Today in class we finished up maps of Mercator, Peters and Robinson projection of maps with adding the prime meridian, the nation of our origin, which for me is Italy, we labeled Europe, Antarctica, North America, South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. We also labeled the Southern Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, and the Indian Ocean. We labeled the International Dateline, thew Tropic of Capricorn, Tropic of Cancer, and The John Carroll School. We also had three guest in the class, one of which was top twenty in the country, one came from Harford Christian, who also plays basketball, and one from C. Milton Wright, who cheers and has braces. We all hoped that they will come to JCS to become a part of the amazing Patriot community as well as help out our sports teams to aid us in future championships  Finally, we were given a chance today to work on homework for other classes to get a free much needed free night!

Identifying Map Points

Today in class we located specific significant places on the Mercator, Gall-Peters, and the Robinson map. Some of the places we found were the prime meridian, our nation of origin, which it Italy for me, all seven continents, all five oceans, the international dateline, the tropic of Capricorn, the tropic of Cancer, and The John Carroll School. We also discussed the times zones once again, and we focused on the fact that there are 24 times zones as well as the primer meridian and the international dateline, and their connection to time zones. We also emphasized the places of these two lines. The prime meridian being at 0 degrees latitude, and the international dateline being at 180 degrees latitude. The Prime Meridian is exactly along the 0 degree latitudinal line going through Greenwich, England, while the international dateline is altered to accommodate nation-states near the 180 degree latitudinal line. These two lines are very important in time zones and the way we tell time today!

Time Zones and why they are the way they are

Today in class, we wrapped the concepts of early maps and the types of maps and began working on the concepts of time zones through out the world as well as longitude and latitude. We learned that there are 24 different time zones throughout the world for the 24 hours in each day. We learned that for every 15 degrees of latitude, it is a new time zone, each separated by one hour. We learned that there are 180 degrees of latitude east and west, with the prime meridian being at 0 degrees, as well as 90 degrees of longitude north and south, with the equator being at 0 degrees. Finally, towards the end of class, we discussed other possibilities involving time zones. Mr. Shick told the class that at one point in time, someone had suggested that the earth as a whole should run on one time, instead of 24 different ones. This would not only confuse people who are not on the prime meridian, but it would change the time of day things occur, such as the sun setting and rising. We decided as a class that the way time zones function now is workable and makes sense compared to a singular time throughout the world.

Types of Maps

Today in class we learned the different types of maps. We were also revealed the truth about how the world actually looks compared to what we normally see in classes and posters etc., this is call the Mercator map. This map is a misrepresentation of the way the earth looks because the land masses at the pols appear larger than they actually are on earth. An accurate representation of the world is called the Peters map, even though it may look distorted to our eye, it is actually correct. Everything is to scale, and all the landmasses are the correct size at each pole. We discussed the reasoning as to why the school system and the government chose to use this map as the world map instead of the correct map. We came to the conclusion that the Mercator map was what was always right, and what was always shown, instead of the correct map, that is never shown, because its 'wrong'. 

Introduction to Maps

Key Concepts
1. How do geographers describe where things are?
2. Why is each point on earths unique?
3. Why are different places similar?
4. Why are some human actions not sustainable?
1.1.1: Explain differences between early maps and contemporary map.
1.1.2:  Describe the role of map scale and projections and making of maps (cartography)
1.1.3: Explain how latitude and longitude are used to locate points on earth surface.
Geography is the study of where things are found on earths surface and the reasons for their locations.
Human geographers ask 2 simple questions.
Where are people and activities found on earth?
Why are the found there?
Cartography is the science of map making
Maps are used as references and communication
Absolute location- exact location
Relative location- location relative to other locations
Earliest maps were reference tools
Simple navigation tools
First map prepared by Eratlosthenos (276-194 B.C.)
Improvements to the world map made by Ptolemy.
Advancements to the world map made by Europeans, Chinese, and Islams

Unit Test today

Today we took our first unit test of the freshmen Human Geography class at The John Carroll School. I believe that I did well on this test, for the reason that I used a lot of my weekend to study for this test. I am a bit sad that this unit is over since I enjoyed these topics, but I am relieved that I probably did well. Some of the questions I was not prepared for, but Mr. Shick did a good job of warning us and preparing us for the test. I liked the way the essay questions were proposed to us, as well as the fact that Mr. Shick gave us more information and explanation on these topics. In conclusion, I am happy about my effort and possible results on this unit and unit test, I hope that I am able to do this throughout the year, as I am striving for an overall A or B in all my classes

Today I missed the majority of class due to a volleyball game against Bel Air.

Today in class, we discussed Socrates and his punishments for corrupting Athens youth as well as impiety, which is not believing in the gods of the state. We discussed that when he went on trial, he didn't apologize for his actions, but he said his actions were necessary for the well being of Athens and that he  should be rewarded for his actions. The jury ultimately voted guilty and he got put to death by poison hemlock, which slowly makes the muscular and respiratory system dysfunctional and kills you in about an hour. Though, he could of avoided this, for his friends could have easily gotten him out, to live outside of Athens, and live out the rest of his life without wronging the Athens community, though, he declined the offer, for he wanted to prove his loyalty to Athenian Democracy. Finally, in class we had a vote of our own, and we ultimately voted not guilty, for his obedience to Athenian democracy is exceptional, he has a brilliant mind, and can help improve ideas, law, and beliefs within the Athenian state.   

