In class we are watching a documentary on the crisis in Darfur. There are six perspectives to what is happening in Sudan. For this blog assignment I want you to first research the following website on professional athlete/celebrity Tracy McGrady.
How has Tracy involved himself with the issue in Darfur? What do you believe is the role of celebrities with world issues such as Darfur? Do we expect them to take a stand or is it not their problem?
What is your role? Do you think you have a significant role in what is happening there or with other worldly issues? Comment on the blog.
Second, I want you to select one of the six perspectives and discuss (on loose-leaf paper) their role, their motivation, and your perspective on what he/she is doing? What difficulties do he/she have in their life and how do you think they deal with the stress of the realities in their life?
You are expected to turn this in on loose-leaf paper tomorrow in class. Come ready to discuss...
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Egyptian norms...
Knuckleheads...So, we have moved to North Africa. Today in class we dissected the physical and political geography of North Africa and looked a bit into life in Egypt.
Check out this video about Egyptian culture
How does this help us understand the culture, the people, the influences within the country of Egypt and the region of North Africa?
Also, don't forget your other homework:
1) finish the brief research on Egypt
2) select an aspect to review on Algeria (on loose-leaf)
3) study for map test on Monday!!!!
Check out this video about Egyptian culture
How does this help us understand the culture, the people, the influences within the country of Egypt and the region of North Africa?
Also, don't forget your other homework:
1) finish the brief research on Egypt
2) select an aspect to review on Algeria (on loose-leaf)
3) study for map test on Monday!!!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
West Africa
Yes, yes, we have started a study of West Africa. Today in class I gave you a brief presentation about West Africa. Your homework is as follows:
1) Research a West African artist/musician/director and present some bit of information on the blog. Use this as an opportunity to begin your "research" process for your project that is due on November 17 (or 19th).
2) Answer page 445 1-3 on loose-leaf paper
3) Turn in a paragraph about what you will research for your project
4) Begin your work. You will have class time next week, but remember I expect EXCELLENCE and have high expectations for HOW you work in class...(no knuckleheads)
Have a good weekend!
1) Research a West African artist/musician/director and present some bit of information on the blog. Use this as an opportunity to begin your "research" process for your project that is due on November 17 (or 19th).
2) Answer page 445 1-3 on loose-leaf paper
3) Turn in a paragraph about what you will research for your project
4) Begin your work. You will have class time next week, but remember I expect EXCELLENCE and have high expectations for HOW you work in class...(no knuckleheads)
Have a good weekend!
Monday, November 3, 2008
yes, we all love unit tests...
Congratulations class!
You have just finished one unit test. I'm sure you all did very well and ench'llah you will have your grade by Wednesday. Either way we are moving on! With the next six weeks or so we will explore Africa. In this short blog I want you to state two questions you have about Africa - it can be about the culture, the geography, the history, any topic you choose.
We will take a few minutes on Wednesday to address these questions. Much of this unit will be research and project based. Also, I would like you to pre-read pages 400-414 in your text book.
Lastly, check out this video about the DRC.
What is the issue here and how might this help us better understand the predicament of the people of this region of Africa.
You have just finished one unit test. I'm sure you all did very well and ench'llah you will have your grade by Wednesday. Either way we are moving on! With the next six weeks or so we will explore Africa. In this short blog I want you to state two questions you have about Africa - it can be about the culture, the geography, the history, any topic you choose.
We will take a few minutes on Wednesday to address these questions. Much of this unit will be research and project based. Also, I would like you to pre-read pages 400-414 in your text book.
Lastly, check out this video about the DRC.
What is the issue here and how might this help us better understand the predicament of the people of this region of Africa.
Friday, October 24, 2008
developed and developing in one nation...
In class on Friday we learned about Economic Geography.
1) I want you to research GDP versus GNP in America and post what you find. How are these two figures different? Is there a country that has an even GNP and GDP?
2) Do a little more research and find the country with the highest per capita income. Is it surprising? What is this country known for and why do you think they have the highest per capita income?
3) Check out this video about Native Americans in the USA. How does this help us better understand the complexities of a nation?
Don't forget:
Projects due Tuesday
Unit test Thursday
PEACE
1) I want you to research GDP versus GNP in America and post what you find. How are these two figures different? Is there a country that has an even GNP and GDP?
2) Do a little more research and find the country with the highest per capita income. Is it surprising? What is this country known for and why do you think they have the highest per capita income?
3) Check out this video about Native Americans in the USA. How does this help us better understand the complexities of a nation?
Don't forget:
Projects due Tuesday
Unit test Thursday
PEACE
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Geo in the house...
Hi class!
