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.