Tuesday, June 1st!!!!

Thanks for doing the surveys! Have a great Summer!!!!!!! See everyone back here in January, 2011!

Friday, May 28th

The History Final. And we close the chapter on History 2010!

Thursday, May 27th

Review for the Creating a New Nation test tomorrow. This test will cover the Roots of Representative Government, the Road to Revolution, and the War for American Independence.

Wednesday, May 26th

Finished the American Revolution with the surrender at Yorktown.

Tuesday, May 25th

Monday, May 24th

Mr. M returns from war and it is 85 degrees and humid in the room! The students did well trying to focus. Today we talked about the 2nd online review quiz the students did. Mr. M spent time talking about the layout of the DOI - what does it say?  Also, we got into the British campaign of 1777. The Burgoyne attempt to come down Lake Champlain and take Albany.

Thursday, May 20th and Friday May 21st

Mr. M has gone to war! I am at Fort Ticonderoga, NY for the 15th annual War College on the French and Indian War. The students will be learning about the importance of the Declaration of Independence and what it says. They will also continue to look at the war itself - the Olive Branch Petition, Common Sense, Declaring Independence, The Battle of Long Island, the American Crisis, and Trenton!

Wednesday, May 19th

Flower sale unloading the trucks day! NO history classes! Just flowers and more flowers...

Tuesday, May 18th

The Battle of Bunker Hill and the lesson of the importance of holding the High Ground! Also, took a look at the 2nd Continental Congress, the choosing of George Washington as the General in command of the new "Continental Army". Not much of an army though!  We went outside and reenacted the battle of Bunker Hill on the berm behind school. It was fun!

Monday, May 17th

The Shot Heard Round the World! Watched the Liberty series on the Betrayal felt by the British. Then we watched the segment on Lexington and Concord. Mr. M then gave more to the story. The students then reenacted the entire 15 mile march to Concord from Boston. We geared up with our heavy back packs grabbed our muskets (stick) and headed out! Along the way Mr. M explained more of what happened that day.

Friday, May 14th

Continued the Road to Revolution - a look at the Boston Tea Act, the Tea Party, the British response - Coercive Acts, and the first meeting of the Continental Congress. Students finished presenting their part of the timeline. We drank tea to commemorate the whole event!

Thursday, May 13th

Today we began with the Declaratory Act, Townshend Acts, the Arrival of British Regulars in Boston, and ended with the "Massacre".

We used the Liberty series to help supplement what we were talking about. Students presented their act or event for those listed today. Also, we reenacted the Boston Massacre. Mr. M had the room organized like King Street in Boston on March 5, 1770.

Wednesday, May 12th

Moving right along the Road to Revolution - today we discussed the Stamp Act (big leap towards revolution), the Quartering Act, and the forming of the Sons of Liberty, some classes started the Declaratory Act.  We viewed parts of the Liberty series to enhance our understanding of these important events.

Tuesday, May 11th

Began learning about the Road to Revolution in earnest. Timelines are done and we will be using the PBS series Liberty to supplement the different acts and events that lead to Lexington and Concord on April 19th, 1775. Today we began with a look at the colonies themselves in the early 1760s. The American colonies were but an outpost of the vast British Empire. The colonies were largely rural. There were over 50 billion trees. Only a few dirt paths connected the colonies.There were only a few "big" cities with about 10000 occupants - NY, Philly, Charleston, and Boston. Life was pretty good. America was the "land of opportunity" especially now that the vast Ohio wilderness was open. People here enjoyed a standard of living better than most places in the world. Americans were, on average, two inches taller than people back in merry, old England. People lived longer here. More children survived past the early years and families were bigger! No one is thinking about "independence" or "war for freedom", etc... Then we talked about the early controversial acts - the Proclamation of 1763 (one eyebrow raised), the Sugar Act of 1764 (two eyebrows raised), and the Stamp Act of 1765 (Hey, what's going on?)

Comment for Johnny Tremain from Part 1 (pages 1-75)

Just enter your comment below for Johnny! I will check them out and give you credit. This is especially important to people that may have not done well on the first 10 question quiz!

"Did you feel sorry for Johnny when his hand was so awfully burned? Why or why not? Was this Divine Justice? Explain"

Thursday, May 6th, Friday, May 7th, and Monday, May 10th!!

The Road to Revolution begins - in the media lab today. The students were assigned their "event" or "act" which helped bring about the American War for Independence. We will start to review their work and actually walk the steps of the Road to Revolution on Tuesday, May 11th.

