Monday, April 6, 2020

COVID-19 Online Learning Lessons and Resources


The United Nations, outside of Geneva, Switzerland. Selected because we are in a global struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shut down schools, forcing a move to online distance learning.

Hi everyone,

First and foremost, I hope that this finds you and your family safe, healthy, and happy. What an incredible time in history we are all living through! As we move to having online curriculum and classes, I will stop using the blog (which was always intended to supplement instruction in the classroom) and move towards using the Google Classrooms that were previously set up, as well as posting announcements through Canvas.

Please continue to check Google Classroom for assignments, activities, and news, according to this schedule:


I will be available via email or comments on Google Classroom almost any time, within hours (most likely, minutes). Please feel free to get in touch for questions or concerns moving forward.

Thanks everyone, and all the best!

- Luke Fritz
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Thursday, March 12, 2020

The Great Depression, Day 5 - Class Recap


Saturday is "Pi Day" (3.14...), so here's a picture of one of my favorite pies in Portland: Guava Cheesecake at Pambiche Cuban Restaurant!

Hi everyone,

It is with sadness and also determination that I now know I will not be seeing you all again until April 1 at the very earliest, due to schools going on an extended Spring Break because of coronavirus concerns. Please take care of yourselves and your families during this time. If you did not finish the Unit Project today in class, please turn it in over the break, as it will be due the first day back.

We continued our work with the unit project in class today for the Roaring 20s and Great Depression! Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Knowledge LT 8: I can identify how technological knowledge and innovation shapes a society, place, or region.
Critical Thinking LT 5: I can justify and support arguments or interpretation with appropriate evidence.
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Research LT 1: I can effectively conduct and apply research.

Soundtrack: "American Pie" by Don McLean. Selected for today because of it being Pi Day this weekend and because the song has a lot to do with American culture. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 3/12/20:
News Brief - Rose
Unit Project
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog! Continue working on the unit final project (REVISED DUE DATE: Wednesday, March 18). Know your grade (updated on StudentVUE) and how to improve it, if possible. Next news brief: Lucy.

News Brief: Rose had the news brief today, but was absent, so I filled in and selected an article about this story to talk about: USAToday.com - Dow dives 1,000 points as virus concerns counter hope for fiscal steps. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Lucy was assigned to do the next news brief.

We continued to talk about Coronavirus and the impact on the United States and around the world. Here are two pieces of information that I showed the class:



As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Unit Project/Work Time: I introduced this last week - this is final project for the combined Roaring 20s/Great Depression Unit, which is viewable here (it is also assigned on Google Classroom):


This project involves a lot of student choice over the physical product, as well as a write up between 850-1000 words.

The rest of the class was quiet work time for this assignment - the next few classes will follow this same pattern of a bit of new content, then work time, before this assignment is due on Wednesday, March 18 for Period 2 (Note that this is a change from the original date). Please be sure to email me if you have any questions and I will try to get back to you ASAP!
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Tuesday, March 10, 2020

The Great Depression, Day 4 - Class Recap


A rainbow over Wildcat Stadium here at Westview. Photo taken in May 2017.

Dear class,

We are continuing to follow our plan of completing the 1920s/1930s Unit Project in class! Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Knowledge LT 8: I can identify how technological knowledge and innovation shapes a society, place, or region.
Critical Thinking LT 5: I can justify and support arguments or interpretation with appropriate evidence.
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Research LT 1: I can effectively conduct and apply research.

Soundtrack: "Somewhere Over The Rainbow / What a Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Selected for today because the original "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was released in 1939 as a part of the Wizard of Oz! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 3/10/20:
News Brief - Anh
Culture of the 1930s
Unit Project
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog! Know your grade and how to improve it, if possible. Continue working on your unit final project. Next news brief: Rose.

News Brief: Anh had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: NYTimes.com - Cruise Ship, Floating Symbol of America’s Fear of Coronavirus, Docks in Oakland. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Rose was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Culture of the 1930s: Next, I had students take the last notes of this unit (I know there were a lot - thank you for your patience!), which were on technological innovation helping to shape culture in the 1930s:


Hopefully everyone saw some familiar movie titles and how the use of radio/film very much expanded during the 1930s!

Unit Project/Work Time: I introduced this last week - this is final project for the combined Roaring 20s/Great Depression Unit, which is viewable here (it is also assigned on Google Classroom):


This project involves a lot of student choice over the physical product, as well as a write up between 850-1000 words.

