1. Watch the BBC 1 minute news and record 2 news stories. Try to watch it one extra time to see if there is any new information about the stories you record.
2. Communicate with your backboard group, and bring in what is needed to the next meeting.
3. When I met with you at the last meeting, I gave most of you some new things to look up based on your background guide. Do the new research, and take notes on what you find.
4. Start researching this idea: how is my country related or involved in my topic for Model UN? Read, read, read as much as you can about your topic.
E-mail me if you have any questions.
Homework due 12/15/11
1. Watch the BBC 1 minute news and record 2 news stories.
2. Re-read your background guide. Try to finish all of the research questions at the end of the guide. E-mail me if you can't find something.
3. Be prepared to talk about your topic with me at our next meeting.
4. Communicate with your backboard group and come prepared for next week's meeting.
Homework due 12/10/11
All students:
1. Continue to watch the BBC and record your 2 news stories. We won't always have time to discuss all the news topics, but staying aware of current events helps you do well in Model UN in many different ways.
2. Come prepared to do the next stage of your project or backboard. Call or e-mail your group members to make reminders of what needs to get done at home.
3. Go to the MMUN web site, go to Conference Resources (along the top) and click on your committee.Please print out your background guide. Read through the guide, and highlight or take notes about your committee topic. Be prepared to answer questions about the information you read. Complete at least half of the questions at the end of your committee topic. Use the suggested web sites and your own personal research for help.
1. Continue to watch the BBC and record your 2 news stories. We won't always have time to discuss all the news topics, but staying aware of current events helps you do well in Model UN in many different ways.
2. Come prepared to do the next stage of your project or backboard. Call or e-mail your group members to make reminders of what needs to get done at home.
3. Go to the MMUN web site, go to Conference Resources (along the top) and click on your committee.Please print out your background guide. Read through the guide, and highlight or take notes about your committee topic. Be prepared to answer questions about the information you read. Complete at least half of the questions at the end of your committee topic. Use the suggested web sites and your own personal research for help.
Homework due 12/1/11
Hi students,
Don't forget to bring me your Peace cards if you haven't already.
All students:
1. Watch the BBC and record 2 news stories
2. Go to this web site: http://www.mdgmonitor.org/index.cfm
This web site keeps track of how countries are doing in terms of the Millenium Development Goals. Remember when we talked about them?
On the left, click on "goal pages." (underneath the pictures of the goals).
Select 3 goals and click on them one at a time.
3. Using the interactive map, find out how your country is doing in terms of the goals. Pay attention to the color used on the map and scroll over your country to get a number. Compare this number to other countries in Africa or the Americas or Asia. Write a summary paragraph about these goals and your country's progress. Is your country doing well with these goals?
4. Find one image that could go on your country's backboards (pictures of Bahamanian food, picture of Malaysian traditional dress, a map, etc.). Make a color copy or drawing. Bring to the meeting.
** Come see me for help if you do not understand how the MDG monitor web site works.
Homework due 11/17/11
Hi students,
1. Watch the BBC and record at least 2 news stories. Listen for any news regarding Greece and financial crisis.
2. Finish drawing and coloring your cards. Look at them closely when you are done to make sure they are your best work. Don't forget to use Prismacolor pencils.
3. Keep your homework from last week handy. We will go over it next week. For this week, we will look more closely at either Malaysia or the Bahamas. Answer these questions:
a. When did your country join the UN?
b. When did country become a nation?
c. Did the UN help your country to become a nation?
d. If your country was a colony, give the mother country's name and explain the effect the change has had.
e. Is your country a large, medium or small contributor to the UN budget?
f. Is the UN involved in any way in the health issues of your country?
g. Who are your trading partners?
h. Which ones are considered adversaries (enemies)?
i. Which countries located near your country have had violent conflicts?
j. Have have these conflicts affected your country?
k. What percentage of its expenditures is spent on education?
l. What is the school expectancy rate?
m. Where is your country in the index of most developed/least developed nations?
