It's Friday!!

What is our 'official' definition of geography?

Today we added to our notes about the tools and technology used in geography. We also discussed mental mapping and practiced with a few in-class activities. We will be using our knowledge about the parts of and uses for maps to create our own map of Lexington. This map will need to be of a common route you take here in Lexington. You need to map the route from memory, including details, and all the parts of a map (TALDOGS)!
We will work on this for a little bit in class on Monday and the assignment is due on Tuesday, August 28.

+ don't forget to bring a grapefruit!

Have a happy weekend!

Day 2!

You made it through the first day of school and you're back for more!

What is geography?
Why does it matter?
How can we study it?

These are the questions we attempted to answer in class today. We started with our graffiti chart to see what your perception of 'geography' really is. In class we completed a textbook scavenger hunt and 7 important terms. We took notes in class to begin our discussion of the basic tools and technology of geography.

Please bring in a grapefruit to class for an activity we will do Tuesday. Thanks!

Welcome Back!

Here we are at the start of another school-year...where did the summer go?!
I am excited to teach World Geography this semester and I hope we have a great fall together!

Today in class we will discuss the goals and expectations throughout this course. You will receive a syllabus, a parent letter, and the class expectations. The 'parent info sheet' you will receive with your syllabus needs to be filled out and returned for class tomorrow. Today we will also take a geography pre-test to determine our skill level in each class.

Please refer to this blog for class information until Edmodo is up and running.

Thanks!
Mrs. Blagg

Farewell!

All final exams and grades should be in by today!

I hope you have enjoyed your time in World Geography this semester and learned something about the world around you!

Enjoy your summer break!

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." -Theodore Roosevelt

Finals Week!

We are reviewing all week and preparing for our comprehensive final in World Geography!

2nd & 4th blocks will take exam on Thursday, May 31st.
1st & 3rd blocks will take exam on Friday, June 1st.

Each student should have a unit outline and a set of focus questions in addition to their notes and past quizzes to help them prepare for the exam.

Mrs. Blagg will be available before school on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for anyone who would like to come in for extra study help.

All missing and makeup work must be completed and turned in no later than Friday, June 1st.

Latin America

Where is Latin America? How would you describe it?

   This week we will be doing a mapping activity, a Latin current event, and  a group activity that will culminate in Latin Fiesta Day! The groups have been assigned a common celebration from a Latin American country to research and create a poster of - each group will share a food sample and what they've learned on Friday, May 25th!

Next week we will review for our comprehensive final.

Need to Know!

Due to various End of Course testing next week, we are going to have to bump up our Africa test. Our unit test on Africa will now be on Friday, May 18th. I do not want to overwhelm you next week since your end of course exams are weighed so heavily. We have already covered all the information that will be on the test & you have the review sheets needed to prepare.


Our projects are still due tomorrow. We will get through as many presentations as we can & then briefly review for the test. On Friday, we will take the test and then do more presentations. 1st & 2nd blocks will most likely finish the movie on Monday.

Africa's Current Struggles

    This week in World Geography we will be looking at the current issues affecting many African countries. Today in our notes we discussed Africa's economy base, healthcare issues, and armed conflicts.

    Beginning on May 15th, my World Geography classes will view the movie, Hotel Rwanda. This movie deals with the holocaust of internecine tribal fighting in Rwanda that sees the killing of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children. It follows the story of one ordinary hotel manager who musters the courage to save more than 1,000 helpless refugees. The theme of this film directly correlates to the content we are learning regarding Africa’s human geography.
    Due to violence and brief strong language this movie is rated PG-13 and your student will need parental permission to view this film. A letter was sent home last week - if you have not seen this letter please ask your student for it. You may also provide written permission or email me your permission with your student's name at bblagg@lexington1.net.

Firsthand South African Experience

  Today's 1st block class enjoyed a special guest speaker from South Africa. Today's guest shared her cultural experiences and some of the country's historic legacy! We are grateful for her willingness to share about her home!

  In class we continued to research and create our project - African Country Analysis. Remember, this is an individual project with a digital presentation. The project instructions were explained in class, emailed to each student, and a paper copy was offered. Please pay close attention to the rubric - the project is worth a quiz grade!

  Tomorrow is our map quiz over Africa. We have been studying and preparing all week in (& hopefully out) of class. A concise list of the major countries and cities was provided for your study aid.

All About Africa

   We've started our Africa Unit! Our mapping activities should be turned in for grading and we've started our interactive map practice in class. The map quiz will only be over Africa's political features - it's this Friday so study, study!

   In class we are taking notes and learning about Africa's physical geography - its climate, resources, and examples of HEI. We are also beginning work on our African Country Analysis - an individual digital project (worth a quiz grade). More to come on that!

Asia Test & Asian Culture Day!

Today we took our unit test over Asia. This covered all material taught on South and East Asia.
Don't forget, tomorrow is our Asia Culture Day! If you haven't brought an item to contribute yet - its not too late! We are still needing fruit roll ups and wax paper - drop by my room tomorrow before class.
Also if you have any missing or makeup assignments and would like credit for them - please turn them in ASAP!







Thanks & enjoy your extra long afternoon!! :)

Edging into East Asia...

   Today we took a content quiz over our material on South Asia.
   Then we used the outlines we started to take notes on some key physical features of China and their affect on the region. We used a digital note-taking tool to analyze the pros and cons of the Three Gorges Dam built to control the flooding of the Yangtze River.
   Tomorrow we will continue with our notes to discover the climates and vegetation zones of East Asia.

*Please remember to bring in an item or two for our Asian Culture Day on Friday. I really want all of my classes to be able to participate - and we can't if we don't supply the materials! Thanks!!

Upcoming Events!

FYI!!