The rest of the class was quiet work time for this assignment - the next few classes will follow this same pattern of a bit of new content, then work time, before this assignment is due next Monday for Period 2. Please be sure to email me if you have any questions and I will try to get back to you ASAP!
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Thursday, March 5, 2020

The Great Depression, Day 3 - Class Recap


The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, DC. The cloak apparently is meant to conceal his wheelchair. Photo taken in 2010.

NOTE: I was out of the building today, in France for a memorial service for my wife's grandfather. This blog post is what I hoped happened in class with Ms. Mak, my guest teacher.

Hi everyone,

It's that time again - we are nearing the end of the combined Roaring 20s/Great Depression units and thus, the unit final project (which is due next Friday). Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Knowledge LT 8: I can identify how technological knowledge and innovation shapes a society, place, or region.
Critical Thinking LT 5: I can justify and support arguments or interpretation with appropriate evidence.
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Soundtrack: "We'd Like to Thank You, Herbert Hoover" from Annie. Selected for today because a student recommended it as a connection to last class and the lesson on Hoover! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 3/5/20:
News Brief - Joseph
FDR
Impact of New Deal
Unit Project

Homework: Read the blog! Continue working on your unit project! Next news brief: Selected in class.

News Brief: Joseph had the news brief today and selected an article about a story to talk about. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Someone in class was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


FDR: To continue our look at the Great Depression, students watched this video profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR), who had an enormous impact on America:



Hopefully this helped in understanding who FDR was and what was happening during his tenure as president (the longest tenure in United States history - he is the only President to be elected 4 (or 3!) times)!

Impact of the New Deal: The "New Deal" is a name for a variety of government programs and agencies created under FDR to help combat the Great Depression. Last class, we learned about some of them via this note sheet:


Students worked with groups on each of the programs, then we went through them all last class. Today, students took notes (though we gave most of them in a pre-printed format) on this presentation:


Here's the notesheet that was passed out in class (hopefully a welcome relief for many students, as we have taken a fair amount of notes during this unit):


Hopefully this is all making sense in terms of what the New Deal was and how it tried to improve the economy.

Unit Final Project: I introduced this last class - this is final project for the combined Roaring 20s/Great Depression Unit, which is viewable here (it is also assigned on Google Classroom):


This project involves a lot of student choice over the physical product, as well as a write up between 850-1000 words.

The rest of the class was quiet work time for this assignment - the next few classes will follow this same pattern of a bit of new content, then work time. Please be sure to email me if you have any questions and I will try to get back to you ASAP!
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Wednesday, March 4, 2020

The Great Depression, Day 2 - Class Recap


On the Hoover Dam! Photo taken in 2014.

Dear class,

Unbelievably, we now only have seven classes (including today) left before Spring Break, and a lot to get to in that time! We continued learning about the Great Depression and the governments response to it. Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Knowledg ALT 8: I can identify how technological knowledge and innovation shapes a society, place, or region.
Critical Thinking ALT 5: I can justify and support arguments or interpretation with appropriate evidence.

Soundtrack: "Independent Women Part 1" by Destiny's Child. Selected for today because lest anyone forget that it is Women's History Month in March! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 3/4/20:
News Brief - Alex
Debrief Pictures
Hoover and the Depression
The New Deal
Unit Project

Homework: Read the blog! Continue to work on improving your grade in class, if possible! Next news brief: Joseph.

News Brief: Alex had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: NYTimes.com - Super Tuesday: Live Primary Election Results. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Joseph was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Debrief Pictures: At the end of last class, I had students get up and look around the room to do some primary source analysis of photos from the Great Depression. Here are the photos that I posted around the room:


And here is the assignment that students filled out in class by selecting a few photos to analyze:


Today in class, we went through the images together and analyzed what we saw in them. Again, please hold on to this, as you will be using it at the end of the unit!

Hoover and the Depression: Next, we learned about the initial response of the United States government to the Great Depression, from President Herbert Hoover. Here's the presentation we went through in class as students took notes:


Hoover was not re-elected in 1932, largely because of the Great Depression.

The New Deal: In Hoover's place, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) was elected President in 1932 (and would go on to be elected 4 times - the most ever by a U.S. president). A major part of FDR's response was the creation of "a new deal for the American people." This meant the creation of a LOT of government agencies and programs to help provide opportunities for people during the Great Depression. The programs we learned about today in class (via small group work and then presentations) were:


Students worked with groups on each of the programs, then we went through them all as a class. This is where we ended with new content today.

