Tuesday, 12/12/17

Today in class, we submitted our Medieval Narratives and worked through a sharing process. Then, we got back our Medieval Europe quizzes and had time to start on the homework due tomorrow.  Students that did not submit their research portfolios today need to be sure and bring them tomorrow.

Friday, 12/8/17

Today in class, we went over the story mapping process and the rough draft color-coded instructions.  See handouts for both in the Unit 4 tab.  Color-coded rough draft is due at the beginning of class on Monday--you can have it on your Chromebook, no need to print it out.  Be sure to have all your source cards with you as we will draft your Bibliography as well.

Tuesday, 12/4/17

Today in class, we discussed the basics of the medieval narrative, learned how to do the note-card note-taking method, briefly discussed how to use books, and then did the Possible Topics writing (see it linked under the Unit 4 tab) to narrow down individual choices for the medieval narrative.  Due tomorrow:  note-card notes on two sources.

Monday, 12/4/17

Today in class, we too the quiz on Unit 4--Medieval Europe.  I also handed out the homework which is to read over the medieval narrative project and do the brainstorming sheet embedded in the project.  Also, notecards are needed tomorrow in class; you only need to bring white note cards (not colored ones as indicated on the assignment sheet).

Wednesday, 11/29/17

Today in class, we discussed how the organizing institutions of medieval society (feudalism & chivalry, manorialism, and the Roman Catholic Church) were shattered by the 100 Years War and the Black Death.  Get notes from someone who was here if you were absent.  We also watched a clip of Shakespeare's Henry V that depicted one battle during the 100 Years War.  We also got info on Monday's quiz--see that linked under the Unit 3 tab. Also, BRING HEADPHONES on Friday--you'll need them for an in-class activity.

Tuesday, 11/28/17

Today in class, we discussed focus question #1 (how feudalism, manorialism, and the Catholic Church gave structure to medieval society). We then viewed some videos and slides of medieval art (posted under the Unit 4 tab), specifically Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals and illuminated manuscripts.  We also spend some time discussing who we would be if we were someone in medieval history.

Monday, 11/27/17

Today in class, we got back our map quizzes from Unit 3, got new Unit 4 assignment sheets (see electronic version under "Unit 4: The Medieval World" tab) and did a textbook scavenger hunt (this is also posted under the Unit 4 tab).  Please do the scavenger hunt on your own if you were absent.  Homework due tomorrow is on the new assignment sheet.

Wednesday, 11/5/17

Today in class, we did our Progressive map and then went over social studies course options for the next four year to assist in four year planning for Freshmen. We then got back our Islam DBQs and filled out our writing logs.  Last, we practiced writing notes quizzes in small groups and compared them with a notes quiz I had written to see how well we are focusing in on the main ideas of sections. 

Tuesday, 11/14/17

Today in class, we finished and briefly discussed the Mughals video.  We then took some notes on a flow chart I made about the Byzantines, and moved into some skill practice with a Byzantine Empire DBQ. 

Monday, 11/13/17

Today in class, we added on the Progressive Map (see this under the "Unit 3" tab) for locations within the Mughal Empire.  We then spend 10 minutes adding on to our "Rate the Leaders" chart with information about the Mughal rulers we read about in our notes.  Last, we started a movie about the Mughals and how they fit into Indian history.  If you were absent, complete the above activities and see me for the movie guide when you return.  Be sure to get notes from someone who was here (or see me) for the movie questions you missed.

Friday, 11/10/17

Today in class, we worked on our Progressive Map (see assignment under Unit 3 tab).  I encourage all students to add on to their notes as we discuss the progressive map in class.  We shared our Tang & Song Dynasty hashtags, and then we discussed how the civil service exam system was effective in terms of  unifying and codifying the Chinese government and the people, but it greatly stifled diversity and freedom of thought.  Then, we began our "Rate the Leaders" chart; we will continue this on Monday.

Wednesday, 11/8/17

Today in class, we did a worksheet comparing Feudal Japan and Tang/Song China.  We then moved into discussion the positives and negatives of the Tang/Song civil service exams using primary documents and images.  The worksheet is linked under the Unit 3 tab; but if you were absent be sure to get the documents and images from me in class when you return.

Tuesday, 11/7/17

Today in class, we got got new assignment sheets, went over 2nd quarter activity points, did a worksheet on Feudal Japan, and got back Unit 2 tests.  I encourage students that are not scoring as high as they'd like to on tests to make an appointment with me so we can discuss note-taking, studying, and note-taking strategies.

Friday, 11/3/17

Today in class, we finished the last station in the Silk Roads History Lab and began the travel log assignment (see it linked under "Silk Roads History Lab tab").  Over the weekend, be sure you complete all portions of the Silk Roads Group Document" including FULLY drafting your paragraph and printing up any color visuals you want for your poster.  You will work with your group to construct your poster.

