Saturday, June 18, 2011

Year End















Contact me by e-mail at:http://kbenoy@nvsd44.bc.ca/

Things that are static -- not requiring regular change -- can be found at my website:http://sites.google.com/site/kbenoy/.

This blogsite will have all of the changing material -- lesson plans and links to assignments. I will try to ensure that all assignments are posted here.If you see something underlined, it means that you can click on the item to have it appear. I will do this for all pdf documents, PowerPoints, videos, and even some music.


All assignments are now overdue. However, I will keep marking work submitted up to the day of your final exam. E-mail your work to me or hand it to me personally. Late deductions will apply -- unless your mark is under 50% at this time -- if it is, your work will be marked at face value.

Social Studies 8

Your final exam is this Monday - June 20, from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Be sure to bring your textbooks to return prior to the test.
Arrive early and bring your text book(s) or I shall have to present you with a bill during the test. We must get books back to teach next semester's classes.


Social Studies 11

Your final exam is on Tuesday, June 21, from 9:00 am to 11:00 a.m.
.Arrive early and bring your text book(s) or I shall have to present you with a bill during the test. We must get books back to teach next semester's classes.











It is essential that you are currently preparing to write the Provincial Final Exam. This is not a test that you can cram for with one or two days to go. You must become familiar with what to expect on the final exam and comfortable with the format of the test. Go to the ministry sites ( Frequently asked questions page, table of specifications, key verb list, & scoring criteria) to see how the exam is put together and look at past exams -- in fact you should write the sample test and look at the posted key to see how you do. To see how to approach the essay questions, look at this documentprovided to train markers of the exam. Link from my web page on writing the SS11 final, and also see my PowerPoint on how to approach the test.











I am holding an exam prep class on Monday, June 20 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Attend if you can. Mr. Hurley is holding a session after 3:00 p.m. on the same day. He welcomes anyone to attend.














Past provincial exams for all subjects can be found at: http://www.eastwoodzhao.com/exams/ -- Exam keys too!



History 12

Your final exam is on Thursday, June 23, from 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Arrive early and bring your text book(s) or I shall have to present you with a bill during the test. We must get books back to teach next semester's classes.

We held the optional exam preparation class last Friday. For those unable to attend, I gave this PowerPoint presentation and we then looked at the June 2003 exam as an example of what to expect.




Your final exam is a little more complicated than most. It is either a provincial exam or a class-based exam, depending on your choice. Some of you have the option of writing in an alternate setting, because of your IEPs. Most will go to the Library Computer Lab. Provincial exams are electronic format only. Class based exams are paper only -- yet another complication -- but the format and difficulty of the two tests is identical. The only difference is the value of the test; 20% for the class exam and 40% for the provincial.





BC universities take the best of your class mark or your blended (class +provincial exam) mark. Logically, those scoring above 60% and wanting to attend a BC university, should, therefore, choose the provincial exam as it has potential benefit in raising your mark, while not having a downside. If you are under 60%, going into the test, there is the possibility of failing the course if a disastrous exam result greatly reduces your mark. Think carefully about which exam to choose. For those writing the class exam, your final class grade will include the class final exam. Any student going into the exam with a mark under 50% should definitely write the provincial exam, as its greater weight means it gives you a better chance of passing if you get over 50% on it.























Past provincial exams for all subjects can be found at: http://www.eastwoodzhao.com/exams/ -- Exam keys too!


Thursday, June 09, 2011

June 13 - 16



















Contact me by e-mail at:http://kbenoy@nvsd44.bc.ca/

Things that are static -- not requiring regular change -- can be found at my website:http://sites.google.com/site/kbenoy/.

This blogsite will have all of the changing material -- lesson plans and links to assignments. I will try to ensure that all assignments are posted here.If you see something underlined, it means that you can click on the item to have it appear. I will do this for all pdf documents, PowerPoints, videos, and even some music.


