Tuesday, May 29th - Friday, June 1st

Exam Week - but not for American History.

We are all but done as history fades into the background to let the exam classes have priority. This week we did the following:

• Played American Revolution Capture the Flag! (around the middle school circle!)
• Wrote letters of welcome to the rising 4th graders.
• Reviewed our tests from last week.
• Summarized our 4th quarter goals. 
• Completed our final binder check.

Have a great summer! See you in January 2013! Visit Mr. M's Economics blog - this is where we pick things up in August of 2012. See ya!

Friday, May 25th, 2012

Final Test of the year! The Road to Revolution and the War for Independence!

Thursday, May 24th

The End of the American Revolution!

• The War in the South
• British Strategy in the South
• Yorktown and the End.
• Re-fight Yorktown in my room - complete with trenches and redoubts!

Wednesday, May 23rd

The American Revolution continued -

• War in the Middle Colonies
• British Strategy
• Burgoyne's March
• Howe's March
• Saratoga!

Tuesday, May 22nd

The American Revolution continued -

• The Invasion Force Arrives
• The Battle of Long Island
• American Crisis
• Trenton and a Morale Boost!

Monday, May 21st

The Declaration of Independence (Day 2)

• Students worked in pairs on simplifying Jefferson's words of the Declaration. They were working on excerpts from each of the five sections of the DOI. 
• We read the list of 27 grievances (with modern explanations) 
• Any remaining time - we began to look at the summer of 1776 and the British invasion of Long Island

Friday, May 18th

Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence (Day 1)
Read excerpts from Common Sense for clarification and understanding
Watched some dramatic clips from John Adams (HBO series) about the Declaration (good stuff!) Here they are below:

Thursday, May 17th

The Americans Move Closer to Independence!

• An Army that Wasn't An Army
• The Olive Branch Petition
• Common Sense

Flower Sale Day - no class.

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

The Battle of Bunker Hill.

Mr. M explained what happened after Lexington and Concord. There was a stalemate outside Boston. This changed on June 17th, 1775.

We learned about how the experience at Bunker Hill (Breeds Hill) on the Charlestowne peninsula most likely affected Sir William Howe's decision to not press the attack on the final American defenses at Brooklyn a year later. This probably would have won the war for the British.

We went outside to re-fight the Battle of Bunker Hill on the berm behind school! Fun!

Monday, May 14th

Main topic of the day was - "Why was there an American Revolution?" Using some digital documents the students made inquiry into why there was a revolution. It was more than just a revolt over taxes or for independence. The students learned what this was really about - the power of government over our lives. It was also about something really growing in importance at that time - the idea that there are basic human rights.  This is a precursor to our talk about the Declaration of Independence.

Friday, May 11th

A second day of learning about the importance of Lexington and Concord. Shortened classes this day. Had time to reflect on what happened April 19th, 1775.  We watched part of the clip from America - The Story of Us about Lex and Concord.

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

"The Shot Heard Around the World"

We learned about the situation in Boston in early 1775 and the decision to send British Regular troops to Concord resulting in the fighting that begins the American Revolution!

We went outside and marched our "twenty miles" out and back through the gauntlet of Provincial musketfire.

Wednesday, May 9th

The Road to Revolution continued...

Topics today:

• The "Tea Party"
• The British response to the Tea Party
• The Coercive Acts
• The Meeting of the First Continental Congress

The Continental Congress Meets in Philadelphia

The Road to Revolution!

Today we looked at the Declaratory Act, the Townshend Acts, and reenacted the Boston Massacre!

Paul Revere's inaccurate depiction of the "massacre".

Monday, May 7th, 2012

The Road to Revolution and the War for Independence!

Today our agenda was:

• We reviewed the lesson from Friday - the three big problems left over from the French and Indian War - from the perspective of the British Empire and its relationship with their American colonies.
• Mr. M explained the situation in the colonies just after the French and Indian War - using his wonderful diagram Mr. M spoke about Benign Neglect, the Colonial Assemblies, how and where taxes were paid, the importance of trade revenue between Britain and the Colonies, and how the British were now going to attempt to change the "rules" on how they administered the colonies. 
• Build up to the big event - the Stamp Act. Watched part of the Liberty Series by PBS - specifically the part on the Stamp Act:
• Pointed out how Parliament bypasses the Colonial Assemblies and later ignores their petitions.
• How this is a change, a shift in how things have been done in America - first big change ever! First direct tax ever.
• Contrasted emotions in Britain compared to those in the Colonies - discussed the Colonial response to the Stamp Act.
• After the repeal - point out that Britain and America can be "friends' again - but not everyone is happy (Sons of Liberty).

Friday, May 4th!

