Thursday, Dec. 12

Today in class ... Each class continued its discussion on the theme Interaction, with more examples provided. We went over the two different assignments, including a look at how Oswego's population change is an example of how people impact/affect the environment.

Homework ... Complete the final two Cause & Effect examples: One cause being how people impact/affect the environment and the other being how the environment impacts/affects people. Students also must complete the Oswego Population Bar Graph using the data and information from class, while also finishing the two related questions.

* Five Themes of Geography project is due Monday.

Tuesday, Dec. 10

Today in class ... We focused on a geography article dealing with the theme interaction. We worked on pulling out the different causes and effects from the article.

Homework ... There is no homework assigned, though students should be working on their Five Themes of Geography Project that is due on Monday, Dec. 16.

Monday, Dec. 9

Today in class ... Each class went over the Latitude/Longitude/Location quiz from Friday. We also introduced the theme Interaction, along with compiling a list of the ways we impact the environment and how the environment impacts our lives.

Homework ... No homework was assigned. Students should be working on the Five Themes Photo/Definition/Description project that is due Monday, Dec. 16.

Thursday, Dec. 5

Today in class ... In preparation for Friday's Latitude/Longitude quiz, each class participated in a hands-on latitude and longitude activity and race.

Homework ... No homework was given.

Wednesday, Dec. 4

Today in class ... Each class went over the latitude and longitude work from the previous day. We intoduced and discussed the Five Themes project (due date listed below). The continued use and practice of latitude and longitude using the class atlas set.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

* The Five Themes Review Project, which was handed out today, is due Monday, Dec. 16.

Tuesday, Dec. 3

Today in class ... Reviewed as a class relative location. Then, using SmarBoard hands-on activities and examples, students were introduced to absolute location using latitude and longitude, including the uses of.

Homework ... Complete both Latitude & Longitude practice sheets.

Monday, Dec. 2

Today in class ... Each class finshed up and reviewed the theme "Place" and introduced the theme "Location." Provided and discussed the differences between the two types of location: absolute location and relative location.

Homework ... Students are to bring back to class one good, clear exampele of relative location, based on the class discussion.

Thursday, Nov. 21

Today in class ... We discussed the assignment that is due for tomorrow for the activity we will be doing in class: Region Bingo. We also watched a short video that examined regions and specific regions and characteristics of the United States. Students had three guided questions to complete from the video.

Homework ... Complete the Region Bingo board for Friday.

Wednesday, Nov. 20

Today in class ... Groups in each class presented their findings, using the Smartboard and slides, to showcase and highlight their respective region. Each class also participated in a hands-on activity to practice and review the various regions, states and their characteristics.

Homework ... Students are to complete Region Reflection Questions/Review and Venn Diagram.

Tuesday, Nov. 19

Today in class ... Each class continued to discuss and talk about the various regions of the United States and their characteristics. Using research done in class, groups began to highlight the most significant characteristics for the seven U.S. regions we are focusing on.

Homework ... No homework was assigned, though individual students can still prepare for their 2-minute group region review presentation.

Thursday, Nov. 14

Today in class ... Reviewed all of the work and requirements for the various movement activities, worked on examples together and used the class set of almanacs to research.

Homework ... For Friday each student should have completed their two final movement examples, the Imports, Exports and the Movement of Products and Goods information sheet, along with the United States imports and exports sheet.

Using the two-sided country comparison sheet, students are to also answer the following: What significant differences or similarities do you see between the two countries from the information that we've gathered?

Wednesday, Nov. 13

Today in class ... Students first compared and discussed, within small groups, their individual examples they came up with for movement. We then discussed and analyzed, as an entire class, the best examples from each group. Time was given to begin working on their own final examples, along with Imports, Exports and the Movement of Products and Goods information sheet.

Homework ... Students are to finish their final copy of their movement examples.

Tuesday, Nov. 12

Today in class ... Continued our introduction to the Five Themes, with a focus on the theme Movement. We discussed and talked about various examples of how things (people, goods and ideas) have moved from place to place around our world.

