The Judicial Branch, Day 4 - Class Recap

Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the United States Constitution was debated and signed. Photo taken in 2008.

Hi everyone,

Welcome back to another week! Less than a month to go in the school year, now! Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets:
SS.HS.CR.ALT.03: I can apply understanding of ideas and concepts to a new context or problem.
SS.HS.RE.ALT.05: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.02: I can demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments in current issues.

SS.HS.CO.ALT.05: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Soundtrack: “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen. Selected because of the relation to the US government - this is a famous anti-war song. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/13/14:
News Brief/Lyrics
Presentation(s)
Finish the National Judiciary
12 Angry Men

Homework: Read the blog. Study judiciary branch for upcoming test. Next news brief: Maria (normal, write it out current event).

News Brief: Emi had the revised news brief today (just talking about an article, since she has already turned in a written out current event) and selected this story to talk about: ABCNews.com - Massachusetts: Pledge of Allegiance Not Religious. Very applicable to our study of the judicial branch!

Presentation(s): We had the opportunity in class for anyone that had not done the Executive Branch Cabinet presentation to do so.

Finish the National Judiciary: This was the last of our foundation knowledge for the judicial branch. If you missed class, you need to come see me in person for a make up packet with the questions to study.

12 Angry Men: This is the last film we will watch this year in class, I think. If you missed class, here it is to watch (with subtitles in a foreign language - I showed the DVD version in class). We got about 45:00 in.

The questions you are answering with the film are:

1. What are the facts of the case?
2. What assumptions do the jurors make about the boy?
3. What biased perspectives or experiences influence the jury?
4. What was your reaction to the film?
5. What responsibilities to the jurors have?
6. How would you vote? Explain why.

We will finish the film next class. Thanks for your focus and attention today! See you on Thursday.