Pearl Harbor - Extended

Your assignment is to get in groups of 3-4 and write a news magazine story about Pearl Harbor as though you were living at the time. You can write a general article about the attack or one from the perspective of military or medical personnel. You could also write an article from a Japanese perspective. (finish as homework)

Rubric

Use the following three-point rubric to evaluate your work during this lesson.

3 points: I wrote an informative, creative article, and were able to apply what happened at Pearl Harbor to the present day.

2 points: I wrote a competent article, and made some comparisons between what happened at Pearl Harbor and the present day.

1 point: I wrote an article with gaps and misunderstandings, and had a hard time applying what happened at Pearl Harbor to the present day.

Additional articles for further research:

http://teacher.scholastic.com/pearl/transcript.htm

http://www.execpc.com/~dschaaf/phraner.html

http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq66-3b.htm

http://www.ibiscom.com/pearl.htm

http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/timeline/pearl.htm

http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/rep/Pearl/Medical.html

http://www.navsource.org/Naval/arph.htm

Pearl Harbor

After listening to President Roosevelt’s Pearl Harbor Day message to joint session of Congress asking for a declaration of war with Japan, take a moment to reflect on the situation and then respond to the following questions. http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/fdrpearlharbor.htm

1. What did President Roosevelt mean when he said that December 7, 1941 would be a date that would live in infamy?

Synonyms for Infamy - abomination, atrocity, bad reputation, disapprobation, discredit, disesteem, disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, enormity, evil, ignominy, immorality, impropriety, notoriety, notoriousness, obloquy, odium, opprobrium, outrageousness, scandal, shame, stigma, villainy, and wickedness. http://thesaurus.reference.com/

2. How does this speech compare to George W. Bush’s speech to the nation after 9/11? http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/gwbush911addresstothenation.htm

Make your own test

This is your chance to put yourselves in my shoes, and make your own test for chapter 8, Mexico. Every student is going to come up with their own questions for the test. I will take all of the questions and pick the best 20-25 questions for the test. Hint – don’t make them too easy or too hard, or I won’t use them.

Format for the questions,

2 true or false

2 multiple choice

2 short answer

2 fill in the _______

It’s your turn to be the teacher,

Mr. Mc

The Whistle is Back

I know you guys were heartbroken when I lost my whistle a few weeks ago, but don't worry my wife and I went to Dick's Sporting goods in Charleston to get a new one. I just hope you haven't forgotten what it sounds like

Mr Mc

Notebook check Tomorrow

Items required for the notebook check.

Vocabulary for chapters 7 and 8
Climate Regions Map (USA)
Canada Map
Footsteps in Canadian History Timeline
Guided Reading Worksheets 8.1-8.2
Map of Mexico
Section 1 Notes (physical features, natural resources, and climate)


ps. there will be a map quiz later this week - more details later.

Extra Credit

Since we are studying Mexico and it is the beginning of the holiday season, I am offering extra credit to anyone willing to memorize and perform the Jose Feliciano Spanish inspired classic Feliz Navidad. You will have a chance to earn your point the last day of class before the holiday break. Here are the lyrics. Enjoy!

Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prospero Ano y Felicidad.

Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prospero Ano y Felicidad.

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart.

[Repeats]

I Met Ponch

Charleston, WV

Erica Estrada was in Charleston today promoting Internet safety and protection from online predators, when he was attacked by an onslaught of WV teachers in the lobby of the Marriott. Ponch had to fight his way through a sea of senior teachers throwing nametags (among other things) for him to sign.

Mexico

Today we started our unit on Middle and South America. So far, we have read and completed a worksheet for chapter 8 section 1. We have also filled out a map of Mexico locating the following items:

The states of Mexico 163
Gulf of Mexico
Bay of Campeche
Gulf of California
Pacific Ocean
Gulf of Tehuantepec
Sierra Madre Del Sur
Sierra Madre Occidental
Sierra Madre Oriental
Rio Bravo
Mt. Orizaba
Yucatan Peninsula
Baja California
Mexico City
Ciudad Juarez

ps. Don't forget to start working on your vocabulary terms for chapter 8. Just add them to your running vocabulary list in your notebook.

Thanks,
Mr. Mc

Test Friday

Hey guys, don't forget to complete your study guide today, because your test is tomorrow. I know you all will do fine if you study.

Later,
Mr. Mc

Canada Notes

The PowerPoint for the notes on Canada has been uploaded to the widget, click to download.