Wednesday, May 5th

1. Reviewed and discussed all of the Colonial America tests.

2. Continued our look at the French and Indian War. Focused on the problems that remain after the Treat of Paris is signed - a. indians still fighting (Pontiac's rebellion) and b. the piggy bank in London is empty - the war (remember the French and Indian war ignites into a real world war - the Seven Years War - between France and England) has cost muchos pounds! So, two problems - two solutions right? To address the indian problem - the Proclamation of 1763 is enacted. To address the war debt problem - taxation of the colonies will commence. Both of these will anger folks in the colonies because A. it brings about an end to Benign (Healthy) Neglect - colonies essentially governing themselves/left alone (Hands Off governing will become Hands ON!) and B. Colonists view themselves as Englishmen and thus have the "Rights of Englishmen!" one of these rights "no taxing unless representatives agree" is ignored - no colonist is ever elected to parliament or allowed to - yet parliament will tax the colonies! ARRRRGGH

3. Students were assigned their role in the "Road to Revolution" when we make our interactive timeline.

Tuesday, May 4th

The French and Indian War - began with the account of Washington's first combat experience in the Wilderness on May 28, 1754 form the book The Crucible of War. This was one of the first skirmishes of the French and Indian war. Transitioned into the war itself - what were the sides, who fought with whom, what was at stake, North American in 1754 and then in 1763, 18th century warfare European style and Indian style, the siege of Ft. William Henry (1757) and footage from The Last of the Mohicans.

Monday, May 3rd

Our final unit of the year - Creating a New Nation - began today.  This will take us all of the way to May 28th. Began with THE SITUATION - "setting the stage" so to speak on what was happening in the colonies that lead to an event that probably never should have happened - the American Revolution. In the mid-1700's the American colonies were enjoying one of the highest standards of living in the world (even better than people back in merry, old England!) They enjoyed the protection of a powerful empire (the British), were pretty much extended the same "Rights of Englishmen" as those in England, and were allowed to flourish and thrive due to the unofficial policy adopted by the British goverment from 1607-1763 - the policy of Salutory Neglect (healthy neglect). The old adage is Don't Bite the Hand that Feeds You - well the Americans bit and tore it off! The question is - why?  Some event must have changed everything - it did - and the event was The French and Indian War - our topic tomorrow!

Tuesday, April 27th thru Thursday, April 29th

Wrapping up the Colonial Village and Plantation project. Interesting to see how the students have moved through each stage. Projects are due at 3:15 on Thursday.

Monday, April 26th

Colonial Village/Plantation project continued.....groups are furiously building their projects based on their research.

Friday, April 23rd

Colonial Village and Plantation - now in Mr. M's room. Crowded, but groups are working well. Most are entering the building phase. some still need to finish their layout/plan.

Thursday, April 22nd

Colonial Village and Plantation Project continues.....last day in the library. Many groups are already in the room building.....

Wednesday, April 21st!

Colonial Village and Plantation continues. Progress Reports were handed out today. Tomorrow is the last day in the library.

Tuesday, April 20th

Colonial Village and Plantation continues...getting close to finishing the research and planning phase

Monday, April 19th

Research continues on the Colonial Village/Plantation....almost there!

Friday, April 16th

Research for Colonial Village and Plantation continues.....

Thursday, April 15th

Colonial Village and Plantation project - research day.

Wednesday, April 14th

New England colonies quiz from the reading the night before. After a pep talk, instructions, and encouragement from Mr. M the students began the Colonial Village project. They will be working on this the next couple of weeks. See you in the library tomorrow!

Tuesday, April 13th

Finished our look at the Salem Witch Trials - discussion of homework from last night (especially the reasons for this bizarre event happened and the focus on John Proctor and the destruction of his family). Then, Mr. M introduced the Colonial Village Project. Students got into their groups. Tomorrow it begins!

Monday, April 12th

Finished the last of our Puritan Court cases today - gossipping - and carried out our punishments swiftly - the stocks, ducking stool, etc...  Before we move on to the growth of the colonies, we must take a look at the curious and sad event that took place in the Massachusetts Bay colony in the late 1600's. This was the Salem Witch trials. Mr. M introduced the subject and then we watched a History Channel video (about 20 minutes worth) and had discussion at the end of class. Scary!

Friday, April 9th

Focus on the Puritans. Students made a story out of the homework reading from the night before. Mr. M instructed them to now "blabberize" the story. This is explained on the homework page.

In class we looked at Puritan New England. After a discussion of the growth of the early settlements and what Puritan New England was like, we had our Puritan Day in Court! Students were accused of such crimes as Gossipping, Gambling, and Breaking the Sabbath! A variety of punishments were handed out, all of course done publicly. These were branding, whipping, and public shaming amongst the many choices. It was very entertaining. See you Monday for the Salem Witch Trials.

