Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Thomas Edward Lawrence and the Middle East, aka SW Asia

The award-winning movie Lawrence of Arabia guides our study of Middle Eastern politics, history, culture and resources.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Recycled glass, wood, paper, fiber and rubber from the Magnet parking lot area

In imitation of the way African peoples recycle junk into clever toys, musical instruments and decorative items:

- a 12 minute foray into the field adjacent to E wing to pick up 4 pieces of relatively flat detritus. Use white glue to make an appealing figure of the cast-off bits on a page in your notebook.

Label and entitle.

From Africa to the Mid East

Identify:

- Mediterranean
- Syria
- Lebanon
- Israel / Palestine
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Saudi Arabia

- kahwah (Arabic) or coffee
- dromedaries
- oud, or lute
- tambourine

- Jewish Hebrews vs Arabic Muslims over control of the Holy Land, especially Jerusalem.

- Red Sea
- Sinai Peninsula
- Dead Sea
- "Shalom," "peace" in Hebrew.
- dashiki tunic
- Ashanti tribe of Ghana; ceremonial umbrellas.
- Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali; made of wood and mud.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

SPAR Black History Month essay contest deadline Feb 11

black & white skin by trudeau
black & white skin, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Describe in (250-300 words) what Black History means to you culturally, spiritually, and educationally. Also, describe
what it means to a multi-racial, multi ethnic, multi-cultural country.

Ages 11 - 17.
See your English teacher for details. But I will be happy to help you with your essay.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Africa review; 35 questions

Africa review
1. Morocco: a) Mediterranean Africa b) West Africa
c) East Africa.
2. Ghana: a) Mediterranean Africa b) West Africa
c) East Africa.
3. South Africa: a) Mediterranean Africa b) West Africa
c) East Africa.
4. Nigeria: a) Mediterranean Africa b) West Africa
c) East Africa.
5. Sudan: a) Mediterranean Africa b) West Africa
c) East Africa.
6. Tunisia: a) Mediterranean Africa b) West Africa
c) East Africa.
7. Symbol employed by Mexican Catholics in prayer for healing: a) sudan b) relief c) slave beads d) milagro.
8. Moroccan traveler of the 1300’s who wrote a book of his extensive journeys: a) Ibn Battuta b) Richard Burton
c) John Speke d) Marco Polo.
9. British explorer associated with the search for the source of the Nile River. Was also an author and expert in languages of Africa and Asia. a) Ibn Battuta b) Richard Burton c) John Speke d) Marco Polo.
10. Tribe of Ghana, formerly known as the Gold Coast:
a) Kakuma b) Dinka c) Ashanti d) Djembe.
11. Tribe of the Nile region of Southern Sudan: a) Kakuma b) Dinka c) Ashanti d) Djembe.
12. Arabic is a major component of this African language:
a) Bantu b) Swahili c) Ashanti d) Wolof.
13. Which are the indigenous people of Zanzibar? a) Arabs b) Europeans c) Swahili d) Africans.
14. Sudan is divided in the middle by the a) equator
b) Arabic-Tribal border c) Nile River d) Sahara Desert.
15. The first outside group to trade with West Africans for gold, ivory and slaves: a) Arabs b) Europeans c) Romans d) Swahili.
16. Languages spoken by Sudanese refugee Peter Dut in the documentary Lost Boys of Sudan: a) Dinka, Arabic,
English, Swahili b) Dinka, Arabic, French, English
c) Dinka, Arabic, English.
17. The Dinka tribe of Southern Sudan were being persecuted partly based on their religion: a) Christian
b) Muslim c) Jewish d) Indigenous.
18. The African instrument described as a thumb piano
is also called a a) shekere b) kora c) bongo d) kalimba.
19. West African nation associated with freed American slaves: a) Ghana b) Liberia c) Senegal d) Nigeria.
20. A basic African dish which is a paste made by pounding a potato-like plant: a) banku b) fufu
c) plaintain d) felafel.
21. American mogul who has become a philanthropist with
a mission that includes infectious diseases of Africa:
a) Steve Jobs b) Sumner Redstone c) Bill Gates d) Dick Cheney.
22. Percentage of African-American population in the US:
a) 3% b) 13% c) 33% d) 43%.
23. A source for the mineral called ColTan, used in miniaturized batteries: a) Congo b) Egypt c) South Africa
d) Morocco.
24. River that originates in the mountains of Ethiopia:
a) Blue Nile b) White Nile c) Mountain Nile d) Victoria.
25. Lake that is the source of the Nile: a) Victoria
b) Tanganyika c) Tana d) Aswan.
26. Valuable resource that in West Africa and other regions has led to development of militias of child soldiers:
a) gold b) diamonds c) oil d) ivory.
27. Arabic vessel associated with trade across the Indian Ocean: a) dhow b) kalimba c) milagro d) brig.
28. Zanzibar was a historically independent nation; today it is part of a) Kenya b) India c) Dar es Salaam d) Tanzania.
29. Marine organisms that are important reef builders:
a) octopus b) lobster c) coral d) seaweed.
30. In geographic terminology the difference in elevation is called a) relief b) terrain c) irregularity d) ridging.
31. Peter and Santino left the violence in Sudan for a refugee camp in a) Kenya b) Tanzania c) Uganda
d) Nigeria.
32. A film that is based on actual dialogue and action that is captured as events unfold is called a a) drama
b) promotion c) documentary d) docu-drama.
33. The demographic rank of US city via their populations: a) NYC, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston
b) NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston
c) Los Angeles, NYC, Chicago, Houston
34. The Indian Ocean trade route spanned India to Africa with __ in between. a) Persia b) Arabia c) Egypt
d) Afghanistan.
35. Elements of the Atlantic Trade Triangle, which resulted in a diaspora of African peoples, included West Africa, the US colonies, Europe and the __ . a) Mediterranean b) Arabian Sea c) Caribbean d) India

