FINALS
AHHHHHHHHH
http://imgur.com/a/wkebz <---Review!!!!!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
December 16th, 2013
Students,
Today we began to study for our semester exam! I will post the completed review tomorrow, until then fill out as much as you can to prepare for our contest tomorrow.
Today we began to study for our semester exam! I will post the completed review tomorrow, until then fill out as much as you can to prepare for our contest tomorrow.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
December 12th, 2013
TEST RESULTS
1st period - 33% passing with a 56.9 average
3rd period- 93% passing with a 87.3 average
5th period- 100%passing with a 88.8 average
6th period-
7th period-
8th period-
1st period - 33% passing with a 56.9 average
3rd period- 93% passing with a 87.3 average
5th period- 100%passing with a 88.8 average
6th period-
7th period-
8th period-
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
December 11th, 2013
Students,
Today we did the review for our Unit 7 test, I know everyone is going to be studying hard to make sure this test is a success!
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/dUDLD#0
Today we did the review for our Unit 7 test, I know everyone is going to be studying hard to make sure this test is a success!
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/dUDLD#0
December 10th, 2013
Students,
Today we did an informal review that involved deep reading of the text book. This is, again, something I do about once a unit. Reading dense academic texts is a great way to practice reading material that your brain often doesn't even want to try to comprehend. Unfortunately that type of text is everywhere in our world and you will encounter it often. Lease agreements, contracts, job applications...these are all documents that you will have to force your brain to read, or you might get stuck with the consequences. Plus my reading assignments have the added benefit of preparing you for the test on Thursday!
Documents: None
Looking Forward: Official review for the test on Thursday
Reminders: Finals are next week!
1st six weeks: 27%
2nd six weeks: 27%
3rd six weeks: 27%
Semester final: 19%
Total 100%
Today we did an informal review that involved deep reading of the text book. This is, again, something I do about once a unit. Reading dense academic texts is a great way to practice reading material that your brain often doesn't even want to try to comprehend. Unfortunately that type of text is everywhere in our world and you will encounter it often. Lease agreements, contracts, job applications...these are all documents that you will have to force your brain to read, or you might get stuck with the consequences. Plus my reading assignments have the added benefit of preparing you for the test on Thursday!
Documents: None
Looking Forward: Official review for the test on Thursday
Reminders: Finals are next week!
1st six weeks: 27%
2nd six weeks: 27%
3rd six weeks: 27%
Semester final: 19%
Total 100%
Monday, December 9, 2013
December 9th, 2013
Students,
Today we revisited the history of Russia in a much more compact and approachable way. We found twelve important dates and created our very own illustrated timelines. While this did cover very similar material as Friday the goal of this activity was to focus your knowledge and reiterate key points in Russian history. See post for December 6th for a brief note (and power point) on those important dates.
Looking Forward: Life skills day, reading exercise for Russia. TEST ON THURSDAY
Reminders: Finals are next week are you prepared?
Today we revisited the history of Russia in a much more compact and approachable way. We found twelve important dates and created our very own illustrated timelines. While this did cover very similar material as Friday the goal of this activity was to focus your knowledge and reiterate key points in Russian history. See post for December 6th for a brief note (and power point) on those important dates.
Looking Forward: Life skills day, reading exercise for Russia. TEST ON THURSDAY
Reminders: Finals are next week are you prepared?
Friday, December 6, 2013
December 6th, 2013
Students,
Today we discussed the history of Russia. One of the main things I would like you to take from the notes today involve Russia's economy. In particular how Russia coped with poor conditions and neglected citizens.
1917 - overthrowing of the Czars
1922- Establishment of the USSR (communism)
1953 - death of Stalin
1980's - Perestroika
Review the concepts in the power point and ask yourselves; How these shifts in government or government policy shaped the citizenry of Russia?
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/tha49#0 going to have to 'zoom in' on this one
Looking Forward: Its the weekend
Upcoming dates: Unit 7 Russia test will be on Thursday the 12th.
Semester Finals
1st, 3rd, 5th - December 18th (students released at 12:20)
2nd, 4th, 6th- December 19th (students released at 12:20)
7th, 8th - December 20th (students released at 10:50)
Today we discussed the history of Russia. One of the main things I would like you to take from the notes today involve Russia's economy. In particular how Russia coped with poor conditions and neglected citizens.
1917 - overthrowing of the Czars
1922- Establishment of the USSR (communism)
1953 - death of Stalin
1980's - Perestroika
Review the concepts in the power point and ask yourselves; How these shifts in government or government policy shaped the citizenry of Russia?
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/tha49#0 going to have to 'zoom in' on this one
Looking Forward: Its the weekend
Upcoming dates: Unit 7 Russia test will be on Thursday the 12th.
Semester Finals
1st, 3rd, 5th - December 18th (students released at 12:20)
2nd, 4th, 6th- December 19th (students released at 12:20)
7th, 8th - December 20th (students released at 10:50)
Thursday, December 5, 2013
December 5th, 2013
Students,
Today was our last day for Russian physical geography, and we focused on climate. We created a map representing the varied climates of what we are considering Russia (this includes several smaller countries) and determined what physical features influence its climate. Following is an insightful quote from one of my students concerning what we did today.
"A map" - A student
Today was our last day for Russian physical geography, and we focused on climate. We created a map representing the varied climates of what we are considering Russia (this includes several smaller countries) and determined what physical features influence its climate. Following is an insightful quote from one of my students concerning what we did today.
"A map" - A student
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
December 3rd, 2013
Students,
Today we took a closer look at the physical features that make Russia...Russia. I would really like you to focus on Transcaucasia (the culturally unique area in the Caucasus mountains) and the resource rich Siberia (with its cold and harsh climate). These two areas will show up on your test multiple times, and with less time to prepare we need to focus all the harder to succeed.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/EF3uy
Looking Forward: Russia notes scramble, a fun activity to help you organize the information from the physical notes. So to prepare for the assignment review your notes!
Today we took a closer look at the physical features that make Russia...Russia. I would really like you to focus on Transcaucasia (the culturally unique area in the Caucasus mountains) and the resource rich Siberia (with its cold and harsh climate). These two areas will show up on your test multiple times, and with less time to prepare we need to focus all the harder to succeed.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/EF3uy
Looking Forward: Russia notes scramble, a fun activity to help you organize the information from the physical notes. So to prepare for the assignment review your notes!
Monday, December 2, 2013
December 2nd, 2013
Students,
Today we finished up our Russian physical maps. I would highly encourage everyone to buckle down and focus on this unit. The test is difficult and we only have 7 days to cover the information. I am confident that we can knock this unit out of the park but we need all brains and attitudes on deck.
Looking Forward: Physical notes for Russia.
Today we finished up our Russian physical maps. I would highly encourage everyone to buckle down and focus on this unit. The test is difficult and we only have 7 days to cover the information. I am confident that we can knock this unit out of the park but we need all brains and attitudes on deck.
Looking Forward: Physical notes for Russia.
November 26th, 2013
Students,
Today we made Hand Turkeys...what are you doing on the blog...enjoy your thanksgiving!
Today we made Hand Turkeys...what are you doing on the blog...enjoy your thanksgiving!
Monday, November 25, 2013
November 25th, 2013
Students,
Today we reviewed what we struggled with on the Unit 6 test. Those who failed the test were offered the opportunity to take a retest. Afterwards we began our new unit, Russia! As is our tradition we worked on a physical map of the Region. We will further familiarize ourselves with the map and the region Monday and Tuesday after Thanksgiving break.
Looking Forward: Cultural Turkey Hands.
Today we reviewed what we struggled with on the Unit 6 test. Those who failed the test were offered the opportunity to take a retest. Afterwards we began our new unit, Russia! As is our tradition we worked on a physical map of the Region. We will further familiarize ourselves with the map and the region Monday and Tuesday after Thanksgiving break.
Looking Forward: Cultural Turkey Hands.
November 22nd, 2013
The Results are in with a few who need to retest, and one that needs to be scored.
Period Avg Passing
1st 53.6 23%
3rd 78.8 97%
5th 86.5 95%
6th 77.5 87%
7th 79.8 93%
8th 73.6 74%
Period Avg Passing
1st 53.6 23%
3rd 78.8 97%
5th 86.5 95%
6th 77.5 87%
7th 79.8 93%
8th 73.6 74%
Thursday, November 21, 2013
November 20th, 2013
Students,
Today we talked about the European Union, and how it has been useful for European Nations to join together to create a strong and stable economy / political body (Except Greece). Feel free to review the power point however the most important information that was covered was in regards to the distribution of Religion within Europe.
Protestant = North, recognizable country is Britain
Catholic = South / Central, recognizable countries are Spain / Italy
Orthodox = East, recognizable country is Greece.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/Sjy5W#0
Reminders / Looking Forward: Unit 6 test is Friday the 22nd, the Review will be tomorrow the 21st.
Today we talked about the European Union, and how it has been useful for European Nations to join together to create a strong and stable economy / political body (Except Greece). Feel free to review the power point however the most important information that was covered was in regards to the distribution of Religion within Europe.
Protestant = North, recognizable country is Britain
Catholic = South / Central, recognizable countries are Spain / Italy
Orthodox = East, recognizable country is Greece.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/Sjy5W#0
Reminders / Looking Forward: Unit 6 test is Friday the 22nd, the Review will be tomorrow the 21st.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
November 19th, 2013
Students,
Today we looked at European history. This is a subject that can be the focus of a lifetime, condensed into a 47 minute lesson. This 'slip and slide' approach (fast and shallow) exposure to European history helps prime you for World History next year by introducing (briefly) some of the major topics you will be learning more about. Major topics you will need to remember are; Religions and their locations, Where the industrial revolution in Germany got its 'fuel', and Cultural Diffusion in the form of Christianity's spread through the Roman Empire.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/huUIX#0
Reminders: Unit 6 Test is on Friday November 22nd.
Looking Forward: The European Union.
Today we looked at European history. This is a subject that can be the focus of a lifetime, condensed into a 47 minute lesson. This 'slip and slide' approach (fast and shallow) exposure to European history helps prime you for World History next year by introducing (briefly) some of the major topics you will be learning more about. Major topics you will need to remember are; Religions and their locations, Where the industrial revolution in Germany got its 'fuel', and Cultural Diffusion in the form of Christianity's spread through the Roman Empire.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/huUIX#0
Reminders: Unit 6 Test is on Friday November 22nd.
Looking Forward: The European Union.
Monday, November 18, 2013
November 15th / 18th, 2013
Students,
Friday and today, we have been looking at the HEI (human environment interaction) of Europeans. More Specifically how they cope with deforestation, flooding, desertification, and lack of natural resources. We discussed two specific forms of HEI Polders and Desalination.
