Merry Christmas

Today Wednesday 22nd December we spent completing some geography puzzles and going over grades. Every student was given a grade printout and work to bring them to at least a B- if their grade is lower than that currently. Every student regardless of grade was given information and material to complete all missing work. This work is due after the break.

The puzzles we worked on today are worth points, but do not necessarily need to be completed over the break.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks.

China Revs Up

Today Tuesday 21st December we watched a video on the advantages and disadvantages of having a large population. The case study was China with a population of 1.3 billion as it goes through the process of industrialization and how that process is affecting China and the rest of the world.

Thanks.

Population Pyramids

Today Monday 20th December we discussed population pyramids and analyzed them for information. A population pyramid is a graph that shows the population of a country divided into gender and age groups. Each group is shown as a percentage of the total population. Pyramids that have a large base are countries that have growing populations and are generally poorer countries. Countries that have a base that is equal to the middle of the pyramid or has a base that is smaller than the middle has a population that is stable or shrinking. These countries with small bases are generally the wealthier nations.

Thanks.

Cartograms Continued

Today Friday 17th December we looked at more complex cartograms and discussed how each cartogram was different and how they reflected differing statistics in a very visual way. We then continued working on the cartograms we were making from the previous day on population of South America. These cartograms will be due on Monday 20th December.

Thanks.

Population and Cartograms

Today Thursday 16th December we began our population unit and began by talking about the major statistics we keep track of such as population density, birth and death rates, infant mortality rates, etc. After our vocabulary introduction we began talking about cartograms which are maps that are based on a statistic other than land area. Students began making cartograms that are based on the population of South America.

IMPORTANT: Students will need their colored pencils tomorrow.

Thanks.

Current Event and Test Grading

Today Wednesday 15th December we graded our test that we took on Friday for Middle America. Redos are available to all students who got a C or lower. Remember that a B is the highest grade given on any redo.

After grading and catching up from my two day absence, we carried on with current event as normal.

IMPORTANT! I was absent on Monday and Tuesday due to illness. Please see me for makeup for this time.

Middle America Review and Test

Today Friday 10th December we took our test on Middle America Political/Physical maps and vocab and culture. Yesterday Thursday 9th December we spent the day reviewing and complete a review crossword.

IMPORTANT: We have moved current event until next Tuesday. That day we will also collect the review crossword.

Thanks

Caribbean Today & Mexico Video

Today Wednesday 8th December we corrected our Central America & Caribbean Today assignment and talked about the economy, history, and culture of the region. After our assignment was done we took 15-20 minutes to view a travel video on Mexico to further illustrate the conditions and culture of Mexico today.

Thanks.

Central America and the Caribbean Today

Today Tuesday 7th December we discussed the economy, history and culture of Central America and the Caribbean as it is today. Students were also given a study guide and map for their quiz on Friday.

IMPORTANT: The quiz has been moved from Thursday to Friday!!! This will push current event to Monday.

Thanks.

Today Monday 6th December we discussed Mexico today. The objectives for the day were to explain some of the defining characteristics of Mexico. Also, analyze how history has influenced Mexico and made it what it is today. Our third objective was explaining what Mexico is like today.

Today we also graded our poster maps of Middle America.

Thanks.

Middle America Physical Features

Today Thursday 2nd December we covered the physical features of Middle America. Students were given 10 features to remember. They will need to locate these features on a map and then explain why each is important or unique. The features included:

1) Sierra Madre Occidental
2) Sierra Madre Oriental
3) Baja California
4) Yucatan Peninsula
5) Caribbean Sea
6) Greater & Lesser Antilles
7) Plateau of Mexico
8) Isthmus of Panama
9) Gulf of California
10) Lake Nicaragua

Students were given a physical map that included these and several other features.

Thanks.

Middle America Mapping Day #3

Today Wednesday 1st December we finished out last in class day working on the Middle America political maps. Most students were working on labeling and coloring with a few that were able to completely finish. The maps will now be due on Monday 6th December. This map is worth 120 pts.

IMPORTANT: Please read ALL the instructions and follow them step by step. If you do so, you will receive an A on your map and it will look its very best.

Thanks.

