The First Amendment (in Real Life!)

Goal: Become experts on a new text in our groups about one of the freedoms guaranteed under the First Amendment

Agenda: 

Journal
Image Preview 

Survey the Text
New Reading
Show What You Know
CNN 10 

1. Journal 

Write about something for which you would be willing to protest?

2. Image Preview 

• There is an image taped to each of your tables.
• Your job is to QUESTION that image (silently).
• I will guide you through that investigation. 

3. Survey Your New Reading

• Each group is getting a new text on which they must become experts. 
• The text has to do with freedoms guaranteed under the 1st Amendment. 
• Your job is to survey the text (don't read it yet). 
• You should be working together with your group. I will guide you through the process like we did last week. 

4. CNN 10 

If we have time at the end of the period, we will catch up on today's news! 

*Things We Still Need to Do: 

• Finish our Park51 Mosque and Cultural Center debates (from last Thursday)
• Finish Constitution Presentations from two groups. 
• Some of you need to finish "Principles Behind the Constitution" still in Google Classroom. 

Reading Something New

Goal: Finish our debate, have presentations, and begin our next readings

Agenda: 

Journal 

CNN Ten 

Freedom of Religion

Assignment 

1. Journal 

What is the separation of church and state? 

2. Freedom of Religion 

• Yesterday we started debates on the building of Park51, a mosque and cultural center in Manhattan near the site of Ground Zero. 
• Today we will finish those debates. Attorneys, get ready. 

3. Presentations 

We still have a few Constitution presentations we haven't heard from. Let's finish those today. 

4. New Readings 

• You are grouped based on your reading interest survey yesterday. 
• I am handing out a new text. 
• Your job is to survey the text (without reading it!) 
• You should be working together with your group. 

5. Read Your Article 

And become an expert on it. You will be sharing information about your article with classmates who haven't read it next week. 

6. Google Classroom Assignment

• There is an assignment in Google Classroom that most of you need to finish. 
• It is called "Principles Behind the Constitution" 
• This ties the Constitution to current events. It was due last week. You should have it finished by now - let me know if you have questions.

7. CNN 10 

If we have time, we'll catch up on today's news (more about the whistleblower complaint and what the Constitution has to say about it) 

Reminders: 

Have a fantastic weekend! 

Debate: Freedom of Religion

Goal: Host a debate about the freedom of religion

Agenda: 

Journal 

CNN Ten 

Freedom of Religion

Assignment 

1. Journal 

What conversations in class have surprised you? Consider freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the right to search and seizure, and the rights of minors.

2. CNN Ten 
What's in the news today?

BEFORE WE DO ANYTHING ELSE: 
In preparation for tomorrow, I need you to fill out this ARTICLE CHOICE FORM.

3. Freedom of Religion 

• Yesterday we read a text, "Mosque Protests Add Note of Discord to 9/11 Remembrances"
• Today we are continuing our debate
• You have this chart in your journal you can use to help yourself (it has some great perspectives from those who oppose and those who support the mosque)

• Pick a side: Either you support the building of the mosque, or you oppose the building of the mosque. 
• You are going to defend your side, write your main points out, and defend your position. 
• You will need an opening, closing, and two main points (written on separate pieces of paper). You can type and I will print for you. 
• Your 2 ATTORNEYS will be arguing your side. Make sure they are prepared.

4. Google Classroom Assignment

• There is an assignment in Google Classroom that most of you need to finish. 
• It is called "Principles Behind the Constitution" 
• This ties the Constitution to current events. It was due last week. You should have it finished by now - let me know if you have questions.

Reminders: 

TOMORROW IS NEON DAY! We will be on Sports Day schedule!

Continuing First Amendment Rights

Goal: Read an article about the First Amendment

Agenda: 

Journal 

CNN Ten 

Freedom of Religion

Assignment 

1. Journal 

Have you ever been judged unfairly?

