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World Cultures

Welcome to the World Cultures class page.  Click on the links on the left to find resources for each unit and a link for the class forum. Use this page to assist you on your quest to learn more about the world around you!

Map Memorization Games
World Cultures Forum
Chapter 3 Human Geography
Chapter 4 People & Culture
Chapter 17 Africa

Chapter 18 Egypt & North Africa
Chapter 19 West Africa
Chapter 20 East, Central, & Southern Africa

Chapter 21.1 Southwest Asia Physical Geography
Chapter 22 Southwest Asia
Chapter 22.2 Israel & Palestine
Chapter 23 India
Chapter 26 The Korean Peninsula
HW Due Wednesday, May 25th:
  • Video Final Draft

In Class Monday, May 23rd:
  • Consult with the teacher and move in the right direction
  • Finish filming and editing our video projects

HW Due Monday, May 23rd:
  • Video Description Paper

In Class Thursday, May 19th:
  • Consult with teacher about our title, script, and all other materials, figure out how to move in the right direction
  • Work on our videos the entire period

HW Due Thursday, May 19th: 
  • Video Script
  • Video Title
  • Costumes, Props, Sets

In Class Tuesday, May 17th:
  • Ch26 Map Test
  • Watch examples of top music videos, documentaries, news segments, and short films with narration
  • Film our Korea Video Projects
  • Finish our video scripts

HW Due Tuesday, May 17th:
  • Ch26 Map Test
  • Video Storyboards

In Class Friday, May 13th:
  • Go over critical thinking questions on the Ch26.1 Worksheet. Listener must write down a challenging question after each one the speaker shares, then have a short debate to answer the question. Then switch roles. Continue this same process through all the critical thinking questions.
  • Concept Maps of East & SE Asia in small groups
  • Peer grade the quiz from the previous class in small groups
  • N Korea - Enter Pyongyang - video. While viewing the video take I See, I Think, I Wonder notes. Share our ideas in small groups then share out.
  • N Korea forbidden photos. While viewing the photos take more I See, I Think, I Wonder notes. Share our new ideas in small groups then share out. Compare these photos with the Enter Pyongyang video.
  • Watch examples of top music videos, documentaries, news segments, and short films with narration
  • Work on our Korea Video Projects

HW Due Friday, May 13th:
  • Ch26.1 Worksheet
  • Ch26 Maps
  • Korea Video Project Topic and Format choices

In Class Wednesday, May 11th:
  • Listen to traditional Korean music as we enter class
  • Quiz
  • Get started on Ch26 Maps
  • Get started on Ch26.1 Worksheets
  • Listen to Korean music while we are working. Take requests from students. Listen to some of the teacher recommendations such as Jambinai (traditional mixed with modern) and Seoul Electric Band (rock)
  • Learn requirements for Korea Video Project
  • Watch examples of last year's top projects for inspiration

HW Due Wednesday, May 11th:
  • Ch26.1 Notes

In Class Monday, May 9th:
  • Listen to our Podcasts
  • We will peer grade and self grade while we listen. We will write down things we learn about the other groups podcasts and discuss
  • Conclude India and transition to our final unit on Korea and East Asia by conducting Buddhist meditation. The teacher will give directions. We will reflect on life and this activity both before and after meditation.

​HW Due Monday, May 9th:
  • Finalized India Podcasts, emailed to teacher before class starts
​​
In Class Tuesday, May 3rd:
  • Finish editing podcasts

HW Due Tuesday, May 3rd:
  • Finished recording podcasts 

In Class Friday, April 29th:
  • SKAC Fine Arts Festival - most students absent
  • Students that are in class may record podcasts

HW Due Friday, April 29th:
  • Podcast scripts (emailed to the teacher BEFORE class starts if you are going to SKAC Fine Arts Festival)

In Class Wednesday, April 27th:
  • Go over Buddhism and meditation
  • View and discuss pictures from teacher's trip to India
  • Go over post-production / editing tips
  • Listen to more examples of podcasts
  • Begin editing podcasts if prepared

HW Due Wednesday, April 26th & 6B Due Wednesday, April 27th:
  • Podcast show name
  • Podcasts DJs, guests, character names & choices
  • Outline of segments: major concepts demonstrated in each segment & Outline of commercial: what the "product" will be and what concepts will be demonstrated
  • (15 total concepts to be fully demonstrated - must be outlined)
  • Podcast recording materials
​
In Class Monday, April 25th:
  • BBC Pop Up: Snake Charmers in India
  • Go over critical thinking questions on the Ch23.2 Worksheet. Listener must write down a challenging question after each one the speaker shares, then have a short debate to answer the question. Then switch roles. Continue this same process through all the critical thinking questions.
  • Peer grade quiz from last class in assigned pairs
  • Learn requirements for our Podcast Projects
  • Learn tips and techniques for making perfect podcasts
  • Listen to examples of podcasts
  • Go over podcast grading rubric
 
​HW Due Monday, April 25th:
  • Ch23.2 Worksheet

In Class Thursday, April 21st:
  • Last minute skit preparations
  • Perform our skits
  • Quiz
  • Get started on Ch23.2 Worksheets in assigned pairs
  • View music and dance scenes from famous Bollywood films

HW Due Thursday, April 21st: 
  • Ch23.2 Notes
  • Ch23.2 Skit performances

In Class Tuesday, April 19th:
  • Map Test
  • Start Ch23.2 Notes
  • Peer grade quiz from last class in same groups we had last class
  • View images from Ch23.1, add finishing touches to our Ch23.1 Worksheets if necessary
  • Share critical thinking questions from our Ch23.1 Worksheets in arranged small pairs. Listeners must write and then ask a challenging question, then the speaker answers and debates, then switch roles - for each critical thinking question.
  • Listen to Zakir Hussein on the tabla while we work
  • ​Small group creative activity: Write and perform skits on assigned topics in assigned small groups. Directions given out in class.

