Showing posts with label country profile project. Show all posts
Showing posts with label country profile project. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Country Profile Project, Day 8 - Class Recap


A tree with prayer flags on the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. It was quite an experience to climb up to this point! Photo taken in 2014.

Dear class,

Today was our last day working with the Country Profile Project in class (hooray!) which means there is a lot of work ahead before next class, especially for students that did not have completed rough drafts today! Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets: 
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Research LT 1: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
Critical Thinking LT 2: I can explain connections between events, issues, problems and concepts.
Knowledge LT 10: I can explain demographic changes in the world and their effects.
Behavior LT1: I can manage my responsibilities as a student.

Soundtrack: "You've Got A Friend" by Carole King and James Taylor. Selected for today because a good friend doing a peer review helps a lot, and I wanted everyone to know I was going to try to help as much as possible to get you in a position to be successful on this project. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 4/17/18:
News Brief - Kate
Peer Review
Work Time
Conferences

Homework: Read the blog! Final draft of Country Profile Project is due at the start of next class (submitted on Google Classroom or printed if you cannot turn it in there). Complete your CPP Reflection if you would like to try for college dual credit! Next news brief: Jaden W.
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News Brief: Kate had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: BBC.com - Theresa May 'deeply regrets' UK's colonial anti-gay laws. We found the United Kingdom again in our world maps and talked about this important story. Thanks, Kate!

The next news brief was assigned to Jaden W.

We also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Peer Review: Today's class was supposed to be focused on getting as many good peer reviews on your historical investigation as possible. Here was the sheet I passed out in class for people to use.


Make sure that you look to correct spelling and grammar, as well as the format issues!

Work Time: The rest of class was devoted to working on review or doing whatever possible on the Country Profile Project. Here is the final assignment, again, if you need to look at it:


Conferences: As students were working on review, I called every student that I could in the class up to talk about where they were at, what support was needed, what changes I saw needed to be done, or in some cases, just asking what in the world has been going on for the last month, since there was so little productivity to be seen. For many students, there is a LOT of work over these next couple of days to be done.

As always, if you are confused about what to do, please email me or comment and I would be happy to help. I suspect at this point most students know what to do - they just wanted to put it off until the very last moment to get it done. Well, that moment has arrived. Work hard to get this done, please. Thank you!
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Thursday, April 12, 2018

Country Profile Project, Day 7 - Class Recap


Mahatma Gandhi's bed at his home in Delhi, India. Sometimes, simple living can be powerful! Photo taken in March of 2015.

Hi everyone,

Today was our last day of in class time working for the Country Profile Project before next class, when the rough draft is due to be peer reviewed! Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets: 
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Research LT 1: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
Critical Thinking LT 2: I can explain connections between events, issues, problems and concepts.
Knowledge LT 10: I can explain demographic changes in the world and their effects.Behavior LT1: I can manage my responsibilities as a student.
Behavior LT1: I can manage my responsibilities as a student.

Soundtrack: "This Time is the Last Time" by Mae. Selected for today because it was the last time we worked together as a class before the Country Profile Project rough draft was due! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 4/12/18:
News Brief - Noah
Rough Draft Expectations
Final Questions?
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog! Your Country Profile Project rough draft is due next class. Next news brief: Grace.
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News Brief: Noah had the news brief today and selected this article about this story to talk about: CNN.com - Algerian military plane crash kills 257 people. We found Algeria in our world maps and talked about this tragic story.

The next news brief was assigned to Kate.

We also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Rough Draft Expectations: Here's a copy of how you will be peer reviewing the Historical Investigation next class, which is so important to being able to turn in a good research paper:


Please be sure to bring in your Chromebook (or if you do not have a Chromebook, a printed version of your paper) at the start of class  so that we can peer review and I can have a look at it as well. I will call students up one by one in class so we can look at it together and I can go over any last changes that I am requesting. Make sure that you look to correct spelling and grammar, as well!

Final Questions? Here is the overview of the assignment, again, if you need to look at it:


It seemed like students knew what they were doing at this point and wanted to get to work, so we started up work in class.

Work Time: The rest of class was devoted to working in class on the assignment, and I was happy to try and answer questions, as well as help as much as I could. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do! Almost done! Keep it up!
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Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Country Profile Project, Day 6 - Class Recap


Flying over New Delhi, India in 2015. Check out the population density of the buildings below!

