8th Grade Civics & U.S. History: Women and the Military

This is your first assignment for term 4. We have had an amazing debate around the issue of women and the military. We unfortunately have to move on and begin studying the three branches of government, separation of powers, checks and balances and federalism. This will be our last conversation around this issue.

Part A: Defending Your Position

In a well written short response, explain why women should or should not be allowed to fight in the U.S. military. Take your time and give as many details as possible. Try your best to use the meanings of rights, duties and responsibilities and any other key vocabulary or historical detail. Your answer should be between 2 to 3 paragraphs.

Part B: Attacking Your Opponents

In a well written short response, choose any of your classmate’s argument that you disagree with and explain why your classmate’s argument is flawed (wrong or weak). In a “respectful way” explain why you disagree with your classmate’s argument. Your answer should be between 1 to 2 paragraphs.

Hints:

• Use Microsoft Word or another word processor
• Take your time and be as convincing as possible
• It is due by Friday, April 17th: This is the only homework assignment for the week

Mr. PPD

7B: World Geography: Africa

This assignment is due by Monday. After you complete your assignment, I will write back to you explaining ways you can improve your work or asking new questions to help you. This is called feedback. By completing your feedback you will get a chance to improve your grade and expand your learning.

Part A: Nile and Hydroelectric Power

The Nile River sustains one of the most populated cities in the world. Cairo is the capital of Egypt. It is the home of nearly 20 million people. In the past, the Nile River also gave “birth” to one of the world’s greatest ancient civilizations.

Questions:

1. List three ways the Nile helps the people of Egypt.
2. What would happen to Cairo if pollution were to “destroy” the Nile?

Part B: Sahara, Sahel and Oasis

3. What is desertification? What is causing desertification?
4. How is desertification affecting the people of the Sahel?

Part C: Sexism and Micro-Entrepreneurial Women Changing Africa

5. Many girls in Africa are deprived of the right to go to school and learning how to read and write.
a. What is sexism?
b. Why is it very important that Micro-credit organizations like Pro-Mujer help poor women across the world?
c. If you were the newly appointed United Nations African sub-secretary, what would you do to improve the lives of African women and African girls?

Part D: War, Genocide and Hope

6. What happen in Rwanda in 1994?
7. In your opinion, what leads people to people to commit such horrible acts of violence? Are people born with hate? Why or why not?
8. Paul Rusesabagina is the real hero played by the actor Don Cheadle.
a. What did Paul Rusesabagina do?
b. If you were Paul Rusesabagina, would you have done the same? Why or why not?

Hints:

• Use Microsoft Word or another word processor

• Ask for help if you need it

• Don’t wait until Sunday night.

7A World Geography: Africa

Final Online Question:

This is your final online question. It is due by Wednesday, January 21st at 8:30 AM. You should look at your notebooks and textbook to help you answer this question.

Esta pregunta es debida antes del miércoles 21 de enero por las 8:30. Usted debe mirar sus cuadernos y libro para ayudarle a contestar a esta pregunta.

Part A: Chapter 19 Nile River: A Journey from Source to Mouth
Part B: Chapter 20 Life in the Sahara and Sahel
Part C: Chapter 21 Micro-Entrepreneurs: Women’s Role in Africa

Part A:

1. What is hydroelectric power? ¿Que es energía hidroeléctrica?
2. What is the water cycle? ¿Qué es el ciclo del agua?
3. How does the Nile River help African people and economies? ¿Cómo el río del Nilo ayuda a la gente y las economías africanas?

Part B:

4. What is an oasis? ¿Que es un oasis?
5. How do African people adapt to the Sahara Desert? ¿Cómo la gente africana se adapta al desierto de Sáhara?
6. How do African people adapt to the Sahel? ¿Cómo la gente africana se adapta al Sahel?
7. Why are deserts like living things? ¿Por qué son los desiertos como cosas vivas?

Part C:

8. What is a micro-entrepreneur? ¿Que es micro-empresario?
9. What is sexism? ¿Que es sexismo?
10. Are all men smarter and stronger than all women? Why or why not? ¿Son todos los hombres más inteligentes y más fuertes que todas las mujeres? ¿Por qué o por qué no?
11. How are women changing Africa? ¿Cómo las mujeres están cambiando África?

209: World Geography

1st Part: What’s a Micro-Credit Organization? How are Micro-Credit organizations changing Africa and giving women more power? Also, what do enterprise, informal economy and entrepreneur mean?

2nd Part: Imagine that the United States is under a terrorist attack. It is three in the morning. Who would you want to answer the call in the White House: a male or a female president? In other words, who do you think would do a better job leading the United States during a terrorist attack? A man or a woman? Why?

Each part must have at least 5 complete sentences.

Don’t forget to look at the new poll question!

Don't forget to also look at the link by clicking the title!

210 Ancient Civilization

We have just finished studying about Egypt and Kush relationship. You have to write a two-paragraph response.

1st Paragraph:

What does treaty mean? What does kandake mean? What does dynasty mean? Who was Queen Amanirenas and whom did she defeat?

2nd Paragraph:

After studying Hatshepsut, the first female pharaoh and Queen Amanirenas, what do you think about a woman’s ability to lead a country?

Remember, each paragraph must have at least four sentences.

210 Ancient Civilizations

Hatshepsut had to work really hard to become the first female pharaoh of Egypt. She had to wear a fake beard, men's clothing and tell painters to paint her as a man. The United States has never had a female president. Hillary Clinton is trying to become the first woman in the White House.

Why do you think the United States has never had a woman as president? Do you think a woman would make a good or a bad president? Why? Your answer to both questions must have at least two complete paragraphs (each paragraph must have at least three complete sentences).

208 U.S. History and Civics

Think about the discussion that we had today. Please, write a well thought response: Should women serve in the military? Explain your opinion.

Mr. Pitts-Dilley