Day Forty-Five

Thank you for all of the WONDERFUL ypi presentations. They were fantastic. Your display boards will stay up in the classroom for the next two weeks. Your ypi marks will find their way to you in the next few days... Congratulations to C.A.S.H.H. ... they will be going on to the finals on May 12th to compete for the $5000! Please go to Ms. Clayton's classroom tomorrow to begin the Careers course. Good luck! Ms. P.

Day Forty-Four

Thank you for all of the fabulous presentations this morning. I was so impressed by everyone's hard work! The remaining groups will present tomorrow ... our last class :(

Day Forty-Three

The order of the YPI presentations are as follows: 1. Big Brothers, Big Sisters 2. S.T.R.I.D.E. 3. Posse (2) ... Ryan, Jeff, Zach 4. Acton Food Share 5. Posse (1) 6. Nina's Place 7. S.A.V.I.S. 8. North Halton Distress Centre 9. Cancer Assistance Services of Halton Hills (CASHH(

Day Forty-one & Day Forty-two

YPI summative work periods in the library.

Please remember to use your time wisely!

Day Forty ... 5 days left in Civics!

You wrote your Civics test this morning... yey!!! Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (PD Day, no school), and Monday will be YPI work periods. Please be sure to be in class ON TIME ... you don't want to let your group members down. The presentations will take place on TUESDAY (April 12th) and WEDNESDAY (April 13th).

Day Thirty-Nine

After today's class ... we will only have seven days left of Civics. Rick Mercer with NDP leader, Jack Layton: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xEVa_ba6RA

Some of you have a lot of catching up to do on your YPI project!

Today we: 1) Reviewed Federal, Provincial, and Municipal responsibilities of government

2) Worked on our Test Review for TOMORROW'S civics test. Click here for the review.

Day Thirty-Eight

The count ... yes, we tallied the votes for our Federal (classroom) election ... and the winner is ... the YMCA (what does that stand for again?). Congrats to our new class Prime Minister, Jon.

YPI work period.

Day Thirty-Seven

Literacy Test. No class.

Day Thirty-Five & Thirty-Six

Political Party Speeches and Debates!

On Wednesday we will cast our votes...

Day Thirty-Four

To get a sense of who you would vote for in the May 2nd federal election, try the survey at: http://www.cbc.ca/votecompass Some of the questions may help you develop your own political party platform! Don't forget to include the following for tomorrow's class election:

1. Party name (linked to your ideology)


2. Party logo and slogan (both linked to your party's ideology)


3. Party platform (at least 5 solid promises ... explain why you've chosen them, and how you plan to make them work ... $$$!)


4. An election flyer to 'advertise' your party


5. Party leader (and a biography)


6. Speeches ... everyone must participate


7. A campaign song?


8. Plan your wardrobe!

Day Thirty-Three

Today was a work period for your political party assignment.

Please be reminded that we will be having our Class Election on Tuesday!

Here is a link to find out how you might vote in the upcoming Federal election:

http://www.cbc.ca/votecompass

Day Thirty-Two

Please review the Powerpoint I presented at the start of class.
Will Friday's proceedings in the House of Commons spark a spring election?

Key terms and concepts (and some general political infomation!) include:

- Jim Flaherty, MP (Tuesday's budget release)
- Leaders of Canada's mainstream political parties
- Political party logos
- House of Commons (compared to Britain's House of Lords)
- Electoral Districts / Constituencies / Ridings
- Your federal electoral district (Wellington - Halton Hills)
- How many electoral districts are in Canada?

Rick Mercer's Sleepover with Stephen Harper:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FGIQpdtS_Y&playnext=1&list=PLFA941430A86FA713

Link to MP's salaries:

http://www2.parl.gc.ca/parlinfo/lists/Salaries.aspx?Menu=HOC-Politic&Section=03d93c58-f843-49b3-9653-84275c23f3fb

Link to political party seat distribution in the House of Commons:

http://www40.statcan.gc.ca/l01/cst01/govt10a-eng.htm

Day Thirty-One

Three and a half students = snow day!

Day Thirty

Please find time in your busy schedules to phone your charity and schedule a time when your entire group can go and conduct the interview. We don't have much time in this week's classes for YPI. Take the initiative, and find the time outside of class!

Today we began our study of Canadian Political Parties.
Please be familiar with the following concepts: Federal vs. Unitary states.
We discussed the 3 levels of government in Canada: Federal, Provincial, and Municipal.

You completed a fill in the blank handout on the Purpose of Political Parties.
I handed out the Political Party group assignment ... and we should have time to work on that tomorrow.

Keep thinking about YPI!!!

Day Twenty-Nine

Thank you goes out to Dana for her presentation this morning on the referendum happening in Egypt.

We discussed the two big items in the news: Libya and Japan

Students are beginning to connect with their charities by phone to arrange their YPI interviews. Please get the ball rolling and have everything arranged by the end of the week!

I handed out sample interview questions ... remember, no more than 7-8 questions should be prepared for your meeting.

Good luck!

Day Twenty-Eight

Today we discussed the YPI assignment sheet. I will scan this document and make it available as a link through the blog after March Break.

