World Religions on the Honors exam? Yes.

A sharp-eyed student pointed out that the Study Guide didn’t include World Religions, but since we spent a fair amount of time on that topic, and its PowerPoint is listed on this blog, it would be a shame to not include 10-12 World Religion questions on tomorrow’s Honors Exam.

an early Christmas gift

As I announced in class, you will be allowed to use an index card during your essay exam on Friday.

This generous offer comes with the following guidelines:

• the index card may be no larger than 4" X 6"
• you may only put bullet points or other short notes on the card
• you are NOT allowed to have full sentences or paragraphs on your card
• you may write on both sides of the card
• you need to show me your card at the start of Friday's class to be sure you are in compliance

Violations of these guidelines will result in academic penalties and disciplinary action. But I have faith that you will use your index card wisely, as a tool to help you write a better essay.

essay pre-writing

I am very impressed with how both Honors sections got right to work today, organizing and researching their essays during class time. I am confident that you will be in great shape when it is time to compose your essays for real during Friday's class.

It's been mentioned in class several times, but it bears repeating: if you are not in class this Friday to take the essay portion of your exam, you will have to make it up during Exam Week. It will be your responsibility to arrange this with Mr. Hollin, our Assistant Principal of Academics. I sincerely hope that everyone will be in class on Friday as scheduled.

transitioning from the quiz to the semester exam

Now that we have the quiz behind us, we turn our attention to the semester exam.

Step One: click on my Semester Exam Study Guide, and check out the three options you have for the essay portion of the exam. Then, CHOOSE WHICH ESSAY you plan to write. This will prepare you for the coming week of class. Each section will spend two class periods prepping their essay, before actually writing their essay in class this Friday.

Monday's quiz

Pro tip: here are three concrete steps you can take to ace the 50-point quiz on the Demographic Transition.

1. take a close look at the worksheet you highlighted in class
2. review the three videos we discussed in class
3. re-examine the drawing you did in class of the Demographic Transition model

It's that simple. All of the questions on the quiz come from the model, the videos, and the handout. It's the best way to finish the month strong, and head into Exam Week on a high note.

for visual learners

This look at the Demographic Transition model should be helpful as you prepare for Monday's quiz.

classwork for Wed Dec 4

I will not be in class today. Here is the 10-point assignment you will do while I am out.
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​I have posted three videos on the Demographic Transition, both here and on my blog. Watch all three videos, and write down three things you learned from each one (for a total of nine). Finally, pick the video you think was most helpful to you, and explain why you chose that one.
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​​Khan Academy video
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​​video from Kim Smith, Ph.D.
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​​Why Populations Grow
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​This assignment is worth 10 points, and it must be posted to your blog before midnight tonight, so what you don't finish in class is homework. Late penalties apply. Be productive, no game playing in class, and be nice to your sub. I hope to see you soon.

news you can use

Here is a link to the first iteration of the Semester Exam Study Guide.

Updates will be forthcoming, and announced in class.