Henricksen's Geography Class

Tuesday, Jan. 31

2012-01-31T12:59:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... As a class we reviewed six key terms as they relate to culture, including cultural diversity, cultural diffusion, cultural traits, ethnic group and cultural region. We also went over the culture writing assignment.

Homework ... Complete culture writing assignment that is due on Thursday.

Jan. 23, 2012

2012-01-23T12:53:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Each class went over the study guide. We also reviewed various topics, including climate, weather, natural resources.

Homework ... No homework was assigned but students should review for the test, which will be on Wednesday.

Tuesday, Jan. 17

2012-01-17T12:23:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... We introduced the final section in the chapter on natural resources. Each class discussed the topic, along with renewable and nonrenewable resources.

Homework ... Complete the pros/cons chart from the reading; complete questions #1 (a,b,c), #2 (a,b,c), #3 (a,b), #4 (a,b) ... Due Thursday

Tuesday, Jan. 10

2012-01-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Continued weather/climate discussion and went over the work that was to be done using the class atlas set and climate writing assignment. We also introduced the Identifying climates around the world assignment.

Homework ... Complete Climates Around the World for Friday. This work is to be done outside of class.

Thursday, Jan. 5

2012-01-05T12:31:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Reviewed the relationship between lines of latitude and different climates, including desert regions. Also introduced and talked about the different climates throughout the world.

Homework ... Read pages 55-61 in the book, complete Climate Chart and questions.

Tuesday, Jan. 3

2012-01-03T13:09:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Each class was introduced to the Reading Guide sheet, which will often be used as an organizational tool for notes and comprehension with reading assignments. We also introduced the difference between weather and climate and discussed.

Homework ... Read pages 50-54 in the textbook and complete the Reading Guide.

Monday, Dec. 12

2011-12-12T12:30:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Each class went over the Five Themes Test, reviewed the Five Themes project and given time in class to work on the project.

Homework ... There was no homework assigned, but the Five Themes Project is due on Wednesday.

Thursday, Dec. 8

2011-12-08T12:37:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Reviewed for Five Themes Test.

Homework ... Review and study for Five Themes Test.
* Five Themes Chart (MR LIP)
* Five Themes Video Sheet
* Pages 10-12 in book
* Review differences between physical and human geography

Tuesday, Dec. 6

2011-12-06T12:28:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Each class reviewed the ABC list for the Theme Place, as well as completed a hands-on, in-class activity on the theme place.

Homework ... There was no homework assigned. There will be a Five Themes of Geography test on Friday.

Monday, Dec. 5

2011-12-05T12:53:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Each class presented their Interaction findings and lists from last Friday. The theme Place was introduced, with examples discussed and provided.

Homework ... Complete the ABC List (using Chicago, United States, etc.)

Thursday, Dec. 1

2011-12-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Continued class discussion on the theme Interaction, talked about census, Oswego's population growth over the past 20 years and how it relates to theme Interaction. Reviewed different types of graphs to use for the homework assignment.

Homework ... Complete the graph using the Oswego population totals given in class. And answer the two questions given in class pertaining to the population figures and graph.

Monday, Nov. 28

2011-11-28T12:38:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Went over the latitude/longitude quiz from before break. Introduced the Location Writing Assignment.

Homework ... Location Writing Assignment due on Wednesday.

Friday, Nov. 18

2011-11-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Each class participated in a hands-on activity using latitude and longitude in preparation for Monday's quiz.

Homework ... No homework was assigned. Quiz on latitude and longitude is on Monday.

Wednesday, Nov. 16

2011-11-16T13:51:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Continued to review all aspects of latitude and longitude, working with in-class practice activities.

Homework ... Complete the latitude/longitude practice work using textbook.

Tuesday, Nov. 15

2011-11-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Each class continued the introduction to the theme Location as we study the Five Themes of Geography. The focus was on absolute location, including a review of latitude and longitude. We will be working on this theme throughout the week, with an emphasis the next few days on latitude and longitude.

