Applied Technology
Civil Government
Computers and Technology

 

CIVIL GOVERNMENT- DECEMBER, 2024

HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN COLORADO, INCLUDING PRE-REGISTRATION.

ESSENTIAL FILES: INTERACTIVE CONSTITUTION, SIMPLE ENGLISH CONSTITUTION.
DATE Information/Activities/Projects and Assignments

10/15/25

CLASS SUMMARY

BELLRINGER: First, we complete the SECOND AMENDMENT QUIZ. You MAY use your notes!
   

FOR TODAY:

THE CONTROVERSY REGARDING RIGHT TO CARRY: We review review the following videos regarding the Right to Carry in the United States.

    1. "If I only had a gun, Part 1," from ABC 20/20 Newsmagazine.
    2. "The Truth about Right to Carry," from the National Rifle Association.
    3. "Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America." from MSNBC.
    4. "Extreme Open Carry in Texas" from ABC News.

WHEN WE HAVE COMPLETED THESE VIDEOS: Reflect upon the topic by answering the questions in The "Right to Carry" Thinking Sheet.

OUR BIG 2nd AMENDMENT PROJECT:

 

 

 

 

10/13/25

CLASS SUMMARY

BELLRINGER: We complete a short questionnaire about "Guns in America." The only wrong answers are ones in which you are being unsincere.
   

SECOND HALF OF CLASS TODAY: The Second Amendment- A History, including videos from either side.

THE CONTROVERSY REGARDING KIDS AND GUNS: We review some videos regarding Kids and guns from both sides of the issue: From 20/20 "Young Guns 2- When Kids Find Guns" and "Young Guns 4- Teaching Kids to Shoot" and from Barcroft TV: "Kids with Guns- A family defends their rights to bear arms."

WHEN WE HAVE COMPLETED THESE VIDEOS: Reflect upon the topic by replying to the "Children and Guns" THINKING SHEET. We will discuss this issue in class afterwards.

THE CONTROVERSY REGARDING RIGHT TO CARRY: We review review the following videos regarding the Right to Carry in the United States.

    1. "If I only had a gun, Part 1," from ABC 20/20 Newsmagazine.
    2. "The Truth about Right to Carry," from the National Rifle Association.
    3. "Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America." from MSNBC.
    4. "Extreme Open Carry in Texas" from ABC News.

WHEN WE HAVE COMPLETED THESE VIDEOS: Reflect upon the topic by answering the questions in The "Right to Carry" Thinking Sheet.

UPCOMING: The SECOND AMENDMENT POLITICAL CARTOON PROJECT. Before we embark on this, we will need to review POLITICAL CARTOONS.

 

 

 

 

10/8/25

CLASS SUMMARY

BELLRINGER: NONE TODAY! YAY! Please get out your notebooks and get ready for a full day of learning about the 2nd Amendment!
   

The Second Amendment- A History, including videos from either side.

THE CONTROVERSY REGARDING KIDS AND GUNS: We review some videos regarding Kids and guns from both sides of the issue: From 20/20 "Young Guns 2- When Kids Find Guns" and "Young Guns 4- Teaching Kids to Shoot" and from Barcroft TV: "Kids with Guns- A family defends their rights to bear arms."

WHEN WE HAVE COMPLETED THESE VIDEOS: Reflect upon the topic by replying to the "Children and Guns" THINKING SHEET. We will discuss this issue in class afterwards.

THE CONTROVERSY REGARDING RIGHT TO CARRY: We review review the following videos regarding the Right to Carry in the United States.

    1. "If I only had a gun, Part 1," from ABC 20/20 Newsmagazine.
    2. "The Truth about Right to Carry," from the National Rifle Association.
    3. "Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America." from MSNBC.
    4. "Extreme Open Carry in Texas" from ABC News.

WHEN WE HAVE COMPLETED THESE VIDEOS: Reflect upon the topic by answering the questions in The "Right to Carry" Thinking Sheet.

UPCOMING: The SECOND AMENDMENT POLITICAL CARTOON PROJECT. Before we embark on this, we will need to review POLITICAL CARTOONS.

 

 

 

 

10/6/25

CLASS SUMMARY

BELLRINGER: Time for an exam regarding the FIRST AMENDMENT.