New Activity Points are posted under the "Activity Points" tab on the webpage.  You will get new assignments sheets (for Unit 3) on Monday.

Wednesday, 11/1/17

Today in class, we proceeded through three more stations in the Silk Roads history lab.  For class tomorrow, you should have four out of the five stations done; complete any of the four stations you started in class at home!  We will do the last station in class on Friday and start the next part of the activity.

Tuesday 10/31/17

Today, we started our Silk Roads History Lab!  We watched a video and then did one station.  If you didn't finish your station,  be sure to finish it on your own.  The entire packet needs to be done by the time we finish the history lab (end of class on Friday).  Also, remember your Islam DBQ paragraph is due tomorrow--upload it to turnitin.com by the time class starts.

Friday, 10/27/17

Today was the test!  For homework, you should have picked up the Spread of Islam DBQ packet.  Read over the directions on the first page.  Due date are as follows:

• Packet read and annotated with document analysis questions answered for class on Monday, 10/30/17.
• Work day on paragraph in class on Monday, 10/30/17.
• Paragraph is due, uploaded to turnitin.com by the time class starts on Wednesday, 11/1/17.

Wednesday, 10/25/17

Today in class, we discussed highlights from the Islam video we watched yesterday.  Then, we took some notes on what griots are and what purpose they served in West African societies and their legacy today.  Students worked in paris to create their own griot stories for a West African Kingdom in relationship to focus quesitons #6.  Then we worked in paris to create a quiz to give to another group, reviewing the people and groups from the unit (see this linked under the "Unit 2" tab).  Test is on Friday!  All late homework should be completed then as well.

Tuesday, 10/24/17

Today in class, we discussed some important concepts for Islam; be sure you get notes if you weren't here.  We then watched a video about the spread of Islam and Islamic culture; be sure you collect the movie guide from me and I can give you a link to the film if you weren't here.  Last, I handed out information about Friday's test--see a link to it under the "Unit 2" tab.  Tomorrow we will have some time for review so be sure you prepare any questions you might have for them.

Monday, 10/24/17

Today in class, we submitted activity points.  If you didn't turn yours in, please see me ASAP so we can discuss a plan to get these done!  We then took a brief multiple choice map quiz using the map that was due today.  Next, we got back our notes quizzes on Islam--corrections due tomorrow (optional).  Last, we did a modern connections worksheet--see a link to it under the "Modern Connections" tab.  Remember--we have our next unit test on Friday!  All late homework for this unit must be completed on or before that day.

Friday, 10/20/17

Today in class, we took a notes quiz on Islam and then discussed the answers, focusing on how Islam means "submission" and how "submitting to the will of Allah" might be challenging in terms of fulfilling the 5 Pillars of faith.  We also discussed the connections between Christians, Jews, and Muslims and how they view Abraham.  Be sure to get notes from someone if you weren't here.  We then worked on the map activity (posted under the "Unit 2" tab)--that map is DUE MONDAY!  ACTIVITY POINTS are also due Monday!

Wednesday, 10/18/17

Today in class, we completed the Free Research that we began yesterday and shared some of the interesting facts we learned.  We then did a chart about Aksum, matching up the five characteristics of "civilization" learned about from unit 1, with facts about Aksum.  Last, we watched the video about Aksum linked under Unit 2 to learn some interesting facts about Aksum today.  Notes due Friday are about Islam.

Tuesday, 10/17/17

Today in class, we completed the "Building Blocks of Ancient Societies" chart (under Unit 2 tab). We then did a "progressive paragraph" relating to focus question #1 in regards to Africa, and last we started the "Free Research on Sub-Saharan African Societies" (under Unit 2 tab).  I did check in the notes--be sure you get all of this made up (minus the progressive paragraph) if you were absent!

Monday, 10/16/17

Today in class, we had a Modern Connections discussion on Catalonian independence.  Please see the articles and discussion questions under the "Modern Connections" tab.  Tomorrow, a guided reading and notes are due; if you didn't get the guided reading, please take notes on both sections.

Friday, 10/13/17

Today in class, we went over notes entitled "Buddhism's Distinctions from Hinduism."  We then got back our rubrics and went over comments from the Athens/Rome DBQs; if you weren't here be sure to fill out the "Writing Log" (under "General Info" tab) using the turnitin.com comments and the rubric.  We then went over the writing assignment due Monday (see Doc under 'Unit 2" tab). We then did the "Asoka's Edicts Primary Document Worksheet" (under "Unit 2 tab").  If you were absent, be sure all of this gets made up!  I also collected notes quiz corrections and checked in notes (students chose individually if I checked in notes that were due yesterday or the ones that were due today).

