Current Issues Project (5/21-6/1)

1.  Monday May 21st:  Discuss directions...choose topic and partner.  Start reading and taking notes on the articles for your topic.

2.  Tuesday May 22nd:  Finish reading the articles...and find an article for "Step 4" on the project packet.

3.  Wednesday May 23rd:  NYS STATE SCIENCE EXAM.  Regular classes will not be in session, but students may work on Steps 1-4, if they are behind.

4.  Thursday May 24th:  Complete Steps 4-5.  Start considering Steps 7-8...with remaining time.  Plan out what supplies you will need for TUESDAY'S class.  I'll supply markers, colored pencils, and straight edges.

5.  Tuesday May 29th - Wednesday May 30th:  In-class work days (Steps 7-8).

6.  Thursday May 31:  PROJECT DUE DATE.  Presentations begin...

Class Agenda

1. Bellringer:  Watch Brainpop on "Political Party Origins"... discuss.
2. Use a laptop to complete the "Modern Politics" handout
3. With the remaining time in class go to www.icivics.org/games....and on the back of your class work sheet...identify which game you played and explain what you learned from that game.

 HW - none

Class Agenda

1.  Bellringer:  What determination can you make about the chart?  Does this mean that Obama will lose his bid for re-election?  Explain.

2.  View clip.
3.  "Obama:  Pass or Fail?" Read article and complete the handout.
4.  Discuss results...

HW - finish Obama assignment

Class Agenda

1.  Bellringer:  Does a president's personal choices affect your opinion of him?  What if he is doing a good job running the nation?  Explain.
2.  Bill Clinton and George W. Bush's Presidencies.

• Bill Clinton Biography
• George W. Bush Biography and 9/11 clip

3.  How will history remember George W. Bush? As a good president, bad president, both?


HW - none

Class Agenda

1.  Bellringer:  Watch clip...What was Reagan's legacy as our nation's president?  What is meant by the title..."The Great Communicator?"
2.  Discuss the rise of Conservatism and the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

HW - none

Class Agenda

1.  Bellringer:  Does the president have to play by the same rules as the rest of us?  Or should he have the power to do whatever he wants (if it helps keep us safe)?  Brain-pop...Richard Nixon.
2.  Presidents Nixon thru Carter

• Watergate and Nixon's pardon
• Iran Hostage Crisis

HW -

Class Agenda

1.  Bellringer:  Pass back old materials...review for Assessment
2.  Civil Rights Assessment
3.  Cesar Chavez Brain-pop

HW - none