Homework ... Complete the latitude/longitude practice sheet.

Friday, Nov. 11

2011-11-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Continued discussion of regions, with a focus on regions of the United States and played Region Bingo for familiarity.

Homework ... Using the five regions each student used for their Region Bingo, list common characteristics for each of the five regions.

Thursday, Nov. 10

2011-11-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Each class continued discussing regions, including several of the main regions of the United States.

Homework ... Complete Region Bingo board

Tuesday, Nov. 8

2011-11-08T12:50:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Each class finished up reviewing and discussing the theme movement. We also introduced the theme Region, with each class discussing what makes a region a region, different characteristics and introducing the directional regions of the United States.

Homework ... Complete the Three Movement Examples sheet (3 examples with 3 detailed explanations).

Monday, Nov. 7

2011-11-07T12:49:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Each class continued discussion on the theme movement, reviewed the definition and provided more examples. We also took a look at all that goes into getting each product that we own and all the steps, travel and people it takes to get it in our possession.

Homework ... Complete the Product Movement Chart, which was explained in class with an example and instructions were given to each student.

Wednesday, Nov. 2

2011-11-02T13:20:00.001-07:00

Today in class ... Each class continued discussion on the theme Movement, with various examples given and discussed as they relate to real-life circumstances.

Homework ... Complete the product chart

Tuesday, Nov. 1

2011-11-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Continued introduction of the Five Themes of Geography, specifically the theme Movement.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Monday, Oct. 31

2011-10-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... First Quarter Review Day.

Homework ... Most students were able to complete the First Quarter Review in class. Those that didn't will need to complete it for Tuesday. Also, read pages 10-12 (introduction to the Five Themes of Geography) and complete questions #1 (parts A, B, C) and #2 (part A only).

Monday, Oct. 24

2011-10-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Each class continued reviewing time zone problems and examples.

Homework ... Quiz on Tuesday on time zones and Ch. 2, Sect. 1 (pages 26-29) on rotation, revolution, tilt, seasons, etc.

Thursday, Oct. 20

2011-10-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Continued discussion, understanding and practicing time zones.

Homework ... Complete time zone practice worksheets and maps.

Wednesday, Oct. 19

2011-10-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Discussed latitude and longitude and introduced time zones.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Monday, Oct. 17

2011-10-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Finished discussion on rotation and revolution of the Earth, including the group work that went with the lesson.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Thursday, Oct. 13

2011-10-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Each class took the landform quiz. We also introduced Chapter 2, Section 1 to each class, including a discussion on seasons and the difference in seasons in the southern and northern hemispheres.

Homework ... Read pages 26-29 in the book. Answer questions #1 (a, b, c), #2 (a, b, c), #3 and #4.

Wednesday, Oct. 12

2011-10-12T12:22:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Students partipated in an in-class, hands-on activity in helping them become more familiar with the various landforms and review for the landform quiz on Thursday.

Homework ... Review and study for landform quiz (using pages H10-H11) in the textbook.

Tuesday, Oct. 11

2011-10-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Introduced and talked about the various types of landforms around the world, including those around us, throughout Illinois and the United States.

Homework ... Complete the landform drawing/collage and terms that were assigned on Tuesday.

Thursday, Oct. 6

2011-10-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Each class went over the Using an Atlas test and corrections. Students were given time in class to work on Creating Your Own Map project.

Homework ... Create Your Own Map project is due Friday.

Tuesday, Oct. 4

2011-10-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Each class took the Using an Atlas Test

Homework ... No homework was assigned. However, students should be starting to put together ideas for their Create Your Own Map project. Students will have time in class on Wednesday to work on the project, which is due on Thursday.

Friday, Sept. 30

2011-09-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... We reviewed yesterday's hands-on, in-class activity. Each class also began working on creating their own 10 atlas questions, using the two class atlas sets.

Homework ... No homework was assigned. We will finish up our Create 10 Atlas Questions on Monday.

