USG+11s1+Class+Log


 * Friday, January 13 -**
 * Turn in final projects
 * Review for Tuesday's Exam

Work on final project in lab
 * Monday, Jan 9 -Thursday, Jan 12 -**

Returned corrected work Introduced final project (due next Friday) Work time for final project
 * Friday, Jan 6 -**

Learned about taxes -
 * Thursday, Jan 5 -**

Continued work with the budget
 * Wednesday, Jan 4 -**

1. Collected bonus and review work. 2. Iowa Caucus Tonight - Quick peek! 3. Introduce budget process
 * Tuesday, Jan 3 -**
 * [|What is a caucus?] - [|video] (4:10)
 * [|Candidates]
 * [|Debt clock] - check it out!
 * [|Budget infographic]
 * [|President’s budget, 2012]
 * Complete these budget questions with this information

Landmark Case day. 1. Select one of the Landmark Cases from your grid on the back of your Judicial Branch packet. 2. Go to Landmark Cases. Click on your case name, then click on "Background." Read the background of the case (it is given at 3 reading levels, start with reading level 2). 3. Go to Google. Type the name of your case followed by **Oyez**. Click on the link which comes up from Oyez.org and read the decision of the Court. 4. Go to ToonDoo. Create an account (if you don't have one), and design a cartoon about your case. It could be the background, it could be the decision, it could be a multi-pane cartoon showing something about the background and the decision. 5. When you finish your cartoon, save it as **private**. 6. Save it as a picture or take a screenshot of it.
 * Friday, 12/16 -**

2nd Hour: Add it to this Google Presentation 7th Hour: Add it to this Google Presentation.

When you finish: Click here to learn about Marbury v Madison & Judicial Review (answer questions 1, 2 and the definition of Judicial Review on page 3 of your packet.

1. Finish Judicial Branch introductory reading and readers' guide. 2. Work on learning about Landmark Cases, completing the Landmark Case grid. media type="custom" key="11844190"
 * Thursday, 12/15 -**
 * For tomorrow, you will pick the most interesting Landmark Case to you and create a cartoon about it.

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 * Tuesday, 12/13 & Wednesday, 12/14**

Remember the introduction to the Judicial Branch via news articles on Friday? We explored each of these concepts via a learning packet which focused on symbols of justice, the grand jury, a jury, and civil or criminal. The packet is due tomorrow. If you were absent, the readings and activities from the packet are available here. Print them and complete them in your notebook.
 * Monday, 12/12 -**


 * Friday, 12/9 -**
 * Review past and current events which demonstrate everything we have studied thus far. Click here for those links - use the arrow in the upper right to move from example to example.
 * Introduce current news stories which show the Judicial Branch in the news, acts as a basis for the Judicial Branch. Click here to see the 8 news links, click the arrows in the upper right corner to advance to the next story.
 * Started Judicial Branch. Presentation here, especially study the last 2 slides.


 * Thursday, 12/8 -** Quiz on Executive Branch. Received Judicial Branch introductory reading and handout.


 * Wednesday, 12/7 -** Review and wrap-up day. Be sure your Executive Branch basic packet is complete. All homework and unit packet are due tomorrow for credit.

Finished watching the West Wing.
 * Tuesday, 12/6 -**

Started West Wing episode on clemency (specifically showing the president in a commutation position)
 * Monday, 12/5**

Discussed Executive Privilege. The presentation is here.
 * Friday, 12/2 -**


 * Thursday, 12/1 -**
 * Station learning about: Line of succession, foreign policy, impeachment, and the appointment process (pages 4,5 6 and 8 of the Executive Branch packet).
 * If you were absent: Use the pdf handouts below or the handouts and text available in the library (cannot be taken out of the library), to complete pages 4, 5, 6 & 8 of your Executive Branch packet. Be sure your packet is complete by Monday, 12/5 - they will be stamped at this time.

