Griffin's Geo Blog

Today in class we discussed and toke notes on longitude and latitude and how they were used and how they are sued today. Latitude is what is measure horizontally. It is runs parallel with the equator and it is more frequently used than longitude in some cases. Longitude is the line of vertical and runs parallel with the prime meridian and hits the zero point in Greenwich, England. We discussed how map makers long ago were using longitude and latitude to help determine where to discover and to also know how to traverse the ocean with trying to get to their next exploring spot. We mentioned how GPS nowadays is able to track your location for you using longitude and latitude.

Today in class we discussed what the difference is between a site and the situation. The site aspect of this means the land that the location provides what water sources it is near, what kind of soil, etc. The situation aspect describes the relative location to everything else around it. Like cities, shops, highways. They both have their own significance to different people. For example, a farmer may be worried about the sit of the location as he would want the best land to grow his crops and raise his animals. Where as someone who has a job in the city would care more about the situation as they would want an easier commute to their job.

Today in class we discussed site vs sources. What this means is that it compares where the site location is to what sources and opportunities the site has. For an example of this, we used someone moving. They shared how they went about the process by comparing where the house compared to everything. But also, what the site's sources are like stores, parks, and drive time. At different times one may outweigh another. For example, if you are a farmer the site is going to outweigh the sources as you want the best land for your crops and animals. But if you work in the city the sources are going to better as you will be able to commute much easier if you are closer to the city rather than being further.

There are many differences between the Mercator map and peters world map Peters World Map: Pros: Displays all countries accurately  Disregards power of all countries  Africa and South America are drastically Greenland is drastically decreased in size  Cons: Is not used frequently in the classroom's Is not as well known around the world the Mercator map People think it is wrong because many people have never seen before Mercator World Map: Pros: More well known map around the world compared to the Peter's map Everyone is used to it and is taught it when in school Cons: Does not correctly represent the size and orientation of the countries and land forms. Favors a top to bottom attitude Promotes social inequality with third world countries like Africa being smaller than it is in real life

Today in class we watched the video from the West wing again this time being able to stop the video whenever someone wanted. This allowed for us to discuss why the difference between the two maps is so substantial and how that can impact social equality around the world. This led to a discussion about top to bottom attitude tat is associated with the map and how that can change peoples thinking. Halfway through class we received our tests back. I was very pleased with my score as i received a 100 percent. I got every question right and all points possible for the essay. We discussed what the correct answer for the questions were and what you needed to do in order to get all points in the essay.

Today in class we discussed the difference in maps used across the world. Today we discussed two different maps and they're similarities and differences. The two maps were the world map and Peter's world map. The world enlarges some parts of the world like North America and Greenland. While it shrinks other continents like Africa and Australia. The Peter's world map on the other hand, represents every continent and country on earth correctly. It has Africa and South America much larger and Europe and Greenland significantly larger. We discussed why this is done and some of it has to do with social equality of other continents. For example, Africa has many third world countries with would most likely be the cause for Africa to be smaller on the map.

Today in class we took a test on A message to Garcia, the concept of Arete, and Socrates and his teachings. I felt pretty well prepared for the test I studied the previous night for about 10-15 minutes. I was sure to remember what happened in the essay "A Message to Garcia" and to remember the life of Socrates. I felt like I did pretty well on the test as I completed the two essays first, then proceeded to complete the multiple choice and short answer questions. The essays seem to flow pretty easily and I got them done fairly quickly. I had a little trouble on a few of the multiple choice questions but all in all I felt very good about this test.

Today in class we discussed the life of Socrates and how he changed the way the democracy is run forever. We first talked about his childhood and how he was a common man and worked as a wood  crafter. Second we talked about his teachings to young students outside the agora and how he taught them the Socratic method of saying your thoughts about topics that are relevant in today's society. Furthermore, we then took a good part of class to discuss his death case and how it was carried out. There was a 500 person jury in attendance to vote for him to be punished to death or not. The vote ended up being 279 yes to 221 no. Right before the execution taking place the security guard were going to allow Socrates to escape live free. But he chose not to as he wanted to stay true to the Greek democracy.

Agora- A gathering place in ancient Greece where athletics, assemblies, and political gatherings occurred Polis- A close and welcoming Greek community that had their own set of rules usually in a small town or in the country. Origin of the word politics, metropolitan, poll 508 BC- In that year democracy was introduced in ancient Greece. Changes the way Greek culture was operated. First time people revolted against their leaders. Others included France (1789) and Russia (1917) Socrates- A philosopher in ancient Greece who was known for the creating and building the foundation for Western Civilization Death of Socrates- On trail, he was found guilty of not believing in god and corrupting kids. For his death he drank hemlock poisoning Socratic method- The Socratic teaches students to think quickly as well as developing critical thinking involves cooperative arguing. Dialogue based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking Ancient Greek meaning of idiot-

Today in class we finished up our discussion about Elbert Hubbard and how he wanted to make sure that every individual had integrity. That they did the right thing no matter if someone was watching or not. After that we discussed arete. It is the belief of excellence and knowledge in it. For example, us humans know about excellence and things we can and cannot do. We are the only species that is aware of that and express that. That is an example of arete. We also went over vocabulary that was in the essay of "A Message to Garcia" including imbecility and more. This made me feel more prepared for the upcoming test.

Today in class we finished up reading a message to Garcia. This short story described the perfect person. This person does things the right way whether or not a person high in order is watching or not. This person would do things the first time without asking why they need to do it or why someone else can't do it for them. A Message to Garcia has a large historical significance as well. The story was so popular that it was put into newspapers across the world along with pamphlets being made about the story. The phrase "Take a message to Garcia" is still currently used in the military. In conclusion, A Message to Garcia has been inspirational and used as a teaching point for almost a century. It displays the way a person should conduct themselves everyday no matter who is watching.

Both topics that we discussed in class relate to each other as they both have to do with the future and doing the right thing. During our speech about high school and what to expect of it. Mr Schick discussed how he thought it was the hardest part of our education careers. He explained that time management is one of if not the most important thing to use while in high school. This relates very nicely to the short story we read "A Message to Garcia". This story demonstrated a man who if he was asked to do something he do it with no questions asked. That relates to high school, as if you do what you are told or recommend to do then you will be fine. Today's class was very informative and I am excited for the rest of the year to come. Today's class gave me a great insight on what to expect this year in high school and what to expect for my future schooling career.

Today was overall a good day for me as I was able to find my way around the school pretty easily and make new some friends. One really good thing about the day was how friendly all the teachers and other students were towards me. When I was confused my questions were always answered and I was always helped. Also I was able to talk to some of the sports caches and they were able to tell me a little more about their programs. The worst part about the first day was not really knowing where to go or what to do with free mod. For most of it I sat in the learning commons on my laptop. I'm sure that there is more that I can do during that time, I'm just not sure what that is yet. One thing that I enjoy about my seat my class is that I am in the front of the room which allows me to stay focused and not get off topic during class. One thing that I dislike about my seat in class is that through the window every once there is a bad glare. I know this is out of anyone's control but it