JA 8 B Civics: Feb. 1-5

This week we will finish investigating the roots of American democracy by looking at the English colonies in America, colonial society, and the birth of our democratic nation. Towards the end of the week we will examine the Articles of Confederation, which was really our first constitution. We will discuss the problems with the Articles, and the need to revise them. We will look closely at why the Articles created such a limited government that faced several problems and created the need for revision.

Street Law: Feb 1-5

This week we will look at the role that lawyers play in the legal system. We will examine when you would need a lawyer and how to find one. We will also begin to discuss criminal law and juvenile justice this week. We will investigate crime in America, by looking at the problems of gangs, drugs, and other issues. We will also talk about how to report and prevent crimes as well.

World History: Feb. 1-5

This week we will begin our investigation into the ancient civilization of Greece. This is truly the birthplace of Western civilization. We will discuss how geography played a role in the development of culture, religion, and politics. We will examine the significant contributions made by the Greeks in philosophy, architecture, science, and the arts. Towards the end of the week we will examine the empire of Alexander the Great and the spread of Greek culture through his conquests.

JA 8 B Civics: Jan. 25-29

This week we will continue our study of the roots of American democracy by examining our English heritage. We will examine the documents, events, and people that influenced our founding fathers. We will discuss the importance of the American Revolution and its impact on our system of government as well.

Street Law: Jan. 25-29

This week we will finish our discussion of the goal of our legal system by discussing rights and responsibilities, the court system, and lawmaking. We will then investigate how disputes are settled. We will look at civil courts and criminal courts and discuss the difference between the two. Students will examine civil and criminal cases this week. We will also discuss federal, state, appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

World History: Jan. 25-29

This week we will finish up our investigation of ancient Egypt by looking at its culture, religion, and achievements. Remember that we have a quiz on Mesopotamia and Egypt this week! Then we will begin to look at people and ideas on the move. We will examine the origins of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. We will examine the similarities and differences of the religions and how they changed over time. We will also investigate Indo-Europeans and seafaring traders.

JA 8 B Civics: Jan. 19-22

Welcome to Civics! This week we will discuss class expectations, AR Goals, the dress code, and the attendance policy. We will discuss the importance of good citizenship, why we have laws, and where our laws came from. We will discuss the diversity of Americans, the roots of our Democracy, and we will begin to look at the Constitution. Students will also take the pre test this week, which we will go over as a class.

Street Law: Jan. 19-22

Welcome to Street Law! This week we will discuss class expectations, AR Goals, dress code, and the attendance policy. We will also discuss the importance of laws and the need for law in society. We will examine why we NEED to understand the practical laws that are to be researched this semester. Students will also take the pre test, which we will go over as a class. As we move into the material, students will examine the need for laws, the goal of the legal system, rights and responsibilities, lawmaking, and the court system in America.

A Cry in the Night Website:

http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/predators/kitty_genovese/1.html

World History: Jan. 19-22

Welcome to World History! This week we will discuss student expectations for the class, AR Goals, dress code, and attendance. We will also talk about why we study the past and why it is important. Students will also take the pre test and go over it as a class. As we begin our investigation of world history, we will start by examining early civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt. We will discuss the importance of geography, and its role in history.

JA 8 A Civics: Jan. 11-15

This is the last week of the semester, but there is still much to do. This week students will take the post test and must return their books by the end of the week! We will investigate the basic principles of economics and how economics not only affects the actions of government, but our actions as citizens on a daily basis. We will examine supply and demand, wants vs. needs, and other essential components. Stay focused this week!

US History: Jan 11-15

It is the last week of the semester. This week students must take the post test and be sure to return their books by the end of the week. We will examine the major historical events of the last decade and discuss how they are still affecting us today. Students must stay focused this week and prepare for the final exam, which will cover material from the post WWII era to the present.

American Govt./ Econ: Jan. 11-15

It is the last week of the semester, but there is still much to do. This week students must take the post test and be sure to return their books by the end of the week. This week we will continue to examine personal finance and students will begin and complete their career planning research paper. We will also continue to work on the financial planning program. Stay focused this week!

JA 8 A Civics: Jan. 4-8

This week we will continue to examine the rights, roles, and responsibilities of citizens in the U.S. We will continue to investigate legal rights of citizens and minors. We will look at the different types of laws and court cases as well.

US History: Jan 4-8

This week we will continue to investigate the effects of the Vietnam War era in the U.S. and abroad. Wee will examine the changes in culture, technology, and politics. We will look at the downfall of the Nixon administration, the Carter years, and the Republican Revolution led by Ronald Reagan that followed. Towards the end of the week we will begin to look at more current events: the 2000 election, the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01, and the war on terror that followed.

American Govt./ Econ: Jan. 4-8

This week students will continue to work on the financial planning program and we will discuss the importance of saving and investing money. We will investigate the many options available for investment, as well as the risks involved. We will also examine the financial markets that exist in the United States and abroad. We will invetigate how economic challenges are addressed and the indicators and measures that are involved. We will also begin to discuss the career planning process, and how this is a job all its own.