Completed pages 2 & 3 in the Executive Branch packet - if you were absent, be sure to complete this by this Friday at the latest..
 * Wednesday, 11/30 -**

1. Completed #2 on page 2 of the Executive Branch packet. 2. Looked at videos and artifacts from presidents of the past. Determined which of the 8 roles the president was acting in as represented by the artifact or in the video. Video #1 - President Reagan's speech at the Berlin Wall Role: Chief Diplomat Reason: He is speaking to the Soviet Leader (Gorbachev) and presenting the official policy of the US (at the time) toward another country.
 * Tuesday, 11/29 -**
 * If you were absent, complete #2 on page 2. Then, click here for the videos. Watch at least 6 videos. Determine for each one which role the president is acting in and why. See the following example for video #1 (which then isn't an option for you ;):

Watched student podcasts on expressed & implied powers. If you were absent, be sure to click on the names of your classmates from the hour 2 main page and watch at least 4 podcasts as they will help you review and solidify your understanding of expressed and implied powers of Congress.
 * Monday, 11/28 -**

1. Turned in Legislative Branch packet and homework. 2. Took Legislative Branch quiz. 3. Received Executive Branch unit sheet, packet and reading (download below if you lose yours!)
 * Wednesday, 11/23**

1. Be sure Article I's information on the yellow Constitution sheet is complete. 2. Be sure the entire Legislative Branch packet is complete (if you need the readings to finish "Filibusters," they are under 11/17 below. 3. Watch (and hopefully finish) the West Wing filibuster video. 4. If time allows: work on review crossword puzzle (only available if video is comlete).
 * Tuesday, 11/22 -**

Reminders:
 * Review activities to prep for tomorrow's quiz are on the wiki under "Assignments."
 * All work listed on the Legislative Branch unit sheet must be completed by tomorrow for (late) credit. No Legislative Branch-related work will be accepted after the start of class tomorrow.

1. Discussed the following vocabulary: To legislate Congress nonlegislative powers 2. Completed all pages in the Legislative Branch packet. Read the nonlegislative page especially carefully if you were absent, it is key that you understand that content. See Ms Wolfe if you have questions.
 * Monday, 11/21 -**

Remember - quiz on Wednesday. If you are planning on being absent, take the quiz tomorrow!!

For Monday: Have the Filibuster page in your packet finished (handout is attached below) **and** have your script written and pictures selected. (Preferably downloaded and saved to a flash drive) Use the reading to complete the filibuster worksheet. Download the pdf of the reading or click here to read online.
 * Thursday, 11/17 -** Either worked on podcasts **or** completed the page on filibusters in the Legislative Branch packet.


 * Wednesday, 11/16 -** Continued to work on podcasts (in lab).

Finished iPod Touch activity for the Legislative Branch. If you were absent, be sure the Legislative Branch process sheet in your Legislative Branch packet is complete. You should also complete the questions under the "Constitution" app using this website. (7.1 is paragraph 1, 7.2 is paragraph 2, 7.3 is paragraph 3 under Article I. You can copy the remainder of the sheet from a friend if you would like to.
 * Tuesday, 11/15 -**


 * Monday, 11/14 -**
 * Completed page 3 in the Legislative Branch packet (topic: Legislative process). If you were absent, use your reading sheet and finish this page in your packet.
 * Worked in pairs on the Legislative Branch update activity using iPod Touch apps. (Not totally finished, will complete in class tomorrow).
 * Reminder: read your unit homework sheet. People are missing homework assignments (there was one due last week and one today).

Begin work on Expressed & Implied Powers Podcast - in lab 106
 * Wednesday, 11/9**

15ish minutes - worked on the gerrymandering activity sheet in our Legislative Branch packet. Went to the computer lab. Using Safari, played the Redistricting Game.
 * Tuesday, 11/8**

media type="custom" key="11202222"
 * Monday, 11/7**
 * Received Legislative Branch unit sheet (attached below)
 * Learned about Apportionment, redistricting, and gerrymandering. If you were absent, check out the presentation below. Click on all links, watch all videos, listen to all audio stories. Print the presentation if you wish.
 * If time allowed, we worked on the Gerrymandering activity sheet in our Legislative Branch packet.




 * Friday, 11/4** -
 * Took 25 minutes to work individually on our Legislative Branch packets (if you were absent, block out 25 minutes and work on this)
 * Explored "The Impact of Congress." (If you were absent, click on the image next to the title and explore the interactive activity.)


 * Thursday, 11/3 -** Work in the computer lab on contest and scholarship entries.


 * Wednesday, 11/2 -**
 * Organized 3-ring binders. If you were absent you **must** sit down with a classmate's 3-ring and follow the order of content in their binder.
 * Received Legislative Branch reading & handouts (see Ms Wolfe upon return, they will be posted once they are digitized)
 * 7th Hour received yellow Constitution sheet and completed the front side of it.
 * 2nd hour started working on the first questions in the Legislative Branch unit packet.


