Class work: Passed back papers.  See me to get your papers back.  The class then read more of the "Fetching Water" article.  Sorry, this packet is not available for download.  The class then had half of the period to work on their exam review sheets.

Homework:  Seniors make sure to finish your exam review and study for your exam tomorrow.  Sophomores and juniors, complete # 1 to 30 on your final exam review sheet for tomorrow.

Class work: Checked last night's homework.  The class then read the remaining portions of the "Fetching Water" article.  Sorry, this packet is not available for download.  After discussing the article, the class then had the remainder of  the period to work on exam review sheets.

Homework:  Sophomores and juniors, complete # 31 to 60 on your final exam review sheet for tomorrow.

Class work: Checked last night's homework.  Read the article "Iran: Devoted and Defiant."  While reading, answer the questions on the worksheet.

Homework:  Finish the article and worksheet questions for tomorrow.

Class work: Discussed then collected last night's homework.  Read the article "How to Love a Hard Liner."  Then the rest of class will be used to complete # 61 to 90 on your final exam review sheet.

Homework:  Finish any incomplete portions of the exam review sheet and study for your final exam.

Class work: The class began to watch the recent ABC film, Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America.  Pull the video sheet from the in class folder or download it.  Schedule a time to make up the half of the film that you missed.

Homework:  Read and underline or highlight short phrases of main ideas from the readings that accompany the film.  All three pages are due on Wednesday, May 24.  Pull the packet to read from the in class folder or download the readings.

Class work: The class continued watching the recent ABC film, Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America.  Pull the video sheet from the in class folder or download it.  Schedule a time to make up the half of the film that you missed.

Homework:  Read and underline or highlight short phrases of main ideas from the readings that accompany the film.  All three pages are due on Thursday, May 25.  Pull the packet to read from the in class folder or download the readings.

Class work:  Today, we're doing a short experiment to see what life is like for so many people in the developing areas of the world.  On average, people in poor countries walk 3/4 of a mile each way to fetch their water.  To simulate this, we will walk 3/4 of a mile around the bike patch, carrying 2 gallons of water each to see how well we could live up to the conditions that other people face every day.  So . . . there's nothing to make up - you missed some nice weather and good exercise.

Homework:  In the next 24 hours, record your water usage on the chart.

Class work: Watched the last ten minutes of Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America.  Pull the video sheet from the in class folder or download it.  Schedule a time to make up the half of the film that you missed.  Checked last night's charts on water usage. Then we calculated the following:

1.  Add up the ounces of beverages that you drank.  Record the amount. 

(You can round and approximate.)     16 oz = 1 pint        32 oz = 1 quart         128 oz - 1 gallon          4 quarts = 1 gallon

2.  Multiply your usage in the top chart with the numbers provided in the

second column. 

3.  Add up your total liters used.

4.  Multiply your total liters by 0.2642 to get your total gallons used.

5.  Record your total gallons on the sheet.

Homework:  Read the first page of the "Fetching Water Article."  Underline or highlight short phrases of important information for the front side of the first page.  Pull the reading packet from the in class folder.  Sorry, this article is not available to download.

Class work: Checked last night's homework reading.  Make sure to turn yours in for points.  The class then took a quiz over the bird flu readings from this week.  See me to schedule a time to make up the quiz.  We continued to read the packet passed out yesterday.  Pull the reading from Thursday's make-up work folder.  Sorry, this article is not available to download.

Homework:  None for sophomores and juniors.  Seniors complete your exam review sheet over the weekend.

Class work: Collected late and absent work.  The class then read over the last page from last week's poverty packet.  While reading, underline or highlight short phrases of important information on side 6.  We then discussed and debated the role the US should play in providing aid to poor areas of the world.  We also discussed the topic of tonight's upcoming speech by President Bush. 

Homework:  None.

Class work: The class watched Bush's immigration speech from last night. While watching, the class took notes on Bush's proposed plan for immigration reform.  Get the notes from a classmate or download them.

Homework:  Read the pages over the flu and pneumonia.  While reading, underline or highlight short phrases of important information.  Pull the reading from the in class folder or download it here: front side and back side.

Class work: Finished watching and discussing the immigration speech from yesterday.  Checked and discussed last night's homework.  The class then read the page on the 1918 flu to compare to the current bird flu.  Pull the sheet from the in class folder or download them: side 1 and side 2.

