Global Issues (Period 1-4)

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This is the Global Issues Spring 2020 class website used for posting assignments and homework.

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Africa Test (Final) this week

Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
  It's hard to believe we are in the final week of our class!  While I know this was not how any of us wanted the year to end, I truly enjoyed having you in my class!  You ALL were awesome and I feel like I got to know you guys better than my other classes due to the shared experiences of distance learning we went through together.
 
  Here's the final assignment for Global Issues:  Each of you will receive an individual link to the Africa test in your inbox on Monday (Periods 1 & 3) or Tuesday (Periods 2 & 4).
 
You will have 45 minutes to complete the test once you open the Google Form.  After 45 minutes, your test will auto-close and IT WILL NOT SUBMIT your test for grading, so please complete and submit the test within the 45 minutes:-)  
 
Please COMPLETE the Test by 1PM on Wednesday June 10, 2020 (Periods 1 &3) or Thursday (Periods 2 & 4) as this is when your class officially ends.  You will receive a zero if you do not submit your test by the deadline. So, you can take the test WHENEVER you want, providing you complete it by the 1PM deadline for your class.
 
You will not be able to submit your test after the 1 PM deadline for your class.
 
  
Once you are done, I would really appreciate it if you filled out an anonymous end-of-class survey which can be done at: (link in email)
 
  Thank you for making this semester fun and I wish you the best Summer possible.  Don't hesitate to stop by next year if you need anything, or to just say hi!
 

Global Issues Classwork for June 4/5

  Today we will be doing the LIVE Kahoot Review for the Africa Test next week (Zoom link included in email from this morning)
 
THIS IS OUR LAST FACE-TO-FACE CLASS :-(  I hope YOU ALL can join me for the review and we can have a minute to say Goodbye at the end!  
 
  Next week, you will get the Africa Test link on Monday.  It will be a multiple choice test and you can use your notes, so you should be fine!  You will only have a limited amount of time to take the test, so please plan to take it on Monday/Tuesday and you will be DONE with Global Issues!!!
 
 Let me know if you have any questions!

Classwork for week of June 1-5, 2020

Hey guys,

 

  First, let me say that I'm speechless on the events of the past week.  The events that are occurring around LA and the surrounding area are concerning, to say the least.  I'm a supporter of our 1st Amendment Rights and believe the protests are drawing attention to the much needed change we desperately need in our world, but looting and destroying businesses is not the way to make that change.  I've been glued to the TV the past three days watching the scenes from Downtown LA, Santa Monica, Long Beach and I'm speechless.  Things start out peaceful and with a strong message and then turn sour as the day progresses and night falls.  Our character is who we are, and the actions we take define our character!  While looting may look like a cool or fun way to score some free stuff, your moral integrity must take over and drive you away from stealing and destroying businesses that have nothing to do with the real issue at hand.  We will rebuild and we will be stronger as a Nation because out of ashes comes strength!

 

  OK, now for this week :-)  I was not able to get the movie into Edpuzzle, but I WAS able to get the movie onto my computer for you to watch.  I was even able to provide some of the same commentary I would have given you in the classroom:-)  So, you are going to watch the movie Blood Diamonds and answer some questions in a Google Form.  I would recommend you take a look at the questions before watching the movie so you know what to look for.  I also give you an idea of when a question is coming up in the movie by pausing the movie and telling you what to look for.  You have the WHOLE WEEK to complete this assignment:-)

 

  The movie can be found here: (link in email from 6-1-2020)

   The Google Form with the questions for the movie can be found at: (link in email from 6-1-2020)

 

  Also, I've attached a Study Guide for our unit on Africa so you have an idea of what to review and know for the test NEXT WEEK.  

 

  We will do a LIVE Kahoot during our last Zoom meeting this week.  The schedule will remain the same we've done in the past and is as follows:

          Thursday- Period 1 at 10AM and Period 3 at 11:15AM

          Friday- Period 2 at 10AM and Period 4 at 11:15AM

 

  This week will be our last ZOOM, so I hope you ALL can find time to join me for a review and to say a proper Goodbye:-)  You will get a few extra credit points for showing up as well!

 

  I hope you are all doing well and getting excited for Summer as it's right around the corner!  Enjoy your last "full week" of school and remember, Finals week is next week.

 

  If you need anything, please reach out and let me know!