Unit Project: Finally, to end class, I introduced the final project for the combined Roaring 20s/Great Depression Unit, which is viewable here (it is also assigned on Google Classroom):


This project involves a lot of student choice over the physical product, as well as a write up between 850-1000 words.

Because I will be out of class the rest of the week, due to traveling to France for a memorial for my wife's grandfather, I wanted to be sure to introduce this assignment today. Please be sure to email me if you have any questions and I will try to get back to you ASAP!
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Monday, March 2, 2020

The Great Depression, Day 1 - Class Recap


The New York Stock Exchange. Photo taken in 2009.

Hi everyone,

Welcome to another mini-unit! I enjoyed seeing your 1920s advertising displays in class! We also started learning about the Great Depression and what caused it. Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Knowledg ALT 8: I can identify how technological knowledge and innovation shapes a society, place, or region.
Critical Thinking ALT 5: I can justify and support arguments or interpretation with appropriate evidence.

Soundtrack: "Inner City Blues" by Marvin Gaye. Selected for today because of all of the people feeling blue because of the Great Depression. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 3/2/20:
News Brief - Jacob K.
Gallery Walk
Great Depression
Picture Activity

Homework: Read the blog! Make sure you have all work from this semester submitted! Next news brief: Alex.

News Brief: Jacob K. had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: OregonLive.com - 2nd Oregon coronavirus case linked to state’s first as a ‘household contact’. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Alex was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Gallery Walk: The 1920s advertising assignment was due today in class. Here's a copy of it:


This assignment is based on choosing a product from the last slide from this presentation:

Google Slides - The Business of America in the 1920s PowerPoint

Students were assigned a product in class to create an advertisement for. If you missed class, you can select a product from the last slide to focus on.

In class today, we walked around and "voted" with fake money for what we thought was the best advertisement for a product. I enjoyed this - thanks, everyone!

Great Depression: To continue this unit on the Roaring 20s, we need to see what happened after, so we transitioned to learning about the causes of the Great Depression in class. Here's the PowerPoint presentation that I went through as students took notes:


Please save these notes, as students will be completing a final assessment for this unit using them!

Picture Activity: Next, I had students get up and look around the room to do some primary source analysis of photos from the Great Depression. Here are the photos that I posted around the room:


And here is the assignment that students filled out in class by selecting a few photos to analyze:


Thank you for your effort on this! I know it was a busy day! Let's keep working hard!
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Thursday, February 27, 2020

The Roaring 20s, Day 6 - Class Recap


The Chicago Institute of Art. Students were encouraged today to use art in their 1920s advertisements!

Hi everyone,

Another strange week, as ACT Day changed the usual rhythm. As such, I made today a work day to finish the 1920s advertising assignment. Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:
KNOWLEDGE ALT 8: I can identify how technological knowledge and innovation shapes a society, place, or region.

Soundtrack: "No Woman, No Cry" by The Fugees. Selected for today due to the focus on women in 1920s advertising and we are continuing to listen to black artists for the soundtrack this month. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 2/27/20:
News Brief - Mia
Advertising Assignment
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog! Continue working on your advertising assignment - due at the start of next class! Next news brief: Jacob K.

News Brief: Mia had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: OregonLive.com - No truth to Oregon coronavirus infection rumor, state says. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Jacob K. was assigned to do the next news brief.

Today's Black History Month fact is that Charlotte E. Ray graduated from Howard Law School on February 27, 1872, becoming the first black female lawyer in the United States.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Advertising Activity: The activity that I introduced last class related to the Business of America notes is here:


This assignment is based on choosing a product from the last slide from this presentation:

Google Slides - The Business of America in the 1920s PowerPoint

Students were assigned a product in class to create an advertisement for. If you missed class, you can select a product from the last slide to focus on. Here's the list of what students selected in class:


Work Time: The rest of class was spent working on the advertising assignment, which is due at the start of next class on Monday. Please let me know if you have any questions - I am looking forward to seeing what you can come up with!
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Monday, February 24, 2020

The Roaring 20s, Day 5 - Class Recap


Today in class we looked at the famous "Somewhere West of Laramie" car advertisement. This is a photo I took of some multicolored cars in Bogota, Colombia in 2009 (the cars happen to be the colors as the flag of the country).