In the meantime, please be sure to review the 'language of YPI' from my Power Point presentation. There was a corresponding handout for you to review the definitions. Please click here to find the P/P presentation.

We reviewed some of the problems/obstacles you may encounter when trying to get in touch with your charity to arrange an interview time. Remember that charity workers are very busy people! Before you 'make the call', please be sure to have a short script ready in case you get nervous.

On the Monday after break we will discuss interview skills and each group will have time to prepare their interview questions.

Have a wonderful March Break!

Day Twenty-Seven

Current Events: Amanda and Ben

A summary of the Homelessness topic ...

We discussed the YPI in a bit more detail. If absent, you will need to pick up a 'Definitions' sheet from me. You need to be able to understand and incorporate the language of YPI into your final presentation (ie: terms such as advocacy, volunteerism, philanthropy, grassroots, local).

We also addressed problems you may encounter when trying to make contact with your chosen charity. Tomorrow we will begin to make phonecalls to set up your interview times... and begin to develop your interview questions.

Day Twenty-Five & Twenty-Six

Wow! What an action-packed few days it has been.

We continued our discussions on the topic of Homelessness in Canada.
Students were asked for form small groups (3-4 people) and develop an Acton Plan (to eradicate homelessness in Canada ... no easy feat!).

Please see the handout linked to Homeless Reading 3.

Groups were given time to develop their Action Plans before they made presentations to the class. We had some interesting debates ... some students staying firm that it is not society's responsibility to care for the homeless ... others passionately arguing that indeed it is our responsibility.

I hope that we can carry this discussion into our Political Party project after the March Break...

Day Twenty-Four

Thank you to Mrs. Boychuk who filled in for me today while I was at a conference!

Today you were asked to complete the Homelessness Reading 2. We will discuss these personal stories in tomorrow's class.

Here is a valuable link to The Soloist, dispelling some of the myths in our society surrounding Homelessness:

http://www.metowe.com/speakers/the-soloist/about/

Day Twenty-Two & Twenty-Three

Social Issue Case Study: Homelessness

From our PowerPoint lecture:

With a partner, or in a small group, write down all the thoughts and images that come to your mind when you picture a homeless person.

Create a physical description of the person (age, ethnicity, gender, cloth- ing, hair, etc.).

Where do you think you acquired this mental picture? For example, did these ideas come from your parents, the media, your personal experience, or something else?

How many of your points are based on fact? How many are based on stereotypes?

Where do we get these stereotypes? Discuss.

Please see the following link to the reading and handout for the lesson:

Homelessness in Canada - Reading 1

Day Twenty-One

Today we discussed some of the expectations of the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative.

You need to:

- work in groups of between 2 and 4 members

- research a local, grassroots, social service charity

- make contact with the charity (via phone or email) and arrange an interview time

- prepare interview questions

- visit and conduct an interview with a charity worker

We discussed a number of local, social service charities in the area including:

P.O.S.S.E., Links2Care, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, STRIDE, Halton Women's Place, S.A.V.I.S., Off the Wall, Cancer Assistance Services of Halton Hills (among others)

We also looked at and evaluated a number of YPI display boards from past classes. You were to evaluate two on your forms (to hand in).

Day Twenty

Current Events by Jon and Neil. Topics: Alligators and Oman??

We finished our E.Q. (Equality) Quiz.
It's important to keep in mind the five social groups identified by the Canadian government to be a 'high risk' to live in poverty in our society. We will certainly circle back to these as we go deeper into the YPI project.

Diamond Ranking Activity: In pairs/trios, you tried to identify and rank nine social issues that affect our school and community. Interestingly, it appeared that the top three included: drug abuse, unemployment, and alcoholism.

Start thinking about:
(i) who you will work well with for the YPI project (in groups of 2-4)
(ii) which social issue you would like to learn (more) about.

I hope that everyone will have their groups and charities chosen by Friday!

Day Nineteen

Happy Monday!

Today we start into our Youth and Philanthropy Initiative.

See http://www.goypi.org/CA/#skip for more details.

Day Eighteen

The Inside Ride event happened today! Our school raised more than $8500.

From what I understand from your supply teachers, everyone worked well to complete:
1) Pay It Forward questions
2) Classroom Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Please hand these in asap!

Current events scheduled for Monday: Jon, Neil, and Mike!

Day Seventeen

Things are continuing to evolve in Libya. Keep you eye on cbc and bbc news for updates!



Thanks to Grahame and Josh for their current events today. Great topics! The powerpoint presentations really help us to follow your presentations. Tomorrow's current events will be moved to Monday (Jon, Mike, Neil) because of the Inside Ride event.



For the first half of the period students worked on their Creating a Classroom Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Please remember to have a corresponding responsibility for every right/freedom. Read the instructions very carefully...



And we FINALLY finished the rest of Pay It Forward. A few tears were shed ...



Both the Classroom Charter activity and Pay It Forward questions will be due at the end of tomorrow's class!

Day Sixteen

Guest Speaker: Community Police Office Rob Delvillar

Theme: Your rights

Day Fifteen

Current events presentations.

Just or Unjust worksheets ... (hand in your responses!)

