Mr. McKain's Blog

First Week

2007-08-30T08:53:00.000-04:00

The first week back is complete - we made it! It looks like I have a great group of students this year; I'm looking foward to next week! If you'd like to comment on last week or have ideas for things you'd like to do in class, post them in the comments section. I look foward to hearing from you!

Website!

2007-08-04T18:38:00.000-04:00

The class will finally have a full, functional website for the start of the school year.

I will, however, keep the blog up and running as a forum for discussion about class matters and assignments. I think this has the potential to be a serious educational tool and means of communication.

Summer

2007-07-16T20:00:00.000-04:00

As summer plugs along, I thought I'd update in case anyone was REALLY bored and decided to check in. If you miss me, I can be found most days at Cape Henlopen State Park giving tours at Fort Miles, the largest and most expensive fort constructed within the United States during World War II.

Next year, look for a complete website, though I expect to keep the blog alive as well to serve as a forum for discussion among students and myself. Unlike most sequals, year #2 of Mr. McKain's social studies class at SMS promises to be an exciting improvement over the original! I'm looking foward to meeting any newcomers in a month and a few weeks!

Last week of school

2007-06-05T09:56:00.000-04:00

Following our introduction to Reconstruction, we did a project developing our own solutions to the many problems that the nation faced following the Civil War. The students did an excellent job with this!

This week, we are wrapping up the year with the movie Gettysburg, an historically accurate major motion picture about the battle that provides insights into the characters involved, strategies used, and the life of soldiers beyond what text alone can provide.

Tuesday, May 29th Agenda

2007-05-29T07:13:00.001-04:00

1. Warm-up: “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” – Based on this passage from his second inaugural address, how do you think Lincoln planned on dealing with the South after the war? Explain.
2. Brainstorm: Challenges facing the nation at the end of the war
3. Read about the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln (Hakim or online)
4. How did the assassination of Abraham Lincoln complicate the issue of Reconstruction? Explain.
5. HW: p. 519 #'s 1-5

Agenda - Week of May 21st

2007-05-21T07:20:00.001-04:00

This week is the big Social Studies DSTP!! Good luck everyone!!

Monday - Quiz on the end of the Civil War
Tuesday - DSTP Review
Wednesday - Video (TBA)
Thursday - Review Civil War
Friday - Test: Civil War .... last major test grade of the year!!

Thursday, May 17th Agenda

2007-05-17T07:05:00.000-04:00

On Monday, we discussed the Emancipation Proclamation and completed a worksheet. On Tuesday, we watched a video on the 54th Massachusetts and answered questions relating to the film. On Wednesday, we had the "Choices" presenters with us the entire period. On to today...

1. Warm-up
2. Finish video
3. Compare clip from "Glory" to documentary
4. Discuss inflation
5. p. 504 #'s 2-5

Friday, May 18th (in case I forget)
1. Warm-up
2. Review Questions
3. Notes: 1863-1865
4. Primary Source Activity: The Gettysburg Address
5. HW: Quiz Monday, Chapter 17 Sections 3-5

Thursday, May 10th Agenda

2007-05-10T08:26:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we had a change of plans because the "Choices" people did not come due to the fog delay. As a result, we worked on a guided reading chart that summarizes the two opposing sides after completing a DSTP style warm-up.

Today's Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Opportunity Costs (DSTP)
2. Timeline: Early battles of the war (6 Key Events)
3. Review Timeline
4. GR Ch. 17 Section 2
5. Quiz Tomorrow

Tuesday, May 8th Agenda

2007-05-08T07:37:00.000-04:00

1. Warm-up: DSTP Question
2. Read “The War’s Leaders” pp. 488-489 Textbook
3. Read “Choosing Sides” pp. 76-79 in Hakim
4. Create a fictional character who must decide whether to side with the North or with the South. Describe who he is, where he is from, etc. and make sure you include the reasons for his decision. Be creative! You may do this in the form of a letter, diary, or memoir.
Look at your source. If it were real, how would you use it if you were an historian? Explain. (class discussion).