Middle America Mapping Day #2

Today Tuesday 30th November we continued with our Middle America map. Most students were well into the labeling by the end of class. This map is a much easier one to draw. Remember as you label your map the following conventions:

1) All CAPITAL letters if it is a country.
2) A circled star if it is a national capital.
3) A simple dot if it is a major city.
4) Regular labeling with owning country in parentheses if it is a territory.

Thanks.

Middle America Mapping Day #1

Today Monday 29th November we began our mapping unit of Middle America (Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean). We will include territories on our map as well as the countries and their capitals cities.

Thanks.

TEST: Canada Political and Physical

On Tuesday 23rd November we took the test on political & physical features of Canada. A portion of the test also covered the economic and cultural characteristics of Canada as well. if you were absent, you can make up the test during 7th (if your teacher will let you), after school or during diamond time.

Thanks

Test Review and Other Such Things

Today Monday 22 November we reviewed for our test on Canada tomorrow. Students were given study guides and maps and directed to practice quizzes and maps located on this blog. Please make sure tomorrow you bring a book and have taken care of your personal business before coming to class.

Because of my being overly busy and it being a short week, the flag, video and picture of the week will remain the same and be updated next Monday.

Thanks.

Current Event #5

Today Friday 19th November we did our current event.

Canda Today

today Thursday 18th November we studied Canada Today and Geographic Issues facing Canada. The objectives were to define regionalism and separatism. To explain the economic characteristics of Canada in relation to its population and physical features. We also looked at the similarities and differences of Canada to the United States.

Students also received an updated grade printout and each student was spoken with about their grade. Students were reminded that all tests and assignments may be redone for a better grade if necessary, but the highest grade on a redo is a B.

Thanks.

Physical Features of Canada

Today Wednesday 17th November we spent the day examining the physical features of Canada and completed a physical map.

Tuesday 16th November we turned in our political map poster of Canada and corrected the substitute work you did on Monday.

Monday 15th November students had a substitute and completed a worksheet ont he climates and biomes of Canada.

Thanks.

Canada Mapping Day #4

Today Friday 12th November was our last day in class mapping Canada. Most students finished drawing and labeling and were beginning the coloring. Students were given map copies and instructions to finish the map over the weekend and have it ready for Tuesday.

Canada Mapping Day #3

Today Thursday 11th November we continued our mapping of Canada. most students are into the labeling of the map. Tomorrow will be our last day and the map will be due on Tuesday 16th November. This map is 120 points and will count as a significant part of your final grade.

HONORS: Today students received the instructions for the research extension. Every time you read state in the instructions just substitute the word province.

Thanks.

Heriman Play - Canada Mapping (Somewhat)

Today Wednesday 10th November we spent the majority of the day at the play put on by Herriman High. The only classes that met for any real length of time were 1st and 2nd. Those periods worked on their Canada maps as much as possible. The other classes will pick up tomorrow where they left off on Tuesday.

Canada Mapping Day #2

Today Tuesday 9th November we worked on the maps of Canada. Most students were able to finish their outlines of Canada and began drawing the provinces and territories. The next day we will focus on finishing up provinces/territories and begin the labeling.

Thanks.

Canada Map Making Day 1

Today Monday 8th November we began our map making unit for Canada. We went through all the provinces and capital cities along with some major cities. We should have this map finished by Friday. Please remember to bring pencils, erasers, and colored pencils as you will need them over the next few days.

Thanks.

TEST: Climate and Physical Earth

Today Thursday 4th October we had our test on Climate and Physical Earth. Because the test was a bit longer than anticipated we did not turn in our note packets or review crossword. If you will please bring these things tomorrow we will grade everything then.

REVIEW: Climate and Physical Earth

Today Wednesday 3rd November we reviewed for our test tomorrow on Climate & Physical Earth. All students should have a total of five note sheets that they will turn in for points. They also received a crossword review to help them review their vocabulary. Both notes and crossword will be due at the beginning of class tomorrow.

For the test, all students were instructed to make sure they have taken care of anything so they do not need a hall pass. They should also bring a book in case they finish early before the other students.

Thanks.

Climate Graphs

Today Tuesday 2nd November we studied climate graphs. A climate graph is a combination of a line and bar graph that shows the average temperature and precipitation per month for a specific city or area. We then created our own cliamte graphs and will use those graphs to categorize different climates around the world.