2. CNN Ten 

• In addition to the usual global news, much of today's CNN 10 is dedicated to US Government and Politics.
• There is also a video from the United Nations Summit on Religious Freedom and Climate Change that I want to show you, because it ties into everything we've been discussing in class and it is historically important.

3. Freedom of Religion 

• Yesterday you surveyed a new text ("Mosque Protests Add Note of Discord to 9/11 Remembrances")
• Today we are going to read it and answer some questions about it in our journal.

4. Journal Response Questions 

• I am going to show you quotes from public officials at the time of this event on the board. 
• You are going to respond in your journal. 
• Set up your journal chart like this:

Reminders: 

TOMORROW IS MEME DAY. Dress like your favorite meme.

Freedom of Religion

Goal: Read about Freedom of Religion (1st Amendment)

Agenda: 

Journal 

CNN Ten 

Freedom of Religion

Assignment 

Before we start: Please fill out THIS CONTACT FORM to help me get in touch with an adult in your life about Open House.

1. Journal 

Is there any good reason to keep a group of people from building a place of worship? Why? 

2. CNN Ten 

What's in the news? Let's check it out.

4. Survey the Text: Freedom of Religion

• We are going to start reading a new article about the 1st Amendment (in a current event form).
• The strategy we will use before we start is called Surveying the Text.
• I will walk you through the steps to Survey the Text in class.

3. Freedom of Religion 

• Today we are reading a new story about potential infringement on freedom of religion. 
• You should already have a copy in Google Drive. 
• Today, you will complete an assignment based on this story.

4. Journal Response Questions 

• I am going to show you quotes from public officials at the time of this event on the board. 
• You are going to respond in your journal. 

Reminders: 

We have FAST Testing on Wednesday during 3rd period. Bring a pair of headphones that connect to the Chromebooks if you have them.

Bill of Rights

Goal: Discuss the Bill of Rights and how they relate to civil liberties

Agenda: 
Journal
CNN Ten
Visual Representation of Bill of Rights
1st Amendment

1. Journal
Should groups with hateful views be allowed to protest in public spaces?

2. CNN Ten 
What's in the news today?

3. Articles 4 and 5 Presentations 

• We did not get to hear from Articles 4 and 5 last Thursday. 
• Our quiz on Articles 4 and 5 will happen later this week. 
• Take notes during the presentations. I will review any material not covered in the presentation that will be on the quiz. 

SHIFTING OUR FOCUS: THE BILL OF RIGHTS 
You've heard of the Bill of Rights. We know it's the First 10 Amendments to the Constitution.

3. Visual Representation of Your Knowledge

The Bill of Rights is made up of the first ten amendments to the US Constitution.

Choose one of the amendments and create a visual representation (using the computer or drawing by hand).

Include the following elements:

• Your Name 
• Amendment #
• Amendment Name
• Amendment Text
• Illustration

Reminders: 

We have FAST Testing on Wednesday during 3rd period. Bring a pair of headphones that connect to the Chromebooks if you have them.

Constitution Test

Welcome Back Ms. Natheos! 

Goal: Take a test based on Constitution presentations from yesterday (Articles 1-3) and complete a written assignment

Agenda: 
Journal
CNN Ten
Test
Principles Behind Constitution

1. Journal 
On a scale of 1 to 5, what did you earn on your government journal this week?
I earned a ___ on my Week 4 Government Journal because _____________________.

2. CNN Ten 
Today's news has some information about the US Federal Reserve (this impacts all of us!) Click HERE to learn about it.

3. Constitution Test 
Yesterday we got through presentations 1-3. The test today is based on Articles 1-3. Presentations and quiz for 4-7 will be next week. Here are the slideshows your classmates put together. Most of the answers to the test can be found within the slideshows, or based on yesterday's discussion:

• Article 1: The Legislative Branch 
• Article 2: The Executive Branch 
• Article 3: The Judicial Branch 

You are NOT to work with one another or use any other sites/resources besides the slideshows linked above or your journal notes from yesterday.

Click HERE to take the Constitution test.