Monday, May 7th Agenda

2007-05-07T07:14:00.000-04:00

On Friday, we viewed a film "The Cause" about the events leading up to and including Ft. Sumter. We did a KWL chart on the film. If you were absent, see me about make up assignments.

1. Warm-up: DSTP Review Question
2. Chart: Strengths and Weaknessess of the North and South
3. Review Charts
4. Imagine that you are a diplomat from a foreign country; your country must decide which side to trade with during the Civil War. You realize that it would be wise to pick the side you think will win. Which side do you trade with and why?

Thursday, May 3rd Agenda

2007-05-02T23:41:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, we took a test on the causes of the Civil War. Schedule a make up with me ASAP if you were absent.

1. Warm-up: DSTP Question
2. Discuss: Abraham Lincoln & Attack on Fort Sumter
3. Group Work: Newspaper
--In your group, you will create a newspaper for April 13, 1861 - the day after the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Your newspaper must consist of a headline, a feature article describing the event, a political cartoon, and an editorial. Your newspaper will have a certain bias based on its nature. For example, you may choose to be an abolitionist newspaper, a southern newspaper, a Republican newspaper, or a newspaper from a "border state" such as Delaware. The deadline is the end of class, so work quickly!

Tuesday, May 1st Agenda

2007-05-01T07:36:00.001-04:00

1. Warm-up: p. 477 “Practice the skill” 1-5
2. Read: Election of 1860 p. 478
3. Geography Skills 1-3 p. 479
4. Movie: Causes of the Civil War (KWL Chart)
5. HW: Prepare for Test

Monday, April 30th Agenda

2007-04-30T07:10:00.000-04:00

1. Warm-up: p. 469 Geography Skills (Skip #1)
2. Collect HW (p. 462 and 466 #'s 1-5)
3. Review Chart Completed so far
4. Read p. 473-476
5. Complete chart
6. Which two events do you think were most significant? Why?
7. HW: Finish Bias and GR Worksheet

Friday, April 27 Agenda

2007-04-27T07:38:00.000-04:00

1. Warm-up: p. 466 "Primary Source" - Read and answer question at the end
2. Finish reviewing timeline of causes of the war
3. Worksheet: Bias and GR
4. Current Events

Thursday, April 26th Agenda

2007-04-26T07:28:00.000-04:00

Sorry for my absence yesterday. The assignment (p. 462 #'s 1-5 and 466 #'s 1-5 will be collected on Monday.

1. Warm-up: p. 465 #'s 1 and 2 Graphic Organizer Skills
2. Timeline: Causes of the Civil War
3. Review Timeline
4. Work on assignment (p. 462 #'s 1-5, p. 466 #'s 1-5) - Due Monday

Monday, April 23rd Agenda

2007-04-23T07:08:00.000-04:00

1. Warm-up: Identify the following on the map below by writing the letter that you think correctly locates each place:
1. Sierra Leone
2. Spain
3. Cuba
4. New York
2. Read pp. 165-170 in Hakim on the Amistad
3. In small groups, write a speech reacting to the Amistad incident and the court’s decision. Be prepared to read your speech to the class.
Groups:
a. abolitionists
b. southern slaveholders
c. President Van Buren’s political advisors
d. A former slave from the Amistad
e. A slave on a southern plantation who hears rumors about what happened.
4. Read pp. 460-462 (HW if no time in class)

Friday, April 20th Agenda

2007-04-20T07:28:00.000-04:00

1. Warm-up: Why do we spend time learning about women's history events?
2. Review Questions
3. Declaration of Sentiments
4. Review Worksheet
5. No HW - Enjoy the weekend!