* There will be a Using an Atlas Test on Tuesday. Students will use the practice and reviews from each day's lessons over the past 10 days and apply them to the test.

Wednesday, Sept. 28

2011-09-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Went over the map activities worksheets. Introduced other types of maps and practice skills in class.

Homework ... There was no homework assigned.

Tuesday, Sept. 27

2011-09-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Each class reviewed basic map skills, including cardinal directions and using a compass rose. We also introduced students to various types of maps, including street maps, highway maps, etc.

Homework ... Complete the four map activity worksheets.

Thursday, Sept. 22

2011-09-22T12:39:00.001-07:00

Today in class ... Each class worked on the various atlas activities and exercises using the class atlas set.

Homework ... There is no homework assigned.

Wednesday, Sept. 21

2011-09-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Students were introduced to the class atlas. Each class participated in using the atlas and practicing various questions using the atlas, graphs, charts and information.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Tuesday, Sept. 20

2011-09-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Class discussion on various types of maps and the key parts of a map from pages H6-H7 in the textbook.

Homework ... Students are to choose one of the three types of maps we have discussed among physical, political and special-purpose. Then students are to draw a rough draft/copy of that style/type of map and include the four features discussed in class today, which include a title, compass rose, scale and a legend/key.

Monday, Sept. 19

2011-09-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Each class went over the quiz from last Friday. Also introduced each class to the map unit and three different types of maps (physical, political, special-purpose) we will be using.

Homework ... Read pages H8-H9 in the book. Then answer the 3 questions that were given in class -- provide a few uses of the 3 different types of maps we talked about and you read about in pages H8-H9.

Friday, Sept. 16

2011-09-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Each class talked about the difference between physical geography and human geography, using the assignment as an example. The Chapter 1, Section 1 quiz was also given.

Homework ... Complete the world's regions physical geography chart.

Thursday, Sept. 15

2011-09-15T12:46:00.001-07:00

Today in class ... We reviewed all the topics in Chapter 1, Section 1. We also reviewed for quiz and discussed the differences between maps and globes.

Homework ... No homework was assigned but students should study/review for quiz.

For quiz...
* Review Pages 4-9 in the textbook
* Section Outline
* Three Levels (local, regional, global)
* Difference between physical and human geography
* Differences between maps and globes

Wednesday, Sept. 14

2011-09-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Reviewed how we view the world in regard to the local level, regional level and global level. Each class participated in a hands-on learning and review activity based on the three different levels.

Homework ... Using the practice from Tuesday's homework, class discussion and Wednesday's in-class activity, students are to come up with a final 3 examples (1 each for local, regional and global) of the three levels. Provide the example, the correct level and explain so that it's clear.

Tuesday, Sept. 13

2011-09-13T12:26:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Went over the section outline and discussed. Spent the majority of class talking about the local, regional and global levels and providing examples.

Homework ... Using the concepts and explanations learned in class today (and from the text, pages 4-9) regarding looking at the world at the local, regional and global levels, students are to come up with their own examples. They are to write down three examples for each level and briefly explain why they put those examples with that level.

Monday, Sept. 12

2011-09-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Each class received their U.S. States Test results. We reviewed what geography is and discussed how the landscapes have changed due to people and the various impacts of the Earth. Also briefly introduced human and physical features in geography.

Homework ... Read pages 4-9 in the textbook and complete the section outline.

Friday, Sept. 9

2011-09-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

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

Homework ... No homework was assigned

Wednesday, Sept. 7

2011-09-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Students took the Continents/Oceans/Hemisphere quiz. Also discussed areas in the world and how they relate to the distance from the equator.

Homework ... No homework was assigned, but students should be reviewing and studying for their U.S. Map Test for Friday.

Tuesday, Sept. 6

2011-09-06T11:38:00.001-07:00

Today in class ... Reviewed what will be on Wednesday's quiz with each class. In addition, the office staff, including the guidance counselors and social workers, spoke with each social studies class and gave a presentation.

