Civil Government at Highland High School

CIVIL GOVERNMENT- MARCH, 2020

DATE

ESSENTIAL FILES: INTERACTIVE CONSTITUTION, SIMPLE ENGLISH CONSTITUTION.

Activities and Assignments:

WED

3/25

WHAT'S DUE?

Freedom of Religion Notes were due YESTERDAY
SPAGHETTI MONSTER CASE STUDY by MONDAY, MARCH 30th.

THE VIRTUAL CLASS: It was great to see everyone again! Here is a video of our online virtual class. If you were NOT in attendance (Edsel and Helen), you may want to review. If you just want to relive the good old yesterday, check it out.

THE COVID19 ARTICLE: I mentioned the John Stossel article in our virtual class this afternoon regarding the problems that the U.S. is having with COVID19. Here is the link: https://www.johnstossel.com/the-red-tape-pandemic/ I HIGHLY recommend that you read or watch the video regarding this information. It directly applies to our government and their handling of this current situation.

ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE CASE STUDY: All students will be completing analysis of the CHURCH OF THE FLYING SPAGHETTI MONSTER Warm-up Case Studyand answering all of the questions included. This case study will involve some ONLINE RESEARCH. Do your best to answer the questions as best you can, given the knowledge that you have gathered from the sources above. Please make a copy of this document and SHARE it back with me on Google Drive when you have completed it. This will be due on MONDAY, MARCH 30th and will be a graded assignment worth 50 points.

STRUGGLING?: Let me know! I have been staying near my computer during school hours all week. If you email me, I will do my best to help!

WED

3/25

WHAT'S DUE?

SGAP Survey and First Amendment and COVID19 Sheet, due today.
Freedom of Expression Case Studies, due today.
Freedom of Religion Notes by THURSDAY, 3/26 at 2:00 pm,
SPAGHETTI MONSTER CASE STUDY by MONDAY, MARCH 30th.

THE OPENER: First, we need to learn a little bit about FREEDOM OF RELIGION. To do that, spend a little bit of time reviewing the following resources from Youtube.com, all while TAKING NOTES:

First Amendment- Freedom of Religion from The History Channel.
First Amendment- Freedom of Religion Crash Course from PBS.
First Amendment- Religious Freedom from The Heritage Foundation. (By the way, the Heritage Foundation is a very CONSERVATIVE organization. Although I believe in the points that they are making regarding Religious Freedom, many PROGRESSIVES/ LIBERALS do not.)

LECTURE: Here is my slide show regarding The FIRST AMENDMENT- FREEDOM OF RELIGION. Please review it ahead of time and TAKE NOTES, so that we can discuss issues in our first virtual class on THURSDAY at 2:00 pm. BE READY!

SUBMITTING NOTES FOR GRADING: As we have done in the past, please send Mr. B. a PHOTO of the notes that you have taken regarding the three Youtube links and the Lecture Slides above. Send these to Mr. B. by the start of our virtual class on THURSDAY at 2:00 pm. This will be a 25 point graded assignment.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW?: There are a few KEY POINTS from the information above that you must be familiar with- THE ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE and THE FREE EXERCISE CLAUSE, RELIGIOUS vs. SECULAR, FOUR TESTS- The Establishment Clause Test, The Endorsement Test, The Coercion Test and The Lemon Test.

ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE CASE STUDY: All students will be completing analysis of the CHURCH OF THE FLYING SPAGHETTI MONSTER Warm-up Case Study and answering all of the questions included. This case study will involve some ONLINE RESEARCH. Do your best to answer the questions as best you can, given the knowledge that you have gathered from the sources above. Please make a copy of this document and SHARE it back with me on Google Drive when you have completed it. This will be due on MONDAY, MARCH 30th and will be a graded assignment worth 50 points.

STRUGGLING?: Let me know! I have been staying near my computer during school hours all week. If you email me, I will do my best to help!