Dear class,

It was good to see everyone again in class! We continued looking at the Roaring 20s and how advertising became a major innovation in American business. Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:
KNOWLEDGE ALT 8: I can identify how technological knowledge and innovation shapes a society, place, or region.

Soundtrack: "Sinnerman" by Nina Simone. Selected for today because Nina Simone was born on February 21, 1933 and we are continuing to listen to black artists for the soundtrack this month. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 2/24/20:
News Brief - Mehdi
The Business of America
Advertising
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog! Continue working on your advertising assignment - due next Monday! Next news brief: Mia.

News Brief: Mehdi had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: NPR.org After The Nevada Caucuses, Bernie Sanders Is The Man To Beat. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Mia was assigned to do the next news brief.

Today's Black History Month fact is that Malcolm X was killed on February 21, 1965, at the age of 39. We learned about Malcolm X during our civil rights unit and he has obviously had a lasting impact on America.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Business of America: To continue our rhythm with this unit of notes then an activity, we looked at how business changed during 1920s America. The presentation we went through in class as students took Cornell Notes is here:


Through this presentation, we learned about the impact of mass advertising and new consumer products.

Advertising: The activity that I introduced in class related to the Business of America notes is here:


This assignment is based on choosing a product from the last slide from this presentation:

Google Slides - The Business of America in the 1920s PowerPoint

Students were assigned a product in class to create an advertisement for. If you missed class, you can select a product from the last slide to focus on. Here's the list of what students selected in class:


Work Time: The rest of class was spent working on the advertising assignment, which is due at the start of class next Monday (there will be a work day on Thursday). Please let me know if you have any questions - I am looking forward to seeing what you can come up with!
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Thursday, February 20, 2020

The Roaring 20s, Day 4 - Class Recap


This is a photo I took in 2015 at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

Hi everyone,

Welcome back from your long Presidents Day weekend! We continued our work in understanding how America was changed in the 1920s. Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:
KNOWLEDGE ALT 8: I can identify how technological knowledge and innovation shapes a society, place, or region.

Soundtrack: "I Will Get There" by Boyz II Men. Selected for today because it might seem like a long way left to go in the semester, but you will get there! Also, because this song was made to help advertise a movie: the Prince of Egypt. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 2/20/20:
News Brief - Abimbola
Cartoon Analysis
Business of America
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog! Know your grade (updated on StudentVUE) and how to improve it, if possible! Next news brief: Mehdi.

News Brief: Abimbola had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: NYTimes.com - Harriet Tubman on a Debit Card: A Tribute or a Gaffe?. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

The next news brief was assigned to Mehdi.

Today's Black History Month fact is that on February 19, 1942 the Army Air Corps' all African American 100th Pursuit Squadron, later designated a fighter squadron, was activated at Tuskegee Institute. The squadron later served in England and Europe during WWII.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Cartoon Analysis: Last class, we ended by looking at some political cartoons from the 1920s. We continued to work with them in class today. Here are the cartoons and the assignment that went with it:


We finished going through this analysis in class (if we did not last class). Please keep this to use later in the unit, as with all work with the 1920s!

Business of America: To continue our rhythm with this unit of notes then an activity, we looked at how business changed during 1920s America. The presentation we went through in class as students took Cornell Notes is here:


Through this presentation, we learned about the impact of mass advertising and new consumer products. I will introduce a new assignment related to this, next class! Thanks, everyone!
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Friday, February 14, 2020

The Roaring 20s, Day 3 - Class Recap


Today is the State of Oregon's 161th birthday! This is a photo I took at Trillium Lake by Mt. Hood. I have no idea who the boy fishing is, but loved the scene.

Dear class,

We continued our unit on the "Roaring" 1920s in class and celebrated Oregon's birthday! Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:
KNOWLEDGE ALT 8: I can identify how technological knowledge and innovation shapes a society, place, or region.

Soundtrack: "Love Language" by Talib Kweli and Hi Tek. Selected for today because of it being Valentine's Day today and because of the ongoing Black History Month of black artists as the soundtrack. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 2/14/20:
News Brief - Luke
Forecasting
Politics in the 1920s
Cartoon Analysis

Homework: Read the blog! Know your grade (updated on StudentVUE) and how to improve it, if possible! Next news brief: Abimbola.