Please remember that Google Forms do not save your progress, so if you close your computer before you submit the Form all of your work will be lost. Be careful!

4. Principles Behind the Constitution

• There is an assignment in Google Classroom called "Principles Behind the Constitution." 
• It asks you to question what the most important ideas behind the Constitution are. 
• Work on this assignment when you finish your test, but remain quiet so your classmates can finish their tests, too.

Reminders:

• Check out a book from our classroom library. Use the link on the blog to the right. >> 
• Don't forget to sign off the paper on the table saying all your laptops are plugged in and supplies are in order. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT'S THE WEEKEND! 
• Email me if you have any questions. cdaniel@sandi.net
• See you Monday! 

Project Presentations

Goal: Present Constitution Projects and get our questions answered

Agenda: 
Journal
CNN Ten
Writing Assignment
Project Presentations
Wrap Up

1. Journal
How did things go yesterday with Ms. Natheos? Explain in detail.

2. CNN Ten
The news today talks about Israel's new government, Samsung technology, and something called "spelunking."

3. Google Classroom Assignment

• Yesterday you watched a film called "Creating a Constitution" and answered questions based on what you saw. 
• There was an assignment posted in Google Classroom called "Creating a Constitution: Writing Assignment" but only 3 of you finished.
• We are going to have about 15 minutes of time to finish these questions because I cannot move on until you have answered them.

4. Constitution Project 

• You have been working with a group to create a slideshow on an Article of the Constitution.
• Today you are presenting your work to the class. 
• We will be taking notes in our journals as each group presents. 
• Use THIS FORM to evaluate your partner(s). I take your scores into consideration.

7. DON'T FORGET 

• Tomorrow I will have a sub for the second part of my training. 
• You will be taking your Constitution test. 
• Email me if you need anything! cdaniel@sandi.net

Creating the Constitution

Welcome Back, Ms. Natheos! 

Goal: Watch a film and write about the creation of the Constitution

Agenda: 
Journal
CNN Ten
Film
Writing Assignment

1. Journal
What qualities would be important to you when you elect a leader (senator, president, city council member, etc.)? Describe 3 qualities and explain why each is important. 

2. CNN Ten
The news today talks about oil prices, sharks, and an experiment about rats and hide-and-seek.

3. Film: "Creating a Constitution"

• Click HERE To watch the film "Creating the Constitution" 

4. FILM GUIDE

• Answer the questions provided during the film. 
• These questions are due to Ms. Natheos by the end of the period.



Complete this viewing guide during the film

5. Google Classroom 

• There is an assignment posted in Google Classroom called "Creating a Constitution: Writing Assignment." 
• Answer these questions in at least one paragraph (4-6 sentences minimum).
• When you have completed the assignment, click "Turn In" so I know you're done. 

6. Constitution Project 

• You have been working with a group to create a slideshow on an Article of the Constitution. (Emily and Christian,  if you are here today please create your presentation around Articles 6+7. Class, please explain to Emily and Christian what they are supposed to do). 
• Ms. Natheos has the colored papers you've been using as a resource. 
• If you have extra time and you know your project needs some more work, finish the project today. 
• You will be presenting TOMORROW in class (no extensions).

7. DON'T FORGET 

• At the end of class, someone needs to sign off the sheet of paper on your table saying that all laptops are plugged in and all supplies are left on the tables. 
• Email me if you have any questions! cdaniel@sandi.net 
• See you all tomorrow!

Day 2 of The Constitution Project

*Classroom Update: No food of any kind allowed during class. Bad for computers, brings roaches, and invites ants. No more.

Goal: Finish and present our Constitution Projects

Agenda: 
Journal
CNN Ten
Individual Conferences
Constitution Project

1. Journal 
What do you think would happen if we had no laws?

2. CNN Ten 
An election in Israel, GM workers strike, and the world's busiest airport are all in the news today.

3. Individual Conferences 

• The first grading period ends this Friday. 
• We are going to have individual conferences today to discuss your goals and progress. 
• There is an assignment in Google Classroom that you need to fill out before our conference. 
• I will be calling you one-by-one to discuss your class progress outside. 

