Global Studies with Steph

2011-06-16T06:44:00.001-07:00

Resume Web Sites

My first resume
https://www.careerkids.com/resumeSSL.php

Another Resume maker
http://www.teachingkidsbusiness.com/resume.htm

Step by step template
http://www.hourlycareers.com/resources/resume-center/resume-template-high-school-student/

Great example
http://www.quintcareers.com/SuzieStudent-Teen-Resume.pdf

FInal Exam Review and Prep, Day 1

2011-05-09T05:33:00.000-07:00

Start a brand new sheet of paper and keep all this information together and organized.

1. Using one of the dictionaries in the classroom or looking it online, define the term ECONOMY.

2. Analyze the final question:

Final Question

What role does the economy play in the success or failure of a dynasty, empire, civilization, or community? Use examples from at least three different dynasties, empires, civilizations, or communities?

3. Without looking at your notes try to write all of the different dynasties, empires, civilization, communities. After five minutes, take a few moments and compare your list with two other classmates.

4. Now, this is so important, organize your notes into different dynasties, empires, civilizations, communities, and trade routs. Don't forget the Silk Road, information related to imperialism/colonialism, the hunter gatherers, and the agricultural revolution (watch the brian pop!).

Homework (you can get a lot done in class)

Looking at the final questions and the definition of economy write down one sentence about the strength of weakness of the economy of as many of the dynasties, empires, civilizations, communities, and trade routs as you can.

NOTE: I will check you notes each day at the beginning of class, each day that your motes are organized, completed, and kept up with you can score a 5 out 5 quiz grade each day!

Grandparent's Day!!!!

2011-04-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

Timeline of the 20th Century

PBS Timeline of 20th Century

Links and Info for Tn MS Youth Leg

2011-03-04T06:49:00.001-08:00

Links and info for Middle School Youth Leg

The Official Website for Tennessee Youth in Government
http://www.tennesseeyig.org/yig/msyig/index.htm

Follow this link to find out what current bills are in the TN legislature, law codes, the official TN Legislature website, and Lexus Nexus (Great Research Site)
http://www.tennesseeyig.org/yig/links.htm

This link below has some great information on how to pick a topic. This is guide is for Youth Leg in the State of Indiana but the suggestions on pages 1 and 2 of the guide give greats steps for how your group picks a topic and will work for TN. Just make sure you look up laws in Tennessee and not Indiana! (see above links)
http://www.inyag.org/downloads/Legislature/The%20Bill%20Development%20Process.pdf

This link has a bunch of examples of Middle School bill for Youth Leg in Michigan. Read these over to get some ideas for what your group may want to do.
http://www.myig.org/ms/ms_docs/07%20Middle%20School%20House%20bills.pdf

A great way to find possible topics that could be made into laws is to search Editorials from Tennessee Newspapers. Editorials are different from regular newspaper articles because they state opinions where are article are supposed to just give facts without any opinion. I have links below to several editorial sections from TN newspapers.

Remember to focus on TN issues not national ones.

Memphis – The Commercial Appeal
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/opinion/editorial/

Nashville – The Tennessean
http://www.tennessean.com/section/OPINION?nav=6

Knoxville – The News Sentinel
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/opinion/

Chattanooga – The Times Free Press
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/opinion/

Photos of Brainstorming for Mid-Term Essay

2010-12-10T09:28:00.001-08:00

Dynasty Research Question List

2010-11-30T08:46:00.001-08:00

Dynasty Research Check List

You will have to site every piece of information with the specific place you found the information. Make sure that you track every web site, WITH A SPECIFIC LINK.

When did the dynasty/empire start/stop and who did they replace and who replaced them?

Describe the geography of the location of your dynasty/empire.

Describe two to three key people in your dynasty/empire.

Describe one to two key events in your dynasty/empire.

Describe two to three inventions/breakthroughs in your dynasty/empire.

Describe the hierarchy and class system of your dynasty/empire.

Describe the method of rule/ government of your dynasty/empire

Describe how the economy of your dynasty/empire.

Describe the following parts of culture;

Arts

Literature

Religion/Philosophy

Class Activity for Monday, Nov. 15th

2010-11-15T06:31:00.000-08:00

Go to this link and follow the directions. The username and password on the usual ones for the Hutch Library.

http://ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/Topics/Display/1185087?cid=71&webSiteCode=SLN_HANC&returnToPage=%2fTopics%2fDisplay%2f1185087%3fcid%3d71&sid=1185090&useConcept=False&token=CAA02C544CF5024E17BC1F42AB37375E&casError=False

The Ultimate Model UN site for links

2010-10-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

Here is the link
http://guest.portaportal.com/modelun

Power Point about Islam

2010-10-25T06:40:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to the power point from class.

LINK

Graphic Organizers for Essay Test

2010-09-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

Here are the G.O.'s that the classes made from the activity to help study for the essay test.

8.1
SH

LC

HP JK MMM

MT KS KF HL RM

8.2

IW EO KD LB

JW MW CE BCP

CB MMMJ KK

ES CN GB

8.3
AL BF KW CA

AlBu

CK CH AR

DeMcD

8.4
VB KM SGM JD

EM WS BH SGR AAG

RW

CW RC AW KK

Welcome

2010-08-18T09:23:00.001-07:00

Welcome to 8th grade!!!!!!!!

Leaving on a jet plane!

2010-05-01T02:18:00.000-07:00

We are about to board the plane. See everyone soon!

North Korea

2010-04-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of North Korea from the DMZ.

Pyeongang

2010-04-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

This is the last stop on the railroad before North Korea.

This place has no traffic.

Final Exam Prep

2010-04-30T05:18:00.000-07:00

The Final Exam!!!!!
The exam will have some vocab, short answer, and one five paragraph
essay.

I will post the Vocab this weekend.
The best way to prepare is to work on this essay.

Using examples from areas of the wold we have studied explain the
following question with a five paragraph essay.

"What are the characteristics of successful society?"

Make sure you define what you mean by success and be specific.

We will prep the same way for th final as we did for the mid-term with
exercise and drills.

See you on Monday!!!!
Sent from my iPhone

Shopping in Seoul

2010-04-30T03:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, I really didn't shop but I walked around with the people who
were shopping.

Want to know what Seoul is like? Think New York City, in Asia. The
place is totally metropolitan and mondern.

Ok it's Namsam not Namwon

2010-04-30T02:13:00.000-07:00

Here is the last view of Seoul from NAMSAM tower. View of Pyongyang.
North Korea less than 200 KM, @120 miles, away.

United States Embassy

2010-04-30T02:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of our embassy in Seoul

More views of Seoul

2010-04-30T02:01:00.000-07:00

Cool views

Views from Namwan Tower

2010-04-30T01:59:00.000-07:00

More pictures!