MON

3/23

NOTE FROM MR. B.: Over the next couple of weeks, we will be conducting Civil Government business online. The good news is that, through the use of technology, we will still be able to hold some classes together, including lectures and discussions.

ASSIGNMENTS: We will have a number of Civil Government assignments over the next couple of weeks. Some assignments will require you to complete bellringer-type analysis of articles or online material, some will ask you to consider case studies regarding to our current unit. In some cases, you will be able to complete this online in a virtual class with Mr. B., or you will need to complete and submit your work on your own time. Do your very best to complete these assignments in any way and using any resources, that you can. I will accept almost any work, as long as you are trying to give a strong effort. If you do not complete any work, you will not receive a decent grade or possibly even credit for this class. We do not currently have any idea how the school year will end or how credits will be awarded. Do your best to earn your last Government credit as best you can.

LIVE VIRTUAL CLASSES: I would like to be able to have a virtual class period, using Zoom, at least two or three times per week. Please watch for details of this in the near future on this page and by email. In the meantime, PLEASE GO TO ZOOM.US AND CREATE AN ACCOUNT, USING YOUR SCHOOL EMAIL ADDRESS. This will allow you to participate in online virtual classes later this week.

FOR THE START OF THIS WEEK: Here are a few things that I would like all students to complete by WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25TH:

Even though we cannot complete it in person, please review the SGAP survey information for the month of April and answer the questions. This will be our first ONLINE assignment, due and graded on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25th. Please note that I am asking for 4-5 sentences defending your position. If you DO NOT give me 4-5 sentences, your grade will reflect this.
PLEASE COMPLETE the FIRST AMENDMENT AND COVID19 THINKING SHEET. This is kind of like a regular bellringer. It is due on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25th and will be given a grade in the gradebook.
PLEASE COMPLETE the Freedom of Expression Case Studies by WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25th, when this project will be due and graded. This link is to a google doc. Please open it and make a copy, then answer the questions and SHARE WITH MR. B. to submit. MAKE SURE THAT YOU READ THE INTRODUCTION TO EACH QUESTION, AS THESE CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THIS UNIT AND WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE ON AN EXAM.
We will be discussing this online in an upcoming VIRTUAL CLASSS. Students will be given a grade for the completion of these questions and for participating in our online discussion, so please know what you are talking about and be ready to discuss these issues.

THU

3/12

BELLRINGER: We consider "Freedom of Expression" by examining the case of "Confederate Flags at School" and completing the "Freedom of Expression- 'Confederate Flags at School' Thinking Sheet.

OUR CURRENT ASSIGNMENT: PLEASE COMPLETE the Freedom of Expression Case Studies. This link is to a google doc. Please feel free to open it and make a copy, then answer the questions and SHARE WITH MR. B. to submit. MAKE SURE THAT YOU READ THE INTRODUCTION TO EACH QUESTION, AS THESE CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THIS UNIT AND WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE ON AN EXAM.

We will be discussing this in class. Students will be given a participation grade for this discussion, so come to class knowing what you are talking about and ready to discuss these issues.

TUE

3/10

BELLRINGER: Please get out your notebooks and get ready for an always popular learning opportunity: Freedom of Assembly, Petition and Association.

OUR CURRENT ASSIGNMENT: Please make sure that you have TAKEN NOTES on the last THREE SLIDES of The Freedom of Speech and Press Clause of the First Amendment.

PLEASE COMPLETE the Freedom of Expression Case Studies. This link is to a google doc. Please feel free to open it and make a copy, then answer the questions and SHARE WITH MR. B. to submit. MAKE SURE THAT YOU READ THE INTRODUCTION TO EACH QUESTION, AS THESE CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THIS UNIT AND WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE ON AN EXAM.

We will be discussing this in class. Students will be given a participation grade for this discussion, so come to class knowing what you are talking about and ready to discuss these issues.

MON

3/9

BELLRINGER: None for today, please complete your Freedom of Speech Case Studies.