Homework ... Using our definition for the theme "movement," choose three of the areas/categories we discussed in class (food, sports, fashion/clothes, technology, goods/products, traditions/culture). Then provide a specific example for each of the three of how they've moved from one area of the world to another.

Monday, Nov. 11

Today in class ... Went over the Ch. 2, Sect. 1 and Time Zone test. We also briefly introduced the Five Themes of Geography.

Homework ... Read pages 10-12 in the book. Complete Questions 1A and 2A (page 14) and the two class questions that were posed, using the reading:

3) What are some common interactions between people and their environment?
4) How or why do you think it is helpful to use these five themes for studying geography?

Tuesday, Nov. 5

Today in class ... Continued review and practice of time zones with practical examples, while also introducing International Date Line.

Homework ... Students are to bring back four reasons why time zones are important and needed, based on all we've done in class and discussed.

Friday, Nov. 1

Today in class ... Each class continued to work on practice examples using time zones.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Thursday, Oct. 31

Today in class ... Continued discussion from yesterday in looking at longitude and how it connects and relates to time zones. We used practice examples and different time zone scenarios.

Homework ... Students were given 10-12 minutes at end of class to complete the time zone practice activities, but if it wasn't completed it should be done for class on Friday.

Wednesday, Oct. 30

Today in class ... Each class was introduced to time zones, their relationship with lines of longitude and the need for them. We practiced a few time zone examples.

Homework ... Using the time zone packet we began going over in class, students are to complete numbers 1-4 on page 69 of the packet.

Tuesday, Oct. 29

Today in class ... Continued discussion and working on sun, seasons, latitude through activities and using class atlas. Compared our seasons we have where we live to seasons in other parts of the world that are distinctly different -- and the reasons why they are different. We also assessed students with a critical thinking question and excercise based on the topics we've practiced and discussed in class.

Homework ... No homework was assigned. We will complete what we started working on in class tomorrow.

Thursday, Oct. 24

Today in class ... Introduced "Earth and the Sun's Energy" section, focusing on seasons, differences in hemispheres and a brief introduction of time zones.

Homework ... Read pages 26-29 in the book and complete section notes based on the model and examples we set in class. Also complete questions #1 (a,b,c), #2 (a,b) and the #3 (cause and effect) on page 29. Also, students are to write down four distinct descriptions/details on the four seasons they live in (4 for each season).

Tuesday, Oct. 22

Today in class ... Each class finished up the Using and Understanding an Atlas/Map Test. We also went over the test as a class.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Friday, Oct. 18

Today in class ... Continued working with various types of maps, practicing how to utilize the various parts of them, along with the use of the key, charts, graphs, etc.

Homework ... There will be a using and understanding maps/atlas test on Monday. The test will consist of previouis activities and specific maps we've used and practiced with for the past two weeks, thus there is no real way to study for this particular test -- aside from knowing some of the basics (i.e. cardinal and intermediate directions, different types of maps, etc.). The preparation has been done in class.

Students should be familiar but can review pages H6-H9 in the front of the book, which focuses on types of maps and parts of maps.

Thursday, Oct. 17

Today in class ... Each class continued with various map and atlas activities, using different types of maps. Today we focused on reading and intrepreting charts and graphs associated with maps, along with using and understanding road maps and directions.

Homework ... Complete Getting Around Town map practice sheet for Friday.

* There will be a using and understanding maps/atlas test on Monday. The test will consist of previouis activities and specific maps we've used and practiced with for the past two weeks, thus there is no real way to study for this particular test -- aside from knowing some of the basics (i.e. cardinal and intermediate directions, different types of maps, etc.). The preparation has been done in class.

Wednesday, Nov. 16

Today in class ... Each class worked on, completed and went over the many map/atlas activities we've been working on using the in-class atlases and maps.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Friday, Oct. 11

Today in class ... Each class worked on the in-class map and atlas activities, including reading and interpreting maps, along with the reading, map keys, charts and graphs that go along with the map activities.

Homework ... No homework was assigned as the map atlas activities include using the in-class atlas. We will work on and complete the map and atlas activities on Tuesday.