Seoul view from Namsam Tower

2010-04-30T00:20:00.000-07:00

Pretty cool view!

Post Skype snack

2010-04-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

After we skyped with my Mom and then one of my History classes we
ordered fried chicken take out.

So much fun.

Sori Performing Arts Center

2010-04-29T00:44:00.000-07:00

This morning we saw the Sori Performing Art Center (LINK) of Jeonju. Wow, is all I can say.

Outside

Cool Art

Past and upcoming performances

They have venues that seat @3,000 people, @700 people, and an outdoor open air area that seats @7,000 people.

The stages and tech was awesome. Rotating stages, dropping orchestra pits, state of the arts acoustics, and things that I'm not even sure what is done.

While we were there they were in the midst of preparing for the Jeonju International Film Festival (LINK). They were literally preparing the red carpet for the tonight's grand opening!

Jeonju English Center

2010-04-29T00:35:00.000-07:00

Students at Jeonju English Center

On this the final full day in Jeonju we visited the Jeonju English Center. The school is focused on speaking English rather than specific grammar. It is financed through the government. It works with the local schools rather than a after school language "cram school".

The school has immersion programs for 5th and 6th grade students where the 5th spends afternoons on Thursday and Firday at the school and then 6th graders spend Monday to Wednesday at the school in the mornings. There are also sessions for other grades at all other times, Remember students go to school on Saturdays in Korea!

The school classrooms are set up like a store, kitchen, passport/government office, hospital, and a science classroom. They focus on speaking English and vocab that will make the student successful in those areas!

The science room

It was very cool. Only English was spoken here.

Traditional Korean music at the high school

2010-04-28T23:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some performances of traditonal Korean music done by some of the students in the art and music department at the school we visited.

The instrument below is called a gayageum. Click HERE for more info on this instrument.

From 2010.4.28 Jeonju

The style of music done below is called pansori. Click HERE for more info abut pansori.

From 2010.4.28 Jeonju

The intstrument below is called a Daegeum. Click HERE for more info about daegeum.
For more information on Korean culture and music click on the link below:

LINK

Oh the press is so bothersome

2010-04-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

In the news, again! So much fun.

Last days in Jeonju

2010-04-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

A couple of boys from the class I taught
hamming it up for the camera.

Yesterday we visited what can be best described as a magnet school middle/high school for the arts. The students gave music performances of tradtional Korean music. After they performed we went to one of the classes and I showed a photostory of. "A day in the life of a Hutchison Student", by Greer B. They loved it!!!!

After the video I was able to lead a question and answer session about US school and culture. It was great.

The girls at my homestay, they have daughters ages 12 to 18. They had friends over to meet me. It was a circus, tons of fun. They love the iPhone and the video that Greer did for this project.

Playing with the iPhone.

The kids from homestay and their friends and neighbors.

A girl at the school we visited being off task out the window.

I love disrupting classes.

Teaching in Korea

2010-04-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

We visited a middle school, high school, and an arts academy. The
music division of the academy focused on traditional Korean music and
art.

Afterword I was able to speak to a class of Korean students. I was
able to play Greer's photostory. They loved it!!

I then lead a question and answer session about American schools and
Hutchison.

It was great to be in front of a classroom again.

The photo below is of a "senior" in high school who played a
"kayeageum", a traditional Korean string instrament. It was great.

Visit with the Lieutentant Governor of the Province

2010-04-27T23:50:00.000-07:00

Today we visited the Jeollanbuk-do government. We visited the province
(think state) assistant Governor.

After meeting with him we met with the head of the State Assembley of
Jeollanbuk-do.

We watches some promotional videos for the state. The cool thing is
that we saw nearly everything that te video promoted.

A visit to a Pepper Farm

2010-04-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

After we left the Jirisan Mountain National Park we were treated to a
you of one of our new friend's farm. He grows green, red, yellow, and
orange peppers.

When you drive around Korea you see these small to large greenhouses
all over the place. They enable the Korean farmers to farm all kinds
of things that would be typically out of season.

The Koreans may not have a ton a land in their country but they use
eery inch of it.

A day in the life of a Hutchison Student

2010-04-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

One of my students, Greer B. put this together after getting photos of the middle school so I could show it on my last school visit this Wednesday!

It's awesome!!

Tea with a monk

2010-04-27T02:15:00.000-07:00

Today we visited one of the most simple yet most spiritual Biddhist
Temples. Ssanggyesa monastery is well known in Korea and in the
Buddhist world.

They have an organic farm and anyone can go and live there while they
learn to farm in an organic and "Zen" way. Sounds neat, for a week.

While there we were invited to have tea with the Head of the
Monastery. Even the Koreans we were with had never done this!

He was great. He spoke pretty good English and had a very warming
smile. We had a couple of cups of tea with him.

Lunch in the Mountains

2010-04-27T01:53:00.000-07:00

After our walk in the mountains and the park we had lunch at a small
mountain resteraunt. They cooked a meal thatvis special for the region
called, "Black Pig".

They smoked the meat outside the place. I sat outside while they
cooked the meat. It was delicious.

Great meal and better people. The peope of Namwon have been fantastic.

A Walk in Jinsan National Park and Mt. Jiri

2010-04-27T01:49:00.000-07:00

Although today was a bit chilly the sun was shining and the view was
great. We walked for about an hour and a half up the mountain. We
stopped were the photo was taken.

The view was spectacular!

On to Namwon

2010-04-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

Namwon is a smaller town about an hour drive from Jeonju. It is known
as the, "City of Love". There is legend in this city about a couple
from different classes of society that falls in love. It's basically
the Romeo and Juliet of Korea.

They were finishing up their three day town festival which celebrates
the city's history and culture.

We walked around the fesrival. Even though it was in the rain it was
still quite nice. In the afternoon we had some delicious freshly
ground Ginger tea.

Dinner was amazing as usual. People imagine having Thanksgiving dinner
for three straight weeks. Welcome to my Korea dining experience.

Here is a photo of the city park. Namwon is a beautiful city.
Tommorrow we head for a walk through the Jirisan National Forrest.

See everyone soon!!!!!

Rotary District Conference - Video and Photos

2010-04-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

Okay. Imagine an event one part student government convention, one part college football tailgate, one part family reunion, one part rock concert, and finally mixed with a black tie fundraiser.

We pulled onto Woosuk University campus I our yellow van. From the get go we were treated as VIP's. We drove right past all the barricades into preferred parking. Coffee and rice cakes were had in what can only be described as backstage.

We then made our way into the campus gym where the place was set up to seat @3,000. We were shown our front row seats and then brought to the back of the arena so we could be introduced as we walked in.

I felt like LeBron James. I wonder if Lebron ever feels like a chubby white middle school teacher.

