Weekly History and Geography - 38

Photographs can lie. They certainly do in the Soviet Union from 1929 to 1953, the years of Joseph Stalin's dictatorial rule. Stalin's agents routinely arrest and kill as "enemies of the people" anyone who disagrees with his politics. Communist Party workers then try to remove any trace of these people from the photographic archives, and so from the media.  Click the following link to see how Stalin "edited" history through the manipulation of photographs.  http://www.newseum.org/berlinwall/commissar_vanishes/index.htm

Then, return to the blog and reflect on a picture and/or fact you learned from the website.
1.  What was it about the picture and/or fact that stuck with you?  Explain.
2.  Why do you think is was important to Stalin to edit history?
3.  Do you think any US history in pictures or print have been edited?  Explain.

Weekly History and Geography - 37

Choose one of the following discussion questions to respond to from Ji-Li Jiang's memoir "Red Scarf Girl."  Please answer in complete sentences in paragraph form - remember, a paragraph has 5-7 sentences!

1. Consider that "Ji-li" means "lucky and beautiful" in Chinese. Do you think Ji-li was lucky?
2. Do Ji-li's feelings and opinions about the Community Party and Chairman Mao Ze-dong change over the course of the story? How?
3. Why did some of her fellow students so quickly embrace the idea of criticizing their teachers?
4. Why did the critical statements (da-zi-bao) upset Ji-li so much?
5. Name some examples of the "Four Olds." If the Cultural Revolution were to happen in the U.S. today, what among your family's possessions would be considered "Four Old?"
6. How would you feel if someone wanted to search your home?

Weekly History and Geography - 36

Ji-Li Jiang is the author of "Red Scarf Girl" as well as several other books.  Click the following link to take you to an excerpt of "The Magical Monkey King" by Ji-Li Jiang.  http://www.jilijiang.com/monkey-king/monkey-king-excerpt.htm  Then, return to the blog and write a one paragraph continuation of the excerpt (what you think happens next).  Remember, a paragraph is 5-7 sentences!

Weekly History and Geography - 32

Talk Like An Aussie.

If you travel to the "Land Down Under," you need to know how to talk the talk as well as how to walk the walk.  Click on the Fact Monster Link, http://sf.factmonster.com/quizzes/aussie/1.html, and take the "Aussie Talk" quiz.  Then, return to the blog and reflect on the following questions:

1.  What was your quiz score?
2.  Compose a sentence using at least one Aussie slang word.
3.  What did you learn from the "Home Among the Gum Trees" tune?  Explain.
4.  What did you learn from the movie "Rabbit-Proof Fence?"

Weekly History and Geography - 40

Theodor Seuss Geisel was an American writer and cartoonist mostly widely known for his children's bookspen names Dr. Seuss, Theo LeSieg, and in one case, Rosetta Stone.  As World War II began, Geisel turned to political cartoons, drawing over 400 in two years as editorial cartoonist for the NYC daily newspaper, PM.  Geisel's political cartoons, later published in  Dr. Seuss Goes to War, denounced Hilter and Mussolini.  


Study the following cartoons and choose one to analyze.  Use your Literature Organizer questions to reflect on the cartoon.

Weekly History and Geography - 34

You are to report for duty on a German U-boat.  Your task is to become well-versed on the following battle tactics at: http://www.uboataces.com/history-tactics.shtml
The Wolf Pack
Intercepting Convoys
Surfaced Attacks
Submerged Attacks
Evasive Tactics
Deck Gun Attacks
Remaining Invisible

Then return to the blog and summarize as well as reflect on your training.

1.  Which tactic did you find most interesting?  Why?
2.  What three speeds could convoys travel?
3.  A U-boat’s best defense is concealment. But once this is blown, what is the next best recourse (thing to do)?
4.  In U-boat school, commanders are guided by the principle, “He who sees first, has won!”.   What do YOU think that means?
5.  What is a “Rudeltaktik"?  Why do YOU think this was an effective U-boat tactic?

Weekly History and Geography - 33

Click on the Fact Monster Biographies of U.S. Presidents, http://sf.factmonster.com/ipka/A0855114.html, and select two war time presidents to read about.  (Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, and/or F.D. Roosevelt)  Then, return to the blog and compare/contrast their lives and presidency.