Homework ... Review and study for continents/oceans/hemisphere quiz for Wednesday.

* U.S. States Test will be this Friday

Friday, Sept. 2

2011-09-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Each class went over the continents/oceans worksheet, discussed hemispheres, equator, prime meridian and reviewed briefly for U.S. States test.

Homework ... No homework was assigned. However, students may review for next Friday's U.S. Map Test and the Continent/Oceans quiz next Wednesday. Students have a study map for both the test and quiz. Also, if they have access to the internet at home they can practice and study for the U.S. Map Test on the following website .... www.sheppardsoftware.com

Thursday, Sept. 1

2011-09-01T12:29:00.001-07:00

Today in class ... Each class went over the continents and oceans map, with a discussion on hemispheres and both the equator and prime meridian. Introduced geography and talked about what it is and how geography is used today in our lives and around the world.

Homework ... Complete the Locating Continents and Oceans worksheet.

Wednesday, Aug. 31

2011-08-31T12:46:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Went over helpful hints in reviewing and studying for the U.S. Map Test. Each class reviewed and participated in an interactive Smartboard activity involving continents and oceans.

Homework ... Complete the ocean/map activity for Thursday.

* U.S Map Test will be Friday, Sept. 9
* Ocean/Continents Quiz will be Wednesday, Sept. 7

Wednesday, Feb. 16

2011-02-16T12:27:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Each class took the culture quiz.

Homework ... No assignment was given, though the extra-credit opportunity is due on Friday.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The Amazon River has 20 percent of the earth's fresh water.

Tuesday, Feb. 15

2011-02-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Went over and discussed the "push-pull theory" and reviewed for culture quiz.

Homework ... Study for culture quiz for Wednesday.

Geography Fact of the Day ... About 90 percent of the Earth's population lives in the northern hemisphere.

Monday, Feb. 14

2011-02-14T12:29:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Used some time in class to go over culture terms and to finish up the culture and migration activity.

Homework ... No homework was assigned. There will be a culture quiz (review pages 80-84 in book) on Wednesday.

Monday, Jan. 31

2011-01-31T10:54:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Each class went over last Friday's test and introduced the Culture Unit.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Geography Fact of the Day ... Iceland is the oldest functioning democracy.

Thursday, Jan. 27

2011-01-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Review day for each class for tomorrow's test.

Homework ... Study for test. Students can use the study guide, pros/cons sheet and the pages we have studied in the book (pages 50-61 and 68-72) to review.

Geography Fact of the Day ... Portland, Oregon, where it rarely snows, is about 130 miles farther north than Toronto, and over 200 miles farther north than Boston.

Wednesday, Jan. 26

2011-01-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Went over the study guide as a class and viewed a review of natural resources in a video.

Homework ... Study for Friday's test. Use the study guide, pages 50-61 in the book and 68-72 in the book.

Geography Fact of the Day ... Australia has the richest source of mineral sands in the world.

Tuesday, Jan. 25

2011-01-25T13:27:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Each class continued discussion on natural resources and managing those that are so valuable. Students were given some time in class to work on study guide. The test will be on Friday, with a review day planned for Thursday.

Homework ... Complete study guide for Wednesday.

Geography Fact of the Day ... North Dakota grows more sunflowers than the actual Sunflower State of Kansas.

Monday, Jan. 24

2011-01-24T13:10:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Each class continued its discussion on natural resources, including going over the pros and cons of different energy resources.

Homework ... Students are to complete questions 2A, 2B and 2C on page 72 in the textbook. Students were also given the study guide for the test on Friday that is to be completed by Wednesday.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The Arctic Ocean is 10 times smaller than the Pacific Ocean.

Thursday, Jan. 20

2011-01-20T13:04:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Watched segments of the CNN video on Weather and Climate. Each class also began to go over the Weather/Climate Atlas activity.

Homework ... There was no homework assigned.

Geography Fact of the Day ... There are approximately 500,000 detectable seismic tremors in California annually.