Polders are a modification of the environment in that prevents farmland from becoming flooded with the use of barriers called dykes and pumps. This is a modification.
Desalination is the process of taking ocean water and extracting fresh potable water from it. This is an adaptation.
Reminders: Unit 6 test is on Friday
Looking Forward: Tomorrow we will be looking at the history of Europe so feel free to brush up on thousands of years of human history.
Friday and today, we have been looking at the HEI (human environment interaction) of Europeans. More Specifically how they cope with deforestation, flooding, desertification, and lack of natural resources. We discussed two specific forms of HEI Polders and Desalination.
Polders are a modification of the environment in that prevents farmland from becoming flooded with the use of barriers called dykes and pumps. This is a modification.
Desalination is the process of taking ocean water and extracting fresh potable water from it. This is an adaptation.
Reminders: Unit 6 test is on Friday
Looking Forward: Tomorrow we will be looking at the history of Europe so feel free to brush up on thousands of years of human history.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
November 14th, 2013
Students,
Today we took our PLAN test! This was a practice ACT that should help all of you figure out what you need to work on as you progress through your high school career. PLAN will also provide information such as; career suggestions, colleges you may be interested in, and strengths in your education.
For my periods after lunch we enjoyed a video covering Human Environment Interaction in Europe. With an extreme focus on the Euro-Tunnel which spans the English Chanel between France and England.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6AofWbJweg
Today we took our PLAN test! This was a practice ACT that should help all of you figure out what you need to work on as you progress through your high school career. PLAN will also provide information such as; career suggestions, colleges you may be interested in, and strengths in your education.
For my periods after lunch we enjoyed a video covering Human Environment Interaction in Europe. With an extreme focus on the Euro-Tunnel which spans the English Chanel between France and England.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6AofWbJweg
November 13th, 2013
Students,
Today we practiced a life skill, reading complex & academic texts to extract relevant information. I try to avoid work like this however I do feel that being able to read a textbook that you really don't want to helps you develop skills that you can apply to none academic sections of your life down the road. For example reading that mortgage contract that could end up costing you thousands of dollars if you do not understand the entire document.
If you were out please come see me during tutorials to make up the assignment.
Today we practiced a life skill, reading complex & academic texts to extract relevant information. I try to avoid work like this however I do feel that being able to read a textbook that you really don't want to helps you develop skills that you can apply to none academic sections of your life down the road. For example reading that mortgage contract that could end up costing you thousands of dollars if you do not understand the entire document.
If you were out please come see me during tutorials to make up the assignment.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
November 12th, 2013
Students,
Today we got some more information on the PLAN: ACT test that all freshman will be taking on Thursday. After we went over this information we looked out how some humans have ADAPTED to living in the colder portions of Sweden. We looked at an ice hotel, I know crazy right, an entire hotel made completely out of ice! Below is a link to the video we watched.
Documents: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cGt15eeoZ8
Today we got some more information on the PLAN: ACT test that all freshman will be taking on Thursday. After we went over this information we looked out how some humans have ADAPTED to living in the colder portions of Sweden. We looked at an ice hotel, I know crazy right, an entire hotel made completely out of ice! Below is a link to the video we watched.
Documents: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cGt15eeoZ8
Monday, November 11, 2013
November 11th, 2013
Students,
Today we explored the physical features of Europe in more depth. We explored three major rivers (Rhine, Thames, and Danube) we also looked at The Alps and discussed how some of the mountain ranges we've seen on our map activity were ultimately still part of the Alps (Pyrenees, Apennines, and the Carpathian)
In addition we discussed the climate of Europe, and how despite the fact that parts of Europe are in the Northern most parts of the mid latitude zone, there is still a very temperate / mild climate. This is in large part due to the Mid-Atlantic Drift. This is a current of warm water that originates by the Eastern US and travels North past the UK and the Scandinavian peninsula.
Documents: coming Soon
Looking Forward: Tomorrow we will be discussing more details of your ACT PLAN testing that will be taking place on Thursday. As well as examining an Ice Hotel in Northern Europe.
Today we explored the physical features of Europe in more depth. We explored three major rivers (Rhine, Thames, and Danube) we also looked at The Alps and discussed how some of the mountain ranges we've seen on our map activity were ultimately still part of the Alps (Pyrenees, Apennines, and the Carpathian)
In addition we discussed the climate of Europe, and how despite the fact that parts of Europe are in the Northern most parts of the mid latitude zone, there is still a very temperate / mild climate. This is in large part due to the Mid-Atlantic Drift. This is a current of warm water that originates by the Eastern US and travels North past the UK and the Scandinavian peninsula.
Documents: coming Soon
Looking Forward: Tomorrow we will be discussing more details of your ACT PLAN testing that will be taking place on Thursday. As well as examining an Ice Hotel in Northern Europe.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
November 6th, 2013
The test results are in:
1st period - 17% passed the test
3rd period - 86% passed the test
5th period - 90 % passed the test
6th period - 94% passed the test
7th period - 93% passed the test
8th period - 36% passsed the test
These results are subject to change due to the fact that not every student has completed the test yet. they are fairly close however, as only 4 students have yet to take the test.
Overall good work students, tomorrow we will begin Unit 6 Europe. This will be a shorter unit that will take us all the way into Thanksgiving break! WOOOOOOOOO
1st period - 17% passed the test
3rd period - 86% passed the test
5th period - 90 % passed the test
6th period - 94% passed the test
7th period - 93% passed the test
8th period - 36% passsed the test
These results are subject to change due to the fact that not every student has completed the test yet. they are fairly close however, as only 4 students have yet to take the test.
Overall good work students, tomorrow we will begin Unit 6 Europe. This will be a shorter unit that will take us all the way into Thanksgiving break! WOOOOOOOOO
Monday, November 4, 2013
November 4th, 2013
Students,
http://imgur.com/a/8FxCe#0
Here is the completed review. Study it!
Sincerely,
Mr. Womack MEd.
http://imgur.com/a/8FxCe#0
Here is the completed review. Study it!
Sincerely,
Mr. Womack MEd.
Friday, November 1, 2013
November 1st, 2013
Students,
Today we completed our regional development hand-outs that we began on Tuesday. I would like to remind everyone that we have our Unit 5 test coming up on Tuesday the 8th. As normal, the review will be done in class and will be very useful tool for completing the test accurately. Lets get every class up to a 100% passing rate! Grading will hopefully be completed and updated (aside from the test) by this coming Sunday.
Today we completed our regional development hand-outs that we began on Tuesday. I would like to remind everyone that we have our Unit 5 test coming up on Tuesday the 8th. As normal, the review will be done in class and will be very useful tool for completing the test accurately. Lets get every class up to a 100% passing rate! Grading will hopefully be completed and updated (aside from the test) by this coming Sunday.
October 31st, 2013
Students,
Today we looked at how developed nations and developing nations handle natural disasters. Please see power point for pictures and discussion topics. Follow the youtube links for more information regarding the two disasters discussed (Haiti Earthquake, and Hurricane Sandy)
Youtube: hQp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsZfLvyr7Rk
Today we looked at how developed nations and developing nations handle natural disasters. Please see power point for pictures and discussion topics. Follow the youtube links for more information regarding the two disasters discussed (Haiti Earthquake, and Hurricane Sandy)
Youtube: hQp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsZfLvyr7Rk
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
October 30th, 2013
Students,
Today we took an extra bit of time and practiced reading development charts. This is a chart that compiles information about countries including: literacy rate, GDP, Infant mortality, Life expectancy, and % of Urban population. This information is then analyzed by you the student to tell me if a country is either developed (like the United States) or developing (Like Haiti). Overall everybody performed very well and I was quite impressed. We will have an opportunity to finish this assignment on Friday the 1st.
Documents: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPKKQnijnsM (video illustrating wage inequality in the US) this was used to relate economic gaps seen elsewhere in the world to those found here.
Looking Forward: We will be examining the Haiti Earthquake as well as Hurricane Sandy in an attempt to determine how developed countries and developing countries handle natural disasters. Review ESPN factors (economic, social, political, and eNvironmental)
Today we took an extra bit of time and practiced reading development charts. This is a chart that compiles information about countries including: literacy rate, GDP, Infant mortality, Life expectancy, and % of Urban population. This information is then analyzed by you the student to tell me if a country is either developed (like the United States) or developing (Like Haiti). Overall everybody performed very well and I was quite impressed. We will have an opportunity to finish this assignment on Friday the 1st.
Documents: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPKKQnijnsM (video illustrating wage inequality in the US) this was used to relate economic gaps seen elsewhere in the world to those found here.
Looking Forward: We will be examining the Haiti Earthquake as well as Hurricane Sandy in an attempt to determine how developed countries and developing countries handle natural disasters. Review ESPN factors (economic, social, political, and eNvironmental)
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
October 29th, 2013
Students,
Today we talked about the regional development of Latin America. Essentially this lesson was designed to revisit the ideas of Developed and Developing countries. We examined Standard of living charts as well as two cities that displayed extreme cases of each (developing and developed). Please feel free to look over the power point to examine some of the pictures we saw in class up close.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/LbHTm#0
Looking Forward: We will examine the Latin American Countries and further explore their development.
Today we talked about the regional development of Latin America. Essentially this lesson was designed to revisit the ideas of Developed and Developing countries. We examined Standard of living charts as well as two cities that displayed extreme cases of each (developing and developed). Please feel free to look over the power point to examine some of the pictures we saw in class up close.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/LbHTm#0
Looking Forward: We will examine the Latin American Countries and further explore their development.
Monday, October 28, 2013
October 28th, 2013
Students,
Today your Travel Brochure project was due, several of you have failed to meet this deadline. Be aware that every day late this project is another 10 points will be deducted from the highest possible grade.
That aside today we did our first "DBQ" or document based questions. We looked at primary sources and tried to answer the question of; How advanced were the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan civilizations? What were their major accomplishments? Below you will find a copy of the hand out used if you were absent or need to look at it again to finish the assignment.
For my AP students we looked at all 6 documents and answered the specific questions regarding each one. This allowed us to "pre-construct" our longer answer to the above question. Do not forget these answers (half page minimum 1 page maximum) are due tomorrow.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/fsMjx (will work on higher resolution copy soon)
Today your Travel Brochure project was due, several of you have failed to meet this deadline. Be aware that every day late this project is another 10 points will be deducted from the highest possible grade.
That aside today we did our first "DBQ" or document based questions. We looked at primary sources and tried to answer the question of; How advanced were the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan civilizations? What were their major accomplishments? Below you will find a copy of the hand out used if you were absent or need to look at it again to finish the assignment.