After our speech in the morning session (1st half) we went outside and cruised the tents and their food. It was literally like an Asian Ole Miss Grove. The food was obviously very different, there was some fried chicken.

We bounced from tent to tent like celebrities. We were all running into our home stay families and other people we had meant over the last three weeks. We ate, a lot. After about 10 tents, we were invites to more. A Loud airborne signaled the end of lunch and for everyone to return to the auditorium.

It was great! We literally could not walk twenty feet without someone calling out or names and posing for photos. We even walked past one tent that had a banner of their club that included a photo of their members with Ruth and Laura at some festival they attended. It was surreal.

After halftime we were treated to group participation games and a concert that was a mix of traditional Korean music and K-Pop or Korean Pop.

The whole thing was both ridiculous and interesting.

Pine needle tea

2010-04-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

After a rainy but beautiful walk in the grounds of a Buddhist Temple
in the woods we stopped in for a traditional tea service.

The tea they chose for us, we told them to pick, was pine needle tea.
Now before you think, "Ewwww gross!", hear me out.

The take the pine needles from saplings, baby trees, and soak them in
local honey for six months. The pine needles infuse the honey with a
pine scent an taste. It was deleicious. It would be perfect for a cold
winter day near Christmas.

The coffee house was on the grounds of re Buddhist temple and was all
natural wood. It was a great way to spend the afternoon.

Out!!!

Homestay families and eel!

2010-04-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

On the road again this morning. Our stay on Gochjang was one night. It
was brief but very enjoyable.

We had a dinner of grilled (at our table) eel. You take a price of eel
place it on a big piece of lettuce. You the. Add a slice of raw Gaelic
dipped in spicey Korean sauce, some Ginger, and finally some mountain
herbs an then you shove th whole thing in your mouth. Honestly, it
tastes pretty good.

After dinner I hung out around the living room with my homestay
family. They had three kids, a boy who was 14, a girl who was 12, and
the youngest boy who was 9. They were great. The oldest did home work
most of the time except when he has to translate for us. The youngest
boy was hilarious, he crawled all over me like I was a Jungle Gym. He
woke me up this morning by jumping on me in the bed like some sort of
professional wrestler.

I'm sad the visit wasn't longer. We dropped the kids off at their
respective schools this morning.

Great day!!!!

Turtles and Dragons

2010-04-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

We visited a montain shrine the other day. Near the temple was a
cemetery. The photo represents a typical marker in Korea. The bast of
the marker is. Turtle which represents longevity and the top is a
dragon which represents kingly power or leadership.

Gamma rays and radiation technology

2010-04-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

Intersting day today/yesterday. We visited a radiation technology
research and product development company.

They do all kinds of interesting things with radiation and gamma rays.
Shockingly after that description I must remind everyone that I am not
a science teacher.

They research develops everything fro
space food to cancer cures. We saw inside a beam accelerator. They had
Geiger counters and lead walls. It was safe, ok I'm pretty sure it was
safe

The picture is of Cobalt-60 been beamed. That's the bulk of my science
knowledge, sorry Mr. Clancy.

Later!

Fun and Crazy Day

2010-04-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

One our friends singing Karoke

Cool eatery

Tae Kwan Do

Crazy advertisement

Today has been one of the best days we have had so far. We started the day at the Jeonju Provincial Police Headquarters (think state police). While here we saw the Jeonju CSI lab and met with some of their investigators. They displayed their profiling and computer sketch abilities. They even hooked one of us up to lie detector machine, not me for once. I then shot a gun in their shooting range. Ok, it was a gun that shot electronic bullets and after getting a feel for the target on my second round scored rather well.

A visit to Woosuk University was next and there we toured the campus and met with a professor who is doing research in Kim Chi, the fermented and spicy cabbage that Koreans are famous for. Kim Chi is commonly thought of as one of the world’s healthiest foods. See article link here (LINK). He is basically looking at replicated and improving upon the amino acids that Kin Chi has. It’s basically better for you than yogurt, less fat!

We were also treated to an impromptu Tae Kwan Do performance. It was spectacular. Their performance told the story of the Donghak peasant revolution in late 19th century Korea. Think River Dance meets the Karate Kid, with really athletic and violent ballet. Now that’s a mental picture. Woosuk University is famous for their Tae Kwan Do program, it’s a major and required study by every Korean soldier. SO it was like walking up to tour Duke and then getting to watch them scrimmage before the NCAA tournament.

We visited a museum and then went to a great noodle restaurant. Afterward the families took us out to a little whole in the wall dive for food. It’s like a meat and three in Memphis, except they have fish, Kim Chi, and …, live cut up octopus. I ate some…, of course. From there we hit the town for the typical Karaoke performance. I revisited my performance of Elvis’, Suspicious Lies to a thunderous crowd.

After getting “home” I slept for about 4 or five hours and then had a Skype class with the 8th and 5th graders of Hutchison. They asked great questions and it was good to see everyone.

I’m out!!

The Korean national entrance exam.

2010-04-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Wow this test is feared!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsto0SuLgmY&feature=youtube_gdata

Sent from my iPhonerwa

Videos and articles

2010-04-19T00:30:00.000-07:00

First here are a couple of videos from the weekend in the mountains and of funeral rite conducted by Buddhist monks.

Buddhist Funeral

This article below is huge and difficult but it is extremely insightful. The first two students who read it and submit a paragraph that either summerizes or asks questions to mrcoachsteph@gmail.com gets a prize from Korea. Ask Molly M. I really do this!!!

Link to article below

http://www.brookings.edu/articles/2010/0317_korea_park.aspx

Here is an easier article from Upfront magazine. The first to write a one paragraph summary and submit it to me at mrcoachsteph@gmail.com gets a prize.

http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/upfront/features/index.asp?article=f1113a

Me in the mountains, the view was tremendous!!!!

Health Care in Korea

2010-04-17T23:49:00.000-07:00

I am impressed. First off let me state that there is no perfect health care system. Each system that exists in the world has its strengths and weaknesses. From socialized to entirely privatize. This post has comments on the hospitals that I have seen thus far in Korea. I teach World History, so I am not an expert nor will I ever claim to be. Welcome to the 21st century political atmosphere.

One of the most impressive people I have ever met

His inspiration

The two hospitals that we visited so far are the Woosuk University Hospital that is associated with Woosuk University, in Iksan, which is associated with Won Buddhism and Jesus Hospital in Jeonju. All hospitals are non-profit, by law. In both cases the people that led us around were doctors who had excellent English which was invaluable in the questions and answer parts of the tour. At Woosuk University Hospital two young doctors toured us around their facility. At Jesus Hospital, founded by Presbyterian Missionaries in the late 1800’s, the head doctor and administrator of the hospital led us around.