Mr. Mc

Chapter Seven - Canada

On Monday we started working on chapter seven, which is about Canada. So far this week you should have completed the vocabulary and locate items for sections one and two. Locate and Vocabulary items for section three should be completed by Friday. On Wednesday there will be a quiz on section one, accompanied by a brief video on the geography of Canada. On Thursday we will review PowerPoint notes.

If you haven’t turned in either your state or landform paper, you must have it in by Monday or I won’t take it at all.

Mr. Mc

While I'm Out

I hope things go well today with the substitute, and that you guys get to finish watching the movie. If you have any problems, you can email me and I will try and do what I can. Other than that, have a wonderful weekend.

Mr. Mc

homework@mikemccormick.net

A Vision of Students Today

Check out this video from Professor Michael Wesch and a working group of Kansas State University students and faculty dedicated to exploring and extending the possibilities of digital ethnography.

http://www.mediatedcultures.net/ksudigg/

The Community Speaks Out

Here is a little more background on the movie we watched in class.

Just for Halloween - Enjoy

Michael Jackson Thriller
(C) 1982 MJJ Productions

Just a little something for fun

Class Update

Just thought I would take a moment to let you guys know that your landform projects were awesome. You guys and gals went way above my expectations. When my wife came to look at them, she was very impressed.


Just remember your U.S. posters and shorts (1 page paper) are not due until next Wednesday. Mrs. Baldwin gave us her lab day on Monday, so we are going to go and print pictures and maps to add to your posters. The printers in the lab are black and white only, so if you want color pictures you might have to print them at home or color over them in colored pencil.


Posters must include:

1. map of state
2. state flag
3. graphic organizer
4. pictures and symbols that represent the state
   

Thanks and have a great weekend.

Mr. Mc

State Information on the Web

Here are some cool sites to find information on the 50 States.

http://www.teachersfirst.com/share/states/

http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi

http://www.netstate.com/states/index.html

http://www.50states.com/

Bridge Day 2007

Landform Resources

Here is a tutorial of how to create your landform project




Here are some links to landforms on the internet

http://www.edu.pe.ca/southernkings/landforms.htm

http://earth.jsc.nasa.gov/sseop/efs/land.htm

http://www.earthkam.ucsd.edu/public/students/activities/landformations/

Landform in a Box

The "Landform in a Box" project will require students to use sand, rocks, foam, and other materials to create a landform in a shoe box. An example is on display in class.

A landform is a feature of a planet's surface, such as an island, mesa, volcano, mountain, waterfall, peninsula, swamp, or valley.

This project is due on Tuesday, October 16th.

Project Deadlines

Wednesday, October 3rd - selection of landform, begin research

Monday, October 8th - Outlined Sketch of LIB Project

Wednesday, October 10th - First Draft of Landform Report

Wednesday, October - Question and Answer, final review of guidelines

Tuesday, October 16th - Project due in class

World Geography - Quiz Postponed

Due to today being Picture Day, we will not take the vocabulary quiz today. We will take it tomorrow, Friday 9/28/07.

Thanks for your concern!

Thank you guys for all the kind emails. I wasn't feeling well on Friday and I appreciate your concern. I feel much better today. I usually only get sick once a year, and I hope that this was it.

p.s. More Vocabulary Bingo on Wednesday, study your terms.

Thanks Again,
Mr. Mc

World Geography - Notebook Check on Frday

Here are the items that you need for your notebook:

• Notes from World Explorer Video - Maps
• World Explorer Video Worksheet
• Questions From Text - p S8 - S9
• Vocabulary Terms - Chapters 1-4 (chunked) Click Here
• 9/11 Video "Open and Operating" Worksheet
• EQ Sheet - week of 9/4 - 9/7, and week of 9/10 - 9/14
• Notes from PowerPoint Click Here
• Study Guide for Chapters 1-4 Test Click Here
• EQ Sheet - week of 9/17 - 9/21, and week of 9/24 - 9/28
• GRWS 5-1 (Guided Reading Worksheet)
• Vocabulary Terms - Chapter 5, Section 1 (12 terms)

Study Hard

Don't forget to take your books home and study for the test tomorrow. Finish the study guide and bring it to class with you tomorrow. Good Luck!

