Current Event #28: Trading Places/Past or Present

Current Event #28: Trading Places/Past or Present

Due: Friday, May 24th, 2013

During the course of this year, we have discussed various historical individuals which have had some sort of impact (small or large) within our society. For this week's current event, select a person from the past or present, that you would trade places with for a day. Relive a major victory, accomplishment, battle, etc. that your chosen person may have experienced in their lifetime. It can be a person you know personally, a celebrity, or some person of notoriety to others. What would life be like for you by taking on another's identity? How would things change or stay the same?

What You Will Do:

1. Select one individual past or present that you admire and would consider switching identity with for a day. Be sure to discuss who the person is and what contributions or actions/influence he or she has had on society.

2. Explain why you chose the individual and what experiences would come from walking in that person's shoes for any amount of time.

3. Discuss at least one thing that makes you similar to the person you chose and one thing that you would have to change/do in order to come close to the talent of your person of choice.

***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***

Current Event #27: Your Topic of Choice

Current Event #27: Your Topic of Choice

Due: Friday, May 17, 2013

The topic for this week's current event blog assignment is your choice. The topic must revolve around a  topic in history which focuses on something currently happening the world of politics, education, government, etc. Please refrain from using sports or entertainment articles. Make sure to use a current and reputable source (not Wikepedia) and find an article that interests you. 

Your post should adhere to the following format:

Heading/ Be sure to include the following in your blog post:

-Your name/class period

-Title of article/author-Source/date of article

-URL (copy and paste your article link in your response for me to review your article)

Paragraph #1:

-Summary of your selected article (minimum of 5-7 sentences that provide detail about who/what, when, where, and why your current event is significant) 

Paragraph #2:

-Reflection/Opinion of article (minimum of 5-7 sentences)

-Give supporting facts and include any personal experiences associated with the article

-Relate the current event to what we've been studying in class (if applicable)

-pose questions/concerns about the event

***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***

Current Event #26: Are Video Games Designed Just for Child's Play?

Current Event #26: Are Video Games Designed Just for Child's Play?

Due: Friday, May 10th, 2013

The quick-thinking skills required in video games may be more helpful than crossword puzzles in slowing or even reversing declines in brain function that come with aging. According to a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Iowa, certain types of video games have been identified to help boosts the memory of older adults. With this evidence, I guess it is now safe to say that video games are not just for kids anymore?


What You Will Do:

1) Students will read the Time Magazine Article found at the following link: http://healthland.time.com/2013/05/03/video-games-are-not-just-childs-play-gaming-could-slow-mental-decay/ , which features the cover story relating to video games improving memory.

2) Secondly, students should indicate their video game status, by explaining the frequency of their time devoted to playing any throughout the day. (Note that these methods of play can include actual game systems used to play the video games as well as cell phone applications permitting you to play games to stimulate your brain.) Identify and explain how some of the games you play have various aspects incorporated into them, which forces individuals to have to rely on their quick-thinking and processing skills to complete the game.

3) Do you agree or disagree with what the article states regarding video games playing a pivotal role in helping individuals maintain higher levels of memory? Explain in detail.

4) Students should also identify an older adult in which they would assist in playing video games with to experiment and/or test this memory theory. How would you convince or persuade your selected person to switch places with you completing a crossword puzzle and having them play video games for hours to test their memory. 

***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***

Current Event #25: Is Texting Killing the English Language?

Current Event #25: Is Texting Killing the English Language?

Due: Friday, May 3, 2013

In today's times it is becoming more apparent that the English language is being replaced with the technology age's text language. Constantly, people are substituting words and phrases with shorten symbols and letters. It has become an epidemic which has caused some older people to further dislike technology and the way in which younger people have been accused of discontinuing a language of pride. 

What You Will Do:

1) Students will visit the following link: http://ideas.time.com/2013/04/25/is-texting-killing-the-english-language/ and read the article posted to answer the following questions.



2) Do you utilize the various texting symbols and language to communicate with people within your phone messages or everyday writing? Explain through examples.

3) How do you go about learning the various meanings of different texting symbols and phrases used in text messaging?

3) Why do you think people like to invent new languages such as texting and will the new texting language lead to people forgetting and/or abandoning the proper English language?

***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***

Current Event #24: Earth Day 2013

Current Event #24: Earth Day 2013

Due: Friday, April 26th

Recent polls have revealed Americans have become less concerned about the environment now than when Earth Day first began. Americans place less importance on environmental issues than they did in 1971, a year after Earth Day was established, according to a new HuffPost/YouGov poll. But the poll also finds that more Americans are taking some steps to protect the environment, such as cutting down on electricity use, eating organic foods and recycling.

For Earth Day this year, The Huffington Post and its polling partner YouGov assessed how environmental attitudes and behaviors have changed since the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 by repeating questions that were originally asked on two 1971 surveys.