So, I know you guys have a bit on your plate, but here's one more thing!!!!
Your homework for Monday is:
1) the population pyramid
2) pre-read chapter four, section 3
3) review notes of chapter four, section 3 to better prepare for class (they will be posted by Sunday - please give me a little time to finish)
4) chapter four project DUE DATE: Monday Oct. 28
5) Moving into Political Geography, there is huge discrepancy between communism and a democracy. What does democracy mean to you? How do you define communism? Discuss (general) advantages/disadvantages to each. Is there a perfect type of government? What solutions are there to disparities within a society?
So, I know you guys have a bit on your plate, but here's one more thing!!!!
Your homework for Monday is:
1) the population pyramid
2) pre-read chapter four, section 3
3) review notes of chapter four, section 3 to better prepare for class (they will be posted by Sunday - please give me a little time to finish)
4) chapter four project DUE DATE: Monday Oct. 28
5) Moving into Political Geography, there is huge discrepancy between communism and a democracy. What does democracy mean to you? How do you define communism? Discuss (general) advantages/disadvantages to each. Is there a perfect type of government? What solutions are there to disparities within a society?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
How do religions spread...
Knuckleheads.
We are in the midst of religious studies. On Thursday I will go over the slideshow notes of chapter four, section one. We will take a bit of a deeper look into some of the world religions, but we will go even more in-depth when we begin to study more specific regions of the world. With that said, check out the BBC's webpage on world religions.
Browse through the two sects of Buddhism, Rastafari, Shinto, Taoism, Unitarianism, and Judaism. Reflect upon your new (or maybe past) knowledge of these religions. Do they have anything in common? What is most dissimilar about them?
Next, check out his video of Matisyahu. Post a comment. What norms or stereotypes does he break? Is he sending a metaphorical message or is he merely a musician?
check out this one too: vid
Peace
We are in the midst of religious studies. On Thursday I will go over the slideshow notes of chapter four, section one. We will take a bit of a deeper look into some of the world religions, but we will go even more in-depth when we begin to study more specific regions of the world. With that said, check out the BBC's webpage on world religions.
Browse through the two sects of Buddhism, Rastafari, Shinto, Taoism, Unitarianism, and Judaism. Reflect upon your new (or maybe past) knowledge of these religions. Do they have anything in common? What is most dissimilar about them?
Next, check out his video of Matisyahu. Post a comment. What norms or stereotypes does he break? Is he sending a metaphorical message or is he merely a musician?
check out this one too: vid
Peace
Friday, October 10, 2008
Mr. Philen...is so cool...
Yo class,
I wish we had more time in class today to discuss the video we saw from Garrett Hardin. So, I want you to use this blog as a forum to think about what he stated and to comment on it.
Here are the questions I want you to consider:
1) If this man was not white or of European descent would this be viewed with a different mentality?
2) What point is Hardin making? Do you think it is valid? What advantages are there to what he says? What flaws are there in his "logical" thinking?
3) How does this view of ethnic separation make you feel? Discuss, if you would like, a time when your ethnicity was on the main stage for either a comforting or discomforting moment.
Next, I've been thinking about your chapter four project and check this out: class website
I sorta kinda have some ideas about how to assess this project, but I really think it'd be cool to publish something (whatever it is we will investigate) on-line and open it up to other folks to comment on. What do you think? How can we open up our class in a meaningful and academic and learning focused way? Think about it and post your ideas.
Finally, by popular demand I have posted class powerpoint notes. Check out DA SPOT. Have a good weekend...
ONE
I wish we had more time in class today to discuss the video we saw from Garrett Hardin. So, I want you to use this blog as a forum to think about what he stated and to comment on it.
Here are the questions I want you to consider:
1) If this man was not white or of European descent would this be viewed with a different mentality?
2) What point is Hardin making? Do you think it is valid? What advantages are there to what he says? What flaws are there in his "logical" thinking?
3) How does this view of ethnic separation make you feel? Discuss, if you would like, a time when your ethnicity was on the main stage for either a comforting or discomforting moment.
Next, I've been thinking about your chapter four project and check this out: class website
I sorta kinda have some ideas about how to assess this project, but I really think it'd be cool to publish something (whatever it is we will investigate) on-line and open it up to other folks to comment on. What do you think? How can we open up our class in a meaningful and academic and learning focused way? Think about it and post your ideas.
Finally, by popular demand I have posted class powerpoint notes. Check out DA SPOT. Have a good weekend...
ONE
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Ah ha, you're no match to my shaman powers...
Chapter four begins our study of Human geography. Check out these videos on world religions and comment below.
