Declaration of Independence Student Teachers

Who doesn't enjoy a flashback to the past every now and then? That's exactly what my juniors got to do today, as they took a trip down the hallway (and memory lane) to the elementary and junior high. Their mission: to educate the younger kids (who look up to them very much) about the Declaration of Independence and why it is so important.

Last week and for the early part of this week, the students took on a huge undertaking: to take the old Declaration of Independence and translate it into modern-day 2009 language! They did precisely that, and I wrote their translations onto tea-stained posterboard! The hand cramp was certainly worth it!

Economics students have done an amazing job in their analysis of price controls, price ceilings/floors, competition, etc. We're going to play Who Wants to be a Millionaire in class tomorrow to review for the test on Friday!

US History II students have been in a conservative frame of mind this week, as we've discussed Ronald Reagan's policies with the economy and "trickle-down" economics!

And finally, World Geography students just finished a simulation in which they were representatives of Canadian cities trying to lure the Olympics to their city! 'Twas a lot of fun for all involved.

Tomorrow I'll reveal the August/September Class of the Month! Stay tuned...

Revolutionary War Songs

One of the assignments for US History I this week was to take some information they learned in class and create a song out of it. You've absolutely got to hear the song Brandy created to the tune of Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

“Boston”

by Brandy Schaeffer

To the tune of “Thriller”

 

It’s close to midnight

And Paul Revere hears a signal by the Brits

Under the moonlight

He jumps on top his horse and rides along.

He tries to scream

But the minutemen already see the lanterns

They start to freeze

As Britain looks them right between the eyes

They’re paralyzed

 

‘Cuz this is Boston! Boston yeah,

And no one’s gonna save you from the Brits about to strike

Ya know it’s Boston! Boston, yeah

You’re fighting for your life within a minute’s notice

 

You hear the gun shot

And you realize the war has just begun

You feel your heart beat

And wonder if this is really it

You close your eyes

And hope that this is all imagination

But all the while

A British soldier’s sneaking up behind, you’re out of time 

Chorus

 

 

 

 

Happy Fall!

Yes, fall is here, but you almost wouldn't know it with the Indian Summer we've been experiencing lately. Football is in full swing, but the harvest and cooler weather will have to wait awhile, apparently!

I did some extra research on Ben Franklin last week, as he made a special appearance in both my US History I classes. In addition to inventing the lightning rod, Franklin also invented the armonica, fire insurance, street lamps, the first library in the colonies, bifocals, and a library chair. And this was only in one phase of his life!

And wow, I found some golden quotes that I just had to share. Check these out:

"Little strokes fell great oaks"

"He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals."

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."

If you'd like to check out more, here's the website: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_franklin.html

What's Going On This Week:

US History I - Declaration of Independence and Common Sense - it all will make sense by the end of the week!

US History II - I love the 80s - do you? Reagan, Challenger, Olympics, and more

World Geography - It's "Getting to Know You" week as we study our next-door neighbor Canada. Sounds good, eh?

Economics - What are the consequences to farm subsidization and how does it affect the supply curve? Sounds dry but my ECON class will tell you....it's NOT! What a great discussion today, and Tuesday we're playing the Economic Hitman Simulation.

Fun times indeed! Keep on truckin'!

OJ, Rodney King, Economic Hit Men, and More

Burning Question:

Would OJ Simpson have gone free if Rodney King never would have been arrested? It's certainly a fascinating question, and one that my seniors are currently discussing. It's interesting to note that the long history of racial profiling, abuse, mistreatment of minorities by the LAPD had gone unchecked, and the Rodney King riots of 1992 certainly were in the back of the juror's minds as they listened to Johnnie Cochran give his closing arguments.

World Geography has a test tomorrow while US History I has a short quiz on the issues behind the Revolution. Great week so far!

And The Beat Goes On...

Believe it or not, it's already Week 5 of the new school year. It's sure flown fast! It's been exciting and fun and I am truly enjoying the time of my life every day at school. The students never fail to impress me with their ideas and innovation. Keep up the good work!

This past weekend I got the chance to fly to Washington, DC and participate in the Tea Party rallies on the West Lawn of the US Capitol Building. Many citizens are concerned with the increased amount of government control and interaction that is taking place in our lives, and I am one of them. I had never taken part in a political rally before, but it was definitely exciting. No one knew how many people were there, but estimates range from 70,000-2,000,000!

Here's a quick snapshot of the week ahead:

US History II - Do you love the 90s? Hate Waco and Ruby Ridge? Students will answer those questions and more in US History II this week.

US History I - Ben Franklin will be making a special appearance for my classes on Tuesday. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions about Franklin and the colonies in the pre-Revolutionary War days.

World Geography - What's an economic hit man? Why are countries so far ahead of others in terms of development? Definitely an exciting week in Geography.

Economics - Supply and Demand Week! Students will get a nice introduction to supply and demand and analyze its impact on the millions of economic decisions consumers make everyday.

Labor Day

I hope everyone's Labor Day was fantastic. For many people it's the official end of summer: the pool shuts down and gets a tarp over it, the closets get changed around to accomodate some fall/winter clothes, and you guessed it - football is back!

As we prepare to start a shortened week, let's take a look at the holiday that we just celebrated.

The First Labor Day

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.

From US Department of Labor website

Global Warming?! Hoax or Reality?

That was one of a myriad of questions my Geography class tackled this week. We examined the myths and facts behind global warming, taking in both sides of the debate. We watched clips from Al Gore's documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," but were later dismayed to hear that he is being sued for fraud for the use of some misleading charts during the documentary.

Congratulations to Dalton Hammond for winning $1,000,000 by going all the way in "Who Wants to be a Millionaire: Economics Edition!" Or...make that 5 questions to be crossed off on today's test! You'll have to ask him sometime about the million dollar question- he didn't even flinch!

We had our first round of quizzes this week in 3 of my classes. I can't tell you how proud I am of my students this year. They're paying attention, they work hard, and it's showing already. Kudos. Don't let off the gas!

Countdown to Labor Day is officially under way- hope it's great!!