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A World of Extremes (terminology and activity sheet)

A WORLD OF EXTREMES


I. Vocabulary Concepts – Listen and define the following words.

HDI – Human Development Index



Statistics – data or information that applies to a particular concept



Disparity –





Continent –





Life Expectancy –





Gross Domestic Product (GDP) –





Infant Mortality –





Literacy –







II. The Developing World / Student Activity Sheet – Complete the information on the handout using either the website (see the handout) or the maps posted.



III. Reflection and Observations…

In partners, brainstorm 5 questions using some of the “Stems” below that relate to this mapping assignment.



• I wonder…

• In noticed that…

• Why is it that…

• When you compare…. and ….

• Maybe the reason…

• The disparity we noticed between ____ and _____ might be because…

• In order to reduce/help ____, some countries around the world are…









STANDARD OF LIVING COMPARISONS



I. Vocabuary Concepts – Define these words AFTER our lesson on Standard of Living in the World



Standard of Living







Gross Domestic Product and PPP – New REVISED definition ( Explain how they are connected)





Longevity





The United Nations – Brief Summary…



Reference: Extracted from: Basic Facts About the United Nations 2000; www.un.org



The name "United Nations", coined by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was first used in the "Declaration by United Nations" of 1 January 1942, during the Second World War, when representatives of 26 nations pledged their Governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers.

States first established international organizations to cooperate on specific matters. The International Telecommunication Union was founded in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, and the Universal Postal Union was established in 1874. Both are now United Nations specialized agencies.

In 1899, the International Peace Conference was held in The Hague to elaborate instruments for settling crises peacefully, preventing wars and codifying rules of warfare. It adopted the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes and established the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which began work in 1902.

The forerunner of the United Nations was the League of Nations, an organization conceived in similar circumstances during the first World War, and established in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles "to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and security." The International Labour Organization was also created under the Treaty of Versailles as an affiliated agency of the League. The League of Nations ceased its activities after failing to prevent the Second World War.

In 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organization to draw up the United Nations Charter. Those delegates deliberated on the basis of proposals worked out by the representatives of China, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States at Dumbarton Oaks, United States in August-October 1944. The Charter was signed on 26 June 1945 by the representatives of the 50 countries. Poland, which was not represented at the Conference, signed it later and became one of the original 51 Member States.

The United Nations officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, when the Charter had been ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and by a majority of other signatories. United Nations Day is celebrated on 24 October each year.





MILES STONES FOR THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE UNITED NATIONS

The United Nations was established in the aftermath of a devastating war to help stabilize international relations and give peace a more secure foundation.

Amid the threat of nuclear war and seemingly endless regional conflicts, peace-keeping has become an overriding concern of the United Nations. In the process, the activities of blue-helmeted peace-keepers have emerged as the most visible role associated with the world organization.

The United Nations, however, is much more than a peace-keeper and forum for conflict resolution. Often without attracting attention, the United Nations and its family of agencies are engaged in a vast array of work that touches every aspect of people's lives around the world.

Child survival and development. Environmental protection. Human rights. Health and medical research. Alleviation of poverty and economic development. Agricultural development and fisheries. Education. Family planning. Emergency and disaster relief. Air and sea travel. Peaceful uses of atomic energy. Labour and workers' rights. The list goes on. Here, in brief, is a sampling of what the United Nations organizations have accomplished since 1945 when the world organization was founded.

1. Maintaining peace and security - By having deployed a total of 54 peace-keeping forces and observer missions as of September 2001, the United Nations has been able to restore calm to allow the negotiating process to go forward while saving millions of people from becoming casualties of conflicts. There are presently 15 active peace-keeping forces in operation.

2. Making peace - Since 1945, the United Nations has been credited with negotiating many peaceful settlements that have ended regional conflicts. Recent cases include an end to the Iran-Iraq war, the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, and an end to the civil war in El Salvador. The United Nations has used quiet diplomacy to avert imminent wars.

3. Promoting democracy - The United Nations has enabled people in many countries to participate in free and fair elections, including those held in Cambodia, Namibia, El Salvador, Eritrea, Mozambique, Nicaragua, South Africa, Kosovo and East Timor. It has provided electoral advice, assistance, and monitoring of results.

4. Promoting development - The UN system has devoted more attention and resources to the promotion of the development of human skills and potentials than any other external assistance effort. The system's annual disbursements, including loans and grants, amount to more than $10 billion. The UN Development Programme (UNDP), in close cooperation with over 170 Member States and other UN agencies, designs and implements projects for agriculture, industry, education, and the environment. It supports more than 5,000 projects with a budget of $1.3 billion. It is the largest multilateral source of grant development assistance. The World Bank, at the forefront in mobilizing support for developing countries worldwide, has alone loaned $333 billion for development projects since 1946. In addition, UNICEF spends more than $800 million a year, primarily on immunization, health care, nutrition and basic education in 138 countries.

5. Promoting human rights Since adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the United Nations has helped enact dozens of comprehensive agreements on political, civil, economic, social and cultural rights. By investigating individual complaints of human rights abuses, the UN Human Rights Commission has focused world attention on cases of torture, disappearance, and arbitrary detention and has generated international pressure to be brought on governments to improve their human rights records.

6. Protecting the environment - The United Nations has played a vital role in fashioning a global programme designed to protect the environment. The "Earth Summit," the UN Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, resulted in treaties on biodiversity and climate change, and all countries adopted "Agenda 21" - a blueprint to promote sustainable development or the concept of economic growth while protecting natural resources.

7. Preventing nuclear proliferation - The United Nations, through the International Atomic Energy Agency, has helped minimize the threat of a nuclear war by inspecting nuclear reactors in 90 countries to ensure that nuclear materials are not diverted for military purposes.

8. Promoting self determination and independence - The United Nations has played a role in bringing about independence in countries that are now among its Member States.

9. Strengthening international law - Over 300 international treaties, on topics as varied as human rights conventions to agreements on the use of outer space and seabed, have been enacted through the efforts of the United Nations.

10. Handing down judicial settlements of major international disputes - By giving judgments and advisory opinions, the International Court of Justice has helped settle international disputes involving territorial issues, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, diplomatic relations, hostage-taking, the right of asylum, rights of passage and economic rights.

11. Ending apartheid in South Africa - By imposing measures ranging from an arms embargo to a convention against segregated sporting events, the United Nations was a major factor in bringing about the downfall of the apartheid system, which the General Assembly called "a crime against humanity." Elections were held in April 1994 in which all South Africans were allowed to participate on an equal basis, followed by the establishment of a majority government.

12. Providing humanitarian aid to victims of conflict - More than 30 million refugees fleeing war, famine or persecution have received aid from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees since 1951 in a continuing effort coordinated by the United Nations that often involves other agencies. There are more than 19 million refugees, mostly women and children, who are receiving food, shelter, medical aid, education and repatriation assistance.







II. The Developing World / Standard of Living Comparison Sheet – Complete the information on the handout using either the website (see the handout) or the maps posted.







III. Reflection and Observations…

What is the relationship between GDP and Literacy Rates?





What did you notice about the diverse range of standards of living around the world? What solutions can you think of to solve the problem of unequal distribution of wealth in the world? Write your answer in the form of a neat web with many branches and details to support your ideas.





ECONOMICS AND CULTURE – “3 PLUS U”



Looking at Global Economies…

What does it mean to have a “global economy””

How does the spending of consumers in Canada, impact life or work in other countries?

Why should we care about work and labour conditions in other countries?