Wednesday, April 18th Agenda

2007-04-18T08:26:00.000-04:00

1. Review worksheet from yesterday
2. Video: The Underground Railroad
--Students will make a KWL chart as they watch.

Tuesday, April 17

2007-04-17T07:35:00.000-04:00

1. Warm-up: Would you be willing to break the law if it meant helping someone in trouble? What might the risks be to you?
2. Notes/Discuss: Abolition and the Underground Railroad
3. Underground Railroad online
4. Map mystery and Connecting History and Literature worksheet

Monday, April 16th Agenda

2007-04-16T07:23:00.000-04:00

1. Warm-up: What changes do you think need to take place within American society? Pick one issue from your list and try to come up with a solution.
2. Discuss warm-up activity in small groups (4)
3. In the groups, read through pages 434-437. Develop a poster in favor of each reform, trying to convince others to join your cause.
a. mentally ill
b. prison
c. temperance
d. education)
Be prepared to share your posters with the class and discuss your issue.
4. Present posters
5. HW: GR Ch. 15 Sec. 1

Wednesday, April 4th Agenda

2007-04-04T09:48:00.000-04:00

Sorry an update has been such a long time coming - with baseball, home improvement projects, and report cards, I have been rather busy. If you need the warm-ups from last week, check with me and remind me that they are not online. Today was a review day and tomorrow we will have the Chapter 14 test, allowing us to continue with Chapter 15 and the lead up to the Civil War after Spring Break. If I do not update again, I hope everyone enjoys their vacation!!

--Mr. McKain

Tuesday, March 27th Agenda

2007-03-27T11:18:00.000-04:00

1. Warm-up: How did the Mexican War increase tensions between the north and south?
2. Discuss Mexican War and sectionalism
3. Quiz: Mexican War
4. P. 402 #’s 3 and 4
5. Review and Discuss Questions
6. Video: Gold Rush

Monday, March 26th Agenda

2007-03-26T07:36:00.000-04:00

1. Warm-up: Why do you think many Americans believed it was their right to control all land west to the Pacific Ocean?
2. Review Rules and Expectations
3. Discuss Manifest Destiny
4. Read about the Mexican War
5. Guided Reading: Mexican War
6. HW: Quiz on Mexican War Tomorrow

DSTP Week

2007-03-20T08:11:00.000-04:00

3/14-3/23 Has been and will be occupied with the DSTP. Students should see me in person regarding any missed work for this time period. Best of luck to all students on this very important test!!

Agendas for 3/7-3/9

2007-03-08T10:11:00.000-05:00

With the snow, the agendas are a little mixed up. I'm hoping to have everybody ready for a test on MONDAY. We just don't have enough time to get everything in to do our normal Friday test day. Below is an estimate of what we'll be doing; some classes will have slightly different schedules due to shortened periods, etc.

3/7
1. Warm-up: Why did Jackson’s opponents call him “King Andrew”? (p. 366)
2. Quiz: Vocabulary
3. Chapter 12 Sections 2 and 3 Guided Reading
4. Review Guided Reading Questions

3/8
1. Warm-up: How would you react if you were forced to leave your homes by the government and move to somewhere you had never been before? Explain.
2. Notes/Discuss Indian Removal / Trail of Tears
3. Indian Removal Packet
4. HW: GR Ch. 12 Section 3

3/9
1. Warm-up: Do you think Andrew Jackson deserves his spot on the $20 bill? Explain.
2. Check off and review worksheets
3. Collect Indian Removal Packets
4. Review: Andrew Jackson
5. HW: Test Monday

March 6th, 2007 Agenda

2007-03-06T07:34:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Do you think the government should spend money to promote the arts and sciences? Explain.
2. Discuss political party evolution
3. Notes: The Presidency of Andrew Jackson
4. Vocabulary Builder: Chapter 12
5. Review
6. HW: Study Vocabulary – Quiz tomorrow

Oops (Monday, March 5th Agenda)

2007-03-05T07:26:00.000-05:00

Apparently I was out of it last week and forgot to keep this site updated. My apologies to students who check it regularly. I did not collect the week's warm-ups, so it should not be a major issue. If you need make up work, check with myself or your other classmates.

Today's Agenda

1. Warm-up: How is the president elected? What role does the electoral college play?
2. Read p. 361-362
3. Discuss the Election of 1824 and John Quincy Adams
4. Worksheets (Americans)
5. Review Worksheets
6. HW: Read p. 363-364. Identify: Andrew Jackson, Jacksonian Democracy, the Whig Party

Tuesday, February 27th Agenda

2007-02-27T07:27:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: If you wanted to go from Seaford, DE to Chicago, IL, how would you get there? What would be the quickest way? The cheapest?
2. Pop Quiz: Cause and Effects of Revolution
3. Read pp. 110-115 in Hakim “Modern Transportation”
4. Using the reading and your textbook pages 337-341, pretend you are living in 1815 and wish to travel from rural Delaware to Chicago, IL. How would you get there? What other ways could you go? What difficulties would you encounter? Details!!