​HW Due Tuesday, April 19th:
  • Ch21.2 Map Test
  • Ch23.1 Worksheet

In Class Friday, April 15th:
  • Caste System Simulation with pop quiz. Directions given out in class
  • Continue activity by finishing the "pop quiz" with notes and book and answering discussion questions in small groups
  • Quiz, in these same "pop quiz" groups
  • Start Ch23.1 Worksheet in these groups
  • Concept maps of South Asia
  • View more Promises Epilogues videos
  • Listen to Bickram Ghosh on the tabla drums while we work today

HW Due Friday, April 15th:
  • Ch21.2 Map
  • Ch23.1 Notes

In Class Wednesday, April 13th:
  • Listen to Ravi Shankar and view a picture of the teacher at the Taj Mahal as we come into class for the day, preview of India
  • Quiz
  • Get started on Ch21.2 Maps
  • Listen to Ravi Shankar while we work
  • Peer grade the quizzes and view images of the physical geography of South Asia as we work
  • View and discuss major themes of the trailer for the film Everest
  • View footage of the Ganges River in Varanasi, write down 1,1,&1 notes, think, pair, share together then share out
  • Begin viewing the epilogues from the film Promises

HW Due Wednesday, April 13th:
  • Ch21.2 Notes
  • Ch22.2 Socratic Seminar Debrief Reflection sheet

In Class Monday, April 11th:
  • Finish viewing the film Promises, discuss major themes
  • Conduct one large Socratic Seminar on the Israel-Palestine conflict

HW Due Monday, April 11th:
  • Ch22.2 Socratic Seminar & Promises Viewing Guide Packet

In Class Thursday, April 7th:
  • Continue viewing Promises. Stop along the way to discuss major themes of the film.
  • Fill out Viewing Guide and Socratic Seminar Packet while viewing.

HW Due Thursday, April 7th:
  • Ch22.2 Socratic Seminar Part 1: Important Vocabulary

In Class Tuesday, April 5th:
  • Re-read the Newsela Israel-Palestine article
  • Get back into our groups and finish writing the 3X3 articles. Share our 3rd paragraphs by combining 3X3 groups. A person will read the solution for each group, another student from each group will both judge the solutions and pick the best ones, then share with class.
  • Conduct a Cluster Debate on this guiding statement: Israel deserves the land more than the Palestinians. Directions will be given out in class.
  • Promises Documentary: Go over Viewing Guide, Background & Context, & Vocab Packet for the film
  • Go over the directions for the Socratic Seminar we will conduct on the film
  • Begin viewing the film, stop along the way to discuss major themes
​
HW Due Tuesday, April 5th:
  • Post on the class forum, forum 4.1

In Class Friday, March 25th:
  • Finish our Ch22.2 Images Predictions Game
  • View the video This Land Is Mine. While watching, we may shout out the different rulers or occupiers of the land are while they are displayed on screen
  • Go over the This Land is Mine key, showing who each character in the video represented
  • Take a few minutes to add on or rewrite our opinions on the last question of the Ch22.2 Worksheet
  • Get into assigned groups and conduct Group Interviews. For each round, the interviewee will be assigned a specific role, such as an Israeli, a Palestinian, themselves, neutral, etc, and must answer questions from their classmates about their opinions on Israel and Palestine
  • Go over 3X3 directions, read a Newsela article on the conflict in this region, take notes on the 3X3 handout
  • Break into our groups of 3 and begin the 3X3 writing activity

Due Friday, March 25th:
  • Ch22.2 Worksheet

In Class Wednesday, March 23rd:
  • Quiz
  • Begin our Ch22.2 Worksheet in assigned small groups
  • Peer grade our Ch22.2 Quiz
  • Get into assigned groups and participate in a Ch22.2 Images Predictions Game. Directions will be given out in class
  • Share our answers for the game with the whole class

Due Wednesday, March 23rd:
  • Ch22.2 Notes

In Class Monday, March 21st:
  • Get our board games organized in our groups
  • Play each other's board games. Students will host games as well as play the other games.
  • Fill out a grading rubric and evaluate our own board games, must write comments as to why we deserved the grades we are giving ourselves

Due Monday, March 21st:
  • Middle East Board Game Project

In Class Thursday, March 17th:
  • Work on our Board Game Projects the entire period
  • Check for completion of questions, title, and guide students in the right direction

Due Thursday, March 17th:
  • Board Game Rules
  • Board Game Questions and Answers
  • Board Game Title
  • All project making materials, for board, game, playing pieces, etc

In Class Tuesday, March 15th:
  • ​​​Learn the directions for the Middle East Board Game Projects
  • Get into our groups, brainstorm ideas, and get started on designing, building, and planning

Due Tuesday, March 15th: 
  • Post on class forum about Saudi Arabia, Iraq, or Iran

In Class Thursday, March 10th:
  • ​Rally Robin Recorder: In assigned small groups, review each section by taking turns reciting major themes, writing them down, then passing the poster to the next person. 
  • Peer grade the Iraq & Iran quiz from last class. View maps and images from the section and discuss the major themes of the images we see.
  • View 2 news clips about the stampede at last year's Hajj. Students must write down 1 strong connection or opinion and 1 challenging question for each video. Then they will get into assigned small groups, take turns sharing each connection, asking and answering each question for each of the 2 videos. Students will turn in their writing as an exit slip before they leave.

