Tuesday, September 30, 2008
F Week Presentations
We are still awaiting the remaining presentations due to our water main break and now our fire alarm. They will take place today, Tuesday, unless there is a snow day or tornado or poltergeist in the building or something... We will then respond to the disasters presented to your islands and compare and contrast the job you did with the job that happens in the United States every day.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Active Citizenship
President Bill Clinton challenged Americans to redefine citizenship as "active citizenship." He said that in addition to paying taxes, being informed voters who vote, and following the laws, each citizen needs to leave the community better than he or she found it.
Our activity in class was to brainstorm about ways that we can do just that so that when opportunities approach us, we can improve our community. If everyone makes that commitment, the community and nation will be a better place!
Our activity in class was to brainstorm about ways that we can do just that so that when opportunities approach us, we can improve our community. If everyone makes that commitment, the community and nation will be a better place!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Freedom
Today in class we discussed our projects. We decided it is, in fact, easier to complain about people who run a country than it is to design a country with a perfect balance of rights and responsibilities.
We examined the issue of "rights vs. responsibilities" in American society. We will discuss each right more closely, as well as each responsibility, but we were in general agreement that it's impossible to have rights without putting some effort into the "responsibility" column.
Ideas we will discuss:
--the definition of "freedom" today is not the same as "freedom" was at the time of the Founding Fathers. We will discuss how the idea of freedom has evolved and changed.
--we will discuss the history and origins of the idea of "freedom" on which America was founded.
--we will discuss how the civilizations of Greece, Rome, England and France strongly influenced the government we have today.
--we will discuss areas of opportunity to exercise our rights and freedoms and ways to carry out our responsibilities as American citizens.
Homework: (quiz grade) On Friday at 9PM, Senators Obama and McCain will take part in their first debate. I would like you to grab some popcorn and watch this debate. In your notebook, write at least three good points each participant makes, and at least points on which they were corrected. If you cannot watch this debate on Friday for reasons beyond your control, pick up a newspaper article on Saturday and read the article about it, watch the clips that will be posted on Youtube, or go to cnn.com and search for news stories about the debate which will lead you to clips of the highlights.
We examined the issue of "rights vs. responsibilities" in American society. We will discuss each right more closely, as well as each responsibility, but we were in general agreement that it's impossible to have rights without putting some effort into the "responsibility" column.
Ideas we will discuss:
--the definition of "freedom" today is not the same as "freedom" was at the time of the Founding Fathers. We will discuss how the idea of freedom has evolved and changed.
--we will discuss the history and origins of the idea of "freedom" on which America was founded.
--we will discuss how the civilizations of Greece, Rome, England and France strongly influenced the government we have today.
--we will discuss areas of opportunity to exercise our rights and freedoms and ways to carry out our responsibilities as American citizens.
Homework: (quiz grade) On Friday at 9PM, Senators Obama and McCain will take part in their first debate. I would like you to grab some popcorn and watch this debate. In your notebook, write at least three good points each participant makes, and at least points on which they were corrected. If you cannot watch this debate on Friday for reasons beyond your control, pick up a newspaper article on Saturday and read the article about it, watch the clips that will be posted on Youtube, or go to cnn.com and search for news stories about the debate which will lead you to clips of the highlights.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Chapter 3 notes and homework
September 22 (A Week Homework) September 29 (F Week Homework) Outline the following sections in your notebook OR answer the questions at the end of each section.
Chapter 3: The Meaning of Citizenship Notes
Pages 46-59
Section 1: Who is a Citizen?
-a person born in the US or its territories.
-a person who pledges his or her allegiance (loyalty) to the US
-a child with at least one parent who was an American citizen at their time of birth.
-a child who is under the age of 18 when his or her parents become citizens.
Naturalization: the process of becoming a US citizen.
Step 1: Application—immigrants must submit an application to the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Step 2: Examination—applicant must prove that his is 18 or older, has lived in the US for at least 5 years and in the state of residence for 3 years, has a good moral character, is loyal to the principles of the US Constitution, can read, write, and speak English, and knows about the US government and history.
