Mr. Lovera's Virtual Classroom

The due date for the Unit Review is approaching. It was originally set for January 20th, but that date may get pushed back a week or so. Either way, the questions below have been covered in class. I included where you should go to find the answer.

After we finish our exploration of the Ancient World, we will spend some time analyzing the state of affairs of N.A.M.E. today. In particular, we will compare the 3 Abrahamic Faiths born in thi...

Over the remainder of the school year, we will be exploring the story of humans. From our Stone Age ancestors to the earliest civilizations in North Africa and Southwest Asia to the ancient Indian and Chinese civilizations. Along the way, we will examine how humans developed new technologies to make life on earth either easier or more fun. This week we are looking at the evolution of the earliest civilization by watching a video called Birth of Civilization by National G...

Over the next 9 weeks, we will be expoloring the fascinating region of North Africa and the Middle East.

Why is the Middle East important to study? I find there are 3 main reasons.

1. Civilization:  If you like Chik Fil A or the Baltimore Ravens or your job, then you owe this region a debt of gratitude. For the very first civilizations began...

Prior to railroads (and cars, planes and phones) time was determined locally by the sun. With transportation and communication happening so much faster, people recognized they needed to create universal time zones.

For those of you who love watching l...

Latitude lines are horizontal lines (---) that are measured by their distance from the Equator.

Latitude lines help determine climate.

The closer you are to the Equator, the warmer your climate will be.  

The further you are from the Equator, the colder your climate will be.

Below is an update for where we are in class. The Unit Reviews are DUE next Wednesday (10/29).

1. LOST LADS

6. Maps vs Globes

7. Maps vs Globes

8-9. Latitude & Longitude Notes or Global BIG Map

10. Maps vs Globes

11. LOST LADS

12. Factors...

Go to the Documents page to compare your notes to the key. There will be a Warm-Up on latitude & longitude next week. You will be allowed to use your notes.

The International Date Line can be a challenge to understand. See if this beautifully accented women's description helps you understand the IDL bet...

Finding absolute locations on a map can range from easy (Mercator projections) to difficult (Robinson projections) to aggravating (Conic projections). Mercator lines look exactly like a sheet of grid paper in math, making it easier to locate precisely where the lines of latitude and longitude intersect. On a Robinson projection, latitude is exactly the same as it is on a Mercator map. Unfortunately, lines of longitude curve away from the Prime Meridian on a Robinson. Finally, l...

Today we investigated the value of maps and globes. It was decided that although globes are more accurate than maps (they are closer to the same shape as the earth itself), maps are in fact more useful and practical for everday use. Take a moment to review your notes. I linked my notes as well as the Powerpoint used in class below and on the Documents page.

I passed out a 6 page Unit Review in class today. My goal is for students to work on them throughout the quarter, NOT in one sitting. They are NOT due until the end of the 1st Quarter. At this point, students should be able to use what I have taught them to answer the following questions:

6. Maps vs Globes

7. Maps vs Globes

10. Maps vs Globes

11. LOST LADS

12. Factors impacting climate

17-18. Mr. World

19. Maps vs Globes

20. Map...

After completing our notes on the Climates of the Word, students were given the chance to work alone or with a partner on a mini-project called Trip of a Lifetime. The goal of this project is to select 6 destinations to visit. Each destination must be in a different climate. Students will be asked to explain what it is like at each stop (climate & landscape), clothes they packed for that place & what outdoor activities available to them in that location.