Econ+Fall+2010+Announcements

** Friday December 3 **
//** 1. Optional Project Update **// A. The deadline for meeting about the optional project has been extended to Monday. Any student who has not met with Mr. Duncan after Monday will not be allowed to do the project.

//** 2. Econ Debates **// A. The debates start on Monday. Be sure to have prepared well beforehand. Be sure to look at the rubric and advice posted here: Econ Debates. All speeches, especially the opening statements, should be of the highest quality, free of relying on notes while making a clear argument and engaging the audience. Students should be equally prepared, ready to answer any question related to the issue. Students should be ready to ask questions to each of the debating groups.

//** 3. Stock Market Game **// A. There has been quite a few changes to the leaderboard since we last looked in class. Be sure you have all the stocks up to date and are following the rules!

** Wednesday November 24 **
//** 1. GECON Debates Update **// A. No one from GECON followed the instruction (from Mon Nov 22) about choosing the debate topic. Because of this, Mr. Duncan selected teh topics and positions for each group. They are posted here: Econ Debates. Remember, there will be no class time to work on the research that is due on Tuesday November 30. Be sure to get in touch with your group to divide up the work.

** Monday November 22 **
//** 1. Videoconference Survey **// A. Each student present for today's class needs to take 5-10 minutes to fill out the KC Patel Videoconference Feedback survey by 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. Those students gone (for HFH, MUN, etc) do not need to fill it out.

//** 2. Debates **// A. There is nothing due the day we come back from the break. However, much research needs to be conducted for the Econ Debates for the 2nd class after returning (Tue Nov 30 for GECON, Wed Dec 1 for AECON). For what is expected, see the Econ Fall 2010 Debate explanation. Class time will not be given for research, so be sure to use your time wisely and divide up the responsibilities fairly as the pre-debate research is 10% of the overall test project. B. **For GECON only** C. For both classes--the debate schedule will be posted before the end of the week. Feel free to go to the Econ Debates part and check it out.
 * The matchups (but not the dates) have been set for the fall debates! All that needs to happen on your end is signing up for the topics and then Mr. Duncan will post the dates. Here's how it works: In each matchup listed below, the bolded team will get to choose their debate topic and their group's position on the debate (yes or no). The team not bolded does not have a choice (because of the Tape of Truth!). The topics listed below are suggested topics, but students may choose their own as long as Mr. Duncan approves.
 * To choose, groups (or a representative from each group) should come by Mr. Duncan's room before lunch ends tomorrow (Tue Nov 23). For Ka Yeun and Benjamin, they get what they want (once again, b/c of the Tape of Truth). Freddie and Rachel should tell me their top 2 choices; Henry/Tae Yoon/Peter--top 3 choices; Vicky/David Ji Woo--top 4 choices. By the end of school on Tuesday, Mr. Duncan will post the schedule on the debates part of the wiki. Good luck!
 * **MATCHUPS**
 * Vicky, David Ji Woo v. Eric K, Jenny
 * Henry, Tae Yoon, Peter v. Jessica, David Jinseok, James P
 * Freddie, Rachel v. Eric Y, Carol, Dean
 * Ka Yeun, Benjamin v. Lynn, Chris K
 * **POSSIBLE TOPICS (feel free to suggest other ones)**
 * Should the welfare system be virtually (or completely) abolished?
 * Has globalization helped developing countries?
 * Has outsourcing been beneficial for the American economy?
 * Should the minimum wage be abolished?
 * Are agricultural subsidies necessary?
 * Should China change its currency value?
 * Is capitalism the best economic system?

