Watch The Elegant Universe Online

You may view The Elegant Universe online at:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elegant/program.html

Alternative History Projects

We are working on the alternative history project. Students take some event in history, change it, and imagine how today's world would be different. The projects will be a timeline and a PowerPoint explaining the alternative history. Most students are working with a partner. I have allowed a few groups of three so that no student has to work alone. I will be giving class time to work on the project during the next week -- students should be able to complete the assignment in class without additional homework if they wisely use their class time (i.e., they work rather than socialize). The alternative history must be logical, realistic, and probable. Omit references to mythological figures or anything that would be impossible in the real world (such as unicorns, dragons, or magic). Also exclude anything not known to exist, such as space aliens. Even in the alternative history all the rules of physics still apply.

The Final Month

Now that we are approaching the end of the school year I want to remind you of some important things:

• Good behavior matters. At the end of each year some student seem to have the idea that they are immune to the consequences of their actions. I have recently had to speak with some students about dress code violations, tardies, and a lack of respect. The tardy policy, dress code, and classroom rules will be enforced through the end of school. I will be writing tickets for dress code and other violations in G-Wing and elsewhere.
  
• Good grades matter. The last two tests have gone well for most of my students and I want to congratulate those with good grades. If your grades on the tests were poor do not count on the drops and the participation points. They matter less as more test grades are entered in the gradebook.
• Please locate your textbook and prepare to return it to me. Wait until I call for it. If you cannot find your textbook you will have to pay for it.
• Fun matters. I want you to have a positive experience in your final month at CMM. Help me to help you have a good final month by being well-behaved, respectful, punctual, and compliant with the CMM dress code.
  

Binder Check Friday

The Binder Check on Friday will include:

• The job shadow day mind map
• The notes or mind map on the 1960s to the present
• The point sheet I issued today (signed by a parent or guardian)
• The notes or mind map on French history from Monday

Point Sheets Today

Point sheets go home today. Please have a parent/guardian sign and return! I still have to add a couple of minor grades but all the tests except the one we took today are on the point sheets.

Study Guides for the Test on 1960 to the Present

Tomorrow's test will cover 1960 to the present. See:

http://www.paulblankenship.com/louisiana1960

or

http://www.paulblankenship.com/louisiana1960.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/louisiana1960key.pdf

Test & Binder Check Wednesday

The test on Louisiana from 1960 to the present will be on Wednesday of this week. We will review on Tuesday. Expect a quiz Tuesday over the video on French history shown Monday.