State and Local Government, Day 5 - Class Recap

Cannon Beach, Oregon. Photo taken in 2007.

Dear class,

Today was possibly our last day in class with everyone supposed to be in S126 together! Next week, many of the Juniors will be taking the Smarter Balanced test, and the Seniors will be presenting their final projects. Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:

Knowledge LT 1: I can demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between citizens and their governments.
Knowledge LT 5: I can demonstrate an understanding of the principles, structures, and functions of different levels of U.S. government.
Research LT 5: I can effectively conduct and apply research. 

Soundtrack: "Open Your Heart" by Madonna. Selected for today because I love you all and I am hopeful that you have opened your heart to studying government this semester. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/28/15:
News Brief – Gabby
Smarter Balanced
State and Local Packet
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog. Continue working on your State/Local final project! All late work is due by next Friday at the latest. Next news brief (just find an article related to government - no write up needed): Zoey.

News Brief: Gabby had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: BaltimoreSun.com - Unrest will cost city $20 million, officials estimate. It looks like the Baltimore city government will be asking the federal government for help with this funding, so this was a good example of local government trying to work with the federal government. Thanks, Gabby! Zoey has the next news brief.

Smarter Balanced: In order to prepare students (I know many have taken it already, and many in the class are seniors), we went through this PowerPoint, which helped with identifying the difference between poetry and prose:

Google Drive - Smarter Balanced Preparation PowerPoint

Thank you for your effort and patience during this section!

State and Local Packet: After the test prep, I passed out this packet, which should be treated as a Study Guide for the State and Local government portion of the final test:

Google Drive - State and Local Government Reading/Questions

This reading went over all sorts of different aspects of State and Local governments. Important to know, with my mom coming to visit the class in a couple of weeks! Speaking of my mom, I showed the class this story about how Oregon's state government just voted to provide crash barriers on interstate highways across the state:

KOIN.com - Oregon House OKs cable barriers for interstates

This is obviously something my family cares a lot about, after my dad was killed last September in a head on crash with a truck that crossed over the median in Salem.

Work Time: There was a good amount of in class work time on the packet, before we reviewed it as a class. Next week, seniors will have their State and Local project due on Monday, and everyone else will have it due on Friday (after the Smarter Balanced tests are done). Here's the handout:

Google Drive: State and Local Government Final Project

Please finish working on this and keep reviewing for the cumulative final! Thank you!

State and Local Government, Day 4 - Class Recap

My view of Mt. Hood and Lost Lake on final approach into Portland International Airport on Sunday, coming back from Phoenix.

Hi everyone,

Welcome back from the long Memorial Day weekend! I hope you are rested up and ready to finish the year strong. Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:

Knowledge LT 1: I can demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between citizens and their governments.
Knowledge LT 5: I can demonstrate an understanding of the principles, structures, and functions of different levels of U.S. government.
Research LT 5: I can effectively conduct and apply research. 

Soundtrack: "Memories Live" by Talib Kweli and Hi Tek. Selected for today because of Memorial Day and the importance of the holiday to us.

AGENDA 5/26/15:
News Brief – Ethan
State/Local Project
Library

Homework: Read the blog. Continue working on your State/Local final project! Next news brief (just find an article related to government - no write up needed): Gabby.

News Brief: Ethan had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: NYPost.com - 12 missing after Texas flood sweeps away vacation home. We talked about how food gets wasted (especially at restaurants) and possible solutions, including donating excess food to the homeless. Thanks, Ethan! Gabby has the next news brief.

After the news brief, we checked in about the weekend and what happened, as well as talked about the schedule for the end of the year.

State/Local Project: We kept working on this project, which is a two page paper, with at least three MLA citations, about a local issue that you care about. Here's the handout:

Google Drive: State and Local Government Final Project

We went through this together again, and then went to the library.

Library: The rest of class was spent in the library, working on researching for the State and Local project and writing about an issue that you care about in our local community. This was the last time we are going to be spending in class with the project or with access to the computers for working on the project, so I hope everyone is feeling good about being able to finish by the time it is due, next week!

Next class, we will be going over State and Local information to know for the final, and prepping for Smarter Balanced. Woo hoo! See you on Thursday.

State and Local Government, Day 3 - Class Recap

Another beautiful place in our amazing State of Oregon: the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn. Photo taken in 2015.

Dear class,

As I mentioned today, we know have almost a week without seeing each other! In that time, there is plenty to do: we have the rest of the State/Local project to do, Senior presentations and finals, Smarter Balanced for Juniors, and then prepping for finals and having my mom come visit! Busy times! Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:

Knowledge LT 1: I can demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between citizens and their governments.
Knowledge LT 5: I can demonstrate an understanding of the principles, structures, and functions of different levels of U.S. government.
Research LT 5: I can effectively conduct and apply research. 

