8+Humanities

__**What is a diamond and why are diamonds valuable?** __
__**What is a 'conflict' or 'blood diamond and what do they fuel?** __ __**What kind of social issues make 'blood diamonds' an urgent global issue?** __ __**How are economics and politics related through an investigation of 'blood diamonds'?** __

Sites: www.diamondfacts.org http://www.juicygeography.co.uk/diamonds.htm http://www.diamondsforschools.com/library_documents.html http://www.globaleye.org.uk/secondary_spring06/focuson/index.html

__**1. Investigate and find relevant facts and information** __ __**2. Do a number poster of information about the diamond industry.** __ __**3. Look at the benefits and destruction involved in the diamond industry on each level or on a related issue of interest to you** __ __**4. Analyse Kanye West lyrics of Diamonds Are Forever as directed from this website** __ http://www.juicygeography.co.uk/diamonds.htm

__**Review questions on currency from 15th May: [[file:Revision guide for gr 8 Economics 2012.docx]]** __
In pairs answer the following questions using the information on the revision sheets. Keep and share notes.
 * 1) What are the purposes of money?
 * 2) What does 'accumulate wealth' mean?
 * 3) Explain commodities.
 * 4) How does money play a part in deciding 'power'?
 * 5) What is currency?
 * 6) What are the 4 main forms of currency?
 * 7) Give an example of a commodity-based currency system. Explain.
 * 8) <span style="color: #008080; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">In your own words, explain what is a monetary standard.
 * 9) <span style="color: #008080; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">What role has GOLD played in developing currency?
 * 10) <span style="color: #008080; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">What does is mean for money to be "backed by gold"?

__<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; font-size: 120%;">**Week 8th May to 11th May** __
__<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; font-size: 120%;">**Tues - Ensure you have read the Newsademic (see //What's happening// page) and scanned through for multiple choice question page. You should have also chosen ONE article to summarise and present. We will review on THURS (Friday is your Science trip).** __

ENSURE you have posted your iPhone v. pineapples essay for Aj Robin on the server please! Deadline TODAY!

__<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; font-size: 120%;">**Week 30 - 4th May** __
==== **<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; font-size: 110%;">Deadline for printed off or handwritten first draft of iPhones v. pineapples due FRIDAY <span style="background-color: #00ff00; color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; font-size: 110%;">4th May .You hav all had plenty of time now!!Please make sure you have checked your work and revised it if need be against <span style="background-color: #00ff00; color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; font-size: 110%;">criterion C below. ** ====


 * Next part of this unit will be looking into foreign currency and market fluctuations.**


 * Extra resource for keeping up with the news is the BBC video clip of world news in a minute. Here's the site: [|BBC news site]**


 * Week March 12th - 16th Exploring SUPPLY AND DEMAND factors and changes **

Here is the list of prompts. You will need to write between 3 - 5 sentences to show you understanding of the supply and demand factors.
 * Complete and PRINT OUT or HANDWRITE ready to hand in to Aj. Robin on Friday 23rd March. Attempt as many as you can - minimum of 12 out of 17. **

A good review of the basic concepts ( select those we have covered) is on BBC Bitesize site. You can print out and highlight /annotate. [|BBC Bitesize revision] This will also help model language you can use in your explanations.


 * Make a llst of points in full sentences ready for TUESDAY 13th March **

Friday 9th March WHY DOES THE PRICE OF GOLD FLUCTUATE?
View clip. Make notes. Build your ideas and understanding further. [|Gold v Dollar]

- value of currenceis goes down and gold goes up -store of value in gold -supply and demand fluctuates -what is the price of gold now? -what happens if gold workers go on strike? -it is rare - think supply -it's fashionable /kudos -natural disasters and recessions may destroy money, mines,banks etc = some of today's ideas

The value of gold - store of value, like diamonds. Assignment for next week. Further discussions on labour, services and value and justifying ideas and conclusions.

Great in-depth article [|National Geographic]

**Week 27-2nd March** Your response to the question set by Aj Robin is due for Tuesday 28th Feb please. Remember to refer to the list of terms you have studied so far.
 * Why does a Ferrari cost more than a cup of tea?**
 * This will be assessed against criteria A and C as a final assessment, along with the coffee assignment and test on basic terms and definitions.**

**What are main types of economies and how are they related to political systems?**

Powerpoint that talks about the links to political systems. You will need to look at the overview document posted above and complete a Venn diagram or Fishbone map of the features of each system. Weds and Friday this week will be a chance to review work in this unit. ALSO the latest Newsademic is out! See the WHAT'S HAPPENING page tab.
 * Overview of economic systems: [[file:Economic systems overview .docx]] **