They each answered questions openly and honestly. Both were extremely proud of their country’s health care system, their profession, and their respective hospitals. They both were shocked at the cost of health care and seemed baffled by the lack of uniform policy and insurance. Let me be clear here. I am in no way an expert. Two people, technically three people from our GSE team work in the health care industry. They work in the areas of marketing, an artificial joint manufacturer, and health insurance auditor. I defer to them completely in matters of health care policy and the inner workings of hospitals.

I watched in amazement at the ease of the Q and Q between my team members and their “counterparts” in Korea.

Here is what this World History teacher thought of the two hospital visits. I was impressed. The coasts seemed ridiculously lower. The mere fact that you knew costs on the front end was impressive. The paying of the bill was so streamlined that patients could go to electronic kiosks (money machine looking things) in the lobby and pays their bill via cash, credit, or debit card. Korea is joining countries like Singapore, India, and Malaysia in the area of “medical tourism”. That means that it is cheaper for an American to travel to Korea first class, stay in five star hotels, receive treatment, and pay cash than it would be to receive health care in the United States. Now both Doctors foresee a shift to for profit hospitals.

On a non public policy note, the head doctor at Jesus Hospital was easily one of the most impressive people I have ever met. He is a dedicated professional who has spent many years overseas on long term medical missionary work. He worked on the Rwandan boarder during the height of the civil war in the country (Think the real life story of the Hotel Rwanda). He worked with hundreds of thousands of children who suffered from Cholera due to unsanitary caused by the brutal violence I the country. He stated that his hospital is committed to medical mission work because so many countries helped Korea when it was one of poorest countries in the world after its own civil war in the 1950’s.

Last observation. The progress made in this country in the last 60 years is amazing. It has gone from one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the leading economic powers in the world.

Interesting link to an editorial story about Korea's rise

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/oct/04/south-koreas-transformation-awe-inspiring-wonder/

Catching up: Photos and some video

2010-04-17T23:17:00.000-07:00

I have about an hour at a coffee shop this weekend so I am catching up on some old blog posts and with photos and video. They will be a bunch of random thoughts, photos, and video so do not try to make sense of it. There is no general theme. Snow in Korea. Yes, on April 14th it snowed in Korea for about 6 hours. It was cold and beautiful. The next day it was sunny and @50 degrees so it lasted only one day, thankfully.

Here are some random photos from some of city visits.

Largest Buddha in Korea

Buddhist Monk after finishing his prayers

Dragons in Gimje, Korea

Stupa in Gimje

Gloden shoes from the Emperor

(They look like very expensive track shoes to me)

This is an actual report card

Making paper, old school way

Beautiful Buddhist temple

Above and below

Hanging at Mt. Muju

2010-04-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

Today we are hanging in the at the Mt. Muju resort area in the
northern part of the Jeollanbuk-Do province.

We went both to the top of theountain to visit another Buddhist Shrine
then we were able to tour the inside of the mountain were there is an
hydroelectric plant.

You could still see snow om te aki slopes in the distance. Korea is
hopefull to put tobether a bid for the 2018 Winter Games. Very cool.

A walk in the mountains

2010-04-16T02:27:00.000-07:00

We had a great hike in the mountains this afternoon. It was a bit cool
but that was quite welcome because of the exercise. The view was
awesome!!!!!

Current Event Assignments and Paper Making

2010-04-15T01:54:00.000-07:00

Hey Girls!

I recieved the Current Event assignments from 8-1. They look great. I
would emailed each of you but didn't have time.

We visited a really neat Hospital and a paper making factory that had
a museum for the history of papermaking. It was very interesting. I
even made a piece of paper the old time way. It was nice because my
family has had four generations of people working in the paper making
industry.

Making the Kim Chi

2010-04-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

Many people have sent emails regarding what we are eating what is
different.

Kim Chi. It is served at every meal and is disticntly Korean. Kim chi
is cabbage that has been lathered in spicy past put in a pottery jar
buried in the ground and fermented over the course of months.

People eat it straight up, put it on their rice to add some spicy
taste, or they put it in thier soups or broths to spice the drink up.

It's quite tasty. It has the same basic taste but varies a great deal.
Put it this way. The way Memphians talk and debate about the various
styles of about BBQ is the way Koreans talk about Kim Chi.

The photo is of an exhibit at agricultural museum in the city of
Gimje. It shows ancient Koreans making Kim Chi.

Buddhist Temple

2010-04-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

This morning we left Iksan. We had a wonderful homestay with a couple
with twin boy and girl. The son was hilarious. What he lacked in
English hemade up for with awesome charades. This morning we played
hangman with English words. Awesome time.

We visited this temple. It was chilly but beautiful. Very serene and
prayerful. U live the layout of these places. I even was able to watch
one monk pray. No pictures of that it would have been rude.

Insidethia building is the largest Buddha in Korea.

Later.

Stupa

2010-04-13T01:27:00.000-07:00

We visited this Buddhist shrine from the early "Three Kingdoms" period
of Korean history.

Having yet another great day.

Week two in Korea begins

2010-04-12T07:02:00.001-07:00

Mr. Lee our bus driver and unofficail photographer and Ruth at Lunch

Another great day in Korea! Since my last substantive post I/we have had the goodbye party in Gusan which included a steak dinner (YAY!!!!) and a Party with the Host families, their kids, and the GSE Team in a private signing room (Karaoke). It was a great family affair with ages from 13 to 71 in attendance. Koreans and Americans mixed freely.

Some highlights included a group sing of Imagine by John Lennon, vey touching, and of course with yours truly leading the group in a lively rendition of Suspicious Minds by Elvis Presley. I had the place rocking if I do say so myself.

After Karaoke I headed home with my host family and showed them photos from family, friends, and school. It’s funny that when pictures come out the language barrier seems to disappear. The next morning good-byes were difficult.

We hit the road for a short thirty minute trip to Iksan, Korea. We were met by the Korean Rotary welcome team. They took us for some coffee and then a lunch of grilled eel. It was prepared right at our table. It tasted good, like fish. Afterword we walked around the city and went to the Korean Spa for about 4 hours. The spa is Korean tradition. We spent time in rooms as hot as a pizza oven. It felt like a pizza oven because it was hot, low, and I was hungry for pizza. Then we spend some time in room that was about 15 degrees. Imagine sitting in your family’s freezer, only it can hold 10 people. You can nap, cruise the net, drink some tea, or just hang out. Very relaxing.

In the seafood aisle of the E-Mart(Costo meets Kroger) in Ikson

Fresh grilled eel!!

After dinner went straight “home”. The GSE team is staying in a hotel for two nights before the next home stay. It’s great to catch up on sleep and get some down time.

Today (Monday, April 12) walked the grounds of a Won Buddhist (LINK) temple. The flowers and cherry blossoms were in full bloom. The place was serene and calming.

Ring the Bell!!