Homework:  Finish reading the back side of today's class work page.  Read and highlight short phrases of important information.

Class work: Checked last night's  homework.  The class played a game to see how a pandemic like bird flu can spread.  There’s nothing to make up, but ask a class mate about the activity to see what it was all about.

Homework:  While reading, underline or highlight short phrases of important information on Bush's flu plan.  Pull the reading from the in class folder or download it here: front side and back side.

Class work: The class played the Current Events game.

Homework:  None.

Class work: In class workday for the Test #2 review sheet.  Whatever you don't finish will be homework tonight.

Homework:  Finish questions #1 to 74 on the review sheet.  You may leave no more than 10 blank.

Class work:  Checked last night's review sheet homework.  Reviewed for tomorrow's test.

Homework:  Finish any incomplete portions of your review sheet.  Organize notebooks and study for tomorrow's test.

Class work: The class took Test # 2.  If you're absent, see me in the morning to schedule a time to make up the test prior to mods 15-16.  Make sure to turn in your notebook and review sheet to be graded.

Homework:  None.

Class work: During class today, we read over the packet on world poverty that was passed out last week.  Pull this reading packet from the in class folder or download it here.  While reading, underline or highlight short phrases of important information on side 1, side 2, and side 3.

Homework:  Finish reading the next two pages of the poverty reading packet: side 4 and side 5.  While reading, practice the underlining and highlighting skills that we worked on during class today.

Class work: Checked last night's homework reading.  Make sure to turn yours in.  The class then played the Current Events game.

Homework:  None.

Monday,
May 1

Class work: Passed back papers and checked stickers.  See Miss Scharf to get your papers back. During class we read and highlighted key points in the "Bipartisan Poll" reading.  Pull the reading from the in class folder or download it; read and keep it in the Economics section of your notebook.  We discussed the results of this survey and what the role of the government should be in improving the lives of Americans living in poverty.

Homework:  Read the article on Bush's presidency.  After reading, write a one paragraph reaction to the question posed at the top of the reading.  Make sure to write a clear topic sentence, without using first person.  Then use facts from the reading to support your position or prove your opinion by refuting the facts in the article.  Make sure your paragraph is at least 5 to 7 sentences.

Tuesday,
May 2

Class work: Discussed then collected last night's opinion paragraphs.  During the class discussion, the issue of racial profiling was brought up, so the class read an article on the topic.  Pull the article from the in class folder or download it here.  Then the class watched this morning's CNN Student News show.   See the note below.  Pull the video worksheet from the in class folder or download it here, and see Miss Scharf to schedule a time to make up the video if you need to.  Keep the reading on racial profiling in the American Society section of your notebook.

Homework:  None.

Wednesday,
May 3

Class work: The class then continued the unit on poverty by watching Race: The Power of Illusion. This video is on federal housing policies and their impact on suburban and city home values.  Pull the video sheet from the in class folder or download it.  See me to schedule a time to make up the video. 

Homework:  None.

Thursday,
May 4

Class work: Finished Race: The Power of Illusion from yesterday and collected the video sheet.  Pull the video sheet from the in class folder or download it.  See me to schedule a time to make up the video.  The class then examined the conditions of poverty throughout the world.  Pull from the in class folder or download the world poverty map.  The class then read about the United Nation's Millennium Goals.  Pull the page from the in class folder or download it.  These pages will all go in the "Economics" section of your notebook.  Then the class watched this morning's CNN Student News show.   See the note below.  Pull the video worksheet from the in class folder or download it here, and see Miss Scharf to schedule a time to make up the video if you need to. 

Homework:  None.

Friday,
May 5

Class work: Finished yesterday's CNN Student News show.  See the note below.  Pull the video worksheet from the in class folder or download it here, and see Miss Scharf to schedule a time to make up the video if you need to. 

Homework:  None.

Monday,
April 24

Class work: Passed back papers and checked grades online.  See Miss Scharf to get your papers back.  We started a look at the conditions of American poverty by taking some quizzes.  These are self-tests to see how you would survive in poverty, in the middle class, and among the wealthy.  Pull the two sheets or download the quizzes and test yourself.  We went over and discussed the poverty and the wealth quizzes.  These new pages go in the "Economics" section of your notebook.