OUR CURRENT ASSIGNMENT: Our first case study assignment/project: The Freedom of Speech Case Studies. This is a link to a google doc. Please open it and make a copy, then answer the questions and print to submit. You may work in small groups of 2, but each person must answer with their own UNIQUE answers. Identical answers will be given proportional credit. Due at the end of class TODAY.

UPCOMING ASSIGNMENT: Please make sure that you have TAKEN NOTES on the last THREE SLIDES of The Freedom of Speech and Press Clause of the First Amendment.

Then, complete the Freedom of Expression Case Studies. This link is to a google doc. Please feel free to open it and make a copy, then answer the questions and SHARE WITH MR. B. to submit. MAKE SURE THAT YOU READ THE INTRODUCTION TO EACH QUESTION, AS THESE CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THIS UNIT AND WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE ON AN EXAM.

We will be discussing this in class. Students will be given a participation grade for this discussion, so come to class knowing what you are talking about and ready to discuss these issues.

FRI

3/6

BELLRINGER: We complete and then review the TOWSON UNIVERSITY FREEDOM OF SPEECH CHALLENGE.

Then, we review the actual FREEDOM OF SPEECH CHALLENGE from TOWSON UNIVERSITY and a FREEDOM OF SPEECH ISSUE AT TOWSON.

We also review a quick FREE SPEECH LESSON from PBS.

Then, we complete a quick STUDENT RIGHTS QUIZ. This is worth 25 points, so do your best!

THU

3/5

BELLRINGER: We quickly discuss the happenings during and shortly after Super Tuesday.

We also have an SGAP for the month! Please review the articles, as usual and complete the survey. Please give a pertinent comment in the proper area. This will be a graded assignment.

FOR TODAY- DUE TODAY: "The Rights of the Student Project".

TUE

3/3

BELLRINGER: We talk about media bias and then review a story from CNN (traditionally a strongly LEFT leaning media vehicle) regarding Socialism and Bernie Sanders.

Then, we complete the short BERNIE'S SOCIALISM THINKING SHEET.

FOR TODAY- WORK DAY: "The Rights of the Student Project". Today, you will be using the oyez.org website and the resources available there for the completion of background information for the Rights of the Student project. You will be expected to create a VISUAL ILLUSTRATION PRODUCT that outlines the players and outcomes in each of the eight cases. This is due on Friday. We will have other classroom activities between now and then, so do not count on 4 full class periods to work on this assignment. DUE ON MARCH 5TH.

UPCOMING: Our first case study assignment/project: The Freedom of Speech Case Studies. This is a link to a google doc. Please open it and make a copy, then answer the questions and print to submit. You may work in small groups of 2, but each person must answer with their own UNIQUE answers. Identical answers will be given proportional credit. Due next week sometime.

MON

3/2

BELLRINGER: We quickly review what is happening in the Democratic Presidential Campaign.

Then, we review and discuss a couple of "Freedom of Speech on Campus" videos:

Then, we complete the "Freedom of Speech on Campus" Thinking Sheet."

FRI

2/28

BELLRINGER: Can a school district ban bracelets? Complete the "I ♥ BOOBIES BRACELET BAN THINKING SHEET."

THU

2/27

BELLRINGER: In preparation for our upcoming "Rights of the Student" Project, we will complete "The Peer Review Thinking Sheet."

FOR TODAY:

FIRST HALF OF CLASS, LEARNING OPPORTUNITY : Mr. B. will conduct his amazing lecture regarding The Freedom of Speech and Press Clause of the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights.

SECOND HALF OF CLASS- WORK DAY: "The Rights of the Student Project". Today, you will be using the oyez.org website and the resources available there for the completion of background information for the Rights of the Student project. You will be expected to create a VISUAL ILLUSTRATION PRODUCT that outlines the players and outcomes in each of the eight cases. This is due on Friday. We will have other classroom activities between now and then, so do not count on 4 full class periods to work on this assignment. DUE ON MARCH 5TH.