Wednesday, Oct. 9

Today in class ... Each class went over the map activities from the previous day and discussed. We also discussed and worked on using map scale.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Tuesday, Oct. 8

Today in class ... Went over the differences between maps (physical, political and special-purpose) and their uses. Reviewed cardinal and intermediate directions and using them with maps.

Homework ... Complete map packet and compass rose worksheet.

Monday, Oct. 7

Today in class... Introduction and discussion on maps -- their types, uses and value.

Homework ... Complete map reading (pages H8-H9) and complete questions and examples handed out.

Friday, Oct. 4

Today in class ... Following our mini-landform unit and quiz, each class completed a higher-level landform activity in class, matching, connecting and relating specific landforms and their locations.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Wednesday, Oct. 2

Today in class ... Each class took the Landforms Quiz and writing assessment that went with it. Students will have time to complete the written portion on Thursday.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Tuesday, Oct. 1

Today in class ... Worked in computer lab finishing up the interactive landform activity.

Homework ... No homework was assigned, though students can review for landform quiz on Wednesday. Students should also bring all landform materials to class, including the landform drawing and terms, the video list and short answer responses and the interactive website review activity completed. Students can review pages H10-H11 in their book -- and their previous work -- to prepare for quiz.

Monday, Sept. 30

Today in class ... Each class worked in the computer lab on an interactive landform website gathering information, facts and notes on major landforms around the world.

Homework ... If students feel as though they are far behind in the research, they can work at home using the website www.mrnussbaum.com/world/wformint/

Friday, Sept. 27

Today in class ... Each class broke down the various landforms seen and talked about in the Planet Earth video "From Pole to Pole" as we continue our mini-unit on landforms.

Homework ... Bring back the short answer response to the following two questions: 1) Choose 1 landform you find the most interesting and explain why, and 2) Choose 1 landform you would like to see in person the most and explain why.

Thursday, Sept. 26

Today in class ... Hands-on activity incorporating definitions/vocab using landform pictures, terms and definitions.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Wednesday, Sept. 25

Today in class ... Each class was given 10-12 minutes to work on the Lanform Terms and Drawing. A 5-minute interactive landform video with questions and discussion, along with continued talk of different types of landforms and where they can be found.

Homework ... The Lanform Terms and Drawing should be completed for Thursday, along with Finding the Landforms Lists (*see below), using pages R-40 and R-41 in the book if needed.

* First, come up with and name as many landforms as you can that you believe can be found in Illinois. Second, pick out six different major landforms found in the United States. List the landform and describe where they are in the U.S.  (Example: Rocky Mountains; found in the western part of the United States in the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana)

Tuesday, Sept. 24

Today in class ... Each class discussed and talked about landforms, including their significance and the many different ones there are locally, regionally and globally.

Homework ... Using pages H-10 and H-11 in the book as a guide, complete the Landform Terms and Drawing (due Thursday).

Monday, Sept. 23

Today in class ... Took Chapter 1 test.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Friday, Sept. 20

Today in class ... Each class spent the entire period going over what to study for and reviewing for Monday's test on Chapter 1 (Section 1 and Section 3), pages 4-9 and 16-18.

Homework ... Study for test.

Wednesday, Sept. 18

Today in class ... Reviewed Local, Regional, Global levels. Students provided their samples. Re-introduced and discussed the difference between human and physical geography.

Homework ... Read pages 16-18 in book. Answer questions #1 (a,b) and #2 (a,b,c). Finish the question posed in class: How do you think the study of geography is similar to pieces of a jigsaw puzzl?

Tuesday, Sept. 17

Today in class ... We reviewed and discussed the Local, Regional and Global level of geography. Each class participated in a hand-on activity to help them connect with these three levels in preparation for the work that's to be completed for Wednesday.

Homework ... Complete the Local, Regional, Global Level drawing. Students are to complete a drawing that connects and relates to each level (Local, Regional, Global), avoiding the examples we talked about and discussed in class. What are different things that happen, things that matter at each level?