Thanks.

Many things - End of Quarter Grades, My Absences, Extra Credit, Etc.

Today Wednesday 27 Oct I have finally returned from a two day absence. My illness was almost 5 days long and didn't make for a good weekend. However, Monday and Tuesday were devoted to substitute assignments and cultural contacts. If you were here, you should have turned your work into sub. If you were not here, make up is not necessary.

Today we covered world vegetation patterns as a reading assignment. While students did their reading, I went over grades for first quarter. As of today the grades should be finalized. All students were given a final print out and given the opportunity to discuss an last, lingering issues.

IMPORTANT: All extra credit, flags, video of the week, etc. will resume as normal next week. Sorry For all those who are disappointed.

Thanks

Factors Affecting Climate: Ocean Currents & Landforms

Today Thursday 21st October we talked about how ocean currents and landforms affect the climates of the earth. Ocean currents are large 'rivers' of water in the oceans that are caused by the uneven heating of the earth. Land near currents tends to have a milder climate. Warm currents warm nearby land, while cold currents have the opposite effect. Mountains have a strong influence on the amount of precipitation that an are receives. Mountains block moisture from reaching the other side and create the rain shadow effect. Precipitation, of course, is any moisture that falls from the sky such as rain, snow, hail, etc.

Thanks.

Factors Affecting Climate: Latitude & Elevation

Today Wednesday 20th October we discussed how latitude and elevation affect the climate of an area. Basically put, the close you are to the equator the warmer it is. This is because the equator receives direct sunlight or is near direct sunlight all year long. Latitude is a measure of how far you are from the equator. There are three latitude belts, or regions that share common climates based on latitude. Elevation can also affect climate because the higher up you travel the colder it becomes. This is due to the air becoming thinner and losing its ability to hold heat. We then completed a worksheet in class.

Thanks.

Earth-Sun Relationship

Today Tuesday 19th October we discussed the earth's relationship with the sun and how sunlight affects weather and climate on the earth. The basic concept of today's lesson taught that direct sunlight affects temperatures on earth. The axis and revolution of the earth cause the areas with direct sunlight to change throughout the year. these changes result in the seasons. We also discussed equinoxes and solstices and that these events mark the beginnings of the season and can tell us where direct sunlight is falling on the earth. After today's lesson the students will be able to also describe how the seasons occur.

Thanks.

Physical Features: Advantages & Disadvantages

Today Monday 18th October we spent the time discussing the impact of physical features on human activity. For example, plains are good for farming, easy for building, and make transportation a breeze. However, plains can also make it easier for enemies to invade, often lack recreational opportunities, and can have severe weather events. Students then looked at a map of Europe and based simply on physical features attempted to answer questions about development in certain countries based on physical features.

Thanks.

Creating a Continent (Cont.)

Today Wednesday 13th October we continued with our making a continent assignment. We also passed out grade printouts and I talked to several students about make up and the deadline for make up is 22nd October.

Thanks

Creating A Continent

Today Tuesday 12th October we spent the day beginning to create our own continents. These continents are meant to show knowledge of landforms and water features. Each continent must have a minimum number of physical features. For example, 3 mountain ranges, 2 oceans, and at least one example of each of the remaining features that we discussed yesterday. These maps must also include all the other basic map elements including title, latitude and longitude, scale, key, and compass rose.

IMPORTANT: Students will need colored pencils for tomorrow as we finish up the maps.

Thanks.

Physical Features of the Earth

Today Monday 11th October we discussed the lithosphere and hydrosphere and what the are comprised of. We also listed out several features of the each of those spheres. Students were all given a study guide for the next unit and a new current event form. Our Current Event #3 will be due next Friday the 22nd.

Thanks.

Current Event #2

Today Friday 8th October we studied current events. We spent 5-10 mins. discussing new events that had been happening over the last two weeks. We then proceeded to read about children used as soldiers in an article in the Upfront magazine. Students turned in a Current Event form from watching the news over the last two weeks. These forms MUST be signed on both sides by a parent or guardian. Unsigned forms earn only half credit. Students who did not have the form today were given one last chance to turn the form in on Monday.

Thanks.

Quiz: Maps of the United States

Today Thursday 7th Oct we took our test on the political and physical maps of the United States. Students who used purposegames.com to study and were able to beat my times were excused from the test and received an automatic 100% on the quiz.