We were able to visit a fabric factory near Iksan. The clothes in the pictire below are made of very fine..., paper. Yes, it's washable. The only countries that do this are Korea and Japan.

We also visited the Korean National research facility for rice and wheat. I don’t teach science but the amount of research that the Koreans put into rice and food production is amazing. They are working on high yield grains (more food per plant) and insect resistant plants.

Rice plant at the research facility

The final event of the day was a stroll on the campus of Woosuk University. The campus is great. Well manicured landscapes and there were students everywhere.

Cherry Trees in front of the school library

Won Buddhism

2010-04-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

We visited a beautiful Buddhist temple this morning. The grounds are
beautiful and th cheery blossoms are all almost in full bloom. The
fragrance of flowers was everywhere.

Looking forward to a Skype chat with students later on today.

Korean Spa

2010-04-11T00:04:00.000-07:00

This morning we left Joenju, Korea and travled 30 km down the road to Iksan. After a lunch of grilled eel(at our table!) and some coffee we went to a Korean Spa. Hot stones, salt, stones, mats for napping, and cold room. (Imagine sitting in your freezer for ten mintues. Awesome time!

Here is link to info about Iksanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iksan

Good articles about the two Koreas

2010-04-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

Check out these articles from the Korea Times, english newspaper of Korea (South) for some insight into realtions between the two Koreas and the United States.

NK Warns Seoul of Propaganda Activities
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/04/113_63964.html

Obama Warns Pyongyang of Further Isolation Over Nukes
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/04/116_63958.html

Video from the GSE Team and friends

2010-04-09T22:16:00.001-07:00

Video message from some of the GSE team.

Thought on the first week in Korea

It has been a busy but wonderful time in Korea. We saw food plants, toured Universities, been the guests of two city governments, stayed with two different families, been in the newspaper once, and made many lifetime friends.

First off, thanks again from everyone at Hutchison. It is impossible to convey the debt of my gratitude that you have allowed me to have this wonderful experience. To all of my fellow faculty members, you are awesome. To Ms. Simmons, who is subbing for me and taking care of my girls back in Memphis. You are awesome!!!!!!

The people of South Korea and the Rotary Club members have been the quintessential hosts. They have shown us their cities of Jeonju and Gusan City and the wonderful things and people in their cities. They do they culture and history great service.

There is no way to some up the week with any accuracy so here are just a few thoughts.

The people of Korea are true to their Confucian history and culture. They are hardworking, gracious, and generous. Although I have been lucky enough to travel and study in Asia twice in the last two years this is the first time I have stayed with families in their homes. It is truly the only way to learn the culture and the people. It is difficult to communicate at times but between hand gestures, some photos, and a decent Korea/English dictionary you can get a lot done. You a have to listen carefully and really observe the people in order to communicate with them!! The home stays have been awesome!

The food is wonderful. Any thoughts of losing weight on this trip are gone for good. The Rotary people feed us every hour it seems. We have eaten Korean BBQ, all kinds of meats and vegetables, and even a few live things here and there. Sure they are things that I miss in the US, SANDWICHES!!!!!!!!!, but you get to try so many other things it is well worth the wait.

To my 8th graders, I miss you all. I KNOW you are behaving and getting work done. Let me say this. You need spend some time studying and/or living in another country. If you do not; your education will not be complete. I truly mean this. You learn a lot about another country sure but I am always amazed how much you learn about yourself when you leave your comfort zone. It does not matter what your major is or where you want to study. Just do it!

This week you will be getting into the heart of the North Korea conflict this week. Study hard, ask questions! Pay attention to this blog, there will be opportunities to earn some Korean gifts and prizes!!!!!!

Today is our first “day off”. I am writing this from a coffee shop in Gusan City. All of us are making calls home, updating journals and blogs, and just relaxing. It is so nice. Korea has Wi-Fi everywhere but most homes have broadband that is fast but in order to log on my keyboard has to type in Korean, this I don’t have. I would say that 90% of my blog entries and face book posts have been done with my iPhone in “airplane” mode. I’m not being charged for international calls and I can use the Wi-Fi to make calls using the Skype app. It’s been very cool!

I have to run, getting more…, you guessed it, coffee!!!

Have fun, see you soon,

Mr. Steph

Korean exams - take a look

2010-04-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

Quick note for my 8th graders. My host families daughter is also in an all girls school. They go to school from 7:30am till 10:00pm. That is not a typo. She's a 9th grader and takes 13 subjects. They have no extra-curricular activities.

Check out this link
http://m.npr.org/story/120339767

Sent from my iPhone

We made the Newspaper

2010-04-08T17:21:00.000-07:00

This appeared in the local newspaper of Gusan. We met with head of
city planning in the mayor's office.

I'll sign autographs at request.

Video Fun

2010-04-07T14:12:00.001-07:00

Here are two videos about the shopping in Jeonju. South Korea and one of me, well being me.

New friends in Korea

2010-04-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

Some photos from time with my 1st host family in Korea. They have a beautiful and their hospitality is amazing. Their daughter is in the 9th grade and did all of the translating for us.

With my host family
Daughter and Mom

Family freinds of the host family

The Guys!! (host father in middle)

Family friends daughter. She was funny as she was cute!

City hall and the mountains

2010-04-07T01:53:00.000-07:00

We just finished a meeting with Jeonju's vice mayor. It was filled
with protocol, official proclamations, and king words. He was quite
gracious.

We had a light lunch, by recent standards, at Chinese restaurant owned
by a Rotarian whose family emigrated from China before he was born. It
was nice meal and I was able to impress with a couple a phrases of
Chinese. The three phrases of thank you very much and good-bye
exhausted my Chinese vocabulary.

I'm sitting in our mini bus on a gorgeous sunny day driving through
the mountains that border Jeonju. I'm chillin to a nice music mix
from my iPod.

The scenery is breathtaking. We are going for a stroll in the
mountains. I can't wait.

By the way nearly all of my postings have been done with my IPhone in
"airplane" mode. That means only wifi with no telephone network.
Pretty amazing.

Although there is wifi nearly everywhere very few families have it in
the home, that's based off the 5 host families we are staying with.
This observation could quickly change.

PS. I have yet to Hawkeye, Radar, or Klinger. 8th graders ask you
parents, this is before your time.

Drum lessons

2010-04-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

We stopped by a traditional Korea music school this morning besides
several performances with various instruments we recieved some music
lessons.

I learned the drums!!! And by learned to play the drums I banged on
drums for about ten minutes.

Wednesday, April 7th

2010-04-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

Beautiful day in Jeonju! It's sunny and about 55 degrees.

We visited the Christian Broadcasting Company, radio and TV.

Afterwards, we stopped and took a couple of photos of the soccer
stadium in Jeonju. The stadium hosted several World Cup matches when
Korea and Japan co-hosted the World Cup in 2002.