Monday, February 26th Agenda

2007-02-26T07:26:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Copy the Key terms from the overhead.
2. What do you think the word “revolution” means? What do you think of when you hear that word?
2. Introduce the Industrial Revolution
3. Cause and Effect Chart: Industrial Revolution
4. Review charts – Bring them tomorrow!
5. HW: Key Terms (Due Thursday)

Thursday, Feb. 22nd Agenda

2007-02-22T07:27:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What kind of things can I do to encourage you to complete more assignments? How can I improve the class? Be realistic.
2. Review timelines
3. Notes: War of 1812
4. Worksheet “African Americans in the War of 1812”
5. Review for Test - Jefferson and War of 1812

Wednesday, Feb. 21st Agenda

2007-02-21T07:24:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: How did the conflict with the Native Americans in the west increase tensions with the British? (p. 318 for help)
2. Read “A Push Toward War” in the textbook
3. Worksheet: Ch. 10 Sec. 4 GR AND Americans p. 177
4. Review worksheets and discuss causes of the war
5. HW: skim p. 320-325; make a time line including 5 major events of the War of 1812

Tuesday, February 20th Agenda

2007-02-20T07:26:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: p. 317 Geography Skills #'s1-3
2. Discuss Grades / Review Course Expectations
3. Read: p. 68-72 in Hakim
4. Who was Tecumseh and why was he important? Answer in your notes.
5. Grade Sheets - Make up work!!!!

Friday, February 16th Agenda

2007-02-16T09:40:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What role should the government play in our lives? Explain.
2. Notes: Jefferson as president
3. Skills practice: Writing an introduction
4. p. 315 practice the skill - economics
5. Review p. 315
6. Discuss Current Events (if time)

Thursday, Feb. 15th Agenda

2007-02-15T09:54:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What image pops into your head when you hear the word "pirate"? Explain.
2. Discuss "Threats from Overseas" that Jefferson faced
3. Video: Thomas Jefferson
4. Essay - Due Monday! This will be a small test grade!

Wednesday, Feb. 14th

2007-02-14T10:04:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Imagine you are going somewhere that you have never been before. What kinds of things do you notice? Explain.
2. Collect Key Terms
3. Lewis and Clark group work: read p. 57-63 in Hakim. Then, write a series of letters back to Thomas Jefferson OR send back a combination of letters and drawings of what you find.
4. Share Projects (if time)

Back: Tuesday, Feb. 13th Agenda

2007-02-13T08:36:00.000-05:00

I apologize for my extended absence; my grandmother passed away a week ago. Make sure if you were absent, you find out what work you missed while you were gone!

Meanwhile, on to today. Period 1, you will now be a day behind until further notice. I should be able to catch you up by the end of the week.

1. Warm-up: Which do you think would be cheaper: shipping goods by boat or by horse and wagon? Explain.
2. Notes: The Louisiana Purchase
3. Map Activity (Worksheet): The Louisiana Purchase
4. Guided Reading Worksheet
5. Review Map Activity
6. HW: Continue Working on Key Terms - Due tomorrow!

Thursday, February 1st Agenda

2007-02-01T07:22:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Why is it dangerous to pick sides in fights between two friends? What might happen?
2. Discuss classwork questions
3. Video: The French Revolution
4. Washington’s farewell address (read and worksheet)
5. Worksheet: Reading and Review Questions Sections 1 and 2
6. Quiz tomorrow!!

Wednesday, January 31st Agenda

2007-01-31T07:28:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Look at your key terms. Explain how the following terms related: National Debt – Bond – Speculator?
2. Discuss key terms sentences
3. Suprise!!
4. Read “Kings and Revolutions” in Hakim pp. 18-19
5. Classwork: p. 286 #’s 3-5

Tuesday, January 30th Agenda

2007-01-30T07:10:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Begin reading current event article. In your warm-up section, take notes on how it relates to our section on government and checks and balances.
2. Discuss article.