TUE

2/25

BELLRINGER: How do YOU feel about Political Expression at school? Please complete the "Censoring Trump Clothing" Thinking Sheet.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITY FOR TODAY: Introduction to the Judicial Branch.

If you were not here on FRIDAY, please complete the The Supreme Court in the Constitution Sheet. Please answer these questions in your NOTEBOOK for grading by the end of class TOMORROW. Use this LINK TO ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION as your reading.

UPCOMING PROJECT: Our first Rights Project- the "Rights of the Student" Project. DUE ON MARCH 5TH.

MON

2/24

BELLRINGER: Please log in to

https://www.wooclap.com/STUDENTRIGHTS

on your phone (you can also use a computer, if you need to.)

Give a username.

We will be reviewing some information regarding The "Rights of the Student".

LEARNING OPPORTUNITY FOR TODAY: Introduction to the Judicial Branch.

UPCOMING PROJECT: Our first Rights Project- the "Rights of the Student" Project. DUE ON MARCH 5TH.

FRI

2/21

	BELLRINGER: Please begin work on The Supreme Court in the Constitution Sheet. This will be due on Monday.

WORK FOR TODAY and MONDAY: Complete the The Supreme Court in the Constitution Sheet. Please answer these questions in your NOTEBOOK for grading by the end of class on FRIDAY. Use this LINK TO ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION as your reading. IF WE HAVE TIME (we probably won't): Introduction to the Judicial Branch, with a discussion regarding the Rights of the Citizen.

THU

2/20

	BELLRINGER: We turn into political pundits and decide who won and who lost the Nevada Democratic Debate from last night. Once we watch the first part of the debate, we will complete the NEVADA DEBATE WINNERS AND LOSERS DECISION SHEET.
FOR TODAY: Introduction to the Judicial Branch, with a discussion regarding the Rights of the Citizen. WORK FOR TODAY and FRIDAY: Complete the The Supreme Court in the Constitution Sheet. Please answer these questions in your NOTEBOOK for grading by the end of class on FRIDAY. Use this LINK TO ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION as your reading.

TUE

2/18

	BELLRINGER: We discuss all of the major happenings in the United States as of today, including Democratic Debates, the Boy Scouts, the Death Penalty in Colorado and Michael Bloomberg (Stop and Frisk Clip at 1:00 minute and the Farmer's Grey Matter Clip.)
FOR TODAY: Introduction to the Judicial Branch. WORK FOR TODAY and THURSDAY: Complete the The Supreme Court in the Constitution Sheet. Please answer these questions in your NOTEBOOK for grading by the end of class on THURSDAY. Use this LINK TO ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION as your reading.

THU

2/13

BELLRINGER: First, we quickly review the two missing Cabinet Department videos from Edsel and from Helen.

Then, class has asked for a class period to study for our UNIT FOUR TEST. We can have this at the start of class today. TEST will start at the beginning of the second half of class or when people start talking and getting off task, whichever comes first.

FOR TODAY: UNIT FOUR- EXECUTIVE BRANCH EXAM. Make sure that you turn in your completed study guides, if you wish to be considered for extra credit on the test.

Here is a list of the various Slideshows that we have had for this unit:

LECTURE TODAY: Introduction to the Judicial Branch.

WORK FOR TODAY and TOMORROW: Complete the Introduction to the Supreme Court Readings Sheet (this is a googledoc version). You can complete this by computer or by hand, but please turn in a sheet with your answers by the end of class on WEDNESDAY. Use this LINK TO ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION as your reading.

TUE

2/11

BELLRINGER: Let's discuss some pertinent issues of the day. Please complete the SCHOOL SHOOTING DRILLS THINKING SHEET and the CONGRESSWOMAN'S TWEET THINKING SHEET.

FOR TODAY: We continue presentations for the Cabinet Secretary Press Conference Video Research Project. We still need to hear from Edsel, Helen, Blake and Alyssa. I do not yet have video clips from Edsel or from Helen!