For my AP students we looked at all 6 documents and answered the specific questions regarding each one. This allowed us to "pre-construct" our longer answer to the above question. Do not forget these answers (half page minimum 1 page maximum) are due tomorrow.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/fsMjx (will work on higher resolution copy soon)
Sunday, October 27, 2013
October 25th, 2013
Students,
Friday we talked about the history of Latin America, the power point will be uploaded Monday. Until then below is the rubric for the travel brochure that is due on October 28th.
Friday we talked about the history of Latin America, the power point will be uploaded Monday. Until then below is the rubric for the travel brochure that is due on October 28th.
Mr. Womack's Travel Brochure
You are a travel agent from Texas. You are competing with other travel agents to lure a large group of tourists to your favorite vacation destination. You are to plan all aspects of the trip, from the beginning to end, for the best price.
You must first research the places of interest and activities that are found in and around your destination location. Then you must decide which are the most notable and design a travel brochure for tourists. The brochure is to be created on both sides of an 8 ½ X 11 sheet of paper folded into thirds. It must include the following:
- Climate and the best time of the year to visit your location
- Map(s) showing the state and important sites
- Places of interest with the information about each
- Pictures or drawings illustrating the highlights of the trip
- Brief history about the location (include 3 historical facts)
- Miles covered flying to and from the location
- Cost of round trip airline tickets
- An estimate of the total cost of the trip (Include such expenses as food, transportation, tips, souvenirs, and sightseeing.)
I selected the City / State of ________________________________________________
You will be graded on the following:
- History 10 points
- Illustration of highlights: 10 points
- Places of interest with relevant info. 10 points
- Climate and the best time of year to visit: 10 points
- Map(s) showing country and important sites: 10 points
- Mileage: 10 points
- Expenses: 10 points
- Accuracy / Appeal 30 points
Thursday, October 24, 2013
October 24th, 2013
Students,
Today we examined several maps in our text book to try to glean more information of Latin America. Using our textbooks we looked at Physical features, Natural Resources / Land Use, as well as population distribution. After the test the geography team and myself decided that you students needed more practice reading maps! These three maps provided a multifaceted approach to map interpretation and it seems like everyone excelled at reading them. Thank you for all of your hard work today.
Documents: None today.
AP Students: Do not forget that your travel brochure is due on October 28th.
Today we examined several maps in our text book to try to glean more information of Latin America. Using our textbooks we looked at Physical features, Natural Resources / Land Use, as well as population distribution. After the test the geography team and myself decided that you students needed more practice reading maps! These three maps provided a multifaceted approach to map interpretation and it seems like everyone excelled at reading them. Thank you for all of your hard work today.
Documents: None today.
AP Students: Do not forget that your travel brochure is due on October 28th.
October 23rd, 2013
Students,
On Wednesday we did a reading involving the population settlement patterns of South America, and answered questions to clarify the reading. If you recall the I Can... Statement was "I can, read academic texts and extract important information from them". Attached below is the activity and the reading.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/Mgcyz
AP Students: Do not forget your travel brochure is due on October the 28th.
On Wednesday we did a reading involving the population settlement patterns of South America, and answered questions to clarify the reading. If you recall the I Can... Statement was "I can, read academic texts and extract important information from them". Attached below is the activity and the reading.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/Mgcyz
AP Students: Do not forget your travel brochure is due on October the 28th.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
October 22nd, 2013
Students,
Today we reviewed the Unit 4 test examining the 6 most missed questions. We also finished our Latin America physical maps, if you lost this document and need a replacement I have attached a copy and the two maps you will need to complete the assignment on todays blog. please make sure you turn them in as soon as possible.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/tdZGC
AP Students: Your travel brochure project is due on Monday October 28th (six days from now)
Looking Forward: We will be looking at Latin American settlement patterns, where cities are and why people live there.
Today we reviewed the Unit 4 test examining the 6 most missed questions. We also finished our Latin America physical maps, if you lost this document and need a replacement I have attached a copy and the two maps you will need to complete the assignment on todays blog. please make sure you turn them in as soon as possible.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/tdZGC
AP Students: Your travel brochure project is due on Monday October 28th (six days from now)
Looking Forward: We will be looking at Latin American settlement patterns, where cities are and why people live there.
Monday, October 21, 2013
October 21st, 2013
Students,
Today we examined, in more detail, some of the physical features that make Latin America unique. Contained in the power point were several key vocabulary terms that you should familiarize yourself with prior to the Unit 5 test. Some stand out in particular
Duldrums
Tributaries
Rain Shadow- again
El Nino
Deforestation
More to come later in the day, until then please make use of the attached power point.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/pIj77
AP students: Your travel brochure will be due on Monday October 28th.
Looking Forward: We will be finishing our Latin America Maps in class tomorrow as well as reviewing the Unit 4 test as a class.
Today we examined, in more detail, some of the physical features that make Latin America unique. Contained in the power point were several key vocabulary terms that you should familiarize yourself with prior to the Unit 5 test. Some stand out in particular
Duldrums
Tributaries
Rain Shadow- again
El Nino
Deforestation
More to come later in the day, until then please make use of the attached power point.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/pIj77
AP students: Your travel brochure will be due on Monday October 28th.
Looking Forward: We will be finishing our Latin America Maps in class tomorrow as well as reviewing the Unit 4 test as a class.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
October 18th, 2013
Students,
Friday we began our new unit, Latin America! The beginning of every unit will begin with strikingly similar activities case in point just like with the US / Canada we began this unit with a physical map! We will have time to complete it at a later date. For those of you that still have it in your possession feel free to search for a physical / political map to complete it as homework if you so desire.
Documents: none
AP Students: You were assigned your six weeks project on Friday, they will be due on October the 28th. Do not forget however that I am asking for a partial piece of it (where and why) on Monday the 21st.
Friday we began our new unit, Latin America! The beginning of every unit will begin with strikingly similar activities case in point just like with the US / Canada we began this unit with a physical map! We will have time to complete it at a later date. For those of you that still have it in your possession feel free to search for a physical / political map to complete it as homework if you so desire.
Documents: none
AP Students: You were assigned your six weeks project on Friday, they will be due on October the 28th. Do not forget however that I am asking for a partial piece of it (where and why) on Monday the 21st.
October 17th, 2013
Unit 4 Test Today
Passing rate by class period
1st - 26%
3rd - 90%
5th - 100%
6th - 93%
7th - 90%
8th - 65%
These numbers are subject to change (absent students were not factored into these calculations)
Passing rate by class period
1st - 26%
3rd - 90%
5th - 100%
6th - 93%
7th - 90%
8th - 65%
These numbers are subject to change (absent students were not factored into these calculations)
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
October 16th, 2013
Students,
Today we reviewed for our Unit four exam that will be held tomorrow!
THE REVIEW WILL HELP TREMENDOUSLY ON THE TEST!
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/WjfZh
Today we reviewed for our Unit four exam that will be held tomorrow!
THE REVIEW WILL HELP TREMENDOUSLY ON THE TEST!
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/WjfZh
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
October 15th, 2013
Students,
Today we continued our look at the United States and Canada by examining some join policies that they have in place. We continued our discussion on NAFTA the North American Free Trade Agreement, signed into law in 1994, that allows for easier exchange of goods between North American countries. We also discussed NATO the North Atlantic Treaty Organization which allows for the United States as well as some European nations to work together towards global stability.
And a major point of discussion was that of Border Security, particularly in the wake of September the 11th 2001. We learned about stricter government observation and cooperation between the US and Canada regarding crossing the borders.
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDm3KkLhvZg
And finally we discussed environmental issues facing both countries such as pollution, the mountain pine beetle, and the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge Drilling projects.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/TnQxC
Announcements: Unit 4 test will be Thursday October 17th. Review to follow tomorrow
Today we continued our look at the United States and Canada by examining some join policies that they have in place. We continued our discussion on NAFTA the North American Free Trade Agreement, signed into law in 1994, that allows for easier exchange of goods between North American countries. We also discussed NATO the North Atlantic Treaty Organization which allows for the United States as well as some European nations to work together towards global stability.
And a major point of discussion was that of Border Security, particularly in the wake of September the 11th 2001. We learned about stricter government observation and cooperation between the US and Canada regarding crossing the borders.
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDm3KkLhvZg
And finally we discussed environmental issues facing both countries such as pollution, the mountain pine beetle, and the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge Drilling projects.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/TnQxC
Announcements: Unit 4 test will be Thursday October 17th. Review to follow tomorrow
Monday, October 14, 2013
October 14th, 2013
Students,
Today we covered, in more detail, the governments and economics of the United States and Canada. This was not a whole lot of new information, however we were introduced to a few new and important bits of information;
NAFTA: or the North America Free Trade Agreement - this agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada makes it easier for the nations to trade between each other by eliminating a lot of the "red tape" usually involved when you trade between countries.
Megalopolis: These are mega cities with a population greater than 10 million people
One of the old concepts covered that I would like to reiterate is that of HEI (human environment interaction) and in particular the ideas of adaptation and modification. Remember adaptation is changing our selves for the environment and modification is changing the environment to suit ourselves. Please review the attached power point for more information
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/JV3XZ
Announcements: Unit 4 test is Thursday October 17th. AP students your six weeks project will be assigned on Friday the 18th and will be due Monday the 28th (this is one week, but two weekends) This will be a major grade.
Looking Forward: We will be examining US and Canadian foreign policy tomorrow this subject is a political mine field. So feel free to peruse any information you can find with your parents assistance for tomorrow. I am more than willing to discuss any information you find.
Today we covered, in more detail, the governments and economics of the United States and Canada. This was not a whole lot of new information, however we were introduced to a few new and important bits of information;
NAFTA: or the North America Free Trade Agreement - this agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada makes it easier for the nations to trade between each other by eliminating a lot of the "red tape" usually involved when you trade between countries.
Megalopolis: These are mega cities with a population greater than 10 million people
One of the old concepts covered that I would like to reiterate is that of HEI (human environment interaction) and in particular the ideas of adaptation and modification. Remember adaptation is changing our selves for the environment and modification is changing the environment to suit ourselves. Please review the attached power point for more information
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/JV3XZ
Announcements: Unit 4 test is Thursday October 17th. AP students your six weeks project will be assigned on Friday the 18th and will be due Monday the 28th (this is one week, but two weekends) This will be a major grade.
Looking Forward: We will be examining US and Canadian foreign policy tomorrow this subject is a political mine field. So feel free to peruse any information you can find with your parents assistance for tomorrow. I am more than willing to discuss any information you find.