Attention Parents & Students:

On Friday, April 27th the geography classes will jointly participate in an Asian Culture Day. We will be making 2 different kinds of sushi and creating various types of art. With almost 400 students participating, we are asking for your help in providing supplies for the event. If you are able to contribute for the event, we ask that you have your student bring it by Wednesday, April 25. Thank you in advance for your support!!

~Mrs. Blagg
and fellow Geography teachers

• box of rice krispie cereal
• bag of marshmallows
• 2 bags of gummy worms
• 2 boxes of square fruit rollups
• 2 rolls of paper towels
• package of small paper plates
• package of wet wipes
• box of disposable gloves

welcome back!

  As we return from Spring Break we will dive into another sub-region of Asia - South Asia. This week, we will be looking at the physical and human geography of India and its surrounding countries.
  In class today, we did our mapping activity for Asia. We will briefly go over this tomorrow in class & you will be quizzed over Asia on Friday, April 20th.
  Then we did a partner timeline activity for the name changes that Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka went though.
  Lastly, we finished with notes on the physical geography of South Asia.

spring break!

I hope you each have a fun and relaxing break!

When we come back on the 16th we will continue with our unit on Asia by looking at the South & Southeast Asian sub-regions. We will have HSAP testing that week so be prepared for some weird schedules.

I will be grading Arab Spring essays - so if its not in my inbox - its late (and remember it counts for 30% of your quiz on the Middle East).

See ya Monday!

Middle East & Major Religions

Today we prepared for our essay assignment on the Arab Spring. We will be using a CSE format which was explained and modeled in class. All essays should address 1 of the 2 claims provided. Factual evidence must be provided to support your claim. Be sure to cite your sources at the bottom of your essay in proper formatting.

After starting our essays, we finished our unit on the Middle East by taking notes on the 2 major monotheistic religions from that region. We also examined an excerpt from the Qur'an and completed our day with a Venn diagram to compare/contrast Islam & Judaism.

Remember to complete the review sheet that was handed out in class. We will take our quiz over the Middle East tomorrow and finish our essays.

Mapping the Middle East

What do you know about the Middle East? What would you like to know about the Middle East?

Today we completed our mapping of the Middle East (turned it in) and began notes about its physical geography.
In class, we mapped four major mountain ranges in this region and took notes about each range.
After talking about the Middle East's significant waterforms and resources, we completed a Guided Reading handout on the areas Climate and Vegetation. We will briefly review this at the beginning of class tomorrow.

a trip through Russia

Today we finished with World Geography midterm exams.

Already, we have begun our next unit: Russia!
We will be taking a brief tour through Russia - exploring its extreme physical geography and unique human geography!

We started on a mapping activity of Russia to gain an understanding of where we will be exploring. This map needs to be completed and turned in by Thursday.

We are also beginning a project about the Trans-Siberian Railroad. We will be working on this in class today, tomorrow, and Friday. Projects will be due by the end of class on Monday, March 26! More info to come!

MidTerm Preparations

Who is the symbolic head of Canada?

Today we explored some of the unique aspects of Canada's culture. In class, we practed peer teaching to learn about different parts of Canadian culture. Then we took a gallery walk to take notes on each topic.

In class, a review outline as well as some practice questions were handed out in order to prepare you for the mid-term. Remember, it is a cumulative exam covering Units 1-4. 2nd & 4th blocks will test tomorrow (Tuesday 20th) and 1st & 3rd blocks will test on Wednesday 21st.

Please email me for any questions concerning the exam.

Oh, Canada!

This week we've spent time mapping and learning the physical & human geographies of the U.S. and Canada.

In class today, we worked on a group assignment to create a gallery walk of Canadian Culture. We will share and take notes on each topic on Monday and review for our 9 weeks exam.

MidTerms --
Tuesday: 2 & 4 blocks
Wednesday: 1 & 3 blocks

A European Finale!

Today was our last day in Europe! We took our unit test and then began a mapping activity for our next unit - U.S. & Canada.

Please make sure your map of the U.S. is completed according to the provided rubric - color, key, and all!
Happy mapping!

Terra Australis Incognita

We've enjoyed a brief tour through the land down under - taking notes, participating in debates, and more. Yesterday we discussed Australia & New Zealand's unique physical geographies and today we highlighted the history and European colonization of these lands.

Tomorrow we will take a test over our unit on Europe. In class, a review guide was handed out to aid you in studying and preparing for the exam.

the European Union & other issues

BW: Which European sub-region do you think has the most cultural diversity? Why?

    Today we began class with a discussion on modern issues throughout Europe. We focused on the creation and development of the European Union and its results. After taking notes we watched a film by Discovery Education on European immigration issues. We used video notes to then analyze and interpret the film.
    Assigned homework: complete worksheet "Case Study: The European Union"

Remember, your postcard activity is due tomorrow and we will have our unit test over Europe on Thursday.


EQ: How can EU expansion pose potential problems?

Human Geography of Europe

This week our focus has been on the human geography of Europe. We are learning about the four sub-regions of Europe. In class today we are using the infographics we created yesterday to teach about an aspect of your assigned region. We are using a chart to take notes in class as we add to our knowledge of the four regions.

*Don't forget that the European map quiz is tomorrow!! We have been preparing for this for more than a week. Study study school's your buddy!!

Entering Europe

What are five landmarks in Europe?

Today we finished off our unit on Culture by taking a quiz on language, government, population, and economy.

We began our study of Europe by discussing some major landmarks and then analyzing several features from our atlas section. In groups, we interpreted graphs and maps to find out information about Europe.

Then we got started on our European Mapping Activity. An instruction sheet and 2 maps (physical & political) were given out. You are to correctly find, label, and color the features of both maps. A key must also be provided. We will take a map quiz over the major countries & landforms of Europe on Wednesday, February 29...so study, study school's your buddy!

Create-a-Culture Presentations

How is a country's population growth rate figured?

Today we presented our Create-a-Culture projects. Each group had 10 minutes to detail the culture they created. Each group will be graded per the rubric provided at the beginning of the project assignment.