Check out this video on animism:
how does this video help you better understand animism? Is it a valid religion? What does animism neglect to have that may give it less value to the 1st world? Why do you think people hold so much value in religion?
Check out this video on the rain forest shaman:
What can we learn from the shaman?
What truths can we disprove?
How do you feel about alternative medical procedures and practices? Who decides that they are “alternative”?
Check out this video on animism:
how does this video help you better understand animism? Is it a valid religion? What does animism neglect to have that may give it less value to the 1st world? Why do you think people hold so much value in religion?
Check out this video on the rain forest shaman:
What can we learn from the shaman?
What truths can we disprove?
How do you feel about alternative medical procedures and practices? Who decides that they are “alternative”?
Monday, October 6, 2008
what culture you have...
Hello geographers! Please remember you have a chapter three quiz on WEDNESDAY! After the quiz we will sum up final staple crop presentations and then look at what's ahead in chapter four. Here's for tonight as well:
Watch: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=hNSYtaHIhR8
Discuss: what is unique about the people of the rice terraces? What is there to admire about this culture? Are we in a sense tainted by our experiences? Have we been somehow affected through our 1st world experiences that we could never live in a society such as this? Discuss.
Watch: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=hNSYtaHIhR8
Discuss: what is unique about the people of the rice terraces? What is there to admire about this culture? Are we in a sense tainted by our experiences? Have we been somehow affected through our 1st world experiences that we could never live in a society such as this? Discuss.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Holy Weekend Homework, Batman...
Hello class,
We are zooming through the world with our climatic zone shades on. (Insert: weird Geoffrey comment). So, you have a bit of homework this weekend, so sorry, but as that one kinda annoying "hill-billy" comedian says, "get 'er done".
So, first, check out this video about the Namib Desert.
Comment on the diversity of this desert. Discuss your travel experiences through deserts, any crazy tales - do share.
Then, check this out on the Kalahari Desert.
How is this desert different from the Namib Desert?
Finally, check out this on the Sahara Desert.
Think about the adaptations that these beetles make and comment on other animals that adapt according to the climate in which they live. How do humans adapt?
Have a good weekend!
We are zooming through the world with our climatic zone shades on. (Insert: weird Geoffrey comment). So, you have a bit of homework this weekend, so sorry, but as that one kinda annoying "hill-billy" comedian says, "get 'er done".
So, first, check out this video about the Namib Desert.
Comment on the diversity of this desert. Discuss your travel experiences through deserts, any crazy tales - do share.
Then, check this out on the Kalahari Desert.
How is this desert different from the Namib Desert?
Finally, check out this on the Sahara Desert.
Think about the adaptations that these beetles make and comment on other animals that adapt according to the climate in which they live. How do humans adapt?
Have a good weekend!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Global Warming...is it just mumbo jumbo?
Today in class we learned about factors affecting climate. Some are: wind currents, ocean currents, elevation, and zones of latitude. Another is global warming. But, how much do we really know about it? Is it a controversy or proved science. Watch the following two video clips and state your opinion. Also, pre-read chapter three, section three so you are ready for class on Thursday.
Project three due date is postponed to Wednesday October 1!!!
you tube clip
Many of you are underage to vote, to join the army, to do many things legally. So, what pull do you have with global warming. Why should people listen to your concerns? How can you influence an audience with your concerns?
Check out this site:
you tube clip part two
Please, do not watch all of this video...(unless of course you want to) I want you to focus on the first 2 and a half to three minutes. I am not intending to get you upset or to totally bring religion into geography class, but I want you to analyze a side in this issue (or controversy as some would say) of global warming. What is this man's point? How should these views be valued in society? How can conflicting views interact with this side? Is this a real opinion? How do you deal with ideas that are foreign to yours? What solutions are there to confront opposing sides? Think about it and reflect here.
We will discuss in class...See ya!
Project three due date is postponed to Wednesday October 1!!!
you tube clip
Many of you are underage to vote, to join the army, to do many things legally. So, what pull do you have with global warming. Why should people listen to your concerns? How can you influence an audience with your concerns?
Check out this site:
you tube clip part two
Please, do not watch all of this video...(unless of course you want to) I want you to focus on the first 2 and a half to three minutes. I am not intending to get you upset or to totally bring religion into geography class, but I want you to analyze a side in this issue (or controversy as some would say) of global warming. What is this man's point? How should these views be valued in society? How can conflicting views interact with this side? Is this a real opinion? How do you deal with ideas that are foreign to yours? What solutions are there to confront opposing sides? Think about it and reflect here.
We will discuss in class...See ya!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
homework, yes!!!!!!
