Moving to East Africa and Climate Change...

Hi gang,

You all can thank the Swedish Terror. We had a very constructive discussion about the amount of homework that I gave you all do for today's class and after reflecting upon it, I will work not to overload you with homework. It is important, however, that we make the most of our class time.

We have 3 classes left until the Winter Break. On Friday we will spend 1/2 the class period discussing the current UN Climate Change Conference and the second 1/2 of class briefly introducing ourselves to East Africa.

You all will have a physical and a political map test on Tuesday December 15. This quiz will consist of both political and physical feature questions pertaining to East Africa. You will receive the study maps on Friday in class. If you want to begin ahead however, refer to the book's section on East Africa.

For tonight, first, view this picture (click on the picture to see it or visit http://mail.google.com/a/isd.sn/?ui=2&ik=e6e1014a10&view=att&th=12572b52346365d7&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=f_g2zvjdeu0&zw):




What is going on with this student's internal debate about global warming? Can you relate to him/her? Do you worry about climate change or is it to far removed from your reality? Post your thoughts, your comments.

Next, visit the following website: http://en.cop15.dk/frontpage

Spend about 20 minutes or so reading through to find out what exactly this conference is all about. Be prepared to discuss the importance of this summit and what role your home country and Senegal is playing.

Ba ajuma!

North Africa assignments

Hi Class,

You have a lot to do for Wednesday:

1) Study for your Physical feature quiz

2) Turn in your research paper on North Africa - 1-1.5 page in length, must include bibliography. Turn in on loose-leaf paper.

3) The reading on Gaddafi and answer the following questions:

1. At what age did Gaddafi begin his rule of Libya?

2. Who did Gaddafi look to for inspiration when he was young?

3. Discuss the political system that he developed.

4. How does Gaddafi travel and why do you think he does so this way?

5. How has his upbringing affected his rule?

6. Why has he been given the title “mad dog”?

7. Discuss the advantages/disadvantages for having a one-man political leader as in this situation?

On to the next one...

What it do fam!

So, we are finishing West Africa and the movie Blood Diamond. I'm curious what are your thoughts, ideas, beliefs, opinions when you view this? Post a comment.

Next, travel to the slideshare notes on North Africa.

Read through the notes and answer ALL of the questions on the last slide. You will complete a second research paper on North Africa, which will be due on Wednesday. Also, you will have a political map test on Monday and a physical map test on Wednesday.

Monday in class we will discuss these regions more in-depth and brainstorm how they are connected. Please turn in all of your work on time. No excuses. Have a good weekend! Peace!

tests and tests and tests and tests...

Hey kiddos,

First unit exam coming up next week. You know what to do! STUDY!

Here are the notes for chapter 4, section 4 and chapter 4, section 5.

You are responsible for all sections in chapters 1-4. Study old quizzes as they will assist you in your studying.

maps and maps and maps and maps....

Hey gang,

I really enjoyed our discussions in class about culture...And, that dude with the pins in his mouth...OUCH!!! It's important we remain calm and culturally sensitive as this is A way of thought and life for some.

So, for Wednesday check out the notes on chapter 4, section 2 and answer the questions at the end of the chapter.

Also, please begin to study for your unit exam next Thursday.

Peace out homeyzzzz!!!!

People, places...ugly faces?

Yo gang,

Chapter 4 is all about how cultures arise from the places where they live. First of all, for Tuesday I want yous guys to read chapter 4, section 2. Also, please please please please please take some time over the weekend to review your notes, the sections, your returned quizzes.

Remember: if you fail to prepare you prepare to fail. Your unit exam will be a doozy and you should begin to study leegi leegi. It will be the week of October 12 - for shizzle.

Also, answer the following questions on loose-leaf paper that pertain to the notes you took in class on Thursday:

1. What factors make up culture? Which do you think is most significant when we define cultures?

2. Discuss how languages are spread. Which languages do you speak and which do you hope to learn? Why?

3. How do religions typically spread? Which of the main religions has spread the least/most? Why do you think that is?

Next, check out this article on the earthquake that recently hit Indonesia. This is a natural disaster and devastating to the people of this region. What scientific details does the author include that we have been studying in this class? Post a comment about this event.

Guess what - people in Indonesia listen to hip hop too...

Here are the notes posted on chapter 4, section 1

From chapters 3 to 4, what's next in store for GEO?

My peoples,

Today you were assessed of your knowledge of chapter 3 (sections 1,2, and 3). For Wednesday we will continue our study in Unit One with a in-depth look at chapter 4, section 1. This chapter deals with people and places.

First, travel to slideshare.net and view the notes on chapter 3, section 4. Answer the follow up questions at the end of the slide to turn in on loose-leaf paper on Wednesday.

Also, read chapter 4, section 1 and be prepared to discuss this section in class on Wednesday.

Finally, view the following video: India for sale

Is this okay, this cultural diffusion? Or, is it exploitation? Post a comment.

Climatically climatic climate...

