I teach 8th grade civics and economics to a diverse group of students. A large percentage of the population I teach come from military families. I teach the academically gifted, as well as students with special needs. I also have a love of teaching students where English is a second language. I have also taught students from other countries who's parent is here for military training in the U.S.
My students have a love for fact checking and debating current events.
Also, as a civics teacher, I believe that it is important for students to establish their own political views. Every year students will ask me whether I am a Republican or Democrat. I tell them "if I'm doing my job right, you'll never know". I think it's important for my students to research and form their own political opinions.
My Project
We often teach students about the government and the process of how bills become laws with textbooks. I believe that it is more effective to have students follow current political events and legislation in real time. I have had students do research at home, but not all students have internet service or computers at home. I have used my own computer projected on the board, but that's limited to only a few topics. I have also tried having students use their phones, but many students don't have phones or those who do sometimes get distracted by social media.
By having Fire Tablets in the classroom, students will be able to research legislation and current events that interest them.
At the same time, Amazon makes it quite easy for me to monitor the settings so that students aren't going to sites they shouldn't. It also gives students that do not have access to a phone the ability to participate rather that have to watch what one of their classmates are researching.
I also teach Economics at the end of the year. It would be wonderful to have students pick and follow stocks, as well as compare the U.S. economy to other countries. Another, added bonus, is that there are many online games and quiz programs that we could take advantage of if everyone had their own tablet to use.
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