Soundtrack: "Coming Home" by Mat Kearney. Selected for today because it is a song about Oregon, and it was made for the Oregon football team, and today is College Wednesday. Watch the music video here. Go Ducks!

AGENDA 5/20/15:
News Brief – Bryant
State/Local Project
Computer Lab S220

Homework: Read the blog. Continue working on your State/Local final project! Next news brief (just find an article related to government - no write up needed): Ethan.

News Brief: Bryant had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: CNN.com - 40% of U.S. food goes to waste: One man's solution. We talked about how food gets wasted (especially at restaurants) and possible solutions, including donating excess food to the homeless. Thanks, Bryant! Ethan has the next news brief.

After the news brief, I went over the calendar for the rest of the year, again. Everyone should know when your big upcoming dates are!

State/Local Project: We kept working on this project, which is a two page paper, with at least three MLA citations, about a local issue that you care about. Here's the handout:

Google Drive: State and Local Government Final Project

We went through this together again, and then went to the computer lab.

Computer Lab S220: The rest of class was spent in the computer lab, working on researching for the State and Local project and writing about an issue that you care about in our local community. Next class, we will be going to the Library for one last time to be on the computers to finish working. Please let me know if you have any questions about what to do! Have a great long weekend! See you on Tuesday!

State and Local Government, Day 2 - Class Recap

As we continue to work in class on the State and Local project, here is a picture I took last year of Oregon's only National Park: Crater Lake.

Hi everyone,

Welcome back from the weekend, for a short 4 day week, followed by a 4 day weekend, followed by another short 4 day week! Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:

Knowledge LT 1: I can demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between citizens and their governments.
Knowledge LT 5: I can demonstrate an understanding of the principles, structures, and functions of different levels of U.S. government.
Research LT 5: I can effectively conduct and apply research. 

Soundtrack: "Battlefield" by Jordin Sparks. Selected for today because the end of the year sometimes feels like a battle to get everything done by the end. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/18/15:
News Brief – Bailey
Review Judicial Branch Test
State/Local Project
Computer Lab S220

Homework: Read the blog. Continue working on your State/Local final project! Next news brief (just find an article related to government - no write up needed): Bryant.

News Brief: Bailey had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: OregonLive.com - Portland officer shoots knife-toting man who broke into home. As I mentiond in class, it seems like there are mental health issues here, with the man cutting himself. This also related to our local government, so it was good to go over at the start of class. Thanks, Bailey! Bryant has the next news brief.

Review Judicial Branch Test: I passed back the results of the Judicial Branch test from last class (as students who had not taken it did so outside). We went over the questions and answers together as a class, and then moved on. Only one more test left this year (the cumulative final) to go!

State/Local Project: After going over the test, we went through the final assignment for the class, which is a two page paper, with at least three MLA citations, about a local issue that you care about. It will be due in class before finals day (different dates, depending on if you are a Senior or not), and you will probably be asked to give a short (like a minute or two) presentation. Here's the handout:

Google Drive: State and Local Government Final Project

We went through this together, and then went to the computer lab.

Computer Lab S220: The rest of class was spent in the computer lab, working on researching for the State and Local project and writing about an issue that you care about in our local community. When I was checking in with students, it appeared that most had a great start as far as selecting issues and beginning to work on the project. Next class, we will be going back to the computer lab to continue working. Please let me know if you have any questions about what to do! See you on Wednesday!

State and Local Government, Day 1 - Class Recap

Today, I assigned the State/Local final project, in which students are asked to think about ways they can positively impact the community. I took this picture in Portland, in 2009. 

Dear class,

As we get closer to the end of the semester, we have quite a lot of work to do! As such, there is a lot to cover. Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:

Knowledge LT 1: I can demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between citizens and their governments.
Knowledge LT 5: I can demonstrate an understanding of the principles, structures, and functions of different levels of U.S. government.
Research LT 5: I can effectively conduct and apply research. 

Soundtrack: "Happy" by Pharrell Williams. Selected for today because you should be happy to be done with the Judicial Branch and on to the last unit of the year! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/14/15:
News Brief – Simone
Judicial Branch Test
State/Local Overview
Computer Lab S220

Homework: Read the blog. Start working on your State/Local final project! Next news brief (just find an article related to government - no write up needed): Bailey.

News Brief: Simone has the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: CNN.com - House passes bill banning abortions after 20 weeks. We discussed how this is related to a landmark Supreme Court case that you were tested on today: Roe v. Wade. Thanks, Simone! Bailey has the next news brief.

I also went over the calendar for the rest of the year, so that Seniors and Juniors (our one sophomore will have multiple responsibilities, as well) know what they have to do by the end of the semester. Seniors will partner (if they want) on the final project, then take the final on Senior Finals day. My mom will be coming in to talk with the class on June 9th, which will be fun, too!

