IB Global Politics – “Glo Po”
History is an ever-changing, ever-evolving subject that is being made in our everyday lives. All around the globe, world-altering events are occurring every day, and because of this, the West Morris Mendham administration decided to offer an entire class centered around it. This year, the course IB Global Politics, taught by Ms. Connors, is being offered for the first time to junior and senior students.
According to Ms. Connors, Global Politics is a class focused on current events viewed from a global perspective. The class is mainly a discussion-based class where students can share their opinions and discuss different viewpoints. The class has generally is a lot more freeform than a typical history class, with new events happening daily, it allows the class to understand history as it is happening. While discussing the freer class structure, Ms. Connors said, “I feel like I almost can’t keep up with it. But I love that though, because it’s like we always have something new to talk about.”
To be able to teach this class, one needs to be interested in what is happening in the world and current news, making Ms. Conners the perfect person for it. She stated, “I just naturally am so invested in the news, especially around the world. US news gets a little bit boring sometimes.” When asked about the difference between this class and a regular World History class she said, “I can only talk about [a certain topic] so much in world history, because it is all history, whereas, with global politics, it’s making students more aware of the world that they will be walking into after graduation.”
Politics worldwide can be a polarizing topic, no matter who you are or where you are from. When asked if teachers should voice their opinions, Ms. Connors states, “I really focus on trying to just facilitate discussion, and I really try to not share my opinion whatsoever.” Teachers need to prioritize students’ learning, and to let them form their own opinions when it comes to important world topics.” Ms. Connors says she decides to, “Take a step back, let them have their own opinions and ideas, and I just facilitate their learning and education on that topic.”
If topics like the Gates Foundation’s Malaria Net Charity, Dueterte’s War on Drugs, the China Belt and Road Initiative, and other current world news interest you, IB Global Politics may be the class for you! It is open to all junior and senior students as a full-year IB course.
STEM – Machination & Fabrication
Transforming raw materials into complex working pieces. This is the essence of Machining and Fabrication, a field that offers endless creativity. Mr. Wetzel, the teacher for this class, shares his enthusiasm with students, including his goal of shaping the next generation of makers and innovators. Mr. Wetzel points out, “I realized that machining and fabrication was a perfect way to turn ideas into real-life projects.”
The journey to becoming a proficient machining and fabrication instructor began with a strong educational foundation: earning a degree in industrial technology from the College of New Jersey. Mr. Wetzel took the time to learn virtually. However, it was the real-world experiences, the summers spent working alongside contractors, constructing kitchens, decks, and additions, that honed his skills.
In the Machining and Fabrication class, lessons cover the essentials, from mastering machines such as lathes and saws to appreciating the importance of accuracy in producing high-quality products. Safety is a serious concern, embedded into every aspect of the class. Students are not just taught to use equipment, but to wield it safely, providing a secure and safe learning zone. Mr Wetzel claims, “Safety is my number one priority in the classroom. we go over safety protocols at the beginning of the semester and are reminded daily.”
Each class begins with a brief but detailed overview of the topic, whether it’s a new machine or a different technique. Mistakes are best known as learning tools, giving life lessons and problem-solving skills. Senior, Alan Manzo, remarked, “We do four to five projects throughout the class, and in the beginning, we had to create things related to fall. For the first project in class, students were given glue, popsicle sticks, and a ruler to correctly measure and build a picnic table without any help from Mr. Wetzel.”
Students are now working on winter-themed projects like wooden evergreen trees that can be used for holiday decorations. Mr. Wetzel extends an open invitation to visit the workshop and capture the excitement firsthand.