//** 3. Optional 5% Project **// A. Each student has the opportunity to explore his/her own interests for a project that requires creativity and thoughtful research. Several notes about the project are listed below:
 * It needs to answer an original research question proposed by the student. The question can be global or local in scale, dealing with anything economic-related.
 * The student will meet with Mr. Duncan to (a) get approval on the research question and (b) propose how the project will be graded. That's right...the student will propose what would result in an "A" and a "F."
 * This meeting must be completed by Friday December 3. Any students wanting to propose a project after this date will not be allowed to do so.
 * However, students may propose a project (before Dec. 3) and later decide to not do the project without penalty. Why? This project is //optional//!
 * The project CANNOT hurt someone's grade. If someone scores lower on the project than their tests/projects average, it will not be entered into the gradebook.
 * This will be due on Wednesday January 12. Students must be willing to share their findings with their fellow students.
 * Note: There will be a quote of the week reflection activity due that day as well.
 * While Mr. Duncan wants each student to be creative and thorough, he realizes that (a) it is only 5% of one's grade and (b) students have other classes. Because of that, the proposed "A" effort should not take an excessive amount of time. 5-8 hours is a suggested time for the entire project (post-proposal).
 * Q: What does this mean for those who choose to not do it? A: It means the documentary project and the tests + debate would be worth a little more than 15% and 10% of each person's average, respectively. With the project, the documentaries would be worth 15% and the tests & debate 10%. (For more info on the math, feel free to ask Mr. D.)

** Friday November 19 **
//** 1. Investment Game Update **// A. Power School has been updated with a stock market game participation grade. Those who received a 50 of 50 have followed the rules listed below. Those with other scores have not followed the instructions. Mr. Duncan's notes on what needs to be corrected were sent in today's email. The good news...another 50 point participation grade will be coming either early next week or the following week (be prepared for either). This means all students can fix their problems (if applicable) and get a 50/50 for that assignment. //** 2. Virtual Stock Exchange Screencast **// A. Mr. Duncan created a video to help you better understand the VSE game. Not Mr. D's best work, but hopefully it is helpful! media type="custom" key="7582157"

** Thursday November 11 **
//** 1. Investment Game **// 1. The 2nd KIS Economics Stock Market Competition is underway! Be sure to go to the [|Virtual Stock Exchange] website to sign up! (Registration is now closed!) 2. The prizes: 1st through 5th place will receive some sort of prize! 3. The rules: Follow the rules to avoid disqualification! 4. Keep in mind that trades will only take place when the U.S. stock market is open. That means it will be open beginning around 10pm on Monday-Friday nights and will close likely before most people wake up for school. Plan ahead!
 * At least 1/2 of the original $100,000 should be invested at all times. (So...$50,000-100,000 should be invested)
 * No one investment should comprise more than 40% of all total investments when purchased (example: If someone has invested $50,000 while keeping the other $50,000 as cash, then none of the individual stocks/mutual funds should be purchased for more than $20,000)
 * Each person should have at least 5 separate investments at all times.
 * Each person should have at least 2 mutual funds at all times. (Be sure to find the mutual fund that is right for you!)
 * All participants should have met the requirements by class on **Monday November 15**.
 * The game ends on **January 12**...GOOD LUCK!

//** 2. Test Study Guide **// The test study guide and related Keynotes will be available HERE in the next few days. Please check back.

**Wednesday November 3**
//1. The Next 2 Classes (GECON: Thu-Fri Nov 4-5; AECON Thu Nov 4, Mon Nov 8)// Students will be working independently for the next two classes to learn more about taxes and the upcoming G-20 conference in Seoul. The following 3 activities will be due in class on Tuesday November 9:
 * **"All About Taxes" Activity (based on Ch. 14). [[file:All About Taxes Activity.pages]]** After this activity each student should have enough background knowledge to help him/her answer the following questions:
 * How do taxes affect individuals, businesses, and government?
 * What is the best/most fair way to tax?
 * **"What is a Fair Tax" (and More) Packet**
 * Mr. Duncan passed this out in class on Tuesday November 2.
 * **G20 Current Event Articles Summary and Analysis:** The upcoming G20 Conference, held for the first time in Asia, has four major items on the agenda. Each person will read at least 3 articles related to one of those items (see below for the list of students/items). Completing this assignment will help the Econ classes understand more about critical global economic issues and will hopefully lead to further interest in the topics.
 * After researching at least 3 articles, each student will do the following, printed out and ready to turn in on Tuesday:
 * Put the bibliographical info (author, article title, publication title, volume and date, link) for all 3 articles at the beginning
 * Write a 1.33 to 2 page double-spaced (Times New Roman, 12 pt font, 1" margins) reflection that includes the following:
 * a summary of the current issue
 * possible solutions and/or difficulties that may come from the G20 Conference
 * further questions you would like answered and why
 * Be sure to cite any sources as they are used.
 * G20 4 Major Agenda Items
 * **International Currency Disputes**
 * GECON: Dean, David Jinseok, Freddie, Taeyoon
 * AECON: Deborah, Natalie, Lauren
 * **Seoul's Proposal for a "Global Financial Safety Net"**
 * GECON: Eric K, Chris, Lynn, Peter, Carol
 * AECON: Mikaella, Ian, Ryan
 * **International Monetary Fund Voting Rights**
 * GECON: David Ji Woo, Ka Yeun, Benjamin, Jenny, Henry
 * AECON: Sangheon, Sylvia, Alex
 * **Development Programs to Support Sustainable Growth of Poor Nations**
 * GECON: Jessica, Eric Y, Rachel, Vicky, James
 * AECON: Jamie, Michelle, Megan, Cindy

