11.30.07

This week in geography we studied Southwestern Asia, also known as the Middle East. Along with learning about the area through a map and some textbook work, the students participated in an economic simulation game called “The Scramble for Wealth”. It was a very fun, engaging activity, and the students wrestled with ideas of world wealth and resources, fairness, and the obligations and responsibilities that countries have as part of a global economy. Most of the students really enjoyed the activity, and I highly encourage you to read some of their thoughts on the subject in the posting “The Scramble for Wealth”. There are some great insights and thoughts that the students shared.

Next week is a test over part of Asia. Your student should have a study guide to help them prepare. The study guide is also available on my web page. The test will be Wednesday, December 5. After the test we will be moving on through Asia, studying Mount Everest and then moving on to Eastern Asia.

“The Scramble For Wealth”

Today in class we did an activity to show how wealth and resources are distributed in the world. What did you think about the activity? Do you think it was fair? Why or why not? Should powerful countries be concerned about the countries that are poor? Should they give money to poor countries? Explain your thoughts and answers in a 7-10 sentence paragraph.

11.16.07

This week marks the middle of 2nd quarter, so your student should be bringing home progress reports today. This week in geography was filled with some great Kashmir presentations! We had two busy days of presentations, and it was evident that most of the students worked hard and took the project seriously. This project was very different than our first quarter project. It required the students to work together and really rely on their critical thinking skills to develop ideas and think their ideas through.

I didn’t collect COD’s this week, because I was trying to get the Kashmir projects graded before the Thanksgiving break. Next week I will grade two week’s worth of COD’s. When we get back from the break, we will move onto Southwest Asia, and then on to Eastern Asia. Our next test will be on Wednesday, December 5. I will be giving students a study guide next week, and you’ll be able to download a copy of it from my webpage. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

11.9.07

This week in geography the kids really got into the Kashmir Project. The ideas that have been flying around my classroom of how to solve a potential nuclear conflict have been great to listen to. The kids are really starting to understand how complicated world relationships are, and the power of negotiation and the difficulty of compromise. It has been especially relevant since Pakistan has been in the news so much lately. I have had a couple of students bring in news articles about Pakistan this week, excited that an area of the world we are learning about in class is something so prominent in the news. Other students have been talking to me in the halls about the situation in Pakistan, eager to learn about it and quick to make the connections to the Kashmir conflict. Many of my students are so inquisitive about the world!

11.2.07

This week in geography we started learning about India, Pakistan, and the conflicted Kashmir Region. The kids have been learning some background information about the conflict and region this week, and will start the actual Kashmir Project on Monday. This is a group project; however, students will be graded on individual effort, understanding of the material, and participation. Presentations for this project begin Wednesday, November 14. The kids are already coming up with some great, creative ideas on how to solve the Kashmir conflict, and I am excited to see how their final presentations and proposals turn out! Please remember that Country of the Day books are due every Friday. Also, the next test is Wednesday, December 5, and it will cover Asia. I will send a study guide home as we get closer.

“My Lost Country” Response

In class on Friday, we read the news story, “My Lost Country”, by Muzamil Jaleel, and watched a picture slide show of images from around the Kashmir Region. In a 7-10 sentence response, tell me what you thought. How did the story make you feel? What stood out in the story or the pictures? Do you think that this article is neutral, or does it show partiality to one particular side of the conflict?

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