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!!!

Current Event #15: 2012 Year End Wrap-Up

2012 Year Ending Current Event # 15

Due: Friday, December 21, 2012

The topic for this week's current event blog assignment will be one of reflection. You should select a topic that will pertain to a thought provoking event/issue that will surely be written and recorded in the history books for 2012. We've experienced and witnessed a lot of historical events that helped shape 2012. What world event will you choose to end the year on a historical note? Be sure to use a current and reputable source (not Wikepedia) and find an article that interests you. Be sure to research to find information regarding varies topics and issues that left a mark or impression during 2012, which will be discussed for years to come. 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!!!

Current Event #14: Living in a Digital World

Current Event #14: Living in a Digital World

Due: Friday, December 14^th, 2012

This week is Computer Science Education Week, which is being observed around the United States with events aimed at highlighting the promise of digital education. Douglas Rushkoff, a media theorist, author, and digital media advocate, says we live in a digital age but computer science is not a priority in schools; which causes the United States to lag further behind other countries in this field. Rushkoff also states that digital literacy helps us see that kids are not Facebook's customers, but the product. His argument on Capitol Hill this week will focus on the need for individuals to think critically about promoting digital media environments, as a liberal art to teach students about the world.

What You Will Do

1.      Read the CNN article found at the following link address: http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/10/opinion/rushkoff-code-writing/index.html?hpt=hp_bn7 , in order to address the accompanying tasks.

2.      Select 3 of the author’s 10 talking points to discuss in detail, your view of support to help the author's argument, for further advancement regarding the need of digital education in today’s society.

3.      In what capacity do you envision our school/district accomplishing the desire to make our students competitive in the digital education race? How can our school/district improve in order to meet the specific needs mention by Douglas Rushkoff?

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