After presentations, we completed a personal reflection and evaluation to be turned in by the end of class.

Then we spent the last few minutes of class organizing last week's notes on Culture to prepare for a quiz tomorrow!

How do we define culture?

Happy Monday!

I hope you enjoyed your long weekend!
I want to remind you to be prepared to share your Create-a-Culture projects with your group tomorrow in class!! Please make sure to turn in your Group Proposal sheet before you present your project. Each group will have 10 minutes to present. Your presentation should be organized, practiced, and informational. You will be demonstrating the various aspects of culture through this project.

After presentations, you will complete a personal reflection and evaluation regarding this project.

Also, please take a few minutes to look over your notes on culture. We will have a quiz at the beginning of class on Wednesday.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

See you tomorrow!

Mrs. Blagg





"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." -Theodore Roosevelt

Understanding Population

   This week we've continued with our unit on Culture. We discussed language families, types of government, and today we learned about population rates. We began class with a series of statements about population and its affects. With each statement we decided what our "stand" on the statement would be by going to a designated part of the classroom. We discussed varying viewpoints of each statement and then took notes along with a powerpoint about populaiton rates, densities, and distribution.
   Then we individually completed a handout on population pyramids according to the Census Bureau's website.
   The remainder of class was spend working in your groups for the Create-a-Culture project. Remember, your keynote/PPT and your typed papers must be organized in turned in tomorrow by the end of class. We will present our projects on Tuesday, Feb. 21 in class!

Change & Exchange

Today's discussion was about cultural changes and exchanges. We discussed cultural diffusion and how it affects food and religion. Then we completed a partner activity in which we mapped the major world religion and analyzed how those religions traveled.

The Create-a-Culture project was assigned today. Groups were formed and proposal sheets were handed out to record our brainstorm sessions. Your culture project proposal will be turned in for approval on Friday.

the Culture Behind Cave Art

  Our classroom was set up like an art gallery today. Each exhibit had an example of ancient cave art. As a class, we discussed the possible interpretations behind each art exhibit and what it tells us about that society's culture.
  Next we looked at modern examples of cultural expression.
  Then we created our own "cave art" in groups. Each group had to decide on shared characteristic to illustrate at least 6 of the 8 identifiers of culture.

{Please read Ch. 4 in your textbook for class tomorrow.}

Reviewing Climate Regions and Changes

Thursday - We worked on a partner project in class in which we created a climate map complete with latitudes, pictures, and a key. Then we used a worksheet to analyze weather in each region.

Friday - After our current world event research and discussion, we watched a film about climate changes and its effects. We completed a video notes handout as we watched the film and turned in our daily work logs before leaving for the weekend!

Finishing our 1st Unit

What type of climate region do we live in?

Our first test was given today over Unit 1 - Basics of Geography, Mapping Skills, Themes, and Climate.

After the test we turned in our homework - Extreme Weather Current Event.
We also completed a handout about climographs.

What was your favorite thing we learned about from our first unit?

Tomorrow we will begin our unit on Culture!

Climate Regions

  Today we reviewed what we have learned about weather and climate and we watched a film by the Discovery Channel about Extreme Weather. We completed a questions handout about the film as we watched.
  Then we took notes along with a presentation about the climate regions of the world and the basics of soil and vegetation.

*Remember your Extreme Weather homework is due tomorrow.

Tomorrow we will take our test over Unit 1!

Climate & Extreme Weather

How would you describe the type of weather you experience living in the Lexington area? 
   After finishing our ABC Book presentations, we began a new section on Climate and Weather. We completed a handout in class on the various types of landforms and then took notes along with a presentation about what causes climate patterns and extreme circumstance weather. We used our daily work logs to respond to a writing prompt.

   A research handout was distributed to be completed and turned in at the beginning of class on Wednesday. You will need to research a world current event about extreme weather and analyze it with our themes of geography.

   *Remember, we will take our test over Unit 1 (Basic Geography Skills and Mapping) on Wednesday, February 1.

Happy Friday!

  In our Friday tradition, we began class by selecting a current world news article and comparing the article to what we are learning in the classroom. Today you were asked to relate your article to our themes of movement and human-environment interaction. After reading and logging the information on our daily work logs, we took turns sharing our articles in class.
  We took our quiz today over the themes and latitude and longitude. After all quizzes were in, we took turns presenting our ABC Book of South Carolina projects.

Human Environment Interaction

  Today we took notes along with a presentation describing how and why we interact with our environment.
  We watched The Lorax - adapted from the Dr. Seuss book - to get a visualization of how we affect the world around us everyday. After watching we completed a worksheet in which we analyzed the positive and negative effects of that interaction. We also discussed the daily activities we take part in and if those activities are more helpful or harmful to our environments.

*Please remember that tomorrow we will take our first quiz.
*We will also present 4 pages from our ABC Books of South Carolina to the class before turning them in.

Movement

  Today we discussed our 4th theme of Geography. We began class with a film of the different places and regions of America. We used the film to aid our understanding of how people, products, and ideas move through our world.
  After taking some notes along with a lecture, a worksheet was handed out as a homework assignment. You are to use this to log the products in your home that represent movement.
  For the remainder of class we worked on our projects - the ABC Book of South Carolina.

Exploring the Five Themes

  Yesterday, we talked about the 2nd of our Five Themes of Geography: Place. We took a few notes and refreshed our knowledge of latitude and longitude. To put place into practice we had groups create a skit to describe a place that the class had to guess. Then we received an assignment for our ABC Book of South Carolina. This project will count as a quiz grade and is due on Friday, January 27. We received our rubrics for the assignment and spent about 30 minutes getting a start on it.
  Today we explored the theme of Region! We talked specifically about the perceptual regions of the U.S. After a mapping activity and some notes, we spent the rest of class working on our projects.

*Remember you will also have a quiz over latitude/longitude and the themes on Friday!

it's grapefruit day!!