 
   

TEST TODAY!

10/3/25

CLASS SUMMARY

BELLRINGER: Let's consider a Freedom of Religion question. Or is it a Freedom of Speech question? Please complete the WEDDING WEBSITES ARE FREE SPEECH THINKING SHEET.
 
   

WORK DAY: FIRST AMENDMENT FREEDOM OF RELIGION CASE STUDIES- due today.

STUDY GUIDE FOR THE TEST ON TUESDAY:

PLEASE NOTE: TODAY IS A WORK DAY REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE CASE STUDIES AND REVIEW FOR OUR UPCOMING EXAM. IF STUDENTS ARE NOT WORKING, WE WILL HAVE THE EXAM TODAY.

 

10/1/25

CLASS SUMMARY

BELLRINGER: We discuss an ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE GROUP CASE STUDY: As a class group, we will be completing analysis of the CHURCH OF THE FLYING SPAGHETTI MONSTER Warm-up Case Study.

Please note that this is an official WRITING ASSIGNMENT and will be a 25 point grade in the gradebook. As we are going to review the case as a CLASS, there is no real reason for anyone to not receive full credit for this assignment.

9/29/25

CLASS SUMMARY

BELLRINGER: First, we need to discuss the Government Shutdown and complete the GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN THINKING SHEET, which will likely happen before next class period. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? We discuss.
 

WORK DAY:

9/24/25

CLASS SUMMARY

 

BELLRINGER: None for today, we have too much to discuss. Bring your notebooks up to the BIG TIV!
 

9/22/25

CLASS SUMMARY

BELLRINGER: We finish our review of THE FIRST AMENDMENT- FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY, PETITION AND ASSOCIATION by watching a pair of videos on the topic.

Then, we complete the WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH V. PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS THINKING SHEET.
 

WORK FOR TODAY

9/19/25

CLASS SUMMARY

 

BELLRINGER: We are discussing FREEDOM OF SPEECH and the First Amendment a lot lately and it is a very good time to be considering these types of issues. Here is a link to a video of some important people changing their opinions on Freedom of Speech over the past 9 months. We discuss.
 

WORK FOR TODAY

9/17/25

CLASS SUMMARY

 

BELLRINGER: FIRST, we meet in Mr. B.'s DISCUSSION CIRCLE to analyze a case from our new Freedom of Expression Case Studies

Then, we complete the STUDENTS' FREEDOM OF SPEECH ANALYSIS.
 

WORK FOR TODAY- The Freedom of Speech Case Studies. These are due today.

DUE FRIDAY, WORK ON IT TODAY IF YOU HAVE TIME: Complete the Freedom of Expression Case Studies. If the class wishes, we could discuss a few of these as a group instead of individually, but you will still need to answer all questions.

A freedom of speech link.

9/15/25

CLASS SUMMARY

BELLRINGER: We discuss "The Rights of the Student Project" and then, we complete the RIGHTS OF THE STUDENT QUIZ.
 

WORK FOR TODAY- STUDENTS' FREEDOM OF SPEECH ANALYSIS: Please review this case and the books involved and answer the questions. This is due at the end of class today.

Students also need to work on The Freedom of Speech Case Studies. These are due TODAY and are being graded on WEDNESDAY. You may work in small groups of 1 or 2, but each person must answer with their own UNIQUE answers. I need to see thoughtful and thorough answers to EACH question to receive credit. Work not submitted at the time of grading will be given a ZERO.

FRI

9/12

CLASS SUMMARY

(No class summary today, Mr. B. was out.)

BELLRINGER: First thing, Mr. Burkhard is out sick today. This does not mean we won't have presentations! Each student will be presenting their information on their specific case, as outlined below. My substitute will grade these for me based on your discussion of the FOUR MAIN PARTS OF THE CASE:

  1. DESCRIPTION OF THE MAJOR PLAYERS in the original event:  Names, positions, school districts, states, etc.
  2. DATE and DESCRIPTION of the actions and repercussions (student suspended, expelled, etc.) that started the Court Case in question.
  3. DATES and OUTCOMES of the Supreme Court case pertaining to the event (in other words, summarize the OPINIONS of the case.)
  4. DISCUSSION OF the effect of the opinion on the rights of the modern student.

