A good life.
Which ever religion you celebrate, I wish you all a happy, peaceful, and fulfilling vacation, season, and life. As the students know, today was my final day as their teacher, and believe me when I say I will never forget it. We've had an incredible journey, full of ups, downs, challenges, and successes. I want to thank each and every one of my students for being so great, and for giving me the unforgettable opportunity of a lifetime. I have faith in every single one of you, and you've each in your own way proven to me that the world can only become a better place as you grow older and stay true to yourselves. I hope I've been one of many helpers on this crazy, unique, and wonderful journey that is your life. I hope you all look back at the times we had in class and it's enough to make you smile. And I hope you get the chance to pay it forward, for the rest of your life. It's been an honor to be your teacher, and I will always believe in you. For those who wanted to write down what we discussed in class but didn't have the opportunity, I've attached some life lessons below. Now go out there and learn something new today, and show the world what you're made of.
Hete neleteqa murah ikhra-
Until we meet again-
Mr. Howe
Advice on Life
1. Men: Always respect women.
Women: Always respect yourselves.
2. Read at least one article each day.
3. Take time to reflect every day.
4. Stand up for what you believe in.
5. Take action.
Mr. Howe's Final Challenge
Every day, do something good - and don't take credit for it.
"Be humble, for you are made of earth-
Be noble, for you are made of stars."
-Serbian Proverb
20 December 2013
16 December 2013
Week of 16 - 20 December
World History - B and D Period
5 DAYS LEFT UNTIL VACATION!
Monday we will finish up our notes on the Enlightenment and begin a discussing the French Revolution. After the American Revolution succeeded, France was eager to put ENlightenment ideals into effect in their country, too, but it quickly turned into a very violent scene. For homework, students will read a short packet and timeline on the French Revolution, and then answer some short questions on it. Available HERE, and HERE (timelime), due Wednesday. Here's a scene from Les Miserables depicting some of the uprisings that took place:
Vive le revolucion!!!
Tuesday we will finish up the movie on the French Revolution, as well as the question sheet, which will serve as your notes on the Revolution, and are available HERE.
Wednesday we will briefly go over the rise of Napoleon as Emperor of France, and then dicuss any questions on this Unit. For homework, students will study for the Unit Test tomorrow, on Governments, the Political Spectrum, the Enlightenment, and the French Revolution.
Thursday we will have the test! Let's go out on a good note, ladies and gents. Work hard, it pays off. NO HOMEWORK TONIGHT!!!
Friday we will have a relaxing class, and maybe even play some games........Maybe. Happy Holidays!!!
US History I - A Period
5 DAYS LEFT UNTIL VACATION!
Monday and Tuesday we will be receiving a visit from the School Resource Officer, Officer Higgins:
He will be talking to the class about the Bill of Rights, because as a police officer, he knows the many amendments protecting people's freedoms better than most people do! Any students with outstanding warrants need not attend class. (Kidding.) For homework on Monday night, students will look up and identify Amendments 13, 18, 21, 22, and 26. For Tuesday night, students will be assigned a "Power" and will have to use their resources to identify just what kind of power it is (State, Federal, or both) and be prepared to tell the rest of class on Wednesday. Also, current events due on Friday, 1 of your choice!
Wednesday we will be discussing the difference between State and Federal Government, and we will define Delegated, Implied, Reserved, and Concurrent Powers. For homework, students will study!!!!! Students may use a 1-sided index card (3x5 - no bigger) for any notes they want to use on the test. Happy federal holidays!!! (Joke).
Thursday we will have the Unit Test!!!!! Let's finish out strong, ladies and gents. Study the Constitution. And a friendly reminder that 1 Current Event is due tomorrow!
Friday we will play some games and relax before vacation..............maybe. Hehehe, I guess no one will know until the day comes. ;)
5 DAYS LEFT UNTIL VACATION!
Monday we will finish up our notes on the Enlightenment and begin a discussing the French Revolution. After the American Revolution succeeded, France was eager to put ENlightenment ideals into effect in their country, too, but it quickly turned into a very violent scene. For homework, students will read a short packet and timeline on the French Revolution, and then answer some short questions on it. Available HERE, and HERE (timelime), due Wednesday. Here's a scene from Les Miserables depicting some of the uprisings that took place:
Vive le revolucion!!!
Tuesday we will finish up the movie on the French Revolution, as well as the question sheet, which will serve as your notes on the Revolution, and are available HERE.
Wednesday we will briefly go over the rise of Napoleon as Emperor of France, and then dicuss any questions on this Unit. For homework, students will study for the Unit Test tomorrow, on Governments, the Political Spectrum, the Enlightenment, and the French Revolution.
Thursday we will have the test! Let's go out on a good note, ladies and gents. Work hard, it pays off. NO HOMEWORK TONIGHT!!!
Friday we will have a relaxing class, and maybe even play some games........Maybe. Happy Holidays!!!
US History I - A Period
5 DAYS LEFT UNTIL VACATION!
Monday and Tuesday we will be receiving a visit from the School Resource Officer, Officer Higgins:
 |
| The Plymouth SROs, protecting our schools. (Officer Higgins on the right) |
Wednesday we will be discussing the difference between State and Federal Government, and we will define Delegated, Implied, Reserved, and Concurrent Powers. For homework, students will study!!!!! Students may use a 1-sided index card (3x5 - no bigger) for any notes they want to use on the test. Happy federal holidays!!! (Joke).
Thursday we will have the Unit Test!!!!! Let's finish out strong, ladies and gents. Study the Constitution. And a friendly reminder that 1 Current Event is due tomorrow!
Friday we will play some games and relax before vacation..............maybe. Hehehe, I guess no one will know until the day comes. ;)
09 December 2013
Week of 9-13 December
World History - B and D Periods
ONLY 10 DAYS OF SCHOOL UNTIL VACATION!!!
Monday, we will begin working on the Government Pamphlets we discussed at the end of class on Friday. Pretend you are a salesman, and someone comes into your office and tells you they have just overthrown their national government, but they're not sure what to do next. You will design a pamphlet theat breifly explains the 9 main forms of government, so they can learn about each one and decide what they want to do with their country. Here's a little video to help.
Tuesday we will spend the class finishing our pamphlets. Don't forget, your homework packets from last week are due tomorrow!
Wednesday we will have a little visit from Ms. Getchell, the guidance counselor. For homework, students will complete a worksheet on the Enlightenment, found HERE. Due on Friday.
On Thursday, we will be taking notes on something called the Enlightenment, when people in Europe began thinking a little differently about government and decided it was time for a change. Notes are available HERE.
Friday, we will be discussing how the ideas of the Enlightenment would ultimately spread to America, where one of the first experiments in democracy would take place! As you should all know, it hit a few bumps in the road, but it worked pretty well! Then, the ideas ended up spreading back to France, which began the French Revolution. For homework, students will complete this worksheet that describes the works of King Louis XIV of France (or the "Sun King"), as well as the works of French Enlightenment thinker Voltaire. Worksheet is available HERE. Due on Monday.
US History I - A Period
ONLY 10 DAYS OF SCHOOL UNTIL VACATION!!!
Monday we will quickly go over our graded tests and begin talking in earnest about the Constitution. We will begin with the system of Checks and Balances, and the Three Branches of Government set up so that no single entity could end up controlling the country: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The video below should help you remember. We will focus on the Legislative Branch today. For homework, students will complete Questions 6 and 7 on their Constitutional Pursuit from last week.
