Ireland's Ancient Language

While English is currently spoken throughout Ireland, the Irish people have a unique language of their own.  Mr. Mitchell has a few interesting comments about the languages spoken in this part of Europe.

Answer Mr. Mitchell's questions for house points:

1.  What are three English words that have originated from the Irish Gaelic language?

2.  Mr. Mitchell explained the unique Irish word order of verb, subject, object which is different from the English order of subject, verb, object.  There are four other word orders.  What are they and where are they spoken?

Leave Your Mark

While I plan for the many things that will be happening during my travels this summer, there are many things happening right here.

To earn your house points, I would like you to reflect on the idea of leaving your mark.

1.  How might you leave your mark here at Obama?
2.  How do you aspire to leave your mark on the world?

Irish Literature

Mr. Reece is here to talk to us a bit about the history of Irish literature.  Don't forget to earn your house points by answering his question.  Make sure you tell us which house gets your points.

Answer Mr. Reece's question to earn house points:

Which satire device is most prominent in A Modest Proposal?

What is DNA?

Since this year's great adventure really began when I had my own DNA analyzed, it makes sense that we start our discussion on that topic.  When I was in high school, we didn't know what we do today about DNA.  Consequently, it wasn't part the curriculum in my high school biology class.  So let's head down to Ms. Powell's Biology lab to learn a bit more about what DNA is all about.

EARN HOUSE POINTS:

Which DNA bases pair with one another?
How does Ms. Powell suggest that you remember those pairings?

When you answer these questions make sure you indicate which house you're in to get your house points.  And, keep following my blog to see what your other teachers have to say about how their content areas relate to my great adventure.

Chasing My DNA

I just purchased my airfare and the wheels are now in motion as I prepare for my next Great Adventure.

This journey will be a bit different than my past adventures.  I typically like to travel to developing countries that offer some relevance to current global events.  Most of the places I've explored have been in Asia, Africa or South America and more recently I've focused on countries with a strong Muslim influence.  It has been great fun going to different places and learning about the lives of people from different cultures.  But, last year, I became curious about who I am.  I was wondering about my own roots.  Yes, I knew my family had been Americans for at least the last four generations but, I wanted to explore these roots more deeply.  So, I sent in my DNA to get some answers.  Indeed, my family has been in the United States for many years but, I now know they came from various parts of Europe; from Scandinavia to the Iberian Peninsula.  Ireland, however, was the place that seemed the most likely origin for most of my ancestors.

Of course, I'm very familiar with my own American culture but, how has it evolved from the time my people migrated from Ireland?  What customs, values and perspectives might I still share with the Irish people?  And, how might the Irish culture seem odd from my American perspective?  I'm looking forward to getting answers the these questions and I'm inviting all of you to come along as I discover Ireland and maybe a bit about myself.

So, follow me as I blog to join me on this great adventure.  You can also earn house points by posting comments and/or responding to my questions.  To earn points, just make sure you identify yourself and your house when you post.

Let's start with a few questions to see what we know about the history of Irish Americans.

What were some of the reasons the Irish people left their homes in Ireland to start new lives in America?

What impact did Irish immigrants have on America?

Here’s a shot of my AncestryDNA from my Ipad with an interesting fact about the discovery of DNA.  The great-grand parents of James Watson were Irish. Also, Erwin Schrodinger wrote “What is Life” in Dublin. 

Wow!  I don't leave until June but, I'm already excited and eager to read your comments.