JA 8 B Civics: April 30 - May 4

This week we will continue 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. We will also begin to discuss the similarities and differences between Criminal and Civil Law.

Street Law: April 30 - May 4

This week students will complete & present their Consumer Law projects & then we will begin 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.

US History: April 30- May 4

This week we will complete our investigation of FDR’s attempts to end the depression under his New Deal programs, and then we will begin our discussion of the causes of WWII in Europe through the rise of dictators, a worldwide depression, and a shift in political ideologies. We will look at how the United States, still dealing with the Great Depression, tried to remain neutral in another European conflict. We will then look at the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the event that brought the United States into WWII.

JA 8 B Civics: April 23-27

This week we will continue our investigation of the Executive branch of government. We will discuss the duties & powers of the president & vice president, as well as what other member of the Executive branch do on a daily basis to help make government run smoothly. We will also cover checks & balances & the role they play for the president. Later in the week we will begin our study of the Judicial Branch of our Federal government.

Street Law: April 23-27

This week we will continue our Consumer and Housing Law Unit by investigating how credit works, including the responsibilities of creditors and debtors. We will discuss tips for being smart about banking and how to use credit as well. Later in the week, we will be 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.

US History: April 23-27

This week we will continue looking at the U.S. involvement during WWI, as well as the effect on the homefront during the war. Then we will move on to the Roaring Twenties and the Stock Market Crash that followed. We will discuss how President Hoover dealt with the Great Depression vs. how President Franklin Roosevelt handled it. We will investigate how people's lives were forever changed by the Depression. We will discuss the different polices that FDR's administration created as part of the "New Deal."

JA 8 B Civics: April 16-20

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 16-20

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.

US History: April 16-20

This week students will give their group presentations & then we will begin our investigation of the era of imperialism in the United States. We will discuss how the United States became a world power by getting involved in global affairs and by expanding its territorial gains. We will investigate how the United States attempted to stay neutral, but eventually joined the war "over there".... the First World War!

JA 8 B Civics: April 9-13

This week we will finish our investigation on the Legislative Branch & begin the executive branch of government. We will study the powers that are granted to the president and discuss the checks and balances on those powers. We will discuss the election process, as well as the duties and roles of the president. We will take a look at how foreign policy is made, and we will examine the agencies of the executive branch.

Street Law: April 9-13

This week we will continue our investigation of Tort laws. We will continue to discuss liability, insurance, types of damages involved in intentional torts, defamation, and negligence. We will focus on strict liability as well, with some discussion of dangerous activities, defective products, and the debate of torts in public policy. Later in the week we will look at some real tort cases and the impact they can have on citizens in our nation.

US History: April 9-13

This week we will continue our investigation of the birth of "Modern America." We will investigate the problems created by all of the new wealth generated by the American Industrial Revolution. We will discuss the problems of unsanitary conditions, child labor, and worker's rights. We will also begin to investigate the political machines that developed in places like New York, and how they played a role in the lives of people. This shall take us to the development of the Progressive Movement. We will also look at some of the famous political cartoons created by Thomas Nast, who creatively described the political corruption of the day.

Robber Baron Links:
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=429#LESSON2

Robber Baron or Captain of Industry?
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=429

Thomas Nast Cartoons:
http://www.greatcaricatures.com/articles_galleries/nast/html/00_nast_list.html
http://cartoons.osu.edu/nast/
http://www.thomasnast.com/TheCartoons/NastCartoons.htm
http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/art/exhibit/nast_cartoons.htm
http://www2.truman.edu/parker/research/cartoons.html