 * Monday, 10/31 & Tuesday 11/1**
 * In Lab 106 we worked on our scholarship and contest entries.
 * There is a high possibility that Ms Wolfe is watching her email during class time so if questions arise, try sending her an email with your question and watch for a response, it may come quickly.
 * In PowerSchool, updates were made over the weekend. You are encouraged to check them. Check for comments also.
 * If you are supposed to take an exam today, send Ms Wolfe an email and it will be set up that way.
 * Regardless of your topic, today's lab time is to be dedicated to researching and working on your contest entry. Stay on task.
 * Good luck to our women in the soccer competition today. I hope everyone goes to see them compete this afternoon. :)


 * Friday, 10/28 -** Went to computer lab. Explored the scholarship and contest options. Be sure to email Ms Wolfe with your preference before she sees your face on Monday.

Took our exams on the 6 principles, philosophers, and documents. No homework.
 * Thursday, 10/27 -**


 * Wednesday, 10/26 -** Share concept commercials. If any time remains, final prep for tomorrow's exam. See tips for studying under "Assignments."

Work on exam prep. Work on the connections between the documents, philosophers, and the 6 principles of the Constitution. Work on the crossword puzzle if you like (it is not an assignment, rather, a review assistant).
 * Tuesday 10/25 -**

Please send me email q's if you have them (and watch your email for responses)! Ms Wolfe

I was not planning on being gone today, so I had planned to walk you through all of this, but unfortunately that was not to be. Please complete the following **in this order** to the best of your ability: 1. Check PowerSchool. Infographic and Data Set grades are posted.
 * Monday, 10/24 - in Lab 106**
 * If you are missing a score, I didn't see your information either in Google Docs or on your wiki page. Please fix this situation before Tuesday's class time or the zeros will become permanent. If you need assistance posting things onto your page, please ask around. Many of your classmates have successfully completed this task. (Biggest challenge observed: be sure you named your file a unique name with your initials in it [as demonstrated by the video]).
 * Incompletes for the Constitution Readers' Guides will become permanent after the start of class Thursday. Copies of the reading & q's are under "Assignments," for Oct. 11.
 * I will check email throughout the day, feel free to send questions, and check periodically for answers (even into the evening).

2. Using images from any of the sites here or by conducting site:.gov searches, collect the nine images you planned to put in your commercial.

3. Go to Animoto. Log in if you have an account already or create an account if you don't.

4. Once logged in, click to create a new Animoto - we will be creating the **free 30 second** options.

5. Create your video as you planned. The directions on the screen are pretty clear, help each other to add in your text if you have questions.

6. Once your video is finished, click to play it. From that screen, you should see a button to "embed." Click "Embed," Copy the code Go to your wiki page (and be logged in) Click "Edit" Click "Widget" and paste the code in. Then press save twice.

Please be sure your videos are posted by Wednesday. We will have our exam on the philosophers and the documents on Thursday. My goal is to post details about that this evening, check the wiki under "Assignments." If you did not pick up a review sheet after finishing the stations on Thursday, please print this one:

Stations reviewing and exploring the philosophers, documents, and the 6 principles. To review videos from class (and a few more are posted there too), click here
 * Wednesday & Thursday 10/19 & 20**

Finish D.o.I video. Select topics for commercials. Work on storyboards for commercials.
 * Tuesday, October 18**

Declaration of Independence If you were absent, read the information on the links below and take notes - title your page "Declaration of Independence" [|1. http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_history.html] [|2. Read this information also if you were absent.]
 * Monday, October 17 -**

Shared facts about the philosophers with fellow students. Took 15 min. of additional notes about the philosophers. Information is here: media type="custom" key="10873226"
 * Friday, October 13 -**

1. Work on philosopher work if needed. 2. Work on infographic if needed. 3. Work on document assignment due next week. 4. Check cnn or fox news for today's headlines and news, specifically in elections/campaigning and activities surrounding the House, Senate, and the President.
 * Thursday, October 12 -**


 * Tuesday, October 11 -** Political Philosopher Day - Click here for detailed instructions


 * Monday, October 10 -**
 * We went over the 6 principles of the Constitution (listed on the back of your Constitution Introduction reading sheet)
 * Reminder: Constitution Reading & Q's due tomorrow


 * Friday, October 7 -** Shared our infographics. Announced: Constitution reading due Tuesday. (pdf file available under "Assignments")


 * Thursday, October 6 -**
 * Worked on our infographics in the lab.
 * If you finish, play the following games on the election process
 * The Road to the Presidency game - let it load in its own tab as it can be it is slow to start. Be sure the browser is working with it before you let it try to load...
 * You're the Candidate - not as cool as the Road to the Presidency game, but if the other one won't work or if you finish with time to spare, check it out!
 * And/or work on writing a quality caption for this political cartoon. Print a copy of the cartoon if you like, list your ideas at the bottom of the page. When finished (before Oct. 16), your favorite idea will be entered into a contest for the best title.


