Extra Credit Opportunities:

(see below for content standards)

1. Writing Prompts:  You know those "Journal Writes" that we do occasionally?  Come up with some good writing prompts that are interesting for students but also incorporate class material.  For example, The Spanish American War, Women's Suffrage, World War I, Presidential Elections, Invention, etc.
2. Project Ideas:  Come up with a new approach to a lesson plan.  Instead of "Read the chapter and answer these questions" give me some projects or lesson ideas.  Maybe do some Googling and find some good lessons for a specific topic from the class that interests you.
3. Good Supplemental Videos:  When I cover a topic from the book I like to show short clips from movies or documentaries to help illustrate the lesson.  Find good clips that are interesting to students and get the links to me to check out.
4. Decorations:  We could really use more classroom decorations.  Maybe an old railroad lantern or a coal miner's helmet or some things to hang on the wall.  My "US 101" sign has been popular so maybe a 25W or I75 road sign -- or a STOP sign or a WRONG WAY sign.  (Don't take them from the streets!)
5. Classroom Needs:  We really need book shelves, a large clock, and some wall hangings.
6. Mannequins:  We have discussed putting in mannequins (one male and one female) that we could dress up in clothes of the period we are covering.  If you know any places to find mannequins cheap, that would be fun.  Also, if you have clothing/costumes for mannequins for when we DO get them, that would be great.
7. Assisting:  Passing out papers, taking attendance, keeping the classroom clean, erasing/cleaning desks, etc. are good ways of getting some extra credit points.

CONTENT STANDARDS:

• U.S. History
• World History
• Economics

Labor Day: Origins of a Holiday

Note: Monday is Labor Day!  Three day weekend!!!  But what is "Labor Day" about?

Labor Day is today considered a day for relaxation, BBQ's, and a nice day off of work.  But where did it begin?

Finish "Maxed Out"

Yesterday we watched the first half of the 2006 documentary "Maxed Out" by director James Scurlock.  Scurlock originally set out to make a movie about the crazy spending habits of Americans, but after he started researching the issue and interviewing borrowers, he change his focus to the lending industry and the effects of deregulation.

The Washington Post called this documentary "a matter of life and debt" and sent on to say, "This swift-moving documentary is something all American high school graduates should watch... especially before they head to college and are asked to sign up for credit cards."

The segments we watched this week discussed how the lending industry "sells debt" to companies who go after those who owe them money.  It also covers the tragedy that can happen when people get so deep into debt that they can't see a way out.

In Microsoft Word, answer the following questions (Don't print when finished because we will continue with this tomorrow):

1. What tactics do debt collectors use get people to pay?
2. Why do debt collectors push people so hard?
3. Why do some people resort to pawn shops?
4. Who funds the largest check cashing chain in the U.S.?
5. Do you think lenders are partially responsible for America's debt crisis?  How so?
6. Why does your credit card company want you to be late on your payments?
7. Why do credit card companies want customers who have filed bankruptcy?
8. Why do credit card companies want 18 year old college students?
9. Why don't Senators and Congressmen punish credit card companies for "predatory lending"?
10. Discuss your right to privacy from individuals, corporations, and the Government.

Turn them in when you have finished.