What does it mean to be a reflective or a “moral” consumer?



In the following lesson, we are going to reflect on the above questions in addition to other tasks or assignments…



Go to the following website… Bring your earphones, it has sound effects and music.

http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/3PLUSU/index.html









EXPLORING GLOBALIZATION



What is “globalization”? In this part of the lesson, you will be exploring what that term means, then thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of this term.



I. Pre-mapping Discussion

What is globalization? – Discuss and write your own definition.







How has globalization affected you?

In groups brainstorm in the form of the web how you are impacted by globalization.



(Do on white paper using a ruler)



II. Mapping Activity/Student Activity Sheet – Assessing Canada’s Role in Globalization

• Complete the information on the handout using either the website (see the handout) or the maps posted.

• You will 2 maps: Canada and the World and The Developing World



III. Reflection

International Development – What is your definition??





Google- World Bank and skim/scan the information on the site. This website relates to International Development. Find out what the exact definition of the term is…



IV. What are the advantages and Disadvantages of Globalization?? Persuasive Paragraph – Choose a side! You are working for the World Bank and you want to persuade nations around the world that either globalization is a benefit… or it is not a benefit. In a short response of 3 paragraphs you are going to present your reasons using actual facts from our discussion in this lesson, websites or other factual sources.



Use the Persuasive Argument to structure your response.

1. Introduction to issue

2. Present your side

3. Give 3-4 reasons well explained with support and reasons using persuasive language.

4. Present reasons – lead with your Ace and end with your King… Listen and find out what that means.

5. Conclusion – Wrap it up/summarize and end with a clincher to leave your audience convinced!

A World of Extremes (notes)

A WORLD OF EXTREMES


I. Vocabulary Concepts – Listen and define the following words.

HDI – Human Development Index

Statistics – data or information that applies to a particular concept

Disparity –

Continent –

Life Expectancy –

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) –

Infant Mortality –

Literacy –







II. The Developing World / Student Activity Sheet – Complete the information on the handout using either the website (see the handout) or the maps posted.



III. Reflection and Observations…

In partners, brainstorm 5 questions using some of the “Stems” below that relate to this mapping assignment.



• I wonder…

• In noticed that…

• Why is it that…

• When you compare…. and ….

• Maybe the reason…

• The disparity we noticed between ____ and _____ might be because…

• In order to reduce/help ____, some countries around the world are..


STANDARD OF LIVING COMPARISONS



I. Vocabuary Concepts – Define these words AFTER our lesson on Standard of Living in the World



Standard of Living

Gross Domestic Product and PPP – New REVISED definition ( Explain how they are connected)

Longevity


The United Nations – Brief Summary…

Reference: Extracted from: Basic Facts About the United Nations 2000; www.un.org



The name "United Nations", coined by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was first used in the "Declaration by United Nations" of 1 January 1942, during the Second World War, when representatives of 26 nations pledged their Governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers.

States first established international organizations to cooperate on specific matters. The International Telecommunication Union was founded in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, and the Universal Postal Union was established in 1874. Both are now United Nations specialized agencies.

In 1899, the International Peace Conference was held in The Hague to elaborate instruments for settling crises peacefully, preventing wars and codifying rules of warfare. It adopted the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes and established the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which began work in 1902.

The forerunner of the United Nations was the League of Nations, an organization conceived in similar circumstances during the first World War, and established in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles "to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and security." The International Labour Organization was also created under the Treaty of Versailles as an affiliated agency of the League. The League of Nations ceased its activities after failing to prevent the Second World War.

In 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organization to draw up the United Nations Charter. Those delegates deliberated on the basis of proposals worked out by the representatives of China, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States at Dumbarton Oaks, United States in August-October 1944. The Charter was signed on 26 June 1945 by the representatives of the 50 countries. Poland, which was not represented at the Conference, signed it later and became one of the original 51 Member States.

The United Nations officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, when the Charter had been ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and by a majority of other signatories. United Nations Day is celebrated on 24 October each year.





MILES STONES FOR THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE UNITED NATIONS

The United Nations was established in the aftermath of a devastating war to help stabilize international relations and give peace a more secure foundation.

Amid the threat of nuclear war and seemingly endless regional conflicts, peace-keeping has become an overriding concern of the United Nations. In the process, the activities of blue-helmeted peace-keepers have emerged as the most visible role associated with the world organization.

The United Nations, however, is much more than a peace-keeper and forum for conflict resolution. Often without attracting attention, the United Nations and its family of agencies are engaged in a vast array of work that touches every aspect of people's lives around the world.

Child survival and development. Environmental protection. Human rights. Health and medical research. Alleviation of poverty and economic development. Agricultural development and fisheries. Education. Family planning. Emergency and disaster relief. Air and sea travel. Peaceful uses of atomic energy. Labour and workers' rights. The list goes on. Here, in brief, is a sampling of what the United Nations organizations have accomplished since 1945 when the world organization was founded.

1. Maintaining peace and security - By having deployed a total of 54 peace-keeping forces and observer missions as of September 2001, the United Nations has been able to restore calm to allow the negotiating process to go forward while saving millions of people from becoming casualties of conflicts. There are presently 15 active peace-keeping forces in operation.

2. Making peace - Since 1945, the United Nations has been credited with negotiating many peaceful settlements that have ended regional conflicts. Recent cases include an end to the Iran-Iraq war, the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, and an end to the civil war in El Salvador. The United Nations has used quiet diplomacy to avert imminent wars.

3. Promoting democracy - The United Nations has enabled people in many countries to participate in free and fair elections, including those held in Cambodia, Namibia, El Salvador, Eritrea, Mozambique, Nicaragua, South Africa, Kosovo and East Timor. It has provided electoral advice, assistance, and monitoring of results.

4. Promoting development - The UN system has devoted more attention and resources to the promotion of the development of human skills and potentials than any other external assistance effort. The system's annual disbursements, including loans and grants, amount to more than $10 billion. The UN Development Programme (UNDP), in close cooperation with over 170 Member States and other UN agencies, designs and implements projects for agriculture, industry, education, and the environment. It supports more than 5,000 projects with a budget of $1.3 billion. It is the largest multilateral source of grant development assistance. The World Bank, at the forefront in mobilizing support for developing countries worldwide, has alone loaned $333 billion for development projects since 1946. In addition, UNICEF spends more than $800 million a year, primarily on immunization, health care, nutrition and basic education in 138 countries.

5. Promoting human rights Since adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the United Nations has helped enact dozens of comprehensive agreements on political, civil, economic, social and cultural rights. By investigating individual complaints of human rights abuses, the UN Human Rights Commission has focused world attention on cases of torture, disappearance, and arbitrary detention and has generated international pressure to be brought on governments to improve their human rights records.

6. Protecting the environment - The United Nations has played a vital role in fashioning a global programme designed to protect the environment. The "Earth Summit," the UN Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, resulted in treaties on biodiversity and climate change, and all countries adopted "Agenda 21" - a blueprint to promote sustainable development or the concept of economic growth while protecting natural resources.

7. Preventing nuclear proliferation - The United Nations, through the International Atomic Energy Agency, has helped minimize the threat of a nuclear war by inspecting nuclear reactors in 90 countries to ensure that nuclear materials are not diverted for military purposes.

8. Promoting self determination and independence - The United Nations has played a role in bringing about independence in countries that are now among its Member States.

9. Strengthening international law - Over 300 international treaties, on topics as varied as human rights conventions to agreements on the use of outer space and seabed, have been enacted through the efforts of the United Nations.