Tuesday we will move on to the Executive Branch, and learn about all the different powers the President has. And I will force you to watch this video from elementary school! Hehehe (evil teacher laugh). For homework, students will complete Questions 8 and 9 on their Constitutional Pursuit.
Wednesday we will finish with the Judicial Branch, which is the court system set up to review the laws in place, and check the powers of the other two branches. You may remember a bit about the Supreme Court from when we studied the case of Snyder v. Phelps two weeks ago - the Supreme Court is the highest court there is, and often deals with cases that challenge the Constitution.For homework, students will complete Questions 10 and 11 on their Constitutional Pursuit.
Thursday we will finally begin our Mock Government Activity in class. Mr. Hales and I will explain the layout to all of you and we will appoint the different positions of government ministers. Once we all understand how it works, we can join in the activity with Periods B, D, and F. I promise, it shall indeed be a certain degree of FUN. For homework, students will complete Questions 12 and 13 on their Constitutional Pursuit.
Friday we will have a quick Map Quiz and continue with our Mock Government Activity. For homework, students will complete Questions 14-16 on their Constitutional Pursuit.
ONLY 10 DAYS OF SCHOOL UNTIL VACATION!!!
Monday, we will begin working on the Government Pamphlets we discussed at the end of class on Friday. Pretend you are a salesman, and someone comes into your office and tells you they have just overthrown their national government, but they're not sure what to do next. You will design a pamphlet theat breifly explains the 9 main forms of government, so they can learn about each one and decide what they want to do with their country. Here's a little video to help.
Tuesday we will spend the class finishing our pamphlets. Don't forget, your homework packets from last week are due tomorrow!
Wednesday we will have a little visit from Ms. Getchell, the guidance counselor. For homework, students will complete a worksheet on the Enlightenment, found HERE. Due on Friday.
On Thursday, we will be taking notes on something called the Enlightenment, when people in Europe began thinking a little differently about government and decided it was time for a change. Notes are available HERE.
US History I - A Period
ONLY 10 DAYS OF SCHOOL UNTIL VACATION!!!
Monday we will quickly go over our graded tests and begin talking in earnest about the Constitution. We will begin with the system of Checks and Balances, and the Three Branches of Government set up so that no single entity could end up controlling the country: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The video below should help you remember. We will focus on the Legislative Branch today. For homework, students will complete Questions 6 and 7 on their Constitutional Pursuit from last week.
Tuesday we will move on to the Executive Branch, and learn about all the different powers the President has. And I will force you to watch this video from elementary school! Hehehe (evil teacher laugh). For homework, students will complete Questions 8 and 9 on their Constitutional Pursuit.
Wednesday we will finish with the Judicial Branch, which is the court system set up to review the laws in place, and check the powers of the other two branches. You may remember a bit about the Supreme Court from when we studied the case of Snyder v. Phelps two weeks ago - the Supreme Court is the highest court there is, and often deals with cases that challenge the Constitution.For homework, students will complete Questions 10 and 11 on their Constitutional Pursuit.
Thursday we will finally begin our Mock Government Activity in class. Mr. Hales and I will explain the layout to all of you and we will appoint the different positions of government ministers. Once we all understand how it works, we can join in the activity with Periods B, D, and F. I promise, it shall indeed be a certain degree of FUN. For homework, students will complete Questions 12 and 13 on their Constitutional Pursuit.
Friday we will have a quick Map Quiz and continue with our Mock Government Activity. For homework, students will complete Questions 14-16 on their Constitutional Pursuit.
02 December 2013
Week of 2 - 6 December
World History - B and D Periods
Welcome back!
Monday, students will be getting their tests back and going over them. (Note: for any students with a 70 or below who are interested in increasing their grade, SEE ME for a small Extra Credit project). No homework tonight.
On Tuesday, I will not be in class, but Mr. Perlow will be teaching about the "political spectrum." Students will learn the differences between a liberal, conservative, reactionary and radical. The students will also take a personality test and see just how liberal or conservative they are on certain issues. For homework, students will complete the Political Personality Quiz, available here; also, students will be receiving their Homework Packet for this unit, which will be due next Wednesday, December 11th, available here.
Wednesday, we will go over the quiz answers and score it to see where your political beliefs lie. We will then discuss a very simple question that is ofte overlooked: Why do we need goverments??? Students will work on a question packet that discusses the philosophy of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, and the different roles that governments should fill. What do YOU think a government should and shouldn't do? Does our government fit your beliefs? For those who are absent, the packet is available here.
Thursday students will group up and create a pamphlet or brochure on the nine types of government we will focus on: Democracy, Republic, Parliament, Monarchy, Autocracy, Dictatorship, Oligarchy, Theocracy, and Anarchy.
Friday, we will finish up our pamphlets and begin to discuss some of the early ideas of the Enlightenment, which was a revolution in thought that led to the modern ideal of a republic, where people can rule themselves. Don't forget to work on your homework packets over the weekend! Also, progress reports will be going home today, to be signed and returned on Monday (homework grade).
US History I - A Period
Monday we will review the unit so far and get our brains back in gear after Thanksgiving break. We will be discussing the debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists, and debating it a little ourselves in terms of the modern day government in America (does the government have too much power, or not enough?). For homework, students will be reading one of the assigned Federalist/Anti-Federalist Essays and summarizing the arguments made by the author for/against ratification of the Constitution. Also, Current Events are due on Friday (1 article on the rising conflict between Japan and China).
Tuesday, I will not be in class, but the class will consolidate all of the arguements made by the different essays each student read, with the guidance of Mr. Hales. This will serve as a great study guide for your test!!! For homework, students will complete a worksheet on Federalism/Anti-Federalism, available here.
Wednesday, we will be finishing up the unit by discussing the ratification process of the states and how the Federalists would end up winning the debate, but only by compromising with the Anti-Federalists and creating a Bill of Rights. IF we have time, we will play some Jeopardy! to review for the Unit Exam tomorrow. STUDY TONIGHT!
Thursday, we will have our Unit Exam, covering all of the material we've gone over from the Treaty of Paris to the Ratification of the Constitution. Don't forget, Current Events due tomorrow!
Friday, we will discuss current events, take a quick Pre-Test for the next unit, and possibly go over your graded Exams. For homework, students will use their new copies of the US Constitution (HERE) and answer questions #1-5 in Constitutional Pursuit.
And here's for fun:
Welcome back!
Monday, students will be getting their tests back and going over them. (Note: for any students with a 70 or below who are interested in increasing their grade, SEE ME for a small Extra Credit project). No homework tonight.
On Tuesday, I will not be in class, but Mr. Perlow will be teaching about the "political spectrum." Students will learn the differences between a liberal, conservative, reactionary and radical. The students will also take a personality test and see just how liberal or conservative they are on certain issues. For homework, students will complete the Political Personality Quiz, available here; also, students will be receiving their Homework Packet for this unit, which will be due next Wednesday, December 11th, available here.
Wednesday, we will go over the quiz answers and score it to see where your political beliefs lie. We will then discuss a very simple question that is ofte overlooked: Why do we need goverments??? Students will work on a question packet that discusses the philosophy of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, and the different roles that governments should fill. What do YOU think a government should and shouldn't do? Does our government fit your beliefs? For those who are absent, the packet is available here.
Thursday students will group up and create a pamphlet or brochure on the nine types of government we will focus on: Democracy, Republic, Parliament, Monarchy, Autocracy, Dictatorship, Oligarchy, Theocracy, and Anarchy.