Judicial Branch Test: Much of the rest of class was devoted to taking the Judicial Branch test, which had 25 questions for the judicial branch and 15 as a callback to the Executive Branch. Thanks for your focus on this! I will grade these and have them in soon - probably later today.

State/Local Overview: After the test, we went through the basics of State and Local government. Here is the completed form that I had students fill in the blank on:

Google Drive: State and Local Government Completed Overview

The final assignment for the class is this project, which is a two page paper, with at least three MLA citations, about a local issue that you care about. It will be due in class before finals day (different dates, depending on if you are a Senior or not), and you will probably be asked to give a short (like a minute or two) presentation. Here's the handout:

Google Drive: State and Local Government Final Project

We went through this together, and then the end of class was some time to think about what you might want to do for it.

Computer Lab S220: We did not get to go to the lab, because there was so much going on in class. The next two classes (at least), we will be going to the computer lab after the news brief and any other announcements/readings. Keep up the hard work, everyone! We are almost there to the end of the year! :-)

The Judicial Branch, Day 7 - Class Recap

The exterior of the Colosseum in Rome. At the end of gladiator fights, the loser would famously be judged by the emperor. Photo taken summer 2014.

Dear class,

It is always great to see you first thing in the morning! It helps brighten the start of my day immensely. Here's what happened today in class:

Learning Targets Addressed:

Knowledge LT 5: I can demonstrate an understanding of the principles, structures, and functions of different levels of U.S. government.

Soundtrack: "Money" by Pink Floyd. Selected for today because trials and lawyers cost a lot of money to run.

AGENDA 5/12/15:
News Brief – Zoey
National Judiciary
Review Landmark Cases
Study Guide

Homework: Read the blog. Judicial Branch test next class (Thursday). Turn in any late/incomplete work. Next news brief: Simone

News Brief: Zoey had the news brief today and talked about this story: OregonLive.com - Kate Brown signs background check bill as gun violence groups claim landmark victory. This goes back to the beginning of the year, when we were debating gun control and looking into the different perspectives on this issue. Thanks, Zoey! We also talked about last weekend, before moving on.

Simone was assigned to do the next news brief.

Juries/The National Judiciary/Review Landmark Cases: We did have the time to go through both of these in detail today - thoroughly reviewing the main concepts of the unit, before the test:

Google Drive: Reading on Juries for Judicial Branch Test

Google Drive: The National Judiciary Readings and Questions

I also passed out a review for the landmark Supreme Court Cases that we went through.

Study Guide: Most of class was spent going over many questions about the judicial branch. I also passed out this study guide for preparation:

Google Drive: Judicial Branch Test Study Guide

One of the questions on the test will be (thanks for checking the blog!): In this case the U.S. Supreme Court declared that no one accused of a crime has to stand trial in any court in the land without benefit of counsel unless he or she specifically refuses it.
A. Dred Scott v Sanford C. Gideon v Wainwright
B. Plessy v Ferguson D. Brown v Board of Education

If you aren't sure, guess in the comments and I will tell you what the answer is!

See you next class, for the test! Then we will start moving on to the State and Local government unit, which is the last one of the semester!

The Judicial Branch, Day 6 - Class Recap

This Sunday is Mother's Day! Here I am with my sister and brother with my mom in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, over Winter Break 2014!

Hi everyone,

There was an assembly today, and we watched a classic film, too. As such, it was a relatively easy day. Here's what happened today in class:

Learning Targets Addressed:

Knowledge LT 5: I can demonstrate an understanding of the principles, structures, and functions of different levels of U.S. government.

Soundtrack: "Rockin' In The Free World" by Neil Young. Selected for today because we are free to conduct ourselves, within the rules of our society (the laws)! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/8/15:
News Brief – Courtney
12 Angry Men

Homework: Read the blog. Turn in any late/incomplete work as soon as possible. The Judicial Branch test will be next Thursday. Next news brief: Zoey

News Brief: Courtney had the news brief today and selected this article to talk about: CNN.com - American doctor declared free of Ebola finds the virus in his eye months later. I went quickly through this section, but I also showed the class these election results from the United Kingdom, where my Uncle Peter won re-election to his local council: Chiltern District Council Elections 2015.

I assigned Zoey to do the next news brief (no write up needed).

12 Angry Men: After the news brief, we went up to Ms. Nelson's room in S226, to watch the famous movie 12 Angry Men (1957), which is excellent at showing the jury process. Here is a link to the questions about the movie:

Google Drive - 12 Angry Men Film Questions

 If you want to see the whole movie (or missed class), please find a copy on your own (I borrowed Mr. Bortnick's copy for class today).