Homework:  If you scored below 18 on your Eleven Elements article assignment, you may re-do it for Wednesday, April 26.  The original descriptions of the Eleven Elements are at this link, (print page 4 only) and the directions are available below on the April 4 calendar posting.  Make sure to hand in all of the old pages, along with any corrections.  You can earn up to an 18 out of 22.  For students who did not do the assignment the first time, you can turn it in on Wednesday, but can only earn up to a 16 out of 22, since it is turned in much later than everyone else's.

Tuesday,
April 25

Class work: We finished our introduction to the study of social class in America, by discussing the quiz from yesterday on the middle class.  We then went over and filled in the note page that is on the back of the poverty quiz.  Get the notes from Miss Scharf or from a class mate, or download them already filled-in here.  We then started to watch the episode from 30 Days about living on minimum wage.  Pull the video sheet from the in class folder or download it here. You will need to schedule a time to make up this video.  The video sheet will go in the "Economics" section of your notebook.

Homework:  If you scored below 18 on your Eleven Elements article assignment, you may re-do it for tomorrow.  The original descriptions of the Eleven Elements are at this link, (print page 4 only) and the directions are available below on the April 4 calendar posting.  Make sure to hand in all of the old pages, along with any corrections.  You can earn up to an 18 out of 22.  For students who did not do the assignment the first time, you can turn it in on Wednesday, but can only earn up to a 16 out of 22, since it is turned in much later than everyone else's.

Wednesday,
April 26

Class work: Collected the re-done Eleven Elements assignments.  We then continued the episode from 30 Days about living on minimum wage from yesterday.  Pull the video sheet from the in class folder or download it here. You will need to schedule a time to make up this video.  The video sheet will go in the "Economics" section of your notebook.

Homework:  None.

Thursday,
April 27

Class work: Finished the "Minimum Wage" episode of 30 Days.  Pull the video sheet from yesterday's in class folder or download it here. You will need to schedule a time to make up this video.  The video sheet will go in the "Economics" section of your notebook.  Start reading the article "The Other America," and answering the questions.  Pull a copy of the article from the in-class folder or get the article from the September 19, 2005 issue of Newsweek. The article is available online too.  These pages will all go in the "Economics" section of your notebook.

Homework:  Finish reading "The Other America" and answering the questions.  Whatever you did not get done in class today, you need to finish tonight.  This assignment is due tomorrow.

Friday,
April 28

Class work: Discussed then collected the worksheet for "The Other America" article.  Then the class played the Current Events game.

Homework:  None.

Class work: Finished Friday's ABC video.  Pull the video sheet from the in class folder or download it.  For this video, you can copy the answers from another student without making up the tape.

Homework:  After finishing the videos for the three major networks, use them to complete the Media Comparison assignment.  This assignment is due on Wednesday, April 12.

Class work: Collected the early worksheets for the homework that is due tomorrow.  The class then went to hear Congressperson Steven LaTourette speak about his experiences in the legislature.  There's nothing to make up, if you were absent, sorry, you missed a great opportunity.

Homework:  After finishing the videos for the three major networks, use them to complete the Media Comparison assignment.  This assignment is tomorrow.

Class work: Collected last night's homework.  Discussed it briefly.  Then  the class played the Current Events game.

Homework:  None.

Class work: Passed back papers, and students checked their online grades.  Pull from the in class folder the media knowledge quiz.  Print out a copy or take it online and grade yourself to see how aware you are about the influence of various types of media on American life.  Also, download the page that goes on the back side of the quiz.  See Miss Scharf to check your answers.  We discussed the issues on this page.  Keep it in the "American Society" section of your notebook.

Homework:  None.

Class work: The class looked over the definitions for the terms on the back of yesterday's quiz page.    Pull from the in class folder the second vocabulary page.  Read over it.  We spent some time looking at the back side.  Students gave examples while we read over the Eleven Elements of Newsworthy stories.  Pull the page from the in class folder or download it at the previous link, print page 4 only.  We then watched yesterday's NBC evening news broadcast.  Pull the video sheet from the in class folder or download it.  For this video, you can copy the answers from another student without making up the tape.