Sent from my iPhone

Tuesday, April 6

2010-04-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Today was quite a busy day. We first visited Chonbuk National Universtiy or CBNU. We heard a rpesentation by their admission office then recieved a tour of the CBNU from two students.

Here is our group after the tour. CBNU has over 30,000 students and it looked and felt like being on any larger school's campus anywhere in the US, except with Korean students.

Below is a cold noodle soup which we had for lunch, they seriously feed us every two hours. Food is good, but let's face it when I'm full all the time that's lots of food.

PArt of learnign about Korea is learning culture and the food. Here is GSE Team member Ruth, with her "Bunny chopsticks". They help people learn how to use chopsticks. In the photo below that one of the Jeonju Rotarians, Mr. Choi, gives Ruth a lesson on chopstick use. In Korea all the chopsticks are made of metal and are tougher to use then the ones we are used to in Asian restaraunts in the US.

After lunch we visited a farm. The weather in Korea is much cooler then Memphis. TO utilize the land better there are greenhouses everywhere. This one grew among other things tulips, Lillies, and strawberries. The people in the picture below the tulips were kind enough to share their freshly picked strawberries with us. The people in Korea are so freindly and kind!!

After touring the farm, more food. I wasn't kidding about feeding us all the time. Below is Korean BBQ and then some seafood grilled at the table. They put hot wood coal in the bins at the table and you cook the food their. You wrapt the meat and onions into lettuce wraps. Think of it like a Korean "fajita".

Morning tour of Chonbuk National University

2010-04-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

I had a wondeful home stay with Mr. Kim and Nam last night. Very
gracious hosts.

This morning we had a presentation from the people at Chonbuk National
University (CBNU). After the presentation we toured the CBNU with two
if their student ambassodors.

After that we visited Mr. Choi's (One of Rotary leaders of Jeonju)
home church. They have a simple church that still donates over
$500,000 a month to overseas missions.

The photo is our lunch spread, Korean BBQ.

A "lively" lunch

2010-04-05T01:59:00.000-07:00

DANGER!!!! If you have the stomach for it here is a link to a video of the cooking process. I'm warning you it is not for the faint of heart.

It's been a fabulous day. We saw the Catholic cathedral in Jeonju
which dates over 200 yrs old.

We then toured the old town which has classic Korean architecture.
Very beautiful.

In the afternoon we toured a wonderful senior activity and wellness
facility. The place shamed most places in the US. And it was free to
any resident of the city over 60.

Oh, the photo below? Our lunch was a traditional Korea stew. One of
the more interesting ingrediants was a live octopus that was cut up in
front of us and placed in the dish which was cooked at the table.

The picture does not do the visual justice. The cut off tentacles
squirmmed until the were cooked. It was chewy but delicious!

Later.

DANGER!!!! If you have the stomach for it here is a link to a video of the cooking process. I'm warning you it is not for the faint of heart.

LINK

http://www.box.net/shared/9c0vc2hstx (you will have to download to watch, trust me it's worth it!!!)

Slideshow of photos from the first day

2010-04-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

I've been in Korea fro 24 hours now. It's been wonderful. The rotary people of this district have been very gracious hosts. We went to a splendid meal last night at Korean Vegitarian buffett. Great food, but let's be honest I love all food!!

We begin out offical touring now.

Here are some photos

2010-04-04T00:15:00.000-07:00

A couple of videos from this morning at the airport in Seoul as we waited for our ride to Jeonju.

Check out our ride!!

2010-04-04T00:10:00.000-07:00

Batmobile step aside, here comes the Rotarymobile.

This is the very nice bus our group will be traveling in for the next four weeks. We were met by the district governor of the Jeonju Rotary club and a number of their top officials.

It has been a very long 36 hours. The Rotary club hear took us out for dinner and then put us up in a hotel for tonight. After this we will be staying in the homes of Rotary members from this district in South Korea.

So much to see and do. Tired, excited, and pretty much in a daze so far.

The arrival

2010-04-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

We got picked up!!

Arrived safely in Seoul

2010-04-03T12:43:00.000-07:00

Well folks i've arrived safely in Korea. The flight not bad at all.
It's 4:40 am on Easter Sunday here. Yes, we are 14 hours ahead. That
means I know who won the Final Four games.

We are getting picked up at @6am then a 3 hr ride south to Jeonju.

Many updates will follow.

MUST GET COFFEE!!!!

Last sunrise in Memphis till May 3rd

2010-04-02T20:39:00.001-07:00

It's 10:30 on Friday night and I'm sitting in the international
terminal at Chicago's O'Hare airport. Our flight leaves at 1am. The
flight to Seoul is 14 hours.

I'm nervous and excited. Even though we have a schedule, see the
google calender on the right side of the page, there is still so many
unkown variables.

The most exciting thing about the trip is also the most apprehensive.
We will be staying with Korea familes the entire trip. It's a great
way to learn culture but it still presents many anxieties.

See you later Memphis!!!'

Heading to Korea!!!

2010-04-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

I am heading to South Korea for a month with the Rotary Club’s Group Study Exchange Program. Here is the basic info on the program from the Rotary web site.

“The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.

In a typical four-week tour, applicants participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at the district conference, three to four hours per day of cultural and site tours, and three to four hours per day of free time with host families.

For each team member, the Foundation provides the most economical round-trip airline ticket between the home and host countries. Rotarians in the host area provide for meals, lodging, and group travel within their district.” (Link for more info)

While I’m in Korea my students will be engaged in role play from Brown University’s Choices program (Link).

I taught one of their programs about Mexico at the School of Public Service at St. Albans in Washington, DC (LINK) last summer (I'm part of the program's summer faculty) and found it quite effective. The students will study the history of the Korean Peninsula in general and then specifically the history of North Korea and South Korea relations in regards to the North Korean effort to become fully nuclear. They students will role play the stake holders in the region and what should be done. (Japan, Russia, United States, China, North, and South Korea). They will then write a five paragraph research essay about their personal opinions based on research. In addition I’ll be Skyping with them the entire month. I will communicate and discuss the topics with them with this interactive blog. I also have set up a Facebook fan page titled, “Mr Steph in Korea”.

Later Hutch, I'll be Skyping soon!!!!

Follow up to article on Google and China

2010-03-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Here are a few articles about the "break-up" between Google and China.

In China, Mixed Reaction To Google's Decision
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125048961

Google's China Move Could Yield Benefits
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125048965

Foreign Policy: Google And China's Goodbye
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125051712

Class and HW intstructions for Chinese Dynasty Intro

2010-02-24T06:31:00.001-08:00

For this assignment:

Read and mark up as a group
Decide on 5 key or most important points as group.
Prepare a five minute instruction for the other groups,
Make a small handout.
For HW summarize reading into a single paragraph.

