Seniors' Last Day!

Congratulations to the Liberty North class of 2016! You've made it! However, this is just one phase of your life, and you are about to embark on the next step of your life. For some of you, that will be continued education in college, others may be serving in the military, while some of you may be entering the workforce. Whatever your future holds, I have several articles/words of wisdom for you to read and reflect upon. For the few juniors here today, you are also invited to read and reflect as this information may apply to you as well.

Advice for High School Graduates

"You're Not Special"

Once you have read the above articles, please fill out this reflection.

Final Project

Contemporary Issues

Final Project

Topic Research & Resource Collection

Your final project is to select a topic of interest that we did not have a chance to cover this semester and gather resources (web links, videos, articles, etc) that provide an overview of the topic and at least five subtopics. You will also create a presentation (10 minutes) that explains the various aspects of your topic (think of it as a teaser or a pitch on why this unit should be included next time). You will complete this task in groups of 2-4 individuals. Presentations will start this Thursday and continue on Friday and Monday. All other material is also due at that time. Your final collection of resources, with links and annotations, will be on a Google Spreadsheet. Please use this link and make a copy with the title of your topic and the names of the members of the group.

Timeline

Monday: Topic (must be approved by instructor) selection, sign-up for presentation time-slot

Tuesday: Research, read and annotate
Wednesday: Research, read and annotate, work on presentation

Thurs, Friday, Monday: Presentations

Requirements

______1. Selection and approval of topic/subtopics. Your topic should include 3-5 subtopics.

______2. Collection of resources (25pts)

Must have a minimum of the following:

Twenty articles/ websites dealing with the topic/subtopics

Five videos (at least one less than 5 minutes and one more than 5 minutes)

All of the above must be hyperlinked on the Google Spreadsheet

______3. Annotation of each of the resources (50pts)

For each resource chosen above, write a one-paragraph summary of the resource and explain how it can be used to learn more about the topic. This will also be completed on the Google Spreadsheet.

______4. Presentation of your topic (25pts)

Using Google Presentation, create a slideshow that demonstrates the overall unit and topics/issues that could be covered. For example, our unit on college athletes and pay included payment for play, compensation for video game likeness, and player unionization. Your presentation should be a minimum of ten slides, may include a video, and be approximately 10 minutes long.

Friday Forum: The Supreme Court & Same-Sex Marriage

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on deciding whether or not states must recognize and/or issue marriage licenses for same-sex couples. The Court's decision should be released by the end of June and many experts expect a landmark ruling.

Let's begin with a video that shows the growth of marriage equality in the United States over the last two decades. As you are watching, look for two trends.





Here's the Washington Post's preview of the case, Obergefell v. Hodges.




And, here are a few of the Justices and their arguments/questions from Tuesday.



Vox's coverage of same-sex marriage and the Obergefell v. Hodges case

Washington Post's coverage of the oral arguments

Robo Phobia?

Should we be concerned about a world with more and more advanced robots taking on human tasks?  Will people become too attached to their robots? Will artificial intelligence someday make robots independent of humans? What kind of laws are needed to regulate the use of robots?

 Do We Need Asimov's Laws?

Isaac Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics"

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Morals and the Machine

Death by Robot

Will Artificial Intelligence Destroy Humanity? Here are 5 Reasons Not to Worry


UN Considers Ethics of "Killer Robots"

The Big Robot Questions


Are there ethical issues of entrusting the care of your elderly parents to robots? Or will personal robots help the elderly live longer and more independently?

Should Missouri Allow Driverless Cars?

Scenario: There are currently only a few states that allow driverless or autonomous cars on public roads. The Missouri Legislature is considering changing the law to allow these vehicles on Missouri roads. As a member of the General Assembly Transportation Committee, you will have to decide whether to support this bill.

Please conduct more research on the benefits and concerns of these new vehicles, using the links below or other articles that you find. After reading about the pros/cons of driverless cars, write a one-page brief that outlines your position. It should be formatted as follows:

Position: A clear position either for or against allowing driverless cars on Missouri roads

Point One: A succinct sentence (bolded) followed by a paragraph (non-bolded) explaining that point

Point Two: A succinct sentence (bolded) followed by a paragraph (non-bolded) explaining that point

Point Three: A succinct sentence (bolded) followed by a paragraph (non-bolded)  explaining that point

Summary: Not really a summary, but three questions you have for the other side of the argument.

Tomorrow, we will simulate a General Assembly Committee Hearing. Each of you will have an opportunity to discuss your views on this proposal, including asking questions of other members.

Who's Afraid of Driverless Cars?

