org. May 1, 2011.

Children are being caught in the middle of the drug war in Mexico as innocent civilians or even brutal killers.  How has the drug war affected children in Mexico?  Read more to find out.