Wednesday, 10/4/17

Today in class, we wrote paragraphs about FQ #4 relating to the Han Dynasty. We did this partners, using the database articles and note-taking sheets that we have been collecting the past few days.  Then, we read over each other's paragraphs, voting on the most well written one.  A brief discussion on writing followed with emphasis placed on writing assertions that go beyond a restating of the question and using evidence that is specific, but might not be a direct quotation.   Then we did a brief website activity on Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro (linked under the Unit 2 tab).  Last, we got our tests back.  If you'd like to discuss your test further, please email me or see me to set up an appointment.  Often, the best test analysis and note-taking help can be done in a one-on-one environment!

Tuesday, 10/3/17

Today, we read excerpts of Confucius' writings and did some work connecting them to classical Chinese values using the worksheet under Unit 2.  We discussed how Confucianism helped emperors' rule, so that was one reason why this philosophy lasted and was supported by the government in China.  Then, we discussed how to use the "Keep Your Notes In Cite" note-taker and practiced transferring material from our annotated articles on the Han Dynasty onto the notetaker. 

For tomorrow, the only HW are the notes listed on the assignment sheet.  The Han Dynasty outline IS NOT due; we will do that in class today.

Monday, 10/2/17

Today in class we briefly talked about the mass shooting in Las Vegas.  We then moved into discussing leadership in the Qin Dynasty through watching portions of Engineering an Empire:  China.  Last, I reminded students to bring in their annotated article about the Han Dynasty from a database for tomorrow (if they didn't today) and to bring in the notes on the Han Dynasty as well.

Friday, 9/29/17

Today in class, we discussed the Mandate of Heaven, specifically how the cycle works and how it in fact empowers the people in some ways.  We also discussed how cycles are important in Chinese culture (dynastic cycle, cycle of hte river, cycle of life and death with ancestor worship, cycles as relationships as in Confucianism, and cycles as balance with yin/yang & Daoism.  We then moved into discussing the three philosophies through making campaign slogans for each philosophy, and we ended class by filling out the Research Guide Notes (under "General Documents" tab) for three of the databases.  Get someone's notes if you weren't here (on all of the above).

Homework, as listed on the assignment sheet, is to find an article on the Han Dynasty from one of the databases we learned about in class, print it up, and then read & annotate it. 

Wednesday, 9/27/17

Today in class, I handed out a new assignment sheet for Unit 2.  Then, I introduced a new way of taking notes:  cornell notes (see the link for an instructions page under the "General Documents" tab.  We then make our way through pages 50-55 practicing this note-taking strategy.  The homework is to finish the notes on 50-55 if you didn't already AND do the homework on the assignment sheet for Friday (CORNELL NOTES on pages 104-109).   After Friday, you can choose outline notes or cornell notes, but you MUST do cornell notes for Friday's homework.  Another reminder--don't forget to start thinking about activity points, if you haven't already, due on 10/23.

Tuesday, 9/26/17

Today was test day!  If you were absent, you should have already emailed me for how and when to make up your test, so be sure to follow up on that if you haven't.  There was no specific homework other than work on Activity Points.  Tomorrow, we will start our new unit.

Friday, 9/22/17

Today in class, we checked in regarding activity points--see an additional option added for 2 unis to see a speaker after school Monday (on the Activity Points tab on the webpage).  Then, we did a Modern Connections discussion (see the document linked on the Modern Connections tab).   Then, we discussed the Test Info Sheet handed out earlier in the week--we also added the term "Augustus" to the vocab needed to know for Tuesday's unit test.  Last, as time allowed, we began one of the two review worksheets linked on the Unit 1 tab.  If you were absent, I expect to see the Modern Connections worksheet done on Monday--be sure it is in your Shared "World History" Drive  folder.  Also, for everyone, remember that the Map Quiz is Monday--BRING YOUR MAP!  If you don't have it, you will still need to take the quiz.

Friday, 9/15/17

In class today, we checked in our notes on the Roman Empire.  We then discussed what political, economic and geographic factors lead to the Roman Empire's power (if you weren't here get notes from someone).  Then, we watched a video on the Roman Empire, focusing on the aqueducts and Colosseum.  Remember, your color-coded DBQ paragraph is due to turitin.com by the time class starts on Monday!

Wednesday, 9/13/17

Today in class, we worked on our Athens/Rome DBQ paragraphs.  I checked in the outline, then I passed out the No-Excuse list.  Be sure to abide by these rules in all formal writing or you will lose points! I also explained that your final DBQ draft should be color-coded--Blue for argument, red for evidence, and green for analysis.  Remember to review the rubric as well before you turn in your DBQ to turnitin.com (due on Monday, 9/18/17).