• Graduation Day for the War College Cadets. Cadets were given their new rank and insignia. Plus, they had the opportunity to choose their fates in life. 
• Congratulations to Kai V and Leo S - the top two point earners this year!
• Mr. M also began the final part of our last unit of the year - The Road to Revolution and the War for Independence. Importantly, students learned that much of this revolution stemmed from the disagreement about the power of government in people's lives. 

Thursday, May 3rd

Final day for the Quebec 1759 battles. Of course we had all kinds of results with the British re-winning this war, the French coming back in some and a few draws where there was not an obvious winner. Great job, Cadets! Tonight is the Final Exam for the War College - good luck!

Wednesday, May 2nd

Today we began our two day War Games drill. The cadets are re-fighting the Battle of Quebec. We will see what the final results are tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

War College of the French and Indian War:

Lesson #6 - The British Fight Back and Win!

Mr. M outlined British strategy and victories from the years 1758-1760. Made mention of the change in trading practices with the Indian peoples that led to great hardship for them. Ended with a closer look at the Battle of Quebec 1759. This will lead us into the Final Exams of the War College.

• Assume command of an army and re-fight the Battle of Quebec against another War College cadet.

Monday, April 30th, 2012

War College of the French and Indian War

Lesson #5 - THE hero of the French and Indian War - Robert Rogers (The British Answer to "La Petite Guerre)

A brief look at the life of Robert Rogers, his successes on "impossible" missions, his contributions to guerrilla warfare (Rules on Ranging), a look at the Battle on Snowshoes and his mysterious escape off of Roger's Rock!

Friday, April 27th

French and Indian War College:

Today was Lesson #4 - "The French win in the beginning"

Students learned about early French victories. Two case studies were used to support the lesson.

Case Study #1  Fort Carillon - Beginning in 1755/1756, the French began to construct a massive timber and stone fort on the Ticonderoga peninsula on the southern end of Lake Champlain. It was made in the Vauban style. We learned about Sebastien Vauban. Mr. M explained that Fort Carillon/Ticonderoga is a gem of American History and we are lucky to have it!


Case Study #2 - The attack on Fort William Henry in 1757. A discussion was held first on the story of this battle and the people involved. Using one of the best movies out there to show what this time period was like (Last of the Mohicans), Although there are inaccuracies in the movie, like any movie dealing with a historical subject, it really does a great job showing the vast wilderness of the North American continent and the beauty and brutality of life in the mid-1700s. Mr. M showed four scenes:

• The ambush on the way to Fort William Henry (Ex. La Petite Guerre )
• The siege of Fort William Henry by the French (European siege tactic - digging to get close for mortars/howitzers)
• The demonstration of mortars/howitzers to force forts surrender (European siege tactic)
• The massacre after the surrender (Ex. La Petite Guerre)

Thursday, April 26th

Today, the cadets had lesson #3 - "La Petite Guerre".

• Cadets learned about the difference between the ways of Europeans in warfare to those of the Native Americans in North America. The European way of fighting in large, organized armies in rows and ranks spread out over large areas will not work well in North America. North America was a wilderness. The Indian way, or as the French called it - "La Petite Guerre" focused on surprise attacks and ambushes, while hiding behind trees, rocks, and other cover. Sometimes the attack was quick and then the Indians dispersed, only to launch another surprise attack later.
• Case study for today was Braddock's Defeat. Cadets examined the Battle of Monongahela and the resulting disaster on the part of the British and Major General Edward Braddock. We also reenacted the battle in class. Complete chaos and the British were routed again!

La Petite Guerre

Wednesday, April 25th

Mr. M out with a sick child again!!! Okay, for today the agenda was:

• Students were given time to organize their binders and then a binder check was completed.
• Next, the students were handed a letter written by a young George Washington after the battle most commonly known as "Braddock's Defeat". Using the SOCC method of analyzing primary documents, students then highlighted three important sentences attesting to Washington's character. The answers to the SOCC method were on a handout.

Tuesday, April 24th

French and Indian War College 

Lesson #2 - Understanding geography and how to make effective use of it.

Cadets learned about the importance of geography in the French and Indian War. There were no paved roads at that time. The "highways" were the rivers and lakes. You could move more stuff faster and farther by water. Thus, the need to protect and defend the waterways.

Cadets received a map of North America circa 1755. Using the map, the cadets completed a geography exercise. Next, the cadets took on the role of French officers and placed seven forts on the maps in the areas they thought were important. Mr. M then showed them where the real forts are actually located. It was fun to see if there choices matched up with what the French really did during the war.

Cadets also took their "Ranks" quiz.

Monday, April 23rd

Mr. M out with a sick child. The scoop for today...

• Students finished learning about the Background of the French and Indian War.
• Students also spent time learning about the ranks of the British officers in the mid-18th century. This was about the time they began to have a system of ranks. 
• Finally, students could, if time allowed, begin taking the online quiz about the "Background of the French and Indian War." This was for graduation points.

