Monday, November 25. 2019

Today's schedule is A-AG-BCD

A Block Physical Geography - Oh today we start with weather, the best topic ever! I'll have you brainstorm a list of things you know (or think you know) about weather and then I'll try to answer questions you've always wanted answered about the topic. I'm so excited to be starting weather! Hail, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes are four on "the list" get ready, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Why study weather, besides the fact that it is awesome...yes it is and you know it, maybe because it can impact our lives significantly.  In 2018, there were 14 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disaster events across the United States, with a total cost of $91 billion. The total cost over the last 3 years (2016-2018) exceeds $450 billion — averaging $150 billion / year. The total cost over the last 5 years (2014-2018) is approximately $500 billion — averaging $100 billion / year

Every day we are going to start by looking at the synoptic forecast along with weather maps.
Data Streme
Envrionment Canada: Weather Office Comox
Data Streme
Envrionment Canada: Weather Office Comox


B Block Human Geography - Today we'll look at the key question Where Are Ethnicities Distributed? With this we'll examine this question both in a Canadian and an American context (as the text is American we will supplement it and add Canada to the conversation). The meaning of ethnicity is often confused with the definition of race and nationality. Ethnicity is identity with a group of people who share cultural traditions of a particular homeland or hearth. In Canada more than 200 ethnic origins were reported by respondents to the 2011 National Household Survey, 57.9% of the population reported one ethnic origin and the rest, 42.1%, reported more than one origin. In the 2016 Census, over 250 ethnic origins or ancestries were reported by the Canadian population. Who are they and where are they distributed across Canada are what we'll look at today.

Vancouver Sun: Almost 7 in 10 Metro residents will be non-white in two decades
Ethnic and cultural origins of Canadians: Portrait of a rich heritage
CBC News 21.9% of Canadians are immigrants, the highest share in 85 years
CTV News Latest census numbers showcase Canada's ever-evolving ethnic diversity


Open Text BC Introduction to Sociology text "Race and Ethnicity" chapter

C/D Block Environmental & Social Sciences - Today you'll have an opportunity to do a few things. First off you'll have time to work on your Salish Sea map/posters that outline the critical habitat of the southern resident Orca pod. For more on the J, K, and L Pods check out:
EPA Southern Resident Killer Whales
Marine Mammal Commission Southern Resident Killer Whale
Center for Whale Research Southern Resident Killer Whales
Georgia Strait Alliance Southern Resident Orcas
Department of Fisheries and Oceans Southern Resident Pod
Port of Vancouver Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program

Next, you'll have time to work on our letter writing campaign. Below are two examples of letters...one for the Trans Mountain expansion and one against. Have a look:
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters TMX letter
STAND Earth TMX letter
You'll be writing a letter to your Member of Parliament, either Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns or to North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney (both members of the Federal NDP) and outline your opposition to or support of the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline. Remember:

• State purpose/objective at the beginning and briefly introduce concerns.
• Describe your interest in the issue and any relevant credentials.
• Include questions that provoke response.
• Ask for more information or clarification on your MP’s position.
• Request a commitment to a specific action, and give a rationale for your request.
• Thank the MP for any positive action they have taken in the past on this issue.
• Request that the MP respond to your letter.

Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns can be reached at:

Gord Johns
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6

or

Gord Johns
1209 East Island
Suite 12
Parksville BC V9P 1R5

North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney can be reached at:

Rachel Blaney
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6

or

Rachel Blaney
908 Island Highway
Campbell River BC V9W 4B2