3. Notes: Hamilton’s Plan and Bonds (Funding the government)
4. Read: The Whiskey Rebellion
5. p. 282 Question #5
6. HW: Key Terms Due tomorrow!

Monday January 29th Agenda

2007-01-29T07:17:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What kinds of things will you do this marking period to be a better student?
2. Return and discuss quizzes - Students will fix their mistakes for credit
3. Key Terms - Due Wednesday
4. Read pp. 278-279 and answer the question “How did Washington set an example for future presidents?”

Friday, January 26th Agenda

2007-01-26T07:30:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What kinds of things can you do to be an active citizen in the United States?
2. Collect warm-ups and homework
3. Quiz: American Government
4. Current Event
5. Citizenship test

Thursday, January 24th Agenda

2007-01-25T07:08:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What do you think is the most important right that we have as Americans? Why?
2. Finish Going over the Bill of Rights
3. Timeline: Amendments 11-27
4. p. 261 # 5
5. Open notebook quiz tomorrow! Study!

Wednesday, January 24th Agenda

2007-01-24T07:05:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Complete the "practice the skill" questions on p. 258.
2. Collect p. 257 #8
3. Read "The Amendment Process"p. 259-260 --> Notes
4. Group Work: The Bill of Rights p. 237-239
5. Chart: The Bill of Rights
6. p. 261 #4

Tuesday, January 23rd Agenda

2007-01-23T07:19:00.001-05:00

1. Warm-up: Imagine you are electing a "president of the 8th grade." How you would organize the voting? What ideas do you have?
2. Collect HW (p. 257 #'s 1-5)
3. Review three branches
4. Notes: Electing a President
5. Practice Worksheet: The Electoral College
6. p. 257 #8

Monday, January 22nd Agenda

2007-01-22T09:29:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What kinds of things can you or should you do to become a better student next marking period?
2. Mr. Rohlic
3. Finish going over the three branches (review worksheets)
4. Examples: Three branches and checks and balances
5. HW: p. 257 #'s 1-5 Due TOMORROW.

Friday, January 19th Agenda

2007-01-18T21:09:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: President Bush once said, "The Legislature’s job is to write law. It’s the executive branch’s job to interpret law." What is wrong with the President's statement? Use pages 252-255 for help if necessary!
2. Notes: Three branches of government
3. Worksheet Practice on branches of government
4. HW: p. 257 #'s 1-5 Due Tuesday (1/23)

Thursday January 18th Agenda

2007-01-18T09:30:00.000-05:00

Today the guidance folks from the HS came in and met with you all about scheduling. Get those forms completed!

Bring your books tomorrow!

Wednesday, January 17th Agenda

2007-01-17T07:06:00.001-05:00

1. Warm-up: p. 250 Chart Skills Questions 1 and 2
2. Discuss checks and balances.
3. Review Goals of Constitution
4. Seven basic principles: Quick group work
5. Create a Chart: Seven basic principles

Tuesday, January 16th

2007-01-16T10:12:00.001-05:00

1. Warm-up: So far, we have spent two weeks on the Constitution and will be learning about it or two more. Why do you think we dedicate so much time to one topic?
2. Collect HW
3. Review for test
4. Test: Creating a Republic
5. Read pp. 248-249. Identify and explain the six goals of the Constitution. Which do you think is most important? Why?

Friday, January 12th Agenda

2007-01-12T07:22:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: If you had been alive in 1787, would you have supported ratifying the Constitution? Why or why not?
2. Finish packet on Debate over Ratification
3. Handout: Review
4. Test topics
5. Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King
6. HW: p. 218 # 1-5 Due Tuesday
TEST TUESDAY - This will NOT be open notes or open book! Study!!!