Wednesday, Jan. 19

2011-01-19T11:01:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Each class worked on and discussed the climate/weather atlas activity.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Geography Fact of the Day ... In Montana, the elk, deer and antelope outnumber the total population of humans.

Tuesday, Jan. 18

2011-01-19T10:59:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Each class went over how to use the Magnet Word sheet to go with their reading, while we also began working on the climate/weather atlas activity that will continue into tomorrow.

Homework ... Read pages 55-61 in the book and complete the Magnet Word sheet

Geography Fact of the Day ... The state of Washington has more glaciers than the other 47 contiguous states combined.

Thursday, Jan. 6

2011-01-06T12:36:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Each class wrapped up the Illinois Geography unit and was introduced to how to use the "reading guide" that will be used for tomorrow.

Homework ... No homework was assigned. All work for the Illinois Geography unit should be turned in by Friday.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The Arctic Ocean is 10 times smaller than the Pacific Ocean.

Wednesday, Jan. 5

2011-01-05T11:47:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Students continued Illinois topic of discussion and began working on Illinois mini-poster assignment.

Homework ... Complete the Illinois mini-poster for Thursday.

Geography Fact of the Day ... Maine is the only state in the U.S. that borders just one state.

Tuesday, Jan. 4

2011-01-04T12:42:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Each class was in the Learning Center's computer lab working on an Illinois webquest activity online.

Homework ... Those that did not finish the Illinois webquest activity can do so at home if they have internet access. The website can be found at ...

www.netstate.com/states/geography/il_geography.htm

Geography Fact of the Day ... The world's population in 1900 was 1.6 billion. The population in 1950 was 2.55 billion. The population in 1975 was 4 billion. The population in 1999 was 6 billion. And the population projection for 2050 is 9.2 billion.

Monday, Jan. 3

2011-01-04T12:39:00.002-08:00

Today in class ... Each class was introduced to the lllinois geography unit that will be working on over the next few days. Students worked on an Illinois atlas activity and became a little familiar with some of the physical and human geographical characteristics of our state.

Homework ... There was no homework assigned.

Geography Fact of the Day ... Iceland is the world's oldest functioning democracy

Monday, Jan. 3

2011-01-04T12:39:00.001-08:00

Wednesday, Dec. 15

2010-12-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Discussed the water cycle as a class and focused on the benefits and problems we face with water.

Homework ... Review for Water on Earth quiz. They can review their class notes and look over pages 30-34 in the textbook.

Geography Fact of the Day ... Maine is the only state in the U.S. that borders just one state.

Tuesday, Dec. 14

2010-12-14T13:12:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Each class continued activities and discussion in class relating to the water on Earth, how we get it, how it's used and how valuable of a resource it is.

Homework ... Complete water cycle diagram

Geography Fact of the Day ... The lowest recorded temperature was in Antarctica in 1989 when the temperature fell to 129 degrees below zero.

Monday, Dec. 13

2010-12-13T13:00:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Each class spent time going over the Five Themes of Geography test. We also looked over the homework from the Water on Earth reading.

Homework ... Using pages 30-34, students are to create 10 questions (and answers) as if they were preparing to interview a geographer on the topic "Water on Earth."

Geography Fact of the Day ... Austria's national anthem was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Friday, Dec. 10

2010-12-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Introduced the next unit, which is water on Earth. We discussed all the uses and importance of water. Breakout groups worked on different ways to conserve and save water.

Homework ... Read pages 30-34 in the book and answer question #1 (a, b, c) and #3 (a, b, c) for discussion on Monday.

Geography Fact of the Day ... Niagara Falls has moved about ten miles upstream in the last 10,000 years. The falls are eroding at the rate of 5 feet per year.

Thursday, Dec. 9

2010-12-09T12:33:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Students took the Five Themes of Geography test

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Geography Fact of the Day ... Iceland is the world's oldest functioning democracy

Monday, Dec. 6

2010-12-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Students took a pop quiz, which was a review of the projects students turned in on the Five Themes of Geography. Each class also reviewed and discussed physical geography and human geography.