Social Studies 8

Expect an exam on the Renaissance and Reformation on Wednesday (Note, this is a change from the original weekend post -- I've agreed to put off the test for one day because work is due and tests are happening in other classes on Tuesday). This will be a shorter test than the last one. I expect it to include: 10 fill in the blanks -- where I show you an image and you tell me its name or who created it; 25 multiple choice questions; 10 matching questions; and 2 from a choice of 4 long answer questions. The total is, therefore, out of 58 marks, so 30 properly done flashcards will earn 5 bonus marks.
  • Monday, June 13 - Take up #1-5, p. 150. Hand in Romeo & Juliet Assignment. Video:Christianity - A History; Part 5; the Reformation. 1. How did the Reformation result in conflict in Europe? 2. How is the division of Christianity still evident in the world today? Read pp. 150-154. Do #1-6, p. 154.
  • Tuesday, June 14 - Take up homework. How to write exams. Tips on what to do when writing the exam -- how to handle various kinds of questions. Bonus opportunity. Complete missing work.
  • Wednesday, June 15 - Test on Renaissance and Reformation. Do some preparation for the final exam. Do make up and bonus work.
  • Thursday, June 16 - Complete missing work or go on to bonus opportunities. Material can be handed in until just before the exam.
Social Studies 11

Provincial exams are just around the corner. Now is a good time to begin preparing. See my Social Studies 11 Website for course material and PowerPoints. Link from here to my Study Skills Page. See the Provincial Exam Essay Marking Guide to see how essay questions are assessed on the exam.

Past provincial exams for all subjects can be found at: http://www.eastwoodzhao.com/exams/ -- Exam keys too!


I will set up a time or two during the exam period when I will give an exam preparation class or two. Preview the PowerPoint on preparing for the Social Studies 11 provincial exam first. Check the blog for times and place.

Expect a test on chapters 4 & 5 on Thursday. The mark breakdown will be as follows: 40 multiple choice questions (1 mark each) and 1 long answer question, from a large selection (6 marks). the test total is, therefore, out of 46 marks. You can earn 3 bonus marks with 20 decently done flash cards.
  • Monday, June 13 - Take up #1-4, p. 89, #1-5, p. 91 and #1-5, p. 93. Video: History’s Harvest and do the viewing guide questions. If time we will look at more of theChapter 4 PowerPoint. Read pp. 93-106. Do #1-6, p. 97 (but note "1997" in #3 should read "1973" and the typographical error in #5, where "grater" should read "greater"), #1-7, p. 102, #1-6, p. 105 and Further Thought #1-4, p. 108. Be sure to investigate the CBC Archives material on the GMO debate. Identify arguments for and against producing genetically modified foods. SeeGenetically Modified Food; Panacea or Poison? for an anti-GMO presentation (54 minute documentary).
  • Tuesday, June 14 - Take up homework. Complete the any unfinished material from last class.Chapter 5 PowerPoint. Read pp. 116-129. Do #1, p. 118, #1-3, p. 120, #1-5, p. 123, #1-3, p. 129.
  • Wednesday, June 15 - Take up #1, p. 118, #1-3, p. 120, #1-5, p. 123, #1-3, p. 129. Introduction: Worldmapper animation. Watch the amazing Dr. Hans Rosling's presentation at the 2006 TED Conference - The Seemingly Impossible is Possible. We will also complete the chapter 5 PowerPoint. Read pp. 130-132. Do #1-2, p. 131, #1-4, p. 132 and Further Thought #1-6, p. 132. If you liked Hans Rosling, try William McDonough's TED lecture.
  • Thursday, June 16 - Take up homework. Test on chapters 4 & 5.
History 12

Essay #3 and the questions from Topic 4 & 6 are now overdue. It is essential that you complete the rest of the questions too. 40% of the final exam is Cold War material, so this work is hugely important. I just cannot wait to collect it as I have to give you your final class mark at the end of this week! There is no time to assess it. If you have any work missing, it must come in this week. I will take it later, but do so grudgingly and it may not be marked in time to include in your final mark sent to Victoria. Anything handed in this week will be included in your mark.