<span style="background-color: #00ff00; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: left;">** Weds 15th February ** <span style="background-color: #00ff00; color: #0f0fde; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%; text-align: left;">**How can you put an end to poverty?** <span style="background-color: #00ff00; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: left;">** Think and compile at least 10 points for next Tuesday 21st Feb ** <span style="background-color: #00ff00; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: left;">** Consider the 'The Economic Problem'. Refer to your notes / attached VR's notes **

[[file:Keywords from 14.docx]]
**// How is consumerism taking over the planet and what is my role? //**

Consumerism as a phenomenon is having a huge impact on us, our economies and our planet; we are all part of the phenomenon. HEALTH & SOCIAL EDUCATION

NEW UNIT = INTERDISCIPLINARY HUMANITIES< GLOBAL< ART AND ENGLISH.

**<span style="background-color: #eef270; color: #0f0fde; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; font-size: 130%;">New Unit: Jan-Feb 2012 (4-6weeks) ** **<span style="background-color: #eef270; color: #0f0fde; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; font-size: 130%;">How far is consumerism taking over our planet? **

**//ENVIRONMENTS focus//**

 * //Through a study of persuasive language and an introduction to economics, we will explore consumerism as a personal and global issue, looking at the effects on people, countries and the environment.//**


 * You will investigate and build up your knowledge and perspectives through Humanities, Global Issues, English and Visual art - an interdisciplinary approach.**

** Significant concept:Understanding and acting upon the causes and consequences of consumerism could lead to a more sustainable future, both personally and globally. **

**Introduction: What is economics? What are the main terms and definitions involved in economics?**

 * 31 Jan- A closer look at a significant world trade through a case study - referring to sustainability and fair trade.**


 * How have trades developed?**
 * How are the economies of developing countries dependent on 'western nations'?**
 * What trades does Thailand have?**



**Dec 7 / 8**
Applying summarising, paraphrasing and opinion forming to a variety of texts. Topic: Human genetic engineering 'Designer Babies'

1. Using prompts - summarise the main points and record your responses to the documentary clip [|Designer Babies]

2. Read, highlight, annotate article for pros and cons (individual and paired) Complete organiser 3. Depending on time we will set up small group discussions and present individual opinions through structured min-speeches.

**TOP TENS - linking some of the topics and making wider connections.**
1. Input - add your ideas to the TOP 10s posted around the room. 2. Example of one category - The World's Top Ten Richest Countries -What to do? 3. Paired or individual work 4. Sharing results and feedback on findings.. SS chart - SURPRISED BY? SO WHAT?

In terms of living in an 'Information Age' -

__//the skills we need to access information and build knowledge?//__
Being able to summarise information is a crucial study skill in all areas. It takes time to develop and practice is essential. You need to: **What Are We Doing When We Summarize?** We strip away the extra verbiage and extraneous examples. We focus on the heart of the matter. We try to find the key words and phrases that, when uttered later, still manage to capture the gist of what we've read. We are trying to capture the main ideas and the crucial details necessary for supporting them.
 * pull out main ideas
 * focus on key details
 * use key words and phrases
 * break down the larger ideas
 * write only enough to convey the gist
 * take succinct but complete notes

Week 21-25 Nov:
Reading, research and summarising skills development in light of global news items. Starting with the population growth landmark [|The Guardian 7 billion]

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 140%; text-align: left;">Weds 17th Nov- Introducing Newsademic and theWeek.com[|The Week site AE]

<span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 140%; text-align: left;">During this lesson, you will have a chance to explore NEWSADEMIC and the site recommended by K. Megan, so you can explore both British and American writing styles about current events. Copies of articles will be posted in the room and you may choose which topic interests you most. Here is the question paper to check your learning. <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 140%; text-align: left;">Looking at news stories such as the floods in Bangkok through the areas of interaction and trying to see how real life issues interrelate with the many facets of society.

<span style="background-color: #ec9458; color: #000080; display: block; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif; font-size: 180%; text-align: center;">UNIT 2: Our Complex Lives. __How can we begin to know 'the full picture'?__Community & Service - how do we view, understand and care about issues different communities face around the world Humanities concepts focus: global awareness, systems and change. Investigative and analytical skills.

<span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">Revising Africa <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">Us this powerpoint file for Tuesday 15th Nov.

[]

Unit 1 - Revolution Calls...









[|For reference and sources]

<span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">28/9 We are agreed:

<span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Matt & Tenzin - Cuban <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Jacob& Nicky& Ben K - American <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Valeria& Olivia - Mexican <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Ben G - <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Brodie & Sam - Russian <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Jasmin - Chinese Cultural

<span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Remember to use wise keywording such as : for kids, middle school, fast facts, timelines etc... for collecting information. <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">Great going grade 8!