Hey gang,

Here's your homework for Friday:

1) read chapter 3, section 4 - you will have your chapter 3 test next week

2) go to the following site to check out notes on chapter 3, section 3. you are responsible for the information on these notes and because of your presentations we will not go over these notes again (unless, of course, you have questions).

3) Answer the following questions on loose-leaf paper:
1. What are the two major factors that define climates?
2. What other factors influence climate?
3. What are the five general climate regions?
4. Review the climatic thematic map on page 60 and 61, how are the climates of the Northern Hemisphere different from the climates of the Southern Hemisphere?

Peace, keep up with your reading, see ya Friday!!!!

-for your own listening interests: check out the following group: ATMOSPHERE
Personally, I like the song "Yesterday"

Earthquakes and milkshakes...

What's up gang,

in class we discussed seasons, weather, and extreme weather. Here are some questions for you to answer:

1)What is the difference between weather and climate?

2)Differentiate between the 3 types of rain.

3)Give details about 2 types of extreme weather.

For tomorrow please read chapter 3, section 2. Also, check out these videos about el nino:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEoHz56jWGY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN_NmCpry38

Post a comment...peace!

Here come the sands...

Hi gang,

So, chapter two, finito...For Wednesday you should pre-read chapter 3, section 1 and 2. Answer the following question on loose-leaf paper:

How do the earth's revolution and tilt affect the seasons?

Also, check out this video on hurricane's

Video

watch the video entitled: "Hurricane dust"

Post a comment...

Oh no, it rocked the Philen scale...

Hi class,

Week 2 done-ditty-done-done-done...

Here are your homework questions to answer on loose-leaf paper:

1) How do the winds and the ocean distribute heat on the earth's surface?

2) Why is water such a valuable renewable resource?

3) Describe what happens with the hydrologic cycle.

4) Discuss how the tectonic plates affect our biosphere.

5) Differentiate between the three types of plate boundaries.


Now, check out this video and post a comment:

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

Also, please pre-read Chapter 2, section 4. You will have a quiz after we return from Lampool!!!!

do the pangea...

Hi class,

great job on your first quiz! Keep up the hard work...

Answer the following questions on loose-leaf paper to hand in on Friday!!! Also, please pre-read chapter 2, section 3 and 4 for discussion on Friday...

-What are the elements of the biosphere?

-How might the Earth's inner core affect the biosphere? And, visa versa.

-Discuss the continental theory. How do you think this theory affected people? (think in societal terms...what we discussed in class today)

Why can't I just use my GPS?

Yo class,

I'm really excited to have yous guys once again in my class. Our class has gotten smaller in size, but I'm certain we will do great things.

First of all, both classes should read chapter 1, section 1 and 2. Your first quiz will be on Monday August 31. Please familiarize yourself with the book.

Students should answer the following questions on loose-leaf to turn in at the beginning of class:

1. How do geographers view the world?
2. How are absolute and relative location different?
3. Determine the absolute location of Dakar, Senegal.



Finally, all students should view the following video about an episode of the West Wing and post a comment. How is the Peters map different and what does this tell us about maps in general?

Video

You, too, can surf the world for free...

Welcome ISD Geography students!!!

Soviet chaos?

Hello class,

So, today we started our study of Russia and the Republics. Remember to turn in your work on Tuesday. Now, check out these two videos on Chechnya.

Video 1

Video 2

Post a comment, post a response.

Also, please review the Final Exam essay. It is due on or before Wednesday June 10.

Today's issues in Europe...

Hi class,

the end is near. Today in class we presented what we have learned on each region of Europe. For Friday read chapter 14 - Today's Issues - and answer the following questions on loose-leaf paper. You will turn in these at the beginning of the class.

1. Discuss the roots of the Balkan conflict. What is at stake and what has happened to present day?

2. How did the different ethnic groups take sides during World War II?

3. Explain the idea of the creation of a Greater Serbia.

4. How did the war in Bosnia and the war in Kosovo differ?

5. How has the rest of the world gotten involved in the Balkan conflicts?


Next, read the case study on page 326-328. Answer the following questions:

6. How did the idea of the EU originate? How has it become what it is today?

7. Why does the UK not use the euro? Is this hypocritical?

Finally, respond to this question in a blog response:

Will there one day be a United States of Europe? What advantages/disadvantages are there to this idea? What is your opinion on the matter?

How will we fjord our way out of this one?

Yo class,

Nungi tambale sunu liggeey ak Europe. So, first, go to: http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/places/index.html

Watch the videos on Destination Spain and Ireland under the Western Europe regions section. What intrigues you about these two countries in Europe? How is this region distinct from other regions we have studied thus far?

Next, many of us have been fortunate enough to have traveled to Europe. However, we do not know all about it (though some of us probably think we do). What questions do you have about this region? We will do our best to attempt to answer or get on the path to answer these questions.

I ran through southwest asia...one...time

WHhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaasssssssssssuuuuppppp,

So, after your POLITICAL MAP TEST on Friday we will begin the flick "Persepolis". This movie is narrated through the eyes of a Persian woman reflecting upon her youth in a changing Iran. For this blog post you will research Iran and the Islamic Revolution that took place there in February of 1979.