Homework:  For Thursday, find articles that are examples of the Eleven Elements.  You need to demonstrate each of the Elements.  This doesn't mean you need eleven articles.  Many articles hit more than one element.  You can use internet news stories (no older than a week), newspaper articles (no older than a week), or magazine articles (no older than three months).

Class work: Finished yesterday's video.  Then we started to watch the CBS broadcast from yesterday.  Pull the video sheet from the in class folder or download it.  For this video, you can copy the answers from another student without making up the tape.

Homework:  For Thursday, find articles that are examples of the Eleven Elements.  You need to demonstrate each of the Elements.  This doesn't mean you need eleven articles.  Many articles hit more than one element.  You can use internet news stories (no older than a week), newspaper articles (no older than a week), or magazine articles (no older than three months).

Class work: Finished yesterday's CBS video.  Pull the video sheet from the in class folder or download it.  For this video, you can copy the answers from another student without making up the tape.

Homework:  Read the article on Tom DeLay, "The Exterminator," and answer questions over it. This assignment is due on Monday, April 10.

Class work: Started to watch the ABC newscast.  Pull the video sheet from the in class folder or download it here.  We only got through the first three stories.  We were discussing the Moussaoui case, then the class shared their experiences about 9/11.

Homework:  Read the article on Tom DeLay, "The Exterminator," and answer questions over it. This assignment is due on Monday, April 10.

Monday,
March 27

Class work: Passed back papers, organized notebooks, and checked grades online at the start of class.  During class, we read the article, Are Schools and Police Over-reacting to MySpace Posts?  We spent the second half of the class discussing the issues raised in the article.  Pull a copy of the article, read it, highlight the main ideas, and keep this page in the "American Society" section of your notebook.

Homework:  None.

Tuesday,
March 28

Class work: Finished discussing the article from yesterday about MySpace.  Everyone wrote the definitions of libel and slander at the bottom of this reading.  Make sure to get those two definitions from a class mate.  We then read, highlighted the main ideas, and discussed the article, Bush told Blair Determined to Invade Iraq Without UN Resolution or WMD and the article New Versions of Moussaoui’s Role Emerge.  These articles go in the "Politics and Government" section of your notebook.

Homework:  None.

Wednesday,
March 29

Class work: The class watched the NBC News from yesterday, March 28 and the CNN Student News from this morning.  While watching, the class filled in the video sheet.  See the note below about making up missed videos and schedule a time to watch it  if you need to.

Homework:  Read and highlight short phrases of important information from the reading on the "Dirty Bomb" border story.  Pull the reading from the in class folder or download it.

Thursday,
March 30

Class work: Checked last night's homework.  Then discussed it.  In class we read Newsweek's article on The Border War.  This page will go in the “Politics and Government” section of your notebook.  While reading, in one color underline or highlight facts or opinions that you agree with and in a second color, highlight facts or opinions that you disagree with.  We then discussed the article.

Homework:  Using the Portrait of an 'Alien' Nation chart, answer the questions on the worksheet.  These pages will go in the “American Society” section of your notebook.

Friday,
March 31

Class work: Collected last night's homework.  Discussed it briefly.  Then  the class played the Current Events game.

Homework:  None.

Class work: In class we read over the pages about the death of Slobodan Milosevic.  Pull the pages from the in class folder or download the readings here.  Read and highlight short phrases of main ideas.  Keep these in the "World Issues" section of your notebook.

Homework:  None.

Class work: The class watched today's CNN Student News show.  See the note below.  Pull the video worksheet from the in class folder or download it here, and see Miss Scharf to schedule a time to make up the video if you need to. 

Homework:  None

Class work: CBS Evening News has been running a special series on the War in Iraq, since Sunday is the third anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq.  See the note below.  Pull the video worksheet from the in class folder or download it here, and see Miss Scharf to schedule a time to make up the video if you need to.  Due to the shortened class period, we didn't finish the tape, so we will finish tomorrow and the video worksheet will be collected then.

Homework:  None

Class work: Finished the CBS news tape from yesterday and collected that page.  We then watched the next segment from the series.  See the note below.  Pull the video worksheet from the in class folder or download it here, and see Miss Scharf to schedule a time to make up the video if you need to. 

Homework:  After watching the video clip on the proposed oil drilling in along Florida's Gulf Coast.  Write an opinion paragraph on whether or not you feel the area should be open for drilling.  Make sure to write a topic sentence that clearly states your opinion, and then support that opinion with facts and examples.