Step 3: Hearing—the applicant appears before a citizenship court for an interview. The court responds to the application, and the new citizen is sworn in and given a certificate of citizenship.
A US citizen holds the “office of citizen” for life.
Section 2: The Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities of Citizens:
Rights:
-vote
-freedom of speech
-practice religion
-receive a fair trial
-expect protection from the government when traveling abroad
-other rights as listed in the US Constitution
Responsibilities/Duties:
-obey laws
-serve in the army if necessary
-serve on a jury if necessary
-pay taxes
-go to school
-do all that is necessary for the “common good.”
Section 3: Citizenship and Our Other Roles in Society:
The Seven Social Roles of citizens:
Self
Friend
Social group member
Family member
Consumer
Citizen
Worker/student
People act differently when they are in different situations. Roles in life change and evolve. How do you fit into each of the social roles listed above? What happens when your social roles conflict?
Chapter 3: The Meaning of Citizenship Notes
Pages 46-59
Section 1: Who is a Citizen?
-a person born in the US or its territories.
-a person who pledges his or her allegiance (loyalty) to the US
-a child with at least one parent who was an American citizen at their time of birth.
-a child who is under the age of 18 when his or her parents become citizens.
Naturalization: the process of becoming a US citizen.
Step 1: Application—immigrants must submit an application to the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Step 2: Examination—applicant must prove that his is 18 or older, has lived in the US for at least 5 years and in the state of residence for 3 years, has a good moral character, is loyal to the principles of the US Constitution, can read, write, and speak English, and knows about the US government and history.
Step 3: Hearing—the applicant appears before a citizenship court for an interview. The court responds to the application, and the new citizen is sworn in and given a certificate of citizenship.
A US citizen holds the “office of citizen” for life.
Section 2: The Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities of Citizens:
Rights:
-vote
-freedom of speech
-practice religion
-receive a fair trial
-expect protection from the government when traveling abroad
-other rights as listed in the US Constitution
Responsibilities/Duties:
-obey laws
-serve in the army if necessary
-serve on a jury if necessary
-pay taxes
-go to school
-do all that is necessary for the “common good.”
Section 3: Citizenship and Our Other Roles in Society:
The Seven Social Roles of citizens:
Self
Friend
Social group member
Family member
Consumer
Citizen
Worker/student
People act differently when they are in different situations. Roles in life change and evolve. How do you fit into each of the social roles listed above? What happens when your social roles conflict?
Wrapping up "The Island in the Sea"
A Week: You have presented your islands and received a disaster that tested your island nations.
F Week: You have yet to receive your disaster due to that day off last Friday. You will receive yours next Monday.
The purpose of this unit was to force you to consider the complex decisions that go into running a nation--everyone's a critic, but it's difficult to be in charge of major decisions that affect people's lives, the economy, and the well-being of an entire nation.
We will next begin the study of American citizenship--what it means, and the responsibilities that you must accept to be a good citizen of the United States.
F Week: You have yet to receive your disaster due to that day off last Friday. You will receive yours next Monday.
The purpose of this unit was to force you to consider the complex decisions that go into running a nation--everyone's a critic, but it's difficult to be in charge of major decisions that affect people's lives, the economy, and the well-being of an entire nation.
We will next begin the study of American citizenship--what it means, and the responsibilities that you must accept to be a good citizen of the United States.
Monday, September 15, 2008
F Week Presentations
Hello, F Week.
Your week will look like this:
Monday--Tuesday: Work on your Island in the Sea project with your teammates.
Wednesday: Finish up any last touches and rehearse your presentation.
Thursday: Present to group--presentations will be 2-5 minutes, and will be exciting. You will tell us about your island--when you are done we should understand the island culture, climate, geography, economic system, and anything else you feel is important.
Friday: Disaster day. You will need to respond to and deal with some situation which will will unfold on your island. Your group will write up a solution. Your response will be graded separately from this project as a whole.
Good luck, and may the best island nations survive.
Your week will look like this:
Monday--Tuesday: Work on your Island in the Sea project with your teammates.
Wednesday: Finish up any last touches and rehearse your presentation.
Thursday: Present to group--presentations will be 2-5 minutes, and will be exciting. You will tell us about your island--when you are done we should understand the island culture, climate, geography, economic system, and anything else you feel is important.