States Take the Wheel on Driverless Cars

Ban Driverless Cars? The NHSTA Says Yes

Look, no hands

Driverless Cars for the Road Ahead

Google Results for State Legislature Driverless Cars

Driverless Cars

Could your next car be a driverless car? Could driverless cars actually be safer than cars driven by humans? How would driverless cars change the legal landscape concerning insurance, speed limits, and driver's licenses? The technology is currently being developed and mass production may not be that far off.

Look, no hands--The Economist takes a look at the benefits of driverless cars.

Driverless Cars for the Road Ahead-The Wall Street Journal examines the future of driverless cars





A look at Google's Driverless Car








Mercedes Benz Driverless Car

 

 Volvo's "Car Train"

Personal Robot Research & Presentation

The field of personal robots is rapidly emerging, however, the design, role, and functionality of personal robots is quite diverse. More time and money is needed to continue the research and development of these futuristics assistants.

Your task:
You will be on a team of 3-4 individuals, assigned to research a particular personal robot. You will conduct research on the development (who, when, how, history, etc.) of the personal robot, its functions or abilities, and proposed use. Also, how far away is it from mass production or how long do you think it will be before these are actually on the market and in people's houses?

After you have conducted your research, create a presentation (GoogleDocs, Prezi, Slideshare, etc) that demonstrates and explains the value of your personal robot. Your presentation should be framed as a "sales pitch" or a justification for continued funding and support for the development of the robot.

You should spend today and Thursday (20 minutes) conducting research and creating the presentation.

Presentations will take place Friday.

Presentations should have a minimum of 6 slides, not including any title pages or citations. Your final slide should contain your citations (minimum of 5 citations). Your presentation should include graphics and at least one video.

Here are the personal robots:

mOBI

PR2

Asimo

QB (Anybots)

VGo

Nao

Friday Forum: Flashback Edition

We have looked at several topics over the course of this semester, but what new developments are there? Today we are going to revisit some of those topics and see what's happening.

ISIS
ISIS pushed back in Iraq
ISIS moves in on Ramadi

Cyberwarfare
Iran is Raising Sophistication of Cyberattacks
Evidence Links China to Cyberattack

Space Travel
Watch SpaceX failed landing
SpaceX brings cargo



KC Passes Ordinance that Could Drive Out Uber
Boko Haram Kidnapped Girls One Year Ago

Personal Robots

How long will it be before households or individuals have personal robots? What will their role be? Is it just a science fiction fantasy? These videos explore the possibilities.








Meet Eddie, the Robot






Personal Robots Moving Closer to Reality



ASIMO Goes to the Big Apple





Romo: The Smartphone Robot




Rezero: The Ballbot



Pepper the Personal Robot

Weaponized Military Robots

The use of robots in the military for non-lethal tasks like carrying equipment and reconnaissance is becoming more common. But what about robots equipped with weapons? Is this really the future of modern warfare? If so, what are the ethical considerations of using weaponized robotics?





As you can see in the video, weaponized robots are a possibility in the not so distant future. How does that change the landscape of war? Will weaponized robots make warfare more likely? How can we be sure that they will be accurate and discern friend from foe? By removing the human element from at least part of the equation, how does that impact warfare? Will countries fight wars in the future with all robot militaries?

Please read this article on the ethics of robots in the military and autonomous killing machines.  As you read, think about the questions raised by the author.

UN Report on Autonomous Weaponized Robots in Combat

Campaign to Stop Killer Robots

Robots in the Military

The use of robots and artificial intelligence in the military is not new. In recent years, the use of drones has increased dramatically and robots have been used in a number of non-combat services. However, new technology and development has led to expanded use and the potential for non-human combat operations is becoming closer to reality. The following links include both video and articles for you to view/read to find out more about these new technologies.



How Military Robots Work: Read this article to look at various uses of robot technology in the military

Military & Space Robots: Check out all the cools things robots can do!

Killer Robots with Automatic Rifles

Atlas: The Humanoid Military Robot



The Wildcat: The Military's Galloping Robot



Robobugs: How long before military use?




  TALOS: Will the next generation of soldiers be equipped like Iron Man?




Guardbot: The future of sentry patrols?

Robots in the Medical Field

Will robots revolutionize the way that medicine and medical treatment is administered? Will robots and artificial intelligence lead to new breakthroughs in the field of medicine?

Read the following articles/view the videos below and answer the questions with each.

The Robots of Medicine: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Costs?
Do the results associated with robotic surgery/medicine justify its costs?

12 Advances in Medical Robots
Read through the various medical robots. Which ones are most impressive and will have the greatest impact?

