NAFTA

Today students reviewed terminology from Wednesday's lesson. We talked about governments influence on trade, and the impact that has both on businesses and individuals. Students were put into seven groups to learn about the various groups of people greatly influenced by NAFTA. In these groups students were assigned a specific group to focus on, create a character about, and be prepared to debate as their character the following class period when we role-play a NAFTA conference. Students should be prepared to express how their character feels about NAFTA's environmental impact, wage stance, job availability, tariffs, immigration of people constructed but products not, chapter 11, and getting rid of article 27 of the Mexican Constitution.

HW: Be prepared to discuss each of the above mentioned topics as your character/role.

Globalization

Today we began exploring the topic of globalization. We discussed the history, different types, opposing viewpoints of the issue, and began to learn the vocabulary associated with economic globalization and trade.

HW: none.

April 23rd, 2012

1st period
Today students did their in class activism project assessment, turned in their homework from the unit and any examples/pictures/proof they had of completing their projects.

HW: IF you forgot to submit your example/proof (website, video link, Facebook group, letter, etc) you must e-mail them to me asap. Until they are in your grade will be 50%


2nd period
Today we worked on community building. Maya, Koji, Sophie and Adian were our mustache winners. We also discussed types of comedy, laughters presence for varying reasons, and it's significance in our lives.


3rd period
Today students examined the topic of technology over the 20th century looking at different inventions throughout the 1900s. From the ball-point pen to the video game pong, we discussed the presence of technology in our lives without even realizing it!

April 19th, 2012

1st Period
Today we listen to activism songs from the 1960s and 1970s. Students then discussed the change in the lyrics from that period of time to the present day. Students were given the rest of the period to finish their activism projects and get any help or assistance they needed.

HW: ACTIVISM PROJECT must be complete by MONDAY. Remember you will be completing your end of the unit assessment by writing an in-class essay. BRING TO CLASS any EVIDENCE you have to show what you did and prove you met your goal (copy of letter written, facebook group made, poster, pictures of you taking action, etc).
         If you want help or for me to attend your event this weekend please e-mail me.

2nd Period
Today we discussed the usually known history of Australia. We also explored the topics of student activism, interest, and focus in social and political movements.

HW: If you forgot your PARENT SIGNATURE bring it MONDAY


3rd Period
Today we examined Mexican-American history, by thinking about different monumental moments of it throughout the past 150 years. We also watched two videos examining deeper the present Mexican-American studies debate in Arizona, and students explored their own feelings on the topic through group discussions and journal writing.

HW: If you forgot your PARENT SIGNATURE bring it MONDAY

April 17th, 2012

1st period: Today we had a work day for our Activism Projects
HW: Bring materials to class Thursday 4/19 to finish all prep work for your projects!
Remember, remember projects need to be completed by 4/23!

2nd period: Today we went over the syllabus, talked about expectations for the course, and did a community building interpretative activity.
HW: Parent signature (bottom half of second page of syllabus) due Thursday 4/19

3rd period: Today we went over the syllabus, talked about expectations for the course, and made introductions. We also wrote poetry/raps about history this year, what students have learned and/or what students are curious about.
HW: Parent signature (bottom half of second page of syllabus) due Thursday 4/19
 Information about Kony 2012 for a class discussion
REMIND ME to take a class picture Thursday

Students Taking a Stand: Action Plan

Today we discussed Tiananmen Square and the power and significance of 'Tank Man' photo. After, students in groups discussed their goal for their activism project, and how they will work to achieve their goal. Classmates graded each other's ideas in these groups, and gave feedback and suggestions for improvement. Next we examined the documentary Precious Knowledge, examining the types of student action taken in the film.

HOMEWORK: Action Plan (due 4/12/12)

* any missing work from this quarter MUST be TURNED IN for credit for grading by Thursday
* I will be available to help students with action plans and discuss missing work Wednesday 4/11 during tutorial and at lunch

Student Action

Today students reviewed their homework and brainstormed ideas for their upcoming projects. We looked at case studies from history of student protest examining activism and the factors that may have influenced success or failure.

HOMEWORK DUE TUESDAY (posted below).

REMEMBER:
1. do not throw out any homework form this unit, it will all be turned in at the end
2. bring your packets to next class
3. bring completed homework prepared to present to your peers, and grade your peers
4. have a safe a fun weekend!

Citizenship, Responsibility, and Activism

Today in class we discussed:

1. Differing definitions and ideas about citizenship.
2. What topics are most important to students locally, nationally, and globally.
3. How action can be taken to influence change.

The homework for tonight is for students to fill out the handout given in class (below) and bring it back for class Friday.

Remember, for accomplishing your desired goal you can spread awareness, take direct action, or make a stand in many ways.