Thursday, April 8th

The Story of the Separatists today - video clips about Conditions in England towards the Separatists, Voyage to America, and Establishing a Colony. We also got those binders organized!!!

Wednesday, April 7th

Group Quiz today - over the story of Jamestown. The students worked with their parnters to complete a two part "quiz" over the story of Jamestown. We then discussed it.

Began our look at the last early settlement we will learn about in this unit - the Plimoth colony. Using a Lord of the Flies example - Mr. M introduced the 'Mayflower Compact". The Separatists felt the need to create this agreement since they were not in Virginia but in an area outside the rule of law and the King.

April 6th, 2010

Reviewed the questions from the Jamestown/Werowocomoco assignment. Students then filed into the library to learn the story of Jamestown. Working in pairs or threes the students were given the story and told that their task is to learn this story for something important tomorrow!

Monday, April 5th

How did they do with the archaeological simulation? Pretty well... We learned that archaeologists look for features in the soil first, then the artifacts follow. We examined some artifacts from Jamestown like the silver ear picker! We learned where Jamestown is located and had a short introductory video about Jamestown. Tomorrow we will get into the story of Jamestown...

Finally, the EXTRA CREDIT!

Okay, gang, I will keep this one simple. I found an interesting show created last year titled The Ascent of Money. You can watch this by clicking the link below. However, you only need to watch the first 25 minutes or so. If you want to earn 5 extra credit points than this is what you do. Compose an essay that summarizes the part about Pizzaro, the Inca, and the big problem the Spanish didn't realize they would have to deal with (see if you get it), then explain why the Arabic numerals were better than Roman numerals and the IMPACT this had on financial history!

That's it!

Here is the link: The Ascent of Money: From Bullion to Bubbles

Thursday, April 1st - Welcome April Fools!

Here are the two simulations and directions:

For Jamestown Online Adventure:
ON YOUR HONOR - play the simulation one time. Just one time. At the end when it gives you your results. Make a copy or write down how you did - i.e. poor, fair, good,etc... for the 4 categories. You will see what I mean... BE HONEST. Online Jamestown Adventure

For the National Geographic John Smith Experience:
Go to the link and choose John Smith. Go through the story of John Smith and try the games. . John Smith Interactive Adventure!

Have fun, sorry I had to miss today! See you Monday. No homework over the weekend unless you want to do the section on the Explorers/Conquistadors on Monday!

Tuesday, March 30th

The importance of August 1588 - England defeats the Spanish Armada, big underdog victory. Power of Spain begins slow decline, Englands ascends. England is will begin to construct and support settlements on the vast and wild North American continent. Some of these settlements will become the first English colonies.

Roanoke was the first attempt, attempts actually. In 1585 and 1587 Sir Walter Raleigh supports attempts by English colonists to plant a colony on Roanoke. Both attempts fail miserably. In fact, the group of men, women, and children in the 1587 attempt disappear forever - the "Lost" colony.

Monday, March 29th

Welcome back from Spring Break! Post-Test review today. Introduced the second to last unit of the year. This is the Foundation of E Pluribus Unum. We covered what it translates into and the meaning. From Many, One - can refer to from many different people, one people-Americans!, or from many colonies, one nation. Looked at important "dates of destiny" and gave students a chance to guess them leading up to August, 1588. The Defeat of the Spanish Armada is important to American History. Underdog England defeats the mighty Spanish naval power. Importance we will talk about tomorrow!

EXTRA CREDIT UPDATE!

Sorry, gang, I couldn't get the video to upload to my blog - too large a file, I guess. I will figure something out for you! You have until April 6th for EC. Not to worry! But, if you are worried, just email me! See you soon!

Friday, March 12th! Spring Break begins!!!!

Students took their Great Age of Exploration test today. Have a nice spring break!

STAY TUNED HERE FOR EXTRA CREDIT OVER BREAK!

Thursday, March 11th

Focus of today:

• Finished our lessons on the Great Age of Exploration by learning about Spanish society in the Americas. Also, discussed the importance of Mercantilism in creating weathy, powerful European states.
• Finished out look at the Legacy of the Conquistadors - how could these Christians be so cruel and brutal towards native peoples? Easy - they didn't think of them as people - more like godless, heathen, animals. The differences between the people from the eastern and western hemispheres was vast. Human sacrifice disgusted the Spaniards. This gave more fuel to their fire, however misguided it was. What happened in those years 1492-until really the 20th century was a tragedy of monumental proportions.
• We heard some "Eyewitness" accounts of Human Sacrifice.
• Watched a little of "Apocolypto"
• Watched the beginning of the Military Channel's special on "Cortes"

Wednesday, March 10th

In class today:

• Finished the Explorers "Claims to Fame" notes
• Reviewed and corrected answers to the Great Age of Exploration handout/ notes
• Began a look at the "Legacy of the Conquistadors"
• Mr. M shared Bartolome de las Casas "eyewitness" account of the Spanish campaign to conquer Cuba (c. 1513)

Picture to the left is of de las Casas writing his account of his time in the "New World"

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Explorers Convention! Nice job, students, everyone looked great in their costumes! After a few rounds of speed-greeting, some snacks and drinks, and picutures - the students settled into learning about who these more well-known explorers and conquistadors were.

