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)
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
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.
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