10. Handing down judicial settlements of major international disputes - By giving judgments and advisory opinions, the International Court of Justice has helped settle international disputes involving territorial issues, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, diplomatic relations, hostage-taking, the right of asylum, rights of passage and economic rights.

11. Ending apartheid in South Africa - By imposing measures ranging from an arms embargo to a convention against segregated sporting events, the United Nations was a major factor in bringing about the downfall of the apartheid system, which the General Assembly called "a crime against humanity." Elections were held in April 1994 in which all South Africans were allowed to participate on an equal basis, followed by the establishment of a majority government.

12. Providing humanitarian aid to victims of conflict - More than 30 million refugees fleeing war, famine or persecution have received aid from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees since 1951 in a continuing effort coordinated by the United Nations that often involves other agencies. There are more than 19 million refugees, mostly women and children, who are receiving food, shelter, medical aid, education and repatriation assistance.

II. The Developing World / Standard of Living Comparison Sheet – Complete the information on the handout using either the website (see the handout) or the maps posted.




III. Reflection and Observations…

What is the relationship between GDP and Literacy Rates?





What did you notice about the diverse range of standards of living around the world? What solutions can you think of to solve the problem of unequal distribution of wealth in the world? Write your answer in the form of a neat web with many branches and details to support your ideas.


ECONOMICS AND CULTURE – “3 PLUS U”



Looking at Global Economies…

What does it mean to have a “global economy””

How does the spending of consumers in Canada, impact life or work in other countries?

Why should we care about work and labour conditions in other countries?

What does it mean to be a reflective or a “moral” consumer?



In the following lesson, we are going to reflect on the above questions in addition to other tasks or assignments…



Go to the following website… Bring your earphones, it has sound effects and music.

http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/3PLUSU/index.html


EXPLORING GLOBALIZATION

What is “globalization”? In this part of the lesson, you will be exploring what that term means, then thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of this term.



I. Pre-mapping Discussion

What is globalization? – Discuss and write your own definition.



How has globalization affected you?

In groups brainstorm in the form of the web how you are impacted by globalization.



(Do on white paper using a ruler)



II. Mapping Activity/Student Activity Sheet – Assessing Canada’s Role in Globalization

• Complete the information on the handout using either the website (see the handout) or the maps posted.

• You will 2 maps: Canada and the World and The Developing World



III. Reflection

International Development – What is your definition??


Google- World Bank and skim/scan the information on the site. This website relates to International Development. Find out what the exact definition of the term is…



IV. What are the advantages and Disadvantages of Globalization?? Persuasive Paragraph – Choose a side! You are working for the World Bank and you want to persuade nations around the world that either globalization is a benefit… or it is not a benefit. In a short response of 3 paragraphs you are going to present your reasons using actual facts from our discussion in this lesson, websites or other factual sources.



Use the Persuasive Argument to structure your response.

1. Introduction to issue

2. Present your side

3. Give 3-4 reasons well explained with support and reasons using persuasive language.

4. Present reasons – lead with your Ace and end with your King… Listen and find out what that means.

5. Conclusion – Wrap it up/summarize and end with a clincher to leave your audience convinced!

What Affects Quality of Life (Notes)

WHAT AFFECTS QUALITY OF LIFE?? Ref: p.46, Human Geography 8, Pearson

I. Discussion on Shocking Statistics…

If you were living in sub-Saharan Africa you would be living on less than $1/day. What can you purchase with just $1 in our country? How is your life compared to a person living in Sub-Saharan Africa??



Examine the map, A Developing World, and locate Sub-Saharan Africa. Based on the statistics on the map, for a classroom of about 30 students, 8% of the students would have HIV/AIDS; only 51-75% would have access to clean drinking water; 46% would live on less than $1 / day; 50% of the girls would not be able to read, and 30% of the boys would not be able to read.



What do people need in order to live a decent life? (At least one with some quality??)These statements suggest some ideas: safety from danger, an environment with clean air and water, food and education. What other things do people need for a life with quality? What do the following headlines show about our world today?

Food Bank Running Low Environment Tops Worry List

Canadian Women Live to 83 Daily Life Dangerous in Gaghdad



The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

You might be surprised that Canada played a very important part in identifying what people really need (and have the right to). The United Nations (UN) was founded in 1945. The following year, Canadian lawyer John Peters Humphrey formed its Human Rights Division. He worked with a small group of people who drew up the list of basic human rights. The UN adopted his final version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.



Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Article 1.

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2.

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 3.

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 4.

No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

Article 5.

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 6.

Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

Article 7.

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Article 8.

Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

Article 9.

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Article 10.

Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

The Three “L's"

When the UN Declaration refers to health, well being and education; it is highlighting the importance of the three “L”s: life expectancy, living standard and literacy. Each one is a measure of quality of life. Life expectancy is how long a person can expect to live. Long life shows a good health care system. Living standard estimates the average purchasing power a person has, based on where they live. There are actual great differences in wealth within most countries. The literacy rate measures basic education; expressed as a percentage of people who can read and write.





Freedoms

Quality of life means more than just health, wealth and education. Think about a typical newscast. Many people around the world don not have the basic freedoms which we enjoy in Canada. There are cases in which human rights are being violated. Warfare, terrorist bombings and military governments are examples of how life can be extremely different than what we are used to in Canada.

From the UN Declaration of Human Rights…

Article 18.

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion…

Article 19.

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression…

Article 20.

Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association…

Article 21.

Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.

II. Examining Human Rights in Our World - “IGNORED OR DEMONSTRATED”

Using your knowledge of current events, complete a visual that shows Canadian and world situations in which specific Universal Declaration of Human Rights articles…

A) Are very much in evidence

B) Seem to be largely ignored

Do you think the UN Declaration is being followed in the world today?? Explain your views.























COMPARING LEVELS OF DEVELOPMENT Ref: Human Geography 8, Pearson

I. Discussion – Read the following article for discussion

UN Report on best places in the world to live in the world

(10 November 2006)



This week, the UN once again named Norway as the best place in the world to live, a title it has enjoyed since 2001. Norway is able provide its 4.5 million citizens with high-quality and low-cost education, health care, and social services, thanks to substantial income from oil exports.

Next in the list, placing second through eighth, are Iceland, Australia, Ireland, Sweden, Canada, Japan and the United States.

Annually since 1990, the UN Development Report Office has compared the 177 countries for which statistics are available. Data used to create the rankings relate to the ability of people to reach their full potential to be healthy and live long lives, to be able to read and write, to have access to resources like clean water, and to be able to participate freely in the decisions of their community. In those countries near the bottom of the ranking list, these basic needs often go unmet.



HDI: The Bottom 8 - 2006 Countries

170 Ethiopia

171 Chad

172 Central African Republic

173 Guinea Bissau

174 Burkina Faso

175 Mali

176 Sierra Leone

177 Niger



You may be wondering why Canada didn’t rank first. After all, we led the United Nations’ annual ratings for consecutive years before Norway took the lead. However, Canada is in the top 3%, net to some very strong competition. Now take a look at the chart in the margin showing the bottom 8 countries on the HDI list. What do these countries have in common? How are they different from the top ranking countries listed above? Think of this in terms of geographical and environmental factors such as location, natural resources, industry and climate.



What supports a long, healthy life? Genetics and healthy choices are not the only things that affect life expectancy. In a country such as Canada, a wealth of natural resources and advanced economy mean that most people have access to clean water and food. If someone gets sick or injured, they have access to health care. The system is not always perfect, but on average, Canadian live long lives.