Tuesday, 9/12/17

In class today, we had a Modern Connections discussion about 9/11 and partisanship.  Then, we had a discussion about effective evidence to use in a DBQ (we discussed how effective evidence is highly specific, clear, and can be in the form of a quotation, statistic, or paraphrase).  Last, I passed out the DBQ assignment--for tomorrow, your OUTLINE (explained on page 2 of the assignment) is due (typed in a Google Doc is fine) and we will work on transforming that outline into a full paragraph tomorrow in class.  Also, optional notes quiz corrections are due tomorrow.

Monday, 9/11/17

In class today, we took a notes quiz; remember to focus your notes on terms (definition & significance) and focus questions!

We then started reading the Greece/Athens DBQ packet; the homework for tonight into tomorrow is to read and annotate the background essay and all the documents.  Use the document analysis questions to help you annotate.  We will work more on this DBQ tomorrow and Wednesday--you will be writing a one paragraph response to this DBQ (it is on your assignment sheet--not due until Monday, 9/18).

Friday, 9/8/17

Note-taking Tips!!!!

• Do not write down dates or numbers--I will never ask you anything that specific.  You can always look up how many miles Alexander traveled into India; I wouldn't expect you to memorize that!
• If it isn't a term, don't write down too much!  If there is an historical figure who is not a term on the assignment sheet, you don't need to write him/her down.  If there is a red or black heading that has no terms in it, write down only 1-2 ideas that connect to main ideas or focus questions.  Don't write down 5-6 sub points if it's clear from our assignment sheet that it isn't important.
• Use that assignment sheet! Remember, all bolded words in the textbook are not terms on our assignment sheet.
• Notes should take you around 30-45 minutes; if they are taking you significantly longer, review all the tips I've given you to try and streamline the process.

In class today, we self-evaluated our geography in Mesopotamia paragraphs and did the Alexander DBQ worksheet in small groups.  There are also some changes to the assignment sheet, so be sure to review yours (an updated version is posted on the website).

Wednesday 9/6/17

In class today, we discussed characteristics of classical art and philosophy, and we defined the vocab word arete (balance, order, and proportion).  We talked about how this was was "excellence" meant for Greeks and they tried to embody this worldview in their daily lives.  We then watched excerpts from the PBS Documentary The Greeks (get a movie guide if you were absent).

For homework, follow the directions on the assignment sheet to make your way through the two sections on Alexander the Great and Hellenistic culture.  If you focus on the terms (definition and significance) and the questions listed there, you should have the information you need.

Tuesday, 9/5/17

Today in class, we went over notes quiz corrections (that can be submitted tomorrow for the most recent notes quiz), discussed the definition of "classical" (get notes from someone if you weren't here), and analyzed a diagram of Athenian democracy under Pericles (get a chart from me and notes from someone if you weren't here).

Remember to do tomorrow's notes including the one margin question indicated on the assignment sheet (answer at the end of your notes, no need to type it out), keep working on our map (no more in class work time on that), and start thinking about activity points!

Friday, 9/1/17--Reminders

Please be sure you have uploaded your focus question paragraph to turnitin.com.  I will be looking at those very soon!  Also, bring back your Activity Points Signature Sheet ASAP--it was due on 9/1, but I will still accept them on Tuesday as well for full points (as per your assignment sheet).

Last, over the weekend, complete the pages of notes on Greece as indicated on your assignment sheet.  Also, be working on your map!  It isn't due until 9/25, but it is good to work on it early in case you have questions.

Homework Due Friday, 9/1/17

For Friday, you will need to complete this writing assignment.  Please be sure to look at the comments given on the "What Story Would You Tell?" writing (in turnitin.com) and use the outline format given in this assignment to write a well structured paragraph. Feel free to make a copy of the assignment and type an outline into it prior to composing your paragraph.

Remember that your activity points parent/guardian signature is also due on Friday, 9/1!

Tuesday, 8/29

Today in class, we finished discussing Hammurabi's Code and the Hebrew Code of laws, I passed out activity points, we did a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting Cyrus & Darius, and we started our Leadership Top Five List.  If you weren't here, be sure you get notes from someone who was here regarding the activities mentioned and get the activity points packet from me or from the website.

Homework for Thursday is on the assignment sheet.  In addition, be sure you return your Activity Points Signature Sheet on or before Friday, 9/1/17.

Homework due Friday, 8/25/17

Use the note-taking strategies we discussed in class as well as the "How to Take Notes: Outline Format" handout given to you to take notes on pages 19-23 (we began this in class).  Do the best you can; we will discuss further note-taking strategies tomorrow in class.