Classroom Activity Log: September, 2013
Date

Civil Government- FIFTH PERIOD, SIXTH PERIOD, SEVENTH PERIOD

Monday

9/2/13

NO SCHOOL. LABOR DAY!

Tuesday

9/3/13

CLASS DISCUSSION: America and Syria, Research Paper. Preview of the THREEDONIA Project. This project will probably be due at the end of next week.

THREEDONIA WORK DAY: With your partner, read the BRIEF for your Threedonia. Also review all of the requirements for the project, including the questions, the presentation, the flag, etc. Figure out a way to divide these parts of the project between you. I want a listing of these assignments in class tomorrow.

The "Birth of America" Slide Creation Assignment should be completed before class today. We will be starting this lecture regarding the building of the United States government over the next couple of days.

For those students wishing to rewrite their Forms of Government Papers, please follow the following paragraph format:

  • Paragraph 1: Introduction- mention your form of government and your country. Make a statement of some sort that you will try to prove in your writing.
  • Paragraph 2: Background history on your country- where and when, who, how did it come to be your form of government.
  • Paragraph 3: Information on how the government was run: who was in charge, how were laws made, who was elected, etc.
  • Paragraph 4: Describe the benefits to the country and the people of this form of government, be specific with your details.
  • Paragraph 5: Describe the problems to the country or the people with this form of government, be specific with your details.
  • Paragraph 6: Your opinion, you have research a ton of information, what is your feeling about the country and the government?
  • Paragraph 7: Conclusion- Readdress your topic sentence from Paragraph 1 and wrap up your writing.

Wednesday

9/4/13

THREEDONIA WORK DAY: For today, please be working on your Threedonia Project. Your jobs for today:

  1. Get a paper in writing to Mr. B. that outlines what tasks each member of the group will be completing. Items to consider are: Creation of Historical Timeline and presentation piece, Questions 1-8, Design of Flag, Design of Party Symbol, creation of presentation piece (PowerPoint, Poster, etc.)
  2. For the balance of class, students should be working TOGETHER to create the basics of their timeline, agreeing on names, dates, events, etc. I will not be very understanding about students goofing off or not completing their work.

Thursday

9/5/13

OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY:  Today, we learn about the basics of the birth of the American Government and the Constititution.

Class Lecture:  "The Roots of the Republic- Historical Background" and "Creation and Structure of the Constitution"

Friday

9/6/13

OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY:  Today, we learn about the basics of the Constititution and Federalism.

Class Lecture: "Creation and Structure of the Constitution." Given time, we will also start working on "Federalism."

BLOG POSTING FOR TODAY (to be completed at the end of our Constitution lecture): "The Constitition- Wonderful or Defective?"

Monday

9/9/13

OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY:  Today, we learn about the concept of FEDERALISM and the powers of the Federal and State Governments.

Lecture: Federalism and the powers of the Federal and State Governments, just 8 slides of information today.

ASSIGNMENT: To become more familiar with the idea of State vs. Federal Powers, we will be completing The Federal/State Powers Worksheet. You will have about 20-30 minutes to complete this sheet. There are 11 scenarios, 2 points for each correct "Constitutional/Unconstitutional" answer and 3 points for each explanation. Please be as thorough and detailed in your answer as possible, details count.

Tuesday

9/10/13

OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY:  Today, we learn about Constitutional Amendments and The Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances.

BRIEF LECTURE: Amending the Constitution, Checks and Balances and the Separation of Powers.

ASSIGNMENT ONE: Here is a copy of the Checks and Balances/Separation of Powers Graphic: Recreate this chart on my handout or in your notes. Show me when you are done and I will give you 25 points!

ASSIGNMENT TWO: To become more familiar with the idea of the Checks and Balances of the three Branches of Government, please complete The Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances Worksheet.

Wednesday

9/11/13

STARTING TODAY: We listen to President Obama's Speech regarding Syria from last night. Then, students react to the speech in the "The Situation in Syria Blog Posting."