THINGS TO RECORD IN YOUR NOTEBOOK:

Main job of Department,
1-2 Agencies within department,
What does the SEAL of the Department look like?

TEST COMING NEXT CLASS PERIOD! UNIT FOUR- EXECUTIVE BRANCH STUDY GUIDE. Hard copies are available.

Here is a list of the various Slideshows that we have had for this unit:

MON

2/10

BELLRINGER: We review some Highlights of the Democratic Debate from last Friday. As a class, we pick TWO of the following topics to review:

FOR TODAY:

If we have time, we continue presentations for the Cabinet Secretary Press Conference Video Research Project.

THINGS TO RECORD IN YOUR NOTEBOOK:

Main job of Department,
1-2 Agencies within department,
What does the SEAL of the Department look like?

TEST COMING THURSDAY! UNIT FOUR- EXECUTIVE BRANCH STUDY GUIDE. Hard copies are available.

DUE LAST FRIDAY.We have another assignment to complete a game on the icivics.org website. Here is a sheet with your login information. Log in to icivics.org with your USERNAME and password. Once you log in, click on your CLASSES button. Please note that you have an assignment in the game called EXECUTIVE COMMAND. There are instructions or you can just start playing and figure things out as you go. You will need to complete a game by FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7th for a 50 point participation score in the gradebook. If you beat Mr. B.'s score on this game, you will receive a 10 percent extra credit bonus on your upcoming test. Please send me a .pdf of your WIN CERTIFICATE (from the game's PRINT option) as proof of your score!

FRI

2/6

BELLRINGER: We debrief after Mr. Yaussi's visit to class yesterday to discuss our Highland Bill to Law Bills.

FOR TODAY:

If we have time, we continue presentations for the Cabinet Secretary Press Conference Video Research Project.

THINGS TO RECORD IN YOUR NOTEBOOK:

Main job of Department,
1-2 Agencies within department,
What does the SEAL of the Department look like?

TEST COMING NEXT WEEK! UNIT FOUR- EXECUTIVE BRANCH STUDY GUIDE. Hard copies are available.

DUE TODAY. I have not yet received these results from BRI, KYLE, EDSEL and ALYSSA- We have another assignment to complete a game on the icivics.org website. Here is a sheet with your login information. Log in to icivics.org with your USERNAME and password. Once you log in, click on your CLASSES button. Please note that you have an assignment in the game called EXECUTIVE COMMAND. There are instructions or you can just start playing and figure things out as you go. You will need to complete a game by FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7th for a 50 point participation score in the gradebook. If you beat Mr. B.'s score on this game, you will receive a 10 percent extra credit bonus on your upcoming test. Please send me a .pdf of your WIN CERTIFICATE (from the game's PRINT option) as proof of your score!

THU

2/6

BELLRINGER: Mr. Yaussi comes at the start of class to discuss our Highland Bill to Law Bills.

We also spend some time reviewing the highlights of the State of the Union Speech and then complete the FACT CHECKING THE STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH THINKING SHEET.

FOR TODAY:

If we have time, we continue presentations for the Cabinet Secretary Press Conference Video Research Project.

THINGS TO RECORD IN YOUR NOTEBOOK:

Main job of Department,
1-2 Agencies within department,
What does the SEAL of the Department look like?

TEST COMING NEXT WEEK! UNIT FOUR- EXECUTIVE BRANCH STUDY GUIDE. Hard copies are available.

DUE TOMORROW! TIME FOR SOME FUN IN CLASS AGAIN! We have another assignment to complete a game on the icivics.org website to play a couple of games this semester. Here is a sheet with your login information. Log in to icivics.org with your USERNAME and password. Once you log in, click on your CLASSES button. Please note that you have an assignment in the game called EXECUTIVE COMMAND. There are instructions or you can just start playing and figure things out as you go. You will need to complete a game by FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7th for a 50 point participation score in the gradebook. If you beat Mr. B.'s score on this game, you will receive a 10 percent extra credit bonus on your upcoming test. Please send me a .pdf of your WIN CERTIFICATE (from the game's PRINT option) as proof of your score!