Due Thursday, March 10th:
  • ​Ch22.1.2 Worksheet

In Class Tuesday, March 8th:
  • Share the critical thinking questions from the worksheet with each other. Then compare and contrast tremaining questions to make sure we have the correct answers before we turn it in.
  • Finish viewing Ch21.3 Images from last class
  • Peer grade the Saudi Arabia quiz from last time, as a whole class
  • Watch footage of Hajj at the Kabaa in Mecca, discuss our opinions on what we see
  • ​Interactive discussion, map analysis, and Q&A on Islam
  • Free-write: 3 strong opinions on Islam, with 2 supporting details per opinion
  • Quiz
  • Learn requirements for and get started on Ch22.1.2 Worksheet

Due Tuesday, March 8th:
  • Ch22.1.1 Worksheet
  • Ch22.1.2 p679-681 Notes

In Class Friday, March 4th:
  • Map Test
  • Reading Quiz
  • Get started on Ch22.1 Worksheet. Once everyone is finished the students will be put in assigned pairs to complete the worksheet
  • Share the critical thinking questions from the Ch21.3 Worksheet (#1 and #4) that was due today - in small groups, then share out. Choose the top thank you note (#1) discuss and write down 2 reasons why. After hearing the real world examples in #4, must ask a challenging question.
  • Peer grade the quiz from last class in assigned small groups
  • View images of the major themes of Ch21.3

HW Due Friday, March 4th:
  • Ch21.1 Map Test
  • Ch22.1 p677-679 Notes
  • Ch21.3 Worksheet

In Class Wednesday, March 2nd:
  • Intro to SW Asia: Listen to a prayer azan and discuss what we hear
  • Go over maps and pictures that represent what we're learning in this section, last minute touches added to our maps, discuss major themes of section
  • Make Concept Maps of the region in small, arranged groups
  • Small Group Creative Activity: Drawing and labeling maps of region with assigned content. Directions given out in class. At the end we teach each other our maps and assess each other.
  • Quiz in assigned small groups, sage and scribe format
  • Begin worksheet in assigned small groups
  • Listen to Omar Souleyman again while we work

HW Due Wednesday, March 2nd:
  • Post on the class forum
  • Ch21.1 Map
  • Ch21.3 p667-669 Notes

In Class Thursday, February 25th:
  • Song performances / play the recorded versions of our songs
  • We will peer grade and self grade while we listen and after
  • Quiz
  • Start Ch21.1 Maps
  • Listen to Syrian traditional / modern / fusion / hip hop / dance music from Omar Souleyman while we work
  • Peer grade the quizzes while viewing a slideshow of images of the key concepts and vocab of the section. Connect those images to the answers on the quizzes

HW Due Thursday, February 25th:
  • Ch20.4 Mandela Song Project & performances
  • Ch21.1 Notes

In Class Tuesday, February 23rd:
  • Get into assigned groups and discuss the critical thinking questions on the Ch20.4 Worksheet. For #1, choose the top answer and why. For the other critical thinking questions (#6, 8, & 9), each listener must ask a challenging question and the speaker must answer each question.
  • Work on our Ch20.4 Projects the entire period.

HW Due Tuesday, February 23rd:
  • Ch20.4 Worksheet

In Class Friday, February 19th:
  • Peer grade the quizzes from last class while viewing a slideshow of images of the key concepts and vocab of the section. Connect those images to the answers on the quizzes
  • Get back into our assigned small groups and continue working on the Ch20.4 Worksheet
  • Listen to Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo's controversial album Graceland - and discuss the story of Paul Simon recording in South Africa during Apartheid and times of international sanctions
  • Read a Newsela article on Mandela and take the online quiz
  • Learn the requirements for the Ch20.4 Mandela Song Project, get into our assigned groups and begin brainstorming ideas

HW Due Friday, February 19th:
  • Ch20.3 RAFT writing

In Class Wednesday, February 17th:
  • Ch20 Map Test
  • Ch20.4 Quiz
  • Work on our RAFT Writing. Rewatch the film on our own laptops, choose the RAFTs, begin writing
  • Work on Ch20.4 Worksheet in assigned small groups

HW Due Wednesday, February 17th:
  • Ch20.4 Notes
  • Ch20 Map Test

In Class Monday, February 15th:
  • Go over the critical thinking questions on Ch20.3 Worksheet in assigned small groups. Choose top answers to share out.
  • Play Ch20 Map online map memorization games
  • Make Concept Maps of the region in assigned small groups
  • Listen to Ladysmith Black Mambazo while working
  • Geography of East, Central, & Southern Africa: Human Planet clip on the Congo Basin
  • History of East, Central & Southern Africa: Congo Brutal History video clip. While viewing write down 3 connections to the text, 2 strong and detailed opinions, and at least 1 challenging question. Share in assigned small groups and then share out.
  • Learn the requirements for our Ch20.3 RAFT Writing that corresponds with the Congo Brutal History video. 

HW Due Monday, February 15th:
  • Ch20.3 Worksheet
  • Ch20 Maps

In Class Thursday, February 4th:
  • Finish the last skit performance from the previous class
  • Quiz
  • Begin Ch20 Maps
  • Begin Ch20.3 Worksheet in assigned groups
  • Peer grade quiz in the assigned groups
  • Listen to John Wizards while we work, South African musicians that blend traditional and modern music
  • Play a caption and guessing game in assigned groups. Sage and scribe for writing our captions and guesses. Share out our captions and guesses and choose best captions. The images will be representations of major concepts from Ch20.3

HW Due Thursday, February 4th:
  • Ch20.3 Notes

In Class Tuesday, February 2nd: 
  • Continue small group activity, choose best current events topic with best cause and effect linked to our lectures and Ch19 and design a public awareness campaign. Specific directions and assignment distributed in class.
  • Practice performing our skits
  • Perform our skits

HW Due Tuesday, February 2nd:
  • Post on class forum 3.2
  • Fix Forum 3.1

In Class Friday, January 29th:
  • Map Test
  • Forum 3.1 clarifications and directions for Foum 3.2
  • Look over Forum 3.1 for mistakes or get started on Forum 3.2
  • Scramble for Africa & Berlin Conference interactive lecture & Q&A
  • Begin small group activity, choose best current events topic with best cause and effect linked to our lectures and Ch19 and design a public awareness campaign. Specific directions and assignment distributed in class.

