Bingley,

I will defiitely show some of the inconsistencies, but these are ninth graders who need to realize a few consistencies. And they should also be encouraged to use dictionaries--I'll try to get them turned onto onelook.com where they'll have lots to choose from and many inconsistencies. However, they'll be tested in the state examination on grammar, spelling and mechanics--and those test makers like to throw a few monkey wrenches into the works. The kids have to be able to spot errors in sentences--and spelling/capitalization is fair game. Besides, I think it's interesting to take a look for a day in English class at the inconsistencies. I'll tell them that when it comes to words like:

northern
southern
eastern
western
arctic...

I'd definitely check the dictionary to see whether a capital letter is required before the given bird or fish or anything-named-biological.