TUE

2/4

BELLRINGER: We spend some time discussing the Iowa Caucuses last night. We also review the assignments that are due from last week from those that were out.

We also review an extra credit opportunity for this evening- Watch the State of the Union Speech tonight and, using a Google Document, write 10 Twitter-sized comments on the debate as you watch. Share this document with Mr. B. for up to 20 points of extra credit.!

WORK DAY: DUE NOW- Cabinet Secretary Press Conference Video Research Project. We continue discussing these in class today.

THINGS TO RECORD IN YOUR NOTEBOOK:

Main job of Department,
1-2 Agencies within department,
What does the SEAL of the Department look like?

Thursday, we will be meeting with Mr. Yaussi and reviewing the President’s State of the Union Speech. We will try to finish Department Speeches on Friday. TEST COMING NEXT WEEK!

UNIT FOUR- EXECUTIVE BRANCH STUDY GUIDE. Test will be next week.

TIME FOR SOME FUN IN CLASS AGAIN! We have another assignment to complete a game on the icivics.org website to play a couple of games this semester. Here is a sheet with your login information. Log in to icivics.org with your USERNAME and password. Once you log in, click on your CLASSES button. Please note that you have an assignment in the game called EXECUTIVE COMMAND. There are instructions or you can just start playing and figure things out as you go. You will need to complete a game by FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7th for a 50 point participation score in the gradebook. If you beat Mr. B.'s score on this game, you will receive a 10 percent extra credit bonus on your upcoming test. Please send me a .pdf of your WIN CERTIFICATE (from the game's PRINT option) as proof of your score!

MON

2/3

BELLRINGER: Quick update on the Impeachment Trial.

We discuss all of the events that are going on today and tomorrow. We review the written speeches that were due on Friday. I did not receive these from 6 students. Videos are due NOW.

WORK DAY: DUE NOW- Cabinet Secretary Press Conference Video Research Project. I would like to be able to start discussing these in class today.

THINGS TO RECORD IN YOUR NOTEBOOK:

Main job of Department,
1-2 Agencies within department,
What does the SEAL of the Department look like?

TOMORROW, we will likely be reviewing IOWA caucus information and review a few more speeches. Thursday, we will be meeting with Mr. Yaussi and reviewing the President’s State of the Union Speech. We will try to finish Department Speeches on Friday. TEST COMING NEXT WEEK!

UNIT FOUR- EXECUTIVE BRANCH STUDY GUIDE. Test will be next week.

FRI

1/31

BELLRINGER: Quick update on the Impeachment Trial.

Complete the CABINET SECRETARY IN COLORADO QUESTION at the start of class today.

If you were not here on THURSDAY, please note that we had a few deliverables completed in class:

Grab your phone to access Youtube.com and complete the questions in the IMPEACHMENT ARGUMENTS THINKING SHEET.
We also completed the SGAP STUDENT BULLETIN for the month of February. Please fill this out, as usual, complete with your comments and give to Mr. B.
We have a new iCivics.org game to complete by next Friday. Beat Mr. B.'s score and receive extra credit on the upcoming exam. Details below.

No major bellringers today. Please complete your DEPARTMENT SECRETARY SPEECH. Speech is due today. Video of speech is due on MONDAY.

WORK DAY: OUR UPCOMING BIG PROJECT: Cabinet Secretary Press Conference Video Research Project. I have already assigned all of the different departments and the students that will be researching. There is a list of information you must cover in your video speech regarding your department on the assignment sheet. Make sure that you tackle EACH of these points as you write your speech! This assignment needs to be completed and submitted by THURSDAY at the END of class, as presentations will begin at that time. Print or share of your SPEECH is due in class tomorrow. Video recording of speech is due on MONDAY.