Hi everyone,

Only one more day of in class work time after today on the Country Profile Project! Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets: 
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Research LT 1: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
Critical Thinking LT 2: I can explain connections between events, issues, problems and concepts.
Knowledge LT 10: I can explain demographic changes in the world and their effects.Behavior LT1: I can manage my responsibilities as a student.
Behavior LT1: I can manage my responsibilities as a student.

Soundtrack: "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele. Selected for today because of the rainy weather outside. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 4/10/18:
News Brief - Kenzie/Zachary
Calendar Review
Late Work
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog! Country Profile Project rough draft due on 4/17 (A Day) or 4/18 (B Day). Keep working on it outside of class! Next news brief: Noah.
---
News Brief: Kenzie and Zachary had the news brief today and selected this article about this story to talk about: CNN.com - Russia blames Israel for strikes on Syrian airbase. We found Syria in the world map, and talked about the ongoing situation there, as well as the possibility of the United States launching an attack in response.

We also checked in about the weekend and what people were up to.

We also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):

The next news brief was assigned to Noah.

Calendar Review: There is a lot coming up with work on the Country Profile Project and a few changes to be aware of, so we went through the latest updates on the calendar, which is here:


Late Work: Because Friday is our last Grading Day of the semester (aside from after finals) and your only Progress Report grade, I wanted to make sure that students knew that they could turn in any late/missing/revised work for grading by Friday to improve their grade for the Progress Report. If you have any questions or need help, please let me know!

Work Time: The rest of class was devoted to working in class on the assignment, and I was happy to try and answer questions, as well as help as much as I could. I was really pleased by how hard everyone seemed to be working - I hope it is all coming together for you! As a reminder, this outline will help you write the bulk of your research paper.


Here is a new, more detailed outline for the research paper, if you would like it:


Remember, there are plenty of research tools and examples on Google Classroom for you to take a look at!
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Friday, April 6, 2018

Country Profile Project, Day 5 - Class Recap


Some students are researching the France for their Country Profile Project. Here is the French flag waving in Paris, in 2013.

Dear class,

Thank you for your continued hard work on the Country Profile Project. Only about a week and a half left until it is all due! Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets: 
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Research LT 1: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
Critical Thinking LT 2: I can explain connections between events, issues, problems and concepts.
Knowledge LT 10: I can explain demographic changes in the world and their effects.Behavior LT1: I can manage my responsibilities as a student.
Behavior LT1: I can manage my responsibilities as a student.

Soundtrack: "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who. Selected for today because was recently April Fools Day! I did not try to fool anyone in class. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 4/6/18:
News Brief - Kaylee
Calendar Review
Research Outline
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog! Country Profile Project rough draft due on 4/17 (A Day) or 4/18 (B Day). Keep working on it over the weekend! Next news brief: Kenzie.
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News Brief: Kaylee had the news brief today and selected this article about this story to talk about: BBC.com - Australia 'shocked' by 2,400 sheep deaths on export ship. We found Australia in the world map (earlier, we did Brazil), and talked about the story for a little bit.

We also checked in about the weekend and what people were up to.

We also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):

The next news brief was assigned to Kenzie.

Calendar Review: There is a lot coming up with work on the Country Profile Project and a few changes to be aware of, so we went through the latest updates on the calendar, which is here:


Research Outline: Next, I showed students an overview for the research essay (50% of the grade for the college project), and a helpful way to break down what you need to research. Copies for each student are in Google Classroom.


I hope this helps in terms of understanding what you need to do! We also looked at the Culturegrams website as being a helpful source of information, just like the CIA World Factbook.

Remember, there are plenty of research tools and examples on Google Classroom for you to take a look at!

Work Time: The rest of class was devoted to working in class on the assignment, and I was happy to try and answer questions, as well as help as much as I could. I was really pleased by how hard everyone seemed to be working - I hope it is all coming together for you!

Have a great weekend! Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you be successful!
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Country Profile Project, Day 4 - Class Recap


Revolution Square, in Bucharest, Romania has this monument to King Carol I. The square is quite famous in Romanian history! Photo taken in 2013.