What You Will Do:

1)  Students will view the video, “Do We Really Care About Climate Change?”, and read the article found at the following link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/22/environment-poll-earth-day_n_3117003.html

 2) Answer the following questions in complete sentences after reading the article and provide detailed explanations for each of your responses.

---Do you care about climate change as it relates to the future?

---How important do you think it is to work to restore and enhance the natural environment? Provide steps that can be taken to achieve these goals.

---Do you think government spending on programs to enhance and restore our environment should be kept at the present level, increased, or decreased?

---In the past few months, have you saved aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles, newspapers or magazines for recycling? Describe any actions you have taken.

***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***

Current Event #23: Your Topic of Choice

Current Event #23: Your Topic of

Choice

Due: Friday, April 19, 2013

The topic for this week's current event blog assignment is your choice. The topic must revolve around a  topic in history which focuses on something currently happening the world of politics, education, government, etc. Please refrain from using sports or entertainment articles. Make sure to use a current and reputable source (not Wikepedia) and find an article that interests you. Your post should adhere to the following format:

Heading/ Be sure to include the following in your blog post:
-Your name/class period
-Title of article/author
-Source/date of article
-URL (copy and paste your article link in your response for me to review your article)

Paragraph #1:
-Summary of your selected article (minimum of 5-7 sentences that provide detail about who/what, when, where, and why your current event is significant) 

Paragraph #2:
-Reflection/Opinion of article (minimum of 5-7 sentences)
-Give supporting facts and include any personal experiences associated with the article
-Relate the current event to what we've been studying in class (if applicable)
-pose questions/concerns about the event

***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***

Current Event #22 The Iraq War 10 Years Later: Was it Really Worth Fighting?

Current Event #22

The Iraq War 10 Years Later: Was it Really Worth Fighting?

 

Sean Smith/Getty Images  U.S. Marines pull down a statue of Saddam Hussein in the center of Baghdad April 9, 2003.  

Due: Friday, March 22^nd 2013

The week of March 17 marks the 10-year anniversary of the war in Iraq, when a U.S.-led coalition invaded the country to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.The war succeeded in removing a despotic regime, but sparked years of sectarian strife in the Middle Eastern nation and regional upheaval, while the U.S. and its allies also felt the repercussions of a battle thousands of miles away.

A decade on from the conflict, America is keen to hear from those who were involved, from Iraqis themselves and people in neighboring countries, to the military who served in battle (and those they left behind), to charity workers and contractors who worked in Iraq at this time.

What You Will Do

Students should visit the following link:

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/10-years-iraq-invasion/story?id=18759281

to view footage highlighting the 10 year anniversary of the Iraq War. Students should read the articles and watch the videos, to learn about a war which divided a country over its existence. Students should also answer the following questions in full details to express their point of views.

1)      Ten years later, what do you think the Iraq war has changed in you, your family, and in our country?

2)     Was the Iraq War worth fighting and was it a victory for the United States?

***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***

Current Event #21: "The Bully Effect"

Current Event #21: "The Bully Effect"

Due: Friday, March 8th, 2013

In recent news coverage, “Bullying” has been a major topic being addressed across the country, in many schools and other public venues. CNN’s correspondent, Anderson Cooper of AC360, has been instrumental in highlighting a new documentary called, “The Bully Effect”, by Lee Hirsch. This documentary provides snapshots of children and their parents dealing with trying to overcome the violence and cruelty of bullying. Within our current society, bullying has taken on some severe measures, including cyber-bullying which extends beyond the initial physical and verbal aspect as we once knew. Within this documentary, one will find various eye-opening situations and experiences which provide a back drop for a need to further the elimination of such actions. I strongly encourage you to watch this documentary to become enlightened and aware of this nationwide epidemic.

What You Will Do:

Students will read the article and select any of the clips found at the link provided to obtain information regarding the topic of bullying being addressed:http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/28/opinion/anderson-cooper-bullying/index.html?hpt=us_mid

1)      As a student of CHHS, have you encountered or witnessed any forms of bullying (verbal, physical, cyber-bullying, etc.) or know of anyone being bullied? If so, which kind have you seen as the most prevalent and what strategies or suggestions can you provide to further the campaign of eliminating this type of bullying in schools?

2)      How might someone being bullied seek help or assistance, instead of contemplating about drastic measures, to end the harm and humiliation being done to them?

3)      If you knew of someone being bullied or knew someone who bullies individuals, would you inform the proper authorities; or continue to allow injustices take place? Explain your position in specific detail.

***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***

Current Event #20: Has TSA Gone Too Far?

Current Event #20: Has TSA Gone Too Far?

Due: Friday, March 1st, 2013

In lieu of security screening at airports, a recent story broke surrounding a 3 year old girl with a spinal disorder in a wheel chair. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) demanded that the child must adhere to the standard protocol, of having a pat down performed, to follow safety concerns before boarding a plane. This is the latest case in a line of events concerning children in airport security incidents. 

