Social Studies Current Events

Swine Flu: Pandemic or Panic?

2009-04-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

The Swine Flu has been in the news recently and has caused panic across the world. Do we have another pandemic on our hands or are people just panicing over a few sick people? The Swine Flu has apparently originated in Mexico in mid-April 2009- just in time for spring break! Vacationers who traveled to Mexico have brought back the Swine Flu to their hometowns and there is now concern that this flu is just going to keep spreading. A New York City school has 8 confirmed cases of the Swine Flu and will close Monday and Tuesday this week. Scary, I know. We think of a disease that is in another country and say, hey, that can't happen here. But it can! What are your thoughts on this flu outbreak? What concerns do you have as a teacher?

Check out the stories below.

Swine FLue: 5 Things You Need to Know

World Races To Contain Swine Flu Outbreak

Swine flu confirmed in NYC high school students

CDC Human Swine Influenza Investigation

Go Green!

2009-04-22T07:37:00.000-07:00

What does going "green" mean to you? Does it mean being more conscious of recycling? Does it mean making better environmental choices? Is it a change in your lifestyle? To many people it is all of the above. However, at what point in your life do you realize to "go green?" With increasing talk about how the environment has been used and abused people are worrying that one day our precious land will be gone and so will we. I came across an article about a 7th grader in Windsor, CT who decided to "go green" at a young age. Check out the article and his website.

At what point do we start educating ourselves and our children about going green? Have you gone green? Will you after checking out Green ECO Warriors?

Young Activist Heading to National Contest

Green ECO Warriors

Second Amendment Rights: Does that mean guns on campus?

2009-04-17T05:18:00.000-07:00

In recent years it seems that at least once a year there is a deadly school shooting that has taken place somewhere in the world. This has sparked controversy as to whether or not college students should be allowed to carry hand guns on campus. Most, if not all, campuses do not allow students to carry weapons. However, many students now walk in fear that if a shooting happens at their school they won't be able to defend themselves. Given that the second amendment tell us that we have the "right to bear arms," do you think that college students should be allowed to carry concealed handguns on campus? Check out some of the links below and post your thoughts.

Student groups divided on right to carry guns on campus

The right to bear arms

Groups fight for second amendment rights on campus

President Obama Flinches

2009-04-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

On a visit to Turkey on April 6, 2009, President Obama flinched at the sound of a one gun salute during a ceremony. View the video clip and tell me what your thoughts are on this. Does this change your opinion of President Obama? How do you think President Obama handled himself? Do you think the media made too much out of nothing? Did anyone else at the ceremony have the same reaction?

President Obama in Turkey

School Budget Cuts

2009-04-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

As we all know the economy has been in trouble and there doesn't appear to be any light at the end of the tunnel. Things will only get worse before they get better. But where do we cut corners? Who gets laid off and who gets to keep their job? What programs get eliminated and what programs get to remain in tact? These are questions that are on the minds of every member of school districts across Connecticut. Administrators, teachers, students, and parents fear that schools can't approve the proposed budget because there is no money in the town's budget. Budgets have been cut in many school districts already and it only appears to be getting worse. Teachers are being laid off, schools are closing, and after school programs and sports are being cut. Money obviously doesn't grow on trees, but do you think that budget cuts should be so drastic in education? We should be helping shape the future of America by educating students, but how can we when teachers are being laid off and programs are being cut? What do students do now when they have no where to go after school? Will loitering and violence rise? Check out the sites below and let me know what you think.

School budget plan rises, but so do cuts

Residents speak out against school budget cuts

Official: Cuts will hit schools hard

Connecticut Teen Driving Laws

2009-04-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

In the last few years Connecticut has enacted new driving laws for teen drivers. These new laws were created in response to the increasing amount of accidents involving new teen drivers. It appears that there are more and more accidents involving teens. Many of these accidents are fatal causing pain and suffering for families and communities. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles has a list of all the driving laws for 16 and 17-year old drivers. Do you think that these laws are too harsh or not harsh enough? Check out the links below and let me know what you think.

CT Driving laws

Local accident

Eyewitness news