October 10th, 2013
Students,
I apologize for the late upload, with fair day last week it just slipped my mind. On Thursday we discussed the three branches of government in the United States;
Legislative: Makes the laws
Judicial: understands and enforces the constitution
Executive: Approves and denies laws, controls military, suggests new laws
These are of course watered down descriptions for full details please see the attached video and power point.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/X32S9 and the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhMK4k_k5Ik
I apologize for the late upload, with fair day last week it just slipped my mind. On Thursday we discussed the three branches of government in the United States;
Legislative: Makes the laws
Judicial: understands and enforces the constitution
Executive: Approves and denies laws, controls military, suggests new laws
These are of course watered down descriptions for full details please see the attached video and power point.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/X32S9 and the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhMK4k_k5Ik
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
October 9th, 2013
Students,
Today we talked about migration patterns within the United States. We talked about several historical events in an attempt to vertically align or World Geography standards with the standards of US History which is your next social studies EOC tested course.
We used historical events such as the Dust Bowl, the Transcontinental Railroad, Hurricane Katrina, Westward expansion, and the Homestead act to illuminate Push / Pull Factors in our nations history.
We attempted to identify why people would want to relocate their homes and families due to the above situations.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/OlVF3
Announcements: Unit 4 test (United States and Canada) is on Thursday the 17th of October! Study
Looking Forward: Furthering our effort of vertical alignment we will be looking at the three branches of the United States Government; Legislative, Judiciary, and Executive. We will examine what powers they have and the checks they have on each other.
Today we talked about migration patterns within the United States. We talked about several historical events in an attempt to vertically align or World Geography standards with the standards of US History which is your next social studies EOC tested course.
We used historical events such as the Dust Bowl, the Transcontinental Railroad, Hurricane Katrina, Westward expansion, and the Homestead act to illuminate Push / Pull Factors in our nations history.
We attempted to identify why people would want to relocate their homes and families due to the above situations.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/OlVF3
Announcements: Unit 4 test (United States and Canada) is on Thursday the 17th of October! Study
Looking Forward: Furthering our effort of vertical alignment we will be looking at the three branches of the United States Government; Legislative, Judiciary, and Executive. We will examine what powers they have and the checks they have on each other.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
October 8th, 2013
Students,
As per the official Seguin ISD academic policy, today we took our retest for Unit 3. This allows those students who made a failing grade a chance to make up some points and get a passing grade(maximum new grade of a 70). We as a district feel that this is the best way for students to prove mastery of a subject and provide opportunities to pass for those who need it.
If you passed my test, we did a Venn Diagram activity with the physical features of the United States and Canada. These were nothing new and most of you breezed through them very quickly.
The challenge today came from our reading. Slogging through academic texts may seem like a chore while you are reading them however, the ability to read dense academic text and extract the vital information that you could potentially be tested on is a crucial skill for any college student regardless of subject area. While I will not force a textbook down your throats every day of the year, I will expect you to learn and demonstrate you ability to utilize this skill from time to time. Believe it or not you will thank me later.
Documents: No relevant documents today
Announcements: Unit four test on Thursday, October 17th.
Looking Forward: Tomorrow we will begin looking at the Human Geography of North America, in particular we will be examining migration patterns of humans across the United States. If you would like to prepare for the lesson feel free to investigate any or all of the following subjects; Homestead Act, Transcontinental Railroad, or The Dust Bowl.
As per the official Seguin ISD academic policy, today we took our retest for Unit 3. This allows those students who made a failing grade a chance to make up some points and get a passing grade(maximum new grade of a 70). We as a district feel that this is the best way for students to prove mastery of a subject and provide opportunities to pass for those who need it.
If you passed my test, we did a Venn Diagram activity with the physical features of the United States and Canada. These were nothing new and most of you breezed through them very quickly.
The challenge today came from our reading. Slogging through academic texts may seem like a chore while you are reading them however, the ability to read dense academic text and extract the vital information that you could potentially be tested on is a crucial skill for any college student regardless of subject area. While I will not force a textbook down your throats every day of the year, I will expect you to learn and demonstrate you ability to utilize this skill from time to time. Believe it or not you will thank me later.
Documents: No relevant documents today
Announcements: Unit four test on Thursday, October 17th.
Looking Forward: Tomorrow we will begin looking at the Human Geography of North America, in particular we will be examining migration patterns of humans across the United States. If you would like to prepare for the lesson feel free to investigate any or all of the following subjects; Homestead Act, Transcontinental Railroad, or The Dust Bowl.
Monday, October 7, 2013
October 7th, 2013
Students,
Today we talked in more detail about the physical feature of North America. I will not go into exhaustive detail in the actual post instead I will save the details for the attached power point.
Test grades for Unit 3 are in and while in my AP courses we did better overall I know we can do better. While my regular students saw an overall shift down, I expect I will be seeing several of you in tutorials in the near future!
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/A0iQ6
Looking Forward: Tomorrow will be retesting for the unit 3 test. If you are passing we will be doing a venn diagram comparing Canada and the United states, to prepare review the physical notes we have been taking.
Today we talked in more detail about the physical feature of North America. I will not go into exhaustive detail in the actual post instead I will save the details for the attached power point.
Test grades for Unit 3 are in and while in my AP courses we did better overall I know we can do better. While my regular students saw an overall shift down, I expect I will be seeing several of you in tutorials in the near future!
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/A0iQ6
Looking Forward: Tomorrow will be retesting for the unit 3 test. If you are passing we will be doing a venn diagram comparing Canada and the United states, to prepare review the physical notes we have been taking.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
October 4th, 2013
Students,
Today we continued our look at North America and globalization by watching this vide http://video.pbs.org/video/1402987791/. We learned some of the side effects of the digital revolution as well as several of the benefits. If you have the time feel free to watch this video in its entirety.
Looking Forward: Physical geography of North America. We will be looking at details of the unique physical features of North America we charted earlier in the week.
Today we continued our look at North America and globalization by watching this vide http://video.pbs.org/video/1402987791/. We learned some of the side effects of the digital revolution as well as several of the benefits. If you have the time feel free to watch this video in its entirety.
Looking Forward: Physical geography of North America. We will be looking at details of the unique physical features of North America we charted earlier in the week.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
October 3rd, 2013
Students,
Today we had our Unit 3 Test! I am confident that all of you did well, I should hopefully have them graded and input into the system by Monday.
Looking Forward: We will be continuing our look at North America. In particular we will be analyzing a film by PBS called Digital Nation. If you would like to watch it in its entirety it can be found here http://video.pbs.org/video/1402987791/ We will only have time for a portion of it in class.
Today we had our Unit 3 Test! I am confident that all of you did well, I should hopefully have them graded and input into the system by Monday.
Looking Forward: We will be continuing our look at North America. In particular we will be analyzing a film by PBS called Digital Nation. If you would like to watch it in its entirety it can be found here http://video.pbs.org/video/1402987791/ We will only have time for a portion of it in class.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
October 2nd 2013
Students,
Today we started a new unit, hurrah! we are getting into the main course (so to speak) of geography, the actual regions! We are starting with North America, we do this so that you are working with a familiar area while we implement our routine of examining an area.
While in class we simply began working on a physical map of North America (an exercise we will repeat throughout the year for different regions) This is only a small piece of the Geography puzzle. We will move on from physical and touch on economic factors as well as cultural factors for North America in the coming weeks.
Buckle up students, the World Geography is just getting started.
Looking Forward: cultural and economic traits of North America
Reminder: Our Unit 3 test over human geography was moved to Thursday! be sure to check out the Tuesday post for a completed review to help you prepare.
Images of North America: Physical Map Link
Political Map Link
Today we started a new unit, hurrah! we are getting into the main course (so to speak) of geography, the actual regions! We are starting with North America, we do this so that you are working with a familiar area while we implement our routine of examining an area.
While in class we simply began working on a physical map of North America (an exercise we will repeat throughout the year for different regions) This is only a small piece of the Geography puzzle. We will move on from physical and touch on economic factors as well as cultural factors for North America in the coming weeks.
Buckle up students, the World Geography is just getting started.
Looking Forward: cultural and economic traits of North America
Reminder: Our Unit 3 test over human geography was moved to Thursday! be sure to check out the Tuesday post for a completed review to help you prepare.
Images of North America: Physical Map Link
Political Map Link
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
October 1st, 2013
Students,
Welcome to a new Month and a new six weeks! Today we did a review for the Unit 3 test. It was a super easy and relaxed day.
I also, have some fantastic news! Due to homecoming court elections and educations general stance towards social studies, we will be rescheduling our test for Thursday October 3rd.
What does this mean for you the student? well essentially you just have an extra day to study. AHHHHH YEAH! I am attaching a completed copy of the review to the blog for your use.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/udwAZ
Looking Forward: homecoming court elections, Introduction of Unit 4. We will be working on a physical map of the United States and Canada. If you would like to prepare try to familiarize yourself with some of the major landforms, waterways, and cities.
Welcome to a new Month and a new six weeks! Today we did a review for the Unit 3 test. It was a super easy and relaxed day.
I also, have some fantastic news! Due to homecoming court elections and educations general stance towards social studies, we will be rescheduling our test for Thursday October 3rd.
What does this mean for you the student? well essentially you just have an extra day to study. AHHHHH YEAH! I am attaching a completed copy of the review to the blog for your use.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/udwAZ
Looking Forward: homecoming court elections, Introduction of Unit 4. We will be working on a physical map of the United States and Canada. If you would like to prepare try to familiarize yourself with some of the major landforms, waterways, and cities.
Monday, September 30, 2013
September 30th, 2013
Students,
Today we talked about Globalization! This is the gradual shift of the world towards a global economy and community.
So take a minute and think about the way you live, the food you eat, the music you listen too, and even the clothes you are wearing. Realize that you are not the only one doing those things, they are influenced by people who you may never meet. to an extent the choices you make to fit in or in some cases not fit in are governed by a society and companies that are essentially telling you what to think. This is the pessimistic way of looking at things or one of the Cons rather. however it is strangely accurate.
The benefits of globalization are great though, we can communicate with people around the globe with the click of a button or order that out of stock item from your favorite store with the click of a button. The amount of time it takes to communicate any form of information has been cut down to seconds down from months or years in some cases.
Pretty neat huh?
Reminders: Unit 3 test on Wednesday!!!!
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/zs6Rw
Video Link: http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/bhutan/
Today we talked about Globalization! This is the gradual shift of the world towards a global economy and community.