Friday, we will finish up our pamphlets and begin to discuss some of the early ideas of the Enlightenment, which was a revolution in thought that led to the modern ideal of a republic, where people can rule themselves. Don't forget to work on your homework packets over the weekend! Also, progress reports will be going home today, to be signed and returned on Monday (homework grade).
US History I - A Period
Monday we will review the unit so far and get our brains back in gear after Thanksgiving break. We will be discussing the debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists, and debating it a little ourselves in terms of the modern day government in America (does the government have too much power, or not enough?). For homework, students will be reading one of the assigned Federalist/Anti-Federalist Essays and summarizing the arguments made by the author for/against ratification of the Constitution. Also, Current Events are due on Friday (1 article on the rising conflict between Japan and China).
Tuesday, I will not be in class, but the class will consolidate all of the arguements made by the different essays each student read, with the guidance of Mr. Hales. This will serve as a great study guide for your test!!! For homework, students will complete a worksheet on Federalism/Anti-Federalism, available here.
Wednesday, we will be finishing up the unit by discussing the ratification process of the states and how the Federalists would end up winning the debate, but only by compromising with the Anti-Federalists and creating a Bill of Rights. IF we have time, we will play some Jeopardy! to review for the Unit Exam tomorrow. STUDY TONIGHT!
Thursday, we will have our Unit Exam, covering all of the material we've gone over from the Treaty of Paris to the Ratification of the Constitution. Don't forget, Current Events due tomorrow!
Friday, we will discuss current events, take a quick Pre-Test for the next unit, and possibly go over your graded Exams. For homework, students will use their new copies of the US Constitution (HERE) and answer questions #1-5 in Constitutional Pursuit.
And here's for fun:
25 November 2013
Week of 25 - 27 November
World History - B and D Periods
Monday we will be reviewing the Reformation and Renaissance, by playing some Jeopardy!
Tuesday we will have our Unit Exam on the Reformation and Renaissance, and this will also be the last day I will accept any late homework from the Unit, so if you know you haven't been on top of your homework this term, check Aspen and try to make up for some of it!
Wednesday, classes will only be about 11 minutes, due to the Pep Rally! We will briefly discuss the history of Thanksgiving. There will also be an optional Extra Credit assignment available to any students who want to make up for missing work or get ahead of the next unit. I will discuss this in class.
Happy Thanksgiving!!! No homework, but there will be an optional Extra Credit assignment for those of you who are looking to bring your grades up. Directly below, you will find the link to the assignment, which will require you to read 2 pages about different forms of governments, and then complete 2 pages of activities. THIS EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT WILL BE WORTH 30 POINTS, OR 3 HOMEWORKS. Enjoy your break!
EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT
US History I - A Period
Monday we will be discussing the raging debate after the Constiutional Convention ends: Will the states ratify it or not??? We'll talk a little about the two sides of the argument: the Federalists, who supported a powerful, centralized government as defined by the Constitution, and the Anti-Federalists (such a creative name - nobody thought of "The Constitutional Avengers" or something cool?!), who argued that big government would eventually turn sour and the people would lose all of their freedom. Notes are available here. We will also be getting comfortable with using the iPads, in preparation for our activity tomorrow. Homework is to finish your Snyder v. Phelps Essays. Tomorrow you should be handing in 2 outlines, 2 rough drafts, and 2 final drafts. This assignment is worth 50 points!!!
9:45 - end
Tuesday we will be conducting a digital scavenger hunt using the iPads and the History Here App from The History Channel. You will be given a list of local historical sites in and around Plymouth, and you will be tasked to locate them using satellite images and explain what they are. Check out this (kind-of) funny article about how Nicaragua "accidentally" invaded Costa Rica because Google Maps misdrew its borders. That excuse worked for a few weeks, until everyone realized the Nicaraguan troops were staying. No homework tonight.
Here's a cool video about the real hsitory behind Thanksgiving for all you Plymouthians:
And speaking of interesting traditions, check this out (it's pretty moving):
Wednesday, classes will only be about 11 minutes, due to the Pep Rally! We will briefly discuss the history of Thanksgiving. There will also be an optional Extra Credit assignment available to any students who want to make up for missing work or get ahead of the next unit. I will discuss this in class.
Happy Thanksgiving!!! No homework, but there will be an optional Extra Credit assignment for those of you who are looking to bring your grades up. Directly below, you will find the link to the assignment, which will require you to read 2 pages (mostly things we've already gone over in class) and then complete 2 pages of activities. THIS EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT WILL BE WORTH 15 POINTS, OR 3 HOMEWORKS. Enjoy your break!
EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT
Monday we will be reviewing the Reformation and Renaissance, by playing some Jeopardy!
Tuesday we will have our Unit Exam on the Reformation and Renaissance, and this will also be the last day I will accept any late homework from the Unit, so if you know you haven't been on top of your homework this term, check Aspen and try to make up for some of it!
Wednesday, classes will only be about 11 minutes, due to the Pep Rally! We will briefly discuss the history of Thanksgiving. There will also be an optional Extra Credit assignment available to any students who want to make up for missing work or get ahead of the next unit. I will discuss this in class.
Happy Thanksgiving!!! No homework, but there will be an optional Extra Credit assignment for those of you who are looking to bring your grades up. Directly below, you will find the link to the assignment, which will require you to read 2 pages about different forms of governments, and then complete 2 pages of activities. THIS EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT WILL BE WORTH 30 POINTS, OR 3 HOMEWORKS. Enjoy your break!
EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT
US History I - A Period
Monday we will be discussing the raging debate after the Constiutional Convention ends: Will the states ratify it or not??? We'll talk a little about the two sides of the argument: the Federalists, who supported a powerful, centralized government as defined by the Constitution, and the Anti-Federalists (such a creative name - nobody thought of "The Constitutional Avengers" or something cool?!), who argued that big government would eventually turn sour and the people would lose all of their freedom. Notes are available here. We will also be getting comfortable with using the iPads, in preparation for our activity tomorrow. Homework is to finish your Snyder v. Phelps Essays. Tomorrow you should be handing in 2 outlines, 2 rough drafts, and 2 final drafts. This assignment is worth 50 points!!!
9:45 - end
Tuesday we will be conducting a digital scavenger hunt using the iPads and the History Here App from The History Channel. You will be given a list of local historical sites in and around Plymouth, and you will be tasked to locate them using satellite images and explain what they are. Check out this (kind-of) funny article about how Nicaragua "accidentally" invaded Costa Rica because Google Maps misdrew its borders. That excuse worked for a few weeks, until everyone realized the Nicaraguan troops were staying. No homework tonight.
Here's a cool video about the real hsitory behind Thanksgiving for all you Plymouthians:
And speaking of interesting traditions, check this out (it's pretty moving):
Wednesday, classes will only be about 11 minutes, due to the Pep Rally! We will briefly discuss the history of Thanksgiving. There will also be an optional Extra Credit assignment available to any students who want to make up for missing work or get ahead of the next unit. I will discuss this in class.
Happy Thanksgiving!!! No homework, but there will be an optional Extra Credit assignment for those of you who are looking to bring your grades up. Directly below, you will find the link to the assignment, which will require you to read 2 pages (mostly things we've already gone over in class) and then complete 2 pages of activities. THIS EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT WILL BE WORTH 15 POINTS, OR 3 HOMEWORKS. Enjoy your break!
EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT
18 November 2013
Week of 18-22 November
World History - B and D Periods
Monday we will be finishing up our Art Presentations in class. For homework, students will read the biography of either Leonardo da Vinci or Niccolo Machiavelli, two of the major characters of the Renaissance movement. Students will then write down one thing they have learned about their character after reading. One is remembered as the ultimate "Renaissance Man" for his knack in inventing, painting, and studying all sorts of different things. The other is remembered (perhaps incorrectly) as a ruthless politician who once said "It is better to be feared than loved."