Class work: Collected last night's homework.  Then  the class played the Current Events game.

Homework:  None.

Class work: Passed back papers and organized notebooks.  See Miss Scharf to get yours back.  Then we went over the Israeli Timeline.  Pull the page from the make-up work folder or download it.  Read it and keep it in your notes in the "World Religions and Culture" section of your notebook.

Homework:  None.

Class work: Reviewed facts about Muslims and Islam.  Then we finished going over the Israeli Timeline.  Pull the page from the make-up work folder or download it.  Read it and keep it in your notes in the "World Religions and Culture" section of your notebook.  Watched the video clip of the interview with the President.  We then discussed his policies towards current world issues.  Making up the video clip is optional.

Homework:  Start work on the Test #1 Review Sheet.  For tonight, complete questions # 1 to 25.  The test will be on Friday; make sure to study.  There will also be a notebook check on Friday, so make sure to get yours in order.

Class work: Checked last night's review sheet homework. Today, students were given in class time to work on their review sheets.  During class, students should try to answer around 30 questions. 

Homework:  Continue working on the Test #1 Review Sheet.  For tonight, finish your review (#55 to 85 or so).  The test will be on Friday; make sure to study.  There will also be a notebook check on Friday, so make sure to get yours in order.

Class work: Checked last night's review sheet homework.  Reviewed for tomorrow's test.

Homework:  Finish any incomplete portions of your review sheet.  Organize notebooks and study for tomorrow's test.

Class work: The class took Test # 1.  If you're absent, see me in the morning to schedule a time to make up the test prior to mods 15-16.  Make sure to turn in your notebook and review sheet to be graded.

Homework:  None.

Class work: The class watched a video on the history of Jerusalem.  This is a required video to make up, so see me to schedule a time to see it.  Pull the video page from the in class folder or download it here.

Homework:  Read the article on the Dubai company seeking to purchase US ports.  Pull the article from the in class make-up work folder or download it.  After reading, write a one-paragraph (5 to 7 sentence) paragraph answering the question "Should a Dubai-based company be allowed to manage American port facilities?"  Turn that question into your topic sentence and use the reading to build your supporting sentences.

Class work: Collected last night's homework.  Passed back papers and students checked their grades online. See Miss Scharf to get your papers back.  Pull from the in class make-up work folder or download the map of Israel.  See Miss Scharf to get her map, so you know how to fill yours in.

Homework:  Read the articles on the Palestinians.  While reading, highlight short phrases of information that are examples of difficulties faced by the Palestinians.  Then in a second color, underline or highlight, examples of how conditions are improving for the Palestinians. Pull the page from the in class folder or download it here: front side and back side.

Class work: Watched Part II of the Jerusalem video.  Pull the work sheet from the in class folder or download it here, and make sure to schedule a time to come in to watch the documentary.  This is a required video to make up, so make sure to hand the sheet in for a grade.

Homework:  None.

Class work: Watched the last seven minutes of Part II of the Jerusalem video.  Pull the work sheet from the in class folder or download it here, and make sure to schedule a time to come in to watch the documentary.  This is a required video to make up, so make sure to hand the sheet in for a grade.  Explained tonight's homework.  Class was only 15 minutes.

Homework:  Read the page on Hamas, and at the end of the reading, follow the directions for writing the reflection paragraph.  Pull the page from the in class folder or download it here.

Class work: Collected last night's homework.  Finished filling in the last few items from Wednesday's map.  Passed out the world map that shows the distribution of Shia versus Sunni Muslims throughout the world.  Pull the map from the in- class folder or download it.  The class played the Current Events game.

Homework:  None.

Monday,
February 20

No School - President's Day

Tuesday,
February 21

Class work: Passed back papers and organized then in the notebook.  Watched the CNN Student news show from February 16, 17, and 21.  See the note below.*  Download the video sheet here.

Homework:  None.

Wednesday,
February 22

Class work: Using the textbooks from the classroom, the students completed a class work page on the history of Israel.  See Miss Scharf to sign out a textbook.  Pull the class work page from the in class, make-up work folder or download it here.

Homework:  Read the article on the Israeli Kibbutz.  Answer the questions that are at the bottom of the page.  Make sure to answer on another sheet of paper, in full sentences and in your own words.

