Monday, May 19, 2008

Your Turn to Speak

OK, this is the final blog post of the school year. I hope that you have enjoyed our blogging experiences. I hope that it made you think more deeply about some of the issues that we’ve discussed in class. I encourage you to continue blogging, but just remember the rules of responsible internet use.

This final blog post is designed to give you an opportunity to give me some feedback about this year in geography class. I order to help you think consider your opinions I’m providing you with a list of questions. Please take your time and give thoughtful responses. While this should help you think about some of the things that you’ve done and learned this year, it will also help me make my classes better for future students. I’m constantly trying to improve thing that I do in class, and who better to ask than those that have been sitting in class all year. So I appreciate your responses – both positive and negative.

Instead of giving your feedback as a comment, you will email your response to velizstudentsurvey@yahoo.com. This is the only way to respond. Make sure you give me your name and class period.

Here are the questions:
  1. What did you like most about geography this year?
  2. What did you like least?
  3. Do you think Mr. Veliz’s expectations were too high, too low, or just about right?
  4. If you could change one thing about this class, what would it be?
  5. Thinking just about teaching style, what is the most important thing Mr. Veliz can change to be a more effective teacher?
  6. Do you think that you received the grades that you deserve in geography this year?
  7. Anything else? Please feel free to offer any other advice, constructive criticisms, or comments.
I've enjoyed my first year at Swift Creek, and I'm already looking forward to next year. Thanks for your responses to this survey.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Three Gorges Dam - Homework Assignment

We have discussed in class the Three Gorges Dam in China. We talked about why they built the dam, how large a project it has been, and some of the ramifications (look it up) of its construction. We looked at the dam from above using Google Earth. You read a great article from CNN.com. It's been a while since I gave you the CNN article, so you may want to re-read it. Click here to find the article online - you will find even more info if you follow the link.

We also watched a short, but informative video clip today (or at least most of that clip) that highlighted the lives of those that are being impacted by the dam. You can watch the video again here. Also, here is the link to the New York Times special section that includes this video. You will find some other great resources to help you better understand this topic at this site (click here).






OK, your assignment is to write a five paragraph essay discussing the Three Gorges Dam. Why was the decision made to build the dam, and who made the decision? What have been the ramifications of the project for those living in that part of China? Who is supporting the project, and who is opposing it? Has anyone suggested any solutions to the problem? Can you offer any suggestion? These are all questions to think about. Your assignment is not to write a list of answers to these questions. These questions are intended to help you begin thinking about what you need/want to write about.



Here are the assignment/writing requirements:



  • Five paragraphs - well written.
  • Pay close attention to spelling and grammer.
  • Handwritten work will not be accepted - type your essay.
  • Use 11 or 12 point of any professional looking font (Times New Roman, etc).
  • Essay should be double-spaced.
  • I encourage you to email your essay to me as an attachment. Do not write your essay as an email.



Your essay is due on Tuesday, February 5, 2008.