Tuesday, March 17, 2009

March 16 - 20



















So Where are my students?


Oh, right, it is Spring Break isn't it?

For those of you new to my blogsite, it is intended to work alongside my website at: http://kbenoy.googlepages.com/

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

Things that are static -- not requiring regular change -- will be posted on the website. This blogsite will have the changing material -- lesson plans and links to particular assignments. I will try to ensure that all assignments are made available on the Internet in this way. If something is underlined on the blog, it means that you can click on it to see a copy of the particular item -- this could be a pdf document, PowerPoint, music or a video.

Use this blog to see what is coming up each week. I will usually post it on Saturdays for the following week. If you are away, you can check up on what you are missing. There is no reason for you not to know what is happening. If you do not have an Internet connection, you certainly know someone who does. If too ill to work while away, be sure to attach a note from home to any overdue work when you hand it in and I will most likely waive any late deduction.

If you can't read the PowerPoint material on your computer, download PowerPoint Viewer from Microsoft. It is free.

Sutherland has a license to access Discovery Education's United Streaming video collection. Students may download or stream videos from the collection by going to http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm . Use the passcode posted in the classroom and given to you on your course outline to register. If you have lost it, see me, or e-mail me, for this information. Students are licensed to include this content within their own creations.


Social Studies 11 (Honours)

Your Geography textbook is 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.

There is an ongoing essay assignment that is the culmination of our work in the Essay Writing Workshop. Construct a research essay, based on a thesis of your choice. Be sure to have at least three strong supporting points. Cite at least three sources and have a proper bibliography with at least three references. Be sure to use a standard format, such as MLA. Value: 24 marks (1 x 6 for composition and 3 x 6 for content). Due: the week we return after Spring Break (by Friday).

Another ongoing assignment is also on the go (only because the Spring Break will bring some families together at that time.) This is the Family History Assignment (See also the International Students' Version and First Nations Students' Version ) - which will not be due until mid May. (See also the BBC's pedigree sheet - a rough form to serve as a starting point for your own pedigree).


History 12

Make sure that you have the plan for Topic #3 and the questions that go with it at the end of the test on Monday. Also pick up the Essay #2 assignment sheet.

The next test is still some time off. Don't worry about it yet.

Watch some really good video material on the USSR - at PBS' Commanding Heights video links. A couple of PowerPoints summarizing this material can be found at: Crowe, Background to the Russian Revolution, Masters, The Russian Civil War. and The Evolution of Communism, Fraser, Stalin and the Struggle for Power.


Comparative Civilizations 12

We just began our Middle Ages Unit - starting with Islamic Civilization, then returning to Europe to examine the period from the fall of Rome to the Renaissance. This will take quite a while, so do not worry about tests for a bit.

The Islamic Civilizations package will be due toward the end of the first week after returning from Spring Break.

Got some time on your hands? Bored with holidays? Why not watch an online video or three? Try the Taj Mahal Mughals (8 minutes). Learn about the Mughal dynasty in The Mughals 1526-1707 (31 minutes) or The Mughals (91 minutes). Michael Woods The Story of India; Part 5; The Meeting of Two Oceans (59 minutes) is a terrific telling of the story of the Moslem age of domination in India. You might also play around on Google Video search for Islamic or Middle Ages material.