The CIA Factbook is the best web site for answering these questions.
This web site may also be helpful:
http://geography.about.com/od/politicalgeography/a/unmembercountries.htm
Please come see me if you do not understand how to use the CIA Factbook site. Doing a news article search on the BBC will also help you understand what is going on in your region (Asia or the Caribbean).
Homework Due 11/3/11
New and Returning Students:
1. Watch the BBC 1 Minute News and Record 2 Stories.
2. Follow the directions for your country research (Upper Elem.: Malaysia, MS: Bahamas)
3. Start selling Equal Exchange if you haven't already?
We are ready to start country research!
Here are some starting research questions.
1. Where is your country located? What is the capital city?
2. What are the neighboring countries? (or nearby islands)
3. What are the physical features (mountains, rivers, nearby oceans, deserts, etc.)
4. What are some major events in your country's history? Why are they important?
5. What is the population of your country?
6. What ethnicities, religions and languages can be found in your country?
7. What are the traditional art forms?
8. What are the characteristics of your country's economy? (What does your country export?)
9. Who is the president or leader of your country?
10. What type of government does your country have?
11. What is the traditional diet?
12. What is the climate?
13. What are typical jobs? What is the name of the currency?
Take notes on these areas (no full sentences necessary). Use books, not just web sites for this research. Make a trip to the library and reserve some books if necessary. Encyclopedias can be a good source of information, too. Do a lot of reading-you are trying to become an expert on your country.
For web sites, check out the cyberschoolbus site (Country at a Glance-on the left hand side),
the CIA factbook site: www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook (this is a great starting place) and the BBC News site (they have country info. in addition to news stories).
Homework Due 10/27/11
New Students
1. Watch BBC with parent and record 2 news stories.2. Go to the cyberschoolbus web site.
3.. Click on Millennium Development Goals of the UN (grey box). List the 8 goals and draw their symbol.
4. Using this web site as research, write a short paragraph about each of these topics:-what are MDGs
-current progress
-how are goals related to each other
-how countries can achieve goals
-special role of developed countries and goal #8
Returning students (Willow and Maryn)
1. Watch BBC with parent and record 2 news stories.2. Go to the cyberschoolbus web site.
3.. Click on Millennium Development Goals of the UN (grey box). Study and review the 8 goals-see if you can memorize for the next meeting.
4. I would like a flashcard with a symbol for each goal on one side, and the goal on the other (8 cards in all). Divide up this work between the two of you. You can draw them or print an image. Please make them look good. :)
5. Read this article about Guatemalan coffee cooperatives: http://www.equalexchange.coop/profile-of-manos-campesinas-in-guatemala
6. Look up the words: cooperative, middlemen and small scale if you don't understand them.
7. Be prepared to talk briefly about this idea:
Why is it better to form a cooperative instead of staying a individual farmer? Take notes so you can share ideas with the group.
** Willow and Remi: please finish up Lower El presentation and bring your poster to the next meeting.
Homework due 10/20/11
New and returning students:
Here's your homework:
1. Bookmark the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/video_and_audio/
2. Watch the BBC 1 Minute new with a parent. Record at least 2 news stories that you watched.
3. Read through these sections in your Model UN handbook: Present Day and What the UN Can and Cannot Do
4. With a highlighter or colored pencil, mark some ideas that you are think are important about the UN.
5. See how many questions you can come up with (minimum of 10). Write your questions and answers on index cards (question one one side, answer on the other).
6. Read the section The Six Main Organs of the UN. Take notes on each UN body (General Assembly, Security Council, ECOSOC, etc.) using lined paper or type it.
Make sure your notes answer these questions:
a. What does this part of the UN do?
b. Do the members rotate? Who are the members?
c. What type of problems do they solve?
Middle School
1. Watch the BBC 1 minute news and record 2 stories.
2. Complete the next phase of your UN presentation.
3. Divide up your work: who will contact your teachers, the lower el teachers. If you want to write them a note, please e-mail it to me first.
