Jan. 11 - 15, 2016: October Sky

DUE Mon. Jan. 18: October Sky chapter questions.  
DUE Tues. Jan. 19: Documentary reflection chart and paragraph responses
FINAL MARKING DEADLINE for overdue January work is Thurs. Jan. 21, 2016  

Thurs. Jan. 14 - Fri. Jan. 15, 2016

- Documentary film is an effective storytelling medium that is increasingly focused on social, political, and environmental issues / activism.
- We will be viewing The Last Mountain, which tells the story of controversial mountaintop removal mining practices used in West Virginia (the setting of the novel October Sky). This film, the novel, and the text links below allow us to draw intertextual connections between stories that connect the past and present day mining activities with the peoples of British Columbia and West Virginia.
- A similar battle has been successfully fought in British Columbia in the Flathead Valley. As well, The Wilderness Committee has recently raised concerns about the impact of mining on BC's rivers.
- Start work on the documentary reflection chart and paragraph responses (20). Consult the discussion guide if you've missed this documentary.
- This CDC graphic shows the prevalence of cancer in proximity to MTR coal mines. Learn more about the human costs of mountain top removal coal mining. Physicians for Social Responsibility have produced the Coal's Assault on Human Health document.

 


Wed. Jan. 13, 2016
- Continue reading and working on chapter questions for October Sky.
- View part 2 of the Homer Hickam interview.
- A news story describes the fire at Big Creek High School, which has since been ruled as arson. This school from the novel was scheduled for demolition, which upset many from this region. Should this building have been declared a heritage site?
 - Group discussion questions.
 
 
Tues. Jan. 12, 2016
-  The library tables and Chrome Books are reserved for this class.
- Use online resources and the novel to help answer ch. 1-8 questions.
- Complete overdue January assignments.

Mon. Jan. 11, 2016

- Continue reading and completion of ch. 1-8 questions.
- To better understand the historical and political setting of the novel, view "Cold War Politics in the Space Race."