  Today we started class by selecting a current world news article. Sites were provided to look up on your iPad or magazines can be found in the classroom. After reading, we discussed our articles and tied it into the 5 Themes we've been discussing in class.
  Then we completed a map skills handout on projections. On the back of this handout is some more latitude/longitude practice. This needs to be completed as homework to turn in on Monday.
  After a brief presentation on the major types of map projections, we used our grapefruit for a group activity. The goal was to create a globe on each grapefruit and then try to produce a map projection. Each group member received a handout to complete by Monday.

Enjoy your weekend!

*Tissues for the classroom would be appreciated!

a geographer's tools...

What are the two types of location we discussed in yesterday's lecture?

  Today we practiced our latitude and longitude skills! We started with a handout which we completed in class and then we used our iPads to scan a code that took us to an interactive quiz. We then used the handout to find the absolute locations for 11 major cities. (This needs to be turned in for credit.)
  Later, we took notes along with a presentation about some of the tools and technologies used in geography today.
  Tomorrow we will discuss map projections! Remember to bring your grapefruit! :)

Back to the Basics

What is geography?
  We began class today with a graffiti chart - organizing our thoughts about geography and pinpointing a consensus definition.
  Then we explored our textbooks by completing a Textbook Scavenger worksheet during class. These do need to be turned in for daily credit.
  We took our first notes today along with a powerpoint about the basic ideas and tools of geography. We described the Five Themes of Geography (location, place, region, movement, human-environment interaction) and explored location today.
  We ended class by playing Famous Amos - an activity in which you have to guess what location you are in by asking questions to find your relative location.
* Please bring a grapefruit for an activity we will do on Friday!

Welcome to World Geography!

  Welcome back students! I trust you enjoyed your long weekend and are ready for a new semester!
  Today in World Geography we began class with a notecard and a question - If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? We used this to start a class discussion and we will come back to these later - so stay tuned!
  We went over the syllabus today and you need to have a parent fill out the info sheet so you can return it for class tomorrow. We went through introductions and there is a "contract" on the bottom of the parent letter that also needs to be signed and returned for class tomorrow.
  After a little icebreaker activity, we took a pre-test to gauge our geography skills. We reviewed this in class,   but I will also look at these to gain a consensus for our class geography aptitude.
  Today we also got our textbooks! Please make sure to write your name in ink in the front cover. We will use these often during class, so come prepared!
  I'm excited about this new semester and the road ahead of us! Please feel free to email me or come by my room if you ever have any questions or issues.

World Geography Final

  Our final will be over the material we learned about Europe, Russia, Africa, Asia, and the Asia map.
  Exams will be today and tomorrow during normal class schedule. Study guides and unused hall passes must be turned in after final exam for redemption.
  All textbooks must be turned in to my room by Friday.

Good Luck & Hope you have a great rest of the year!

Preparing for the Final

  Looking back to last week, in my absence on Thursday and Friday, we read an article in class about the latest tsunami in Japan and wrote a response about how the people interacted with their environment as a result of that natural disaster. Then we completed a guided reading handout about Issues in East Asia. On Friday, a study guide for the final was given out to be completed.
  Today, we briefly reviewed key issues in Asia with a worksheet about Quality of Life and we went over the Issues in East Asia handout together in class.
  Useful resources to use while studying for the final were explained and we spend the majority of class completing our study guide and going over any questions.
  The map quiz over Asia had to be post-poned for various reasons. Therefore, it will now be included as a part of your final.
  *The final consists of material covered about Europe, Russia, Africa, Asia & the Asia map.

Religions of Asia

  We began class by examining map of the religions throughout Asia for our bellwork.
  Then we took notes along with a presentation about four major religions found in Asia. We read a primary source document about Siddhartha Gautama and completed a writing response about the Eightfold Path. To learn about Islam and Judaism we divided up the class to gather research and discuss.
  Tomorrow we will learn about Current Issues in East Asia! Be studying for your Asia map quiz on Friday!

Welcome back from break!

   I trust you all had a great holiday season! Today we started our unit on Asia! We began by completing a map together in class with 20 significant countries in Asia. Our map quiz will be on Friday, January 6 - so be studying!
   We took notes along with a presentation on the regions of Asia and their significant physical features. We examined an article in class together about the social geography of China. Then we watched part of a film regarding their One Child Policy. After the film, we wrote a response in the "writing" section of our daily log.
   Tomorrow we will look at the various religions and cultures of Asia!

...almost Christmas!

  Today we took our map assessment on African countries!
  After all quizzes were turned in, our groups presented their African region. Groups were graded according to the rubric (required information, poster, & presentation). Everyone had 2 days in class to work on this mini-project. Overall, the presentations were well put together and met the expectations given!
  When presentations were finished, an opportunity to complete a "replacement assignment" was given. The handout was a quick research worksheet called Christmas Around the World. The optional assignment should have been turned in before class ended; however, it will still be accepted on Tuesday when we return from break.

*All missing assignments and make up work need to be turned in as soon as possible. 

Looking Ahead....
After Christmas, we will spend a little time on Asia and then begin preparations for the final. The final will be a comprehensive assessment over our last four units: Europe, Russia, Africa, & Asia.

Examining African Countries

After our bellwork we defined 5 key terms on our daily logs. In class, we completed a handout on the landscapes and resources found in Africa. Then we took notes along with a presentation about Africa's climate, plantlife, and environmental concerns.

To discover the details of Africa's sub-regions we will be working on group projects in class. We spent the rest of class today researching essential information. You and your group will become experts on an assigned region of Africa. You will research geographical information and create a poster to present in class. Please follow the distributed rubric to succeed in this assignment. We will work on assignments in class tomorrow and present on Friday after  our Africa map quiz.

moving along to... Africa!