Magnet geography / Africa

Magnet geography / Africa  by trudeau
Magnet geography / Africa , a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

1. Mediterranean 2. West 3. East 4. West 5. East 6. Med 7. milagro
8. Ibn Battuta 9. Burton 10. Ashanti 11. Dinka 12. Swahili 13. Africans
14. Nile 15. Arabs 16. Dinka, Arabic, English, Swahili 17. Christian
18. kalimba 19. Liberia 20. fufu
21. Gates 22. 13% 23. Congo 24. Blue Nile 25. Victoria 26. diamonds 27. dhow 28. Tanzania 29. coral 30. relief
31. Kenya 32. documentary 33. NYC, LA, Chicago, Houston
34. Arabia 35. Caribbean

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Essay on Peter and Santino from "Lost Boys of Sudan"

In a social studies essay please do Not write generalities about Peter and Santino: "Peter was ambitious, smart and ready to spring into action." "Santino was soulful, patient, caring and steadily effective at work."

While those may be true statements, they do not offer the reader the pertinent details.

Instead, begin with a quote or incident - such as Santino testing for his driver's license - and then explain how this reflects on the character.

Examples -
- Peter moves to Kansas.
- Santino has trouble with the rent.
- Peter applies to high school.
- Santino begins a correspondence class in electricity.
- Peter is cut from the basketball team.
- Santino tells his friend, "There's no heaven on earth."
- Peter discusses the issue of "Time is money."


Write a brief character description essay based on one incident from each fellow. 12 pts.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

"In the US, time is money:" the "Lost Boys of Sudan" vocab

"Lost Boys of Sudan" vocab -

documentary
demograhic info
bureaucracy
evaluate
Dinka
Nilotic
United Nations
refugee / asylum
Peter Dut
Santino Chuor
South Sudan
INS: Immigration and Naturalization Service
ululation
fu fu
Eastern Africa
Swahili
Acacia tree
English / British colony
Arabic / Muslims
mnemonic
Nairobi, Kenya
documentation
indigenous
Houston: 4.5 M
Kansas City: 2 M

"In the US, time is money." Brief interactions in the US, as opposed to emphasis on community togetherness and conversations in other parts of the world.