HW Due Friday, January 29th:
  • Ch19 Map Test
  • Post on class forum 3.1

In Class Wednesday, January 27th:
  • Finish viewing video of the yearly restoration of the Mali Empire mud mosque in Djenne
  • View video of camel caravan in the Sahara
  • Go over the Ch19.1 Worksheet critical thinking questions in arranged small groups
  • Concept maps of West Africa in arranged small groups
  • Play online map memorization games of the region
  • Listen to Amadou & Mariam from Mali while working
  • Interactive lecture and discussion on the Transantlantic Slave Trade
  • Go over directions for tonight's forum post HW

​HW Due Wednesday, January 27th:
  • Ch19.1 Worksheets
  • Ch19 Maps

In Class Monday, January 25th:
  • Quiz
  • Get started on Ch19 Maps in small groups
  • Get started on Ch19.1 Worksheets in assigned small groups
  • Listen to Bombino from Niger while working
  • Peer grade Ch19.1 Quiz in assigned small groups
  • Begin viewing video of the yearly restoration of the Mali Empire mud mosque in Djenne

HW Due Monday, January 25th:
  • Socratic Seminar Tick Sheet & Debrief questions
  • Ch19.1 Notes

In Class Thursday, January 21st:
  • Go over Socratic Seminar procedures. Remind students how to fill out participation rubric, tick sheet, and debrief questions
  • Conduct the two seminar inner circles
  • Use remaining part of class to reflect on seminar and to get a head start on Ch19.1 Notes

HW Due Thursday, January 21st:
  • Ch18 Socratic Seminar Packet on the 2 assigned Newsela articles

In Class Tuesday, January 19th:
  • Share critical thinking question from Ch18.2 worksheet in arranged small group. Listeners must ask challenging question to speakers.
  • Peer grade the quiz from last class
  • Finish writing the last paragraph of the Egypt-IS-Russia 3X3
  • Learn the requirements for the Ch18 Socratic Seminar on the North African and European migrant / refugee crisis
  • View video clips on the problems associated with transportation to Europe and problems caused in Europe
  • Read the 2 assigned Newsela articles on the boat trip and on the migrants in Europe. Fill out the Socratic Seminar packet

HW Due Tuesday, January 19th:
  • Ch18.2 Worksheet

In Class Friday, January 15th:
  • Ch18 Map Test
  • Ch18.2 quiz
  • Start the Ch18.2 Worksheet in arranged groups
  • View and discusses images and maps that help understand and interpret the region and the vocab
  • Listen to the Arabic azan
  • Continue the 3X3 writing activity on the Egypt-IS-Russia plane incident

HW Due Friday, January 15th:
  • Ch18 Map Test
  • Ch18.2 Notes

In Class Wednesday, January 13th:
  • Concept maps of North Africa in arranged small groups
  • Play online map memorization games of the region
  • Peer grade the quiz from last class back in our quiz groups
  • Share critical thinking questions from Ch18.1 Worksheets in arranged small groups
  • View video and photos of mummification and mummies
  • Directions for our 3X3 writing activity
  • View, take notes, and discuss No Tourists in Cairo buzzfeed video
  • View, take notes, and discuss BBC News Who is to Blame? Russian plane bombing video
  • Read Egypt Sinai Plane Terrorism Evidence BBC news article and take notes
  • Begin writing our 3X3s in arranged groups of 3

HW Due Wednesday, January 13th:
  • Ch18.1 Worksheet
  • Ch18 Map

In Class Monday, January 11th:
  • New Seating Chart
  • 18.1 Quiz in assigned small groups
  • Stay in those small groups and begin the Ch18.1 Worksheet as soon as groups finish quiz
  • Listen to music from Ancient Egypt while we are working
  • Begin the Ch18 Maps in those small groups
  • Get into larger small groups for a Ch18 Intro Trivia Game. Show images and ask questions about North Africa. Students will guess answers and check results. 

HW Due Monday, January 11th:
  • Ch18.1 Notes

In Class Thursday, December 17th:
  • Take the Map Midterm Exam
  • Get started on the Ch18.1 Notes
  • Play Geoguessr

HW Due Thursday, December 17th:
  • Map Midterm Exam

In Class Tuesday, December 15th:
  • Post on mrlipsky.com, reflect on NHD
  • Play map memorization games to study for the Map Midterm Exam
  • Play Geoguessr
  • Start Ch18.1 Notes

No HW Due Tuesday

HW Due Monday, December 14th:
  • NHD Judging: Entries must be finished setting up by 8am or they will not be judged

In Class Friday, December 11th:​
  • Fill out NHD Goal Sheet
  • Work on NHD final touches the entire time
  • Finish up and turn in NHD Goal Sheet

HW Due Friday, December 11th:
  • NHD Projects
  • Fixed NHD Title Page, Process Paper, and MLA Annotated Bibliographies
  • 2 Copies of NHD Title Page, Process Paper, and MLA Annotated Bibliographies