Friday: Disaster day. You will need to respond to and deal with some situation which will will unfold on your island. Your group will write up a solution. Your response will be graded separately from this project as a whole.
Good luck, and may the best island nations survive.
Friday, September 12, 2008
A Week Presentations
A Week will be presenting their Islands on Friday, September 13.
Presentations will
-be two to five minutes long
-be exciting and informative
-tell us all about the countries, governments, economies, and citizens.
The "international community" will discuss which Islands look like the strongest nations and when we return we will have international disputes and national emergencies to plan for.
Presentations will
-be two to five minutes long
-be exciting and informative
-tell us all about the countries, governments, economies, and citizens.
The "international community" will discuss which Islands look like the strongest nations and when we return we will have international disputes and national emergencies to plan for.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Island in the Sea
A new island has been discovered in the middle of the ocean. You (and your friends) are being given the responsibility of creating a government, deciding who will be able to become a citizen, and ruling your citizens responsibly. You must create an economy based on some type of trade, skill-based labor, or manufacturing. You must deal responsibly with other nations.
Create:
1. A name and flag for your nation.
2. A government--what type of government will you choose to govern your people?
3. What type of economic system will your government create and promote?
4. How strong a military will you need, and how will you fund, create, and deploy your military?
5. What industry, skills, or trade will your country engage in to create wealth?
6. What types of services will you offer your citizens?
7. What are the laws of your nation?
8. How will your nation prepare for emergencies?
9. What type of infrastructure will your government create, and how will it tax its citizens to fund it?
Be prepared for the international community to throw curve balls at your government. Be prepared for uprisings, international disputes, natural or economic disaster, and make sure your government is ready for anything that might befall it!
Create:
1. A name and flag for your nation.
2. A government--what type of government will you choose to govern your people?
3. What type of economic system will your government create and promote?
4. How strong a military will you need, and how will you fund, create, and deploy your military?
5. What industry, skills, or trade will your country engage in to create wealth?
6. What types of services will you offer your citizens?
7. What are the laws of your nation?
8. How will your nation prepare for emergencies?
9. What type of infrastructure will your government create, and how will it tax its citizens to fund it?
Be prepared for the international community to throw curve balls at your government. Be prepared for uprisings, international disputes, natural or economic disaster, and make sure your government is ready for anything that might befall it!
Citizenship and Government
In this unit, we will discuss the concept of American citizenship. We will discuss requirements, duties, and responsibilities of being an American citizen. We will also discuss the history of citizenship in America and citizenship today.
This is a time where the topic of citizenship is debated fiercely, especially in Rhode Island.
You will start by thinking about government and citizenship by creating your own
...Island in the Sea
This is a time where the topic of citizenship is debated fiercely, especially in Rhode Island.
You will start by thinking about government and citizenship by creating your own
...Island in the Sea
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Homework: Period 7A (9/4)
Read section One, pages 46 and 47, and complete questions 1-4 in your notebook.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Citizenship Test
Both A and F weeks have completed a "quiz" race. It's actually an old version of the citizenship test. The point of that test was that many people who have lived in America their whole lives do not even know the basic facts about the founding of the nation.
We'll learn the basic facts, but what we want to do most of all is learn about the government so we know how to access it and how to use it when necessary.
The next week or so will be dedicated to citizenship. What makes a good citizen? What are the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. If you were the leader of some island out in the ocean, and you could take whoever you wanted, make whatever laws you wanted, and make it successful in whatever way you wanted, what would you do? What kind of government would you want to rule your citizens? How would you want your country to operate?
More on "Your Island in the Sea" as class unfolds...
We'll learn the basic facts, but what we want to do most of all is learn about the government so we know how to access it and how to use it when necessary.
The next week or so will be dedicated to citizenship. What makes a good citizen? What are the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. If you were the leader of some island out in the ocean, and you could take whoever you wanted, make whatever laws you wanted, and make it successful in whatever way you wanted, what would you do? What kind of government would you want to rule your citizens? How would you want your country to operate?
More on "Your Island in the Sea" as class unfolds...
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