Hi everyone,

It's time to get back to work as we get closer to the end of the year! We had a day in class of researching for the Country Profile Project. Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets: 
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Research LT 1: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
Critical Thinking LT 2: I can explain connections between events, issues, problems and concepts.
Knowledge LT 10: I can explain demographic changes in the world and their effects.Behavior LT1: I can manage my responsibilities as a student.

Soundtrack: "Come Together" by The Beatles. Selected for today because we began to work on Part A and Part B. Beatles. Part B. Get it? Also, because peer review involves coming together to improve. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 4/4/18:
News Brief - Zachary
Economics
Parts A and B
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog! Keep working on your Country Profile Project. If you do not have your Current Event turned in, you are behind! Next news brief: Kaylee.
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News Brief: Zachary had the news brief today, but missed class, so I filled in and talked about this story: TheGuardian.com - Skripal poisoning: deleted Foreign Office tweet leads to awkward questions. We found the United Kingdom in the world map packet and talked about this story for a bit.

We also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


The next news brief was assigned to Kaylee.

Current Events were due in class today for students. Make sure you upload it on Google Classroom so that I can grade it and give you feedback for revisions! It is also a good idea to get a peer review on this.

Economics: To try and help students understand some main economic concepts some more, in order to incorporate them into your Country Profile Project research summary, we took a look at this document (also on Google Classroom) together:


Use these to identify what kinds of economic systems are in your country!

Parts A and B: Next, we started the bulk of the Country Profile Project by looking into more depth at the countries. This was the worksheet to start (also on Google Classroom):


Here's an example of how to do this:


Hopefully, by analyzing the maps and looking at the countries students are becoming more familiar with geographic and human characteristics.

After this activity, I passed out this guide for taking notes as students conduct research and start outlining what the final product should look like:


We will have in class research and writing time for much of the next few classes, with your first draft of research summary being due by 4/10 (A Day) or 4/11 (B Day).

Work Time: The rest of class was devoted to working quietly on the Country Profile Project assignment, and I was happy to try and answer questions.

Thank you for your hard work - please let me know if there is anything else I can help with!
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Monday, April 2, 2018

Country Profile Project, Day 3 - Class Recap


Over Spring Break in 2015, I traveled to India, and went to Mahatma Gandhi's home. These footsteps mark where he was, leading up to the spot where he was assassinated. Photo taken in March of 2015.

Hi everyone,

Welcome back from Spring Break! We have plenty to do in class, in finding information to complete your Current Event and then using that research to write. Here's what we did in the last class before the break:

Learning Targets: 
Knowledge LT 19: I can explain the impacts of nationalism and revolutionary movements.
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Research LT 1: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
Critical Thinking LT 2: I can explain connections between events, issues, problems and concepts..

Soundtrack: "Give Your Heart A Break" by Demi Lovato. Selected for today because hopefully you feel rested up and ready to get back to work. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 4/2/18:
News Brief/Spring Break - Mr. Fritz
Current Event Expectations
Research
Lit and Comp Book Selections

Homework: Read the blog! Your typed Current Event is due next class! See example for what to do here. Next news brief: Zachary.
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News Brief: I had the news brief today and selected this article to talk about: BBC.com - Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed wants to resolve Eritrea disputes. We found the Ethiopia in our world map packet and noted we did a story on this event, before moving on.

We checked in about what students were up to over Spring Break this year. I hope everyone is feeling ready for the last two and a half months of the school year! We have lots of work to do.

We also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Current Event Expectations: Next class, your CPP Current Event is due. It should be 2-3 pages with at least two research sources, cited in MLA format (use EasyBib.com to help with this for the Works Cited page, and remember to use the author's last name for in-text citations). Again, please be following the calendar for what we are working on in class. Remember to use this guide for taking notes on your Current Event and that your articles do have to be on the same topic.

Also, please remember that the grading rubric for the college dual credit portion of this assignment has these expectations:

1. Current Event explained in terms of economic and geographic principles such as location, organization, space, and place.

2. Impact of the event on individuals or groups in particular places is described.

3. Analysis is presented in an appropriate, clear and coherent manner.

Research: After explaining all of this, we had in class work time. I know this is quite a lot of information, all at once, so I tried to check in and help students figure out something to write about.