Thursday,
February 23

Class work: Discussed the Israel class work from yesterday.  We then discussed the attacked on the Shia mosque in Iraq.  We watched a 5-minute video clip on it.  See the note below.*  Download the video sheet here.  Then the homework was introduced.

Homework:  Read the page on the differences between the Shia and Sunni Muslims.  While reading, highlight in one color short phrases about the beliefs of the Shia and in another color short phrases of the beliefs of the Sunni.  Then with a third color, highlight short phrases of important facts about relations between the two groups today.  Pull this reading from the in class folder or download it here: front side and back side.

Friday,
February 24

Class work: Checked last night's homework. Make sure to turn yours in for points.  We discussed the differences between the Shia and the Sunni Muslims.  We then watched last night's ABC news show that went into more detail about the violence over the mosque attacks.  You do not need to make this up if you're absent; there's no video sheet for this show.  We also read the Cincinnati Post article on the recent arrest of three Ohio men who were accused of planning terrorist attacks in Iraq.  Pull the reading from the in class folder or download it.  Read it, highlight important facts and keep it in the World News Issues section of your notebook.

Homework:  None.

Class work: Continued to discuss the State of the Union speech.  Reviewed the Middle East map.

Homework:  Middle East map test on Friday.  Study a little each day.

Class work: Reviewed the Middle East map.  Discussed the Danish cartoon article from last week and the "Islam and Power" article.  Pull from the in class folder or download the notes on the Origins of Islam.  Get the notes from a class mate or get the information from Miss Scharf.  If time, we will read the articles "Should Countries be Liable for What Newspapers Print?" and "Denmark" during class; if we run out of time, read these for homework.

Homework:  Middle East map test on Friday.  Study a little each day.  Finishing reading the articles listed above; while reading, underline or highlight short phrases of important facts.

Class work: Finished the notes on the Origins of Islam from yesterday.  Get the notes from a class mate, download them, or get the information from Miss Scharf.  Started to watch the CNN video sheet over the news from yesterday and today.  Pull the video sheet from the in class folder or download it.  See the note below, and if you wish to make up the first half of the tape, then schedule a time to make it up.

Homework:  Middle East map test on Friday.  Study a little each day. 

Class work: Watched the second half of the video from yesterday.  Pull the video sheet from the in class folder or download it.  See the note below, and if you wish to make up the first half of the tape, then schedule a time to make it up.   Reviewed the Middle East map.  We then watched a 20-minute video on life in Israel.  While watching, make a list of at least 10 ways life in Israel is similar to life in the US, and at least 10 ways that life in Israel is different than life in the US.  This tape will need to be made up.  See Miss Scharf to schedule a time to view the tape.

Homework:  Middle East map test on Friday.  Study tonight!

Class work: Students took the test on the map of the Middle East.  Schedule a time to make up the test before 15-16.  Then the class played the Current Events game.

Homework:  None.

Monday,
February 6

No School - Snow Day

Tuesday,
February 7

Class work: The class finished the "30 Days" video from Thursday.  Pull the video sheet from the in class make-up work folder or download the video worksheet.  See Miss Scharf to schedule a time to make up the video.  Make sure to hand in the video sheet for class work points. 

Homework:  Read and underline or highlight short phrases of important information from the Middle East article.  Pull the reading from the in class folder or download it here: front side and back side.

Wednesday,
February 8

Class work: Checked, then discussed last night's homework.  The class then filled in the countries on the Middle East map.  Pull or download a blank map and then borrow my copy to fill in your map.

Homework:  Read the article on the scandal over the Muhammad cartoons published in Denmark.  While reading, in one color, underline or highlight short phrases of facts that are examples of what was offensive and why it was offensive to Muslims.  In a second color, underline or highlight examples of actions (protests, fires, riots, etc.) that have been taken by Muslims as a result of their anger over the cartoons.

Thursday,
February 9

Class work: Started class by passing back papers and giving the class time to check their grades online.  See me to get your papers back and to see how the grade website works.  The class was given time to organize their papers into the correct sections of their binders.  See the notebook table of contents link below to see how to organize your papers.  Checked last night's homework and discussed it. Make sure to hand yours in to get points.  If time, we will begin to discuss last week's State of the Union speech.