Alpha Group - Shang and Zhou
http://www.thenagain.info/WebChron/China/Shang.html
http://www.thenagain.info/WebChron/China/Zhou.html

Bravo Group - Shang only
http://www.ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display.aspx?categoryid=23&entryid=595893&searchtext=shang&type=simple&option=all&searchsites=1,3,4,5,6,8,

Charlie Group - Zhou only
http://www.ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display.aspx?categoryid=23&searchtext=shang&type=simple&option=all&searchsites=1%2c3%2c4%2c5%2c6%2c8%2c&entryid=595901&issublink=true&fromsearch=false

Delta Group - Xia (Hsia)
http://www.ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display.aspx?categoryid=23&searchtext=shang&type=simple&option=all&searchsites=1%2c3%2c4%2c5%2c6%2c8%2c&entryid=595898&issublink=true&fromsearch=false

Echo Group - ancestor veneration
http://www.ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display.aspx?categoryid=23&searchtext=shang&type=simple&option=all&searchsites=1%2c3%2c4%2c5%2c6%2c8%2c&entryid=583682&issublink=true&fromsearch=false

Chinese Writing and "Dragon Bones"

2010-02-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

Use this link to read the story of "Dragon Bones" in China. When you have have finished the story take the challenge.

Link to story:
http://www.ancientchina.co.uk/writing/story/sto_set.html

The challenge will give an English word and an image. Using the up and down arrows you must choose the Chinese Character that matches with the English word and image. Once you have chosen the Chineses character click on the word "Choose" underneath the arrows. It will tell you if you are right or wrong.

Link to challenge:
http://www.ancientchina.co.uk/writing/challenge/cha_set.html

Activity: Indo-Aryan Belief Systems

2010-02-03T06:23:00.000-08:00

Here are the links that are needed for the worksheet.

Translation from the Rigveda, Book 10
1. Hymn 129
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv10129.htm

2. Hymn 130
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv10130.htm

3. Hymn 131
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv10131.htm

Instructions
1. Visit the Internet Sacred Texts Archive and read a translation from the Rigveda, Book 10, hymn 129 and hymn 130, which gives an account of creation. As you read the passages, approach the task as if you were a detective examining evidence and make notes guided by the following line of questioning:

What does the text say about the state of the world before the act of creation?
Who is given credit for creating the world and humans?
What gods are named in the text?
What could be the significance of the image of weaving?
How does this account of creation compare with that given in other religious traditions?

2. Continue your investigation, this time reading Book 10, Hymn 131.

Paying close attention to the objects, animals, practices, and pleas, make a list of five inferences (the act of passing from one proposition, statement, or judgment considered as true to another whose truth is believed to follow from that of the former) you are able of draw about life for the Indo-Aryan people who composed the text.

(Note: kine is an archaic word for "cattle.")

"Indo-Aryan Belief Systems (Activity)." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 3 Feb. 2010. .

Hinduism Vocabulary List

2010-01-25T10:09:00.000-08:00

The quiz will be Wednesday, Jan 27th

Vedas
Bhagavad Gita
Ascetic
Varnas
jatis
castes
Upanishads
Yoga
Brahman
Atman
Moksha
Kharma
Dharma
Bhakti
Darsan
Puja
Tirthas
Varanasi
Divali
Samskaras
Sanskrit

Questions for the Silk Road Reading

2010-01-12T11:45:00.001-08:00

1. It took years for Silk Road travelers and merchants, like Zhang Qian and Marco Polo, to reach their destinations. What kinds of preparations would have been needed at that time for such a journey? What sorts of resources would need to be available along the way for the trade routes to function successfully?

2. In 1998, world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma brought together scholars, musicians, and others to form a foundation known as the Silk Road Project. The purpose of the project is to share music and other performing arts from all the cultures represented by the Silk Road. Yo-Yo Ma has called the ancient Silk Road the "Internet of antiquity." Discuss what you think he means by that metaphor.

3. Suppose that the Han dynasty, the Tang dynasty, and the Mongol Empire had been more like the Ming dynasty, which promoted isolationism. How do you think history might have been different?

Here is a great resource for Agriculture and Early Farming

2009-12-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

This is from a podcast called, "The Stuff You Missed in History Class"

If you follow the link you can listen to about a 15 minute piece about Argiculture and the benfits of farming in early Mesopotamia. It's good stuff for those who want more things to help them review for the midterm.

http://podcasts.howstuffworks.com/hsw/podcasts/symhc/2009-05-13-symhc-mesopotamia.mp3

The podcast can also be downloaded for free on iTunes. If you type in, The Stuff You Missed in History Class, into the iTunes search area it will come up. Then you can scroll down to "Mesopotamia: The first civilization". Either way it's good to check for an easy review.

World History Mid Term Study Guide

2009-11-23T09:19:00.001-08:00

Here is the link to the Study Guide

https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AUZhalLsliBFZGdoY2IzZHhfMzY1c2s4aHBiZ3M&hl=en

Feel free to come see with any questions
You should begin going through the guide and your older class materials to se if you have questions or concerns.
I strongly encourage ALL students to see me for study and review sessions.
When you come to see me have your study guide prepared as much as possible.

Note: I can not help you review I you do not have any material with you to review. Make an attempt and then I'll be more than welcome to help.

Groliers Online Islam article HW due 11/11

2009-11-10T10:10:00.001-08:00

Click on link below for artcile

https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AUZhalLsliBFZGdoY2IzZHhfMzM2ZDc2OWQ2cmI&hl=en

The Greatest Collection of Model UN Info

2009-11-06T09:47:00.000-08:00

This link to this site has information on writing resolutions, researching topics, finding resolution ideas.

http://guest.portaportal.com/modelun

I will be available in SSH and after school on Tuesday 11/10, Wednesday11/11, and Thursday 11/12 for help writing resolutions

Self Eval Test

2009-11-06T08:47:00.001-08:00

Link to Eval

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AUZhalLsliBFZGdoY2IzZHhfMzM1ZmRobnY1Y3M&hl=en

2009-11-03T05:40:00.000-08:00

General topics for test questions

I. Topic selection process?
How did you choose?
What would you do differently? The same?
II. Research
Describe the research process.
How well do you know the Library and its resources?
How and how well did you keep track of resources?
Overall positives and negatives
What would you do differently? The same?
III. Power point
How did you decide content?
Describe process. Group and individual.
Break down the process.
What would you do differently? The same?
IV. Creative
Group or individual? Why?
How did you decide what to do?
Describe the positives and negatives of the creative project.
How was;
i. Communication
ii. Planning
iii. Execution
iv. Follow up
v. Work load
What would you do differently? The same?
V. What did you learn about yourself as a researcher?
What questions do still have?
VI.Give yourself a grade from start to finish and justify your reason for it.
Topic selection
Research
The answering of the questions.
Power Point creation and presentation
Creative project

Essential Question and Country Research Assignment #2

2009-10-28T10:27:00.001-07:00

Below is the link to

Assignment #2

Use the news and newspaper links below to complete assignment #2.