  • Monday, June 13 -The Middle East Since 1956 (base notes). If you have the time, watch the History Channel's Battlefield Detectives; Israel's Six Day War (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5), and also Modern Warfare: Yom Kippur War (1973). If you are interested in Israel's Weapons of Mass Destruction, watch the BBC's Correspondence: Israel's Secret Weapon. See the situation from the Palestinian perspective in the BBC's Clash of the Worlds; Palestine . Look at modern attitudes in the region through music videos with the following:Yallah ya Nasrallah (an anti-Arab Jewish song with English subtitles, , Moon Erhabo (Anti-Israeli Rap), and watch this short documentary on Palestinian Hip Hop -- oddly popular with Israeli youth, Hadag Nahash -- the Sticker Song (with English subtitles).
  • Tuesday, June 14 - We will complete the Middle East from 1956 then move on to the Rise of Islamic Fundamentalism (base notes). The Irish documentary Whose Afraid of Islam is an interesting look at cultural struggles. Lube music video set to scenes from 9ya rota (9th Company Russian film of Afghan war) -- you might also listen to the title track. Watch and listen to the songs of the Iranian Revolution: Example 1 - Tribute to Imam Khomeini (with English subtitles),Example 2, Example 3 -Khamenei is Our Leader (With a speech by the Iranian cleric at the start), Example 4 - Iranian song supporting Palestinians against Israel. If you can manage it, be sure to watch a BBC documentary that compares the rise of radical Islamists and American Neo-Conservatives is The Power of Nightmares. If there was any material left from last class, we will complete it today.
  • Tuesday, June 15 - Southern Africa and the Fall of Apartheid (base notes). Watch Charlie Rose's interview with F.W. De Klerk, the Afrikaaner who brought an end to apartheid. How can white and black reconcile in South Africa? Watch Spear Cleansing (23 minutes, about Letlapa Mphalele, who ordered the killing of whites, and Ginn Fourie, who's daughter was killed on the order of Mphalele. Both are now friends and colleagues. A good historical treatment of the lives of human rights leaders Gandhi and Mandela is Together We Lit Up the Sky. Music was a powerful weapon in the anti-apartheid movement. Johnny Clegg, a white student of Zulu music and dance, wrote hugely popular music, often with a strongly propolitical bent. Watch some of the videos of anti-Apartheid activist and ethnomusicologist Johnny Clegg: Scatterlings of Africa, Asimbonanga (Nelson Mandela appears on stage with him in this clip), One Man, One Vote. For something a little different, try Nwampfundla. ...and in response, a revival of Boer nostalgia from when the Boers once fought against all odds in the Boer war - Delarey.
  • Wednesday, June 15 - We will complete any lecture material that is unfinished and watch video material if there is any class time remaining -- probably drawn from the optional material above, unless I find something better during the week.
  • Thursday, June 16 - Click here for the PowerPoint Presentation. Exam preparation.
I will set up a time or two during the exam schedule when there will be some exam preparation and practice. Check the blog for times and place.


Saturday, June 04, 2011

June 6 to 10




















Contact me by e-mail at:http://kbenoy@nvsd44.bc.ca/


My regrets to those who hoped that the Social Studies trip to France and England in 2012 would work. Not enough people confirmed interest. We will look into the possibility of arranging something the next year.


Things that are static -- not requiring regular change -- can be found at my website:http://sites.google.com/site/kbenoy/.


This blogsite will have all of the changing material -- lesson plans and links to assignments. I will try to ensure that all assignments are posted here.If you see something underlined, it means that you can click on the item to have it appear. I will do this for all pdf documents, PowerPoints, videos, and even some music.

Please be understanding this week. The Graduation Ceremony is on Friday and I am very involved in the planning of it. I will be both busy and bothered this week. If I am a little testy with you, I assure you that it is circumstances and not you that I am reacting to. I also will not have as much time to give extra help as I do usually. Things will be back to normal next week.


Social Studies 8


You have a big research assignment underway. If you do not have the handouts. Click for them here: Part 1, Part 2. The assignment is due on Monday, June 6.

Expect an exam on the Renaissance and Reformation early next week. This will be a shorter test than the last one. I expect it to include: 10 fill in the blanks -- where I show you an image and you tell me its name or who created it; 25 multiple choice questions; 10 matching questions; and 2 from a choice of 4 long answer questions. The total is, therefore, out of 58 marks, so 30 properly done flashcards will earn 5 bonus marks.



  • Monday, June 6 - Take up homework. Watch this video clip from James Burke's The Day the Universe Changed; Point of View. Questions: How did Brunelleschi and Alberti change the art of painting? Watch Sister Wendy 0n Renaissance artists. 1) Name at least one major work by each artist she deals with. 2) Explain why each artist is considered great. Work on flashcards for this unit or begin planning to study for the final exam.