Physical Geography of the United States

Today Wednesday 6th October we worked on identifying the major physical features of the United States. The maps will be due tomorrow. Tomorrow is also our quiz on the states, capitals, and physical features of the United States. Please make sure to take care of any 'personal' business before you come to class. Also make sure to bring a book in case you finish early.

Thanks.

Reality Town Preparation

Today Monday 4th October we had guests from Reality Town visit our class to explain how everything will work for the Reality Town simulation. Students were given life situations (i.e., married or single, number of kids, profession, monthly income, etc.) and were instructed on the choices they would need to make. The purpose of Reality Town of course is to help motivate students to do better in school by making connections between their performance now and its impact later in life.

Students will earn extra money for Reality Town by doing the following:

1) Bring in an actual grocery coupon.
2) Dressing up like the profession they were given.
3) Bringing a complete Continuing Education form

Thanks.

US Map Making - FINAL Day

Today Thursday 30th September was our final in class day to work on the maps of the United States. Most students were able to begin coloring or were just finishing with labeling. Students were instructed to take the maps home and have them finished for Tuesday 5th October.

IMPORTANT: This map is worth 120 pts. total and constitutes a significant portion of the grade for 1st quarter. Maps that are destroyed or lost will need to be redone for credit. Students were well-informed of this.

Thanks.

US Map Making Day 5

Today Wednesday 29th September we continued working on the US map. The main focus was labeling the cities and states. Those students who have finished the labeling began coloring the maps.

US Map Making Day 4 & Collection Day

Today Tuesday 28th September we continued on with map making and most students began the labeling process. States, capitals, and other major cities were included. Again students were instructed to follow the instructions on their instruction sheet.

IMPORTANT: All students MUST have colored pencils for coloring the maps. If a students has no way of obtaining colored pencils, he or she should talk to me so arrangements can be made. We will be using colored pencils for all mapping assignments.

We also spent the first 5-10 minutes of each class handing out materials for Student Led Conferences. Each student received:
1) A student assessment
2) A grade printout
3) A work sample (Paradise maps along with the grading sheet)
4) A script to help them talk about the work sample

Thanks

US Map Making Day 3

Today Monday 27th September we continued working on our political map of the United States. Most students spent the day drawing the states in the outline of the US that they created. Students were given an instruction sheet and told to follow the sheet carefully. The instructions were also given orally. As long as students follow the instructions given step by step, the maps will be the best they can be.

We also took a portion of the class to fill out student self assessments for our student led conferences.

Current Event #1

Today Friday 24th September we had our first current event. Students turned in both the Current Event Instruction sheet and their Current Event Form. Students who did not have these have until Monday to turn them in. Both papers need a parent signature or they will receive only half credit.

Our topic of discussion for today's current event was the mosque that is being planned for the vicinity of the former WTC. What are the reasons for and against such a building? Students offered input on both sides and were encouraged to support their decisions based on facts presented.

Quiz: Map Reading

Today Thursday 23rd September we took our quiz on map reading. Second period was unable to take the quiz due to the assembly. They will take the quiz tomorrow. Please remember, however, that ALL classes will be turning in their first current event tomorrow.

Thanks

US Map Making Day 2 & QUIZ Tomorrow!!!

Today Wednesday 22nd September we continued mapping the United States. Most students were able to finish the outline of the continental United States. After the outline was finished, I instructed the students to begin drawing in the states. These maps will be kept in the classroom and we will resume mapping on Monday.

Remember that tomorrow, Thursday 23rd September, is the Map Reading Quiz.

Thanks

US Map Making - Quiz: Map Reading

Today Tuesday 21st September we began working on our US political map. Grids were already pre-made and the students began doing the outline of the United States. We will be making a political map of the lower 48 states along with the capitals and major cities of those states. It is IMPERATIVE that each student bring a pencil for this project. Pens and markers are not allowed. Also you will need colored pencils and a large eraser. If you have not yet obtained these items you will need them ASAP!!! You were informed of this 3 weeks ago.

In light of recent events at the school and in the community, our quiz on map reading will be postponed until Thursday the 23rd of September. Please remember that this quiz covers only the first two parts of the yellow study guide. If you did not get a study guide, please see me to get one.

