World Geography ~ Middle East

First, a HUGE thank you to Dr. Qayyum for his insight into the history of Pakistan (and to Mrs. Qayyum for the samosas!).

As we discuss the Middle East these next couple of weeks, as we continue to learn and understand more about the history and current situation, please keep an open mind. I'll try to present information from both sides of these issues. In that spirit, I've given you a handout from Newsweek to read over the weekend that examines the current situation from both sides. Central to the discussion is the "two state" solution. Read the handout and use it as the basis for your current event report over the weekend.

Also, I've posted the video we tried to watch in class, from 60 Minutes, which looks at the conflict from the point of view of the Palestinian people (mostly). Watch it and tell me what you think on Monday:

Watch CBS Videos Online

Gun Control Debate

In light of recent mass shootings , some have argued that we need stricter laws regarding the sale and ownership of guns and ammunition, while others believe that the current laws are sufficient or too restrictive, some arguing for less regulation. The debate centers around the second amendment and its interpretation: THE SECOND AMENDMENT A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. What is your opinion? Consider our discussion of the language of the amendment itself, along with issues such as the assault weapons ban, open carry laws, licensing, and background checks. What amount of "gun control" is necessary, if any, to ensure public safety? You were supposed to bring a relevant article to class on Thursday. In addition, you might also want to look at the following links discussed in class: NRA President Wayne LaPierre's response to the Newtown traged...

Seniors ~ Three (Small) Writing Assignments

As you work on your memory books this week and next, you should also be working on the end-of-year writing assignments. I've given you a handout (if you were on class): A letter to your future self -- imagine yourself four years from now...where will you be, and what will you be doing? Is it what you planned? What do you hope to remember about NOW? What's important? Address your future self in a letter (standard form), and enclose it in a self-address envelope. I won't read it, but I do need to know you've done it, so don't seal it. A reflective paragraph that will serve as the introduction to your memory book. What is your overall impression of your high school years? What do you want to remember most? Finally, write a poem about your senior class. The form and tone of the poem is up to you: funny, serious or sad; rhyming couplets, ballad, or free verse. However you write it, though, please take it seriously. A copy of this poem should go in your memory ...

Homework

Seniors We are discussing the latest in robotics technologies this week. Typically, we tend to merge the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence, but I'd like to start with the ways we have already integrated robotics into our world before we move on to advanced software. The results are staggering. Generally speaking, we are investigating some of the ways we are using robotics to make our lives easier and more productive. I would like you to think about what differentiates "machines" from "robots" as we use the terms. Also consider Asimov's three laws of robotics as it applies to these devices. Finally, in what ways might robotics be used in the near future? You might focus your research in one of the following general categories: Domestic - Cleaning , Personal Health, and Comfort Industrial - Health , Production, Delivery , Service, and Maintenance Military - Military Strikes, Law and Order, Exploration , Defense, Aide Below is a chart w...

river oaks [english]

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