Monday, March 8th

The Explorers Convention has been moved to Tuesday, March 9th. Mr. M is home with sick girls. Today, the students worked on completing some important readings and info about the Great Age of Exploration. We will be reviewing these when I return!

Wednesday, March 3rd

The Door is Opened! 

Christobal Colon - the man, the journey, and the controversy.

Tuesday, March 2nd!!

SORRY - I didn't get the homework questions updated on time. We will do the questions later. But still do your reading and your "claim to fame" for your explorer/conquistador.

Today our topic was "So, Who Gets the Age of Exploration Started?" The answer is tiny Portugal. Our focus was on Prince Henry and his efforts to 1. increase trade and wealth of Portugal, 2. increase knowledge about the world, and 3. spread Christianity. We did a play and wrote down some important things.

Monday, March 1st

Wow! March already! Today the students are working on researching their explorer/conquistador. They are getting ready for their Explorers Convention 2010 which happens on Monday, March 8th. They will portray their person and come ready to announce what they are most remembered for accomplishing...

Friday, February 26th

Students finished presenting their notes on the 4 events leading to the Great Age of Exploration. We made our Behaim Globes!

Thursday, February 25th

Began with a discussion of the homework last night - "So, have there been any groups that have moved around the world before Columbus?" Next, we began to look at why there was a great age of exploration. After the fall of Rome, Europe fell into a period in which no significant achievements emerged for almost a thousand years. It was mainly a Feudal society dominated by the Roman Catholic Church. Then, around the 1400's, they suddenly begin exploring all around the world?  The students are learning about four important, key events that will lead to this Age of Exploration - The Decline of Feudalism, the revival of Towns and Trade, the Crusades, and the Renaissance.  Students were placed into four groups to research each of these. After they find what they feel is important out of our textbook, they will share with the other groups. Mr. M will then compare what they found with what he wants them to know - the group that discovers and presents the most correct information will get a treat!

Wednesday, February 24th

Introduction to the Great Age of European Exploration. Started class by taking care of some business first - clearing out binders, progress reports, student rubric reflections, and collecting missing work.

1492 and 1620 - important dates in history...Columbus and Pilgrims...stories learned as little kids. But what does it all mean? While visiting Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts, why do people ask, "Is this where Columbus dropped off the pilgrims?" and, "Did the Mayflower crash into this rock?" These 128 years represent one of the most unprecendented eras of exploration in all human history - the opening of the Americas to the rest of the world. They described this place as "a garden of Eden". Verrazano wrote that he could smell America before he saw it!  The smell of trees, cedar trees where he was, was thick in the air.

There are thousands of stories from this time, this time period that Americans today know very little about. Thus we begin our look at the Great Age of European Exploration as it pertains to America. Mr. M shared the story of Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca. We learned what the Columbian Exchange was. And, finally, Mr. M introduced the homework - "Were there other individuals or groups to come to the Americas before the Great Age of Exploration?

Tuesday, February 23rd

Guest Speaker - Mr. Paul Salerno. For the final activity in the Pre-Columbian America unit, Mr. Salerno came in to talk about his experiences on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Mr. Salerno's message focused on how much you really receive when you give and how important service is. Thank you Mr. Salerno

Monday, February 22nd

Short classes today for the Redline/Social Justice collaborative project with English/Art was introduced today. We had a special schedule. In class we:

a. did our binder check

b. reviewed the test

c. began our look at the Student Rubric for Social Studies

Friday, February 19th

Pre-Columbian America test. Big 7/8 grade ski trip tonight!

Thursday, February 18th

Review/Game day for tomorrow's test.

Wednesday, February 17th

Finished the handout on the Iroquois Confederacy. Getting ready for our test on Pre Columbian America on Friday.

Tuesday, February 16th

Welcome back from the four day weekend! First, we got organized. Papers handed back and then progress reports. Then we talked about Friday's test on Pre-Columbian America. There will be study guides and other study aids available on the Test and Quiz Prep page. Then Mr. M finished a look at the Moundbuilding cultures of the Mississippi River Valley area and other points east. Finally, we began the last topic of this unit. This is a look at the Iroquois Confederacy and their Great Law of Peace.