Thanks.

Reality Town Career Choices

Today Friday 17th September we spent the first 10 minutes of class grading our Paradise Map. Remember, this is the map that goes int he SLC folder for our Student-Led Conferences. If you did not turn your map in because you missed Wednesday or Thursday of this week, you have until Monday to complete the map.

We then spent the remainder of the period discussing Reality Town and choose careers for that. If you missed today, you will need to see the counselors about getting your career chosen. You NEED to do that quickly though, or a career will be chosen for you.

Thanks.

Finishing Up

Today we finished two assignments: the map of Paradise and the atlas activity involving the maps of Australia. The maps of Paradise we will grade tomorrow and will be using those maps in our SLC folders.

Making a Map of Paradise

Today Wednesday 15th September we worked more with using longitude and latitude. We made a map of a fictional continent called Paradise. Several coordinates were given for cities and various physical features such as rivers, lakes, and mountains. Using the coordinates, we plotted out these political and physical features and created our map. For most classes we will finish these maps tomorrow. It will be necessary to have colored pencils to color the maps neatly. All students were informed several times of the need for colored pencils in Geography class.

PLEASE BRING COLORED PENCILS WHENEVER WE DO MAPS!!!

This assignment will also be the assignment we use for our Student-Led Conferences. So you must put forth your best effort. It is almost as important to be neat as it is to be correct. What good is it to be correct, if no one else can understand you?

Maps and Five Themes

Today Tuesday 14th September we continued reading maps for information. We read the maps of Australia with the Five Themes in mind. As we analyzed each map we revisited absolute / relative locations, human / physical features, regions, and interdependence.

If you missed today, you will need:

1) To get the assignment.
2) There were NO new notes today.

Thanks

Map Reading and Map Parts

Today Monday 13th September we looked at the parts of a map and how to read those maps for information. Maps are tools we use to answer the first question of Geography or where is it? The KEY or LEGEND of a map explains the symbols and colors used on a map. The COMPASS ROSE shows directions on a map. The SCALE is used to make measurements and show distances on a map. The three main kinds of maps are political maps that show cities, states, countries, and boundaries. Physical maps show physical features and elevation. Finally, special purpose maps show a specific characteristic such as resources, climate, or population. We then used maps of the United States to gather various information.

If you were absent, you will need to get:
1) The notes and copy from a friend
2) The assignment on map reading. (NOTE: This assignment must be done in class so you will need to come after school or during 7th period, if your 7th period teacher will allow you to do so.)

Current Events

Today Friday 10th September we discussed the Current Event Assignment. Every student was given a yellowish instruction sheet that must be signed by a parent or guardian. This assignment will be an ongoing assignment all year. I will be requiring all students to watch at least 30 mins. of national news programming each week and then fill out a current event form. There are no restrictions on which news program may be watched. If a student does not have access to a televised news program, he or she may use an internet source such as cnn.com or he or she can use newspaper articles.

The first current event forms and the signed instruction sheet will be due on Sept. 24th Friday.

TEST: Five Themes of Geography

Today Thursday 9th September we had our first quiz in Geography. This quiz covered the Five Themes. Students also handed in their note packets for points. The quiz was worth a total of 60 points for the regular Geography classes and 65 for the Honors Geography classes.

Students in the regular Geography classes are allowed to redo any test that they received a C or lower. Students who receive Fs are REQUIRED to redo the test. Redos can be done anytime after school except Mondays, but I will need notice so that I can make sure I am here.

Honors students are required to achieve at least a B on their tests and are REQUIRED to redo any test on which they get a C or lower. Same procedure as described above.

Culture Contact #1 - National Geographic

Wednesday 8th September we did a culture contact for 3rd-6th periods. The culture contact involved watching a National Geographic Taboo video that documented an aspect of culture from various places around the world. Culture is a major component of the third theme of Geography or Movement. Students watched the video and we looked at aspects of culture that are new to us. The two episodes that were chosen were "Gross Work" and "Marks of Identity". Each episode contained information on cultural traits that had aspects that were unusual and common to us.

First and Second periods unfortunately were behind the other class and we used this day to catch them up. First period received the notes on Region and Human/Environment Interaction while second period just got the notes for Human/Environment Interaction.