Lit and Comp Book Selections: The last 40 minutes or so of class was dedicated to looking into more depth with regards to Lit and Comp book club selections. Here is the PowerPoint we went through:


The link to a Google Form to select which books are your first/second choices is on your Lit and Comp Google Classroom for Mr. Puterbaugh. Select wisely! :-)

See you next class, when your Current Event will be due and we will then start working on the bulk of your Country Profile Project.
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Thursday, March 22, 2018

Country Profile Project, Day 2 - Class Recap

Another picture from my Spring Break trip to Washington, D.C. in 2010: this is the National Archives building, where the original copies of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution are held.

Hi everyone,

Our last official class before Spring Break! Lots to do, for sure. Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets: 
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Research LT 1: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
Critical Thinking LT 2: I can explain connections between events, issues, problems and concepts.
Knowledge LT 10: I can explain demographic changes in the world and their effects.

Soundtrack: "Marry The Night" by Lady Gaga. Selected for today because it was super dark out the past few weeks in the morning, for Daylight Savings Time. Now getting a little better! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 3/22/18:
News Brief - Andrew
Demographics
Citing Sources
Current Events

Homework: Read the blog! Finish your demographic indicators packet (just the definitions and data for your chosen country). Work on your Current Event for the Country Profile Project over Spring Break by finding two articles and writing up notes and analysis - check the calendar to see when it is due! Next news brief: Mr. Fritz.
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News Brief: Andrew had the news brief today and selected this story to talk about: CNN.com - Hundreds of rebels begin evacuating Syria's Eastern Ghouta. We found Syria on our world maps and discussed this story together.

We checked in about what people were up to outside of class, before moving on.

I will do the next news brief, as it is after Spring Break.

We also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Demographics: Because a key point of the Country Profile Project is to understand the human geography and economics of your selected country, it is important to understand demographics, which is data that relates to population and groups of people. Here is the presentation that we went through in class:


With this information, I then passed out copies of this packet (most students accessed it using Google Classroom):


Today in class, students used the CIA World Factbook website for their chosen country and started filling out the definitions in the first column on the left, and the statistics for their chosen country on the far right column.

This information will help in understanding what the human geography and economics are like in your country. Treat this as homework to finish (just the definitions and statistics for your country - we will do the rest later in the semester) outside of class.

Citing Sources: Please cite your sources in a separate Works Cited page at the end of your Current Event. Use MLA format - an easy way to get this citation for use in your paper is to use EasyBib.com.

Current Events: The rest of class was spent trying to identify a good Current Event for your Country Profile Project, and finding two sources that address the topic. As a reminder, students are using this note taking sheet to do this, which notes how geography and economics are addressed:


The assignment sheet and example for how to fill out the notes can be found here:


Over the break, students need to be writing up their Current Event. Here is the Willamette Promise rubric for how this will be graded as a part of the college credit component:



Finally, if you are looking for an example Current Event, Mr. McCreery helpfully wrote one up, here:


Let me know if you have questions or need help with this over the break - I will respond to emails when I can! :-)

Have a great Spring Break, everyone!
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Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Country Profile Project, Day 1 - Class Recap

Today we started the Country Profile Project, which is about countries around the world. You cannot pick the United States, but here is a symbol of our country: the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.! I took this picture during Spring Break in 2010.

Hi everyone,

Today was the start of a really big assignment: the research project at all freshmen need to do at Westview (most sophomores will, as well). Here's what happened in class:

Learning Targets:
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Research LT 1: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
Critical Thinking LT 2: I can explain connections between events, issues, problems and concepts.
Knowledge LT 10: I can explain demographic changes in the world and their effects.

Soundtrack: "At the Beginning" from Anastasia. Selected for today because of the movie's connection to the Russian Revolution, and our work starting on the Country Profile Project. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 3/20/18:
News Brief - Dahson
The Country Profile Project
Current Event
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog! Look at the CPP Calendar. Continue your Current Event research and writing! Andrew has the next news brief.
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News Brief: Dahson had the news brief today and selected this article to talk about: WashingtonPost.com - France’s Sarkozy detained over allegations of taking money from Libya’s Gaddafi. We found France in the world map packet and noted we did a story about it, as we talked about what is going on with this story.