However, in many countries in the world, average life expectancy is low. Life can be short in nations torn apart by years of war and political turmoil – countries like Afghanistan or Mozambique. Many countries face problems that contribute to lower life expectancy. The lack of clean drinking water or famines caused by drought can result in malnutrition and disease. Severe shortages of hospitals, medicine and doctors reduce the odds of recovery for someone who is ill or injured. Parts of Africa face another huge threat to life expectancy – the AIDS epidemic. AIDS has caused the deaths of large numbers of adults in many African countries and has lowered life expectancy to 40 years or less.



Literacy is a good measure of access to education. While the UN Declaration states that everyone has the right to at least elementary schooling, the map above shows that this is not happening in many parts of the world. In Niger, for example, fewer than one person in six has basic literacy skills.



Nations with low literacy levels often lack many basic requirements for schools. Shortages of money, building materials, school supplies, and trained teachers are immediate problems. As well, there may be a lack of roads, power, and other services to support a school. In many developing countries, rural families need their children at home to help with crops, animal care, and household tasks. In these societies, anything more than basic schooling is a luxury that many cannot afford. This can limit opportunities for people, generation after generation. Think about your school experience up until now. How does a country such as Canada support education and literacy?





Gross domestic product (GDP) and Gross national product (GNP) are 2 similar ways to describe the value of all goods and services produced by the people of a country in one year. They are used to measure the size of a country’s economy, and can indicate the living standards of the country. GDP and GNP can also be calculated per person, or “per capita”. In 2005, Canada’s GDP per capita was $35 494 ($US), ninth in the world. But don’t ask for your share to spend. GDP per capita refers only to the production of goods and services, not the actual amount you can spend on things. It is a national average, including everyone from millionaires to Grade 8 students.



How does GDP per capita show living standard? Improvement in a country’s economic performance can mean better public services, a cleaner environment, and better production for workers. However, this is not always completely true. What might happen if economic wealth was not distributed evenly among all citizens?





III. Reflection

Explore the “Developing World” map. Examine the statistics given for literacy, GDP and life expectancy. What patterns have you noticed? How are all these factors connected? Why is this? Share reasons in small groups. Create a diagram that shows the connections below… Feel free to add in other factors such as water and other resources.



What Does the HDI Score Mean??



The UN Human Development Index brings all the measures of education, health, and wealth together into one big picture. What might an HDI score mean to a country? If you were leading a country’s government, what would you do if your nation were awarded a very high or very low HDI score? How might that score affect your popularity and power among the people?



I. Pre- Activity: Complete the Student Activity Sheet #1:

Human Geography Terms to reinforce what you have learned so far.



II. Read “A Case Study – Mauritius a Success Story”











































III. Reflection

Examining "The Developing World Map"

1. Use the information on life expectancy on the map and compare Africa to the rest of the world. List 5 reasons to explain this pattern.



2. Compare literacy and standard of living or GDP around the world. What patterns do you notice?



3. Could Mauritius’ formula for success be applied to other developing countries? Explain.





DEVELOPMENT AID AND DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

I. Discussion

Imagine that you could do something to improve the quality of life in some part of the world. What important changes would you make? How would you get your message out to others? In 2005, top music performers donated their talents for Live 8 rock concerts in the leading developing countries including Canada. They wanted to raise awareness of world poverty and urge developed countries to contribute to more solutions. What have young Canadian artists composed recently to help a country in need??



Types of Aid

Foreign Aid describes the flow of assistance between governments. Money, loans, trained people, supplies and equipment can move from one nation to another. The following information describes different forms of aid.



• Bilateral Aid –This type of aid connects two countries together: a donor and a recipient. Countries may have bilateral aid ties with strategic military allies or with former colonies. At other times, aid may be a response to a crisis. Canada’s official foreign aid is handled by CIDA, the Canadian International Development Agency. In 2004, CIDA coordinated the Canadian effort to help countries affected by the tsunami in South Asia. What has CIDA recently coordinated just this year?



• Multilateral Aid – This type of aid comes from more than one country. The best known multilateral aid organization is the UN. Contributing countries work together to support thousands of development projects around the world. Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other agencies are employed to bring humanitarian aid where it is needed.



• Tied Aid – This aid comes with conditions that tie the receiving country to the donor. It is like a gift card that must be spent in one store, whether you want to shop there or not. Tied aid requires that the receiving country must buy supplies and equipment from the donor country. For example, money needed to fight AIDS in Africa may only be given if they money is used to buy the necessary drugs from the donor country.



• NGO – Non-Governmental Organizations are aid agencies which are not part of the government. Examples include: Oxfam or the International Red Cross or Free the Children.



• World Bank – The World Bank is a multilateral organization that supports international development. Governments and banks invest large amounts of money in the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The World Bank then lends the money to countries for specific projects. Between July 2006 and June 2007, the World Bank distributed 24.7 billion dollars ($US).



Heroes and Villains

The World Bank is large source of foreign aid loans. Officials say that they are successfully fighting poverty, while critics claim the bank is actually causing it. For example, farm poverty is widespread in developing countries, but between 2001 and 2005, only 1/10 of the funds went to rural development projects. Critics point out that loans for large scale projects such as dams, pipelines and airports are favoured instead. Loan conditions are strict. Sometimes countries must cut social services (schools and hospitals) in order to continue to making payments. For these reasons, protestors gather whenever the World Bank meets with global leaders.



Some of the criticism of the World Bank is one sided. It overlooks how large scale projects could support long-term economic growth. For example, if a country has petroleum deposits, construction of a pipeline would allow it to export oil. This might improve living standards, but there is no guarantee. Niger (Africa) exports oil, but remains near the bottom of the UN Human Development Index. Airport construction is another criticized project, yet the important part of Mauritius was the construction of an international airport which improved trade, tourism – thereby raising the GDP per capita.



Does large scale technology always benefit everyone? Big projects such as hydroelectric dams cost a lot of money, and sometimes the benefits do not filter down to help people in rural areas. So an approach to development called appropriate technology has become increasingly popular. The Play Pump is an example of this technology. It is called “appropriate” because the technologies look at the locally available materials or power sources. It does not require large investment, high tech equipment or fossil fuels. It aims to improve people’s ability to feed, clothe and shelter families. Ideally appropriate technology should be “green” and use renewable energy sources.



Questions to Ensure Understanding…

a) Explain examples of the following types of development projects: bilateral tied aid; multilateral aid from an NGO; locally made appropriate technology





b) What is the difference between large scale aid projects and appropriate technology? Give an example of each concept.





c) How would you convince the World Bank to direct more of its loans to appropriate technology solutions?





Are Canadians Doing Enough??

Yes No

In 2006, the Canadian government spent more than $3 billion on foreign aid. That amounts to about $100/Canadian. This is proportionally much higher than the U.S. or Japan. Canadians also respond very generously to NGO relief efforts like the Asian tsunami disaster in 2004 and Haiti Earthquake 2010. The United Nations recommends that that developed countries give 0.7% of their GDP to foreign aid. That amounts to 7 cents on every $10. Canada pledged to meet this goal, but currently gives 0.3% of the GDP. Most European countries exceed Canada’s rate, and 5 of them met the UN standards in 2006.



Make Poverty History is a Canadian NGO that wants to end poverty worldwide. Their goals include increasing Canada’s foreign aid to 0.7% and canceling the huge debts owed by developing nations. The organization urges people to support fair trade products, such as coffee, clothing and craft goods. (Fair trade is trade that gives fair prices to small, independent producers on a wide variety of goods). What is happening in our community to fight poverty? How can fair trade items help poor countries? What is your view?? Reflect on the following:

• Canada must increase its foreign aid level to 0.7% of its national income.