Classwork for week of May 26-29, 2020

Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
  Welcome Back from the long weekend and I hope you all had a good Memorial Day!  We're almost there with only a few weeks left to go, so let's finish strong:-)
 
  Quick Reminder, the Hotel Rwanda video and questions are due tomorrow night by 11:59.  Find some time to watch the movie and answer the questions that pop up during the video and you're golden!  If you have not signed up already, you can sign up for my edpuzzle class at the following link: (link in email)
 
  For the latter part of this week, we will be talking about our final topic of Africa which is Conflict Diamonds.  We'll Zoom to discuss what they are and watch a couple quick videos. Zoom links will be sent out on the morning your class is scheduled to meet.
 
  Here's the Zoom schedule:
 
  Period 1 will Zoom on Thursday at 10AM and Period 3 will zoom at 11:15 on Thursday
 
  Period 2 will Zoom on Friday at 10AM and Period 4 will zoom at 11:15 on Friday.
 

Thank You Students and Parents and I hope you find some time to Relax this weekend!

Hi Students and Parents,
  I wanted to send out a quick note and say Great Job to each and every one of you!  
  For my students, I know the shift to online/distance learning has been a challenge and as the time has dragged on, it's becoming even more difficult to find the motivation to keep going!  Please know, I SEE you and and I'm proud of you for putting your heads down and charging on to complete the work each week and still logging into the Zooms, and for finding creative ways to interact with me.  When I read your emails and comments in the Google Forms, I can still HEAR your voice as if we were in the classroom and I hope the same is true for you.  As always, I miss you guys and wish we would have had the final 10 weeks to continue learning and having fun in the classroom!  I'm proud of all of you for adapting to and overcoming the curve balls that were thrown at you during your Freshman year.  While it hasn't been easy, you've shown that you ARE adaptive problem-solvers and this is a trait that will suit you well in life.  Keep up the great work!
  For my parents, I know the sudden shift into being a teacher of six different subjects, while still trying to work and be a parent, was not easy.  As a parent myself, I've been struggling with 5th grade math for the past few months, but think I've got it and I am ready for Algebra next year:-)  I wanted to say Thank You for all the support you have given, not only to your kids, but to all of us teachers as well.  You're finding the time to keep your kids going with their school work, while also juggling your own work responsibilities and trying to keep the household running.  You've all become Master Jugglers and I commend you for all your hard work and sleepless nights.  Without your support, we would never have been able to get through these past 10 weeks of online learning.  Again, I tip my hat to you and thank you from the bottom of my heart!
  While there are still a lot of things up in the air for next year, I'm confident with time everything will come together.  I'm still crossing my fingers we will get back into the classroom sooner rather than later and I look forward to being able to bump into each of you next year and stay connected as you move through your Sophomore Year!  WE have all been LIVING HISTORY and this is a time period we will look back on 30 years from now and talk about the things we did to make it bearable.  You may forget some of the details and some of the things you learned, but you'll always remember how you felt!  So, find something to make you smile each day and try to laugh at least 5 times each day as this is HOW we get through the tough times.  And remember, we will come out of this as a stronger, more connected community!
  As we move into the long weekend for Memorial Day, I hope you find some time to relax and "unplug" for a while.  As I told my students yesterday, please take a minute this weekend to remember all our Fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastees who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could live with the freedoms we enjoy today.  While it may seem like just another long weekend to many, that's the real meaning of Memorial Day.   Many amazing Men and Women have bravely sacrificed their lives, in places near and far, to protect us and allow us to live the lives we choose, so we pause to remember them on Monday.
  Enjoy the long weekend and HANG IN THERE as we only have a few weeks of school left when we come back!  As always, I'm here for ALL of you and let me know if I can do anything to help.

Global Issues Classwork May 21/22 and Memorial Day

For Thursday/Friday of this week AND the beginning part of next week, we will be watching a movie and answering some questions.  In order for you to do that, I need you to join my classroom in edpuzzle (if you haven't already done it) by clicking the following link: (contained in email)
 
  The assignment was posted at 9AM this morning and you will be watching and answering some questions while the movie is playing.    This is a really good movie and it's a legit movie, so don't start freaking out over the fact it's 2 hours long!
 
  Remember, Memorial Day is this weekend so there is NO SCHOOL on Monday.  
 
  NEXT WEEK- We will Zoom as a class on Thursday for Period 1 at 10AM and Period 3 at 11:15 and Zoom on Friday for Period 2 at 10AM and Period 4 at 11:15AM.  
 
