The Dark Continent

You can get a jumpstart on studying for Friday's map test by going here. I want this blog to be a benefit to those who check regularly. We spent Friday's class going over the Ch. 21 work. I also mentioned that I'd provide a link to the program that provides nets for Africa. I believe you can see it here. Enjoy your weekend - and would someone please post a comment explaining the "Dark Continent" reference?

Depressed: Economically and Mentally

We watched "The Ultimate Resource: Pennies a Day" in class. There are 13 questions to answer, which should help you write your half-page summary/review. Following that, we had a ROMOTHINK. To check that out...look at the link to the right. Tomorrow will be a "correct the homework" day. And a word to the wise...I will NOT be in school on Monday, but expect a quiz on Ch. 21 Tuesday. While in class on Monday, you will label a map, for a map test on Friday.

Trouble with Trillions

We watched an episode of The Simpsons today, while I gave you time to complete your work that is due Friday.  I shared a "Didja Notice" with the 4th period class - I recommend everyone to learn more and revisit episodes of The Simpsons from time to time.  They have deeper, more subtle commentary and humor, which can only be recognized and appreciated with awareness and knowledge.  We will spend some more time tomorrow on Microloans and do a ROMOTHINK.

Also - check out this chart.  What do you think?

This Soon?

You would not believe it. Romo is giving an Extra Credit opportunity to all of his burdens on society (in terms of economic cost-benefit analysis). Attend a SWHS Close Up Political Forum Event and receive a 1% bump! A flyer is posted in my room, but there is a link to the website as well.

On a side note - promoting civic mindedness and all - would you please keep an eye out for the vandals in class? The desks were cleaned last week and they had to be cleaned again today. Some interesting language has even been carved into desks. I mean, if you have to poop, ask for a pass - don't carve your request using the "s" word into your desk! Seriously, don't necessarily rat - but do help me by informing me of any messes when you sit down. And the best thing to do is simply tell your offending peer that it is not cool. Thanks...

Lastly - saw a funny zombie flick over the last two days. Cheesy blood and "stunts" (similar to the Indian movie we saw a clip from earlier). But still waiting for Dead Snow.

MicroLoans

We began studying Chapter 21: Women Micro-Entrepreneurs in Africa. You were given about 5-10 minutes to answer six questions regarding the picture on page 310. Then we watched a Frontline segment concerning microloans in Uganda. You can watch it here. If you want to learn more about the organization featured in the story, check out Kiva. I personally believe this concept to be incredibly helpful and rewarding (if administered correctly). Try to make sure you understand the economic policies of Dems and Repubs and how this story connects to the US and our current economic crisis. The rest of class time was used to finish the guided reading. Tomorrow will see us looking more at te text and pictures while also completing the vocabulary chart.

Calories, Climate, and Labor

Hopefully everyone can explain the links between all three of those words. It's what we learned about today.

You will need your Geography textbooks in class tomorrow. We'll be studying Chapter 21 and microloans.

I was hoping to show everyone this today, but could not find it while at school. It's a cool HD pic compiled by matching many different pictures during the Obama Inaguration.