WINTER BREAK: DEC. 20-Jan. 2

I wish all of you a wonderful and safe Winter Break! Classes resume on Monday January 3rd.

JA 8 A Civics: Dec. 13-17

This week students will be introduced to some of the fundamental concepts in Economics. First, we will discuss why economics are such a huge part of our daily lives, and how government and economics are tied together. We will investigate the different types of economic systems, along with how we make economic decisions every day! We will discuss wants vs. needs & the concept of scarcity as well.

US History: Dec. 13-17

This week we will look at some of the turning points in WWII for the Allies. We will discuss the D-Day invasion to liberate Europe from the Nazis, the Soviet invasion of Berlin from the East, & we will discuss the brutal Pacific theatre that looked like it had no end in sight, until the most secret weapon of the war was used not once, but twice. We will discuss the "causes & consequences" of the use of atomic bombs on Japan. Although it put an end to the war, it also created an entire new age: The Cold War.

American Govt./ Econ: Dec. 13-17

This week we will continue our investigation of the American Free Enterprise System of Economics. We will discuss the key concepts of this system, as well as how it grants all of us economic freedom. Students will also be working on their business & product proposal projects. We will be in the computer lab this week for research, price comparisons, & to develop a market strategy for the product.

Click on the link below to go directly to the SAS Project Website!

Username- away9details - no password required!

http://www.sascurriculumpathways.com/ProductEntrance/Launch/launch.jsp?unit=413

JA 8 A Civics: Dec. 6-10

This week we will continue our investigation of the US legal system by discussing the similarities and differences between the adult and juvenile courts. We will break down the process from arrest to sentencing. Also, this week the class will get the chance to play jury after we watch some interactive court case films.

US History: Dec. 6-10

This week we will investigate the causes of WWII in Europe through the rise of dictators (Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Tojo), a worldwide depression, and a shift in poltical 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 (at right), the event that brought the United States into WWII.

American Govt./ Econ: Dec. 6-10

This week we will begin to investigate the American Free Enterprise System. We will discuss how the capitalist system creates the most freedom for consumers and producers and gives them choices with little government intervention. We will break down the advantages and disadvantages of this system and talk about the force that encourages people to play a role in it; PROFIT MOTIVE! We will also discuss how our economic freedoms are aligned to our political freedoms in the United States as well.

JA 8 A Civics: Nov. 29-Dec. 3

This week we will continue our investigation of the U.S. legal system. We will discuss our legal rights & responsibilities, as well as the history of how our laws developed. We will discuss the similarities & differences between civil & criminal law, as well as the steps of the trial process.

US History: Nov. 29-Dec. 3

This week we will investigate the Roaring Twenties & the lasting effects that the period had on American culture, & how the "boom time" economy eventually spiraled the country into the Great Depression with the Stock Market Crash of 1929. We will discuss the policies of President Hoover, & how his unpopularity led to the election of FDR, one of America's most important & controversial presidents. (Pictured at left is a "Hooverville," which were shanty towns built by the poor & homeless during the depression years throughout the nation.)

American Govt./ Econ: Nov. 29-Dec. 3

This week we will continue our discussion of major concepts within economics. We will discuss scarcity, opportunity cost, the factors of production, and resources; including natural and human. We will discuss the concept of renewable & non-renewable resources as well.

ALL CLASSES: Nov. 22-23

ALL STUDENTS: REMEMBER THAT WE ONLY HAVE A 2 DAY WEEK DUE TO THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY! THAT SAID, REMAIN FOCUSED ON THE TASKS AT HAND!

-American Govt./Econ- This week we will continue our investigation of different types of economic systems. We will give special focus to Capitalism & Socialism, as these have become the two most prominent types of economies around the globe.

-US History- We will continue America's involvement in WWI in Europe, as well as how the war affected civilians on the homefront.

-JA 8 Civics- We wil continue our discussion of the US legal system by discussing the differences between criminal and civil law. We may also investigate the similarities & differences of the adult legal system & the juvenile system.

*The holiday weekend is a great opportunity to do some AR Reading!*

JA 8 A Civics: Nov. 15-19

This week we will begin our investigation of the Judicial branch of government. We will take a close look at the role of the courts in the United States, as well as a look at the checks & balances that are involved in the Judicial branch. We will discuss the role of the Supreme Court, as well as lower courts in the U.S. legal system.

US History: Nov. 15-19

This week we will continue 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!

American Govt./ Econ: Nov. 15-19

This week we will continue to look at the different types of economic systems that exist. We will discuss how money "flows" through our economy & keeps it growing. Then we will begin to look at the "problem" of Economics, unlimited wants vs. limited resources. We will discuss this fundamental concept, as well as supply & demand, opportunity costs, & the role of the factors of production.