News Brief: Luke had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: NPR.org - 195 Americans Released From Coronavirus Quarantine At Southern California Air Base. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Abimbola was assigned to do the next news brief.

Today's Black History Month fact is that on February 14, 1817 (203 years ago today), Frederick Douglass (who was a black intellectual and abolitionist, born into slavery and who taught himself to read) was born - or, at least, it's the day he claimed, as there was no record of his birth under slavery.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Forecasting: Because students received forecasting forms in Community on Wednesday, I wanted to make sure to take the time in class to go through Social Studies course options for everyone. Here's the presentation I went through (which every Social Studies teacher is doing, as well):


I was happy to take questions and also sign forecasting sheets if students were ready. The forms are not due in Community until February 26th, so there is still plenty of time!

Politics of the 1920s: We started this section by looking at some of the scandals that were a part of President Harding's administration in the early 1920s (including the famous Teapot Dome scandal):



To continue our dive into learning about various aspects of the 1920s, we went through this PowerPoint together as students took Cornell Notes:


We finished the presentation in class, and made a summary of notes (using the Cornell Notes process). As I said in class, you will be using all of your notes from this unit (and the Great Depression) to write a final in class essay, in a Documents Based Question format.

Cartoon Analysis: We did not get the chance to do this in class, due to the forecasting conversation, so you will have the chance to do this next class.
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Wednesday, February 12, 2020

The Roaring 20s, Day 2 - Class Recap


Today, we learned about the Roaring 20s and the advance of air travel as a technology. I LOVE flying, and used to work at the airport in Portland! Photo taken at St. Maarten in the Caribbean in 2009.

Dear class,

Hello again! We continued our work with innovation in the United States, specifically during the "Roaring" 1920s. Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:
KNOWLEDGE ALT 8: I can identify how technological knowledge and innovation shapes a society, place, or region.

Soundtrack: "Refuge (When It's Cold Outside)" by John Legend. Selected for today in continuation of the recognition of black artists as a part of Black History Month and because of the lack of any accumulating snow this year. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 2/12/2020:
News Brief - Kaden
Roaring 20s
Air Travel
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog! Know your grade (updated on StudentVUE) and how to improve it, if possible! Finish the air travel assignment if you did not in class. Next news brief: Luke.

News Brief: Kaden had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: NYTimes.com - Latest Updates: New Hampshire Primaries. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Henry was assigned to do the next news brief.

Today's Black History Month fact is that on February 12, 1909 (111 years ago, today): the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded.

I also passed back grades from the American Dream Revisited unit Socratic Seminar. If you missed class for the day of the seminar, the expectation is that you make up the assignment by writing a reflection (I passed out the prompt for this in class). If you would like to revise your Socratic Seminar preparation packet and resubmit for a better grade, you are welcome to!

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Roaring 20s: Last class, I went through most of this PowerPoint with the class as students took notes:


We finished the presentation in class, and made a summary of notes (using the Cornell Notes process).

Air Travel: Next, I showed students how air travel in the 1920s made many rapid advances and became a mode of transportation for people who could afford it:


As a part of this, I told everyone about my fondness for this invention, while showing my FlightMemory map of places I have visited via air travel. Here was the worksheet that was due in class about the innovation of air travel (especially as it relates to United States geography):


This should have been fairly straightforward for everyone - the advance of air travel made it MUCH quicker to get from place to place in the United States.

Work Time: Finally, at the end of class, I gave students work time and explained some of my favorite websites for finding great airline deals! Here is the presentation that I went through and tried to guide students with:


DISCLAIMER: This information may be out of date - I take no responsibility for any use of this. It is just to help think creatively about air travel (as people in the 1920s were definitely doing)!

Aviation is such an amazing innovation! See you next class!
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Monday, February 10, 2020

The Roaring 20s, Day 1 - Class Recap


A bridge to the next unit today! This is a photo I took in New Zealand in 2014.

Dear class,

Hello again! It was great to be with you all today as we wrapped up our last unit and moved on to the next one. Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:
KNOWLEDGE ALT 8: I can identify how technological knowledge and innovation shapes a society, place, or region.

Soundtrack: "Down Hearted Blues” by Bessie Smith. Selected for today because it is a famous 1920s song and Bessie Smith was an African-American woman. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 2/10/20:
News Brief - Rob
Tightrope
Roaring 20s
Air Travel

Homework: Read the blog! Next news brief: Kaden.