WORK DAY: Here is your priority list for today-

  1. Complete Blog Posting.
  2. Complete Checks and Balances Graphic, if you have not done so.
  3. Complete The Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances Worksheet.
  4. Complete the "Constitutional Compromises" Assignment:
  5. You will be using the blue "American Government" textbook to be taking notes regarding the Framers of the Constitution and the important compromises that went into the creation of the Constitution. ALL OF THIS MATERIAL WILL BE ON THE TEST!
  6. Work on your Study Guide for the Unit ONE test, coming up on MONDAY.

Thursday

9/12/13

STARTING TODAY: Summarize a newstory from marketplace.org by responding to "The Cost of Dismantling Chemical Weapons in Syria" BLOG POST.

WORK DAY:

  1. Complete the "Constitutional Compromises" Assignment: You will be using the blue "American Government" textbook to be taking notes regarding the Framers of the Constitution and the important compromises that went into the creation of the Constitution. ALL OF THIS MATERIAL WILL BE ON THE TEST!
  2. Work on your Study Guide for the Unit ONE test, coming up on MONDAY.

Friday

9/13/13

WORK DAY:

  1. Complete the "Constitutional Compromises" Assignment: You will be using the blue "American Government" textbook to be taking notes regarding the Framers of the Constitution and the important compromises that went into the creation of the Constitution. ALL OF THIS MATERIAL WILL BE ON THE TEST! I will be giving a 25 point grade for completing all parts of this assignment during class today.
  2. All students will be expected to be working on Study Guides for the Unit ONE test, coming up on MONDAY.

Monday

9/16/13

YOU HAVE A TEST TODAY!

OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY:  Today, we will be assessing our learning during our first month UNIT of Civil Government class.

TEST TODAY!

Tuesday

9/17/13

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LECTURE DAYS OF THE YEAR: Mr. B. discusses LIBERAL vs. CONSERVATIVE. Most of you are 18 or will be soon. Voting age students need to be able to understand the parties that are at work and how they should be approached.

Wednesday

9/18/13

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LECTURE DAYS OF THE YEAR: Mr. B. discusses LIBERAL vs. CONSERVATIVE. We will finish off the lectures from yesterday.

WORK DAY: Take the The Political Spectrum Quiz. THIS WILL PROBABLY TAKE 20-30 MINUTES, SO PLEASE SET ASIDE TIME FOR IT. If you have questions regarding some of the points issues being addressed, first check the crib sheet below, then ask for help, if you need it.

When you are done with the quiz, please complete The World's Smallest Political Quiz, to see if your answers are consistent.

When you have taken those two quizzes, complete the brief "Political Spectrum Results Form."  I will be granting 50 points for proper completion of this form, with thoughtful written components!

THE SPECTRUM QUIZ CRIB SHEET:

  • Question 1: Abortion= Termination of pregnancy before baby is born.
  • Question 2: Union= An employee group formed to improve work conditions, pay and benefits.
  • Question 3: Free Market= Capitalism, buying and selling goods for the betterment of the business owner.
  • Question 6: Healthcare= Medical and hospital services when sick or injured.
  • Question 8: Intelligent Design= The idea that God created the Universe.
  • Question 21: Minimum Standard of Living= Enough money to live on.
  • Question 22: Moral Behavior= Acting appropriately, "being good," living a religiously just life.
  • Question 23: Economically Protectionist= Preserving American jobs and our economy, at the expense of other options that might be better.
  • Question 32: Taxes= Money taken from your income for use or redistribution by the government.
  • Question 34: Tighter Regulation= Stronger rules and laws about the banking, finance and lending industries.

LAST 20 minutes of class (if we have time): Complete the "Political Roots Questionnaire"

Thursday

9/19/13

OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY:  Today, we discuss our feeling about politics.  In addition, we learn about purpose and function of Political Parties.

Clean up of surveys from yesterday: 5th Period needs to complete the "The Political Spectrum Quiz" and the "Political Spectrum Results Form."  Then, work on the Complete the "Political Roots Questionnaire"

Lecture: Introduction to Political Parties.

Project: "The Political Parties Spectrum Research Assignment."

Friday

9/20/13

OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY:  Today, we critically analyze the question of "Right to Reproduce". We also learn about the Electoral College and how Presidents are REALLY elected in the United States.