So take a minute and think about the way you live, the food you eat, the music you listen too, and even the clothes you are wearing. Realize that you are not the only one doing those things, they are influenced by people who you may never meet. to an extent the choices you make to fit in or in some cases not fit in are governed by a society and companies that are essentially telling you what to think. This is the pessimistic way of looking at things or one of the Cons rather. however it is strangely accurate.
The benefits of globalization are great though, we can communicate with people around the globe with the click of a button or order that out of stock item from your favorite store with the click of a button. The amount of time it takes to communicate any form of information has been cut down to seconds down from months or years in some cases.
Pretty neat huh?
Reminders: Unit 3 test on Wednesday!!!!
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/zs6Rw
Video Link: http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/bhutan/
Friday, September 27, 2013
September 27th, 2013
Students,
Today we talked about Culture, and the three ways we can divide aspects of culture into regions.
Formal Regions: are regions based on facts, they can be proven with data. Political boundaries, climate regions, and to some extent culture can be mapped by formal regions.
Functional: These regions have a use. They are linked or connected in someway. We looked at several examples of functional maps including; street maps, water pipeline diagrams, and even power grid maps.
Perceptual: This is a region that is based on ideas and feelings. This was the region with a huge grey area where it was very easy to cross into the offensive and politically incorrect territory. So be hyper-aware when we discuss these types of regions and be mindful that you do not offend anyone near by. These regions thrive on stereotypes remember our example of Pauly D from Jersey Shore.
There will be no documents uploaded tonight, as all relevant information from the Power Point can be found above.
Announcements: Six weeks grades are final today. Test on Wednesday.
Looking Forward: We will be discussing globalization and in particular how it can affect culture.
Today we talked about Culture, and the three ways we can divide aspects of culture into regions.
Formal Regions: are regions based on facts, they can be proven with data. Political boundaries, climate regions, and to some extent culture can be mapped by formal regions.
Functional: These regions have a use. They are linked or connected in someway. We looked at several examples of functional maps including; street maps, water pipeline diagrams, and even power grid maps.
Perceptual: This is a region that is based on ideas and feelings. This was the region with a huge grey area where it was very easy to cross into the offensive and politically incorrect territory. So be hyper-aware when we discuss these types of regions and be mindful that you do not offend anyone near by. These regions thrive on stereotypes remember our example of Pauly D from Jersey Shore.
There will be no documents uploaded tonight, as all relevant information from the Power Point can be found above.
Announcements: Six weeks grades are final today. Test on Wednesday.
Looking Forward: We will be discussing globalization and in particular how it can affect culture.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
September 26th, 2013
Students,
Today we introduced several different types of governments in a whirlwind group notes activity. I understand that you may not have gotten as much information on;
Monarchy
Totalitarian
Democratic
Republic
Theocracy
Dictatorship
As you would have liked but rest assured that the point of today was simply to get your feet wet when it comes to governments. We will be talking more in depth about all of these systems of government when they come up organically throughout the year.
Announcements: Quiz tomorrow, Test on Wednesday October 2nd.
Looking Forward: Tomorrow we will be firstly taking a quiz, and then we will be discussing different types of Regions (formal, Functional, and perceptual)
Today we introduced several different types of governments in a whirlwind group notes activity. I understand that you may not have gotten as much information on;
Monarchy
Totalitarian
Democratic
Republic
Theocracy
Dictatorship
As you would have liked but rest assured that the point of today was simply to get your feet wet when it comes to governments. We will be talking more in depth about all of these systems of government when they come up organically throughout the year.
Announcements: Quiz tomorrow, Test on Wednesday October 2nd.
Looking Forward: Tomorrow we will be firstly taking a quiz, and then we will be discussing different types of Regions (formal, Functional, and perceptual)
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
September 24th, 2013
Students,
Not a a huge update for the blog today. We started our Economic Brochure 'in class' project. We will be continuing this tomorrow. We are organizing all of the information you've been given since Friday into neat and tidy brochures describing the uniqueness of three economic system (Traditional, Command, and Free Enterprise)
Documents: Rubric coming soon.
Announcements: 1st six weeks grades are due Friday the 27th.
We will be having our Unit 3 test on Wednesday October 2nd.
Not a a huge update for the blog today. We started our Economic Brochure 'in class' project. We will be continuing this tomorrow. We are organizing all of the information you've been given since Friday into neat and tidy brochures describing the uniqueness of three economic system (Traditional, Command, and Free Enterprise)
Documents: Rubric coming soon.
Announcements: 1st six weeks grades are due Friday the 27th.
We will be having our Unit 3 test on Wednesday October 2nd.
Monday, September 23, 2013
September 23rd, 2013
Students,
Today we furthered our education on economies by exploring more in depth what it means to be a developing economy and what it means to be a developed economy.
If you were not here this week I will post a link to the power point from Friday. the slide concerning developing and developed economies is whittled down to the basics and should give you an idea about what we talked about in class. Today was nothing new! just a reinforcing Fridays information.
AP STUDENTS: It is official your World Map Posters are officially "late" as of this post. I sent some home to fix errors that would have counted off more than the daily 10 point deduction for being late. There is a massive pile of these posters so please be patient with me as I grade them this week.
Looking Forward: We will be creating a brochure for three economic systems; communism, traditional, and capitalism.
Today we furthered our education on economies by exploring more in depth what it means to be a developing economy and what it means to be a developed economy.
If you were not here this week I will post a link to the power point from Friday. the slide concerning developing and developed economies is whittled down to the basics and should give you an idea about what we talked about in class. Today was nothing new! just a reinforcing Fridays information.
AP STUDENTS: It is official your World Map Posters are officially "late" as of this post. I sent some home to fix errors that would have counted off more than the daily 10 point deduction for being late. There is a massive pile of these posters so please be patient with me as I grade them this week.
Looking Forward: We will be creating a brochure for three economic systems; communism, traditional, and capitalism.
Friday, September 20, 2013
September 20th, 2013
Students,
Today we had our introduction into Economics!
This is portion of Unit 3 is very dense in vocabulary so I am going to dedicate part of this post to defining some important terms that you will see on tests. Lets start with types of economy;
Socialist economy- In a socialist economy the public shares ownership in businesses. everyone is looking out for everyone. Some examples include; Norway, Sweden, and France.
Communist Economy- also known as a Command economy in this system the government maintains sole ownership of industry, and dictates jobs, prices, and pay. Ex, N. Korea.
Capitalist Economy- Also known as free enterprise is a system where ownership of industry is privatized and competition is supposed to keep the market in check. Ex. United States of America
Traditional Economy- This is a barter system economy. people often trade goods for other goods with no established currency. they also practice subsistence agriculture which is farming enough goods for yourself and your family but not producing any crops to sell.
Next lets move on to Economic activities;
Primary - Direct use of natural resources. i.e. drilling for oil, growing wheat, mining coal.
Secondary- Creating something with those natural resources i.e. turning oil into gas, or wheat into flour.
Tertiary- Selling goods i.e. selling gas at a gas station, or selling bread at a Bakery
Quaternary - This is research and development, or building a better mouse trap as some say.
Finally all of these terms can be assigned to two different types of countries...
Developing - this is a country who is struggling to emerge onto the global stage. they are generally stuck with low incomes, high mortality rates, and use traditional economies. These can be found in South America and the congo in Africa as well as some other areas around the world.
Developed - Like America, Japan, or European countries, are countries with high levels of success. Booming economies, good health care making for longer lives, and generally function on one of the other economies (communist, socialist, or capitalist)
Today was essentially an introduction of this vocabulary...
Looking Forward- we will be filling out and further refining our ideas of developing Vs. developed countries. so if you would like to plan ahead for Monday do some research into what it means to belong to each of these categories.
AP STUDENTS: World map poster projects are due on Monday!!!!!!!!!!!!
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/NWby3
Today we had our introduction into Economics!
This is portion of Unit 3 is very dense in vocabulary so I am going to dedicate part of this post to defining some important terms that you will see on tests. Lets start with types of economy;
Socialist economy- In a socialist economy the public shares ownership in businesses. everyone is looking out for everyone. Some examples include; Norway, Sweden, and France.
Communist Economy- also known as a Command economy in this system the government maintains sole ownership of industry, and dictates jobs, prices, and pay. Ex, N. Korea.
Capitalist Economy- Also known as free enterprise is a system where ownership of industry is privatized and competition is supposed to keep the market in check. Ex. United States of America
Traditional Economy- This is a barter system economy. people often trade goods for other goods with no established currency. they also practice subsistence agriculture which is farming enough goods for yourself and your family but not producing any crops to sell.
Next lets move on to Economic activities;
Primary - Direct use of natural resources. i.e. drilling for oil, growing wheat, mining coal.
Secondary- Creating something with those natural resources i.e. turning oil into gas, or wheat into flour.
Tertiary- Selling goods i.e. selling gas at a gas station, or selling bread at a Bakery
Quaternary - This is research and development, or building a better mouse trap as some say.
Finally all of these terms can be assigned to two different types of countries...
Developing - this is a country who is struggling to emerge onto the global stage. they are generally stuck with low incomes, high mortality rates, and use traditional economies. These can be found in South America and the congo in Africa as well as some other areas around the world.
Developed - Like America, Japan, or European countries, are countries with high levels of success. Booming economies, good health care making for longer lives, and generally function on one of the other economies (communist, socialist, or capitalist)
Today was essentially an introduction of this vocabulary...
Looking Forward- we will be filling out and further refining our ideas of developing Vs. developed countries. so if you would like to plan ahead for Monday do some research into what it means to belong to each of these categories.
AP STUDENTS: World map poster projects are due on Monday!!!!!!!!!!!!
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/NWby3
Thursday, September 19, 2013
September 19th, 2013
Students,
Today we finished up our population pyramids of Seguin. We took our knowledge of age / gender demographics and applied them to the physical world. For example one of the portions of Seguin had a high influx of residents between the ages of 15-24. This age group is usually found to be continuing there education. So we were able to conclude that this section of Seguin's population lives next to TLU in South West Seguin.
This exercise taught us that population and population pyramids in particular are great tools for finding out more information about an area. Subtle traits can reveal secrets that may not be too obvious to an "on the ground" observer.
In the majority of my classes we were able to work on Test Corrections for the Unit 1 test. This was a stressful process and most of you rose to the challenge. I broke down the class time so that you would have 20 - 25 minutes to redeem yourselves and your grades. This means that after we as a department figure out everything on our end your test grades should be solidified by the beginning of the week.
Thank you all for your cooperation this afternoon, you all did very well getting the task at hand finished I am proud of you.
AP STUDENTS: your world map poster project is due on Monday September 23rd.