The new nation of South Sudan, est 2011

South Sudan was established when the mostly Christian tribes of the south seceded from the Muslim-controlled nation.

Decades of civil war and genocidal attacks preceded the secession, according to wikipedia.

The officlal language is English. The people are mostly impoverished farmers.

Presentations on the continent of africa, continent of Africa

For this presentation, please choose 2 African nations.

In 3 slides each - a large, colorful image on each slide - state the basics. in tightly edited, bullet form.
- Population
- income
- resources
- food
- languages
- sports and / or entertainment

Add another side for a map of the continent and of the 2 nations.
Last slide will be
- 3-question, multiple-choice quiz (one question easy, one medium, one challenging).
- documentation.

16 pts

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Carnival quiz 2

Carnival quiz

1. North Louisiana does not intimately relate to Carnival because the dominant religious culture is a) Protestant b) Baptist c) Catholic d) Methodist.
2. Mardi Gras follows a season in which many are required to practice fasting and abstinence. T / F
3. Which of these cultures first dominated the Mediterranean? a) Roman b) Persian c) Greek d) Egyptian.
4. "Crescent City style was inspired by black residents:" in 1857, when The Krewe of Comus was established, most of the black residents of New Orleans had the social status of a) slaves b) free men of color c) blue-collar workers .
5. When did jazz music begin? a) 1830's b) 1890's c) 1920's d) 1940's.
6. In what kinds of bands did jazz begin? a) woodwind b) string c) brass.
7. Explain the meaning of the French term "boeuf gras." a) "Throw me something, mister" b) "Let the good times roll" c) "get out of the way or we'll kill you," d) the "fatted beef cow."
8. What are the flambeaux of New Orleans night parades? a) trumpets b) torches c) dancers d) throws.
9. A famous Louisianian signed his letters, “Red beans and ricely yours." a) King Oliver b) Jellyroll Morton c) Louis Armstrong d) Buddy Bolden.
10. Cajun ancestors lived in coastal Canada for some __ years. a) 100
b) 200 c) 300 d) 400.
11. A holiday from school, doubloons, the colors purple, green and gold:
a) Rex b) Comus c) Zulu d) Bacchus.
12. Karnaval is a huge deal in Belgium and Germany. T / F .

Rubric for the Carnival essay

Carnival essay, WG and FAS by trudeau
Carnival essay, WG and FAS, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

The Carnival Essay, using How To Mardi Gras

The Carnival Essay rubric -

- Colorful title (2 pts)
- Sensual opening (quote or description) (2)
- Detail (events, locations, dates, people) (4)
- Grammar, speeling, construction, logical flow
(2)
- Documentation (according to HTMG) (2)

12 pts.
Highest levels of thinking!

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Making paper Masks for the global Carnaval study

Surveying the numerous cultures across the globe, we see that each group has mask designs that they favor.

Choose a foreign mask pattern to bring to life as we make masks in the classroom. Label the region on the back, please.

The mask must be
- detailed,
- very large and
- colorful.

5 pys for completion.

Monday, January 07, 2013

Roots of Carnival quiz

1. New Orleans African heritage: a) West b) East c) North
2. translate: bons
3. translate: rouler
4. translate: laissez
5. translate: temps
6. translate: gras
7. Louisiana's carnival season does not begin on a) Twelfth Night b) Epiphany c) Jan 6 d) Ash Wed.
8. Dionysian celebration: a) Greek b) Roman c) Persian.
9. Lupercalia: a) Greek b) Roman c) Persian.
10. Translate a) Carne: ___ b) vale: ___
11. Translate: "Lent."
12. First 5 nations associated with carnival.
13. First historic era in which Carnevale is written about: a) Medieval b) Renaissance c) Elizabethan.
14. Examples (2) of riotous behavior.
15. Translate: Shrove Tuesday.