  Lastly, please take a minute this weekend to remember all our Fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastees who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could live with the freedoms we enjoy today.  While it may just seem like another long weekend to many, that's the real meaning of Memorial Day.  For those of us who have lined a walkway to watch a flag-draped coffin slowly walk by to be loaded on the back of a C-17 bound for the States, Memorial Day holds a little more meaning, so humor me please.  Many amazing Men and Women have bravely sacrificed their lives, in places near and far, to protect us and allow us to live the lives we choose. Monday, we pause to remember them.
 
  Have a great LONG weekend and we'll meet again next Thursday/Friday:-)  

Global Issues Classwork May 18/19, 2020

We will have a Zoom Class on Monday for Period 1 at 10AM and Period 3 at 11:15 AM to cover Genocide and get some notes.
 
  Period 2 will have a Zoom Class on Tuesday at 10AM and Period 4 will Zoom at 11:15 AM to cover Genocide and get some notes.
 
  You will get another email after your zoom class with the Genocide in Darfur article and question as well as the Google Form link to complete the assignment for May 18/19.  The assignment will be an Open Notes quiz on Genocide.
 
  Moving forward, we will be watching a movie and answering some questions later this week.  In order for you to do that, I need you to join my classroom in edpuzzle by clicking the following link: (link in email sent out to students)
 
  Looking forward to seeing you all on Zoom!

Global Issues Classwork May 14/15, 2020

Today, you will be looking at some short documents and using them to answer questions about Apartheid in South Africa. The file (South Africa Apartheid DBQs) was attached to your morning email and you will use that document to complete THE google form. You DO NOT NEED TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS ON THE ACTUAL PDF in your email.

I'm holding "office hours" via an  Zoom on Thursday May 14 for Period 1 at 10AM and Period 3 at 11:15AM. Friday May 15th,  ZOOM for Period 2 at 10AM and Period 4 at 11:15AM. Stop by IF you have questions about ANYTHING or just pop by to say HI and let me know how you're doing.

Zoom links were sent out with this Google Form to ALL CLASSES.

For NEXT WEEK: We are going to change it up a little. We will ZOOM on Monday/Tuesday to cover Genocide notes and then you will be watching a movie for the Thurs/Fri assignment.

Global Issues Classwork for May 11/12, 2020

  Today, we are starting with our first topic for Africa, which is Apartheid in South Africa.  To make your lives a little easier, I went ahead and recorded myself giving the lecture on Apartheid so you can watch it whenever you have time.  During the lecture, I've shared my screen with you so you can SEE and GET the NOTES you need to help you understand the history behind Apartheid and what it looked like in South Africa.  Remember, Bolded and Underlined items are the important pieces of information you will need to know!  You have the luxury of pausing the video if you need more time to write something down:-) 
 
  The lecture can be found by clicking the following link and then clicking the download button: (Link provided in your email this morning)
 
 Once you've got the Notes from the lecture, go to the Google Form to complete the Apartheid Notes Quiz which can be found at the following link: (Link provided in your email this morning.
 
  Later this week, I will hold "office hours" on Zoom during your normal Thursday scheduled times (10AM for 1st Period and 11:15AM for 3rd Period) or normal Friday scheduled times (10AM for 2nd Period and 11:15 for 4th Period).  If you have questions or don't understand something from the lecture, or you have ANY QUESTIONS AT ALL you can join the Zoom and I'll answer your questions.  Zoom links will be sent out to ALL CLASSES on Thursday morning.  Also, I will send you a short assignment to view some documents and answer some questions about Apartheid in your Thursday morning email.  
 
  Here's the results of last week's random survey:  Burgers took the Top Prize, followed closely by Pasta.  A True shame as I would have voted for Pizza!  (And YES, pineapple is a viable topping for pizza only when accompanied by Ham.)

Zoom class May 7/8, 2020

  Hey Guys,
  Today is our Zoom to share presentations on the various Ethnic Groups you chose for your research project.  Those who indicated they wanted to present will be given the opportunity to share their findings on the Culture of their group.  
 
  I'm asking that you keep it to 2-3 minutes and highlight what you think were the most interesting aspects of culture.  If you would like me to share your presentation with the group while you present, please ensure you've shared it with me ahead of time and let me know you would like it on the screen. This is NOT a requirement though:-)
 
  Those presenting will receive extra credit per the directions. 

ClassWork for May 4- May 8...Africa Culture Project

 This week, we are going to be looking at culture in Africa.  In your email from this morning, you will find the directions for a research project you will be working on this week.
 
  Basically, you will be choosing an ethnic group (from a prescribed list) and completing some research on their culture.  You will use your research to put together a SIX SLIDE PowerPoint that you will share with me by Saturday Night.  (Note: I'm using Saturday as the due date because I don't want any of you working on Mother's Day which is Sunday May 10th!)
 