Essential Question and Country Research Assignment #1

2009-10-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the document that describes your assignment.

Click below for the assignment

ASSIGNMENT #1

Class Activity-Headlines

2009-10-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

Headlines

World News Sources
http://online.wsj.com/home-page

http://www.nytimes.com/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/

http://www.csmonitor.com/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/

http://www.usatoday.com/
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/

http://aljazeera.com/

News Compilers
http://news.google.com/nwshp?hl=en&tab=wn
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/?state=noad

Inventions and Breakthroughs Project Info

2009-10-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

Link to Creative Proposal Sheet
https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AUZhalLsliBFZGdoY2IzZHhfMTA5ZHR0N2RqZmQ&hl=en

E-Mial the finished Power Points
mrcoachsteph@gmail.com

2009-10-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

HOMEWORK:
Have either three notes cards with exactly what will be on the power point slide OR a typed sheet of paper that looks like the following;

Slide 1
Info, info, info, info, info, info, info, info, info, info

Slide 2
Info, info, info, info, info, info, info, info, info, info

Slide 3
Resources

Slide information
Remember that what you write on the card is exactly what will go on the power point slide.

1. Each group member is responsible for three slides.

2. Two slides of information

You are encouraged to use info from the five project questions that you completed before fall break on you slides.
Images, pictures, and diagrams are allowed and encouraged
You will not just read off the slide, the slide is the highlight and you will explain to the class what the slide info means and why it is important.

3. One slide of resources

These will eventually be put all together at the end of the power point for a formal group bibliography.

Bonus Point oportunity

2009-09-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

Explain the meaning of this political cartoon for 3 points to add on to any test you have taken and e-mail it to me at jstephany@hutchisonschool.org.

political cartoon (http://school.discoveryeducation.com/)

Definition: The visual portrayal of an idea, often using symbols, caricature, and humor, to make a point or argue a particular point of view

Context: A use of a visual image, as is done in political cartoons, is often a powerful way to present a controversial point of view.

Research Project Areas

2009-09-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

One Monday and Tuesday you all will rank your interest in research topics from 1 to 12.

For HW this weekend think about these topics and be ready to rank them by the end of your next class.
1 means what you are MOST interested in researching and 12 means what you are LEAST interested in researching.

________Homes/Buildings/Architecture
________Weapons
________Tools
________Writing
________Transportation
________Food
________Clothing/Decoration
________Money
________Water
________Sports and Leisure
________Medicine
________Timekeeping/Calendars

Brain Pop on Sumeria

2009-09-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

Homework for 8-1, 8-2, 8-3

Here is the link to the Brain Pop on Sumeria. Make sure you fill pout the worksheets that go with the video. Remember that the username: hutchison and its our school's usual password.

Click on link below for

Sumeria Brain Pop

Sumerian ziggurat

G-20 News blog from the Pittsburgh's Newspaper, the Post-Gazette

2009-09-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a blog about the information related to the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh.

Blog Link

2009-09-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here is the HW.

1. Go to the link below and examine bronze objects 7-12, starting with object 7, "Bronze owl-shaped vessel (zun)."

http://www.nga.gov/education/chinatp_sl07.shtm

2. Before you read the description of each object, spend some time looking at the image. Jot down your impressions and then make a few notes of the facts you find particularly interesting or important from the description.

3. The username and password are located with HW info on First Class

The G-20 summit background and info

2009-09-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

This is a great site about the G-20 and what will be happening in Pittsburgh, PA.

World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, Pa

What is the G-20?
Link 1
Link 2

What countries are in the G-20?
Get to know the G-20 countries

2008-11-10T04:43:00.001-08:00

2008-11-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

Kyoto, Japan

2008-10-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

Friday Morning

Here is the final assignment for the 8th graders while I am gone.
Pick ONE partner.
Pick one article from the list.
Read it and mark it up.
Be prepared to discuss in the next class.
Remember to study for the quiz over the Brain Pop information, the test will come directly from the quizzes.

Pick from one of the articles below

International Herald Tribune

The moral dilemma of turning Maoist propaganda into camp décor

As stress grows, Chinese turn to Western psychotherapy

China asked to extend rights to its own media

CS Monitor
After popular blue skies during Olympics, Beijing brings back pollution controls

China's economy cools

Kyoto, Japan

2008-10-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

Thursday, Evening

I can not believe the trip is almost over. In some ways I am sooo anxious to get home. And then another part of me wants to keep this going as long as I can. Let say this to all of you who have been reading. While you are in college you MUST do at least one semester overseas, you learn so much about the place and the people you visit but you learn more about yourself.

Enough blah, blah, from me. We had a really neat day today. We spent the day visiting shrines, temples, and a castle.

Dry rock garden, very Zen Buddhist

The first place we visited was a Zen Buddhist Shrine named Ryoanji Temple. The temple's name is famous for its karesansui (dry landscape) rock garden which is associated with Zen Buddhism. The “garden” has raked gravel and fifteen moss-covered boulders, which arranged, so that only fourteen of the boulders are visible at one time. Only people who have attained enlightenment would one be able to see the fifteenth rock. One of the best things about the shrine is the pond. Although it drizzled off and on all day long, I think the light rain added to the enjoyment of the places we visited today.

School (Public) kids in uniforms, they were everywhere we went.

School (Private) kids in uniform, notice the sagging pants!

We then paid a visit to the Nijo-Jo Castle. The place was built in 1603 and was used by the Shoguns of the Tokagowa period. One of the cool things about the castle is that the wood floors are designed to make sounds when walked upon so that no one, particularly ninjas, could sneak up on people. The floors were built so that when you walk on them they create a noise that sounds like a nightingale. I did not believe it at first either but it’s true.

The next place we visited was my favorite sight in Japan, besides the school visits. It is a Buddhist garden, called Ginkaku-ji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion) built by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa to escape the troubles of the civil war that was on in Japan at the time. The layout of the garden plus the light rain made the place so calming and serene.

We went to this huge handicrafts place for lunch. The food was great and had seven floors of shopping. I found a lounge with a leather chair and napped for two hours. So awesome!

After that we stopped by the Heian Shrine where we enjoyed yet another garden. Some of my colleagues are understandably sick of temples, shrines, and gardens but I am enjoying them considerably.

Before we watched some traditional Japanese theater at Gion Corner we had a great meal at a place called Shabu Shabu. It is place where you cook your food at the table, it was fun. The Japanese theater had costumes, puppet shows, dance, and some comedy.

Click here for more Photos

Mr. Steph out!