Today in class we discussed excellence within ancient Greece and specifically Socrates and his teachings. Within ancient Greece, people met and talked about issues and topics affecting the region in the agora and a polis is a city state or political entities run by people. People also vote on important topics within the agora. Socrates was a man who worked as a stonemason when he was young and he later fought in the Peloponnesian war. Later in his life, he taught a few young people outside the agora in a workshop. In this workshop, Socrates posed questions to them to discover their underlying belief and their extent of knowledge. We also learned that 508 B.C. was a very important date because it was the first recorded time in history that people revolted against their leaders. After this, countries like the United State of America and France did the same thing. Finally we learned that in ancient Greece, excellence was considered as moral virtue, fulfillment of purpose or function, and the act of living up to ones full potential.

Today in class, we closely analyzed and learned about "A Message to Garcia" by Elbert Hubbard.
Some of the things we learned today were:

• A Message to Garcia was published as an inspirational essay in 1899
• It was extremely popular and was republished as a pamphlet and book
• Over 40 million copies were sold
• Published in 37 languages
• It was made into a movie twice
• " Take a message to Garcia" became a very popular slang term for taking initiative
• The essay was taken place during the Spanish-American War
• Garcia- Revolutionary seeking Cuban independence
• Rowan- army officer
• President McKinley- 25th President, assassinated 6 months into his second term by an anarchist. 
• Tallest mountain in North America was named after him up until 2015
• Perihelion- when a planet or stars are closest to the sun
• Slipshod- careless
• Imbecility- incapability
• Missive- a letter; especially long or official  

A message to Garcia as I learned in class today was very powerful and monumental then and even in the present for its topic consisting of work ethic, excellence, and initiative, which are things many people struggled with then, and things many people still struggle with today.

A Message To Garcia Essay

     A message to Garcia was a short written piece explaining the negative aspects of our society, mainly focusing on the quality of work and willingness to work within our society. The author explains how a man named Rowan delivered a letter to Garcia in Cuba as war broke out between Spain and the US. Without asking any unnecessary questions, Rowan set off to Cuba with no knowledge except the country in which Garcia was residing. This piece of writing is very accurate according to my standards of work in the sense that I believe in work done right, doing so asked the first time. While analyzing this article, I took into consideration taking initiative, excellence, and inspiration, all of which I strongly believe in and support. This piece of writing sets standards for my willingness to do work in high school as well as my determination to succeed throughout my classes.
     In this piece of writing Elbert Hubbard explains the initiative Rowan took to go on this journey with any doubts, as well as to find and deliver the letter to Garcia. This initiative goes extremely further than the task itself. Those who take initiative succeed. A successful person doesn't get 'laid off' nor does he need to go on strike for a higher salary. Those who take initiative are successful, and irresistible to employers, initiative is an important building block for ease of life and living to your fullest potential. Taking initiative throughout my high school career will ultimately get me into the best possible college, which will eventually lead me to a life full of endless possibilities
     While inspiration and excellence may be two completely different principles, I would argue that they are in correlation with each other. As I read in the piece of writing, I see the success as a result of excellence and initiative. I see the opportunities for those who work hard for excellence and success. This success inspires me to be excellent in the classroom, as well as everywhere else including the sports field, the pool, and even at home. It truly inspires me to be the best person I can be not only throughout my high school career but in college and the rest of my life. For success comes from excellence and success breeds new and critical opportunities throughout your life.
      A Message to Garcia is a very important piece of writing. It shows the readers the importance of working hard, taking initiative and working towards excellence. These principles will grant you new and exciting opportunities throughout your life. I have taken this information into consideration for my future, especially the next 4 years. My high school career at The John Carroll School will require my best effort, taking initiative, and the constant drive to be excellent. With these principles in my mind, I hope to be successful in high school to eventually have the contingency to live my life to the fullest with an abundance of opportunities.
 
   
 
   

First Human Geography Post 2018

Going into school Tuesday officially as a John Carroll Patriot was both exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. I had been coming to this school for many years now, whether it was for the play, or the varsity football games on Friday night, I always found myself at John Carroll. Being able to have the opportunity to attend this amazing school was what I've wanted my entire life.  The first few days have been exciting, intriguing, and as every school is at the beginning of the year, a bit boring. I enjoy the freedom granted upon us, whether its in the classroom, during off mods, or around the campus. The teachers here care deeply about their students, and teaching them what they need to know and even more, even if it may be boring, or the student is not willing to learn the material. Going into my freshman year officially as a John Carroll Patriot I am full of determination and excitement for the beginning of this new chapter in my life. I am excited to learn new things, and have new and important opportunities that will aid me in my future. I'm excited to meet new people, and finally to be a part of a school community that cares. A school community the cares deeply about your success in the present, and in the future.