Documents: No relevant documents
Looking forward: Tomorrow we break the surface of world economies. If you would like to prepare, take a look at different economic systems (socialism, communism, free enterprise, and traditional)
Today we finished up our population pyramids of Seguin. We took our knowledge of age / gender demographics and applied them to the physical world. For example one of the portions of Seguin had a high influx of residents between the ages of 15-24. This age group is usually found to be continuing there education. So we were able to conclude that this section of Seguin's population lives next to TLU in South West Seguin.
This exercise taught us that population and population pyramids in particular are great tools for finding out more information about an area. Subtle traits can reveal secrets that may not be too obvious to an "on the ground" observer.
In the majority of my classes we were able to work on Test Corrections for the Unit 1 test. This was a stressful process and most of you rose to the challenge. I broke down the class time so that you would have 20 - 25 minutes to redeem yourselves and your grades. This means that after we as a department figure out everything on our end your test grades should be solidified by the beginning of the week.
Thank you all for your cooperation this afternoon, you all did very well getting the task at hand finished I am proud of you.
AP STUDENTS: your world map poster project is due on Monday September 23rd.
Documents: No relevant documents
Looking forward: Tomorrow we break the surface of world economies. If you would like to prepare, take a look at different economic systems (socialism, communism, free enterprise, and traditional)
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
September 18th, 2013
Students,
Today we dove right back in to population pyramids. We began analyzing population from different portions of Seguin in an attempt to use population to tell us which portion of Seguin we were looking at. Phew, that seems complicated. Well to an extent it really is that bad...
We know from monday that population pyramids show us three pieces of information; population, gender, and age group. When completed a population can form a pretty complete picture on the demographic (age / gender anyway) make up of a region which we can use to deduce location.
I will give more detailed information on population pyramids and show you how we can do this more explicitly tomorrow as we complete this project.
Homework: finish what you can of the population pyramids. If you don't know the answer to the question on the back DO NOT try and answer, they will be addressed tomorrow.
AP Students: World map poster projects are due on Monday the 23rd. I will try to have extra poster board on Friday. This project counts as two test grades...make sure you get these done.
Looking forward: we will be finishing up the population pyramids, and doing test corrections tomorrow.
Documents: no digital copies, see me for replacements.
Today we dove right back in to population pyramids. We began analyzing population from different portions of Seguin in an attempt to use population to tell us which portion of Seguin we were looking at. Phew, that seems complicated. Well to an extent it really is that bad...
We know from monday that population pyramids show us three pieces of information; population, gender, and age group. When completed a population can form a pretty complete picture on the demographic (age / gender anyway) make up of a region which we can use to deduce location.
I will give more detailed information on population pyramids and show you how we can do this more explicitly tomorrow as we complete this project.
Homework: finish what you can of the population pyramids. If you don't know the answer to the question on the back DO NOT try and answer, they will be addressed tomorrow.
AP Students: World map poster projects are due on Monday the 23rd. I will try to have extra poster board on Friday. This project counts as two test grades...make sure you get these done.
Looking forward: we will be finishing up the population pyramids, and doing test corrections tomorrow.
Documents: no digital copies, see me for replacements.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
September 17th, 2013
Students,
Today was constitution day! We examined the preamble of the constitution and discussed the ideas that our founding fathers laid down in its text. Mostly this revolved around the six functions of government.
1. Establish Justice
2. Provide for the common defense
3. Ensure domestic tranquility
4. Promote the general welfare
5. Secure the blessing of liberty
6. Form a more perfect union.
In the attached power point there are examples of each and every one of these six functions. In class we created a document that had each of these six functions that you were asked to define in your own terms. We then began working on a "cube" where each side would represent one function of government with a picture that you have drawn to represent them.
Homework: finish your cubes / self definitions
AP students: Your world map poster projects are due on Monday the 23rd
Looking forward: We will be creating population pyramids of Seguin, TX. review what these geography tools are and how they are used to study populations.
Document Links: http://imgur.com/a/QwjCa
Today was constitution day! We examined the preamble of the constitution and discussed the ideas that our founding fathers laid down in its text. Mostly this revolved around the six functions of government.
1. Establish Justice
2. Provide for the common defense
3. Ensure domestic tranquility
4. Promote the general welfare
5. Secure the blessing of liberty
6. Form a more perfect union.
In the attached power point there are examples of each and every one of these six functions. In class we created a document that had each of these six functions that you were asked to define in your own terms. We then began working on a "cube" where each side would represent one function of government with a picture that you have drawn to represent them.
Homework: finish your cubes / self definitions
AP students: Your world map poster projects are due on Monday the 23rd
Looking forward: We will be creating population pyramids of Seguin, TX. review what these geography tools are and how they are used to study populations.
Document Links: http://imgur.com/a/QwjCa
Monday, September 16, 2013
September 16th, 2013
Students,
Today we talked about population. Particularly we discussed why we live where we live, and what it is called when those numbers shift. We talked about ESPN factors for population distribution;
E- Economic Resources (you want to live somewhere that you can provide basic needs for your family)
S- Social (people & their culture)
P- Political (trying to get away from or into new Governments)
N- and finally Nature (natural resources, water, climate, fertile soil)
We discussed Urban (city life) and rural (outside the cities, farms) life and why we have them and what each lifestyle entails. More specifically we talked about Urbanization which is simply people moving out of rural communities into larger cities.
We also talked about the geographic tools we use to study population
Population Density - How many people per square mile are present in a country
Population Change - Birth rate (births per 1000 members of a population per year) Vs. Death rate (deaths per 1000 members of a population per year) and how the two interact to create a change in population.
Migration- This is, put simply, the movement of people from one location to another, due to two factors. Push Factors reasons for leaving a place (no job, bad culture, etc.) and Pull factors reasons for going to a place (job opportunities, affordable housing, etc.). And finally we discussed....
Population Pyramids - This is a tool that geographers use to break down a population by age and gender, allowing us to draw conclusions based on that information. For example in the power point there is a slide with a population pyramid from Hungary in 1960. There is a huge drop off in a portion of the population age bracket of 40-44 year olds. As historians and geographers we can deduce that this was caused by World War II.
Concerns: Your tests were bad, and you should feel bad. I will have grades in the system soon.
Pre-AP: your world map poster projects are due september 23rd
Head start: look at the United States constitution, and think about how it affects your day to day life.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/F6jxo
Today we talked about population. Particularly we discussed why we live where we live, and what it is called when those numbers shift. We talked about ESPN factors for population distribution;
E- Economic Resources (you want to live somewhere that you can provide basic needs for your family)
S- Social (people & their culture)
P- Political (trying to get away from or into new Governments)
N- and finally Nature (natural resources, water, climate, fertile soil)
We discussed Urban (city life) and rural (outside the cities, farms) life and why we have them and what each lifestyle entails. More specifically we talked about Urbanization which is simply people moving out of rural communities into larger cities.
We also talked about the geographic tools we use to study population
Population Density - How many people per square mile are present in a country
Population Change - Birth rate (births per 1000 members of a population per year) Vs. Death rate (deaths per 1000 members of a population per year) and how the two interact to create a change in population.
Migration- This is, put simply, the movement of people from one location to another, due to two factors. Push Factors reasons for leaving a place (no job, bad culture, etc.) and Pull factors reasons for going to a place (job opportunities, affordable housing, etc.). And finally we discussed....
Population Pyramids - This is a tool that geographers use to break down a population by age and gender, allowing us to draw conclusions based on that information. For example in the power point there is a slide with a population pyramid from Hungary in 1960. There is a huge drop off in a portion of the population age bracket of 40-44 year olds. As historians and geographers we can deduce that this was caused by World War II.
Concerns: Your tests were bad, and you should feel bad. I will have grades in the system soon.
Pre-AP: your world map poster projects are due september 23rd
Head start: look at the United States constitution, and think about how it affects your day to day life.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/F6jxo
Thursday, September 12, 2013
September 12th, 2013
STUDY FOR YOUR TEST!!!!!!!!!
Oh my goodness, this first unit has really flown by us! Today we reviewed for our test tomorrow Friday the 13th (no one here is superstitious right?)
I would strongly encourage you all to review my earlier posts for power points, my blog version of lessons, and as a last resort to get in touch with me prior to tomorrow.
REMINDERS: TEST TOMORROW!!!!!
Homework: AP Students, your world map poster projects are due September 23rd
Documents: http://twomack.imgur.com/
Oh my goodness, this first unit has really flown by us! Today we reviewed for our test tomorrow Friday the 13th (no one here is superstitious right?)
I would strongly encourage you all to review my earlier posts for power points, my blog version of lessons, and as a last resort to get in touch with me prior to tomorrow.
REMINDERS: TEST TOMORROW!!!!!
Homework: AP Students, your world map poster projects are due September 23rd
Documents: http://twomack.imgur.com/
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
September 11th, 2013
Students,
Today we remembered 9/11 and we watched This video. We reflected on why we remember 9/11 and how it affected our cultural geography (how we live our lives)
We also took on the role of location analysts for my alternative energy company. Students were asked to combine all of the knowledge they've accrued over the past two weeks, and apply it to a real world problem. Students were asked to use maps, knowledge of climate, principles of the Earth Sun relationship, and sheer wit, to find the optimal place for my company to construct a Corn farm (to produce ethanol), a Wind Farm (to harvest wind energy), and a solar panel array (to produce energy).
You would / will then create a proposal to tell me why exactly I should invest my money into the location that you have selected. This acts as quite an effective review for the test, so while / if you work on this at home try to realize the tools that you are using could show up on your test!
Homework: Work on location analyst worksheet.
AP STUDENTS: World Map Posters, will be due September 23rd.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/WiTDN
Today we remembered 9/11 and we watched This video. We reflected on why we remember 9/11 and how it affected our cultural geography (how we live our lives)
We also took on the role of location analysts for my alternative energy company. Students were asked to combine all of the knowledge they've accrued over the past two weeks, and apply it to a real world problem. Students were asked to use maps, knowledge of climate, principles of the Earth Sun relationship, and sheer wit, to find the optimal place for my company to construct a Corn farm (to produce ethanol), a Wind Farm (to harvest wind energy), and a solar panel array (to produce energy).
You would / will then create a proposal to tell me why exactly I should invest my money into the location that you have selected. This acts as quite an effective review for the test, so while / if you work on this at home try to realize the tools that you are using could show up on your test!
Homework: Work on location analyst worksheet.
AP STUDENTS: World Map Posters, will be due September 23rd.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/WiTDN
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
September 10th, 2013
Students,
Today the culmination of all of your work on the natural disaster posters came together! We divided the class into 7 groups and did what I like to call the gallery walk. You moved with your peers from group to group examining your classmates work and teaching yourselves about the natural hazards that fill our world.