Tuesday we will be looking at both biographies and sharing our observations with the class. We will also look at some of the reasons we remember both of these figures. We will also take a quiz to see whose personality we are most similar to out of four memorable Renaissance characters. For homework, students will read a worksheet about Mozart and Beethoven and answer questions. Due Thursday.
Apparently, Machiavelli looked way cooler in Assassin's Creed than in real life.
Wednesday will be a half-day, and we will dive into another artistic revolution: Music. We will look at the lives and works of composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin , and others. It will be very exciting, so I need everyone to please contain their happiness. Just kidding. Really though.
Because on Thursday, we will finish up looking at music, and we will see how music like this...
....was the precursor to music like this......
Oh my gosh, you mean you like classical music and you just never knew it!?!?!
Friday, we will begin looking at the Scientific "Revolution" (there is a pun at play there) that occurred during the Renaissance, with men like Galileo and Copernicus. Bring your lab coats! (No, that was just a joke, but if you really want to, you can.) We will spend the class making cool collector's cards for some of the famous Renaissance Era Scientists (activity here if you were absent). Students will finish their collector's cards for homework if not finished in class.
US History I - A Period
Monday we will continue to work on our Constitutional Convention Jigsaw projects, collecting what we've learned about our Constitutional problems and how they were solved, and then students will be gathering into groups with everyone else who had the same problem as them, to ensure that everyone is on the same page. For homework, students will read a 3-page excerpt of a popular comtemporary novel about a young man who witnesses the Constitutional Convention, titled "Legacy."
POP QUIZ TODAY on whether or not you actively read the homework! For those of you who check the blog, congrats, you have a heads-up! Tuesday we will be forming into groups again, but this time each group will include one expert in each different problem - Slavery, the Power of the States, and Trade. You will be teaching the other two students in the group about your problem and how it was solved, as well as learning about the other two main issues at the Convention. At the end of class, students will turn in their projects for a quiz grade (25 points). For homework, students will study for the quiz tomorrow.
Wednesday is a half-day, and we will have a brief open-notes quiz on what we've learned so far. Some keys words to focus on: Treaty of Paris, Newburgh Conspiracy, Shays' Rebellion, Land Ordinance of 1785, Northwest Ordinance of 1787, Articles of Confederation, Annapolis Convention, Constitutional Convention, the 3/5 Compromise, the Virginia Plan, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Daniel Shays. No homework tonight.
Thursday we will dbe jumping ahead to a modern Supreme Court case: Snyder v. Phelps (2011). Snyder's son was a Marine killed in Iraq, and Phelps is the head of a religious group called the Westboro Baptist Church, who claims that God kills American soldiers because America is full of sinners. Opinions are great, but when Alfred Snyder tried to hold his son's funeral, the WBC arrived with pickets and protested the funeral, saying things like "Thank God for Dead Soldiers." A few years later, after suffering a great deal of added emotional distress at the hands of the WBC, Mr. Snyder sued Mr. Phelps for causing him so much emotional and psychological pain. The case was bounced all the way up to the Supreme Court due to its publicity, but many were disappointed when the Supreme Court ruled that Phelps and the WBC were protected under the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. Here is the main question we will consider: Despite our own feelings for these people and their opinions, when we are forming a country, should we focus on our own beliefs, or protect everyone's? Is it dangerous to persecute someone for their opinions, or is it fine? And finally, were the judges right or wrong??? These are all opinions. For homework, students will complete their current events, due Friday. Also, students will work on a packet on the Great Compromise, due Monday.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - Aristotle
Friday we will be in the computer lab, beginning our For/Against Essays, the final drafts of which will be due on Tuesday. Students will read this article on Snyder v. Phelps to establish some context, and then begin on their two (2) essays. The students will take on the role of lawyers. For one essay, each student will defend Snyder, arguing that Phelps has abused his First Amendment rights and crossed a line. For the second essay, the student will have to change roles, defending now Mr. Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church, making the argument that everything they say and do is protected by the Bill of Rights. Each essay will be 3 paragraphs in length, and will follow the format found here.
Monday we will be finishing up our Art Presentations in class. For homework, students will read the biography of either Leonardo da Vinci or Niccolo Machiavelli, two of the major characters of the Renaissance movement. Students will then write down one thing they have learned about their character after reading. One is remembered as the ultimate "Renaissance Man" for his knack in inventing, painting, and studying all sorts of different things. The other is remembered (perhaps incorrectly) as a ruthless politician who once said "It is better to be feared than loved."
Tuesday we will be looking at both biographies and sharing our observations with the class. We will also look at some of the reasons we remember both of these figures. We will also take a quiz to see whose personality we are most similar to out of four memorable Renaissance characters. For homework, students will read a worksheet about Mozart and Beethoven and answer questions. Due Thursday.
Some of da Vinci's ideas included the crossbow, the parachute, the tank, the helicopter, and the glider.
Apparently, Machiavelli looked way cooler in Assassin's Creed than in real life.
Wednesday will be a half-day, and we will dive into another artistic revolution: Music. We will look at the lives and works of composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin , and others. It will be very exciting, so I need everyone to please contain their happiness. Just kidding. Really though.
Because on Thursday, we will finish up looking at music, and we will see how music like this...
....was the precursor to music like this......
Oh my gosh, you mean you like classical music and you just never knew it!?!?!
Friday, we will begin looking at the Scientific "Revolution" (there is a pun at play there) that occurred during the Renaissance, with men like Galileo and Copernicus. Bring your lab coats! (No, that was just a joke, but if you really want to, you can.) We will spend the class making cool collector's cards for some of the famous Renaissance Era Scientists (activity here if you were absent). Students will finish their collector's cards for homework if not finished in class.
US History I - A Period
Monday we will continue to work on our Constitutional Convention Jigsaw projects, collecting what we've learned about our Constitutional problems and how they were solved, and then students will be gathering into groups with everyone else who had the same problem as them, to ensure that everyone is on the same page. For homework, students will read a 3-page excerpt of a popular comtemporary novel about a young man who witnesses the Constitutional Convention, titled "Legacy."
 |
| Mr. Madison |
 |
| Mr. Hamilton |
POP QUIZ TODAY on whether or not you actively read the homework! For those of you who check the blog, congrats, you have a heads-up! Tuesday we will be forming into groups again, but this time each group will include one expert in each different problem - Slavery, the Power of the States, and Trade. You will be teaching the other two students in the group about your problem and how it was solved, as well as learning about the other two main issues at the Convention. At the end of class, students will turn in their projects for a quiz grade (25 points). For homework, students will study for the quiz tomorrow.
Wednesday is a half-day, and we will have a brief open-notes quiz on what we've learned so far. Some keys words to focus on: Treaty of Paris, Newburgh Conspiracy, Shays' Rebellion, Land Ordinance of 1785, Northwest Ordinance of 1787, Articles of Confederation, Annapolis Convention, Constitutional Convention, the 3/5 Compromise, the Virginia Plan, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Daniel Shays. No homework tonight.