Homework ... Read pages 16-20. Answer questions #1 (a, b), #2 (a, b, c), #3 (a)

Geography Fact of the Day ... The longest mountain range in the world, the Andes Mountains, is more than 5,000 miles long and is located in South America.

Friday, Dec. 3

2010-12-03T12:27:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Each class went over the Five Themes of Geography review sheet. Students were given time to work on the Five Themes Project, which is due on Monday.

Homework ... Complete the Five Themes of Geography Project (due on Monday). The option to do the latitude/longitude extra credit is also due on Monday. The Five Themes Test will be next Thursday, Dec. 9.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The three most densely populated countries in the world are (in order): Netherlands, Belgium and Japan.

Wednesday, Dec. 1

2010-12-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Students continued discussion and work on the theme Interaction, which included listing several ways we impact our environments and surroundings. Students were narrowing down the five most harmful impacts and offering up suggestions or ideas to help alleviate those issues. Students also watched a short video dealing with the theme Interaction and needed to list five examples of the theme Interaction in the video for discussion purposes.

Homework ... No homework was assigned. However, the Five Themes Project is due Monday (students must bring in their five pictures/photos to class by Friday). Also, students were given a latitude/longitude extra credit opportunity today.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The highest temperature ever recorded was in 1922 in the country of Libya where it reached a high of 136.4 degrees.

Tuesday, Nov. 30

2010-11-30T12:33:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Each class went over the bar graph/Oswego population figures and answers to the questions. We discussed the impact as it relates to theme Interaction. We also introduced and assigned the Five Themes of Geography Review Project. In addition, classes were broken into pairs and small groups to begin an activity that enhances our knowledge on the theme Interaction.

Homework ... No homework was assigned for tomorrow as the groups/partners will continue work that began in class today.

* The Five Themes Review Project that was assigned and explained today in class is due next Monday.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The Empire State Building has 10 million bricks in it.

Monday, Nov. 29

2010-11-29T14:00:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Each class was introduced to the final theme of geography: location. The theme was introduced and discussed, with examples given and the homework explained.

Homework ... Complete the population bar graph and the two questions based on the information/data in your bar graph.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The water of Angel Falls in Venezuela drops 3,212 feet (979 meters), making it the tallest waterfall in the world.

Friday, Nov. 19

2010-11-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Students took the Using Latitude/Longitude and the World Map quiz and worked on the "Create Your Own Latitude/Longitude Map" assignment.

Homework ... Students are to complete the "Create Your Own Latitude/Longitude Map" for Monday.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The water of Angel Falls in Venezuela drops 3,212 feet (979 meters), making it the tallest waterfall in the world.

Thursday, Nov. 18

2010-11-18T12:27:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Each class went over the latitude/longitude homework, along with practicing latitude/longitude with an in-class activity in preparation for Friday's latitude/longitude quiz. Also introduced the latitude/longitude final assignment that we will begin working on Friday.

Homework ... There was no homework assigned.

Geography Fact of the Day ... Is the Red Sea really red? Of course not, but the Red Sea got its name because of a type of algae called Trichodesmium erythraeum which is found in the sea. When these blooms of algae die off they appear to turn the blue-green color of the ocean to a reddish-brown.

Wednesday, Nov. 17

2010-11-17T12:39:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Each class worked on a hands-on activity involving latitude and longitude.

Homework ... Students are to complete the latitude/longitude assignment (listed below) using their textbook.

Find the latitude and longitude of
1. (Page 145) Halifax, Nova Scotia
2. (Page 231) Montevideo, Uruguay
Find the city and country
3. (Page 285) 46 North Latitude, 9 East Longitude
4. (Page 435) 29 North Latitude, 48 East Longitude

Geography Fact of the Day ... The Atlantic Ocean is saltier than the Pacific Ocean.