Monday, Sept. 16

Today in class ... We introduced and discussed the Local, Regional and Global levels of geography. Students then worked to come up with 2-3 examples for each of the three levels in preparation for class activity on Tuesday.

Homework ... No homework was assigned, unless individual students did not complete the in-class activity revolving around Local, Regional and Global topic.

Friday, Sept. 13

Today in class ... Each class went over and discussed jobs and a life in geography lesson and project. Students were given half the class to start working on the written project.

Homework ... Students will need to finish their Geography on the Job writing project. Due Monday.

Thursday, Sept. 12

Today in class ... Through discussion and examples, along with using iPads and the National Geographic website, students continued to work on connecting geography to various professions.

Homework ... Students should have their Jobs and a Life in Geography two samples completed for Friday. If not completed, students can find the link on Henricksen page on the Traughber website.

Tuesday, Sept. 10

Today in class ... Continued ongoing discussion (with short 2 minute videos) on the roles geography plays in various jobs and occupations. Previewed and went over what we will be doing in class the next two days, using a particular web search and site. Did one example together as a class in preparation for tomorrow, connecting/relating job to one of three areas of geography: environmental, physical and economic.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Monday, Sept. 9

Today in class ... Each class went over the jobs list students created that relate and deal with geography. We introduced three different types of areas of work in geography: environmental, physical and economic. Then we connected and related various jobs to one of the three.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Friday, Sept. 6

Today in class ... We reviewed, in detail, what geography is and all that it includes, including real-life examples in our discussion. We introduced and talked about how geography is used in so many jobs and occupations. Preparing for next week's unit, breakout groups composed a list and connections of jobs and how they relate or connect with geography.

Homework ... There was no homework assigned, though students are free to add to the ideas we started in class today regarding jobs that use geography in some way.

Thursday, Sept. 5

Today in class ... We took the Continents, Oceans and Hemispheres quiz and went over it in class. Students received their U.S. State tests results. We discussed what we will be working on tomorrow in class with a hands-on activity using the iPads: Jobs, Careers and what do people do in Geography?

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Wednesday, Sept. 4

Today in class ... Continued our intro to geography discussion by going over and discussing the homework, which included introducing local, regional and global levels, geographer's tools, etc. We also used text dependent questions for an in-class reading on "What is Geography" from a short newspaper story.

Homework ... Review for Continents, Oceans and Hemispheres Quiz

Tuesday, Sept. 3

In class today ... We reviewed the continents, oceans and hemispheres briefly in preparation for Thursday's quiz. We introduced geography, including physical and human geography.

Homework ... Review for the Continents, Oceans and Hemispheres quiz on Thursday. ... Read pages 4-9 in the textbook and complete the outline sheet.

Friday, Aug. 30

Today in class ... Each class took the U.S. Map Test

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Thursday, Aug. 29

Today in class ... Each class competed in the U.S. Map Review contest in preparation for the U.S. Map Test on Friday. Congratulations, 9th period, as it edged 3rd period for first place.

Homework ... Review and study for U.S. Map Test, using your study guide and the website www.sheppardsoftware.com

Wednesday, Aug. 28

Today in class ... We went over and discussed last night's homework. We discussed hemispheres, locations around the world in relation to hemispheres and continents/oceans. We also began working with the iPads in preparation for Thursday's activity and Friday's U.S. Map Test.

Homework ... Complete the World Map practice sheet for Thursday. Also continue to review for United States Map Test on Friday, which you can use your study guide and the following website to practice and review: www.sheppardsoftware.com

Tuesday, Aug. 27

Today in class ... Each class went over and reviewed the hemispheres and how we can differentiate between them.

Homework ... Complete the hemisphere/oceans/continents worksheet.

Monday, Aug. 26

Today in class ... Introduced geography and discussed what it is in relation to its definition. We also went over the U.S. Map Test requirements for Friday's U.S. Map Test and handed out a study guide.

Homework ... Complete the U.S. Map Study Guide for Tuesday.

Friday, Aug. 23

Today in class ... Each class went over the homework procedures, expectations and how the grading works in geography. We also completed the in-class geography assessment.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.