Here is the list of presenters and cases:

Student Case Assignment
Skyler Engel v. Vitale (1962)
Lilly New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985)
Annora Mahanoy Area School District v. B. L. (2021)
Alex West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette (1943)
Noah F. Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)
Cole Student’s Choice
Carlos Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022)
Adamary Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988)
Sebastian Bethel School District No. 403 v. Fraser (1986)
Viviana Morse v. Frederick (2007)
Noah U. Student’s Choice
Chloe Student’s Choice

IF YOU BROUGHT AN EDIBLE PRESENTATION, PLEASE SEND MR. BURKHARD A PHOTO OF YOUR EDIBLE PRESENTATION, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE EXTRA CREDIT.
 

FOR TODAY: After the presentations, students will begin work on our first case study assignment/project: The Freedom of Speech Case Studies. You may work in small groups of 1 or 2, but each person must answer with their own UNIQUE answers. I need to see thoughtful and thorough answers to EACH question to receive credit. Due on Monday, September 15th, grading on Wednesday, September 17th. Work not submitted at the time of grading will be given a ZERO.

WED

9/10

CLASS SUMMARY

 

BELLRINGER: FIRST THING, VERY IMPORTANT! PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO JOIN MR. BURKHARD'S GOOGLE CLASSROOM FOR CIVIL GOVERNMENT.

Then, we spend TIME reviewing a FREEDOM OF SPEECH issue:

We then complete the FIRST AMENDMENT FREEDOM OF SPEECH QUICK QUIZ. You absolutely need to demonstrate critical thinking in your 2-3 paragraphs of writing for this questions.
 

DUE TODAY: "The Rights of the Student Project". Review and grading of this project will be on FRIDAY. All students will be expected to present either a particular case from our list or their "Personal Choice" case, explaining all facets of the case.

FOR TODAY: Mr. B. will be lecturing regarding the Freedoms of the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights.

OUR UPCOMING ASSIGNMENT: Our first real case study assignment/project: The Freedom of Speech Case Studies. You may work in small groups of 1 or 2, but each person must answer with their own UNIQUE answers. I need to see thoughtful and thorough answers to EACH question to receive credit. Due on Monday, September 15th, grading on Wednesday, September 17th. Work not submitted at the time of grading will be given a ZERO.

MON

9/8

CLASS SUMMARY

 

BELLRINGER: Do school districts ever deny the rights of students? Let's analyze a case: Complete the WONDER WOMAN LUNCH BOX THINKING SHEET.

 

WORK DAY:"The Rights of the Student Project". Use today to research the cases, outline the major players, what happened in each situation, what the court said and how this effects YOU as a student. You should also plan how to present this, especially if you are looking for extra credit using the GLAZE RULE!

 

 

 

FRI

9/5

CLASS SUMMARY

BELLRINGER: In preparation for our upcoming "Rights of the Student" Project, we will discuss a student rights case, the we will complete "The Searching for Ibuprofen Thinking Sheet."

WE DISCUSS: "The Rights of the Student Project".

WORK DAY:"The Rights of the Student Project". Use today to research the cases, outline the major players, what happened in each situation, what the court said and how this effects YOU as a student. You should also plan how to present this, especially if you are looking for extra credit using the GLAZE RULE!

 

 

 

WED

9/3

CLASS SUMMARY

 

BELLRINGER: It's TEST DAY! YAY!

You may use your NOTES on the test, but NO OTHER MATERIALS. Here is the UNIT ONE EXAM- THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM AND POLITICAL PARTIES. You have until lunchtime for this test.
 

 

  

FOR TODAY- Please complete your UNIT ONE EXAM. You have the first half of class to complete this.

I would like students to finish this before lunch, so that we can start discussing VOTING IN AMERICA.

FRI

8/29

CLASS SUMMARY

BELLRINGER: None for today, we have too much to cover. Please get out your notebook. Lots of notes today!
 

 

  

FOR TODAY:

For the FIRST half of class, we will finish discussing FINANCING GOVERNMENT. If you are not mad at the end of this lecture, you are not paying attention!

SECOND half of class: We discuss Mr. B.'s Introduction to Political Parties Slide Show.

