FINAL PROJECT

This week you will be working on your final project for geography.  This is the biggest assignment of the year, so make sure you are putting in your best effort, and show your creativity!  Here is the ABCs of Culture list if you need it.

Hinduism & Buddhism

Today you will be gathering data about Hinduism and Buddhism.  Here are websites about Hinduism and Buddhism (link to Eightfold Path) will be very helpful to complete the assignment.

Population Growth and Control

Today we are going to be talking about population growth and ways that countries have tried to control population growth.

In 2011, world population passed 7 billion people (that's 7,000,000,000).  When I was born there were less than 5 billion people.  To learn more about where you fall in that population, check out 7 Billion & Me.

China and India are the two countries with the highest populations in the world, accounting for over 2 billion people.  I'd like you to gather some data about the two countries as a starting point for comparison.  Please use the CIA World Factbook as your resource.

Human Rights

Continuing with our discussion of the United Nations, today we will be looking at the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an important document created by the United Nations.  Today you will be reading parts of the Declaration and putting them in your own words (assignment here).  This dictionary might be helpful as you rephrase the Declaration.

The Shape of Africa

Here is the Jared Diamond article we used in class today.  Make sure you put thoughtful answers to the questions on the worksheet.

Vital Statistics Map Project

This week students will be gathering data and creating a choropleth map of Africa.  You can find the assignment sheet here.  The CIA World Factbook is the resource I'm asking students to use as they complete this assignment.

It is very important to get this assignment done ON TIME, as we will be using the completed maps to continue our study of Africa next week.

Africa's Regions Booklet

This week we will be working on the Africa's Regions Booklet.  For the booklet, you will choose 4 regions of Africa to learn more about.  You will read and take notes about the region, the people who live in the region, and some of the problems or challenges currently facing the region.  Your booklet should include the information you collected along with an illustration for each region.

The PBS AFRICA Website is an excellent resource for this project.  You should be able to find all of the information you need on this one site.

Arab Spring

Here is a quick overview of what's been happening during the Arab Spring.

Major Religions of the Middle East

Today you will be gathering information about three major religions in the Middle East: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  As you visit each webpage, be sure to fill in the chart for your assignment, as well as noting similarities and differences between the three religions.

H20

While the Middle East is rich in some natural resources, one thing that is lacking is WATER.  Today we will be thinking about the role water plays in our life, what it is like in areas with limited water, what the consequences of limited water might be and what can be done about water shortages.

The sources we're going to use today are called infographics.  Infographics take complex information and arrange it with graphics to present the information quickly.  The infographics we are going to use  can be found here, here, here and here.

Desert Life

Today we're going to look at one of the major physical features of the Middle East, deserts.  People sometimes think deserts are hot and empty, but they are actually much more complex.  

There are two websites that can be helpful to complete today's assignment.  Make sure you provide detailed responses to the questions!

Topics

• What is a desert?/Desert characteristics
• Water in the desert
• Life in the desert
• People in the desert

Upcoming Due Dates!!!

Europe RAFT Project Due Monday, March 4th

All 10 Current Events Due by Monday, March 4th

All Late Work Due Thursday, March 7th

Greek Debt Crisis

Today we are going to be exploring the current debt crisis in Europe.  To help make sense of what is happening, please go to the Khan Academy website to view the Greek Debt Recession and Austerity video.  As you are watching, please take notes on the video (remember, you can pause and repeat parts as needed).

Cold War Events

On the back of your Cold War Timeline from yesterday, please write a short description of each event.  You can search each event, or click here for a summary of each event.

You do NOT need a description of the following events: the end of WWII, the Reykjavik Summit and the end of the Cold War right now.

Cold War Timelines

Today you will make a timeline of the Cold War.  Please include the following events.

1.    End of World War II

2.    Pinochet’s Coup in Chile

3.    Civil War in Angola

4.    Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

5.    Revolution in Nicaragua

6.    The Reykjavik Summit

7.    Castro Controls Cuba

8.    Vietnam War

9.    Korean War

10. Sputnik Satellite Launched

11. Berlin Wall Built

12. Invasion of Grenada 

13. End of the Cold War

Around the World

Welcome back and happy 2013!!

Today we're going to be taking a little trip around the world, looking at how people live in other parts of the world.  Below are links 4 topics: school, beds, food and possession.  The link for each topic will take you to a photo essay on the topic, showing pictures from around the world.  You will need to choose at least 2 topics, and complete a Venn diagram comparing how you live to how people in other parts of the world live.  Please be prepared to share your thoughts with the rest of the class later in the hour.

How Children Learn
Where Children Sleep
What I Eat
Material World