  • Tuesday, June 8 - Take up homework. How to plan for the final exam. Things to consider and techniques that work. Renaissance sculpture -- Donatello and Michelangelo. Watch this video on lost wax casting -- the technique Donatello used on his bronze statue of David. Watch Rick Steve's 2 minute segment on Michelangelo's David. If we have time, we may watch the short documentary on Michelangelo that is at the start of the movie The Agony & the Ecstacy -- a wonderful film on Michelangelo's relationship with Pope Julius II as he painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling. To watch the movie, start with this link to part 1 and click away to continue. Start planning your study schedule for final exams.

  • Wednesday, June 9 - Take up homework. Watch Zeffireli's version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (sorry, I can't seem to find an online version for you this year). Describe the renaissance world shown in the movie. How did the lives of upper middle class families then differ with the lives of the same kind of people today? Be sure to think about family relationships, work, interests and lifestyles. Read pp. 143-147. Do #1-4, p. 147.

  • Thursday, June 10 - Complete Romeo and Juliet and note-taking. Work on the assignment, which is due next class -- if we finish the video today. No homework today -- work on the assignment and work on flash cards.

  • Friday - June 11 - Introduction to the Reformation. Video - The Protestant Reformation; Part 1and Part 2. While watching, answer the following: 1. Why did the Roman Catholic Church face criticism in the 14th century? 2. How did the Church deal with critics? 2. Why were ideas spreading quickly during Luther's life? 3. Why did Luther criticize the Church? 4. How did he escape punishment by the Church? 5. What other reformers brought change to Europe? What did they believe? Read pages 147-150. Do #1-5, p. 150. If you are interested in the reformation and have a little time, watch one or more of the following BBC documentaries (1 hour each) The Protestant Revolution; Part 1; The Politics of Belief, The protestant Revolution; Part 2; The Godly Family, The Protestant Revolution; Part 3; A Reformation of the Mind, and The Protestant Reformation; Part 4; No Rest for the Wicked.
Social Studies 11


Your Geography textbook is also available online at http://www.design4effect.com/soc11/ . Though we will use some material from the other text, most will be from this e-text. Be aware that this text is now a few years old and many hyperlinks are broken. Rewriting is a massive job that I have not had time to take on yet.


Expect a unit test on chapters 1-3 on Thursday, though we will begin chapter 4 on Wednesday -- this allows you extra time on the test if you need it. You may write into the break. Expect your test breakdown to be as follows: 65 multiple choice questions and two from a choice of 10 long answer questions - valued at 6 marks each. The total is, therefore, out of 77 marks. 30 properly done flash cards will earn 5 bonus marks.


Provincial exams are just around the corner. Now is a good time to begin preparing. See my Social Studies 11 Website for course material and PowerPoints. Link from here to my Study Skills Page. See the Provincial Exam Essay Marking Guide to see how essay questions are assessed on the exam.










Past provincial exams for all subjects can be found at: http://www.eastwoodzhao.com/exams/ -- Exam keys too!




  • Monday, June 6 - Watch Hans Rosling's Chimpanzees Know Better, to see how countries and populations are and are not different around the world. Ch. 3 PowerPoint - be sure to do so yourself for homework if we cannot do so in class. Read pp. 61-70. Do #1-5, p. 64 and #1-2, p. 70.

  • Tuesday, June 7 - Take up homework. Watch Gwynne Dyer's Escaping From History, & do the following questions: 1) What are living conditions like in Mexico City? 2) Why are people abandoning the countryside? 3) What does Dyer believe must happen for the developing world to get their fair share of consumer goods? Read pp. 70-73. Do #1-8, p. 73 and 1, 2, 5 and 7, p. 74 in "Further Thought."

  • Wednesday, June 8 - Take up homework. Begin PowerPoint for Chapter 4. Read pp. 83-87. Do #1-3, p. 84, #1-4, p. 85, #1-2, p. 86 and #1-3, p. 87. We will take up this homework on Friday.

  • Thursday, June 9 - Unit test on chapters 1-3. Complete the homework from Wednesday.

  • Friday, June 10 - Take up homework from Wednesday. PowerPoint for Chapter 4. Read pp. 88-93. Do #1-4, p. 89, #1-5, p. 91 and #1-5, p. 93.
History 12


Topic #5 & 6 Plan.


Topic #5 & 6 questions.Essay #3.


Note that the due date for Essay #3 was the end of last week.


I'm giving you a break again -- up to question #42 is due by Monday of next week. The Grad Ceremony is this Friday -- so be sure to plan accordingly.