4. The Constitution

• YESTERDAY you were assigned an article of the constitution to create a presentation about. 
• You will present on this article TODAY at the end of the period.
• Use this SLIDE DECK TEMPLATE to display your information.
• Here are some more helpful resources: 

• Get Your Quotes: Full Text of the Original Constitution
• Understand the Meaning: Each Original Article and its Meaning
• View the Suggested Questions: The Constitution in Plain English Study Guide 

Reminders: 

Use your new table roles today. 

The Constitution Project

Goal: Create projects on the articles of the Constitution so we understand the impact of the document

Agenda: 
Journal
CNN Ten
Constitution Project

1. Journal 
No journal today; arranging the Constitution Project

2. CNN Ten 
Today's CNN Ten shows an update on protests in Hong Kong (remember our conversation last week about extradition?) 

3. The Constitution

• There are 7 articles of the Constitution.
• You have each pulled an article assignment from the bucket. 
• You will present on this article TOMORROW during class. 
• Use this SLIDE DECK TEMPLATE to display your information.
• Full Text of the Original Constitution
• Each Original Article and its Meaning
• The Constitution in Plain English Study Guide 

Reminders: 

Check out a book from our classroom library and try it! (QR codes posted in class take you to the check out form!)

Democratic Debates Recap

Goal: Recap some of the major topics from the 9/12 Democratic Debates

Agenda: 
Journal
CNN Ten
Debates

1. Journal 
Do we have a responsibility as humans to care for others? Please explain your answer.

2. CNN Ten 
Today's CNN Ten shows an update on the storm damage in the Bahamas, an explanation of the difference between micromoon, harvest moon, and full moon, and what it means to be a nurse in a refugee community.

3. Democratic Debates 

• Per classroom request, we will be discussing the democratic debates that happened last night. 
• Take notes on the different candidates and their positions - there are 10 individuals involved in the debates, so it can get challenging to keep track! 
• We will discuss the debates and how they illustrate what is important to those who govern.

Reminders: 

Check out a book from our classroom library and try it over the weekend! (Use the book check out form on the blog). 

Bill of Rights

Goal: Learn about the Bill of Rights and the Constitution

Agenda: 
Journal
CNN Ten
Quiz Review
Articles of the Constitution
Real Life Alert

1. Journal 
How do you think you did on the quiz yesterday? Explain.

2. CNN Ten
In today's news, there is a new law proposed regarding vaping and e-cigarettes!

3. Quiz Review
YESTERDAY you took a quiz on the founding documents. Let's see how you did!

3. Discussing the Bill of Rights 
Set up this table in your journal (You might want to leave a little bit more space than I did so you have room to write about the amendments):

We are going to use the handouts I'm passing out to help us put the first 10 amendments (The Bill of Rights) into our own words!

Check out this resource from the American Civil Liberties Union: Bill of Rights in Plain English

REAL LIFE ALERT: 

• Tonight you can watch the Top 10 Democratic Candidate Debate at 5PM. 
• Click HERE for an interactive guide to the candidates and their PLATFORMS. 
• Click HERE to watch a dramatic trailer from the July debates. 

Reminders:
ASB after school today! Join us as we talk about our upcoming Spirit Week and Sports Day!

Bill of Rights

Goal: Bill of rights and civil liberties

Agenda: 
Journal
CNN Ten
Quiz
Bill of Rights

1. Journal 
Most of you were not alive on 9/11 but it shaped many of our government and life events since. How do you feel when you think about the day? Explain.

2. CNN Ten 
Today's episode reminds us of what happened on 9/11/01 with a timeline of the day's events and the following media coverage that took place.

3. Quiz
You are taking a QUIZ on our American Government documents. Yesterday we talked about these in our tables:

1. The Articles of Confederation
2. The Declaration of Independence 
3. The Bill of Rights
4. The Constitution

You worked with your tables to list concepts about each document.
You can use your pictures from yesterday's table work to help you answer questions on the quiz.