Mr. Mc

World Geography Test - Wednesday 9/19/07
West Virginia History Test - Thursday 9/20/07

World Geography Study Guide

World Geography
Chapters 1-4 Study Guide

Define the following terms:
1. Spatial Perspective
2. Geography
3. Human Geography
4. Terraces
5. Absolute Location
6. Diffusion
7. Desertification
8. Physical Geography
9. Desalinization
10. Subduction
11. Pangaea
12. Erosion


Fill in the Blank:

13. _______________ informed people can see meaning in the arrangement of things on Earth.

14. People familiar with _______________ can understand the world around them.

15. Geographers study the _______________ between people and the environment in different places.

16. _______________ refers to a geographer’s point of view.

17. Areas of Earth that have shared characteristics are called _______________.

18. Geographers study how people _______________, or move, from place to place.

19. Deserts, mountains, and plains are examples of _______________.

20. _______________ refers to an exact spot on Earth.

21. _______________ is the study of people, past or present.

22. Lakes, rivers, soil types, landforms, and coastlines are all _______________.

23. Smaller parts of regions are called _______________.

24. _______________ describes the position of a place in relation to another place.

25. _______________ are shapes on the Earth’s surface.

26. _______________ occurs when two plates collide and one plate is pushed under another.

27. Places can be described by their location and by their __________ and __________ characteristics.
28. Earthquakes are common in _______________ zones.

Answer the Following Essay Questions:

1. What are the differences between physical and human geography? Why are both types of geography important?

2. How could a geographer predict the future? What topics would he or she need to consider? Why?

3. In what ways do people interact with landforms?

4. How is weather different than climate?

Label the Following diagrams:

World Geography Download

Download the PowerPoint for chapter 1-4 notes.
Click Here

World Geography - Essential Questions

Monday 9/10/07
What role does perspective play in the study of geography?

Tuesday 9/11/07
What is the significance of the title, “Open and Operating?”

Wednesday 9/12/07
What tools do geographers use to study the world?

Thursday 9/13/07
How does studying geography help us understand the world?

Friday 9/14/07
How do humans interact with their environment?

WV History Chapter 1 Outline

I. Location
II. Place
...A. Climate
...B. Natural Wonders
........1. Rock Formations
........2. Waterfalls
........3. Caves
........4. Valleys
...C. Flora
...D. Fauna
...E. Waterways

World Geography 9/10/07

Today in class we are going to retake the geography skills quiz, and I hope that everybody studied over the weekend. The target grade for everyone is 100%. We are also going to discuss the geographer’s perspective, and chapters 1-4. There will be a special emphasis on chapter 1 - section 1 and 2, chapter 2 - section 3, and chapter 4 - section 1 and 2. Students will break up into group to explore and report information presented in different sections of the chapters.

Today's Essential Question: Why is it important to study Geography?

Chapters 1-4 Key Vocabulary and Concepts (35 terms)

Perspective, spatial perspective, geography, urban, rural, absolute location, relative location, sub-regions, diffusion, human geography, physical geography, solstice, equinoxes, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, plate tectonics, subduction, fault, Pangaea, alluvial fan, ecology, renewable resources, terraces, desertification, deforestation, reforestation, desalinization, aquifers, acid rain, global warming, fossil fuels, petroleum, refineries, hydroelectric power, geothermal energy, solar energy.

WV History - Extra Credit

I thought I would give you guys an opportunity to earn some extra credit. As you and your family are traveling around this year, take some time to visit some of West Virginia’s historical areas. If you do happen to find yourself in one of these areas, take a second and snap off a few photos with your digital camera, and email them to me with a short description of the place. We will then take the photos and make a photo wall in the room of West Virginia attractions.

for example,
This is a picture of Harper's Old Country Store, which has been a Seneca Rocks landmark since 1902. The merchandise and provisions offered have changed over time, but the store itself is an authentic piece of WV history from its oiled wooden floor to its embossed tin ceiling.

Thanks,
Mr. Mc

Trash in the Class

I’ve noticed that the classroom has been awfully messy this week. Please help keep the room clean and throw your trash away at the end of the period. I would hate to take drastic measures. J

Thanks,
Mr. Mc

West Virginia History Vocabulary List

West Virginia History
Chapter 1 Vocabulary

Students are to copy Vocabulary list and Define terms in their notebook.
Students should also familiarize themselves with the places and their significance.