Thursday, January 11th Agenda

2007-01-11T07:21:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Have you ever taken a stand against something that the majority supports? In other words, have your views ever been different than those of most people? Explain.
2. Finish comparing Federalists and Anti-Federalists
3. As a class, read and review questions on p. 219 (Patrick Henry's speech)
4. Group Activity: The Debate over Ratification
5. HW: p. 218 #'s 1-5 Due Monday

Wednesday, January 9th Agenda

2007-01-10T07:09:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Can you think of anything that everyone agrees about? Do you think everyone supported the Constitution when it was first proposed? Explain.
2. Review chart: Ideas behind the Constitution
3. Review the Three-Fifths Compromise and the Slave Trade
4. Student generated notes: Federalist vs. AntiFederalists
5. p. 219 #1-5 Group Work
6. HW: p. 218 #'s 1-5 due Monday

Oops

2007-01-10T07:08:00.000-05:00

Sorry the blog was not updated the last two days! If you were out, you need to pick up a few worksheets and make up the quiz from Tuesday ASAP, as the marking period is coming to an end rather quickly.

Keep making up those missing assignments!

Friday, January 5th Agenda

2007-01-05T07:17:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Think about the problems or weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Come up with 2 ideas on how to fix them.
2. Review Articles and their problems
3. Notes: Constitutional Convention
4. Current Event
5. Video
6. HW: p. 210 #1-5 due Monday

Thursday, January 4 Agenda

2007-01-04T07:20:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What do you think would be the hardest part about creating a government?
2. Collect HW
3. Go over worksheet on Northwest Ordinance
4. Worksheet: Articles of Confederation
5. Choose one of the problems causes by the Articles of Confederation and A.) write a letter to a national political leader suggesting a way to fix it or B.) create a political cartoon showing the problem.
6. Share ideas/cartoons
7. HW: p. 210 #'s 1-5 Due Monday

Wednesday, January 3rd 2007 Agenda

2007-01-03T07:18:00.000-05:00

Welcome back! I hope everyone enjoyed their break. Back to the old swing of things....

1. Warm-up: Who was Gerald Ford and why did we have off to mourn his death yesterday?
2. Activity: Imagine you have just overthrown King McKain II; how will the class now be run? Come up with 5 rules or procedures for how the class should be organized.
3. How to run a new “nation”; go over warm up and discuss Articles of Confederation
4. Worksheet: The Articles of Confederation (p. 13 – The Americans Workbook)
5. Read “Admitting New States” p. 2036. Try worksheet on Northwest Ordinance (p. 19 – The Americans Workbook)
6. HW: p. 204 #4

End of week agenda

2006-12-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday, December 20th, we took an open-note, open-book test on the American Revolution.

On Thursday and Friday, we watched the movie The Crossing starring Jeff Daniels. As we did this, we created a profile of George Washington as a person and a leader.

Tuesday, December 19th Agenda

2006-12-19T07:11:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What do you think was the most important factor in the American victory? In other words, how did they beat the British?
1.5 Collect Homework: Paragraph on Yorktown and Worksheet (The War Moves South)
2. Notes: Treaty of Paris
3. Review: Revolutionary War Timeline
4. Create a class timeline
5. HW: Study for test!

Monday, December 18th Agenda

2006-12-18T07:30:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What do you already know about the role of women and African-Americans in colonial society? How might they have contributed to the war effort?
2. Read: p. 186-188
3. Outline the reading (notes)
4. Video: The Revolutionary War: American Victory
5. Paragraph: Identify the Battle of Yorktown and explain its significance.

Friday, December 15th Agenda

2006-12-15T08:26:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Which side had the advantage in early 1781 as the war moved into the south? Explain.
2. Read p. 191-192
3. Worksheet
4. Review Worksheet; modeling good responses.
5. Video: Benedict Arnold
6. Current Events?

Thursday, December 14th Agenda

2006-12-14T08:36:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Why was the Battle of Saratoga important?