Thursday we will dbe jumping ahead to a modern Supreme Court case: Snyder v. Phelps (2011). Snyder's son was a Marine killed in Iraq, and Phelps is the head of a religious group called the Westboro Baptist Church, who claims that God kills American soldiers because America is full of sinners. Opinions are great, but when Alfred Snyder tried to hold his son's funeral, the WBC arrived with pickets and protested the funeral, saying things like "Thank God for Dead Soldiers." A few years later, after suffering a great deal of added emotional distress at the hands of the WBC, Mr. Snyder sued Mr. Phelps for causing him so much emotional and psychological pain. The case was bounced all the way up to the Supreme Court due to its publicity, but many were disappointed when the Supreme Court ruled that Phelps and the WBC were protected under the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. Here is the main question we will consider: Despite our own feelings for these people and their opinions, when we are forming a country, should we focus on our own beliefs, or protect everyone's? Is it dangerous to persecute someone for their opinions, or is it fine? And finally, were the judges right or wrong??? These are all opinions. For homework, students will complete their current events, due Friday. Also, students will work on a packet on the Great Compromise, due Monday.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - Aristotle
Friday we will be in the computer lab, beginning our For/Against Essays, the final drafts of which will be due on Tuesday. Students will read this article on Snyder v. Phelps to establish some context, and then begin on their two (2) essays. The students will take on the role of lawyers. For one essay, each student will defend Snyder, arguing that Phelps has abused his First Amendment rights and crossed a line. For the second essay, the student will have to change roles, defending now Mr. Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church, making the argument that everything they say and do is protected by the Bill of Rights. Each essay will be 3 paragraphs in length, and will follow the format found here.
12 November 2013
Week of 12-15 November
World History - B and D Periods
Tuesday students will have a BINDER CHECK, and will continue to work on the iPads for their Looking at Art Projects.
Wednesday and Thursday we will be in the library doing some more research on our pieces of art. For homework, students will continue to work on their art project, which they can expect to present to the class on Friday. Also, students will complete a brief worksheet on William Shakespeare and Desiderius Erasmus, also due Friday. The worksheet is avalable by clicking here.
Friday we will begin our Oral Presentations in class. Woohoo! For homework, students will be completing the attached worksheet on the Scientific Revolution.
US History I - A Period
Tuesday I will not be in class, so you will be finishing up the Founding Fathers movie and passing in your question sheets, and then you will be spending the rest of the class working on our next activity, creating the Western Hemisphere Union.Tuesday students will have a BINDER CHECK, and will continue to work on the iPads for their Looking at Art Projects.
Wednesday and Thursday we will be in the library doing some more research on our pieces of art. For homework, students will continue to work on their art project, which they can expect to present to the class on Friday. Also, students will complete a brief worksheet on William Shakespeare and Desiderius Erasmus, also due Friday. The worksheet is avalable by clicking here.
Friday we will begin our Oral Presentations in class. Woohoo! For homework, students will be completing the attached worksheet on the Scientific Revolution.
US History I - A Period
Wednesday, we will be doing the Western Hemisphere Activity in class, where we will attempt to form a union of all of the countries in the Western Hemisphere, which will help us understand what it was like for Congress as they tried to unite all of the states. Remember, the focus of this activity is Localism vs. Nationalism. Do your loyalties lie with the place you come from, or with the idea of unity of all states? For homework, students will work on one Current Event of their choice for Friday, and will also read pgs.140-144 and write 5 observations, 3 questions, and 1 opinion.
Thursday we will be talking about the Constitutional Convention, when Congress decided it was time to "try again" at creating a national government. But the big question is, did it work??? For homework, students will read the following handout and answer the questions attached to the pictures. Reading available here. Also, students have Current Events due tomorrow!
Friday you will each be assigned a key talking point of the Convention, and your job will be to research the issue, come up with a solution, and research the solution that Congress came upon. On Monday, you will confer with your classmates who had the same issue, and then on Tuesday, students will be getting into groups of three and teaching each other about the issues they focused on. For homework, students will complete this Coded Homework on the Constitutional Convention.
04 November 2013
Week of 4-8 November
World History - B and D Periods
Monday we will be looking at more art, practicing what we've learned by distinguishing classical, medieval, and renaissance art, and doing so with the guidance of in-house expert, Mr. Perlow!!! We will also be analyzing art, which means looking at a piece of art and really figuring out what it means (more than just pretty colors). This is a skill that help you everywhere in life (yes, even if you don't become a museum curator). No homework tonight.
Happy Bonfire Day!
Tuesday we will learn a little more about Renaissance artwork and all of the other classes that came out of it. We will also discuss some of the characteristics and features of art, to help us prepare for our upcoming project. For homework, students will receive a handout on the Renaissance, from 13.1 and 13.2 in the textbook. Answer ALL questions! Due Thursday.
Wednesday through Friday, we will be spending class working on an art project with the iPads. We will go over the directions in class, but they will also be available here.
PROJECT
Thursday I will not be present, but your homework is due. Also, for homework tonight students should make sure everything is in order to complete their projects in class on Friday. Also, students will be completing a short worksheet on Leonardo da Vinci and Isabelle d'Este, available here. Due Tuesday.
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| Some more of da Vinci's work. Notice the expression in the characters' faces. |
Enjoy your 3-day weekend, and while you're out doing non-school things on Monday, remember why you have the day off in the first place! Report cards also go home today.
US History I - A Period
Monday we will discuss in earnest the Articles of Confederation, or more specifically, all the trouble they caused! We'll use our worksheets to take notes. No homework tonight!
Tuesday we will finish our discussion from Monday, and prepare for an activity on Wednesday. For homework, you will refresh your memory on the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 in preparation for our activity tomorrow. Worksheet is available here. Also, current events will be due on Friday, 1 event of your choice.
Wednesday we will have an activity!!!! We'll be grouping up and buying some townships from the US Government, then designing and organzing our newly acquired lands. This activity will help us understand how the sales of lands were organized and carried out. For homework, students will be completing a worksheet on Shays's Rebellion, due on Friday. Worksheet is available here.
Thursday I will not be in class, but Mr. Hales will be giving you all a quick "Learning" Test, and then you will begin watching "Founding Fathers," which will help us understand the Articles of Confederation, and how we moved on to the foundation of American Government for centuries to come, the U.S. Constitution, thanks to our Founding Fathers. For homework, finish up your current events assignment!
Friday we will spend some time discussing Veteran's Day and the history behind it, before we wrap up the movie from Thursday and discuss it. Enjoy your 3-day weekend, and don't forget to thank the people responsible for it!!! Report cards also go home today.
28 October 2013
Week of 27 October - 1 November
World History - B and D Periods
Monday we will be finishing up the "Terrible Tudors", whose religious affiliations bounced back and forth between Catholicism and Protestantism so many times, it may make your head spin (it makes this guy's head spin!). The notes from class will be posted here.
Here's Jane Grey, Henry VIII's (sort-of) niece, who ruled for a whopping 9 days!
And then enter the Catholic "Bloody Mary" Tudor, who married the King of Spain and cracked down on the Protestants in England.
And when she died, Elizabeth I became queen, beginning the Elizabethan Era (back to Protestantism!).
Tuesday we will discuss the Catholic Counterreformation (there's a $2 word), which was the Catholic Church's efforts to stem the Protestant Reformation. This included a number of things, from the attempts made by the Spanish Armada to invade England....
to the creation of missionaries called the Jesuits, led by a Spanish man named Ignatius de Loyola. Notes are available here. For homework, students will receive a homework packet on the Renaissance, available here, which will be due next Monday.
Wednesday we will discuss the Spanish Inquisition, which was a less-than-pleasant time to be a Protestant (or anything other than Catholic).
After discussing what it was, we will conduct a mock Inquisition in class. Don't worry, you won't be tortured! (At least, I don't think so). To finish, we will go over any questions students have about the unit before we begin the second half.
