Final Week

We watched an episode of Dilbert today - about ethics. Strange that very few of you could define the word but admitted having some. I created two extra credit activities on Moodle that are due Monday. I may add another. This is EXTRA - please do not ask for explanations, more time, an alternative, etc.

Do not forget that your concept map is due Tuesday - and do not expect me to provide draft feedback anymore. One has been turned in (Nicely done Caroline), and Blake showed me a GREAT draft. Andrew had a nice draft earlier in the week. Remember that if you are not proud of your work (effort, achievement, etc.), then go back and do it again. Look at posts from March 4th and 10th for software link and examples.  Below is another example of "barely acceptable" in terms of quality (found online here):

If you do something basic like the one above, make sure you add mortar to the bricks and some pics.  You should actually be having some sort of fun with this project...while learning and organizing information.

We will have an in-class essay on Monday - 2 bullet-pointed essays with one fleshed out - in E118. I will post 3-5 questions from which you choose two.

The Final Exam is on Thursday (Weds after school for some of you). Use the Chapter outlines (available on the Moodle). The exam will cover the following:
Unit IVA (12,14,18)
Unit IVb (13,15)
Unit IVc (16,4,5)
Unit V (17,19,20)

Additional Assessment Opportunities

I added the Moodle Forum for those of you excused from last Friday. There will be some additional chances to gain extra credit this weekend as well. Please get your Concept Map DONE. It is due Tuesday. We will be in E118 on Monday for your in-class Essay. You will be presenting your concept maps to the class on Tues & Weds. The final (Units IVa, IVb, IVc, and V) will be Thursday. Tomorrow we learn about "The Leader" and maybe review some Concept Maps.

Pig Ears

A delicacy to dogs everywhere.  They smell horrible.  Can anyone who was in class explain the funny by using the title with today's lesson?  If you missed class, plan to take the AP exam, or are just interested in learning more (weirdly, there are some of you out there), go to the Moodle and check out the newest "Forum" added - NOTE:  You DO NOT have to enter anything in the Forum - I simply created it for future use.  If you just want to skip that, you can see the linked site here.  Watch, read, and learn.  I spent a few minutes in the copy room today...making copies.  Hint Hint.  Used the staple function too.  Hint Hint.  Freak out if you must...Maybe play the link below...

Dangers Around the Corner

I hope some of you found a new purpose for coming to school on a regular basis today.  Keep in mind that excused absences are not going to be a problem (unless they add up) - I simply want to make sure you take the final 3 months seriously.  Read your Machiavelli again and maybe you'll understand why the cost of skipping on Friday is so high.  I am having difficulties finding the 10-minute Daily Show clip.  When I do find it, I'll make a Moodle Forum for those of you needing to make up last Friday.

Some of you may be interested in reading this (long) because it provides some detailed insight into the growing rift between the US and China.  It really should be of interest to all of you.  The more you close your eyes and avoid the economics of our relationship with China, the more likely we'll see negative results in the relationship.  Check back later for a new Weekly Forum topic.

Warm Enough For Ya?

I will create the Moodle for Friday's lesson tomorrow.  I gotta say that I am a bit disappointed in the actions/behavior of some of you seniors.  Understand that you are REQUIRED to have four years of English and social studies.  One F/No Credit and you do not graduate on time.  You may be allowed to walk in the ceremony, but it does not mean you get a diploma.  Also, keep in mind that colleges are much more competitive nowadays and have been known to rescind acceptance based on second semester performance (or rather, lack thereof).  So, please understand this simple FACT:  by outright skipping a class on a day when I had an activity planned, some of you have chosen to lose the 3% of the quarter''s credit.  So, you have just traded a + or - for your day of fun.  Add up enough of them over the final quarter and, combined with your probable lack of effort and achievement, you may find yourself needing summer school just to get a diploma and a frantic search for a college that will take you in the Fall.  Remember this later this year when the weather is even nicer and the urge to skip becomes stronger due to senioritis.  Many of you wasted your skip day for nothing.  Stupid.

Court Cases/Amendments exam will NOT be tomorrow (Mon), but may appear this week.  I do not know when the final is scheduled, but expect to be tested on everything from Qtr 3 (Basically Units IV and V).  And there will be an in-class essay (actually 2) along with some discussions.  That's a lot in just 9 remaining days.  Oh and I will be closing past forums tomorrow evening.  Get 'em done or lose the points.  Be responsible and enjoy your senior year.