  We began class by creating a list of what we thought we already knew about Africa. We discussed what we will be covering for the remainder of our week. In class, we completed a map skills practice handout about the average temperature zones in Africa. Then we labeled a political map of Africa. Make sure you know all countries for our map quiz on Friday!

  We continued learning about Africa's unique environment through a film by National Geographic, Africa's Lost Eden. We took notes while watching and completed class by writing a summary of how the people of Mozambique have interacted with their environment.

* All Russian Ruler assignments must be turned in for credit.
* Ch. 16 Guided Quiz must be turned in by the end of today for credit.

Russia's Rulers & Government

Today we began class with bellwork and a map skills handout. Then we finished our research on significant Russian Rulers. All reports & diagrams should be emailed to me by the end of the day for full credit.

When the research assignments were completed, we started our Ch. 16 Guided Quiz.

Tomorrow we will begin our unit on Africa!

Russia!

Yesterday we began our unit on Russia by using our outlines to take notes on Russia's physical geography. Then we watched a film which showed us how Russians adapt to their climate.

Today we discussed the early history of Russia & began a research assignment on its significant rulers throughout modern history.

finishing Europe unit

What countries comprise the Iberian Peninsula?

Today the day for quizzes! We took a map quiz over the physical & political features of Europe!
Then we used our notes and current section in our textbooks to take a guided quiz.

After quizzes were complete, we finished our worksheets on the European Union from yesterday and turned them in.

Then we introduced our unit on Russia. Please define terms from pg. 345 on your daily log. Read pgs. 344-356 in your textbook and create a brief outline of the section.

types of government and unification in Europe

  We began class with a handout reviewing the regions of Europe. We took notes on several different types of governments found in Europe and throughout the world. Together we examined a primary source from Aristotle describing the thought process behind the creation of democracy. After our notes on government, we spent a few minutes writing in our daily logs to note the advantages/disadvantages of any 3 types of government.
  Then we continued class with a discussion and notes on the European Union. We used a worksheet to effectively gain information about why the EU was created and some issues its had to work through.

*All postcard projects were taken up today. One-time only offer for those who need to turn in late - will accept tomorrow only for late credit.

discovering the sub-regions of Europe

Today we worked in groups to complete an assignment in which we discovered the four diverse regions of Europe. Each group had to find specific essential information, create an infographic based on the research, and present their findings to the class. As each "region" presented we took notes - creating a table of information about each area.
We concluded class with our exit work based off of the map on pg. 317.

*Don't forget that your PostCard Project is due at the beginning of class tomorrow! Be sure to use your rubric in order to get the best grade possible!

*Also, prepare for the map test on Europe on Wednesday!

Interacting with the Environment - Europe

Bellwork: Interpret the bargraph on pg. 281 of your textbook and answer the three questions under the graph.

Before beginning a new section we briefly reviewed yesterday's lesson and upcoming deadlines. Please remember your postcard activity is due on Tuesday and we will have a map quiz on Wednesday (Dec. 7) along with an open-note quiz - so be prepared!

We completed and discussed a map practice handout. Also, a list of possible terms was given for your map quiz.

We took notes along with a powerpoint lesson on specific European countries and the ways in which they have adapted or changed their environments. We also discussed some of the problems that have occurred because of these envrironmental modifications and their possible solutions.

We took a few minutes to complete a Writing prompt in our daily logs. We compared/contrasted the Netherlands and Venice, Italy's adaptations and the consequences.

We spent the rest of class researching and working on our Postcard Activities.

Enjoy your weekend! See you in class on Monday!
-Mrs. Blagg

Europe's Physical Geography

Bellwork: What are five major mountain ranges in Europe?

To prepare for the upcoming map quiz on Europe, we completed a "european flight" worksheet in class.

We used our daily logs to define five key terms and then we took notes along with a powerpoint presentation about the significant physical features throughout Europe. After taking notes, we completed a handout on Climate & Vegetation and turned it in.

Today we also began work on our Postcard Activity. You were assigned a city of Europe to research. You will complete a City information handout to help with completing this assignment. Your postcard will picture a major landmark/landform from your city on the front. This must be drawn. On the back you will write a letter to a friend or family member back home telling of your time in the city. We began research using https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ . Your complete Postcard Activity is due at the beginning of class on Tuesday, December 6.

World Geography

Today we discussed new classroom expectations and consequences. We briefly reviewed map concepts of Europe and discussed several graphs and statistics about various European countries.

Remember to return your signed expectations contract to Mrs. Blagg as soon as possible.

Hello World Geography Students!

I would like to take this time to introduce myself for I will be teaching you in World Geography indefinitely. As a social studies teacher, my basic aim is to equip my students with a sufficient knowledge of the world around them and the events that have shaped it. You will have the opportunity to learn the characteristics that strongly influence a country both geographically and culturally.

Each student is a unique and complex individual. Therefore, I will use a variety of teaching methods in order to appeal to a variety of students. I do not intend on teaching students to merely memorize places and facts. Rather, I would urge them to become active learners in order to prepare them for a successful future.

I am eager to get to know you and to be a part of Lexington High School. I look forward to a great remainder of this semester!

-Mrs. Blagg

"The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."

-Marcel Proust

Global 1 - A & B days

   Your Global Studies 1 exam is today or tomorrow. It covers Eurasian Empires, African Societies, & Early American Civilizations. Please be prepared to turn in your textbook & any unused passes after your exam.

   Have a great summer & remember to....study, study, school's your buddy!
   :) Mrs. Blagg

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" -unknown

Freshman Seminar

Your portfolio final should be uploaded onto your site before class (preferably midnight the night before) on Monday, May 23 @ 8:00am. If you completed & uploaded your mastery statement, artifacts, & artifact analysis....then you do not need to be present for the final exam. However, if you do not have all aspects completed & uploaded you must attend the exam time.