4. Discussing the Bill of Rights 

We are going to use the handouts I'm passing out to help us put the first 10 amendments (The Bill of Rights) into our own words!

5. Visual Representation of Your Knowledge

The Bill of Rights is made up of the first ten amendments to the US Constitution.
Choose one of the amendments and create a visual representation (using the computer or drawing by hand).

Include the following elements:

• Your Name 
• Amendment #
• Amendment Name
• Amendment Text
• Illustration

Check out this guide from the American Civil Liberties Union about the Bill of Rights in Plain English. (Without the old terms from the 1700s!)

Reminders: 
Soccer after school today at 12:30! All are welcome to play! 

Founding Documents

Goal: Learn about our founding documents

Agenda: 
Journal
CNN Ten
Founding Documents

1. Journal 
What does it mean to have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?"

2. CNN Ten 
Today's episode of CNN Ten covers India's mission to the moon, typhoons in Asia, and storm damage from Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas.

3. Founding Documents 
Each table has been assigned a founding document (from UNITED STATES government).
Find as many FACTS about the document as you can.
Use your whiteboard tables to create a presentation for the class about the document.

1. The Articles of Confederation
2. The Declaration of Independence 
3. The Bill of Rights
4. The Constitution

Give us as many facts as you can, but make sure to hit the following:

• Date published/ratified?
• Who wrote it/signed it? 
• Who was in favor of the document? 
• Was anyone opposed to the document?
• What were the main ideas of the document? 
• Do we still use the document today? 

4. Visual Representation of Your Knowledge

The Bill of Rights is made up of the first ten amendments to the US Constitution.
Choose one of the amendments and create a visual representation (using the computer or drawing by hand).
Include the following elements:

• Amendment #
• Amendment Name 
• Amendment Text
• Illustration
• Your name 

Check out this guide from the American Civil Liberties Union about the Bill of Rights in Plain English. (Without the old terms from the 1700s!)

Reminders: 

ASB is meeting after school today. Come join us! 

Colonial Government Presentations

Goal: Learn about how the English government impacted the American government

Agenda: 
CNN Ten
Self-Score Journal
English Government
Reminders

1. CNN Ten
Check out today's episode of CNN Ten.

2. Self-Score Journal 
Use the SCORING GUIDE to the right to help let me know what you think you should earn on your government journal. Give a thoughtful reason; I will consider your score and reasoning.

3. Continuing English Governments Project

• You were put into groups on Friday and you started your presentation. 
• The goal is to present your completed project by the end of class today. 
• You already used THIS TEMPLATE to start the project, and you should have shared it with your group mates and me (cdaniel@sandi.net). 

Group Assignments: 
1. Magna Carta
2. English Bill of Rights
3. John Locke
4. Jean-Jacques Rousseau
5. Charles-Louise de Montesquieu (If you were absent on Friday, you are presenting on #5.)

4. Presentation Evaluations 

• How you think you did on your presentation is important to me. 
• Use THIS FORM to self-score yourself, your group mates, and the other presenters. 
• The rubric above should help you consider your score. 

Reminders: 

If you have missed out on journal entries, maybe you should think about catching up. Ask me for help! 

English Government vs. American Government

Check out Rock the Vote for resources about registering to vote and voters' guides.

Goal: Learn about how the English government impacted the American government

Agenda: 
CNN Ten
Self-Score Journal
English Government
Reminders

1. CNN Ten
Check out today's episode of CNN Ten.

2. Self-Score Journal 
Use this SCORING GUIDE to help let me know what you think you should earn on your government journal. Be serious about it, because I will consider your score.

3. Who should get to vote? Debate. 

I am going to present you with scenarios in class. 

You will decide whether each person should have the right to vote in our democracy. 

Be prepared to defend your answer.  