On WEDNESDAY NEXT WEEK, there will be an EXAM in this class. You may use your notes. You need to be able to demonstrate understanding of all of the information on THIS STUDY GUIDE SHEET. Please work on this so that you are ready for your test when it comes!

WED

8/27

CLASS SUMMARY

BELLRINGER: We complete the UNITY THINKING SHEET. We discuss.
 

 

  

FOR TODAY: Please review all of THE CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS GRAPHIC PROJECT (you will need to click on each link to see the larger infographic!).

As I had a VERY POOR submission rate for this project, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you spend some time reviewing any MISSING TOPICS on LAST YEAR'S project submissions, so that you can learn the material. You will find that here- 2024 CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS PROJECTS.

I would recommend that you get out your notebooks and do a nice T-chart, like this

For the second half of class, we will be discussing FINANCING GOVERNMENT. If you are not mad at the end of this lecture, you are not paying attention!

Next class period: We discuss Mr. B.'s Introduction to Political Parties Slide Show.

 

8/22

CLASS SUMMARY

BELLRINGER: Complete the ISSUE ANALYSIS: "New Mom charged with Drug Assault on Fetus."
 

 

FOR TODAY: Please do research on your NEW PROJECT: THE CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS GRAPHIC PROJECT. I am going to post these on Sunday, with a study session about the issues on Monday. ALL of these topics will be on our upcoming EXAM!

IF students are not really working:

WED

8/20

CLASS SUMMARY

BELLRINGER: ETHICS- Let's discuss an ETHICS QUESTION- Please complete the "TATTOO FOR A 15-YEAR OLD" THINKING SHEET. We will discuss this as a class.

As a preview of OUR UPCOMING CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS PROJECT: We review a short KHAN ACADEMY VIDEO regarding LIBERAL vs. CONSERVATIVE on the issues.

We also do a review of how AI can help you with this project.
   

FOR TODAY: Please do research on your NEW PROJECT: THE CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS GRAPHIC PROJECT. I would like to be able to post these next class period!

MON

8/18

CLASS SUMMARY
  • BELLRINGER: Time for a QUIZ! Yay! We can prove that we learned last week! Please complete the MONDAY POLITICAL SPECTRUM QUIZ. Please make sure that you complete the LAST QUESTION, it is worth 10 of the 30 points for this quiz. It is possible that this quiz takes up much of the class period.
   

FOR TODAY: We begin to review the Liberal/Conservative Chart Assignment. Please note that you will be demonstrating your NOTES to Mr. B. for a 25 point assignment score. Mr. Baker assures me that this is now open for students!

OUR NEW ASSIGNMENT: THE CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS GRAPHIC PROJECT.

FRI

8/15

CLASS SUMMARY- 8/15/25

BELLRINGER: How are Liberals and Conseratives different? Well, let's analyze THE main information source in the year 2025, MEMES! Complete the "Meme Analysis- Liberal vs. Conservative Equality."
   

FOR TODAY: We begin to review LIBERAL VS. CONSERVATIVE IN THE UNITED STATES. Everyone MUST contribute to the class discussion today! Lots of class discussion= No Quiz on Monday, Not much class discussion= Quiz on Monday.

When we are done, please complete the Liberal/Conservative Chart Assignment. Please note that you will be demonstrating your NOTES to Mr. B. for a 25 point assignment score!

TUE

8/13

CLASS SUMMARY- 8/13/25
IF WE HAVE TIME: First, we complete a POLITICAL QUIZ. That is here: "The Political Typology Quiz."  Then, please complete the POLITICAL ROOTS QUESTIONNAIRE.  We discuss.  Why do we believe what we believe?

We also complete "The INTEGRITY THINKING SHEET". This will be a graded assignment for 10 points, we discuss. When you are done, please complete the "PRESIDENTIAL INTEGRITY SHEET."  This will also be worth 10 points.

CIVIL GOVERNMENT SYLLABUS: DUE Friday, 8/15, 15 point assignment.

Civil Government Course overview and classroom rules and regulations.

LOGINS:

  • Log in to your desktop computer, if you have one. USERNAME= tech1, tech 2, etc. Password is Technology1!
  • Log in to Chrome.
  • Navigate to highlandtechnology.org. Bookmark class page.