In Class Wednesday, December 9th:
  • Last minute skit preparations, practice, open documents, prepare set, etc.
  • Skit performances
  • Group and peer skit evaluations
  • Go over judging schedule for Monday, Judging expectations, and afternoon expectations. Students will have to watch the clock very closely and excuse themselves out of class 5 minutes in advance, get to the gym, get judged, and promptly go back to class
  • Must have the following for Judging: 2 copies of title page, process paper, and annotated bibliography IN THAT ORDER, stapled in top left corner (no fancy covers, fonts, or extra stuff) (see page 17 of Rule Book to see if your entry must have this all)
  • Dress code for NHD Judging: Nicest DIS uniform, DIS blazer, DIS white shirt, DIS bottoms, dress shoes
  • Go over behavior conduct and English speaking rubric for NHD
  • All groups must be absolutely sure of each and every rule regarding word count (the difference between a credit and a caption on exhibit boards, etc...)
  • Websites must have process paper and annotated bibliography on 2 pages, preferably in PDF format
  • Website and documentary people must bring their own laptops, chargers, and extension cables
  • PDF copy of papers must be in by 2:30pm Friday, with Title Page, Paper, and Annotated Bibliography in that order in a SINGLE PDF file
  • Importance of research, annotated bibliography (60% of grade and judging)
  • Fill out NHD Goal Sheet
  • Finish up and turn in NHD Goal Sheet

HW Due Wednesday, December 9th:
  • Ch17 Skit Performances

In Class Monday, December 7th:
  • Finish practicing CH17 Skits. Consult with the teacher and make sure each team has completed all mandatory components. Move in the right direction.
  • Reminder: You can keep adding sources to your annotated bibliography up through the final NHD Due Date
  • Reminder: This is not a presentation, but proving your thesis through an interview, so don't memorize things and speak robotically. Memorize the thesis instead. 
  • Go over NHD Judging & Grading Rubric again
  • Go over NHD Potential Judge Questions
  • Remind students to be experts on the rules, their thesis and topic, and the 2016 NHD Theme Exploration, Encounters, & Exchange
  • Fill out NHD Goal Sheet
  • Fix all NHD corrections on work turned in today
  • Finish building NHD Entries
  • Finish up and turn in NHD Goal Sheet

HW Due Monday, December 7th:
  • Ch17 Skit Script, Audio, Props, Costumes, Set
  • NHD Title Page
  • NHD Process Paper
  • NHD Annotated Bibliography

In Class Thursday, December 3rd:
  • Work on our Ch17 Skits: View pictures of last year's skits again, finish script, make set, choose props, choose audio, design costumes. Then practice performing skits
  • Fill out NHD Goal Sheet
  • Go over NHD capitalization rules
  • Go over MLA Annotated Bibliography Format again
  • Remind students to constantly check NHD Rule Book and distribute Rules Verification Checklist to each group or individual depending on their entry choices 
  • Distribute the official NHD Judging and Grading Rubric to be used for our class (100 summative points), at the DIS competition, in Seoul, and at the USA Finals
  • Distribute the NHD Organizing Information handout with writing tips for NHD
  • Distribute NHD entry-specific organizational, design tips, etc sheets to each group or individual depending on their entry choices 
  • Finish up and turn in NHD Goal Sheet

HW Due Thursday, December 3rd:
  • Group should be practicing Ch17 Skits

In Class Tuesday, December 1st:
  • Go over the critical thinking questions on Ch17.2 worksheets in small groups, challenge each other with questions after we take turns sharing
  • Work on our Ch17 Skits: finish storyboards, write script, make set, choose props, choose audio, design costumes
  • Get Ch17 Skit storyboards approved
  • Work on NHD
  • Learn directions for NHD Title Page and Process Paper
  • Review NHD Rules (link on this website)
  • Learn directions for MLA Annotated Bibliography

HW Due Tuesday, December 1st:
  • Ch17.2 Worksheet
  • Bring all NHD research and project building materials every day
  • Must have Ch17 Skit Storyboard finished by end of class today

In Class Wednesday, November 25th:
  • Quiz
  • Start Ch17.2 Worksheets in small groups
  • Finalize NHD Sign-Up spreadsheet with groups and individuals
  • Peer grade the quiz in those small groups
  • Listen to Chief Commander Ebenezer Obe while working
  • Watch Human Prehistory Out of East Africa video, take notes on a minimum of 5 connections to Ch17, pare up share out
  • Go over Ch17 Skit Project guidelines, get into assigned groups, get assigned topics and brainstorm initial ideas. Begin to storyboard

HW Due Wednesday, November 25th:
  • Ch17.2 Notes
  • Bring all NHD research and project building materials every day

In Class Monday, November 23rd:
  • Turn in all NHD Corrections
  • Take Ch17 Map Test
  • Get started on Ch17.2 Notes
  • Watch a BBC Human Planet video clip on Khoisan tribesmen hunting kudu inthe Kalhari
  • Get into assigned groups, write poems on assigned sections with directions given out in class, and perform poems

HW Due Monday, November 23rd:
  • Ch17 Map Test
  • All NHD corrections
  • Bring all NHD research and project building materials every day

In Class Thursday, November 19th:
  • Go over the critical thinking questions from the Ch17.1 Worksheet. Get into pairs, take turns sharing answers. The listener must ask a challenging question, have a short debate, then switch, and vice versa.
  • Watch the Reality Check Africa is not a Country video with our partners. While viewing, find as many connections or contradictions to what we learned in the text. Share together then share out.
  • View 2 clips from BBC Human Planet: herding cattle in the Sahara and desertification and fishing in Antogo Lake of the Great Escarpment
  • Consult with students on NHD Title and move in the right direction
  • Work on NHD corrections, gathering more sources, finishing up interviews, re-reading sources, fixing mistakes on previous NHD research, building our project presentations, etc.

HW Due Thursday, November 19th:
  • NHD Title
  • Ch17.1 Worksheet
  • Bring all NHD research and project building materials every day

In Class Tuesday, November 17th:
  • Concept Maps of physical geography of Africa
  • Correct Concept Maps with our graded Ch17 Maps
  • Peer grade the quizzes from last class in small groups
  • Get started on Ch17 Worksheets in small groups that the teacher assigns
  • Listen to Tuareg guitar from Niger, the musician Bombino, while working
  • Consult with students on NHD Outline and move in the right direction
  • Work on NHD corrections, gathering more sources, finishing up interviews, re-reading sources, fixing mistakes on previous NHD research, etc.