4. English Governments

• You are going to work in groups again today.
• Your goal is to create a presentation you can share with your classmates next Monday.
• ONE PERSON in each group click on THIS TEMPLATE and share it with your classmates
• Also be sure to share your presentation with Ms. Daniel (cdaniel@sandi.net). 

You will be assigned to one of the following terms: 
1. Magna Carta
2. English Bill of Rights
3. John Locke
4. Jean-Jacques Rousseau
5. Charles-Louise de Montesquieu

You are presenting your project in class on MONDAY. Working together is imperative. Everyone in your group must participate.

Myths about Voting

Source: Tolerance.org

Goal: Debunk some myths about voting

Agenda: 
Journal
Myths
Reminders

1. Journal
Who do you know in your life has voted? Will you be able to vote when you turn 18?

2. Voter Registration Form 
I'm passing out copies of the voter registration form. Answer these questions with your partner:

• What parts are easy to understand? 
• What parts are hard to understand? 
• How would you change it so it's easier to register to vote? 

3. Should Felons Be Allowed to Vote? 

We are going to read an article about a man trying to change the system in Florida so he and other individuals who have been incarcerated for a felony can vote. 

NOTE: Yesterday we talked about voting with a felony on your record. 

Check out what I found on nonprofitvote.org. 

4. Myth or Reality?

1. The U.S. Constitution guarantees all U.S. citizens the right to vote.
2. Presidential elections are the ones that really matter.
3. Voter I.D. fraud is a big problem in the United States.
4. College students have to vote where their parents live. 
5. It doesn't matter if everyone votes because not every vote counts.

5. Group Project 

• You are going to be put into groups, and I am assigning you to one of the myths above. 
• Your task is to create a presentation answering the following questions: 
• If everyone believed this myth, what would change? 
• If no one believed this myth, what would change? 
• Who benefits from this myth? 
• Your project must answer all three questions. You can make a poster or a slideshow, but you need to have something to show the class by the end of the period. 
• If you want to make a slideshow, start with THIS SLIDESHOW TEMPLATE. (Share the template with your group and with Ms. Daniel cdaniel@sandi.net) 

Reminders: 
ASB meets today after school. Come with me to check it out!

Democracy and Voting

Goal: Learn more about democracy

Agenda: 
Journal
Review Government Systems

1. Journal: 
Should the government be concerned with giving money to people who struggle financially? Why or why not?

2. Review Government Systems: 

• Oligarchy
• Monarchy 
• Autocracy 
• Democracy

3. Let's Vote

I'm giving you topics in class to vote on. Decide quickly - we're going to keep this moving pretty fast.

Why do you think so few Americans vote? 

• Some people aren't allowed to vote. 
• Voting is more difficult for some people than others. 
• Some people don't think their vote matters. 

Lesson Extension: 

Learn more about voter restriction laws across the United States. 

Reminders: 
Today is a minimum day, like all of our first and second Wednesdays of each month will be. We still have lots to do, though!

Different Government Systems

Goal: Review what we know about economic systems and start examining different government systems

Agenda: 
Journal
About You
Syllabus Review
Economic Systems Review
Introduce Government Systems
About You

1. Journal 
Your journal assignment today is to finish telling me three things about yourself (from 8/30/19).

• If you already gave me three, add more details. 
• EVERYONE must finish this. 
• I gave you feedback over the weekend. 

2. About You 

Please fill out this ABOUT YOU FORM.
Make sure I receive it by the end of the period (if I have you for both English and Government, please fill it out in both classes).

3. Syllabus Review 

• The course syllabus is linked on the blog (above). 
• It's infographic style, and I'm working on a PDF style for those who prefer to just read a document. 

4. Economic Systems Review 

• Instead of CNN Ten, we're going to take notes on a review video of economic systems. 
• Last week we learned about capitalism, socialism, and communism. 
• What can you recall about these different economic systems?

5. Introducing Government Systems 
We looked at three major economic systems, but we're going to go over several more government systems today. Can you guess which one the US is?

Reminders:
Welcome to the second week of school! I'm proud of you.