News Brief: Rob had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: NYTimes.com - Coronavirus Updates: China Reports Record in Daily Deaths as It Struggles to Return to Work. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Kaden was assigned to do the next news brief.

Today's Black History Month fact is that the Civil Rights Act was passed by the House of Representatives on this day in 1964.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Tightrope: Next, I did a book talk on "Tightrope: American Reaching for Hope" by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. I went with my wife to see the authors speak last week and thought the book very much related to our unit on the American Dream: Revisited that we just completed! If you are interested in reading the book, I will have a copy in class.

Roaring 20s: For our next unit, we are going to learn a bit more about what happened 100 years ago in the United States, right after World War I. To begin, I went through this PowerPoint with the class as students took Cornell notes (we will review these notes next class to add a summary and questions):


This was a time in America of a lot of changes, and also a lot of growth of the United States in many ways (which is why it's called the "Roaring" 1920s). We will continue to learn about this era in the classes to come!

Today's class ended on slide 19, on Marcus Garvey.

Air Travel: We did not get to this in class, but I'm eager to talk about it next time. See you then!
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Thursday, February 6, 2020

The American Dream: Revisited, Day 4 - Class Recap


Serena Williams in Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open tennis tournament in New York City (see today's Black History Month fact). Photo taken in 2011.

Hi everyone,

We wrapped up our mini-unit on revisiting the American Dream today. Here's what happened today in class:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Critical Thinking LT 5: I can justify and support arguments or interpretation with appropriate evidence.

AGENDA 2/6/20:
News Brief - Samantha
Socratic Seminar Debrief
The Line
Discussion

Homework: Read the blog! Complete and turn in any Socratic Seminar materials if you have not yet. Next news brief: Rob.

News Brief: Samantha had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: NBCNews.com - WEATHER Multi-day major winter storm marches east affecting travel for millions. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class. There is also a LOT going on in the news in the United States, so we tried to talk about and understand that.

Rob was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Today's Black History Month fact is that on February 6th, 1993 (27 years ago today), Arthur Ashe (the first African-American winner of the Wimbledon tennis tournament) died. He was a pioneer in tennis and the biggest tennis stadium in the world (at the US Open in New York City) is named after him.

Socratic Seminar Debrief: I wanted to check in and see what students thought about how the class discussion on the American Dream went last class. It's usually a bit awkward unless we practice and talk about what could go better, so I was happy to hear the feedback and thoughts for what went well and what could be improved. Thanks for sharing, everyone!

The Line: Next, the class watched a short documentary called "The Line" about the poverty line. As we wrap up our revisiting the American Dream unit, I wanted to show just how difficult it is to rise out of poverty, even with a lot of hard work and determination. Here's the worksheet passed out in class:


Here is the documentary itself:



Discussion: After the film, we discussed the documentary and our thoughts on it, then students turned in their completed worksheets. Next class, we will begin our unit on the Roaring '20s in the United States! Thanks for your work on this first unit, everyone!
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Tuesday, February 4, 2020

The American Dream: Revisited, Day 3 - Class Recap


This is one of my favorite pieces of art that has been on display in a local gallery in downtown Portland. I love it, but not enough to spend $5,000 on buying it! Photo taken in March 2017.

Dear class,

Most of today was devoted to a discussion about the American Dream and if it is a possible reality for everyone. Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Critical Thinking LT 5: I can justify and support arguments or interpretation with appropriate evidence.

Soundtrack: "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys. Selected for today to start our month of soundtracks from Black artists, as a part of recognizing Black History Month, and because students were in control of the class conversation today. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 2/4/20:
News Brief - Marbella
Black History Month
Socratic Seminar
Debrief

Homework: Read the blog! If you missed class and/or did not participate in the discussion today, I would like you to write a page summary about your thoughts on if the American Dream is attainable for everyone. Next news brief: Samantha.

News Brief: Marbella had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: ESPN.com - Andy Reid gets his 222nd career win and his 1st Super Bowl victory. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Samantha was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):

BBCNews.com - One-minute World News

Black History Month: Because the month of February is designated as Black History Month, I will be seeking to incorporate some ways of recognizing it in class. The soundtrack will be one aspect, and another will be to share a fact or two relating to Black history surrounding the day our class meets. Since today is February 4, the fact is that Rosa Parks was born on this day! In the past, I have had students volunteer to share in class about important figures in Black history - let me know if you would be up for doing this!