  Since many of you have been asking about Extra Credit, there is an Extra Credit option for this project!!! It involves attending the class Zoom on Thursday (Period 1 at 10 AM and Period 3 at 11:15 AM) or Friday (Period 2 at 10 AM and Period 4 at 11:15 AM) and you have a couple options.  Read the attached directions to see how you can obtain some EXTRA CREDIT!!!
 
  Also, please complete the following Google Form by Wednesday night for attendance this week which can be found at: (link provided in email)
 
  I hope you are all doing well and staying strong!  We only have about 6 weeks left until Summer, so keep pressing forward and finish strong.  YOU GOT THIS! I'm crossing my fingers they start to open things back up soon (slowly, of course) so we can get back to being social again.   As always, I'm here for you guys if you need anything and I miss seeing you guys on a daily basis!
 

Zoom meeting for April 30/ May 1st

  I hope you are all doing well!  This morning we will be having a short Zoom to talk about Culture.  I asked you on Monday/Tuesday to look over the Everyone Has Culture worksheet, so please have your responses ready to talk about.  I will be putting you in groups to talk about your response in small groups and then as a whole class.
 
  Also, please have one thing you would like to share about your OWN personal culture.  It could be clothing that represents your culture, popular or unique food that represents your culture, music, art, etc... As long as it's school appropriate, feel free to share something that represents YOU:-)  I will be asking each person to share one thing.
 
 Zoom link included in your morning email.
 
After the zoom, please quickly fill out the Google Form to complete your assignments for the week.
 
I'm looking forward to seeing you all later this morning!

Office Hours Today

Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
  Based on my random survey from last week, an overwhelming 85% of you said I should let my 11-year-old daughter buzz my head TODAY at 11 AM.
 
  So, I'm sending you a Zoom invite link in case you'd like to join my "office hours" today, where you can watch my daughter take the buzzer to my head.  I must say, she's pretty stoked to cut my hair and has been chomping at the bit all week to get the buzzer in her hands.  If you'd like to stop by, egg her on and just have a laugh, please feel free to swing by my Zoom at 11AM.
 
 I hope you are all doing well and finding ways to keep yourself occupied and your mind off all the craziness going on around you.  I miss you all and can't wait to see you back in the classroom or on the tennis courts soon!  Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything and I hope you're finding something to smile about and laugh about each day!  Laughter is the only way to get through the tough times!
 

Classwork for April 27/28, 2020

 As we move into our Africa unit, the topic for this unit is Culture.  We will start by learning what culture is and the elements that make up culture.
 
  Please copy down the notes from the  PowerPoint on Culture AND Look over and think about your responses to the questions on the Everyone Has Culture Worksheet (both attached to your morning email).  For the Everyone Has culture worksheet, we will be using this as the basis for our Zoom on Thursday, so you may want to jot down your thoughts for each question to use later this week.
 
   Also, please complete the Google check-in Form on Culture which can be found at the following link: (link included in the email)
 
   We will hold a Zoom class on Thursday/Friday to talk about culture.  The last slide of the PowerPoint tells you what you should be prepared to talk about, so you know what to expect.  Period 1 will be at 10 AM and Period 3 will be at 11:15AM on Thursday.  Period 2 will be at 10AM and Period 4 will be at 11:15AM on Friday.
 
  Here are the results from the Random survey Question:  
   Looks like I'll be sending out a zoom link to everyone in case you are interested in watching my daughter take the buzzer/clippers to my head on Wednesday!!!
 
  Have a great start to the week and I hope you are all doing well!  Hard to believe it's almost May and it's been 6 weeks since we've been in the classroom together:-(  Fist bumps for everyone as you walk into my virtual classroom today!

Zoom meeting for 4/23- 4/24, 2020

Let's plan to do our Zoom meeting today that will be a quick intro to our Africa Unit and last only about 30 minutes. Zoom Times and Invite Links were sent out by Period to each student.  Period 1 & 3 on Thursday and Period 2 & 4 on Friday at 10 AM or 11:15 AM depending on your block period time.
 
    If I don't recognize your username, I will not let you into the meeting from the waiting room, so please use your name. 
 
    After we complete the Zoom meeting, please go fill out the three questions on our Google Form (link in email from 4/23 or 4/24)
 
  Hope you are all doing well and finding a way to fight the boredom.  Have a great weekend and we'll talk about Culture next week.  Monday or Tuesday will be a short assignment and then we'll Zoom the second block period next week.
 
  S/F,
  Mr. Murchison