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Check out the video below. How do you think this new technology could be used? Comment below…

I was reading an article over break about the 150 anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the author brought up the topic of modern day slavery. They provided a link to see how many slaves work for you. I was / am astonished and still trying to wrap my mind around this. Check out the link.

The link: Your Slave Footprint

How many work for you?… comment below

Further Reading: Check out this article to help you wrap your mind around this tough topic.

View the slideshow here.

Check out this Cortland Standard article.

Driving towards a greener future? – Inside Story – Al Jazeera English.

Check out the link below for cool graphics from this year’s election.

NYTimes Election Graphics

Current Event for Everyone

Monday November 5, 2012

Tomorrow across the United States citizens (who are 18 or older) will vote for the candidates to represent them in our Local,  State and National Governments. Right now, as lowly 7th graders, you do not have the right to vote, but in the not too distant future you will. Through this current event, you will gain more knowledge about electing people who will represent you in our government.  This current event is also slightly longer than others that you have completed so far…don’t freak out…just try to complete as many of the questions and tasks below during class today.

Remember:

-Open two tabs or windows…so you don’t lose what you type.

USE ONE OF THE TABS AS YOUR RESPONSE PAGE ONLY

OPEN OTHER TABS FOR YOUR READING / RESEARCH PAGES.

-Also, mute your computer.

Directions:

1) Before you start, fill in your name and answer the first 3 questions on the form below.

2) Click on the ‘Vote Easy: Presidential Election’  (open a new tab) — click on the options across the top and answer the questions as you go — if you get to an issue you don’t understand check out the ‘Issues Explained Links.’ ***I don’t expect you to know about all of these issues…so, I expect some research*** Answer questions 4, 5 and 6.

3) After you’ve completed task 2, click on the left side of the ‘Vote Easy’ site on ‘Congressional Election.’ Choose New York on the map, enter your zip code (13045) and choose your congressional district (NY-22).  If your zip code is different insert the correct one and type in your street address in the appropriate boxes. Candidates up for election will appear and a best match should already be chosen for you based on your previous answers. Answer questions 7 and 8.

4) After you’ve completed task 3,  answer the questions 9 and 10…click submit.

5) If their is time remaining: 1) Have you completed previous current events? – In no, go to the correct  current event for your group and complete it. 2) Have you completed all current assignments (U2-Picture Definitions)? – If no, work to complete these assignments. 3) If all your work is done you can practice your geography skills within the U1-Links or you can go to freerice.com 

You should be quiet and productive during this activity! Remember to push in your chairs before you leave the LMC.

Project Vote Smart’s Cool Site:

Vote Easy: Presidential Election

Vote Easy: Congressional Election

Your Zip Code is probably 13045

Your District is probably NY-22

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Issues Explained Links:

Time Kids: Understanding the Issues

Electionary: Commonly used terms defined

BBCnews: Key Issues