Future of Medicine?: New Robot Can Draw Your Blood
Given the choice between a human or a robot, which would you rather have draw your blood and why?

Surgery's Future: Robots in Medicine
How does the da Vinci medical robot improve the surgical process?

Robotic Surgery Complications Underreported
Should this report cause concern over the use of medical robots? Should we slow down development and ensure that robotic surgery is safer?

Friday Forum: Restrictions on Welfare Recipients

Proposals concerning welfare recipients in Kansas and Missouri have made national headlines the last few weeks. Lawmakers are concerned that some people are abusing their government assistance and using money for unnecessary or extravagant food and other items.

Kansas wants to ban welfare recipients from buying...

Missouri Republicans are trying to ban food stamp recipients from buying steak and seafood

The rich get government handouts too

Robots in the Workplace (cont)

Yesterday you read several articles on the future of the work place as new technology is increasing the use of robots in the work force. Today we will watch several videos and discuss whether the use of robots in the work place is a positive or negative.

Robots in the Workplace

Will robots increase productivity and boost the economy or will they replace American workers and leave them unemployed?

Read the following three articles to find out more about the impact of robots in the American workplace. Tomorrow, we will discuss and debate whether or not the increased use of robots in the workplace is a positive or negative. As you read, create a two-column chart noting the benefits and concerns of this development in the workforce.

New Robots in the Workplace: Job Creators or Job Terminators?

Better Than Humans: Why Robots Will--And Must Take Our Jobs

Robots Are Leaving the Factory Floor and Heading for Your Desk (And Your Job)

Robots!

Our next unit focuses on robots and artificial intelligence. To begin, let's explore some discussion questions on the use of robots.

1. What images spring to mind when you hear the word "robot"?
2. Will robots take over the world some day?
3. Do you see robots as harmful or helpful?
4. Which robot movie is your favorite?
5. If you could create a robot, what would you have it do (primarily)?
6. What role will robots play in our society later this century?
7. Will robots ever look identical to humans?
8. Do you think robots will ever have emotions?
9. What name would you give your robot?
10. Will robots have rights?
11. When do you think robots will replace McDonald's workers?
12. Do you think people will have robots as companions, instead of a pet?
13. What economic effects will there be with increased jobs being replaced by robots?
14. Would you rather deal with a robot or a human clerk in stores?
15. Would you cry if your robot of ten years died?
16. How much of the human body will be replaced by machines? Will there be androids in the future?
17. How will warfare change with increased use of robots as soldiers?
18. Would you rather have a human or robot surgeon?
19. How soon before driverless cars are the norm?
20. Will sports be dominated by robots in the future?

Space Exploration Assessment

Here's the link to the assessment on space exploration. Please make sure your answers are complete and well thought out.

Space Tourism

Will space tourism become a reality sooner rather than later? The prospects look good. Here are a few more articles that look at the issue.




11 Questions About Space Travel Answered

Space Balloons

Wealthy Chinese Lining Up to Blast Off


And in semi-related news, Vox had a story on things the US government spends more money on than NASA. Definitely worth a look.

Space X

In addition to Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic project, fellow billionaire Elon Musk of Tesla Motors and PayPal fame is also in the space race. Despite the obvious similarities, there are also many differences between SpaceX and Virgin Galactic.

Read the following articles and conduct research on your own to find three similarities and three differences between these two projects. Write a paragraph for each similarity and difference between SpaceX and Virgin Galactic.



Enter the Dragon 

SpaceX Landed a Rocket on a Platform

Elon Musk's Mission to Mars

Commercial Space Travel Blasts Off in 2014

Virgin Galactic

Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Mobile and Virgin Airlines and a host of other ventures, is one of the primary leaders in the commercial space tourism field. His project, Virgin Galactic, has been in development for more than ten years and its goal is to allow ordinary citizens, albeit wealthy ones, the opportunity to go into space.




Last year, Virgin Galactic suffered a setback with the crash of one its test flights, but that does not seem to be stopping their plans.

Virgin Galactic: Richard Branson's Space Company




Richard Branson's Blog Post After the Crash

Virgin Galactic Fliers Reassess Plans After Crash

Virgin Mobile is working out of Spaceport America, located in New Mexico, a tax-payer funded $250 million dollar facility.

Spaceport America

New Mexico Legislature Wants to Sell Spaceport America

Spaceport Woes Bedevil New Mexico

Discussion Questions:

1. Would you be willing to reserve a seat (if you had the money) on Virgin Galactic? Why or why not?

2. Does this seem like to big of a risk, especially allowing ordinary citizens to take part in these flights?

3. If a spaceport was proposed for a rural area in Missouri, supported by taxpayer dollars, would you support it?