Thursday (Happy Halloween!)we will be finish up the Religious Revolutions by talking about John Calvin and his theory of Predestination. Then, we will move on to the second half of this unit, the Renaissance, with a focus on art and music. We will learn about the three main styles of art up to this point, Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance:
Friday we will be analyzing some art in small groups. Don't forget, your homework is due on Monday!!! Friday is also the end of Term 1.
US History I - A Period
Wednesday we will form the Howe Convention, and students will be assigned as delegates of their own states. We will discuss some hotly debated issues facing us as a new country, and see if we can come to any solutions over these issues as we write a charter to govern and organize our new union. For homework, students will read the Articles of Confederation and answer three short questions about it.
Thursday (Happy Halloween!) we will be discussing the different types of government at the time, so we may better understand Congress's thinking at the time as they attempted to create our new government. For homework, students will read pgs. 134-140, complete their current events assignment, and study for the Map Quiz.
Friday we will have our Map Quiz, and discuss the current events which are due. We will then be discussing the Articles of Confederation, which were Congress's first attempt at outlining ow the new government would work. They turned out great............until they failed miserably, as we'll talk about more next week. For homework, students will complete the Articles of Confederation worksheet they began in class, available here.
Monday we will be finishing up the "Terrible Tudors", whose religious affiliations bounced back and forth between Catholicism and Protestantism so many times, it may make your head spin (it makes this guy's head spin!). The notes from class will be posted here.
Here's Jane Grey, Henry VIII's (sort-of) niece, who ruled for a whopping 9 days!
And then enter the Catholic "Bloody Mary" Tudor, who married the King of Spain and cracked down on the Protestants in England.
And when she died, Elizabeth I became queen, beginning the Elizabethan Era (back to Protestantism!).
Tuesday we will discuss the Catholic Counterreformation (there's a $2 word), which was the Catholic Church's efforts to stem the Protestant Reformation. This included a number of things, from the attempts made by the Spanish Armada to invade England....
to the creation of missionaries called the Jesuits, led by a Spanish man named Ignatius de Loyola. Notes are available here. For homework, students will receive a homework packet on the Renaissance, available here, which will be due next Monday.
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| Not to be confused with Inigo Montoya. |
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| Who knew they served guinea pig at Jesus' last supper? This will make more sense after we learn about the Jesuits. |
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| Monty Python fans? |
Thursday (Happy Halloween!)we will be finish up the Religious Revolutions by talking about John Calvin and his theory of Predestination. Then, we will move on to the second half of this unit, the Renaissance, with a focus on art and music. We will learn about the three main styles of art up to this point, Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance:
Friday we will be analyzing some art in small groups. Don't forget, your homework is due on Monday!!! Friday is also the end of Term 1.
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| The School of Athens by Raphael |
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| Pieta by Michelangelo |
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| The Mona Lisa by Leonardo |
Monday we will be taking a Pre-Test on our next unit, Forming a New Nation, and also going over our Unit Tests from Friday, which the class did VERY well on! Map Quiz on Friday. Also, current events are due Friday. For homework, students will read pgs. 132-137 and write 5 observations, 3 questions, and 1 opinion. Here's a "Crash Course" in what we'll be learning in this Unit.
Tuesday we will talk about the Paris Peace Treaty, which ended the Revolutionary War, and specifically about its terms for the British and Americans.We will also discuss the challenges facing our new nation, as well as all of the different options there were for forms of government. We'll spend the majority of the class discussing the purposes of government (save it, anarchists) and most importantly, What we need a government for.
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| The Paris Peace Treaty of 1783 |
Thursday (Happy Halloween!) we will be discussing the different types of government at the time, so we may better understand Congress's thinking at the time as they attempted to create our new government. For homework, students will read pgs. 134-140, complete their current events assignment, and study for the Map Quiz.
Friday we will have our Map Quiz, and discuss the current events which are due. We will then be discussing the Articles of Confederation, which were Congress's first attempt at outlining ow the new government would work. They turned out great............until they failed miserably, as we'll talk about more next week. For homework, students will complete the Articles of Confederation worksheet they began in class, available here.
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| "Really, guys, this is best you could come up with!?!?" |
21 October 2013
Week of 21-25 October
World History - B and D Periods
Monday we will be creating Wanted Posters for Martin Luther, and discussing some of the "greivances" the Catholic Church had against him! However, despite being excommunicated and being under the constant threat of death, he proceeded to spend his life preaching what he believed in and trying to "reform" the Catholic Church (not break away from it!). We'll also look at some of the many manifestations of Protestantism by watching this video that compares two of the more extreme denominations: Puritans and Restorationists.
Tuesday will find us talking about how the Protestant Reformation spread to England and was utilized by Henry VIII when he came into some disagreements with the Pope. We'll watch the following video about all of Henry's SIX wives, two of which he had beheaded and two of which he divorced (hint: part of the reason he broke away from the Catholic Church and formed the Church of England, AKA the Anglican Church). we will complete a timeline of Henry's life, and the final version will be placed here. Here's how it would've been if Henry VIII had been around in the age of social media!
Wednesday is a half-day, and we will discuss the shift in the Balance of Power in Europe as the Reformation spreads and the Church struggles to maintain its power. We'll also talk about life during the time of the Tudors, which was pretty funny and pretty interesting at times. For homework, students will select three vocab words from pgs. 423-433 and make a flashcard for each. Here's for all you football fans:
Thursday we will work on creating a Facebook page for Henry VIII in class, which can be found here for Period B and here for Period D. Here are some funny songs to help you remember all of his wives! For homework, students will STUDY!!!
Friday we will have a quiz on the Protestant Reformation and everything we've covered so far in the unit. For those of you looking to do some extra review, the quiz will focus on: Martin Luther and his 95 Theses, the reasons behind the Protestant Reformation, and King Henry VIII and the beginning of the Anglican Church (bonus points if you can name all of his wives!)
US History I - A Period
Monday we will be finishing our project presentations and I will vreate our interactive timeline once we are all complete! And it may be too late to apologize, but it's never too late to reinforce some of the things we've learned in this unit with a catchy song. If this doesn't at least make you chuckle, you are not human! For homework, students will be given a review packet, available here. Quick note: This packet is more for your benefit, not for mine. It will be collected on Friday before the test, but more than being a homework grade, it is EVERYTHING you need to know for the test. If you complete it, you will be all set. We will be covering some of these things in class this week, but it is mainly YOUR responsibility. Also, no current events due again this week, because of the test on Friday.
Tuesday we will discuss the alliance of France, as well as a few other significant things from the Revolutionary War, mainly the ending of the war with the American victory at Yorktown and the Treaty of Paris. Here is our graphic organizer on the Battles/Events of the War.
We will also discuss what the war really means. Why do we learn so much about it as we grow up? Why is it so important for Americans to understand? And most of all, how did it come to play such a HUGE part in how the nation of America was born (and still plays a large part of our identity today!). For homework, students will read the following speech given by George Washington to his troops at the end of the war, available here.
And here's a crash course in the outcome of the Revolution:
Wednesday is a half-day and we will spend the class discussing George Washington and his remarkable leadership even through the war's end, which as we've already discussed was one of his biggest redeeming qualities despite the fact that he was not the most brilliant soldier in history. For homework, students will read pgs. 118-123, with only 3 observations, 2 questions, and 1 opinion, because you have your Review Packet due on Friday!