Refer to my website for instructions:
https://sites.google.com/site/mrsblaggsfreshmanportfolio/

Global 1 - A & B days

We will briefly review for our final.
Please bring past quizzes & notes to class to correct/organize.

The final will cover our material on the Eurasian Empires (Byzantines, Russians, Mongols, & Turks), African Societies, & the Early Americas.

Sociology

Today we discussed the process of modernization & how it affects a society.

For Friday, please bring your binder & book to class. We will review for our final. The final exam is on Tuesday, May 24 @ 8:00 am.

Global 1 - B schedule

How did the Nazca & the Moche develop rich farmlands?

  We began class with bellwork and updating the foldable on our current vault. Thus far, our study of the Americas had led us to examine the Olmec, Zapotec, Chavin, Nazca, & Moche.
  Today we continued with our study by examining the Maya, Aztec, & Inca Empires that rose up in Central & South America. We took notes along with a powerpoint & discussed the various accomplishments and beliefs of each culture.

  In class we completed a handout that outlined the unique irrigation techniques of the Maya.

Homework: Complete the handout,Aztecs Control Central Mexico. Read the source article on Machu Picchu (on the back of the handout).

* Please remember that we will have a quiz over our unit on the Americas on Tuesday, May 17.

Global 1 - A schedule

How did the Nazca & the Moche develop rich farmlands?

  We began class with bellwork and updating the foldable on our current vault. Thus far, our study of the Americas had led us to examine the Olmec, Zapotec, Chavin, Nazca, & Moche.
  Today we continued with our study by examining the Maya, Aztec, & Inca Empires that rose up in Central & South America. We took notes along with a powerpoint & discussed the various accomplishments and beliefs of each culture.

  In class we completed a handout that outlined the unique irrigation techniques of the Maya.

Homework: Complete the handout, Aztecs Control Central Mexico. Read the source article on Machu Picchu (on the back of the handout).

Freshman Seminar

Today we used our class time to complete some practice tests for Algebra 1 & Physical Science EOCs.

If you have not completed the 2nd English practice test, please do so by tomorrow morning.

You may also begin working on the final - your portfolio. Please follow the instructions on my website to create your Mastery Statement & your Key Artifacts. This needs to be uploaded onto your ePortfolio by Monday, May 23, 8:00 am.  https://sites.google.com/site/mrsblaggsfreshmanportfolio/

Global 1 - B schedule

What factors made the Oaxaca Valley a likely place for civilization to develop?

  To review last week's MesoAmerican civilizations we updated the foldable on our current vault unit. Then we took a closer look at the impressive city of Monte Alban. We spent time in class creating a travel brochure for this important Zapotec city. Each brochure should have a persuasive title, 5 accurate facts, & color! These were turned in during class. If you did not finish, however, they should be turned in first thing on Thursday.
  We took notes on the South American civilizations: Chavin, Nazca, & Moche. We took a gallery walk around the room to discover the mysterious Nazca lines. We evaluated each image & tried to figure out why they were created. Then we completed a handout in class to help us determine the validity of a historical document about the Nazca culture.

Homework: Complete the Building Vocabulary handout, The Americas: A Separate World.

Sociology

  Today we presented the Group Minority Projects that we've been working on in class. Each group presented a different minority group that has a prominence in the U.S. They illustrated a timeline of their immigration & determined their cultural significance. After all of the presentations, we completed a self evaluation using the project rubrics. Then we finished a handout with follow-up questions from the project.
  To end class, we defined vocabulary for our last unit (set 7).
  Thursday we will discuss collective behavior. We will also have a book check, so be prepared!

Global 1 - A schedule

What factors made the Oaxaca Valley a likely place for civilization to develop?

  To review last week's MesoAmerican civilizations we updated the foldable on our current vault unit. Then we took a closer look at the impressive city of Monte Alban. We spent time in class creating a travel brochure for this important Zapotec city. Each brochure should have a persuasive title, 5 accurate facts, & color! This were turned in during class. If you did not finish, however, they should be turned in first thing on Wednesday.
  Then we took notes on the South American civilizations: Chavin, Nazca, & Moche.
  We took a gallery walk around the room to discover the mysterious Nazca lines. We evaluated each image & tried to figure out why they were created. Then we completed a handout in class to help us determine the validity of a historical document about the Nazca culture.
Homework: Complete the Building Vocabulary handout, The Americas: A Separate World.

Freshman Seminar

  We are using USAtestprep.com to practice for upcoming EOC exams. Today in class we used a powerpoint handout to go over what the English EOC will look like. The majority of class was spent taking the 1st test practice created by Mrs. Westbrook.
  You need to complete the 2nd test practice for homework. This needs to be complete by Wednesday & you will be graded for completion of this task.
  Wednesday we will look at Science & Math practice tests.
  Friday we will finish up with our practices & discuss the final ePortfolio assignment.

Sociology

Describe 3 of the 7 discussed patterns of treatment for minority groups.

  Today we worked on research & our minority group timelines as a part of our group projects.
Thursday we will work on the immigration & culture posters. Finishing touches &  presentation practice will be on Friday. We will present our minority group exhibits on Tuesday, May 10.

Global 1 - B schedule

We began class by updating our vaults. We described the three main migration factors & then discussed push & pull factors for each.
  Then we finished a film that depicts the environmental interaction that takes place in Mozambique, Africa. Before we watched we developed a purpose question. While we watched we took notes. After we watched we wrote a 7-10 sentence response. This is homework if you did not finish in class.
  We took an open-note quiz over our unit on Africa.

  Lastly, we received our new vault on the Americas. You need to define the 7 terms in the Key Vocabulary box & create a foldable for the VIP section.

Global 1 - A schedule

  We began class by updating our vaults. We described the three main migration factors & then discussed push & pull factors for each.
  Then we watched a film that depicts the environmental interaction that takes place in Africa, more specifically in Mozambique. Before we watched we developed a purpose question. While we watched we took notes. After we watched we wrote a 7-10 sentence response. This is homework if you did not finish in class.
  Lastly, we took an open-note quiz over our unit on Africa.

