Summer 2011 has begun!!

Well, okay, so officially summer doesn't begin until June 10th, but the exams have started! This means class is over for the year. 7th graders, it was a fun year! You were great!

Have a nice summer! Rising 6th Graders, see you in August!!!!

Get outside and enjoy your summer!

May 31st - June 2nd, 2011

Well, the test on the American Revolution closed the last chapter for 7th grade social studies this year!

The next three days will be filled with mysteries, taking care of end-of-year things, cleaning, and having fun.

Enjoy the last few days and have a great summer!


See you in the fall for Economics! Go to Mr. M's Economics blog! (link to the right)

The British Surrender at Yorktown!

May 23rd - May 27th, 2011

American Revolution Week.

Students are learning about the overall strategies of the war used by both sides, as well as, what the Revolution is really all about. Looking at Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence, we are beginning to grasp that this is more than just a protest against taxes. It really is about the rights of the people - and what those rights are.

Test is on Friday, May 27th - the study guide is on the homework page.

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Bunker's and Breed's Hill  (The First Major Battle of the American Revolution)

Mr. M explained the situation around Boston after Lexington and Concord. We talked about what the war is really going to be about using the homework from the night before. Then, we learned about the first real battle of the war. Next, we went back outside and reenacted it!  This is the "Lesson on the importance of holding the high ground."  On the berm out back students learned 1. why it is important to hold the high ground - great vision and mobility, and 2. how hard it is to attack uphill (like the British did). It was a slaughter with gatorskin balls!

Thursday, May 19th

"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 18th

The Road to Revolution - the final day

Topics today:

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

Tuesday, May 17th

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".