We checked in about the weekend and what people were up to.

Andrew was selected for the next news brief.

We also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


The Country Profile Project: Alert, alert! This is the start of a massive assignment that you have the opportunity to earn college credit for. Here is what I passed out in class today (or had students go through on Google Classroom with me):

1) The overview of the assignment with each part/step laid out (this corresponds to the calendar):


2) Instructions for how students will be able to complete the dual credit requirements for the college credit through Willamette Promise (which most students are registered for at this point):


3) The calendar for what we will be working on for the next month (at least, this is what I THINK we will be following - having never taught this particular version of the research project, it is possible things could change):


We went through both of these thoroughly (at least 20 minutes) in class. Basically, the assignment consists of multiple parts that will be due throughout the next month.

In class, I asked students to research possible countries from this list and come up with a Top 5, before we selected in class. Here are the possible countries to choose from and student selections:


As I was saying in class: if you want to do well on this project (and you should, considering it is one of the biggest assignments of the entire year), you will probably have to be working on it at home, as well as working very hard in class on it.

Current Event: Today's assignment was to start working on finding a current event from your chosen country, after we selected them in class.

Here is the overview for the Current Event portion of the assignment (about 25% of the value of the assignment when it is graded for college credit):


We talked in class about identifying important information, analyzing the information, and evaluating the source (which we recently did in class with the OPVL activity). Here is a template for students to be using in writing notes on their current event:


Finally, here are two teacher examples of completed Current Events, so students can see what the final product should look something like:



Work Time: For the rest of class, we worked in class using Chromebooks to start researching our countries and choosing a current event to begin analysis.

Please let me know if you have questions, comments, or concerns! I would be happy to help you begin this project. I am confident that all of you will do well on this! We will continue working on this as we approach Spring Break - the Current Event will be due after the break.
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Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Willamette Promise/WOU Registration - Class Recap


I attended Western Oregon University in college - here is my intramural basketball team after winning the championship!

Dear class,

Today was the start of our in class journey towards college credit together! There will be many more details in the coming days and weeks, but I wanted to make sure we had all of our students register for the opportunity. Here's what happened today in class:

Learning Targets: 
Critical Thinking and Analysis LT 2: I can explain connections between events, issues, problems, and concepts.
Knowledge LT 19: I can explain the impacts of nationalism and revolutionary movements.

Soundtrack: "The Second Coming" by Juelz Santana and Just Blaze. Selected for today because of the connection with my basketball team at WOU and also because this opportunity will not be likely to come around for you a second time! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 2/28/18:
News Brief – Chloe
Willamette Promise
Registration
Forecasting Questions

Homework: Read the blog. Make sure all of your World War I work for the Collection of Evidence is completed and in order! See below for links! Your final essay will be in class on Friday! Next news brief: Anya.

News Brief: Chloe had the news brief today and selected this story to talk about: BBC.com - UK weather: Snow continues to hit the UK. We found the United Kingdom again on our world maps and talked about this story for a bit (my mom just flew back from London, escaping the snow!), before moving on.

Anya has the next news brief.

We also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):

BBCNews.com - One-minute World News

Willamette Promise: To start this process, I explained to the class what the Willamette Promise program is and how it is an opportunity to earn college credit (through Western Oregon University) for a project we are doing in Global Studies. Here is the PowerPoint that I went through with the class as an overview:


I added plenty of my own commentary to this presentation, but basically: this is an incredible opportunity for students. I know we will be able to make good use of it.

Registration: The main point of the day was to register for the Willamette Promise course and also as a student at Western Oregon University. I passed out student State Testing ID numbers for the first part (if you missed class, I can provide you with your number as requested). Remember that you must register with your exact name as it is on StudentVUE with your home address that is on file with the school. Here is the video that we watched in class to help with this process:



Hopefully this process made sense and went smoothly for you. Remember that you need to register for both Willamette Promise AND Western Oregon University using the links provided here:

 WESD.org - Willamette Promise Student Registration

Forecasting: The end of class was set aside for any forecasting questions that I could answer or help with! Please remember that next class (on Friday for Period 5) will be your timed in class final essay on World War I - bring all of your notes to use and your Chromebook if you would rather type than write! See you then!
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