The Fifth Theme of Geography - Human Environment Interaction

Today Tuesday 7th September we talked about the fifth theme of Geography or Human / Environment Interaction. We discussed that people are attracted to certain environments because of climate, economic, and recreational reasons. Every environment on earth has environmental advantages and disadvantages. For example, Utah has great recreational opportunities based on its physical climate, but its weather can be seen as a serious disadvantage by many. We also talked about some of the more extreme impacts on the environment such as deforestation, endangered species, and pollution.

If you were absent today you need to get:
1) The notes from a friend
2) And the assignment entitled Human/Environment interaction

Thanks

The Fourth Theme of Geography - Region

Today 3rd September we discussed the fourth theme of Geography, region. Region answers the question, how is this place the same as other places and how is it different from other places? Places are divided into regions to help us compare and contrast and make connections between places. The two main kinds of regions are formal and functional regions. A formal region is an area that shares a common characteristic, such as the Midwest which is a predominantly flat, farmland. A functional region is an area that is centered around a hub city, such as the Wasatch Front is centered on Salt Lake City.

Thanks.

Third Theme of Geography - Movement

Today Thursday 2nd September we talked about the third theme of Geography which is movement. People, things, and ideas are constantly moving from one part of the world to another. This process has happened since the beginning of history and continues today. Two important concepts that are connected to movement are INTERDEPENDENCE and CULTURAL DIFFUSION.Interdependence is the idea that we all depend on each other to meet our needs and wants. Even a powerful country like the United States needs other countries to function properly. Cultural diffusion is the process by which cultures spread to new areas and intermingle with one another. For example, salsa is a very popular condiment in the US that came here from a different culture.

If you missed today, you will need:
1) To copy the notes from a friend.
2) Complete the Culture Questionnaire at home.

Thanks

Second Theme of Geography - Place

On Wednesday 1st September we looked at the second theme of Geography, place. Place answers the questions, what is it like there? We use two main types of descriptors when talking about place. Physical features are permanent, naturally occurring things in the environment such as mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, and oceans. Human features are relatively permanent, stationary, man made things in the environment such as buildings, roads, dams, and canals. Physical features can be modified by humans to meet their needs and wants, while human features often reflect the physical environment and the culture of an area.

If you were absent, you will need:
1) To get the notes from a friend.
2) The assignment which is to analyze pictures and describe what kind of places they are.

Thanks.

First Theme of Geography - Location (Continued)

On Tuesday 31st August we continued practicing using absolute and relative location. Using a map of the United States we found the coordinates of several US cities. We then used relative location to describe the location of several physical features and states.

If you were absent, you will need:
1) To turn in your assignment from Monday.
2) Get the new assignment from Tuesday (a map of the US is needed).
3) There were NO new notes.

Thanks.

First Theme of Geography - Location

Today (Monday 30th August) we looked at the first of five questions we ask as we study Geography. The first question we ask is, "Where is it?" This is the theme of LOCATION. When we describe the location of something, we use two types of location: absolute and relative. Absolute location is the exact, unique spot where something is. Relative location is the general area something can be found or the location of something in relation to something else. In Geography we use a system based on latitude and longitude to find absolute locations on a map. We used a map of the United States to practice use of absolute and relative locations.

If you missed today, you will need to get the notes and make up work on your return. You will need to copy the notes from somebody and complete the assignment ASAP. To complete the assignment, you will need a map of the United States with latitude and longitude clearly marked.

Welcome Back to School!

For everyone reading this I would like to say welcome to the Geography blog and welcome back to another school year. This year is going to be a good one with lots of new and exciting material and a new emphasis on the 9th grade as the Freshman year of high school.

Hopefully students will understand the significance of this year as critical to an overall successful high school experience. Everything we do has value and a purpose and I will do my best as your teacher to convey this to each of my students. In Geography specifically we will be focusing on understanding the larger world around us. We will do that through mapping, reading, activities, and many other things. Please read the school disclosure carefully as you will need the materials listed there in our class. There is one other thing that you will most likely need. A large gum eraser for when we make maps. Relying on the eraser at the end of your pencil is usually not enough. They can be picked up for a $1.00 or less anywhere they sell craft supplies.

Looking forward to this year and very excited to be your teacher.