4. Be prepared to answer the Upper El questions about this section of your handbook: Present Day UN and What the UN Can and Cannot Do. Read these sections and take notes if you don't know the information.
Last Homework for 2011!
Dear students,
This week I would you to focus on the following things:
1. perfecting your speech to the best of your ability
2. printing out a copy to bring to the conference
3. making sure your paperwork is turned in (including student contract signed)
4. looking over packing list to make sure you have what you need
5. discussing your baggage plan with Mom and Dad-are you checking a bag? You will need to bring $50 in cash ($25/bag, for both ways)
6. make sure to pack itinerary AND flight information
7. Review past homework about Brooklyn bridge and NYC map-we will finally get to it at the next meeting
Homework due 3/31/11
1. Continue to watch and read the BBC and stay up to date with major news stories.
2. Continue practicing your speech: are you speaking slowly, loudly, and clearly?
3. Go to the MMUN web site. Click on 2011 resolutions (left side) and then Committee on the Rights of a Child.
4. Read through the 1st resolution passed by this committee last year. Answer the following questions:
list 2 sponsor countries from Africa:
list 2 signatory countries
which solutions listed in this resolution are the most specific?
Do you think Tanzania would have signed this resolution? Write a short paragraph explaining why or why not.
5. Don't forget the car wash on Friday, April 1st!
Homework due 3/24/11
New and Returning Students:
1. Have you sent or turned in your thank you note?
2. Remind your parents about the Model UN Parent Meeting, which is after our regular meeting on Thurs. 3/24
2. Watch the BBC and listen for any news about Libya, Yemen, Ivory Coast, or Tunisia. Record at least 2 stories.
3. Practice your speech another ten times. Have someone time you to make sure your speech is between 1 and 2 minutes long.
4. Make sure you have written 5 questions about the Brooklyn Bridge article.
5. Go to this web site: http://www.nysubway.com/map/index.html
Click on "larger version of this page."
Zoom in and out, and click and drag to read the small fonts
Study the map, and find these locations:
Brooklyn
Borough Hall
Manhattan
Queens
Liberty Island
Ellis Island
South Ferry
Grand Central
East River
United Nations
Central Park
Be prepared to identify these locations on a blank map of Brooklyn and NYC!
Homework due 3/10/11
All students:
1. Go back to watching the BBC 1 Minute News. Record at least 1 African new story.
2. Write your speech. Your speech can have the same sentences as your paper! It should have the intro., body and conclusion, but will be shorter. Choose phrases that show emotion:
The delegation of Tanzania strongly supports
The delegation of Tanzania discourages . .
It is important that the members of the UN come together to ____________________
The United Republic of Tanzania believes that by 2015, the goal of _________________ must be reached.
3. Practice your speech 10 times. Give your speech to family members so they can give you some feedback.
4. Finish your thank you card. Bring it in with your speech on Thursday.
5. We are staying at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott. Let's learn a little about our neighborhood.
Read this history article about the bridge: http://www.nycroads.com/crossings/brooklyn/
Write at least 5 questions about what you read (choose your questions from different sections of the article). Pay attention to the construction details!
Homework due 2/25
Hi students,
Remember your final draft is due on Friday.
If I have only read your rough draft once, I will need to see it before Thursday.
Check to make sure you have the right format (look in the handbook), a 12 pt. font, single spacing and the Times New Roman font.
The paper has to be at least 1 pg. long but not longer than 2 pgs.
E-mail it to me as an attachment. No paper copies!
** Many of you still owe me thank you notes. Please bring those to school or send them out yourself, and let me know that you have done so.
Homework Due 2/17
Hi students,
Sorry I missed our meeting today.
Remember, there is no meeting next week, but your rough draft is still due.
New/Returning Students
1. Finish rough draft. Make sure you have followed the format in your handbook. Check your font: 12 pt Times New Roman
2. E-mail me your rough draft or bring me a paper copy by next Thurs.
3. It's time to make thank you cards for all of dinner supporters. Please make a thank you card and bring it to me by Thursday. Use card stock or other nice paper for your card. Come see me for paper if you don't have the right supplies at home.