First, read over the first part of Wikipedia's info

Second, look over the timeline of Iran

Third, read over the review of the movie that we will watch - "Persepolis"

In a non-judgmental manner we want to explore events and emotions surrounding this time period. I wonder, what do WE know about Iran and why do we know what we know? In this region how do politics and religion seem to mix and how do we, from the "Western" world view this? Are we judgmental of countries that intend to exist mixing the two? Or, are we merely judgmental of Islam? Thoughts?

Don't forget to study for your test!!!!

Afghani sports

We have started Southwest Asia with a look at "Kite Runner". Now, I want you to do a little research on the historical issues and events associated with the region.

First, travel to BBC news to view the timeline of the events surrounding the Soviet War in Afghanistan, as it is called.

Question: How is the Soviet War related to the Cold War? How did the US support Afghanistan and how has the idea of who to support there changed over time?

Next, travel to the country profile of Afghanistan.

Question: How has Afghanistan changed over the last 10 years? In the view of the US is this change a positive one? How do (and have) various ideas collided in this country.

And, check out this video (posted a year ago) about the Taliban's rising power.

Reflect upon what is happening there. Is there a solution? Should the US (and other countries) intercede with the issues there or should they stay out of it? Defend your answer.

Finally, think about these two questions on the movie:

1) What do we learn from the Afghanistan culture?

2) What questions do you have about life in Afghanistan (or in Southwest Asia) as you watch this film?

Post a response.

Don't forget - political map test on Friday and physical map test on Tuesday!!!

OUCH...

Check out this video on Thailand

-What might this video tell us about art and culture in Southeast Asia?

-Think of a question you would ask the artist.

-Do you think they are possessed or is it merely acting?

-Is there a connection between a belief in mystical elements and economic status?

Reflect...

what's a happenin'?

Hey class,

Nice work with the Japan book...On Wednesday we will discuss current issues in East Asia and review for your (short) unit test for Friday.

For tonight, watch the following videos about East Asia.

Reflect upon what you watched. Respond to your peers' posts if you want. Be ready to discuss on Wednesday.

Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
Video 4

Peace!

Hey, da baseball...

Knuckleheads, I apologize this was not posted yesterday. You see, what had happened was, I got a new kitten and I had all these kitten chores and then it was like midnight...yada yada yada...

Okay, for tonight, check out this video about baseball in Japan

Thoughts? Is this a good thing for the sport? Baseball is an American pastime, an American sport. What struggles might players on both sides experience? How might this help cultural exchange and understanding between nations?

How does this look in other sports? Is it fair that FC Barcelona can get players from all over the world to compete in the Spanish league?

Also, don't forget to complete your book assignments: page 650 #3 a,b,c and page 655 #3 a,b,c. Tomorrow in class we will discuss Japan and then do some artwork depicting the history of Japan.

Lost in a Bhut-iful beautiful world...

In our study of Nepal and Bhutan we learned much about these mountain "kingdoms". Check out the following video from current tv: http://current.com/items/88884836/lost_in_democracy.htm which takes an inside look at the changes that are currently transpiring and have already occurred.

What are your thoughts? Does this change your perspective on democracy? on cultural change? on globilization? It seems we have discussed this issue of globilization on a grander scale, but let's look at it more specifically to Bhutan. How do you think Buddhism reacts to the changing world?

a look at Southern Africa: Zambia

Here's your blog. Answer the questions on loose-leaf paper to turn in on Tuesday in class. Remember we will begin South Asia on Tuesday. Please pre-read chapters 24, 25, 26 and be ready to discuss!

Zambia
Use the following 4 sites in your investigation:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1719293.stm (BBC news timeline)
http://flagspot.net/flags/frn.html#frn (notes on the federation of Rhodesia)
http://www.greatnorthroad.org/boma/Historical_Notes_on_Northern_Rhodesia (primary source notes on Rhodesia)
http://www.times.co.zm/news/viewnews.cgi?category=7&id=1098412314 (information on the Cha-Cha-Cha campaign)

Answer the following questions:
1. What was the immediate motivation for Europeans to travel and to settle in the region of Zambia?
2. How does the catalogue describe the black Africans in this region? What is the purpose of this catalogue?
3. Who did the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland neglect to include in their “planning” process for stability in the area?
4. What was the Cha-Cha-Cha campaign and what is revealed in this article?

life with the Oku...

we are moving to Central Africa. For this sub-region project you will create a press release for a travel destination of your choice within Central Africa. To help us prepare for this assignment I want you to read the following article: http://www.njeitimah-outlook.com/articles/article/2076041/94345.htm

1) who is this article written for?
2) what is the purpose of this article?
3) what are some high points and low points of traveling this area?
4) How do the cultures differ within this area?


next, i want you to watch parts one and two of the al-jazeera report on congo.
part one
part two

what is the plight of the congo?
what might have changed since the recording of this report?

finally, i want you to research one influential person of Central Africa. Choose on of the countries and research one influential person, group, or organization. Discuss what you find on this blog site.

Don't forget:

Central African map test Thursday 1/22
Southern African map test Wednesday 1/28