Tuesday, Nov. 16

2010-11-16T12:35:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Together as a class we went over how and why latitude and longitude are used, while practicing latitude/longitude using the class atlas set.

Homework ... Using the textbook, complete the Latitude/Longitude worksheet.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The countries of China and Russia are eached bordered by 14 other countries.

Monday, Nov. 15

2010-11-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Each reviewed the theme Place, followed by an introduction to the them Location. Discussed the differences between absolute location and relative location and how we use both.

Homework ... Reviewing Latitude & Longitude Worksheet

Geography Fact of the Day ... The top tourist destination in the world is France, followed by Spain and the United States.

Friday, Nov. 12

2010-11-12T12:29:00.001-08:00

Today in class ... Students worked on the 4 Place Activity in class.

Homework ... Students that were unable to complete the 4 Place Activity, which includes the physical and human characteristics of a place, should finish at home over the weekend.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The deepest of the Great Lakes is Lake Superior at 1,333 feet deep.

Tuesday, Nov. 9

2010-11-09T14:16:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Wrapped up the theme Region and introduced the theme Place to all classes. Discussion was on what the theme is, how it relates to us. Small group in-class activity in helping introduce the theme was completed, while instructions on the next activity/assignment was given.

Homework ... No homework was assigned, though students can begin thinking about the ABC's of Where You Live assignment/activity that was explained in class today and will be done tomorrow.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The Empire State Building has 10 million bricks in it.

Monday, Nov. 8

2010-11-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

Today in class ... Each class participated in an in-class activity, breaking down the U.S. by regions, state name and the features/characteristics of the region.

Homework ... Complete the My Region Writing Assignment

1st Paragraph
Describe your region, including the name of the region, where it’s located (country, part of the world, etc. and the similar “characteristics” and “features” (at least three) that make it a region.

2nd Paragraph
In this paragraph you will explain the reasons why you chose this type of region and chose the characteristics and features that you did.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The water of Angel Falls in Venezuela drops 3,212 feet (979 meters), making it the tallest waterfall in the world.

Friday, Nov. 5

2010-11-05T12:40:00.001-07:00

Today in class ... Students viewed a geography video on regions, with a discussion following the video that reviewed the video, regions and comparing real-life examples.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Geography Fact of the Day ... Siberia contains more than 25% of the world's forests.

Thursday, Nov. 4

2010-11-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Each class reviewed the theme Region and also participated in the Region Bingo activity.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Geography Fact of the Day ... Hurricanes occur between the latitude of approximately 5 degrees and 30 degrees in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Wednesday, Nov. 3

2010-11-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Each class reviewed the them region and discussed and looked at various regions and their impacts.

Homework ... Students are to complete the Region Bingo Gameboard and, on the back, write at least 2 features/characteristics from the five different regions they selected.

Geography Fact of the Day ... Istanbul, Turkey is the only city in the world located on two continents.

Thursday, Oct. 28

2010-10-28T13:26:00.001-07:00

Today in class ... The discussion on the theme movement continued. Classes were given instructions on how to complete the assignment/task that was introduced on Wednesday. Students were given time to work on their product movement diagram.

Homework ... Complete the product movement diagram.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The three states with the oldest median age by population (in order) are Maine, Vermont and West Virginia.

Wednesday, Oct. 27

2010-10-28T13:22:00.001-07:00

Today in class ... Each class continued its discussion of the theme movement, including examples of how goods move around the world, the movement of ideas (sports, music, technology, fashion, etc.) from place to place. An example was given for the assignment they will be working on over the next couple of days.

Homework ... Students are to come up with their idea of the product they want to use for the theme movement. They are then to complete a rough draft/practice copy and list of all the steps they will be using (based on the example given in class) to show how that product gets to them.

Geography Fact of the Day ... More than half of the coastline of the entire United States is in Alaska.

Tuesday, Oct. 26

2010-10-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Discussion continued on the Five Themes of Geography, with an emphasis placed on the theme "movement."