• Both large and small retailers in Canada should support fair trade.



II. Student Activity Sheet: Development Assistance Simulation

To complete this activity you will need both the map, “A Developing World” and access to the on-line map. You will also need access to the Internet to choose your Millennium Development Goal (MDG).



Complete and research answer to the information on the following activity handouts,

Development Status Organizer

Decision Making

Then prepare for a presentation on your findings.



III. Development Assistance Presentation and Vote

Present your groups findings; be sure to have all necessary visual aids.

Practice the order of how facts will be presented and who will say each part.



The Vote! Members of the class are going to watch the presentations and complete a vote ranking the branches.

Groups will use the Voting Organizer sheet.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Social Outline

Here's a rough OUTLINE for the SOCIAL TEST... DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH IN THE WORLD
1) UN history (notes and questions)

2) What happened in Rwanda? Who is Romeo Daillaire? How did he make an impact and help those living in Rwanda in the midst of a genocide?

3) What makes up the Human Development Index (HDI)?
Know key terminology Longevity, GDP, Literacy ... (see your handouts for this)

4) Why was the Human Development Index created? What are they key statistics on the HDI Map (the one posted in class)? Explain why

How do all these concepts connect? (Longevity, GDP, Literacy)
- Remember the web we created in class and the other factors that impact the HDI. Name and explain 4 other factors and the impact these these factors have on the Human Development Index. (Factors may include: population, war, stable government, resource availability.)

5) Millenium Development Goals - What are they? Why were they created? What was the initial goal when they were created? Does it seems realistic?
- Explain why it is or isn't using examples of what we studied in class.
Why are they important for the Distribution of Wealth?? What Millenium goals are explored in the 2 case studies (gender issues in schools in Senegal and HIV/AIDS issues in Mozambique).

6) What are the 3 "pieces of the puzzle" when looking at sustainability and wdevelopment in the world? What does sustainability mean when looking at Global development? Why is it important for governments to take this into consideration?

7) Why is it important for students to study global economics and the human development index?

*REMEMBER you are allowed to bring in a STUDY SHEET. MAKE THE EFFORT TO CREATE ONE BASED ON THESE QUESTIONS. BE SURE TO HAVE ALL YOUR NOTES AND QUESTIONS.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Grade 8 Math Quiz Practice

Do these questions for practice for the quiz. You can print them out or copy them.

1. Create a diagram to show the following equations. You can use a number line or “circle integer disks”.
a) (-10) + (+5)


b) (-15) – (+4)


c) (+4) x (-5)

2. Short Answer – For all problems, be sure to write your answer in a sentence.
 a. Water freezes at 0 °C. If water at 97 °C is cooled at a rate of 6 °C per minute, will it be frozen in 16 min? Show a mathematical statement and all your work.


 b. Gold’s Gym charges its members $250/year. If a member makes a single payment to pay for the next 3 years, there is a discount of $5/month. How much is a single payment?

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

How is Wealth Distributed (Notes)

* test: Monday, May 31
* You are allowed a study sheet of 1 side of loose leaf - created by you!!!!

How is Wealth Distributed in the World?


More than 6.7 billion people live on our planet. As the CIDA Developing World map shows, they live in vastly different conditions. About 1 billion people—nearly one in six—live in extreme poverty, on less than a dollar a day.

While the developing world is not easy to describe, and the problems it presents are not easy to solve, many developing countries have made remarkable progress in the last several decades.

Overall, poverty is decreasing. Today, 82 percent of people in the world can read and write—the highest percentage in history. Between 1960 and 2005, life expectancy in developing countries increased by almost 20 years, from 47 to 65. Some developing countries have built up their economies to the point where they are now major competitors in the international marketplace.

Yet, for other countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa, poverty remains a daily threat. On that part of the continent, 33 million children were not enrolled in primary school in 2005.

Around the world, 854 million people still go to bed hungry every night. And each minute, one woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth because she didn't received adequate or prompt care.


What is development?


Development begins with meeting the most basic human needs—food, clean water, good health, and shelter. But it also involves the chance to earn a living in a society where human rights are respected and where women as well as men can participate fully in the life of their communities. Sustainable development requires an infrastructure that provides essential services and underpins economic growth, as well as an economy that encourages innovation and respects the environment.

Canadians believe it is important to help people in need. Today, television and the Internet bring images from developing countries directly into our homes. We can see that our own security, health, environment, and economic well-being are increasingly touched by events rooted in the poverty of developing countries.

In countries affected by conflict, such as Afghanistan, Canadian development experts work side by side with Canadian diplomats and Canadian soldiers to lay a solid foundation for peace and hope.

Canada is part of a new global community working to accomplish what no nation can do alone. In September 2000, at a special United Nations assembly to mark the turn of the century, the world's leaders agreed to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)—to reduce poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women by 2015.

With support from the Canadian International Development Agency, thousands of individual Canadians and hundreds of organizations, businesses and institutions are working with partners in developing countries to reduce poverty and meet these goals. Their efforts help create a better world and a better life for us all.

This map is designed to provide a glimpse of some of the challenges in developing countries and the progress made toward achieving five of the MDGs. It uses the United Nations Development Programme's human development index (HDI) to show which countries have achieved high levels of development and which countries are still working toward improving the lives of their people.



What is the HDI?

In 1990, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) created a composite index that measures the quality of life in United Nations member countries. This human development index (HDI) is based on three aspects of human development: longevity (measured by life expectancy at birth), knowledge (measured by a combination of adult literacy and school enrolment), and standard of living (measured by GDP per capita in PPP US$).

Every year, the UNDP produces a new report that ranks member countries according to the HDI, details improvement and decline in various areas, and examines one particular topic in great detail.



Did you know?

 In 2004 an estimated 2.5 billion people were living on less than $2 a day—that's nearly half the people in the developing world. Source: World Bank

 In sub-Saharan Africa, one out of every three people is undernourished, and this number is increasing. Source: FAO

 The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was founded on October 16, 1945 in Quebec City, at a meeting chaired by Lester B. Pearson, who later became Canada’s fourteenth Prime Minister. Each year, since 1981, the FAO has held a World Food Day on October 16 to raise awareness of the need to find a lasting solution to global hunger and malnutrition. The theme for 2008 is world food security and the challenges of climate change. Source: WFD

 Beyond causing tremendous human suffering, hunger and malnutrition kill more than five million children per year, and cost developing countries billions of dollars in lost productivity and national income. Source: FAO

World Poverty and Hunger game… “Food Force”

Game is created by the United Nations



http://www.food-force.com/

A major crisis has developed in the Indian Ocean, on the island of Sheylan. We’re sending in a new team to step up the World Food Programme’s presence there and help feed millions of hungry people.

A MINITURE EARTH VIDEO SLIDESHOW

VIEW AT http://www.miniature-earth.com/me_english.htm

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

SMART Board Survey

We need to complete a survey asap!!

The survey is regarding the SMART board.

Just copy/paste this link into your browser window.

Survey Link:
http://esrealitycheck.com/rc/takeit.asp?i=1394375


Thanks!!
Stewie

Social Studies -Millenium Development Goals

WHAT IS DEVELOPMENT?
In a world that is very rich, many people are very poor. Development is about reaching these people and helping them improve their lives.


