JA 8 B Civics: Feb. 13-17

This week we will continue our study of the U.S. Constitution. We will discuss its importance and how it affects our lives every single day, even if we may not realize it. We will begin our investigation of the three branches of our government, and what they do. We will view some videos in class that explain the branches, and the concept of checks and balances.

Street Law: Feb. 13-17

This week we will continue investigating our Crime in America unit by looking at the causes of crime in the United States. We will also discuss the different types of crime, and the relationship of drugs, alcohol, guns, and gangs as well. We will spend some time researching why violence is so prevalent in certain areas of the country and discuss what can be done to stop it.

US History: Feb. 13-17

This week we will begin our investigation of the U.S. Constitution & why it replaced the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution is the foundation on which American government & society are based, and it effects our lives everyday. We will investigate the many debates between the men that were part of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. We will discuss the leadership of George Washington, the different compromises that were made, as well as the different camps of people with differing opinions on what the new government should look like. As the week progresses, we will break down each part of the document & examine the structure of our government within the three branches.

JA 8 B Civics: Feb. 6-10

This week we will begin our investigation of the American government under the Articles of Confederation after the revolutionary war. We will discuss the problems that existed in the Articles & the reasons why they needed to be changed. As we look at the debates between the framers, we will investigate the reasons why the Articles constrained the national government's power; which basically made it inoperable. As the week progresses, we will discuss the arguments between the Federalists & the Anti-Federalists.

Street Law: Feb. 6-10

This week we will continue our discussion of the American court system and also take a 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.

US History: Feb. 6-10

This week we will finish up our investigation of the American Revolution and shift our focus to the first years of our new nation. We will discuss the Articles of Confederation, which was our first Constitution & a failure. We will discuss the reasons why the Articles created, as well as the reasons they did not work to maintain cooperation of the new United States.

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JA 8 B Civics: Jan. 30-Feb. 3

This week we continue our discussion of the English roots of American democracy & then we will examine some of the major events that played a role in the development of the American system of government. We will look at the causes & effects of the American Revolution, and we will look closely at the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration is one of the most important documents in history; and we will examine why.

Street Law: Jan. 30-Feb. 3

This week students will take part in a Congressional Simulation in order to see just how difficult it is to get bills passed into laws in our country. This simulation project will be based on participation, as well as a summary activity when we finish. Later in the 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.

U.S. History: Jan. 30-Feb. 3

This week we will continue our discussion of English dominance in the American colonies & we will begin to see limits on the freedoms of those who lived there. We will examine the causes & effects of the legislation, as well as the actions by some of the colonists that created the "need" for independence from England. It must be made known that not all colonists wanted independence; many were known as "loyalists." We will examine the arguements of both sides this week as we look at some of the limits on freedom; such as the Proclamation of 1763, the Sugar Act, and the Stamp Act.

JA 8 B Civics: Jan.. 23-27

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. 23-27

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.

U.S. History: Jan. 23-27

This week we will continue our research into the European empires of the Americas. We will place our emphasis on the British colonies and the eventual seeds of unrest in the colonies. Why did people in the colonies desire self-rule? What actions did the British take that were upsetting to the colonists? We will discuss these issues and more during the week. Later in the week we will begin our investigation of the struggle for independence and the American Revolution

Welcome to the 2nd Semester!

Welcome back! I hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend. During this first week in all classes we will review class policies & expectations. Students will take Pre-Tests in all classes and their book assignments will be given out. Mygradebook log-in information will be given out as well. As for specific class information, see below!

U.S. History:- This week we will begin examining the European empires of the Americas & we will see how the British began to dominate the New World as the Spanish began to falter. We will discuss how the English colonies developed on the Atlantic coast of the United States & the major impact this would have on the creation of the United States & the influence of British culture in America.

Street Law:- 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 and discussed this semester as well as the concept of Justice. As we move into the material, students will examine the goals of the legal system, rights and responsibilities, lawmaking, and the court system in America.

JA 8 Civics:- We will begin by discussing the importance of good citizenship, why we have laws, & where our laws come from. We will discuss the diversity of America & the roots of our Democratic government. We will discuss the influence that English law would have on our democratic republic.

ALL CLASSES: Jan. 9-13

We have finally made it to the last week of the semester! It has been a wonderful experience for me, and I hope it has also been great for all of my students. This week all classes will take the required Post-Tests after a day of review and study time. Remember, these tests count as a final exam! Monday is also the last chance to take an AR Test for the semester!

During the remainder of the week in all classes we will discuss current global events such as the global economic problems, environmental issues, revolutions in the Middle East, the 2012 U.S. Presidential election, and the Occupy Movement. I believe that these events are going to affect all peoples of the world in the years to come.

Additional Reminders:

*ECONOMICS- Your projects presentations begin Monday!*