Knuckleheads,
You've completed two tests thus far...Yes, I will have your most recent grade for you on Friday. For homework tonight you have some book work :( Read in your textbook pages 49 - 53 and answer questions 1-3. Turn in on loose leaf!!!
Remember extra credit on your last test if your parents attend Open night
ONE
You've completed two tests thus far...Yes, I will have your most recent grade for you on Friday. For homework tonight you have some book work :( Read in your textbook pages 49 - 53 and answer questions 1-3. Turn in on loose leaf!!!
Remember extra credit on your last test if your parents attend Open night
ONE
Monday, September 15, 2008
recycling in Dakar?
Check out this article about recycling in Dakar and then post an idea for contributing to recycling in our beautiful city of Dakar.
Don't forget: quiz Wednesday and turn in paper if you haven't yet done that...
ONE
Don't forget: quiz Wednesday and turn in paper if you haven't yet done that...
ONE
Friday, September 12, 2008
Hiking madness...
This past week we discussed continental (and oceanic) landforms. Mountains are quite possibly my favorite (although recently learning how to surf may change my outlook, dude) landform. Watch this video about a North American mountain range:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xp1g1woeO8&feature=related
After watching discuss what you found captivating. Discuss nature conservancy methods in countries where you have lived or where you are from. What advantages are there in conservancy? Do we, meaning humans, have an obligation to conserve nature? Or, is there a bigger obligation to the people of the world?
And remember, your paper is due Monday and your quiz is also Wednesday (chapter two)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xp1g1woeO8&feature=related
After watching discuss what you found captivating. Discuss nature conservancy methods in countries where you have lived or where you are from. What advantages are there in conservancy? Do we, meaning humans, have an obligation to conserve nature? Or, is there a bigger obligation to the people of the world?
And remember, your paper is due Monday and your quiz is also Wednesday (chapter two)
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Asteroids, comets, and the dead zone...
What it is...
So, check out the following two websites and post a comment (meaning something learned or interesting) on each
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/geopedia/Earth_Scars#Target%20Earth
http://www.smm.org/deadzone/
So, check out the following two websites and post a comment (meaning something learned or interesting) on each
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/geopedia/Earth_Scars#Target%20Earth
http://www.smm.org/deadzone/
Friday, September 5, 2008
Hollywood "business"
Go to the website below and watch…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMLMEttgyEk
Does Hollywood make things unbeknown to us seem too real or are they documenting truth? There are many movies based on science –sorta- and others that are just ridiculous. Comment on this citing movie examples. How are we to take this Hollywood “business”?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMLMEttgyEk
Does Hollywood make things unbeknown to us seem too real or are they documenting truth? There are many movies based on science –sorta- and others that are just ridiculous. Comment on this citing movie examples. How are we to take this Hollywood “business”?
Monday, September 1, 2008
The perfect storm
Go to http://current.com/items/89253739_mayor_get_out_of_new_orleans_now and read the article about Hurricane Gustav. Leave a comment. What dilemma do the people have? What would you do? Discuss (if you have) your experiences with evacuations situations. What is (or do you think is) the most stressful aspect of a situation like this. Follow the storm tonight and come in on Wednesday ready to discuss.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Catching caches through through geocaching...
I was very impressed with your responses posted on Tuesday. Excellent job! I happen to agree with many of you in that I don't think there is a "correct" way to say something, but we have to train ourselves to be flexible with language so as to best communicate with others. Anywho, in class we learned about different types of maps (and the beef that people have with standard maps) and the elements and components of maps. I know you all have a lot on your plate right now, but respond to the following post:
Check out http://www.geocaching.com Find out what is geocaching. How do people play, what kinds of caches do people hide, find present caches in Senegal. Finally, do you think geocaching has a "useful" purpose or is it merely a game? Can it be used as a tool instead, somehow? Discuss...(and enjoy your weekend)
Check out http://www.geocaching.com Find out what is geocaching. How do people play, what kinds of caches do people hide, find present caches in Senegal. Finally, do you think geocaching has a "useful" purpose or is it merely a game? Can it be used as a tool instead, somehow? Discuss...(and enjoy your weekend)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Blog reading and response
Check out the webpage http://www.popvssoda.com
Read the study conducted and comment using the following questions as guiding thoughts:
Is there a correct way to say something? Is this a good interpretation of a perceptual region? Why or why not. What opinions do you have about this study and the researchers conclusions? Give at least one other example of a perceptual region based on the definition studied in class.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
What do you think?
What elements of geography can you find in this work? Who is the artist and why might he/she have chosen to create this metaphorical piece? What do the continents represent? What is the woman in the piece doing and why? What emotions are evoked from this work?
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