JA 8 B Civics: May 3-7

This week we will continue to examine voting and then we will shift our focus to how people and groups influence government in the United States. We will discuss how public opinion is shaped by political advertising, the importance of the mass media, and interest groups. Mass media and interest groups play a HUGE role in the political process by helping people shape opinions about political candidates and issues.

Street Law: May 3-7

This week we will continue our investigation of the Family Law Unit. We will be examining legal aspects of wills and how they can affect families. We will also continue examining the legal responsibilities involved in marriage and divorce. We will also investigate the legal issues involved in adoption and legal guardianship. We have about 4 weeks left in the semester, but still much to do. STAY FOCUSED!

World History: May 3-7

This week we will continue our investigation of the major events of WWI. We will discuss and examine some of the major battles, the brutal conditions of trench warfare, the new military technology, and the eventual Paris Peace Conference at the Palace of Versailles. The Treaty of Versailles will have a major impact on future events, so we will spend time examining how it affected all of the countries involved. Students will also be working on their WWI Timeline projects throughout the week. We have a few weeks left, but still much to do, so STAY FOCUSED!

JA 8 B Civics: April 26-30

This week we will begin our investigation of Voting & Elections. We will discuss who can vote, and how these rights have changed over time. We will examine the election process and the importance of political campaigns. However, the major focus will be the importance of voting and doing our part to be involved in the political process and making our voices heard. This is one of our essential civic responsibilities, and we should be aware of this.

Street Law: April 26-30

This week we will finish our investigation of Housing Law with a discussion of what tenants and landlords are responsible for. We will also discuss the Small Claims Process in Arizona and how to file a claim. Then we will begin our next unit, Family Law. We will investigate the legal aspects of marriage, separation, and child custody. We will also focus on spousal and child abuse. We will examine the legal issues involved in the adoption and foster parent process, along with government benefits that are available to familes and individuals.

World History: April 26-30

This week we will investigate the many changes of the 19th century and the effects it would have on the early part of the 20th century and the eventual break-out of the first World War. We will focus on the Industrial Revolution and the growth of progressive thought in Europe. We will examine the effects of Nationalism and Imperialism as well. We will also spend time discussing the emergence of Socialist thought and the influence of Karl Marx. These factors played an important role in the growth of nation-states and the factors that led to WWI. Towards the end of the week we shall discuss and investigate the long-term and the immediate causes that led to World War I.

JA 8 B Civics: April 19-23

This week we will finish up the Judicial Branch of the Federal Government. Then we will begin our investigation of the different political parties and the role that they play in the political process. We will discuss the development of political parties in the United States and how they affect us today in the voting process.

Street Law: April 19-23

This week we will continue our Consumer and Housing Law Unit by investigating deceptive sales Practices, being A smart consumer, and how to protect your rights as a consumer. We will continue to discuss how we are affected by laws and policies made by the makers of the products we purchase.

World History: April 19-23

Due to testing last week, we did not accomplish as much as I would have liked. This week we will continue our investigation of the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon's Empire. We will discuss the causes and effects of each, along with the important events. Near the end of the week we will look at the emergence of nation-states throughout Europe and the new ideas that shaped them.

JA 8 B Civics: April 12-16

This week we will begin our investigation of the Judicial branch of the national government. We will discuss the duties of the court system in the United States. We will also talk about how laws can be changed based on Supreme Court decisions. We will also investigate how the lower courts are organized throughout the country and look at how cases are decided.

Street Law: April 12-16

This week we will begin our Consumer & Housing Law unit by discussing the importance of contracts and warranties. These are legally binding agreements. We will also discuss how minors are affected by these items. Towards the end of the week we will begin investigating credit and other financial services. We will discuss the basics about bank accounts, including the fine print in fees and penalties.

World History: April 12-16

This week we will investigate the causes and effects of the French Revolution, a turning point in modern world history. After discussing the different phases of the revolution, we will discuss the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, a military genius who became emperor of France. The rest of the week will be spent on Napoleon's empire and how it ended, reshaping the face of Europe.

JA 8 B Civics: April 5-9

This week we will continue the Executive Branch of the national government. We will discuss the duties and roles that the President, Vice President, and other members of the Executive branch. We will discuss the powers granted to the President in the Constitution, and why they are not as clearly stated as those of the Congress. We will discuss the role of head of state and commander in chief as well.

Street Law: April 5-9

This week we will be finishing up our Tort Law unit by discussing the politics of Tort Reform. This has been a hot topic in the U.S. for a number of years and we will spend time looking at all sides of the issues. We will conclude this unit by viewing the film A Civil Action, which was based on a true story about a tort case that involved negligence by a corporation that was sued in a class action lawsuit. Towards the end of the week we will begin our next unit; Consumer and Housing Law.

World History: April 5-9

This week we will continue our investigation of the absolute rulers in Europe from 1500-1800. We will examine the rise and fall of Spain's empire, France's Louis XIV, Peter the Great of Russia, and the Tudor monarchy in England. We will also spend some time discussing the wars of religion; including the brutal 30 Years War. Emphasis will be placed on Louis XIV of France because he was the ultimate "absolute monarch" and his actions would have an effect on France and the rest of Europe for many years after his reign.