Introduction to Charter rights (scenarios)

Time for us to meet P.E.T. (Pierre Elliott Trudeau)

Days Thirteen and Fourteen

Pay It Forward

Link to film:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33mE9i9ehV4

Free Hugs video link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

Current Events scheduled for Tuesday: Jordan and Carrie

Day Twelve

A number of people seem to be having trouble getting to class on time... Feel free to request a 6 am wake-up call from yours truly!

Current events today: Alex and Ashling. Well done! Tomorrow: no Current Events presentations are assigned.

1) Age-based legal milestones assignment

2) Course selection process for the next school year

3) Just or Unjust scenarios, questions, and answers (to be continued tomorrow)

Day Eleven!

Thank you to Cassandra and Marisa for their current events presentations! Tomorrow Alex and Ashling are scheduled to present. Here is an interesting story from Italy:
www.cbc.ca/world/story/2011/02/15/berlusconi-judge.html

Today you completed your Island Simulation Reflection papers. For those of you who did not hand them in, please complete for homework!

Roving Reporter Assignment - Due Friday!
Congratulations to those of you who completed your first interview during class today!

Day Ten

Happy Valentines Day!

Please remember to bring your OPTION SHEETS to class tomorrow! They need to be signed by one parent/guardian.

Thank you to our three Current Events presenters today. They were very engaging stories...

Tomorrow we will hear from Cassandra and Marisa!

We (finally) made it through the final Island Presentations. I want everyone to think about what parts of their island government were autocratic and/or democratic. We will do the final task tomorrow...

Here's a little story about the April 29 'Royal' wedding:

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2011/02/14/prince-harry-best-man-royal-wedding.html

Day Nine

President Mubarack of Egypt resigned today! To read more, please check the bbc links on the right side of the blog.

Thank you to those groups who presented their Island Simulations today. Well done! A variety of (different) ideologies have been represented thus far. The remaining groups will present on Monday.

Current events presentations planned for Monday: Zach, Abby, Paige!

Day Eight

Thank you to Savannah for reminding me that I did not update the blog this afternoon!

Congratulations to those of you who passed your Canadian Citizenship Test this morning! Some of you need to pay a bit more attention in your history and geography classes... !

Please be reminded that you will be presenting your Island Simulations in tomorrow's class.

Savannah and Zach will be presenting their Current Events assignment.

Keep a watchful eye on the situation in Egypt ... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/

Day Seven

Day Seven and we are rolling along!

To start the class, I introduced you to a your Current Events Assignment. Each of you will present an event happening somewhere in the world (the story can be local, national, or global). The trick is linking your story to the interests of people in the class ... why is the students important for our class to learn about? I will post the first names of our volunteers on the blog the day before their scheduled presentation date. Don't forget to hand in the assignment sheet after you do your presentation.

For the rest of the period, groups worked on their Island Simulation project. After a (unanimous?) vote ... you all convinced me that you will need tomorrow's (Thursday) class to prepare your presentations. So please be prepared for Friday!

Interesting story of the day:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2011/02/09/pq-kirpan-measure.html

Day Six

I handed out a revised copy of the course selection sheet. There was one addition (grade 11 Fashion), so if you're not planning on taking that course ... then you didn't need a new sheet!

Today we started on our Island Simulation group project. You were asked to get yourselves into groups (with people that won't cause too much of a distraction for you!) and begin planning out your society. You're asked to consider things like type of government, lengths of terms for leaders, laws, law enforcement, citizen participation, etc. We will continue this project tomorrow ... please plan to present your work on Thursday!

Interesting Canadian news story to check out:
www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2011/02/08/georgian-luger-father.html

Day Five

Course selection materials were handed out to all students. Please go over the course information (blue sheet) with your parents and complete the white form together. All course descriptions can be found on the Acton course website. We will be inputting your course selections next Wednesday in our class!

Four Corners Debate

Completed our Types of Government lecture. Please don't lose these sheets ... you will need them for the next assignment!

Just for fun, have a look at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R55e-uHQna0

Day Four

Review of 3 Ways to Make Decisions

Group activity: Straw Challenge! How did your group work together: democratically, autocratically, or collaborately/consensually??

Lecture and note-taking
Topic: Types of Governments Around the World

Please keep an eye on the situation in Egypt. What will be the situation come Monday??

Day Three

The snow has finally stopped ... now we need to get down to work!

Recap the current situation in Cairo, Egypt

Board note: 3 Ways to Make Decisions (democratic, autocratic, collaborative/consensual)
We discussed the definitions, advantages, and disadvantages for each

For the second half of the class, we went to the cafeteria to hear the Inside Ride presentaion.
Sign up your team at the following link:
www.theinsideride.com/calendar/academics-events.php

Day Two

Snow day!

Enjoy...

Day One - Welcome to Civics!

Hello everyone and welcome to Civics!

This is your Civics blog where you (and your parents) will be able to access each day's lesson plan and find links to assignments. It is important that you check this site regularly to make sure that you are on track! If you miss a class, you can also come here to see what you missed.

Today's agenda:

Welcome messages
Course outline
Introduction to Four Corners Debates
Jane Elliot - A Class Divided