Indeed, development is a complex term that takes in many different ideas. But most simply, development, when we are talking about countries, means reaching an acceptable standard of living for all people. It means that people have the basic things they need to live. It means that all the people have the right to make choices about their lives. It means that they have opportunities to improve their living situations.

Developed countries are not necessarily rich countries, and all rich countries are not necessarily developed. For example, rich countries may not be considered developed if they have a few very rich people and many very poor people, and if many people don't have healthcare and education, clean air and water, roads and electricity.

Development is a cooperative effort of many. The governments of poor countries work to improve their incomes, and, in most cases, to improve the lives of their people. The governments of most rich countries try to help poor countries to do so. Institutions like the World Bank also provide money and projects to improve the lives of poor people. Many other charitable groups around the world work to do the same. And the poor themselves struggle daily to provide for themselves and their families.

These groups and governments established a list of goals that the whole world today is striving to reach-—the Millennium Development Goals.

Development will always be ongoing, even when these basic goals are met. People will always try to improve the quality of their lives and the lives of their children. At the same time, all agree that development efforts should be "sustainable." This means meeting today’s needs without creating problems for future generations.

What is Sustainable Development?


There are many definitions of sustainable development, including this landmark one which first appeared in 1987:


"Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." ( from the World Commission on Environment and Development)



But what does this mean? What are the needs of the present? Take a minute and jot down five to ten needs that you have in your own life.

Have you listed any needs that conflict with one another? For example, if you listed clean air to breathe, but also listed a car for transportation, your needs might conflict. Which would you choose, and how would you make your decision? If within ourselves, we have conflicting needs, how much is that multiplied when we look at a whole community, city, country, world? For example, what happens when a company’s need for cheap labor conflicts with workers’ needs for livable wages? Or when individual families’ needs for firewood conflict with the need to prevent erosion and conserve topsoil? Or when one country’s need for electricity results in acid rain that damages another country's lakes and rivers?

How do we decide whose needs are met? Poor or rich people? Citizens or immigrants? People living in cities or in the countryside? People in one country or another?You or your neighbor? The environment or the corporation? This generation or the next generation? When there has to be a trade off, whose needs should go first?

The Long and the Short of It


People concerned about sustainable development suggest that meeting the needs of the future depends on how well we balance social, economic, and environmental objectives--or needs--when making decisions today. Some of these needs are itemized around the puzzle diagram.

What social, economic, or environmental needs would you add to the puzzle?


Many of these objectives may seem to conflict with each other in the short term. For example, industrial growth might conflict with preserving natural resources. Yet, in the long term, responsible use of natural resources now will help ensure that there are resources available for sustained industrial growth far into the future.


Studying the puzzle raises a number of difficult questions. For example:

- Can the long term economic objective of sustained agricultural growth be met if the ecological objective of preserving biodiversity is not?

- What happens to the environment in the long term if a large number of people cannot afford to meet their basic household needs today?

- If you did not have access to safe water, and therefore needed wood to boil drinking water so that you and your children would not get sick, would you worry about causing deforestation?

- Or, if you had to drive a long distance to get to work each day, would you be willing to move or get a new job to avoid polluting the air with your car exhaust?

- If we don’t balance our social, economic, and environmental objectives in the short term, how can we expect to sustain our development in the long term?

What sustainable development dilemmas do you and your family face in your everyday lives? Jot note 3-5 ideas.


Ms. Stewart-Mitchell ~ Social Studies Name:
What is Development?



In a world that is very rich, many people are very poor. Development is about reaching these people and helping them improve their lives.
Indeed, development is a complex term that takes in many different ideas. But most simply, development, when we are talking about countries, means reaching an acceptable standard of living for all people. It means that people have the basic things they need to live. It means that all the people have the right to make choices about their lives. It means that they have opportunities to improve their living situations.
Developed countries are not necessarily rich countries, and all rich countries are not necessarily developed. For example, rich countries may not be considered developed if they have a few very rich people and many very poor people, and if many people don't have healthcare and education, clean air and water, roads and electricity.
Development is a cooperative effort of many. The governments of poor countries work to improve their incomes, and, in most cases, to improve the lives of their people. The governments of most rich countries try to help poor countries to do so. Institutions like the World Bank also provide money and projects to improve the lives of poor people. Many other charitable groups around the world work to do the same. And the poor themselves struggle daily to provide for themselves and their families.
These groups and governments established a list of goals that the whole world today is striving to reach-—the Millennium Development Goals.
Development will always be ongoing, even when these basic goals are met. People will always try to improve the quality of their lives and the lives of their children. At the same time, all agree that development efforts should be "sustainable." This means meeting today’s needs without creating problems for future generations.

What is Sustainable Development?

There are many definitions of sustainable development, including this landmark one which first appeared in 1987:
"Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." ( from the World Commission on Environment and Development)

But what does this mean? What are the needs of the present? Take a minute and jot down five to ten needs that you have in your own life.
Have you listed any needs that conflict with one another? For example, if you listed clean air to breathe, but also listed a car for transportation, your needs might conflict. Which would you choose, and how would you make your decision? If within ourselves, we have conflicting needs, how much is that multiplied when we look at a whole community, city, country, world? For example, what happens when a company’s need for cheap labor conflicts with workers’ needs for livable wages? Or when individual families’ needs for firewood conflict with the need to prevent erosion and conserve topsoil? Or when one country’s need for electricity results in acid rain that damages another country's lakes and rivers?
How do we decide whose needs are met? Poor or rich people? Citizens or immigrants? People living in cities or in the countryside? People in one country or another?You or your neighbor? The environment or the corporation? This generation or the next generation? When there has to be a trade off, whose needs should go first?
The Long and the Short of It
People concerned about sustainable development suggest that meeting the needs of the future depends on how well we balance social, economic, and environmental objectives--or needs--when making decisions today. Some of these needs are itemized around the puzzle diagram.
What social, economic, or environmental needs would you add to the puzzle?

Many of these objectives may seem to conflict with each other in the short term. For example, industrial growth might conflict with preserving natural resources. Yet, in the long term, responsible use of natural resources now will help ensure that there are resources available for sustained industrial growth far into the future.
Studying the puzzle raises a number of difficult questions. For example:
- Can the long term economic objective of sustained agricultural growth be met if the ecological objective of preserving biodiversity is not?
- What happens to the environment in the long term if a large number of people cannot afford to meet their basic household needs today?
- If you did not have access to safe water, and therefore needed wood to boil drinking water so that you and your children would not get sick, would you worry about causing deforestation?
- Or, if you had to drive a long distance to get to work each day, would you be willing to move or get a new job to avoid polluting the air with your car exhaust?
- If we don’t balance our social, economic, and environmental objectives in the short term, how can we expect to sustain our development in the long term?
What sustainable development dilemmas do you and your family face in your everyday lives? Jot note 3-5 ideas.


What are the Millennium Development Goals?