And here's a video showing some of the differences between the Americans and the British Army, only a wee bit exaggerated:
And if you want a quick review of the unit, here's a 12-minute video that covers everything important about the American Revolution (well, kind of). This guy is almost as enthusiastic as me! ;)
Thursday we will play a game of Jeopardy to review everything in the unit before we have our.....
UNIT TEST ON FRIDAY!!!! I know you're all excited - try to calm yourselves. I love tests just as much as you do, but don't forget to study, as this will be a big part of the grade. At the same time, don't worry! If you've been doing the work, you already know it all, you just have to relax and have confidence. It's a free throw!!!
Monday we will be creating Wanted Posters for Martin Luther, and discussing some of the "greivances" the Catholic Church had against him! However, despite being excommunicated and being under the constant threat of death, he proceeded to spend his life preaching what he believed in and trying to "reform" the Catholic Church (not break away from it!). We'll also look at some of the many manifestations of Protestantism by watching this video that compares two of the more extreme denominations: Puritans and Restorationists.
Tuesday will find us talking about how the Protestant Reformation spread to England and was utilized by Henry VIII when he came into some disagreements with the Pope. We'll watch the following video about all of Henry's SIX wives, two of which he had beheaded and two of which he divorced (hint: part of the reason he broke away from the Catholic Church and formed the Church of England, AKA the Anglican Church). we will complete a timeline of Henry's life, and the final version will be placed here. Here's how it would've been if Henry VIII had been around in the age of social media!
Wednesday is a half-day, and we will discuss the shift in the Balance of Power in Europe as the Reformation spreads and the Church struggles to maintain its power. We'll also talk about life during the time of the Tudors, which was pretty funny and pretty interesting at times. For homework, students will select three vocab words from pgs. 423-433 and make a flashcard for each. Here's for all you football fans:
Thursday we will work on creating a Facebook page for Henry VIII in class, which can be found here for Period B and here for Period D. Here are some funny songs to help you remember all of his wives! For homework, students will STUDY!!!
Friday we will have a quiz on the Protestant Reformation and everything we've covered so far in the unit. For those of you looking to do some extra review, the quiz will focus on: Martin Luther and his 95 Theses, the reasons behind the Protestant Reformation, and King Henry VIII and the beginning of the Anglican Church (bonus points if you can name all of his wives!)
US History I - A Period
Monday we will be finishing our project presentations and I will vreate our interactive timeline once we are all complete! And it may be too late to apologize, but it's never too late to reinforce some of the things we've learned in this unit with a catchy song. If this doesn't at least make you chuckle, you are not human! For homework, students will be given a review packet, available here. Quick note: This packet is more for your benefit, not for mine. It will be collected on Friday before the test, but more than being a homework grade, it is EVERYTHING you need to know for the test. If you complete it, you will be all set. We will be covering some of these things in class this week, but it is mainly YOUR responsibility. Also, no current events due again this week, because of the test on Friday.
Tuesday we will discuss the alliance of France, as well as a few other significant things from the Revolutionary War, mainly the ending of the war with the American victory at Yorktown and the Treaty of Paris. Here is our graphic organizer on the Battles/Events of the War.
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| Party's over, chaps! |
And here's a crash course in the outcome of the Revolution:
Wednesday is a half-day and we will spend the class discussing George Washington and his remarkable leadership even through the war's end, which as we've already discussed was one of his biggest redeeming qualities despite the fact that he was not the most brilliant soldier in history. For homework, students will read pgs. 118-123, with only 3 observations, 2 questions, and 1 opinion, because you have your Review Packet due on Friday!
And here's a video showing some of the differences between the Americans and the British Army, only a wee bit exaggerated:
And if you want a quick review of the unit, here's a 12-minute video that covers everything important about the American Revolution (well, kind of). This guy is almost as enthusiastic as me! ;)
Thursday we will play a game of Jeopardy to review everything in the unit before we have our.....
UNIT TEST ON FRIDAY!!!! I know you're all excited - try to calm yourselves. I love tests just as much as you do, but don't forget to study, as this will be a big part of the grade. At the same time, don't worry! If you've been doing the work, you already know it all, you just have to relax and have confidence. It's a free throw!!!
14 October 2013
Week of 15-18 October
World History - B and D Periods
Hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend!
On Tuesday, we'll be going over the Unit Exam from last Friday. We'll spend the period reviewing your graded tests (which came out great!) and talking one last time about the Middle Ages, which I'm sure you'll all be disappointed about. ;) For homework, students will be receiving a packet on Chapter 13 of the textbook, to be completed by next Wednesday, 23 October.
On Wednesday, we'll all be spending the day at Camp Lyndon, let's hope for sunny skies!
On Thursday, we'll be taking a brief PRE-TEST (not graded) to see how much we already know about the Renaissance and the Reformation, while I come around the room and check your binders (graded). We will then get to empty our binders (Yay! But don't throw anything away!) and begin discussing revolutions. We'll talk about what a revolution is, and more importantly, what a revolution is not. This will be a good opportunity for everyone to get on the same page before we discuss a whole slew of revolutions that occurred after the Middle Ages, beginning with...
Religious revolution! On Friday, we'll learn a little about Martin Luther (not King, Jr.), who was not afraid to call the Catholic Church out when he had some different ideas. His 95 Theses caused quite a ruckus in the day! But as we'll see, he was not the only one that had some disagreements with the Church. Notes can be found here. Don't forget to work on your homework packets over the weekend!
Here's a cool rap song that will help you remember everything!
US History I - A Period
On Tuesday, we will learning much more in-depth about some less-discussed topics in the American Revolution: Guerrillas, Insurgents, Mercenaries, and Spies. We'll revisit some old friends of ours, the Sons of Liberty, who were insurgents, and talk about the use of unconventional forces by George Washington, otherwise known as guerrillas, such as the Green Mountain Boys (sort of) and other bands of "rangers," who used tactics like hit-and-runs and ambushes to harass the British Army.
We'll also touch upon the idea of mercenaries, foreign troops who can be hired out, and who were used heavily by the British, known as Hessians. Finally, we'll discuss the secret world of espionage in the American Revolution, including the Culper Spy Ring, who operated throughout the war to collect intelligence for George Washington. Notes are available here. Your projects are also due today! Late projects will lose 5 points/day. No homework tonight.
And now a lesson from our childhood idol, Walt Disney:
On Wednesday, you will be taking the PSATs, so get a good night's rest and eat something healthy for breakfast. I know it sounds lame, but trust me, it helps!
Hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend!
On Tuesday, we'll be going over the Unit Exam from last Friday. We'll spend the period reviewing your graded tests (which came out great!) and talking one last time about the Middle Ages, which I'm sure you'll all be disappointed about. ;) For homework, students will be receiving a packet on Chapter 13 of the textbook, to be completed by next Wednesday, 23 October.
On Wednesday, we'll all be spending the day at Camp Lyndon, let's hope for sunny skies!
On Thursday, we'll be taking a brief PRE-TEST (not graded) to see how much we already know about the Renaissance and the Reformation, while I come around the room and check your binders (graded). We will then get to empty our binders (Yay! But don't throw anything away!) and begin discussing revolutions. We'll talk about what a revolution is, and more importantly, what a revolution is not. This will be a good opportunity for everyone to get on the same page before we discuss a whole slew of revolutions that occurred after the Middle Ages, beginning with...
Religious revolution! On Friday, we'll learn a little about Martin Luther (not King, Jr.), who was not afraid to call the Catholic Church out when he had some different ideas. His 95 Theses caused quite a ruckus in the day! But as we'll see, he was not the only one that had some disagreements with the Church. Notes can be found here. Don't forget to work on your homework packets over the weekend!