WE HAVE A LOT GOING ON THIS CLASS PERIOD. HERE IS YOUR PRIORITY LIST:

STARTING CLASS: After the discussions in class regarding "Some people should not be allowed to reproduce", which was one of the questions in the Political Spectrum Quiz, there was a story THIS MORNING on NPR.org about that very issue. Please complete the "Sterilization in California Prisons" Thinking Sheet.

FIRST HALF OF CLASS: Complete your research on the "The Political Parties Spectrum Research Assignment" and turn your paper in.

 

Monday

9/23/13

OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY:  Today, we learn about Voting in America and the Electoral College and how Presidents are REALLY elected in the United States.

LEARNING FOR TODAYVOTING IN AMERICA Lecture and THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE LECTURE.

Tuesday

9/24/13

Objectives for the Day: Today, students will be learning about Special Interest Groups in America.

TODAY, we will finish up VOTING in America and Electoral College Lectures for 5th Period and 7th Period.

We will also be reviewing Special Interest Groups and their place in government in the United States of America. We will also be viewing the work of 3 different special interest groups and analyzing their effectiveness as political vehicles. Once we have watched the two "documentaries," please respond to the "Special Interest Groups at Work" blog posting.

SIXTH PERIOD will be working on "Special Interest Comparison" Assignment

Wednesday

9/25/13

Objectives for the Day: Today, students will be comparing and contrasting Special Interest Groups in America.

WORK DAY: "Special Interest Comparison" Assignment: I will be placing special emphasis on your analysis of your Special Interest Groups with regards to LEFT OR RIGHT bias and your explanation as to why you have placed the groups where you have on the political spectrum.

NUMEROUS STUDENTS have missing work from the last week. I will continue to accept this missing work through FRIDAY, at which time these grades will become PERMAZEROES.

Thursday

9/26/13

Objectives for the Day: Today, students will be comparing and contrasting Special Interest Groups in America. In addition, classes will be reviewing Electoral College information..

WORK DAY: By special request by students: "Special Interest Comparison" Assignment is being continued today. I will need hardcopies of your table before you leave class.

ELECTORAL COLLEGE INFORMATION: Please review the following link from hippocampus.org regarding the history and function of The Electoral College.  When the video loads, click on the START TOPIC button to begin the video and then the PLAY/PAUSE button.  You can also READ the material, if you wish, by clicking on the tab at the top of the video.  TAKE NOTES by answering the questions below!  This material WILL be on the exam!  You should be able to readily discuss the following issues after reviewing this material:

  • Explain the three options that the Framers rejected for electing the president and describe why each was rejected.
  • Why did the Framers decide on the use of the Electoral College? How does the Electoral College system work? How many Electoral College Voters are there and how is this number determined? How many Electoral College votes are required to win the Presidency?
  • How did the presidential election process change with the 12 Amendment of 1800?
  • How can a candidate win the most popular votes, yet lose the Presidency?
  • What are the pros and cons of the Electoral College system as implimented today? (This was an essay question on the test last year!)

STILL UNSURE OF ELECTORAL COLLEGE INFORMATION? You can also review a slide show here regarding the information. All of this will be on our upcoming test.

I will be checking this information in your notebooks as a participation grade next Monday.

NUMEROUS STUDENTS have missing work from the last week. I will continue to accept this missing work through FRIDAY, at which time these grades will become PERMAZEROES.

Friday

9/27/13

EMERGENCY LECTURE: Financing Government. Our government may come to a halt next week and you should know about it.

I will be checking the Electoral College questions in your notebooks on Monday.

Monday

9/30/13

SHORT LECTURE: Elections and Money.

WRITING FOR TODAY: LINK for the BLOG POSTING regarding Elections, Money and Influence is here. This will be a fully graded researching and writing assignment worth 25 points. I will be looking for proper analysis of your two selected letters, the players involved and the influence being sold, in addition, I would like a thoughtful response to the question posed about sale of influence to politicians. AT A BARE MINIMUM: I expect to see two complete paragraphs, hopefully more.

I will be checking the Electoral College questions in your notebooks today, please have them out and available for inspection.