When the Americans dumped the tea from a British ship into Boston Harbor on December 16, 1773, the colonists proved that they were more concerned about a principle than in saving money on something that was a very important part of their lives. The Americans refused to pay the small tax placed on the tea by Britain’s Parliament. The colonists did not want to be taxed at all, unless they could be represented and have a voice in Parliament.

Where would you draw the line between your principles and your wants? Suppose you, like the colonists, disagreed with a tax  which was placed on something you would  have a hard time living without. Here is a list of items: television, pizza, chips, sunglasses, soda, calculator, bicycle, doll, soap, computer, jeans, video games, comic books, hair dryer, gum, basketball, jewelry, and French fries.  Which items could you live without and which items would you pay a tax on even if it goes against your principles?  Why?

The learning tools in the 21st century classroom are much more than just paper and pencils. This year we will incorporate the use of a BLOG (short for Web Log) to enhance collaboration and cooperation within our classroom. You will have an authentic audience and a meaningful purpose to get you excited about responding to our ClassBlog!

Watch the podcast:

What is our ClassBlog?

Do you think Mr. Tumnus is good, bad or both? Should Lucy have trusted him?

After you make your own comment, remember to read the other bloggers’ comments and respond to them.

In class we read the article “TEENAGE MUMMY” from the World News magazine. Following the reading, we had a short debate about exhibiting the mummy or sending La Doncella back to her Inca ancestors. Do you think it is appropriate to display ancient human remains in museums or should we give them back to their descendants? Why or why not?