The Judicial Branch, Day 6 - Class Recap

Inside the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. Photo taken in 2010.

Hi everyone,

Today we did a single day assignment in class about the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens. Here's what happened:

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.01: I can demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between citizens and their governments.
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: “Right As Rain" by Adele. Selected because the class was researching rights of citizens today and it was raining for parts of the day. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/19/14:
News Brief
5 Things About SCOTUS
Citizenship Paper
Computer Lab S220

Homework: Read the blog. Study judiciary branch for test next class (here is the study guide I passed out in class). Finish citizenship paper. Next news brief: Chris (abbreviated version).

News Brief: Olivia had the abbreviated news brief today and chose this story to talk about: ADN.com - Funding for police bulletproof vest program in question. A good look at the differences between the federal government funding something vs. the state or local governments. Thanks, Olivia!

I also wanted to mention that Oregon's existing ban on same sex marriage was decided in class at noon today. A historic day!

5 Things About SCOTUS: We talked about his article from the New York Times Upfront Magazine: 5 Things You Need To Know About The Supreme Court. It is especially relevant to our study of the judicial branch!

Citizenship Paper: This was to hit the learning target about citizens and the government for the class. Basically, it is a 1-2 page paper (with a minimum of three correctly cited sources) about the following four questions:

1) What are the rights and responsibilities of a U.S. citizen?
2) Explain numerous practical applications of how citizens use their rights and responsibilities to actively participate and interact with different levels of government.
3) How can you apply what you have learned to your own live and future experiences? What will you do to be an effective citizen?

To earn a 4 on the assignment, you also need to respond to the following question:
4) What is the process to become a naturalized citizen? What problems exist within our current naturalization laws? What possible solutions could improve naturalization laws for the future?

Computer Lab S220: The rest of class was spent in the lab, working on the above assignment. If you did not finish in class, it is due at the start of next class. Be prepared for the judicial branch test, as well!