16. Female krewe in New Orleans.
17. Why were parades instututed in New Orleans about 1857?
18. Two European cities that estabish the early carnival customs.
19. First krewe of Louisiana.
20. Alabama location with considerable influence on New Orleans (NO) Carnival?
21. 2 differences between Alabama and NO celebrations.
22. Primary public activity that was considered a basic pleasure of the pioneer days?
23. The location of Congo Square in New Orleans?
24. Activities by slaves in Congo Square? Frequency?
25. The second oldest krewe?

26. 3 customs established by Rex.
27. Etymology of “Rex.”
28. Make a timeline of Comus, Rex and Zulu.
29. Cheap coin “throw”?
30. Mardi Gras has neighborhood clubs that call themselves "gangs."
Are they a) MG Indians b) Drug organizations c) Brass bands.
31. What organization is brought to mind by the phrase “two-way pocky way!”?
32. Blanc et Noir Marching Society will hire what sort of band for the Krewe of Highland parade?
33. When did jazz music begin?
34. In what kinds of bands did jazz begin?
35. Explain the meaning of the French term "boeuf gras."

36. What are the flambeaux?
37. A famous Louisianian signed his letters, “Red beans and ricely yours,” His name and nickname?
38. What is one of the themes of New Orleans costuming?

39. How long did French immigrants live in Nova Scotia before a journey that would take them to Louisiana?
40. Why are they called Acadians, or Cajuns?
41. What is the name for the Cajun Mardi Gras?
42. Another name for a Cajun house party?
43. What 2 types of music mingle in Zydeco?
44. What ethnic group created zydeco?
45. Make a small map featuring Europe, South America, Central America and North America. List nations in which we see a significant carnival celebration.

answers -


1. W Af: Senegal, Guinea, Liberia, etc etc
2. bons - good
3. rouler - to roll
4. laissez - to let
5. temps - times
6. gras - fat
7. 12th Night begins Carnival in La. aka Epiphany or Jan 6.
8. Dionysian - Greek revels
9. Lupercalia - Roman rituals
10. carne - meat / vale - goodbye Latin
11. Lent - Christian; 40 days fasting & abstinence
12. Original Carnival nations: Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal.
13. Medieval times: first mention of Carnival.
14. Riotous: throwing bricks, desecrating churches.
15. Shrive: forgive your sins. See English custom.
16. Endymion is a female krewe in NO.
17. Parades helped the city move away from Fat Tuesday anarchy.
18. Carnival origins: Venice, Rome.
19. 1st NO krewe: Mystick Krewe of Comus.
20. Mobile, AL
21. Alabama: New Years celebration / Cowbellian de rakin Society
NO: Fat Tuesday / Comus
22. Pioneers: dancing!
23. Congo Square: back of the city of NO.
24. Congo Square: dancing, singing every Sunday.
25. 2nd oldest: Rex.
26. Rex: doubloons, colors purple, green, gold, a holiday from school.
27. Rex: "king" Latin
28. a) Comus b) Rex c) Zulu
29. doubloon
30. MG Indians
31. MG Indians: "two way pocky way"
32. jazz
33. jazz originates in 1890's.
34. Jazz originates in brass bands.
35. Boeuf gras: Fat beef cow.
36. flambeaux: torches.
37. Louis Satchmo Armstrong: "Red beans ..."
38. Costuming: opposite of who you are.
39. Acadiennes: 100 years in Nova Scotia.
40. Acadians - people from a region called Acadia.
41. Courir de Mardi Gras: cajuns.
42. bals de Maison: house party.
43. Zydeco: blues plus French folk music.
44. Creoles created both zydeco as well as Cajun music.
45. map.