**Thursday October 21**
//1. Keynotes// They are posted here: Economics Docs for Downloading

//2. AECON Quizzes// AECON only: I have your Ch. 6-1 & 6-3 Prices Quiz in my classroom. Feel free to stop by and pick them up before the weekend.

**Friday October 8**
//1. Post Documentary Activities: Complete the following before classtime on Tuesday October 12. Print the project reflection and bring your textbook and documentary-watching notes.//
 * 1. Online survey:** Be sure to fill out the appropriate survey for the documentaries (only 1 per person)**. Do NOT fill out the survey until you have seen all the documentaries.**
 * **GECON (due 8am Wed Oct 13) : GECON Oscars Survey**
 * **AECON (due before class Oct 12): [|AECON Oscars Survey]**

a. Analyze your work and your partner's work in making the documentary. b. Reflect on the lessons learned (good and bad) throughout the entire process. The lessons should be both about the content __AND__ the process of creating the documentary. c. Critique the assignment, considering what was/were the best aspect(s) of it as well as ways it could be improved for future classes.
 * 2. Project Reflection: In a typed, 2 1/2 to 4 page essay (12 pt font, Times New Roman, 1" margins, double-spaced), each student should:**


 * 3.** **Documentary Watching Worksheet:** Be sure to bring your documentary watching notes to class on Tuesday. The only section that needs to be filled out is the "lessons learned" part. This is a separate 50 point participation grade. It does not need to be fancy nor in complete sentences. GECON will turn it in at the end of class on Tuesday while AECON will do it at the beginning.

Monday October 4
The following info is from your documentary project description:
 * // 1. Turning in Documentaries Reminder //**
 * Videos should be turned in to Mr. Duncan using a flash drive (or equivalent) at the beginning of class on the due date. After class begins, the groups will lose 5 points every 6 hours it is late from that point forward. (Example: If the due date class starts at 8:00 am, then turning it in at 8:03 a.m. = 5 pts off, 8:03 pm = 15 pts off, etc.)
 * The videos should be posted to the wiki before 8:00 am on the day AFTER the due date.

Friday September 10

 * // 1. Keynotes //**
 * The 3 Keynotes have now been added to the wiki. They are located under the "Class Documents for Downloading" page which can be located on the left side of any place on the wiki or on the main Econ class section of the wiki.


 * // 2. Opportunity Cost and Comparative Advantage Worksheet //**
 * We did not go over the "Opportunity Cost and Comparative Advantage" worksheet in class. Try to understand the general concepts, especially those behind these answers:
 * (from p. 27) A: cleaning 2 jail cells
 * B: Cleaning 4/3 of a jail cell
 * C: 1/3 of an office
 * D: 3/4 of an office
 * E: Hannah
 * F: Hannah
 * G: Hannah
 * H: Andy
 * I: Hannah--offices; Andy--jail cells. Why? The person with the lower opportunity cost should perform the chore.
 * (from p. 33) 3: "People don't frequently purchase the highest-priced goods because the marginal benefit of the highest quality is not worth the additional cost."


 * // 3. Textbook //**
 * Please bring your textbook to class on Wednesday and Friday. We will actually use them.