HW Due Tuesday, November 17th: 
  • NHD Outline
  • Ch17 Map
  • Bring all NHD research and project building materials every day

In Class Friday, November 13th:
  • Quiz
  • Get started on Ch17 Map
  • Caption Contest: in small groups, label what/where and then come up with a fun/funny/interesting/controversial caption/ speech or thought bubble tehn share out
  • Consult with students on NHD Thesis and move in the right direction
  • Work on NHD Outline, gathering more sources, finishing up interviews, re-reading sources, correcting mistakes on previous NHD research

HW Due Friday, November 13th:
  • Ch17.1 Notes
  • Bring back all ungraded NHD materials if the teacher did not have time to consult with you
  • Bring all NHD research and project building materials every day

In Class Wednesday, November 13th:
  • Use our own paper to start an NHD Goal sheet for the day
  • Consult with groups on results of 25 Note Cards and guide them in the right direction
  • Remind students: 25 Bibliography Cards are only the minimum, there is no maximum
  • Remind students: minimum 1 Note Card for every Bibliography Card, but no maximum number of Note Cards per Bibliography Card
  • "A picture is worth a thousand words": Even if students are writing papers, remind them to find photo sources. Go over the Robert Peary advertisement example (inspiration for his exploration was fame)
  • Finish our NHD Goal sheet for today

HW Due Wednesday, November 11th:
  • NHD Thesis
  • 1 NHD Interview
  • Bring all NHD research and project building materials every day

In Class Monday, November 9th:
  • Finish up Ch4 Presentations
  • Go over NHD Thesis requirements
  • Consult with students on 25 Note Cards, NHD Topic Web, and move in the right direction
  • Work on NHD Thesis, gathering more sources, finishing up interviews, re-reading sources, correcting mistakes on previous NHD research
  • Optional handout: If students are struggling for ideas to fill out Topic Web and Thesis - they can fill out the optional SPICE handout on their theme

HW Due Monday, November 9th:
  • NHD Topic Web
  • 25 NHD Note Cards
  • Bring all NHD research and project building materials every day

In Class Thursday, November 5th:
  • Ch4 Interview Project Presentations

HW Due Thursday, November 5th:
  • Ch4 Interview Project Presentations

In Class Tuesday, November 3rd:
  • Map 4 Western & Central Europe Test
  • Go over pacing and future due dates of NHD
  • Go over NHD Topic Web directions
  • Consult with groups on results of last 5 NHD sources
  • Remind students: 25 Bibliography Cards are only the minimum, there is no maximum
  • Remind students: minimum 1 Note Card for every Bibliography Card, but no maximum number of Note Cards per Bibliography Card
  • Watch some of the winning NHD documentary from last year on Stan Lee

HW Due Tuesday, November 3rd:
  • Map 4 Western & Central Europe Test
  • 5 more NHD Bibliography Note Cards (25 total)

In Class Thursday, October 29th:
  • Play Western & Central Europe online map memorization games
  • Make Western & Central Europe concept maps in small groups, then use real map to correct our mistakes
  • Check in with students and determine Ch4 Project Interview choices
  • View Baraka: Sunset of Religion. While viewing write down 1 interesting fact, 1 connection, and 1 challenging question. Then share in small groups
  • Classrooms from around the world photos and discussion
  • Go over NHD Note Card format 
  • Work on NHD the rest of the period

HW Due Thursday, October 29th:
  • Ch4 Interview Project Choice

In Class Tuesday, October 27th:
  • Ch4 Small Group Creative Activity: Skits on assigned sections of Ch4.1 and Ch4.2, specific directions given out in class
  • While performing, others must write 1 interesting thing they learned and share out
  • Learn the requirements for the Ch4 Interview Project 

HW Due Tuesday, October 27th:
  • Uncontacted Tribes RAFT Writing
  • Map 4 Western & Central Europe

In Class Friday, October 23rd:
  • Map 3 South America Test
  • Get started on Map 4 Western & Central Europe 
  • Work on the Uncontacted Tribes RAFT Writing
  • Week of Groceries Around the World: view the pictures, write 1 interesting fact, 1 connection, and 1 challenging question, share in small groups and then share out. Connect this activity to this class
  • NHD feedback on 20 Bibliography Cards. Time to work on research. Introduce new site to get primary sources (posted on the NHD page on this site)

HW Due Friday, October 23rd:
  • Map 3 South America Test
  • Post on class forum about Uncontacted Tribes

In Class Wednesday, October 21st:
  • Play South America online map memorization games
  • Make South America concept maps in small groups, then use real map to correct our mistakes
  • Listen to Brazilian rock band Os Mutantes while working, discuss what we think of the music
  • Peer grade the quiz from last class
  • Group Interview the critical thinking questions from the Ch4.2 Worksheet
  • Uncontacted Tribes videos, pictures, and discussion
  • Read the Uncontacted Tribes National Geographic article
  • Learn directions for the Uncontacted Tribes RAFT writing. Choices for R: Member of tribe, logging company, Survival International, or Brazilian Government. A: 1 of the other 4 choices. F: Letter. T: Solve the Problem

HW Due Wednesday, October 21st:
  • Ch4.2 Worksheet
  • Map 3 South America

In Class Monday, October 19th:
  • Quiz
  • Start Map 3 South America
  • Share critical thinking questions from Ch4.2 worksheet in small groups. Choose most interesting responses then share out.
  • Start Ch4.2 worksheets in small groups
  • While working listen to Jambinai, a Korean band that fuses folk and popular culture into their music
  • Also listen to Huun Huur Tu, Tuvan throat singers
  • Discuss what we like or dislike about the music
  • Play the McDonald's Around the World Guessing Game