2. Notes: Progress of the War

3. Video: The Difficult Winter at Valley Forge

4. HW: p. 185 #7

Wednesday, December 12th Agenda

2006-12-13T07:28:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Were the 13 colonies independent on July 4, 1776? Explain.
2. Quiz
3. Worksheet: Guided Reading and Vocabulary Builder
4. Read: "Howe Billy Wished France Wouldn't Join In" Hakim book
5. HW: Finish Worksheet

Tuesday, December 12th Agenda

2006-12-12T07:26:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What does it mean to be independent? What are some of the negatives?
2. The Declaration of Independence – Primary Source Reading and Outline
3. Pretend you are a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. Write a speech either supporting or opposing the Declaration of Independence.
4. Review Chapter 6 Sections 1 and 2
5. HW: Quiz tomorrow. Study!!

Monday, December 11th Agenda

2006-12-11T07:19:00.000-05:00

Thursday we spent the day doing research in the media center. On Friday, individuals presented their research and students wrote their own mini-biographies about how the events of their own lives have shaped who they are today. Sorry the website was not updated!

Now, on to today's agenda:

1. Warm-up: What does the phrase “common sense” mean? Give an example of something you think involves “common sense”.
2. Review where we left off
3. Notes: From War to Independence
4. Read: “Declaring Independence” in Hakim silently
5. KWL Chart
6. Finish Video from Friday and complete worksheet
7. HW: p. 176 #1-4

Wednesday and Thursday December 6th and 7th Agendas

2006-12-07T07:02:00.000-05:00

We are in the media center these two days researching for the biography project. Get some work done at home as well!

Monday will be the last day for make-ups before interim reports come out. Many of you need to get some work in to me ASAP! I will be after school every day if you need to make up a test or quiz or just want to stay to make up some missing assignments. Remember, half credit is better than no credit at all, and for some of you, it will be difference between passing and failing.

Tuesday, December 5th Agenda

2006-12-05T09:50:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Why is it difficult to fight in a foreign land?
2. Collect HW
3. Read: “The War of the Hills” and answer reading questions
4. Video: An Army of Amateurs
5. Video Questions
6. Discuss Project and pick topics
WE WILL MEET IN THE MEDIA CENTER TOMORROW!!!!

Monday, December 4th Agenda

2006-12-04T09:59:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: For what reasons should a nation go to war? Is it ever right to start a war without being attacked or directly provoked? Explain.
2. Discuss test and review expectations
3. Discuss and debate peace vs. war
4. Read about the advantages of the opposing sides
5. Create a T-chart of the advantages
6. Review T-chart; discuss who had more advantages
7. HW: p. 171 #3 and 4

Thursday, November 30th Agenda

2006-11-30T07:12:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Who's fault was it that war began? Explain.
2. Group Work: p. 160 #6 and p. 162 #16
3. Review Group Work
4. Video: Seeds of Liberty (Causes of the American Revolution)
5. HW: Prepare index card; test tomorrow
---> You will be allowed to use a 3x5 index card for tomorrow's test. You may write on it whatever you want and may use both sides of the card.

Field Trip Info

2006-11-29T23:39:00.000-05:00

If you are still undecided about the field trip, Mrs. White has more information available through her website:

http://www.seaford.k12.de.us/es/cwhite/ImportantLinks/FieldTrip/KingTut/KingTut.htm

Just click on the link to find out more!

Wednesday, November 29th Agenda

2006-11-29T10:11:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Have you ever taken a stand against something or someone even if it was not in your best interest? In other words, have you done something you know would not help you in any way just for principle? Explain.
2. Collect HW
3. Notes: The Road to Revoution Part II
4. Primary Source: Patrick Henry's Speech
---Grade Reports! Get them signed!
5. HW: p. 160 #'s 1, 3-5

Period 1: Look at yesterday's agenda. You are still one day behind.
Period 3: You are more or less caught up. We are just doing things a little differently to stay on top of things.

Tuesday, November 28th Agenda

2006-11-28T09:30:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Pick two events from yesterday's chart and explain how one event lead to or caused the other.
2. Notes: The Road to Revolution Part I
3. Comparing View Points: The Boston Massacre (worksheet)
4. HW: Pretend you are a member of the Sons or Daughters of Liberty living in Boston. Write a letter to someone in another colony telling them why you are opposing British policies and describing the current situation (1770). Include specific details. This should be at least two paragraphs.

Period 1: You will be a day behind until further notice.
Period 3: You may have to finish the worksheet for homework instead because of the shortened class.