What You Will Do:

1. Watch the videos and read the article provided at the following link: http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/02/tsa-pat-down-wheelchair-children/62396/

2. Answer the following questions surrounding this topic regarding your position about standard practices conducted by the TSA:

---Should there be some limitations established, when it comes to allowing some passengers (handicapped, children, etc.), to forego standard security procedures? If so, explain what changes should be made to accommodate young passengers at security check points.

---Do you agree or disagree with the TSA actions regarding this recent incident with this 3 year old girl? Explain your opinion in detail.

---What should or could have been done differently by TSA if you disagree with their handling of this situation?

***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***

Current Event #19: Your Topic of Choice

Current Event #19: Your Topic of

Choice

Due: Friday, February 15, 2013

The topic for this week's current event blog assignment is your choice. The topic must revolve around a  topic in history which focuses on something currently happening the world of politics, education, government, etc. Please refrain from using sports or entertainment articles. Make sure to use a current and reputable source (not Wikepedia) and find an article that interests you. Your post should adhere to the following format:

Heading/ Be sure to include the following in your blog post:
-Your name/class period
-Title of article/author
-Source/date of article
-URL (copy and paste your article link in your response for me to review your article)

Paragraph #1:
-Summary of your selected article (minimum of 5-7 sentences that provide detail about who/what, when, where, and why your current event is significant) 

Paragraph #2:
-Reflection/Opinion of article (minimum of 5-7 sentences)
-Give supporting facts and include any personal experiences associated with the article
-Relate the current event to what we've been studying in class (if applicable)
-pose questions/concerns about the event

***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***

Current Event #18: Dollars, Cents, or Plastic?

Current Event #18: Dollars, Cents, or Plastic?

Due: Friday, February 8th, 2013

Canada is dropping the use of its penny today. And some economists believe the United States should be following its neighbor's example.The U.S. Mint spent 2 cents to produce and ship each of the 5.8 billion pennies sent to banks last year. But in addition to being a money loser for the Treasury, there are arguments that the penny has simply outlived its usefulness.

What You Will Do:

1. Students will view the video and read the following CNN article found at the following link: 

http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/04/news/economy/end-of-penny/index.html?hpt=hp_t3      

2. After reading the article you will respond to the following questions:

---Should the U.S. follow Canada's lead in killing the penny? Share your thoughts and opinions based on your usage of coin/cash money.

---Do you find most people within your family or circle of friends, etc. utilizing cash/coin money or plastic credit and/or debit cards for the majority of their purchases? 

***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***

Current Event #17: Protecting America Against Violence

Current Event #17: Protecting America Against Violence

Due: Friday, February 1st, 2013

In the wake of several recent school and community shootings, many local and federal governmental officials, have been working together to remedy the systematic problems looming over the lives of many. Currently, legistlatures are trying to reform the current laws and rights which accompany gun owners to keep America's citizens safe.

What You Will Do:

1. Students will read the following CNN article: http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/29/us/handguns-and-federal-legislation/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

2. After reading the article you will respond to the following questions

---What is your stance on the current policy's being discussed with President Obama's plan to resolve violence surrounding gun control which include: (increasing access to mental health services, lifting restrictions on federally funded research on gun violence, extending background checks before the purchase of a gun)?

---Examine the armed weapons pie chart and read Senator Dianne Feinstein's gun proposal. Based on the information presented, explain your thoughts on how the focus has been primarily on curbing access to high-powered rifles and large-capacity magazines, and not the common handguns that account for the majority of gun deaths in America.

***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***

Current Event #16: Happy New Year 2013!!!

Current Event #16: Happy New Year!!!

Due: Friday, January 11th, 2013

It's 2013, a brand new year, with rapid news coverage happening worldwide. The topic for this week's current event blog assignment will be a topic of your choice. You should select a topic/story that has helped kick off the start of January 2013, that has people currently discussing its content or controversy. Be sure to use a current and reputable source (not Wikipedia) in finding an article that interests you. Your post should adhere to the following format:

What You Will Do:

Heading/ Be sure to include the following in your blog post:
-Your name/class period
-Title of article/author
-Source/date of article
-URL (copy and paste your article link in your response for me to review your article)

Paragraph #1:
-Summary of your selected article (minimum of 5-7 sentences that provide detail about who/what, when, where, and why your current event is significant)

Paragraph #2:
-Reflection/Opinion of article (minimum of 5-7 sentences)
-Give supporting facts and include any personal experiences associated with the article
-Relate the current event to what we've been studying in class (if applicable)
-pose questions/concerns about the event

** *Be sure to write specific, detailed, complete paragraph sentences, when writing your current event.***

HAPPY NEAR YEAR!!!