You can decorate the outside of the card as you wish, and the inside should have a message similar to this:
Thank you for supporting our Model UN Fundraising Dinner!
or
Thank you for supporting the Khalsa Montessori Model UN group!
or
Thank you for donating to our Model UN Fundraising Dinner!
Leave room for everyone to sign your card.
Homework Due 2/11/11
New and Returning Students:
1. Continue to watch the BBC and follow the news related to Egypt.
2. Complete the next part of your paper: paragraph 2 or paragraph 3, depending on where you are.
3. Visit the African Union web site to see if any documents can help you with your paper.
4. The backboard and mask groups should finish their work.
Homework Due 2/3/11
Returning and New Students:
1. Turn in your ticket money by Monday!
2. Watch the BBC and listen for news about what is happening in Egypt.
3. Go forward with your paper:
-follow the suggestions/editing comments I gave you
-re-write your 1st paragraph
-start or continue writing your second paragraph
-do the intensive research that your 2nd paragraph deserves
4. Try to get me what you have done before Thurs. if you finish early.
Homework Due 1/27/11
New Students:
1. Watch the BBC 1 minute news with an adult and record 2 news stories. Listen for updates about Tunisia or Sudan.
2. Start writing the 1st paragraph of your position paper. Read over the sample paper in your handbook (pg. 18) and the guidelines for writing the paper. Notice the format they use at the beginning. Come see me for help before Wednesday if you are not sure what to do.
3. Continue working on your backboard and plan your out-of school meeting.
4.Plan out your presentation if you are presenting next week.
Returning Students:
1. Watch the BBC 1 minute news with an adult and record 2 news stories. Listen for updates about Tunisia or Sudan.
2. Re-write your first paragraph of your position paper based on the changes I suggest. Please e-mail it to me asap if I haven't seen it.
3. Start planning out your 2nd paragraph. You will need UN documents (resolutions, agreeements, etc.) that support your position. Come talk to me before Wednesday if you are not sure what you are looking for.
4. Plan our your presentation if you are presenting next week.
Homework Due 1/20/11
Returning students:
1. Watch the BBC 1 Minute News and look for any news related to the Sudan election.2. Finish reading your articles (or re-read them) and prepare for your presentation if you have not already.
3. Remember, research is like a scavenger hunt, so pick a key term from one of your articles as a "clue" and look for more information about it on the Internet.
4. Complete the next step of your backboard or project.
5. Re-read the pages related to the position paper in your handbook. Start drafting the first paragraph of your paper.
6. Visit a business to solicit a donated gift certificate. Bring your business letter.
New students:
1. Watch the BBC 1 Minute News and look for any news related to the Sudan election.
2. Finish reading your articles (or re-read them) and prepare for your presentation if you have not already.
3. Remember, research is like a scavenger hunt, so pick a key term from one of your articles as a "clue" and look for more information about it on the Internet.
4. Find the section in your handbook about writing the position paper. Notice that it has 3 parts. Read through the example. We will discuss it at the next class.
5. Visit a business to solicit a donated gift certificate. Bring your business letter.
Homework Due 1/13/11
Hi students,
1. Continue to watch the BBC, and write down 2 new stories. Pay attention to what is happening in the Ivory Coast.
2. Make a list of who you will sell your tickets to. Think of a business that you can approach to ask for a donated gift certificate.
3. Read all of your articles. Ask yourself: what is this about? Do I get it? Do I need to read it with a parent? Underline or highlight new information. Look up terms you don't understand.
4. Prepare a short presentation about your topic based on 1 or more of the articles you read. In your presentation, explain the following:
-what is your topic about
-what are the challenges
-how does it relate to Tanzania
-what are some success stories
5. Make note cards with your presentation notes on them.
6. Continue to organize and/or work on your backboard or accessory.