Friday, April 20th, 2012

WAR COLLEGE 2012

The students are now officer cadets in our fictional War College about the French and Indian War. This is the beginning of our final unit of the year. Students received their buzz cuts, personal identification numbers, and signed their initials to become official cadets of the War College.

Our first lesson: Background on the conflict known as the French and Indian War.

Thursday, April 19th

Early Colonial America Test!

Wednesday, April 18th

Southern Colonies Day #2

Plantation Creation Day! Students worked in their groups to recreate a southern plantation. Here are two of the top recreations below!

Tuesday, April 17th

The Southern Colonies!

• Students took their final reading quiz. This one was on the Southern colonies. A discussion followed.
• Mr. M then transitioned the discussion towards the Plantation life of the Antebellum south (Pre-Civil War) that begins in the colonial period. 
• We looked at a basic layout of a plantation and talked about the need to be self-sufficient. They almost become like little towns. Then we viewed a few plantations which still exist.
• Students were randomly placed in groups for the Plantation Creation set for tomorrow.

Monday, April 16th

Here is what we did today:

• Mr. M began with a discussion about the Early Colonial America test on Thursday. 
• Next, we talked a little about the growth of the Middle Colonies. The students also had a reading quiz on this topic. 
• Finally, we learned a little about frontier life and made some candles. 

Ft. Orange, today Albany, New York!

Friday, April 13th

For today!

• Online Early Colonial American History Quiz - usernames and passwords are below - go to your class below - Go to http://www.classmarker.com/ for the quiz and login, scroll down to the Early Colonial American History quiz.
• First Period
• Second Period
• Third Period
• Sixth Period
• Seventh Period

Thursday, April 12th

Here was our agenda for today:

• MrM began by explaining the homework for tomorrow - especially the quiz on what they have learned so far. MrM pointed out what should be in the binder per the binder page.
• As a way to wrap up our brief look at the Salem Witch trials, MrM had the students write down three enduring lessons from the trials.
• Then we talked about the growth of the New England colonies. Students took their reading quiz first. Then we focused on the topic of Education. We had a reading which we did together about the importance of education in Massachusetts/New England. We looked at a New England Primer and then the students were told they were to create a USM Primer for tomorrow (only for six letters though).

Wednesday, March 11th

Today's Topic: The Salem Witch Trials!

• Mr.M began with a discussion about the homework from the night before.
• Next, Mr. M gave a little background to this curious event from 1692.
• We watched part of the History Channel show about the trials - stopped to focus on spectral evidence and the ironic way to survive the trials - just confess!
• Then, we watched two clips from "The Crucible". These were examples of the "Spectral Sight" (evidence) the girls supposedly had...

Tuesday, April 10th

Puritan Day in Court:

• We began with a discussion and review of Puritan history in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and New England. Mr. M referenced the handout they highlighted from the night before. 
• We then moved to talk about the first major war in American history - King Phillip's War. Students watched part of the video (We Shall Remain) from the night before and completed a handout. 
• Puritan Day in Court - three students were accused of crimes against their Puritan community and the trial was on!

Monday, April 9th

Welcome Back! Today our agenda was:

• 1. Quick Reminder/Review with Mr. M on what we have covered so far during this unit titled: The Foundation of E Pluribus Unum
• 2. Discussion about the video clips from "Desperate Crossing" from last weekend and some Amazing "Coincidences" or Miracles (?) involving the Separatists and their story...
• 3. Introduce the Puritans. Mr. M gave out a handout of a brief Puritan history. Students are highlighting the important information from a list Mr. M gave them. Also, Mr. M helped some of our "criminals" prepare for their Puritan Day in Court tomorrow.

Puritan punishment - the "stocks"

Thursday, April 5th

Okay, today our agenda was:

• Review the lesson from the night before (background videos on the Separatists). Mr. M asked what questions the students may have had. 
• After reviewing the story of the Separatists, Mr. M focused on the decision facing the pilgrim group when they found themselves off of Cape Cod instead of Northern Virginia. The result was the Mayflower Compact.
• Students spent some time working together to translate the language of the Mayflower Compact into simple to understand words. 
• Finally, Mr. M showed the first clip from Desperate Journey: The Untold Story of the Mayflower. Students will watch the other two over the weekend.

Wednesday, April 4th

Today we completed our look at Jamestown, Virginia and began our story of the Separatists as well. Here was our agenda:

• Mr.M began by wrapping up/reviewing the Jamestown Story. We also reviewed the homework questions from two nights ago - Jamestown and Werowocomoco.
• To complete the look at Jamestown, Mr.M talked about dead people....umm, the remains of the colonists at Jamestown. They are everywhere at the site. Bones have stories to tell, too. They are a great way to show how harrowing and dangerous life in the early 17th century was especially at a place like Jamestown. 
• Then Mr. M introduced the Story of the Separatists as we began our look at the final English settlement we will learn in this class - Plymouth, Massachusetts. Mr. M explained the background story on where the word "Separatists" comes from, who these people were, and why they were hated.