Homework ... Complete product chart

Geography Fact of the Day ... Hurricanes are only called hurricanes in North America. In Asia and in the western Pacific they are called typhoons and cyclones.

Monday, Oct. 25

2010-10-25T12:15:00.001-07:00

Today in class ... Each class completed a 1st quarter assessment. Also, the Five Themes of Geography were briefly introduced.

Homework ... Students are to read pages 10-14 in the book and answer question #1 on page 14 (parts a, b and c)

Geography Fact of the Day ... The city of Timbuktu does exist -- in northern Mali.

Thursday, Oct. 21

2010-10-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Students took the Landform Quiz.

Homework ... Complete the landform written assignment: What is your favorite landform -- And why?

Geography Fact of the Day ... Odds of being hit by lightning are greater in Clearwater, Florida than anywhere else in the United States.

Wednesday, Oct. 20

2010-10-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Students participated in an in-class activity to review and understand landforms.

Homework ... Study for landform quiz. For review students can use pages H10-H11 in their textbook.

Geography Fact of the Day ... There are no major rivers in the country of Saudi Arabia.

Tuesday, Oct. 19

2010-10-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Continued discussion on various landforms. Explained the landform drawing and short story assignments and allowed time to work on the landform drawing.

Homework ... Complete the landform drawing and the landform short story. Using pages H10-H11 in the front of the book as a base, there will be a landform quiz on Thursday.

Geography Fact of the Day ... Austria's national anthem was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Monday, Oct. 18

2010-10-18T12:38:00.001-07:00

Today in class ... Each class went over the time zone quiz. A discussion began on the different types of landforms that make up physical geography.

Homework ... Using pages H10-H-11 in the textbook, students should complete the 15 landform defintions using the handout.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The Netherlands is the lowest lying country in the world with 40 percent below sea level.

Friday, Oct. 15

2010-10-15T13:10:00.001-07:00

Today in class ... Students took the Ch. 2, Sect. 1 and Time Zone quiz.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Geography Fact of the Day ... Yuma, Arizona has the most sunny days of any place in the United States, with an average of 332 sunny days a year.

Wednesday, Oct. 13

2010-10-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Each class went over the time zone/longitude examples from yesterday's homework assignment. Students continued to practice together as a class time zone examples and were given activities and various scenarios in using time zones and figuring out times.

Homework ... Students are to complete the Time Zone packet.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The largest countries in the world in order by land size: 1) Russia 2) Canada 3) China 4) United States 5) Brazil

Tuesday, Oct. 12

2010-10-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Each class reviewed Friday's key points and questions from the homework, including Earth's rotation, tilt, etc. We also reviewed time zones and how they relate to longitude.
Homework ... Read the front page of the Time Zone packet and complete time Zone Chart in the packet (page 69 on the bottom).

Geography Fact of the Day ... Aswan, Egypt receives 0.02" in rain a year, which is one of the driest places in the world.

Friday, Oct.8

2010-10-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Students began to discuss the Earth's tilt, revolution, rotation, etc. In addition, each class was introduced to time zones.

Homework ... Read pages 26-29 in the textbook; answer questions #1 (a, b, c) and #2 (a, b, c)

Geography Fact of the Day ... Reykjavik, Iceland is the world's most northerly capital.

Wednesday, Oct. 6

2010-10-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

Today in class ... Students took the Using an Atlas Test.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The pecan is Alabama's official State Nut.

Monday, Oct. 4

2010-10-04T14:54:00.001-07:00

Today in class ... Each class was given time to work on their Create Own Map project, along with reviewing together as a class for the Using an Atlas/Map test that will be on Wednesday.

Homework ... Students are to complete the Create Own Map project for tomorrow. The test on Wednesday will be a review of the map skill work we have been working on for the past 10 days. Reviewing pages H6-H9 in the front of the textbook would be helpful.

Geography Fact of the Day ... The coldest place on earth is Vostok, Antarctica.