Such a classic movie! Rated in the Top 10 all time for a reason. A great way to end the class before the weekend! Thanks for your focus. See you next week! :-)

The Judicial Branch, Day 5 - Class Recap

The flag of the United States, before the Holiday Bowl football game in 2008. Today, we had an interesting mock trial on saying the Pledge of Allegiance in class.

Hi everyone,

I really enjoyed the discussions and debates the the mock trials brought up today, and I had the sense that most students did, too. Here's what happened today in class:

Learning Targets Addressed:

Knowledge LT 5: I can demonstrate an understanding of the principles, structures, and functions of different levels of U.S. government.

Soundtrack: "Ordinary People" by John Legend. Selected for today because ordinary people really did start these Supreme Court cases that we learned about the past couple of days! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/6/15:
News Brief – Aldo
Mock Trials
The National Judiciary
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog. Get any late work in ASAP to improve your grade. Next news brief (no write up needed, just talk about it): Courtney.

News Brief: Aldo had the news brief today and talked about this story: CNN.com - Texas attacker tweeted with overseas terrorists. We discussed how the First Amendment really gives people the right to say or do things that many people would really disagree with - in this case, drawing cartoons of the Muhammad, which many Muslims see as an extremely offensive act. This case resulted in two gunmen being killed.

I also talked about this ridiculous story, of some people believing that the U.S. government is seriously about to take over the state of Texas: CNN.com - Pentagon: No Texas takeover plot. The Governor of Texas is actually assigning National Guard troops to watch our own military! Umm, yeah, we are not taking over Texas.

Courtney was assigned to do the next news brief (although she doesn't need to write this next one up, she does have to turn in a current event write up at some point).

Mock Trials: The first part of class was taken up by doing the mock trials for the two cases we had left from last class. We had a really excellent discussion on the issues: drug searches at school and saying the Pledge of Allegiance in class. It was good to hear all the different thoughts and perspectives, as well as see how the Supreme Court actually ruled! Please complete the rest of your mock trial packet! The case summaries I linked to might help with understanding the cases better.

The National Judiciary: I did pass out this handout, so students could read and review them to prepare for the upcoming test. I will see how it goes next class with going through these, but the test will be on this reading, as well as the Supreme Court cases that we have been studying.

Google Drive: The National Judiciary Readings and Questions

Please keep working on this! Sound good? Let me know if you have any questions I can answer! Thanks again for an enjoyable class this morning! :-)

The Judicial Branch, Day 4 - Class Recap

This is me in college, while I was studying abroad in London, which happened to coincide with a Star Wars convention! I was pretty excited to see a to scale model of an X-Wing! Photo taken in 2007.

Hi everyone,

Welcome back from your weekend! I enjoyed starting the mock trials today in class. Here's what happened today:

Learning Targets Addressed:

Knowledge LT 5: I can demonstrate an understanding of the principles, structures, and functions of different levels of U.S. government.

Soundtrack: "Duel of the Fates" from Star Wars. Selected because today is May The Fourth (Be With You) and because you had an epic battle awaiting you with the religion test. No lyrics, but listen here.

AGENDA 5/4/15:
News Brief – Kirstin
Mock Trial Prep
Present Cases
The National Judiciary

Homework: Read the blog. Look at your grade and improve it, if possible! Next news brief: Aldo.

News Brief: Kirstin had the news brief today and did not remember to bring it in, so we moved on, and I opened my Portland School Board election mail ballot in front of the class! This was fun for me to do as a Government teacher, and to explain how voting in Oregon works. If you are 17 and not already registered to vote, here's the online enrollment form:

Oregon Secretary of State: Voter Registration

Yay for participating in our democracy! :-)

Mock Trial Prep: I gave the class about 20-25 minutes to finish preparing to present the four cases in the mock trial. Again, I know this was somewhat complicated, but I think we got the hang of it eventually! To help with understanding the process for how the Supreme Court takes and decides cases, we watched these two videos:

These videos were pretty cheesy (and older), but did a good job of explaining what happens!

Present Cases: During class, we were only able to get to two cases. The first was Morse v. Frederick, involving the humorous (but serious Constitutional issue) of a student holding a "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" sign outside of a school in Alaska as an Olympic torch relay went by. In class, the judges found 4-1 for Frederick (the student) in being able to do this as protected free speech. In the actual case, the judges ruled for Morse. Here is the overview:

Oyez.org - Morse v. Frederick

Next, we did a mock trial for the Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1 case. This was looking at issues of racial diversity in schools, as well as students being able to attend their own neighborhood school. In class, the judges split 3-2 on this, with the parents winning the case against more diverse schools. Here's the actual case overview:

Oyez.org - Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1

That was it for the day! Next class, we will do the last two trials and then move on with the rest of the judicial branch unit. Remember to hang on to all of your mock trial materials and notes - you will be turning them in! See you Wednesday!