In September 2000, most of the countries of the world agreed to cut extreme poverty and hunger in half by the year 2015. What will it take to accomplish this—and to it make stay?
Reducing poverty means providing the basic things people need to live.
Basic life needs include having enough nutritious food to eat and clean water to drink, having a home to live in, having access to good health services, being able to go to school, being able to find work, etc.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight targets that would help meet these basic needs for most people. Only then will the lives of the very poor be improved in a lasting way. And, development experts believe that if the MDGs are reached, the number of poor people in the world would be cut in half. The MDGs should be achieved by the year 2015.
The Millennium Development Goals were written by the United Nations, governments, international development organizations and other people who are concerned with poverty in the world.
The goals were drafted because these organizations wanted to do two things: First, they wanted to help poor people become self-sufficient and be able to contribute to their society. Second, they wanted to be able to measure how much progress has been made in reducing poverty in the world and in helping poor countries develop.
They considered some of the different problems which make and keep people poor, and came up with the following list of goals:
• Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
• Improve maternal health
• Achieve universal primary education
• Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
• Promote gender equality and empower women
• Ensure environmental sustainability
• Reduce child mortality
• Develop a global partnership for development


OTHER SITES TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND:
http://www.unicef.org/mdg/
* This site has visuals/videos and podcasts
to help you understand

CASE STUDY #1
Breaking the silence on gender-based violence in schools
United Nations Girls' Education Initiative special podcast

In the run-up to the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Girls' Education Initiative and the global conference entitled 'E4 - Engendering Empowerment: Education and Equality' to be held in Dakar, Senegal from 17 to 20 May, UNICEF has been featuring a series on girls’ education and gender equality. The following report is part of that series.
By Pi James
NEW YORK, USA, 17 May 2010 – For millions of children worldwide, physical and emotional abuse and gender-based violence are a harsh daily reality.
AUDIO: CLICK ON THE PODCAST ON THIS SITE: http://www.unicef.org/girlseducation/index_53661.html
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI), UNICEF Radio moderator Amy Costello spoke with Judith Bruce, Senior Associate and Policy Analyst with the Population Council, and Keyti, a Senegalese rap star, about violence against girls and the role of education.
‘Girls don’t feel safe’
According to Ms. Bruce, who works with the Population Council’s Poverty, Gender and Youth programme, violence targeted at girls is prevalent in communities and schools around the world. Among its many repercussions, violence can have a devastating impact on girls’ education.
“Even if [violence] doesn’t happen, the threat of it is what keeps girls from school in the first place,” Ms. Bruce said, adding that the fear of violence limits girls’ participation and frequently undermines their learning. She cited a recent Population Council study based in Zambia, in which two-thirds of girls reported that someone they knew was being abused by a male family member at home, and over a third reported that they knew of girls who had been abused by teachers.
“We have more than 80 per cent of girls saying that they know that girls are forced to do things they don’t want to do for money,” Ms. Bruce said. She noted that the ages of rape victims – at least, in cases of rape that are reported – are getting younger.
“Girls don’t feel safe,” she said. “They don’t feel safe at home, they don’t feel safe on the way to school and they don’t feel safe in school.”
A 15-year-old girl writes answers on the chalkboard in her classroom in Senegal. Girls around the world suffer multiple forms of violence in and out of school settings. © UNICEF/NYHQ2008-1125/Nesbitt
‘Enough is enough’
Keyti, a renowned rap musician and member of AURA – a network of young West African rap stars who have united to promote children's rights – said that growing up in Senegal, he encountered many social differences between girls and boys. However, he said, this is changing “little by little.”
“As a Senegalese boy, I didn’t [have] any obligation to participate in the house chores,” Keyti said, adding that he recalled his sisters and other girls “always cleaning the houses, always making food, always washing the clothes. As a boy, all I had to do was go outside and play football.
“But more and more, I get the feeling that it’s changing in Senegal right now,” he said. “Even the government is helping.”
Keyti argued that people – and communities as a whole – need to break the silence on violence. “Enough is enough,” he said. “If we really want Africa to be developed, we’ve got to take care of our problems … and face things as they are.”
Questions
1. Which Millenium Development Goals are being targeted in this case?
2. Who is being affected by lack of justice in this case?
3. How are boys and girls treated differently in this situation?
4. How have the injustices impacted both boys and girls in this case?
5. Who is helping in this situation?
6. How is having a rap musician working for children important for making a change?





UNICEF Image


UNICEF




Visiting Somalia, UNICEF Regional Director notes progress made on safe water




BOSSASO, Somalia, 13 May 2010 – Bossaso, a busy port town on the northern coast of Somalia, is an economic hub in the semi-autonomous Puntland region. Tens of thousands of Somalia’s estimated 1.5 million internally displaced people live here, shielded from the intense heat only by cardboard and bits of rags.






http://www.unicefglobalstudy.blogspot.com/

Friday, May 14, 2010

MATH INTEGERS RULE

REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING "PERSONALITY RULE" FOR Multiplying or Dividing INTEGERS...

Imagine there is a party where many people are hanging out....
If you have 2 positive people chatting, they will have a good or "positive" time, so      + x + = +


If you have 2 negative people chatting, they will also have a good time because after all they can both complain, but eventually they are having fun because they have like personalities. So....    - x - = +


BUT if you have a positive person hanging out with a negative person, they will not have a good time because they are not alike... so...
+ x - = -     or   - x + = -

This "Personality Rule" applies whether you multiply or divide integers...  and there you go, an easy way to remember the sign rules of integers.

Ms. Stewie

A REALLY GOOFY RAP ABOUT INTEGERS.... But if it helps you understand... awesome!



ANOTHER VIDEO ABOUT INTEGERS....


Adding Integers Rule:

All positive numbers...
* Add the numbers. The answer will always be positive.
(+8) + (+3) = +11

All negative numbers
* Add the numbers. The answer will always be negative.
(- 8) + (- 3) = - 11

Some positive and some negative numbers
(- 6) + (+5) =
* Ignoring whether the numbers are positive or negative, subtract the the smaller number from the larger number: 6 - 5 = 1

* Use the sign (+) or (-) of the larger number for your answer ~ in the case of this example, (-). Therefore 6 - 5 = - 1

With more that two numbers being added

(- 6) + (+5) + (+7) + (+4) + (- 3) =
* Add all the positive numbers: (+5) + (+7) + (+4) = +16
* Add all the negative numbers: (- 6) + (- 3) = - 9

* Ignoring whether the numbers are positive or negative, subtract the smaller number from the larger number: 16 - 9 = 7

* Use the sign (+) or (-) of the larger number for your answer ~ in the case of this example, (+). Therefore 16 - 9 = +7

************************************************************
Subtracting Integers Rule

*Never subtract positive and negative numbers. Always turn a subtraction question into an addition question, and change number to the right to the opposite sign.

For example: (+7) - (-15) =

Change the subtraction symbol to an addition symbol: (+7) + (-15) =

*Also change the symbol of the number to the right of the new addition symbol. If the number was negative, it will now be positive, and if the number was positive, it will now be negative. In the case of this example, -15 now becomes +15, giving the new equation (+7) + (+15) =
Now follow the addition rules outlined above:

(+7) + (+15) =

All positive numbers

Add the numbers. The answer will always be positive.

(+7) + (+15) = (+22)

Let's try another subtraction equation together:

(+6) - (+13) =
Change the subtraction symbol to an addition symbol.

 Also change the symbol of the number to the right of the new addition symbol. If the number was negative, it will now be positive, and if the number was positive, it will now be negative. In the case of this example, +13 now becomes -13, giving the new equation
(+6) - (-13) =

Now follow the addition rules outlined above:

(+6) + (+13)     [Notice that we changed subtracting to adding, and changed -13 to +13.