Terms:

1. Geography
2. latitude
3. longitude
4. panhandle
5. rural
6. climate
7. weather
8. elevation
9. precipitation
10. drought
11. El Niño
12. La Niña
13. global warming
14. topography
15. erosion
16. spelunker
17. stalactite
18. stalagmite
19. flora
20. conifers
21. fauna
22. bounty
23. tributary

Places:

1. Fairfax Stone
2. Mason-Dixon Line
3. Hawks Nest
4. Canaan Valley
5. Teays Valley
6. Dolly Sods
7. Cranberry Glades
8. Allegheny Front

Welcome to class

Hello, I’m Mr. McCormick and you have successfully found your way to the class blog-site. This year in the seventh and eighth grades we will not only be working on the content standards in geography, citizenship, civics, history, economics, and reading, but we will be working on advancing our 21st century technology skills through the use of certain technologies and improved learning skills. By the completion of this program you will be able to organize, compare, examine, identify, interpret, adapt, analyze, and objectively think about the information presented to you. This is no easy task, but I hope you are up to the challenge. I wish nothing but the best of luck to you. Now, let’s have a wonderful year.

Mr. Mc

Music and Clulture Contest

World Geography Class 7th Grade

"A personal narrative is an autobiographical story about a specific incident or series of related incidents in a writer's life which show conflict and eventual growth in the writer's character. Narratives serve many vital functions in society. For example, narratives maintain community and culture, helping people understand beliefs. Narratives can also create new communities or enlarge the scope of a current community"

In a similar way, musical lyrics are often an expression of the writer’s personal beliefs and views on society and culture. Because personal nature of most musical compositions, story-telling is one technique often employed to engage the listener and evoke an emotional response. The emotional response links the listener to the music, and the listener then identifies with the music and may even assimilate the music into his/her personal culture.

Your Assignment:
I am very much into various types and genres of music, but my choices are influenced by my life experiences and personal culture. I would like to know what types of music that you listen to, and why you associate them with your culture.

In a short essay (250 – 300 words) you are to explain why a particular song or musical group appeals to you – the middle school student. This essay will answer WHY and HOW you relate music and cultural expression.

The winner will have his/her song of choice played in class on Friday and win a CD of his/her choice from Wal-Mart (edited-no explicit lyrics, pending a parent’s approval).

World Geography Assignments 9/4 - 9/7 2007

Tuesday 9/4/07 - Basic Geography Skills

Essential Question: How might two different map orientations give different impressions of the world?

Activating Strategy: Video Segment from UnitedStreaming.com
Discovering the World: Locating Places (20:00)Description: This program helps hone map skills. The use of colorful graphics and animation explain the uses of map grids and the compass rose. Viewers will learn how to locate any location on Earth by using longitude, latitude, coordinates, degrees, minutes, seconds, and time zones. © 2001 Discovery Education

Teaching Strategies: Students will preview the video and practice finding locations on a map using latitude and longitude. Students will pair up in cooperative groups to complete the in-class worksheet.

Summarizing Activity: 1-students will take turns locating items on overhead projector, 2-review answers from Thursday’s prep-test.

Assessment: Completion of Latitude and Longitude Worksheet

-------------------

Wednesday 9/5/07 – Types of Maps

Essential Question: How many different types of maps are there?

Activating Strategy: classroom discussion on the different types of maps and how they are used.

Teaching Strategies: students will read aloud pages S8-S9 in the Skills Handbook section in the front of the textbook, and answer questions 1-3 on page S9.

Summarizing Activity: re-ask essential question and add new answers to EQ sheet.

Assessment: informal observation

-------------------

Thursday 9/6/07 – Using charts, graphs, and tables

Essential Question: How many different types of charts, graphs, and tables are there?

Activating Strategy: classroom discussion on the different types of charts, graphs, and tables and how they are used.

Teaching Strategies: students will read aloud pages S10-S13 in the Skills Handbook section in the front of the textbook, and answer questions 1-3 on page S3.

Summarizing Activity: re-ask essential question and add new answers to EQ sheet.

Assessment: informal observation

-------------------

Friday 9/7/07 – Quiz / Music and Culture

Essential Question: Which skills are essential for me to do well on this week’s quiz?

Activating Strategy: Quiz on basic geography skills, types of maps, and charts, graphs, and tables.

Teaching Strategy: American culture has always had room for a variety of musical styles, but many of them were borrowed from other countries. Today we are going to listen to different types of music from across the globe. Students will listen to the music and respond in journal entry format to how the music relates to them and if they like it or not. The winner of the music contest will also explain how they related to the music they chose and they will share that music with the class.

Assessment: Formal Quiz, participation observation.