Socratic Seminar: Next, we had a Socratic Seminar discussion on the question: "Is the American Dream attainable by everyone?" We prepared for this last week, by going through this packet with readings with opinions about the status of the American Dream:


The packet was be turned in and assessed for a Critical Thinking grade, in combination with the Communication grade from the Seminar.

The second page of the packet asks students for their thoughts on if the American Dream is attainable by everyone, and for some higher level questions. This formed the basis of the conversation today in class, as we circled up and had two different groups have a conversation.

Debrief: After the discussion, I asked students to complete this self-assessment form (which was available on Google Classroom as an electronic copy):


Thank you for your participation and the interesting conversation today, everyone! I enjoyed hearing your thoughts! We will wrap up this mini-unit next class, and then move on to the next one.
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Friday, January 31, 2020

The American Dream: Revisited, Day 2 - Class Recap


We talked today about wealth inequality in the United States. This is a photo from high up in the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo taken in 2014.

Dear class,

I enjoyed the day with you all, as we continued to revisit the idea of the American Dream and whether or not it is an attainable reality for everyone. Here's what happened in class today:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Critical Thinking LT 5: I can justify and support arguments or interpretation with appropriate evidence.

Soundtrack: "Just a Dream" by Nelly. Selected for today because of our continued conversation about the American Dream. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 1/31/20:
News Brief - Khalil
Wealth Inequality
The American Dream
Prep Time

Homework: Read the blog! Be prepared for Socratic Seminar discussion next class! Next news brief: Marbella.

News Brief: Khalil had the news brief today, but was late to class, so I filled in and selected an article about this story to talk about: CNN.com - Impeachment trial to end but its aftershocks will rock America. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Marbella was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):

BBCNews.com - One-minute World News

Wealth Inequality: To continue our look at the American Dream: I had students break into small groups and walked everyone through this lesson on guessing what wealth inequality looks like in the United States: MorningsideCenter.org - Wealth Inequality in America. I used different colors of paper and paper clips, but otherwise, the lesson is pretty much the same as what we did in class.

Basically, I wanted to see what students thought wealth distribution looks like in the United States, before I showed this video to the class as to the differences between typical perceptions and reality:



After the video, we had a discussion about what we noticed and reasons for why this wealth distribution pattern might have an impact on our society. My guess is that these numbers were surprising to you - why do you think that was?

American Dream: Next class, we will have a Socratic Seminar discussion on the question: "Is the American Dream attainable by everyone?"

Here is the packet that I passed out last class with readings with opinions about the status of the American Dream:


This packet will be turned in and assessed for a Critical Thinking grade, in combination with the Communication grade from the Seminar. The video notes on the last page are on the above video.

Prep Time: The rest of class was spent preparing for the Socratic Seminar next class. As a reminder, this is a student led discussion, based on the question: Do you think everyone can attain the American Dream? Why or why not?

Come prepared to next class with your answers and higher level questions about the American Dream! See you next class!
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Wednesday, January 29, 2020

The American Dream: Revisited, Day 1 - Class Recap


Your anonymous feedback for what you like about this class! :-) 

Hello everyone,

Welcome to a new semester! We began by getting organized and reviewing feedback from last semester, then moving on to prepare for a Socratic Seminar discussion on the American Dream! Here's what happened today:

Learning Targets:
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Critical Thinking LT 5: I can justify and support arguments or interpretation with appropriate evidence.

Soundtrack: "Brand New Day" by Sting. Selected for today because it is a brand new semester and a chance to start again! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 1/29/20:
News Brief - Amin
Organization
Review Class Feedback
The American Dream

Homework: Read the blog! Finish the reading questions if you did not in class. Next news brief: Khalil.

News Brief: Amin had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: CNN.com - Kobe Bryant, NBA superstar and future Hall of Famer, is dead at 41. We talked about this story for a bit, before moving on.

Khalil was selected to do the next news brief.

As usual, we checked in about what students were up to outside of class (I hope finals went well!).

We also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Organization: Next, I offered students time to clear out their binder of work from last semester for my class, and to get organized and ready for the next semester. Let's all try to work on this for the rest of the year! :-)

Review Class Feedback: We looked at the anonymous feedback that students gave me after the semester final about how the class was going, and how I am doing as a teacher. Here it is again if you want to check it out:


Some observations:
1) It looks like students really love what we learn about in class (especially related to current events), which is awesome to see!
2) The class knows it could get better at being quieter and working.
3) The class likes that I am energetic, happy, helpful, and that I explain/teach concepts well.
4) However, some students feel like I could talk slower and be a bit stricter (if anything at all).