 * October 4-5 -** Worked on our infographics in the lab.

Be sure Ms Wolfe signed your designs on paper for "on time" credit (Tuesday 10/4).


 * Monday, October 3 -**
 * Took quiz on voting & elections.
 * Work time for either drawing concepts for our infographics onto our planning sheets (ideas should all be sketched out upon arrival to class tomorrow) **//or//** read ahead and worked on our Constitution Introduction and Readers' Guide (attached below). No due date is yet set for the readers' guide.


 * Friday, September 30 -**
 * Lab time again.
 * Reminder that there is a quiz on Monday over elections and voting. (Click for review topics and information.) Both data sets, the reading/study guide on elections & voting, and the campaign finance work must be completed by Monday.
 * Overview of creating infographics, special note, start with cliker for icons, other helpful links are at the bottom.

Work time in the computer lab. Discussed Infographic expectations - please be sure to click here and read.
 * Thursday, September 29 -**

1. With a partner, working together on one computer, complete this activity.
 * Wednesday, September 28 -**

2. With your partner, again, on one computer, play the following games (if time does not allow you to play these games, you should do so before your quiz on elections on Monday) The Road to the Presidency game - let it load in its own tab as it can be it is slow to start. Be sure the browser is working with it before you let it try to load... You're the Candidate - not as cool as the Road to the Presidency game, but if the other one won't work or if you finish with time to spare, check it out!

3. We will take the last 10 minutes and talk about Infographics again, tomorrow you start building yours...

media type="custom" key="10627718" Received handout on Infographics (see Ms. Wolfe for copy) Received handout on propaganda (see Ms Wolfe for copy) Worked through the presentation above.
 * Tuesday, September 27**

1. Check "Assignments" to adjust the due dates of our upcoming work. 2. Sign in to your Google Account. 3. Make a copy of and complete this activity.
 * Monday, September 26 -** Campaign Finance.

1. Finished learning about the Presidential Election Process (2nd hour = finished the electoral college/7th Hour, picked up at the National Convention) If you were absent, be sure to read this article and watch these videos: Video #1 Video #2
 * Thursday, September 22**

2. Went to the computer lab. Sent Ms Wolfe an email with two questions about the election process and/or campaigning and/or the current candidates for president. 3. As time allowed, explored historical elections with 270 to Win. Click to see past electoral vote winners, check especially 1824, and the past 4 presidential elections. If you are looking at a past election, scroll below the map, it will tell you some issues of the day which may have had an effect on the election. You can also predict which way you believe the states will go in the election of 2012 (if you click on a state then, you can see its past voting record).FYI: Related Election Information - 2012 Candidate videos

media type="custom" key="10549170" Additional notes on electoral college: [|ElCOl-notes.jpg]
 * Wednesday, September 21** - The Presidential Election Process. If you were absent, print the slides below, add them to your 3-ring notebook as your class notes for this day.

a. [|Using this link], answer this question in your notes: To which website were you directed? Use the blue links in blue (or along the left menu bar) b. Who is eligible to vote in Minnesota? c. How does one register to vote in Minnesota? d. Where can you get a voter registration card? e. How can one register on Election Day in Minnesota? f. What is absentee voting? Who does it? g. What are the special circumstances for students voting in MN? What are the steps students should be aware of when the want to vote? **2. Started researching information for Data Set #1, due Thursday, September 22. Make your own copy in Google docs. Type the information to the questions you focus on into the correct places. Cite all URLS onto your document.**
 * Tuesday, September 20**
 * 1. Learned about personal voting by completing steps a-g below. **


 * Monday, September 19**
 * Collected readers' guides on voting & elections.
 * Explored the presentation attached below (on voting). If you were absent, check out the handouts below and print them.
 * Brainstormed guiding questions about voting.