HW Due Monday, October 19th:
  • Ch4.1 Worksheet
  • Ch4.1 Notes

In Class Thursday, October 15th:
  • Map 2 North America Test
  • Get started on Ch4.1 worksheet, work in small groups
  • Bali dance ritual (Baraka) video. Write 1 interesting fact, 1 opinion, 1 challenging question, share out in small groups

HW Due Thursday, October 15th:​
  • Map 2 North America Test
  • Get started on the Ch4.1 Worksheet
  • Bring all 20 NHD Bibliography Note Cards

In Class Tuesday, October 13th:
  • Quiz
  • Get started on Ch4.1 worksheets
  • Work on NHD research the entire time. Get feedback from teacher

HW Due Tuesday, October 13th:
  • All Socratic Seminar materials
  • Ch4.1 Notes
  • 10 More NHD Bibliography Note Cards

In Class Friday, October 9th:
  • Learn requirements for Discussion Self-Assessment, Tick Sheet & Discussion Analysis, & Debrief & Reflective Writing
  • View example Socratic Seminar video and learn requirements for the Hot Seat
  • Conduct the 2 Inner & Outer Circles of the Socratic Seminar

HW Due Friday, October 9th:
  • Socratic Seminar Packet & be prepared for Socratic Seminar
  • Map 2 North America
  • 3X3 Writing​
  • Bring back all 10 NHD bibliography note cards you already completed

In Class Wednesday, October 7th:
  • Continue Socratic Seminar research
  • Continue 3X3 Writing Assignment
  • Continue labeling Map 2 North America
  • Continue researching for NHD and finding 10 more reliable sources for the 10 Bibliography Note Cards
  • Refer to the emails the teacher sent out if need be
  • If finished with all of this work then students may take Ch4.1 Notes, they may play North America Map Memorization Games (link above on the top left of this page), or may continue finding even more NHD sources
  • Students that missed last class due to volleyball may ask the students that were here for help on the work they missed, extra copies are on the teacher's desk

HW Due Wednesday, October 7th:
  • Bring laptops
  • Bring back all 10 NHD bibliography note cards you already completed

In Class Monday, October 5th:
  • Learn requirements for Ch3 Sec3&4 Socratic Seminar
  • Learn requirements for 3X3 Writing Assignment
  • Learn how to get started with Newsela - signing in, using the class code to join the class, browsing our binders, and finding new articles
  • Get started on Socratic Seminar research and 3X3 Writing Assignment
  • Get started on labeling Map 2 North America
  • Continue researching for NHD and finding 10 more reliable sources for the 10 Bibliography Note Cards

HW Due Monday, October 5th:​
  • Bring laptops
  • Bring back all 10 NHD bibliography note cards you already completed

In Class Thursday, September 24th:
  • USA Map Test
  • Continue working on NHD: more research, reading our current sources, finding more sources, emailing people to interview, organizing our sources, getting sources approved, getting feedback and learning how to move forward
  • Communism / command economy vs. democracy / market economy chocolate demonstration in small groups. Instructions given out in class.
  • Write about how the chocolate demonstration aligns with our key terms and vocab in our groups.

HW Due Thursday, September 24th
  • Map 1 USA Test
  • 5 more NHD Bibliography Cards

In Class Tuesday, September 22nd:
  • Share the critical thinking questions from the Ch3.4 worksheet in small groups, debate our responses in a Rally Robin format
  • Label a concept map of the US in small groups
  • Play online map memorization games for the US in small groups
  • NHD research time
  • Remind students on how they have already found reliable NHD quality sources for other work in class (finding news articles and posting about them on the class forum)
  • NHD can not just be Google searching
  • Remind students about using resources on this class website
  • Consult with individuals and teams and guide them in the right direction
  • Remember to narrow down our topics and key word searches to very specific events
  • Share the email template for getting the perfect NHD interviews

HW Due Tuesday, September 22nd:
  • Ch3.4 Worksheet
  • Map 1 USA

In Class Friday, September 18th:
  • Quiz
  • Get Started on Map 1 USA
  • Animaniacs 50 States & Capitals video 
  • Show students the Map Memorization games links on this website
  • Video: Cocoa farmers in Ivory Coast eat chocolate for the first time in their lives. While watching the video students must make a list, connecting as many major themes and terms from Ch3.3 to this video as they can. Then share in small groups then share out with the class
  • Begin the Ch3.4 worksheet in small groups
  • Peer grade the quiz
  • Finish class with time to read from our previously found NHD sources or to begin researching and finding more sources 

HW Due Friday, September 18th:
  • Ch3.4 Notes
  • 5 NHD Bibliography Cards

In Class Wednesday, September 16th:
  • Share our answers to the critical thinking questions on the Ch3.3 worksheet in small groups, then share out with the whole class
  • Skits on major themes from Ch3.3, directions given out in class

HW Due Wednesday, September 16th:
  • Ch3.3 Worksheet

In Class Monday, September 14th:
  • Quiz
  • Start Ch3.3 Worksheet
  • Peer grade quiz
  • Rally Robin in small groups: apply these two places to as much of the Ch3.3 key terms and vocab as possible: South Korea, North Korea
  • Go over NHD Bibliography Card directions

HW Due Monday, September 14th:
  • Post on class forum - reflect on our Create Your Own Country Projects
  • Ch3.3 Notes