As I also noted in the last slide, we have lots of work to do in the second semester, which will probably be more challenging for most students than the first semester.

The American Dream: To start this semester, I wanted to remind students of last semester, when we talked about the concept of the "American Dream" and students made posters with slogans. Next week, we will have a Socratic Seminar discussion on the question: "Is the American Dream attainable by everyone?"

Here is the packet that I passed out today with readings with opinions about the status of the American Dream:


In class, I had students read the first article in the packet and underline words or phrases that they did not understand, to ask a partner for help. We then went through them as a class.

We will continue working on this packet and preparation next class. My plan is to then have the Socratic Seminar in class next Tuesday. Thanks for your hard work today - here we go again!
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Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Semester 1 Finals - Class Recap


The sun has set on Semester 1 of the 2019-20 school year! Photo taken in Hawaii in 2011.

Hi everyone,

Today was immigrant group presentation day for almost everyone in class, so I hope that you feel as if they went well and were worth the time! Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Behavior LT 3: I can work effectively within a team or group.
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge LT 16: I can explain the process of change and continuity in a society, place, or region.

Soundtrack: "The Final Countdown" by Europe. Selected for today because of it being finals for our class! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 1/21/20:
News Brief – Dom
Presentations
Class Feedback

Homework: Read the blog. Good luck on the rest of your finals! Next news brief: Amin.

News Brief: Dom had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: KGW.com - Fire breaks out at Beaverton High School; no one hurt. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Amin was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


Presentations: During this part of class, students presented on the immigrant groups they selected. I first asked for volunteers, then drew randomly. Here's the assignment again:


Here is the list of groups that presented:


Finally, here is the sheet for notes that I passed out to the class:


Class Feedback: If we had time, the last part of class was given to answering questions about how class is going for everyone so far. The questions are:

1) What do you like about this class? What is this class good at?

2) What does the class need to get better at/improve at doing?

3) What do you like about Mr. Fritz as a teacher?

4) What can Mr. Fritz improve at doing as a teacher?

Hopefully, students had substantive feedback to give for each part! This was anonymous, to allow for students to write freely. I will analyze these results and get back to everyone at the start of next semester! Have a great rest of the week!
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Thursday, January 16, 2020

Immigration, Day 5 - Class Recap


One of the quotes at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC. Photo taken in 2011.

Hi everyone,

Thank you for your efforts today in class and this semester as a whole! Next week is finals week. Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets Addressed:
Behavior LT 3: I can work effectively within a team or group.
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge LT 16: I can explain the process of change and continuity in a society, place, or region.

Soundtrack: "Pride (In the Name of Love)" by U2. Selected for today because of the song's connection to Martin Luther King Jr, who we honor on Monday with a day of service (and no school). Lyrics here.

AGENDA 1/16/20:
News Brief – Tyler A.
MLK Day of Service
Presentations?
Work Time

Homework: Read the blog. Your final presentation with your group is next class (checklist here). Know your grade (updated on StudentVUE) and improve it, if possible! All late/missing/revised work for this semester is due by this Friday (tomorrow!). Next news brief: Dom.

News Brief: Tyler A. had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: FOXNews.com - NYC’s sanctuary city policy under fire after freed illegal immigrant allegedly murders 92-year-old. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.

Dom was assigned to do the next news brief.

As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):


MLK Day of Service: There is no school on Monday, to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, who would have turned 91 this year and we talked about during our Civil Rights unit this year. I always encourage students to see this day as a day of service, not a day off. In light off that, here is a great list of local events that are happening in our area:


Let me know if you are planning of doing anything or end up serving the community in some way over the weekend!

Presentations?: I wanted to be sure to give students the opportunity to do their immigration presentation early, to get it out of the way before next week, and to make it easier on the class schedule during finals day. I appreciate anyone who was willing to volunteer to go!

Final Project: A couple of classes ago, I introduced what the final project will look like for this semester (a group presentation due on finals day, or before, if the group wants to get it done with):


Groups were formed last week and immigrant groups were selected. Here is the list of groups:


Work Time: The rest of class was devoted to work time in researching the immigrant group the team selected, and continuing to create and practice the presentations. These will be due next class, as it is our finals day together!
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