Final example:

(- 6) - (+5) - (+7) - (+4) - (- 3) =

* Change the all subtraction symbols to an addition symbols:
* Also change the symbol of the number to the right of the new addition symbol. If the number was negative, it will now be positive, and if the number was positive, it will now be negative. The new equation will now read
(- 6) + (- 5) + (- 7) + (- 4) + (+3) =

*Now follow the addition rules outlined above:

(- 6) + (- 5) + (- 7) + (- 4) + (+3) =

* Add all the positive numbers: +3 = +3

* Add all the negative numbers: - 6 + - 5 + - 7 + - 4 = - 22
* Ignoring whether the numbers are positive or negative, subtract the smaller number from the larger number: 22 - 3 = 19

* Use the sign (+) or (-) of the larger number for your answer,  in the case of this example, (-). Therefore 22 - 3 = - 19

************************************************************

Using the notes above, try adding and subtracting these practice questions.

a) (+3) + (+2) - (+1) =

b) (+1) + (+2) - (-3) =


c) (-3) - (+2) + (+1) =


d) (-3) - (+2) - (-1) =


e) (+3) - (+2) - (+1) =

Answer correctly, show work on loose leaf and include with your upcoming test for Unit 8 and receive bonus marks!!!





**********************************************************

ECO-EARTH DAY LITURGY AND PRESENTATION

As a culmination of our EARTH MONTH, that started off with the SCHOOL EARTH HOUR CHALLENGE and included a variety of activities to celebrate the earth, we will have a EARTH LITURGY/CELEBRATION on WEDNESDAY, MAY 19TH at 10:30.

**** WEAR YOUR AWESOME ONE-OF-A-KIND TIE DYED SHIRT ON WEDNESDAY!!!!***

WELL DONE GRADE 7/8'S (and those other grade 8's from Mr. C's and Mrs.H/Mr.M.'s classes) for creating a ton of amazing shirts for the school. I really appreciate all of your hard work!!! Many teachers complimented me on how great you guys are!! 

WELL DONE!!!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MOMS OUT THERE!!

To my mom, Happy Mother's Day. I hope it's relaxing and a time for YOU to enjoy the day to yourself!

This song is for you. Right now it's not really a beautiful day... but the song is awesome and makes you think of positive things. Anyways... Enjoy!




By the way... I just like the song because it's cool.... and I love U2.

Friday, May 7, 2010

French - Passe Compose and Futur Proche

FUTUR PROCHE (FUTURE TENSE)

In French when you want to say something is going to happen, you use "Futur Proche" tense.


The Structure:


SUBJECT + aller CONJUGATED (to fit the subject) + 2ND VERB (INFINITIVE/UNCHANGED FORM)
+ REST OF SENTENCE...

To use the Futur Proche tense, you need to use ALLER CONJUGATED.

Aller Conjugation Chart



Je vais
Tu vas

Il va
Elle va
Nous allons
Vous avez
Ils vont
Elles vont

** Aller means to go!

Futur Proche Examples:

Je vais manger un sandwich.

(I am going to eat a sandwich.)

Tu vas voyager a Edmonton.
(You are going to travel to Edmonton)
 
Ils vont etudier a l'ecole.
(They are going to study a the school)


Elles vont chanter a l'eglise.
(They are going to sing at church)
Kieran va manger un sandwich sous-marin.
(Kieran is going to eat a submarine sandwich).
** Note that when you have a name of a person, use "va")

Futur Proche Practice - Use the following to write sentences in french... using the futur proche tense.


1. Brianna/chanter/a l'ecole

2. Carl et John Mark/vister/sur l'autobus

3. Je /regarder /le television

4. Ils/voyager/a la foret

5. Elles/prendre/un vacance sur l'ile tropicale


6. Vous/aller/a un parc national

7. Nous/manger/a la restaurant

8. Tu/faire/un gateau

PASSE COMPOSE
If you want to say that something happened in the past, use PASSE COMPOSE. Passe Compose means past tense.

Passe Compose Structure



SUBJECT + AVOIR CONJUGATED + INFINITIVE VERB + REST OF SENTENCE



EX) J' AI MANGER UN SANDWICH SOUS-MARIN.

ENGLISH: I ATE A SUBMARINE SANDWICH.

Tu as parler avec tes amis.

You talked with your friends.

AVOIR CONJUGATED

J'ai
Tu as
Elle a
Il a
Nous avons
Vous avez
Elles ont
Ils ont

Passe Compose Practice - Use the following to write sentences in french... using the passe compose tense.


1. Brianna/chanter/a l'ecole

2. Carl et John Mark/vister/sur l'autobus

3. Je /regarder /le television

4. Ils/voyager/a la foret

5. Elles/prendre/un vacance sur l'ile tropicale

6. Vous/aller/a un parc national

7. Nous/manger/a la restaurant

8. Tu/faire/un gateau

Other things you need to know...

je = I
tu = you (informal or singular)
elle = she
il = he
nous = they
vous = you  (formal or plural)
ils = they (for a group of boys or a group of boys and girls)
elles = they (for a group of girls)

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Oil Spill Your Reactions... Blog Post

Writ a blog response to  the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Remember to use your aliases and not your name.
Stewie


Videos for comtemplation...


Human Rights Booktalk

Human Rights Novel Booktalk Assignment
Presentation due date: May 18 start date... (yes I changed the date to accomodate our hectic schedule, initially students were presenting on May 14th)



During WWII, children of Jewish descent were forced to flee their homes to escape the Nazis. Families left most of their belongings behind, able to take with them only what they could carry in a small suitcase. There have been many instances in history, or even today, where people are forced to leave their home with only a few belongings.
 
Your Assignment: Create a suitcase or travel case (appropriate to the time and country) of things that represent the ideas or key events from your novel. You can use a collection of trinkets, pictures, or symbols to represent the key of the novel.

Example: Imagine you are reading the novel, The Hunger Games. If you were Katniss (the protagonist/main character) you would talk about your character and things that are important to you. You may pack a bow and arrow in your travel case because it represented you as a hunter, and ofcourse, the skills you developed using the bow and arrow, helped to provide food for your family... then eventually saved your life.
 
You might also pack a piece of bread or a bun to represent a very special person in your life, Peeta. (yes it sounds weird). Peeta was the boy also chosen  to represent your district, in the Hunger Games. You never really paid attention to him prior to the lottery. You never really noticed him, except for the time he gave you bread when you were starving. Peeta gave you three loaves of bread when you and your family were starving, even though it meant a beating from his mother.....
 
Get the idea...?? You need to get into the character and BECOME the character.

Explore the following novel elements:

1. Character (introduce not only yourself, the protagonist, but the other supporting characters that are important to the novel. Ex: antagonist.)

2. Setting (include a description of where and when your novel takes place, and how the setting impacts the novel, you could also include a map of the setting)


3. Problem (main conflict of the novel and internal or personal struggles. Explore the conflict with the antagonist.)

4. Solution (how did everything end up? How the plot "unravel"?)

5. Moral or theme of the novel - What is the main message? What is the main theme?

The travel case must also include items that represent your thoughts and feelings, and the values brought out in the novel.

Travel cases will be made in class, however, time will be needed to find the items to fill your travel cases.

How many items? at least 8... but less than 15.
The Presentation...
When you present, pretend you are the protagonist or main character. Talk about the key elements of the novel, as events from the book that happened to you. How would you react to other characters? How do you react to the problem? What are your feelings??  What do others think about you?

Come dressed in the role of your character with your travel case or travel bag filled with book related "trinkets" or momentos. Be authentic to your character and the time period of your book.Try to "get into your character". PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!! Make cue cards or notes to help you.

Feel free to create a backgrounnd via Powerpoint (e-mail to me at j.stewart-mitchell@rcs.sk.ca) so I can upload to the smart boart.) You can also use background music (please bring music on a memory stick or c.d. or embed in a powerpoint; as Youtube is very slow.

Presentation due date: May 18 start date...