5/7/10 - National News

Gulf Oil Spill Update

This article answers many of the questions being asked about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

This article describes BPs plan to stop the massive oil leak that is adding 5,000 gallons of oil a day to the Gulf.

This article describes the incredible ordeal of the crew of the oil rig immediately after the explosion that caused the rig to collapse and sink.

Answer one or more of the following questions in the comment section:

What are your thoughts on this disaster?

How will it impact the Gulf of Mexico?  The wildlife?  The people who live on the Gulf Coast? The US economy?

Does it change your views of offshore drilling or oil consuption?  Explain.

5/7/10 - National News

A Break in the Bomb Case

Go to this related article and answer the following 6 questions in the comment post:

1.  WHO has been arrested for driving a car bomb into Times Square?

2.  WHEN was the car bomb discovered?

3.  WHERE was the suspect arrested?

4.  WHAT was found in the S.U.V.?

5.  HOW did police trace the S.U.V. to the suspect they arrested? (For further detail on this question, see this article.)

6.  WHY has control of the investigation now shifted to the international terrorism branch of the Joint Terrorism Task Force?

5/7/10 - National News

Times Square Bomb Scare (cont.)

The failed car bombing in Times Square raised security alerts in the area and reminded many people in New York and elsewhere to be vigilant about suspicious activity. 


The New York Times reported on heightened anxiety near Times Square in the wake of a manhole fire two days after – and mere blocks from the site of – an attempted car bombing.


Do you ever worry about terrorist attacks? Or do you generally feel safe? 

5/7/10 - Science

Don't Talk to the Aliens!

World famous astrophysicist Stephen Hawking said recently that he believes that alien life very likely exists – but that any contact with aliens would be “risky” because they would probably consider Earth as a conquest.

Read this article about Hawking's opinions about alien life forms and respond to the questions below in the comment section:


Do you think intelligent life exists on other planets? Do you welcome or fear an alien invasion?

5/7/10 - Redistricting Game

So what is Gerrymandering anyway?

The Redistricting Game is designed to educate, engage, and empower citizens around the issue of political redistricting. By playing the game, you will learn about redistricting fundamentals, gerrymandering, the Voting Rights Act, and potential reforms.

The game was developed by the University of Southern California (USC) Game Innovation Lab, part of the USC School of Cinematic Arts’ Interactive Media Division.

Your assignment is to complete mission 1,2,3 & 5.


In the comment section please share your opinion on the educational value of this game.  

Did it help you to better understand gerrymandering and redistricting?  Do you think I should continue to use it in Civics next year?  Why or why not?

4/23/10 - Current Events Day Instructions

Directions:


This week everyone is required to answer the Week in Review post (the next post).  

In addition to this post, you must choose 3 of the 4 other posts dated 4/23/10 and make comments.

The week in review post will be worth 10 points (one point for each question) and the other posts will be worth 2 points each.

Have a great weekend!

4/23/10 - Week in Review Questions

Search the internet for answers to the following questions about recent events in the news.  Post your answers in correct numbered order in the comments section:

1.  In what US state did a mine disaster occur on April 5 in which 29 miners were killed?

2.  What was the name of the volcano that erupted recently in Iceland, sending plumes of ash into the air that disrupted flights in and out of Europe for several days?

3.  The United States recently negotiated a treaty with which country to limit the number of nuclear weapons in the world?  Bonus: How many nuclear weapons will each country have after the treaty goes into effect?

4.  The President and many top leaders of which country were killed in a plane crash on April 4?

5.  Which Supreme Court justice recently announced his intention to retire before the beginning of the court's next term?

6. What country was hit with a magnitude 6.9 earthquake on April 14, killing at least 2,000 people?

7.  In what year was Earth Day founded?

8.  For how many games did the NFL suspend Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger?

9.  On April 20th the Supreme Court struck down an 11 year old federal law which banned the sale or trading of what type of pictures and videos?

10.  This week Congress is debating a set of laws designed to set tough new regulations for which US industry?