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| This will be much funnier after you've learned about Martin Luther, trust me. |
Here's a cool rap song that will help you remember everything!
US History I - A Period
On Tuesday, we will learning much more in-depth about some less-discussed topics in the American Revolution: Guerrillas, Insurgents, Mercenaries, and Spies. We'll revisit some old friends of ours, the Sons of Liberty, who were insurgents, and talk about the use of unconventional forces by George Washington, otherwise known as guerrillas, such as the Green Mountain Boys (sort of) and other bands of "rangers," who used tactics like hit-and-runs and ambushes to harass the British Army.
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| "Those rabble-rousing devils!" - Anonymous British officer |
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| Rogers's Rangers |
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| This was about 7 seconds before the British realized the good ol' Swamp Fox was throwing them a surprise party! |
And now a lesson from our childhood idol, Walt Disney:
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| This is how intelligence in NY was passed back to Washington. |
On Thursday, we'll be talking a little more about the war in the South, and how the Patriots wreaked havoc on the British, who were struggling (unsuccessfully) to wage a counterinsurgency. We'll also have an open forum regarding more recent conflicts in the Middle East, drawing similarities and differences between the British in the American Revolution and the US in Iraq and Afghanistan. For homework, students will read a handout on the Battle of Cowpens, which everyone needs to read! (Hint: Another POP QUIZ on Friday!)
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| Hey, wait, that's not a paintbrush, that's a bomb!!! One of the earliest Patriot-Terrorists, James Aitken. |
Friday, students will be presenting their projects briefly, which will give us an idea of the back-and-forth nature of the war through some of the smaller battles that we don't often get to hear about. Then we can post our massive timeline around the room! For homework, students will be reading an article titled "How Insurgents Won the American Revolution" and answer some short questions. No current events due today.
07 October 2013
Week of 7-11 October
Monday, we'll be learning about cathedrals, which are large churches that house the throne of the local Bishop, and we'll be looking at the architectural technology that allowed cathedrals to go through a revolution in the Middle Ages. Here are some great examples of the largest cathedrals in the world and some of their features. Why did people build cathedrals? We'll also lay out a new activity, in which you'll be working with a small group to list and distinguish all of the features in a Medieval cathedral. The activity can be found here. For homework, students will be reading pgs. 255-260 in their textbook and writing down 7 questions.
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| Wow!!!!! |
Here's a video that shows what Gothic Cathedrals looked like back in their heyday:
And another short clip:
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| The First Crusade |
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| Bet you won't complain about doing homework anymore! |
This video offers up a few causes behind the First Crusade, which was first preached by Pope Urban II in France in 1095 AD:
Thursday, we will be preparing for our Unit Test on Friday. Also, students will have their questions answered. Don't forget that you may use any materials in your binder for the test!!! But make sure you study tonight!
Friday is our Unit Test. This is also the last day I will be accepting any late work from our unit on the Middle Ages, so if there were any "MS"s on your progress report, make up the work and hand it in by today. And prepare for a 3-day weekend!
US History I - A Period
Today we finished watching the John Adams episode that portrays the creation of the Declaration of Independence. For homework, students should finish their Battles of the American Revolution Packet that was assigned last Friday. There will also be Current Events due on Friday - one event will be the current government shutdown and the other event will be of your choice.
Tuesday will find us finishing up notes on the Declaration, as well as talking more about the war itself, once the newly formed United States of America openly broke away from Great Britain and found itself in a full-fledged war with the most vast empire in the world at the time. We'll be discussing how George Washington and his officers kept the newly-formed volunteer Continental Army from being annihilated by the professional British Army, and still managed to threaten the British forces. For homework, students will read pgs. 113-117 and write down 5 observations, 3 questions, and 1 opinion (complete sentences!)
Wednesday, we will look at some significant battles, and follow the war as it rages in the North. In the Red Corner are the Howe Brothers, one on land and one on sea, regrouping and coming back in for the coup de gras - in the Blue Corner is none other than George Washington, with his brand new Continental Army! We'll see how Washington played to his strengths and kept just out of reach of the British until he wanted them to find him.
We will also talk about the history behind a little-known Massachusetts holiday, Evacuation Day (17 March). Keep in mind, students who want to stay on track with their Unit Projects should have both of their sources and most of their research done by Wednesday. The project is due October 15th!!! For homework, students will read excerpts from a piece titled "The Crisis" from our old friend, Thomas Paine, and answering some questions. You'll all be shocked to learn that there was indeed one group on Earth he hated more than the British (I know, you're shocked), and that was the Tories!
Thursday, we'll see how Washington and the Continental Army suffer bitter hardships in Valley Forge, including starvation, frostbite, and a severe shortage of literacy (last one is a joke). But only so they can serve up their good old 'Underdog Special' to the British, and force the old Redcoats to try a completely different strategy: Relocating down south. For homework, students will read a selection on guerrilla warfare in the Revolutionary War, available here. (Spoiler alert: Reading Quiz on Thursday to see who's been reading and who hasn't - and who's been visiting the blog!)
Friday, we will talk about the lesser-known side of the Revolutionary War, the world of spies, insurgents, mercenaries, and guerrillas! Much of the war in the South was decided not by organized armies and pitched battles, but by small ambushes and raids from American "insurgents." We'll also take a look tactics of the famed Rogers' Rangers unit - "Don't forget nothing" and "Don't never take a chance you don't have to." However, we will also dispel the myth of the "angry farmer-patriot" winning the war single-handedly. We will also discuss propaganda as a weapon in modern warfare. Be prepared to draw parallels with the modern world. For homework, students will draw a map of the American Revolution up to this point in the War, which you have the template for here. Your project will be due on Tuesday when you return from the three-day weekend. Your Current Events are also due today.
Thursday, we will be preparing for our Unit Test on Friday. Also, students will have their questions answered. Don't forget that you may use any materials in your binder for the test!!! But make sure you study tonight!
Friday is our Unit Test. This is also the last day I will be accepting any late work from our unit on the Middle Ages, so if there were any "MS"s on your progress report, make up the work and hand it in by today. And prepare for a 3-day weekend!
US History I - A Period
Today we finished watching the John Adams episode that portrays the creation of the Declaration of Independence. For homework, students should finish their Battles of the American Revolution Packet that was assigned last Friday. There will also be Current Events due on Friday - one event will be the current government shutdown and the other event will be of your choice.
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| "C'mon guys, just sign the thing already, would you???" |
Wednesday, we will look at some significant battles, and follow the war as it rages in the North. In the Red Corner are the Howe Brothers, one on land and one on sea, regrouping and coming back in for the coup de gras - in the Blue Corner is none other than George Washington, with his brand new Continental Army! We'll see how Washington played to his strengths and kept just out of reach of the British until he wanted them to find him.
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| We may not have rifles, but we are the coolest. |
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| Washington crossing the Delaware River |
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| It probably looked a lot more like this. |
Thursday, we'll see how Washington and the Continental Army suffer bitter hardships in Valley Forge, including starvation, frostbite, and a severe shortage of literacy (last one is a joke). But only so they can serve up their good old 'Underdog Special' to the British, and force the old Redcoats to try a completely different strategy: Relocating down south. For homework, students will read a selection on guerrilla warfare in the Revolutionary War, available here. (Spoiler alert: Reading Quiz on Thursday to see who's been reading and who hasn't - and who's been visiting the blog!)
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| "My only regret is that I have but one live to give for my country." - Nathan Hale, America's first spy |
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