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I miss you.

Last Posting for 8.4

It is below where you will answer the questions:

1. What do you think needs to be changed about the world we live in today?
2. And: What are you going to do about it?

Comments should be well-constructed, considerate, and meaningful.

Also, provide at least two responses to comments from your peers. Consider what you can offer to support or assist their cause. What about their idea do you think is valuable and in need of encouragement?

The fate of humanity is in our hands. Write.

Society and Mental Health

As a class, we have been investigating the important topic of mental health. We have approached it from various angles, particularly that of societal stigmatization of people with mental health disorders. 

It has been stated that "...no definition adequately specifies precise boundaries for the concept of 'mental disorder'...different situations call for different definitions". Nevertheless, we are currently using a definition provided by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to increase our understanding of mental health disorders.

A mental health disorder is "a disturbance in thoughts and emotions that decreases a person’s capacity to cope with the challenges of everyday life.

After analyzing cases studies related to mental health and discussing famous persons who have achieved great successes while suffering from mental health disorders, we are now more closely investigating specific mental health illnesses to increase our knowledge and understanding.

The current assignment for 8.4 is to:

Form a pair and choose a mental health illness to research and teach to the class. Together, make a pamphlet that deals with information related to your chosen mental health issue. Some questions to be answered:

1.  What is the mental health illness?

2.  What are its symptoms?

3.  What are the causes of the mental health illness?

4.  How can someone with the mental health illness be supported, treated or helped in school or at work?

5.  What are long-term solutions for a person with the mental health illness?

6.  Other important information.

Students are to consider the characteristics of a pamphlet, so the may design and create a pamphlet that is informative, effective, and engaging. Some of the basic text features of a pamphlet are: titles and sub-headings, bullet points, statistics and quotes, photographs and diagrams, colour and bold text, clear and descriptive language, references and contacts, definitions and essential information.

Work hard to meet the goal of this assignment - to better understand the perspectives and conditions of others around us, while offering effective information and solutions to our peers and community. 

Success Criteria to be created Monday.

Reminder and Directions

Two things:

1. Some student resolutions still have not been submitted. If you have not submitted a resolution to my email, then do so. Think bowling. Think "I want to go bowling with the class". Think "Sssssssstrike!" Some resolutions have been submitted that need to be retouched. Your resolution needs to reflect on what you can do for yourself, not what the class or the teacher can do for you. For example, if you feel you lack understanding during lessons then perhaps your resolution would read as follows:

"I resolve to ask more questions in class, so that I will have a better understanding of the lesson."

If you find yourself having too much homework, then your resolution could read as follows:

"I resolve to use class time more effectively by completing assignments in class, so I do not have too much work to do at home."

If you feel confused during the lessons and do not feel confident in asking questions during class time, then your resolution could read as follows:

"I resolve to ask my teachers questions after class, so I have a better understanding of what I am expected to do or learn."

2. In class I did not state that if you find an environmental issue you would rather investigate than those on the list, then bring it to my attention for consideration. Here are some links for those of you being proactive investigating project topics:

http://www.reddit.com/r/environment/ - rticles related to environment. Use search bar.

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/11/19/the_top_10_most_toxic_places_on_earth_and_how_they_got_that_way.html - article directly related to project topics and sustainable development

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ - see tabs for "Environment" and use search bar

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/ - Use tabs and search bar to find relevant information


Happy hunting!
Have a good weekend.

An Inconvenient Truth

Today we watched an important documentary on global warming. After investigating ideas on sustainable development, we have begun again to consider how human needs and wants impact the environment, society and economy.

Fossil Fuels are essential to our society. We use oil and gas to produce energy. Energy that allows us to heat our homes, heat our schools, fuel cars and buses; energy that powers the machinery that is used to build electronic devices and that cultivates food crops for eating. The burning of fossil fuels in cars and factories also increases the presence of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. There is a lot to consider.

Sustainable Development has been commonly defined as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". There are two ideas you must comment on. 

First: Mark Twain was quoted in an Inconvenient Truth. The quote is as follows: 

"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know.

  It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"

How does this comment relate to Global Warming? What does this quote mean? What is Mark Twain really saying? Can you think of an example that demonstrates Mark Twain's idea? Now I do not expect you to answer all of these questions. You are required to comment on the quote. Reflect on his words, the documentary, sustainable development, and offer your thoughts for others to consider and respond to. One comment and one response.

Second: For a better understanding of sustainable development, we need to do two things: (1) criticize and (2) analyze. Before we analyze, let us criticize. You are all required to make at least one comment on the question that follows:

If sustain means to maintain, to keep the same, to preserve, and develop means to grow, to expand, to advance, then why is the term sustainable development problematic?

In other words, why is sustainable development a tricky, tricky, tricky idea? 

You all did an exceptional job today in class. For the most part, you maintained your focus, listened well to your peers and myself, and took risks by offering your ideas on a range of challenging topics.

Do your homework.

Long live the Recycling Club!

Be respectful of each other's ideas.

Monday Is Just Around the Corner

Essays are nearing completion as students put together their third supporting argument in time for Monday's class. Three things need to be mentioned/addressed:

1. How are your lists coming? My list could go on forever. In fact, that is what we should do for the  

    New Year. Each week we will all add something new to our lists as our minds open up to new 

    possibilities. 42 Reasons Why it is Absolutely Amazing to be Alive.

2. Geography questions for collaborative work: some of you have not completed this assignment and

    somehow managed to make it through two classes without writing the questions down. Here
    they are:

   

         a. Assess your combined environmental impact. With all your categories exponentially
             increased how are you effecting the environment, society, and the economy? Explain.

         b. What changes can be made to lessen your impact on the environment? What changes can be

             made to improve the economy? To benefit society? Reflect on sustainability when
             answering the above questions. 

         c. Create a model house or apartment that incorporates ideas of sustainability and
             sustainable development. Explain your choices.

3. Christmas Party is coming up, but when will it take place and what will we be doing?

         

         a. Secret Santa Lottery (10 dollar gifts)

         b. Potluck (Lunch foods and dessert)

         c. Musical Chairs!?

         d. What period? 

See you tomorrow.

Hope the weekend was good to you all.

Where We Will Discuss Your Thoughts on Race

To racialize - to differentiate or categorize according to race

In memory of Nelson Mandela, we discussed the importance given to racial identity. We inferred as to what might be the meaning of the term "to racialize ". Students linked its meaning to redlining in the United States and reflected on the social importance of race in different countries e.g., South Africa and America.

We learned the term Apartheid (Apartness) and reflected on how education has been used as a tool by countries to divide populations along racial lines. 27 years...

Below we will begin our discussion on the value we give to race. We pursued two questions by reflecting on the importance of race. Is it important? Why? Why not? Posts your paragraphs below that contain your thoughts and feelings. Respond to two other student paragraphs by building on or critiquing the ideas they put forward.

Paragraph                 due by 8:00pm Tuesday
First Response           due by 8:00pm Wednesday
Second Response        due by 8:00pm Thursday

Remember to use appropriate language and to be respectful. Anything you would not say out loud to your peers in the classroom should not be stated below. Be honest. Be sincere. Be kind. Be critical.

Be thoughtful,

Mr. del Sol

*Post paragraphs and responses in the comment section