You also took your first quiz! At first glance I believe everyone did well, with a few hiccups that we will need to iron out over the next couple of days. All in all it was a fantastic Tuesday at Seguin H.S. and I hope you all enjoy the rain, and what remains of your evening!
AP students: World Map posters are due September 23rd
Documents: None
Reminders: Test on Friday!!!!!!
Today the culmination of all of your work on the natural disaster posters came together! We divided the class into 7 groups and did what I like to call the gallery walk. You moved with your peers from group to group examining your classmates work and teaching yourselves about the natural hazards that fill our world.
You also took your first quiz! At first glance I believe everyone did well, with a few hiccups that we will need to iron out over the next couple of days. All in all it was a fantastic Tuesday at Seguin H.S. and I hope you all enjoy the rain, and what remains of your evening!
AP students: World Map posters are due September 23rd
Documents: None
Reminders: Test on Friday!!!!!!
Monday, September 9, 2013
September 9th, 2013
Today we finished our natural disasters poster project! This was a lot of fun, and I truly enjoyed seeing how most of you worked in groups. The work you all produced was phenomenal and I can't wait to see the information you'll learn from each other on Tuesday. For a little bit of detail across the board, we discussed several types of natural disaster building from our plate tectonics lesson Thursday, they include;
Hurricanes
Flooding
Earthquakes
Tsunamis
Wildfires
Volcanoes
Landslides
But I won't spoil all the answers until we do our gallery walk Tuesday!
Documents: no relevant documents, feel free to google these disasters to learn more at home.
Reminders: Our Unit 1 test is Friday, use this blog and its resources to prepare!
AP Students: Today you were assigned your world map poster poster project. This will be due September 23rd! several of you left the assignment in my room, drop by to pick up a new copy.
Hurricanes
Flooding
Earthquakes
Tsunamis
Wildfires
Volcanoes
Landslides
But I won't spoil all the answers until we do our gallery walk Tuesday!
Documents: no relevant documents, feel free to google these disasters to learn more at home.
Reminders: Our Unit 1 test is Friday, use this blog and its resources to prepare!
AP Students: Today you were assigned your world map poster poster project. This will be due September 23rd! several of you left the assignment in my room, drop by to pick up a new copy.
Friday, September 6, 2013
September 6th, 2013
Students,
Today we began our natural disasters poster project! This was a lot of fun, and I truly enjoyed seeing how must of you worked in groups. The work you all produced was phenomenal and I can't wait to see what your finished products will look like on Monday. For a little bit of detail across the board, we discussed several types of natural disaster building from our plate tectonics lesson yesterday, they include;
Hurricanes
Flooding
Earthquakes
Tsunamis
Wildfires
Volcanoes
Landslides
But I won't spoil all the answers until we finish the posters and do our gallery walk Tuesday!
Documents: no relevant documents, feel free to google these disasters to learn more at home.
Reminders: Our Unit 1 test is next Friday, use this blog and its resources to prepare!
Today we began our natural disasters poster project! This was a lot of fun, and I truly enjoyed seeing how must of you worked in groups. The work you all produced was phenomenal and I can't wait to see what your finished products will look like on Monday. For a little bit of detail across the board, we discussed several types of natural disaster building from our plate tectonics lesson yesterday, they include;
Hurricanes
Flooding
Earthquakes
Tsunamis
Wildfires
Volcanoes
Landslides
But I won't spoil all the answers until we finish the posters and do our gallery walk Tuesday!
Documents: no relevant documents, feel free to google these disasters to learn more at home.
Reminders: Our Unit 1 test is next Friday, use this blog and its resources to prepare!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
September 5th, 2013
Students,
While I may have gotten off to a slow start today you guys rocked it! Today, we talked about forces of change, both external and internal.
Internal forces revolve around Plate Tectonics, the idea behind which is that the crust of the earth is made up of 11 different pieces that float on top of the molten layer of the earth called the Mantle. These pieces move and shift constantly colliding with each other, these collisions are the forces that we talked about.
Subduction (convergent) - This is where two plates collide and the heavier plate gets swallowed up by the lighter plate and returns to the mantle. This recycles the crust (breaking the rock back down into magma) and has the potential to create mountains and volcanoes
Spreading (divergent) - This is where two tectonic plates move apart from each other. This type of movement occurs on the ocean floor. When the tectonic plates move apart magma rushes up and creates underground mountain ranges, or ridges.
Transformation - this is where two plates grind against each other. One of the primary examples of this type of movement is found in California along the San Andreas fault line. These two plates grind against each other creating several Earth Quakes that are experienced by the people of California, the quakes however have become a part of life with daily routines not being interrupted by minor quakes.
We also discussed External Forces that shape the earth.
Erosion - this is the wearing away and movement of sediments. This is cause by glaciers, wind, and water. The primary example that we talked about was the Colorado river grinding out the Grand Canyon over thousands of years.
Weathering - in the same line of Erosion we talked about weathering. The major differences between the two is the transportation aspect. In Weathering the object that is being changed doesn't really move, so large boulders with holes through them are prime examples of weathering.
Deposition- lastly we talked about deposition, this is where Rivers carrying sediments that they accumulate over their length, get deposited somewhere. One of the major places would be river deltas (where a river spreads thin when it reaches the ocean) The sediment creates a new land mass, that has very rich soil that is great for cultivation, which is why mankind has often flourished along rivers and river deltas.
Finally we talked about the "four-spheres" of the earth, Lithosphere (all land), Atmosphere (the air), the hydrosphere (the water), and the biosphere (all life). We drew pictures and wrote descriptions for each of these spheres and what they include.
Reminders: Unit 1 Test September 13th
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/zj1RT
While I may have gotten off to a slow start today you guys rocked it! Today, we talked about forces of change, both external and internal.
Internal forces revolve around Plate Tectonics, the idea behind which is that the crust of the earth is made up of 11 different pieces that float on top of the molten layer of the earth called the Mantle. These pieces move and shift constantly colliding with each other, these collisions are the forces that we talked about.
Subduction (convergent) - This is where two plates collide and the heavier plate gets swallowed up by the lighter plate and returns to the mantle. This recycles the crust (breaking the rock back down into magma) and has the potential to create mountains and volcanoes
Spreading (divergent) - This is where two tectonic plates move apart from each other. This type of movement occurs on the ocean floor. When the tectonic plates move apart magma rushes up and creates underground mountain ranges, or ridges.
Transformation - this is where two plates grind against each other. One of the primary examples of this type of movement is found in California along the San Andreas fault line. These two plates grind against each other creating several Earth Quakes that are experienced by the people of California, the quakes however have become a part of life with daily routines not being interrupted by minor quakes.
We also discussed External Forces that shape the earth.
Erosion - this is the wearing away and movement of sediments. This is cause by glaciers, wind, and water. The primary example that we talked about was the Colorado river grinding out the Grand Canyon over thousands of years.
Weathering - in the same line of Erosion we talked about weathering. The major differences between the two is the transportation aspect. In Weathering the object that is being changed doesn't really move, so large boulders with holes through them are prime examples of weathering.
Deposition- lastly we talked about deposition, this is where Rivers carrying sediments that they accumulate over their length, get deposited somewhere. One of the major places would be river deltas (where a river spreads thin when it reaches the ocean) The sediment creates a new land mass, that has very rich soil that is great for cultivation, which is why mankind has often flourished along rivers and river deltas.
Finally we talked about the "four-spheres" of the earth, Lithosphere (all land), Atmosphere (the air), the hydrosphere (the water), and the biosphere (all life). We drew pictures and wrote descriptions for each of these spheres and what they include.
Reminders: Unit 1 Test September 13th
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/zj1RT
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
September 4th, 2013
Students,
Today we talked about factors that affect climate. We built off of yesterdays lesson of latitude zones (High / Mid / low) and added in other physical features that can affect climate.
To recap:
Latitude zones - or where a location is on earths latitude lines (the flat lines that run E and W but measure up and down) impacts primarily a locations temperature. With higher latitudes being cooler as they are farther from the suns rays, and lower latitudes being warmer as they are closer to the suns rays. Remember we only have seasons because the earth spins on an axis (a slight angle) which is why latitude zones even exist.
We also discussed Orographic Rainfall which is what happens when wet rainy air hits a mountain and just stops, dropping all of its contents on the "windward" side of the mountain, while the "leeward" side remains dry with very little moisture.
Thirdly, we discussed air currents. The fact that hot air (low pressure systems) rise up, and cool air (high pressure systems) flow into the vacant space, creating wind. In most of my classes I was able to discuss Haboobs a weather phenomenon caused by a combination of high wind and lots of dirt. They are primarily located in desert regions in South West Asia, but showed up at my Alma Mater (Texas Tech) in 2011.
Link to the lubbock haboob: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSBbxdQalOk
Link to wikipedia haboob article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haboob
To wrap up our day, we discussed ocean currents, and how they move in circular patterns. While they may be deep, they primarily move horizontally not vertically. Warm ocean currents are usually associated with more rainfall and warmer climates, while Cool ocean currents are generally associated with dry and cool climates.
Power point: http://imgur.com/a/j16BD
Today we talked about factors that affect climate. We built off of yesterdays lesson of latitude zones (High / Mid / low) and added in other physical features that can affect climate.
To recap:
Latitude zones - or where a location is on earths latitude lines (the flat lines that run E and W but measure up and down) impacts primarily a locations temperature. With higher latitudes being cooler as they are farther from the suns rays, and lower latitudes being warmer as they are closer to the suns rays. Remember we only have seasons because the earth spins on an axis (a slight angle) which is why latitude zones even exist.
We also discussed Orographic Rainfall which is what happens when wet rainy air hits a mountain and just stops, dropping all of its contents on the "windward" side of the mountain, while the "leeward" side remains dry with very little moisture.
Thirdly, we discussed air currents. The fact that hot air (low pressure systems) rise up, and cool air (high pressure systems) flow into the vacant space, creating wind. In most of my classes I was able to discuss Haboobs a weather phenomenon caused by a combination of high wind and lots of dirt. They are primarily located in desert regions in South West Asia, but showed up at my Alma Mater (Texas Tech) in 2011.
Link to the lubbock haboob: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSBbxdQalOk
Link to wikipedia haboob article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haboob
To wrap up our day, we discussed ocean currents, and how they move in circular patterns. While they may be deep, they primarily move horizontally not vertically. Warm ocean currents are usually associated with more rainfall and warmer climates, while Cool ocean currents are generally associated with dry and cool climates.
Power point: http://imgur.com/a/j16BD
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
September 3rd, 2013
Students,
Transitioning from latitude and longitude lines, today we talked about latitude zones! There are 3 latitude zones
High - from 60 degrees latitude to 90 degrees latitude. this is our polar latitude zone, and includes notable places like antarctica. As would imagine it is cold this far north (or south) and is full of ice.