Thanks for visiting Jamestown!

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Happy Tuesday, today our agenda was:

• Mr. M started class by collecting the rubric goals for the third quarter.
• Then we hit the main topic of the day - The Jamestown Story (using the storybooks created the day before). Students took turns sharing their part of the story. Mr. M added info where needed.
• During this discussion of the story of Jamestown, Mr. M infused questions from the lesson sent home the night before.

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

Welcome Back from Spring Break!!

Today we returned to our story of Jamestown! The agenda looked something like this:

• Began by letting students tell of visits they may have made to historic places over break.
• Got organized for the start of the 4th quarter!
• Mr. M introduced the main activity of the day - the Story of Jamestown. Each student was given a small part of the story. Then, they were to retell that part of the story using any graphics/images they wanted. Mr. M collected their stories (placed on small sheets of paper) to turn into our own Jamestown Graphic Novel. Tomorrow we will share these.

Friday, March 16th

The Last Day Before Spring Break!

Today our plan was:

• Learn about the birthplace of American history - Jamestown, Virginia (1607)
• Jamestown is a massive archaeological site - we focused on archaeology - what is archaeology? what are archaeologists looking for?
• Students then looked at an example "dig" in the classroom. They identified the different features and artifacts in the "dig" and determined who might have lived at the site.

Have a nice break!

Thursday, March 15th

Beware the Ides of March!

• Today we spent some time getting organized. We had a test review and binder scores were handed back. Students had a chance to see their updated third quarter grades. 
• We talked about the Lee Miller book Rethinking Roanoke. After determining what may have happened to the "Lost" colonists and who, if anyone, was to blame - we took a look at their videos from yesterday. These videos had their research responses to the question of the Lost Colonists. Interestingly, some actually got it! Others were way off!

Thursday, March 15th

Beware the Ides of March!

• Today we spent some time getting organized. We had a test review and binder scores were handed back. Students had a chance to see their updated third quarter grades. 
• We talked about the Lee Miller book Rethinking Roanoke. After determining what may have happened to the "Lost" colonists and who, if anyone, was to blame - we took a look at their videos from yesterday. These videos had their research responses to the question of the Lost Colonists. Interestingly, some actually got it! Others were way off!

Wednesday, March 14th

Happy Pi Day. Our agenda for today was this:

• Students spent the entire class working on their Cold Case File for the "Lost Colony" of Roanoke. Tomorrow we will see what they found and how close they came to the strongest possible reason why they disappeared. Be sure to check the homework tonight!

Tuesday, March 13th

Today our agenda was:

• Moved on to our next unit - E Pluribus Unum!
• Learned what E Pluribus Unum means and what it stands for in our country's history.
• Background information given for why the English will be coming to the New World. 
• Focused on the search for the "Northwest Passage".
• Learned about the importance of the Defeat of the Spanish Armada!
• Introduced the special "Inquiry" activity for the next day - Cold Case Detectives (The "Lost" Colony of Roanoke) - explained what they would be doing and showed a short video clip.

Monday, March 12th

Test on Pre-Columbian America and Contact with Europeans! See you Tuesday!

Friday, March 9th, 2012

Baseball review game today for the test on Monday!

Thursday, March 8th

Today we wrapped up the Pre-Columbian America and Great Age of European Exploration unit:

• First, we talked about the end of the Cortes story.
• Next, we acted out the play "Spanish American Society in America"
• Finally, Mr. M closed it out by explaining the Treaty of Tordesillas and answering questions for the test.

The Treaty of Tordesillas!

Wednesday, March 7th

Here is a look at what we did today:

• Began with a discussion of the test. Mr. M showed the updated study blog page.
• Next, reviewed the homework - Spanish Victories in the New World.
• Mr. M spent a few minutes teaching about the Columbian Exchange
• Rest of class spent continuing the story of Hernan Cortes!

Tuesday, March 6th

Here is what today looked like:

• Began by listening to what they learned from the primary source documents by Cabeza de Vaca and Coronado. They did a nice job learning what these documents were saying.
• Learned about our third and final conquistador - Hernan Cortes and the conquering of the Aztec empire. Mr. M  gave some background and we watched part of the BBC series Heros and Villains on Cortes - good stuff!

Monday, March 5th

Our agenda today:

• Discussed the coming test (Friday, March 9th) and the study guide.
• Heard our second Conquistador story - Francisco Vasquez de Coronado
• Mr. M shared the backgrounds and legends surrounding the decision to send a Spanish expedition north.
• Mr. M showed a map of the exploration
• We watched and listened to Coronado as he told of his trip to find the Seven Cities of Cibola!

Coronado on his way to Cibola!