Freshman Seminar

  Today we presented many of our Freshmen Seminar Research Projects to our class & various parents. I want to thank each of the parents who came to support their student.
  Unfortunately, we did not get to present all projects today. Therefore, several students will present on Wednesday & we will evaluate our progress after they present.

Freshman Seminar

  We practiced our presentations in small groups & critiqued each other's work in class.
  We discussed the procedure in which all presentations should be made, the research expectations, & the rubric guidelines.
  All ePortfolios must be complete & ready for submission on Monday, May 2. We will then present to parents & other guests! Practice & be prepared to do your best!

Global 1 - A schedule

  We took our map quiz over African countries today & graded them in class.
  We briefly reviewed African Empires & placed them geographically.
  Then we looked at an example of storytelling by reading from Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali.   We read this aloud with our table partner & answered questions about the griot's tale.
  As a class, we examined the Great Zimbabwe empire & completed a Writing History.


Exit Work: How is Swahili an example of cultural interaction?

Global 1 - A schedule

  We briefly reviewed Friday's lesson about environmental concerns in Africa & how the people adapt to those environments. We discussed & completed the "Diverse Societies" worksheet with a partner in class.
  Then we took notes on the migrations of the Bantu-speaking peoples & the effects of migration. We discussed potential reason for migration....push-pull factors. Then we worked through a handout in class which covered adaptations the Bantu had to make & the effects on others.
  We used a map to geographically & culturally map several rising empires in Africa. We discussed the Efe, the Almoravid, Ghana, Mali, & Songhai civilizations. Then we looked at an example of storytelling by reading from Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali. We will finish reading & discuss on Wednesday.

Homework: Complete "Identifying Problems" worksheet. Study for map quiz!!

Freshman Seminar

  Today we finished & uploaded our  journal entry section of our research project.

  Any finishing touches or last minute uploads should be completed before class on Wednesday.

  Wednesday, April 27 - We will practice our presentations with our peers & evaluate each other's work.

  Monday, May 2 - We will present our projects to our guests! ePortfolios & presentations must be perfected & ready to go!

  You have your rubric & expectations so even if you did not meet a benchmark deadline... please make sure you have all components of the project complete & uploaded to your ePortfolio!

  Remember the All About Me section is extra credit & you can also choose to bring a prop/visual aid for your presentation.

  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns! I am expecting excellent & professional projects!!

Global 1 - A schedule

  The first several minutes of class were spent doing DEAR & binder checks.
  Today we started our new unit on African Societies. We received our new vaults & took time in class to create the foldable for it & define the first 6 terms in the vocabulary box.
  We took notes along with a powerpoint on the various geographical features & environmental concerns in Africa. We discussed 3 of the earliest African civilizations. We wrote a letter describing a journey through Africa & put it in our Unit 7 vault. This writing history assignment is homework if not completed in class.

Freshman Seminar

  Today your annotated bibliography needs to be complete & uploaded onto your ePortfolio. Check out the attached example & make sure you're format is correct!

  Please begin working on the journal entry section & when complete also upload.

Monday, April 25 - We will add the finishing touches to our research projects/ePortfolios.

Wednesday, April 27 - We will practice our presentations in class.

Monday, May 2 - We will present our projects to our guests!

  You have your rubric & expectations so even if you did not meet a benchmark deadline... please make sure you have all components of the project complete & uploaded to your ePortfolio!

  Remember the All About Me section is extra credit & you can also choose to bring a prop/visual aid for your presentation.

  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns! I am expecting excellent & professional projects!!

Global 1 - B schedule

  Today we started our new unit on African Societies. We received our new vaults & took time in class to create the foldable for it & define the first 6 terms in the vocabulary box.
  We took notes along with a powerpoint on the various geographical features & environmental concerns in Africa. We discussed 3 of the earliest African civilizations. We wrote a letter describing a journey through Africa & put it in our Unit 7 vault.
  Then we completed a worksheet (Diverse Societies in Africa) with a table partner.

Homework: Complete "Identifying Problems" worksheet.

Sociology

  We began our new unit, Social Inequality. We took notes along with a powerpoint, completed a worksheet together in class about prestige, & began a discussion about poverty in the U.S.
Exit Work: Design a concept diagram for Social Stratification.

Global 1 - A schedule

We began class by creating a concept map for the basic beliefs of Islam. This should be completed on the space provided in your vault.
  We continued with our class discussion of the varying Muslim beliefs & practices. We took notes along with a powerpoint & discussed the crisis that followed Muhammad's death, the leadership conflicts, & the split in Islamic beliefs. We examined the common sects of Islam & their typical beliefs. Then we read an excerpt from the Qur'an and discussed its possible interpretations.
  We briefly reviewed our knowledge of the Eurasian Empires & took our final unit quiz.
  After the quiz we received new map work for our unit on African Societies. Map quiz will be on Wednesday, April 27.

Freshman Seminar

Today we worked on revising & typing our CSE & works cited. These should be uploaded on your ePortfolio by Friday morning. On Friday we will work on the journal entry & the annotated bibliography.

Global 1 - B schedule

  We began class by creating a concept map for the basic beliefs of Islam. This should be completed on the space provided in your vault.
  We continued with our class discussion of the varying Muslim beliefs & practices. We read from the book & discussed the crisis that followed Muhammad's death, the leadership conflicts, & the split in Islamic beliefs. We examined an excerpt from the Qur'an and discussed its possible interpretations.
  Then we briefly reviewed our knowledge of the Eurasian Empires & took our final unit quiz.
  After the quiz we received new map work for our unit on African Societies. Map quiz will be on Tuesday, April 26.

Sociology

Today we presented our Criminology Reports in class. We completed a self-evaluation regarding the project & began our Set 6 Vocabulary for Social Inequality.