Middle - This is from 23.5 degrees latitude up to 60 degrees latitude. This latitude zone is a temperate zone which means it has both hot and cold weather. (We are in a middle latitude zone in Seguin)
Low - This latitude zone starts at the equator ( 0 degrees latitude) and goes all the way up (and down) to 23.5 degrees latitude. This is the hottest and wettest latitude zone and contains the worlds rain forests which are in Africa, South America, and Indonesia.
We also talked about the relationship between the Earth and the Sun. We discussed why the Earth spinning on an axis (23.5 degree tilt) creates the seasons and what the location between the Earth and the Sun are through out the year. If you are having any problems remembering this, just think of the Axis of the earth as an arrow. For us in the Northern Hemisphere when the arrow is point towards the sun it is summer, when it is pointing away from the sun it is Winter. If the axis / arrow is running parellel with the sun it would be spring or fall.
Don't forget if you have any questions please post a comment below.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/dDGwo
Transitioning from latitude and longitude lines, today we talked about latitude zones! There are 3 latitude zones
High - from 60 degrees latitude to 90 degrees latitude. this is our polar latitude zone, and includes notable places like antarctica. As would imagine it is cold this far north (or south) and is full of ice.
Middle - This is from 23.5 degrees latitude up to 60 degrees latitude. This latitude zone is a temperate zone which means it has both hot and cold weather. (We are in a middle latitude zone in Seguin)
Low - This latitude zone starts at the equator ( 0 degrees latitude) and goes all the way up (and down) to 23.5 degrees latitude. This is the hottest and wettest latitude zone and contains the worlds rain forests which are in Africa, South America, and Indonesia.
We also talked about the relationship between the Earth and the Sun. We discussed why the Earth spinning on an axis (23.5 degree tilt) creates the seasons and what the location between the Earth and the Sun are through out the year. If you are having any problems remembering this, just think of the Axis of the earth as an arrow. For us in the Northern Hemisphere when the arrow is point towards the sun it is summer, when it is pointing away from the sun it is Winter. If the axis / arrow is running parellel with the sun it would be spring or fall.
Don't forget if you have any questions please post a comment below.
Documents: http://imgur.com/a/dDGwo
Friday, August 30, 2013
August 30th, 2013
Students,
Today we practiced our mastery of location, both absolute and relative. Remember absolute location is an exact location (latitude / longitude coordinates, a street address, even your desk number in my room), while relative location is the place or objects location in relation to another thing (North of Seguin, next door to sally, underneath the projector)
We practiced these skills by tracking the paths of two hurricanes, Sandy and Katrina. We discussed why it is important to be able to track hurricanes through means like satalites, radar, and other high tech devices; but we realized that without longitude and latitude the actual location of disasters like hurricanes would be difficult to pinpoint.
I hope you enjoy your labor day weekend, do not come into school on Monday...nobody will be there, and you will feel silly.
Homework: All periods, if you did not finish your hurricane tracker hand-out it became homework.
Document Link: http://imgur.com/a/cGGSo
Today we practiced our mastery of location, both absolute and relative. Remember absolute location is an exact location (latitude / longitude coordinates, a street address, even your desk number in my room), while relative location is the place or objects location in relation to another thing (North of Seguin, next door to sally, underneath the projector)
We practiced these skills by tracking the paths of two hurricanes, Sandy and Katrina. We discussed why it is important to be able to track hurricanes through means like satalites, radar, and other high tech devices; but we realized that without longitude and latitude the actual location of disasters like hurricanes would be difficult to pinpoint.
I hope you enjoy your labor day weekend, do not come into school on Monday...nobody will be there, and you will feel silly.
Homework: All periods, if you did not finish your hurricane tracker hand-out it became homework.
Document Link: http://imgur.com/a/cGGSo
Thursday, August 29, 2013
August 29th 2013
Students,
Today we finally began talking about world geography! Highlights include:
Absolute location - the exact location of an object (latitude and longitude, or home address)
Relative location - the approximate location of an object (next to, near this)
Latitude lines - the invisible lines on a globe that are FLAT (flatitudes) running east west. They help us form a grid on the globe to locate objects. In conjunction with Longitude lines they form the grid that helps us establish absolute locations on the globe.
Longitude Lines - These lines run North to South, are all the same length and connect at the North and South poles. In conjunction with Latitude lines they form the grid that helps us establish absolute locations on the globe.
In addition to the Key vocabulary terms we discussed the TODALS which we use when we talk about maps.
T - Title
O - Orientation
D - Date
A - Author
L - Legend
S - Scale
This is the information that I will be keeping a keen eye out for when we do maps in my classroom.
Homework:
1st and 8th - none
3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th - please get your AP contracts turned in!
Daily work: linked is an Imgur.com album with both the power point and the notes handout.
http://imgur.com/a/LzLJP#0
Today we finally began talking about world geography! Highlights include:
Absolute location - the exact location of an object (latitude and longitude, or home address)
Relative location - the approximate location of an object (next to, near this)
Latitude lines - the invisible lines on a globe that are FLAT (flatitudes) running east west. They help us form a grid on the globe to locate objects. In conjunction with Longitude lines they form the grid that helps us establish absolute locations on the globe.
Longitude Lines - These lines run North to South, are all the same length and connect at the North and South poles. In conjunction with Latitude lines they form the grid that helps us establish absolute locations on the globe.
In addition to the Key vocabulary terms we discussed the TODALS which we use when we talk about maps.
T - Title
O - Orientation
D - Date
A - Author
L - Legend
S - Scale
This is the information that I will be keeping a keen eye out for when we do maps in my classroom.
Homework:
1st and 8th - none
3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th - please get your AP contracts turned in!
Daily work: linked is an Imgur.com album with both the power point and the notes handout.
http://imgur.com/a/LzLJP#0
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
August 28th 2013
Students,
Today we talked about my classroom expectations, and we also spent time talking about the CHAMPS system.
1. We addressed the fact that you should not be tardy, and the procedure of signing in on the clip board if you are.
2. We wrote in and discussed the procedures for our daily geojournal. We enter the room grab our journals from the appropriate box and begin working on the topic that will frame the days discussion.
3. You as students heard in everyone of your classes today about RED, YELLOW, and GREEN champs and what they mean for classroom assignments. For parents (red = silent individual work) (yellow = partner work) and finally (green = group work).
4. we discussed how grades will be determined with:
daily grades = 50%
major grades = 50%
5. We also took a quiz asking for information on major oceans and continents. Overall you performed well and should be commended.
As a general reminder to all students who do not yet have their composition notebooks, or their 3-subject notebooks, please have them available and ready to use by next week.
Today was a fantastic day, and tomorrow we finally get to dive into World Geography proper, so if you would like to get a head start you can review latitude and longitude lines and what they are used for by mankind. Here is a hint, tomorrow and Friday's theme will be location.
Homework:
3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th: Don't forget to show your parents your AP contracts to get signed and returned to me.
1st period: Please remember to bring the school wide requested supplies (tissue, map pencils, and markers)
No Relevant hand-outs were used
Today we talked about my classroom expectations, and we also spent time talking about the CHAMPS system.
1. We addressed the fact that you should not be tardy, and the procedure of signing in on the clip board if you are.
2. We wrote in and discussed the procedures for our daily geojournal. We enter the room grab our journals from the appropriate box and begin working on the topic that will frame the days discussion.
3. You as students heard in everyone of your classes today about RED, YELLOW, and GREEN champs and what they mean for classroom assignments. For parents (red = silent individual work) (yellow = partner work) and finally (green = group work).
4. we discussed how grades will be determined with:
daily grades = 50%
major grades = 50%
5. We also took a quiz asking for information on major oceans and continents. Overall you performed well and should be commended.
As a general reminder to all students who do not yet have their composition notebooks, or their 3-subject notebooks, please have them available and ready to use by next week.
Today was a fantastic day, and tomorrow we finally get to dive into World Geography proper, so if you would like to get a head start you can review latitude and longitude lines and what they are used for by mankind. Here is a hint, tomorrow and Friday's theme will be location.
Homework:
3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th: Don't forget to show your parents your AP contracts to get signed and returned to me.
1st period: Please remember to bring the school wide requested supplies (tissue, map pencils, and markers)
No Relevant hand-outs were used
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Dedicated STAAR Review Resources
Dedicated STAAR Review Resources
Flash Cards
Judson ISD Review
Cram review Video
Court Cases
Practice exam-ish
And honestly just review any / all material from this semester.
Flash Cards
Judson ISD Review
Cram review Video
Court Cases
Practice exam-ish
And honestly just review any / all material from this semester.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Meet the teacher!
Parents and students,
I had a great time meeting all of you tonight, and I can only hope you had an enjoyable evening meeting the rest of your teachers for the upcoming school year. I would like to take advantage of this first blog post to reiterate a few of the points we discussed over the evening:
First - WE WILL WRITE EVERY DAY!!!
make sure that you have your 3-subject notebook, as well as your composition notebook on Tues. As a second thought to supplies remember if you want nice things, bring nice things or you will be stuck using my crummy things. (colored pencils and glue sticks)
Second- I would like to reiterate my expectation for mutual respect amongst my students, my classroom WILL be a bully free zone. Remember Be respectful, Be responsible, and Be safe!
Remember if you have any questions feel free to post on this blog, or shoot me an E-mail at my Seguin address which can be found on my teacher webpage at http://classroom.seguin.k12.tx.us/webs/twomack/
I am looking forwards to a fantastic and productive year with all of you!
Welcome to Seguin High School,
Mr. Womack ME.d
I had a great time meeting all of you tonight, and I can only hope you had an enjoyable evening meeting the rest of your teachers for the upcoming school year. I would like to take advantage of this first blog post to reiterate a few of the points we discussed over the evening:
First - WE WILL WRITE EVERY DAY!!!
make sure that you have your 3-subject notebook, as well as your composition notebook on Tues. As a second thought to supplies remember if you want nice things, bring nice things or you will be stuck using my crummy things. (colored pencils and glue sticks)
Second- I would like to reiterate my expectation for mutual respect amongst my students, my classroom WILL be a bully free zone. Remember Be respectful, Be responsible, and Be safe!
Remember if you have any questions feel free to post on this blog, or shoot me an E-mail at my Seguin address which can be found on my teacher webpage at http://classroom.seguin.k12.tx.us/webs/twomack/
I am looking forwards to a fantastic and productive year with all of you!
Welcome to Seguin High School,
Mr. Womack ME.d
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