The post on the project

Hi gang,

Here are the details for the Central and Southern Africa exploration project:


-20 countries
-20 presentations

-Groups (or individuals) will give overview of country – culture (foods, tribes, languages, literature, music), brief history, colonial influence/effects of colonialism, politics, the economy (resources, sectors of economic activity), national landscape, current events. Essentially, you will be the master of your learning. You can learn what you want about your country. Any topic that you think is relevant/significant/meaningful
-Play at least 1 video that will assist the audience with understanding your country (if you create an iMovie about your country you will not need an additional video)
-5-7 minute presentation

-To begin on Wednesday February 9!!!!!

-Remember to save your work; send it to your email account or save it on a USB…

-You MUST include bibliography as part of work – use easybib.com if you do not know how to properly cite!!!

Here are the country/individual match-ups:

Cameroon - Leticia
Central African Republic - Sang Hun
The Republic of the Congo - Patrick
The Democratic Republic of Congo - Lori and Khadidiatou
Gabon - Yonas
Sao Tome and Principe - Norkor
Equatorial Guinea - Ryan
Angola - Carine
Botswana - Michael
Comoros - Steffon
Mauritius - Senja
Madagascar - Amy
Malawi - Alimou
Mozambique - Richard
Namibia - Samantha
South Africa - Clara and Nikki
Swaziland - Valentin and Marco
Zambia - Yana
Zimbabwe - Elizabeth
Lesotho - Birassi

There is no switching! Have fun exploring! Get creative! Find out what you want to learn about these countries. This project will be as dynamic as YOU make it!

Ancient History, The Nile, Rai Music, FOOD, and Cartoons

Hi gang,

For homework yous guys and gals will do some individual investigation on North Africa.

First, read the following information from BBC news about the history of the Nile:

Ancient Egyptian History

Take some notes and be ready to discuss what you have learned.

Next, check out following video on the Nile river:

The Split

Then, research Rai music and come ready to share what you have found.

Finally, in thinking about our discussion of gender stereotypes prevalent in cartoons, analyze a cartoon that has clear gender role stereotypes. Break down how it is shown.

In class on Friday we will base our discussion around your findings and we will begin a documentary about the genocide in Darfur.

Don't forget to study for your map quiz which will be next Tuesday!!!!

Peace out and KILL YOUR TV!

West African literature

Hi gang,

Today in class we took a look at a few prevailing issues in West Africa, namely overfishing, musical influences, the increase in drug traffic-ing in Guinea-Bissau, and the diamond conflict in Sierra Leone. The goal is for you to not only be informed about these issues but to also offer understanding and insight. What is the role of the high school student with these issues? Viewing them simply from afar (I would argue) is not enough.

For homework, please remember to turn in your paper on your West African study. You need to include a bibliography when appropriate. This should be written in Times New Roman font, 12 size, double spaced, and should be at least 1.5 pages in length.

Also, I would like you to read the following short story from Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie:

The Headstrong Historian

On Thursday we will continue our discussion on West Africa and discuss this story, as well.

Have fun reading!

GEO is NEAT-O

Hi gang,

We are finishing up chapter 4 and unit 1. You will have a chapter 4 quiz on Monday, then we will review the unit on Wednesday and your unit 1 final exam will be Friday! There is a lot to cover.

For your convenience I've posted the notes on chapter 4, section 5 on slideshare.net. You may find them here:

http://www.slideshare.net/mrphilen/geochapter-four-section-5

Also, here is the link to the video we began in class about gentrification:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzsOl5zVw-8

For your quiz you should review the bold-faced vocabulary from the text book. Also, be sure you are able to respond to the section assessment questions in the book, as well. The quiz will be in the same format - part matching, part true/false, 5 short answer.

Study diligently and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at Brad@isd.sn

Thanks!

Understanding the Greek deficit and its impact on the Euro

Hello there, gang. So, there is some economic turmoil in the Balkans, and as inquisitive learners and future leaders of the world, it is our job to better understand this phenomenon and acknowledge how this might affect other regions of the world. This is geography at its core. For this assignment you will read some current event articles from the New York Times and reflect upon the events transpiring in Europe.

First, go to: http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/greece/index.html

This gives an overview of the economic debt crisis in Greece. Answer the following questions:

1. Greece’s president elect in 2009 asked for an international bailout. What does this mean exactly and why did he ask for this?




2. How much will this bailout essentially cost and who will pay for this? How will this affect the everyday European? How will this affect the everyday Greek citizen do you think?




3. The purpose of the EU is to bring unity to European nations. Do you think the handling of this is uniting Europe or will this create animosity towards the Grecian economy, leaders, and people?



4. Should Greece pay a penalty for this bailout? What is the purpose of the “Euro zone”?



5. What economic changes will occur in Greece and how do you think the people will react to this? Does this seem fair?



6. What is learned from this economic debt crisis? What does this mean/suggest to other regions/nations in the world?

7. How might foreign nations/regions/continents view the reaction to this crisis?

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.