Freshman Seminar

  All image essays must be uploaded no later than Wednesday, April 20!!
  Today we worked on the drafts for our CSE. Please follow the instructions on your ePortfolio to ensure accuracy. We will spend time in class on Wednesday typing & uploading our CSE & works cited. We will also begin on the Journal Entry section.

*Presentations will be on Wednesday, April 27!!

Global 1 - A schedule

  We began class by finishing our group work on Genghis Khan.
  Then we took notes along with a powerpoint about the Turks & Islam. We discussed the stereotypes Muslims are often labeled with. 
  Muslims have also made many advancements in the field of science & art....read in your textbook on pgs. 275-279 & write down significant accomplishments.
  Wednesday we will read an excerpt from the Qur'an, review briefly, & take a quiz over the last half of the unit we've covered.

Global 1 - B schedule

What are the Crusades? How did they begin?

  We began class with DEAR & binder checks. Then we briefly reviewed our notes about Islam and discussed the stereotypes Muslims get labeled with. We read about the prophet Muhammad & the importance of Mecca.
  Muslims have also made many advancements in the field of science & art....read in your textbook on pgs. 275-279 & write down significant accomplishments.
  Tuesday we will read an excerpt from the Qur'an, review briefly, & take a quiz over the last half of the unit we've covered.

Sociology

Today we had DEAR & binder checks for the first several minutes of class. Then we looked at 2 criminal's stories. We discussed the labels society would give them & the affect of their crimes on society.
Complete your Criminology Project & be ready to present on Tuesday!

Global 1 - B schedule

  The Hagia Sophia Research is due today!

  After bellwork, we took our map quiz over our Eurasian features.

  We took notes along with a powerpoint about the Mongol Empire. We completed a Writing History assignment and then broke into groups to read & discuss the Mongol Empire. We will continue with our groupwork for class on Thursday.

  Homework: Complete Mongol Conquest fill-in-the-blank worksheet.

Sociology

  Due to HSAP testing we have rescheduled our Criminology Project presentations for Tuesday, April 19. 

  We will be using our class time  today & Thursday to work on our projects. Friday will be a normal class for us, complete with DEAR & binder checks.

  Be prepared to turn in & present your Criminology research next Tuesday!!

Global 1 - A schedule

  Today we had a quiz over our 1st Eurasian Empire - the Byzantines.
  We discussed the Russian Empire by taking notes along with a powerpoint & completing a worksheet together in class. Then we updated our vault pocket with the 2 empires we've learned about thus far.
  We discussed the importance of geography in Russia & completed a worksheet during class. If you did not finish, this is homework.

*Remember your map quiz & Hagia Sophia research is due on Wednesday, April 13.

Freshman Seminar

In class we began to create an image essay about our research topic.  Remember, you must have a clear direction/purpose/point you want to make with your images.  You should build an argument.  

Your powerpoint/video presentation must include the following content:

• a minimum of 8 content slides + a title slide + a works cited slide documenting the sources for your images.
• 1of the 8 content slides must include an infographic linked to your research. The graphic must include a brief text explanation & may be either self-generated or from one of your sources. IT MUST FURTHER AN IDEA for you to receive credit.
• a cohesive background
• NOTES (Use the notes tool in powerpoint to type what you will say about each slide -- you will not READ the slides)
• It must be uploaded to your ePortfolio

Remember for class on Wednesday we will be in Rm #121.

* All Notes for Research need to be handed in or uploaded by the end of today.

Sociology

Today the Criminology Projects were assigned. You and your partner will work together to interpret a notorious crime. Your project instructions & assigned criminal were given in class today.

* Due to HSAP testing our new presentation date is Tuesday, April 19!!

Global 1 - A & B days

  We discussed the Byzantine Empire by taking notes along with a powerpoint. We examined the reign of Justinian & his accomplishments as the "new caesar."
  Together we examined a primary source about the building of the Hagia Sophia. You need to use the handout to conduct your own research about the famous church. This is due on Tues. April 12 (B days) or Wed. April 13 (A days).
  Then we discussed the reasons why the church split into Roman Catholicism & Eastern Orthodoxy.
  Your new mapwork was handed out as well. You were given time in class to locate & check your maps. The map quiz will be on Tues. April 12 (B days) or Wed. April 13 (A days).

Freshman Seminar

We are working on our ePortfolio Research Project. We've passed our first deadline (the Three 5's) & are working on our second deadline (research notes). If you did not finish with your research notes today in class, they must be uploaded or handed in by Monday, April 11. If you are finished with your notes, please start gathering visuals for your image essay.

Global 1 - A schedule

Why was the government under Augustus considered to be efficient?

  We began class by briefly reviewing for our test over Ancient & Classical Rome. Your skit rubric & lines should be attached to your test in place of an essay.

  After the test you were expected to read pgs. 301-306 in your textbook & then complete a worksheet on the material.

  Your new vaults were also given out. Make sure you create the required foldable by our next class.

Freshman Seminar

  Today we continued our work on our Inquiry Research Projects. We used our ePortfolios that we created last week to complete & upload The Three 5's. This should be done by the end of the day if you did not finish in class.
  Then we got started on our next section, Research Notes. Please read the directions on the site template & start researching. We will need 2 sources from DISCUS, 1 from another academic site, & 2 others of your choosing. We will complete this section & upload in class on Wednesday.

Global 1 - B schedule

  Today we had DEAR & binder checks for the first few minutes of class.
  We looked at an article about the current government in Russia & completed a handout to go along with it.
  Your Unit 6 Vault were handed out in class as well. You should create a pocket/foldable where it directs you to.

Sociology

Today we had DEAR & binder checks for the first several minutes of class. Then we briefly reviewed our notes about crime characteristics & conflict resolution. We broke into groups of 3 to analyze a scenario in which we had to resolve conflict. We shared our solutions to each group's scenario in class.