1. Took Unit 1 Exam on political spectrum (adjectives [liberal/conservative/moderate/left/right/radical/reactionary] and parties [communists, fascists, Democrats, Republicans, Greens, Libertarians]), liberal/conservative analysis, party platforms and political cartoon analysis. 2. Received unit 2 calendar (attached below) 3. Received reading on elections & voting and readers' guide (due Monday, Tuesday if you were absent) on elections and voting.
 * Friday, September 16**



Exam prep day. 1. Be sure your cartoon analysis is complete, made public, and posted on your wiki page (directions under 9/12 post below) 2. Be sure your L/C newspaper headlines are complete (from 9/14) 3. Ask any outstanding questions for clarification on L/C 4. Be sure your assignments for this unit are **completely finished.** 4. Practice drawing a political spectrum (you'll be asked to do so on the exam) 5. Practice identifying L & C (click for a review activity) and understand the why (again, it will be there tomorrow) You could also check out this infographic and read this article if you would like to review the content. 6. Cartoon analysis and your thoughts on the cartoonists (videos from 9/13) will be part of the day also. See you tomorrow :)
 * Thursday, September 15**

Created L & C politically biased newspaper headlines in our notebook. Directions and headlines are on the file which is below. If you were absent, read and follow the directions. Have this activity completed by Friday's class (exam day), and see Ms Wolfe prior to Friday's class/exam if you have questions.
 * We****dnesday, September 14**

Watched from :25 seconds to 1:06 and 3:-8:00 of this interview with an editorial cartoonist. Watched the first 22 minutes of this video with a second editorial cartoonist. (Pay close attention to his drawing of the presidents).
 * Tuesday, September 13**

1. Checked in homework (quiz about you) 2. Revised exam date: Friday, September 16 3. Registered for and joined the wiki (use your TG user name, password and email if you need to set up an account) 4. Continued to work on our own cartoon analysis (directions below). media type="custom" key="10434582" 4.5 - Post your Google cartoon analysis onto your wiki page. Click on your name from our class hour page and then follow thee directions to post it onto your page. How to embed a Google Presentation on a wiki - click for directions 5. If time allows,find a news story on CNN, Fox, AP, and create your own political cartoon. Take a screen shot when you finish, post the cartoon and the news story URL it to your wiki page and print a copy of each also. Use this link to create your cartoon.
 * Monday, September 12**

Continued to work on Thursday's in-class activity.
 * Friday, September 9**

- Finished political party platform answers (7th Hour) 1. Introduced the idea of political cartoons 2. We went to the computer lab to complete this activity (click here for directions). 3. As time allowed, we did the following: media type="custom" key="10396106"
 * Thursday, September 8**

Cagle's Cartoon Index - yes, your cartoons have to be from this site as they are allowed for educational use. How to create a Google Presentation - click for directions How to embed a Google Presentation on a wiki - click for directions


 * Wednesday, September 7**
 * We went over the answers for the party platforms
 * We went to the computer lab and worked on this activity on the political platforms. Be sure it is completed by Friday, September 9.


 * Tuesday, September 6**
 * We practiced identifying these statements as being more liberal or conservative. (If you were absent, print the list and use your notes to determine if they are L or C and underline the words which bring you to your conclusion).
 * We learned what a political platform is (if you were absent or would like to review, click on the link, read the article, and be sure you make a note in your notebook so you have the information to review later).
 * We practiced placing political platforms (file below) onto a political spectrum.

Checked in 3-ring notebooks and loose-leaf paper. Continued to explore liberal/conservative. See presentation below. media type="custom" key="10351682"
 * Friday, September 2**

1. Checked in homework (the news activity from Wednesday) 2. Started to learn about the political spectrum. (As all were present, the presentation will be posted tomorrow.)
 * Thursday, September 1**

Meet in Lab 106 today. 1. Take this civics knowledge quiz- your results will not be graded. Screenshot your results (SHIFT+Command (Apple)+4) and email it to Ms Wolfe from your TG email account. Also in your email, tell Ms Wolfe which number of the computer you are using today. 2. LEJ & Election Check Read the following news stories. Write the title of each news story, note the branch, the source, the date, and answer the questions related to each story. Legislative Branch News - What topic is being "fought" about? What organization is working on this problem? Executive Branch News - Who is this story about? Where was this person yesterday? What did this person do? Judicial Branch News - What event happened 3 years ago in this news story? What is happening today because of that decision? Election Check - What candidates are discussed? What is each candidate's political party? What are their current campaign strategies? Who is leading in the polls? (Be sure you know what a poll is, use Google if you need to, search: define: political poll). Thoughts? Questions?
 * Wednesday, August 31**

Complete this activity before tomorrow's class if you do not complete it during class.

Welcome to class. Received class syllabus Introduced ourselves Brainstormed with partners answers to questions focused on the concept of government. Assignment given: Bring required materials (1"3-ring binder & loose leaf paper) to class on Friday.
 * Tuesday, August 30**