In Class Thursday, September 11th:
  • Share our Create Your Own Country Projects together. We will view another group's project, write down 1 interesting fact, 1 opinion, and 1 challenging question. Then we will meet up with that other group and have a small discussion about what we wrote. Then take a few minutes to make the rounds and look at all the projects.
  • Then we will learn how to get started with EBSCO. We will learn the DIS username and password (disebsco & dischool) and about making our own personal account for saving sources.
  • Get started with initial experimental searching on EBSCO. Go over EBSCO tips such as checking the boxes for the correct kind of sources we want to find, checking the box for Full Text, using quotation marks wisely, etc.
  • Mandatory sources for NHD: Book and Interview
  • How to access DIS e-library
  • Knowing the difference between Bibliography Cards & Note Cards

HW Due Thursday, September 10th:
  • Create Your Own Country Project

In Class Tuesday, September 8th:
  • View several interesting maps that help us understand our world. Maps contain GIS, population, and other important data. Write down 1 interesting fact we learned, 1 opinion, and 1 challenging question.
  • In small groups share our ideas, then share out with the class
  • Work on Create Your Own Country Projects through the rest of the period. Consult and give advice and feedback
  • Collect NHD Topic Selection worksheets and give individual and group feedback while working on Create Your Own Country Projects

HW Due Tuesday, September 8th:
  • NHD Topic Selection Worksheet
  • Create Your Own Country Project making materials

In Class Friday, September 4th:
  • Share our Ch3.1 Worksheet critical thinking questions in small groups, Rally Robin format
  • View CNN videos on the migrant crisis in the Middle East & Europe. While viewing we will take notes on how the major themes from the video fit the major themes from Ch3.2, then share our ideas
  • Learn the requirements for the Create Your Own Country Project
  • Begin brainstorming for the project
  • Learn requirements for NHD Topic Selection Sheet and go over NHD Questions to Explore handout

HW Due Friday, September 4th:
  • Ch3.2 Worksheet

In Class Wednesday, September 2nd: 
  • Quiz
  • Share our Ch3.1 Worksheet critical thinking questions in small groups, Rally Robin format
  • Get started on Ch3.2 Worksheets in small groups
  • Peer grade quizzes

HW Due Wednesday, September 2nd: 
  • Ch3.1 Worksheet
  • Ch3.2 Notes

In Class Monday, August 31st:
  • Quiz
  • Ch3.1 Research & Images Activity in small groups
  • World at 7 Billion video
  • If the World was a Village of 100 video
  • While watching both videos, write down 1 interesting fact, 1 opinion or connection, and 1 challenging question
  • Rally Robin Recorder Reporter: get into small groups, take turns reading our video notes, choose and record the best note selections, and report out our findings to the class

HW Due Monday, August 31st:
  • Ch1.2 RAFT Writing
  • Ch3.1 Notes
  • NHD Research Strategies Worksheet

In Class Thursday, August 27th: 
  • NHD Guest Speaker

In Class Tuesday, August 25th: 
  • Get directions for GIS Floor Map Activity
  • Quiz
  • Begin researching our choice of place for GIS Floor Map Activity
  • Stop GIS research to participate in quick review of worksheet that was due today: Group Interview on our answers from Ch1.1 5 Themes of Geography worksheet (specific directions given out in class)
  • View GPS vs GIS video and discuss major themes
  • GIS Floor Map Activity - make the map, find the points we need to be on the map, discuss the "layers" we are creating by answering teacher questions
  • Learn the requirements for the Ch1.2 GIS RAFT Writing - Role: person that works at a job that requires use of GIS. Audience: your boss. Format: letter. Topic: anything you want to write about as long as you cover 5-7 important reasons why and how you use GIS at work. 

HW Due Tuesday, August 25th:
  • Ch1.1 Worksheet
  • Ch1.2 Notes

In Class Friday, August 21st:
  • Finalize NHD Topic Selection Sheet & NHD Topic Scavenger Hunt and turn both in
  • Review 5 Themes of Geography with images and real world examples
  • Begin working on 5 Themes of Geography Ch1.1 Worksheet in groups of 2 or 3
  • Begin going over NHD What Are Sources & Where to Find handout
  • Begin going over NHD Research Strategies Worksheet

HW Due Friday, August 21st:
  • NHD Topic Selection sheet
  • NHD Topic Scavenger Hunt

In Class Wednesday, August 19th:
  • Quiz
  • Continue initial NHD research
  • Continue working on Topic Selection Sheet and Topic Scavenger Hunt
  • Clarify any misunderstandings on NHD worksheets
  • View and discuss examples of best NHD 2015 Exhibits
  • Peer grade today's quiz in small groups

HW Due Wednesday, August 19th: 
  • Ch1.1 Cornell Notes

In Class Monday, August 17th:
  • Intro to 2015-2016 NHD Theme: Exploration, Encounter, Exchange
  • Distribute and go over NHD Theme sheet
  • Distribute and go over NHD checklist and due dates
  • Get started on Topic Selection sheet as a whole class
  • Get started on Topic Scavenger Hunt individually
  • Go over format for taking perfect Cornell Notes, assign Ch1.1 in book

HW Due Monday, August 17th:
  • Post on World Cultures Forum

In Class Thursday, August 13th:
  • TIL
  • Questionnaire results
  • Label a blank map of the world in small groups (save the maps to retry this at the end of the year)
  • Guess the Places Game in small groups (guess the world locations based on photos)
  • Discuss how to post on the World Cultures Forum and learn the requirements for the first forum

HW Due Thursday, August 13th:
  • Signed Parent Form
  • All Class materials: Text book, paper, binder or folder, laptop or tablet



In Class Tuesday, August 11th:
  • Seating Chart
  • Questionaire
  • Books
  • Emails
  • Paper passing routine
  • TIL
  • Syllabus
  • Teacher FB account
  • Preview mrlipsky.com
  • Intro to Mr. Lipsky
  • Name memorization game

Are you a map wizard? Do you think you can name all the countries on earth? Give this fun game a try!
Countries of the World
Picture