Monday, November 27th Agenda

2006-11-27T08:20:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Now, its back to work for the next four weeks until an even longer break. In that time, we will be studying the American Revolution, a critical and exciting time in our nation's history. After we all found our way back to school through the fog, here is what we did today:

1. Warm-up: How do you react when your parents or guardians try to crack down on you and the things you do? Explain, using a specific situation if possible.
2. Field trip info.
3. Review French and Indian War and results
4. Notes: Setting the scene
5. Group Work: Chart of main events (pp. 147-153)
6. Review Chart
7. HW: Write a paragraph describing the goals of the Proclamation of 1763.

Tuesday, November 21st Agenda

2006-11-21T07:43:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Why do we study economics? How is it part of social studies?
2. Determining price using supply and demand: Shortages and surpluses
3. Video: Production
4. Production worksheets
5. Review Worksheets
6. Video: Intro. to Revolutionary War Era
7. HW: Eat, sleep, watch football

Monday, November 20th Agenda

2006-11-20T09:23:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of a post on Friday. We took an open-notebook quiz, did a current event, and watched a review video. At any rate, here is today's agenda:

1. Warm-up: If you found $10 on the floor one day, what would you spend it on? Would this item cost you anything (would you be giving something up)? Explain.
2. Introduce mini-unit on economics.
3. Video: Introduction to Economics
4. Key Terms worksheet from video
5. Discussion: Supply, Demand, and Prices
6. HW: Pick any good or service. List 3 things that would change the demand for this product and 2 things that would change the supply for this product.

We are doing a mini-unit on economics. With the break a day away, I couldn't see starting the Revolution, only to have you forget it over the 5 days you are gone. Economics is part of the state curriculum and will make up 1/4 of the social studies DSTP in May. It is important you pay attention in class as this is not in your textbook.

Thursday, November 16th Agenda

2006-11-16T07:38:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What modern-day lessons can be learned from the French and Indian War?
2. Check off and go over homework.
3. Project
4. Open notebook quiz tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 15th Agenda

2006-11-15T09:34:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: How did the French and Indian War begin? What role did George Washington play?
2. PowerPoint Notes: The Course of the War
3. Read Outloud p. 143 "The Albany Congress"
3. Worksheet: Map Mystery
4. Review Map Mystery
5. Classwork: Write a paragraph describing the Treaty of Paris and its effects on North America
6. HW: Finish Guided Reading Worksheet

Tuesday, November 14th Agenda

2006-11-14T07:43:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Which European nation do you think had an advantage in North America in 1750? Explain.
2. Video Segment: George Washington
3. Read: p. 142-143 outloud
4. Notes: The Conflict Begins
5. Create a timeline of the French and Indian War (Major Events)
6. Review Timeline
7. HW: “Primary Source” question p. 143

Monday, November 13th Agenda

2006-11-13T20:52:00.000-05:00

I apologize for being out today. I will be back tomorrow! In the meantime, here is the agenda - better late than never.

1. Warm-up: Map Worksheet: America in 1750.
2. Discuss map of America in 1750.
3. Collect p. 145 Question # 1
4. Group Work: European Rivals
Instructions: In your group, read p. 140-141 “European Rivals”
-Identify the groups competing in North America
-Explain each group’s goals and expectations.
5. Review Results of group work.
6. HW: Write a paragraph demonstrating knowledge of objective #2

Friday, November 11th Agenda

2006-11-10T07:47:00.000-05:00

1. Test: Life in the Colonies.
2. Read pp. 140-145.
3. Answer question #1 p. 145. Use complete sentences and make sure you explain your answers. (Due Monday)
4. Discuss Marking Period Grades

Thursday, November 9th Agenda

2006-11-09T07:15:00.000-05:00

1. Review Game
2. Test tomorrow!! Study!!!

Wednesday, November 8th Agenda

2006-11-08T07:22:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What were the results of yesterday's election? Were there any suprises?
2. Discuss: Education in the colonies
3. Primary Source Activity: New England Primer
4. Read: The Spread of New Ideas (p. 128-130) outloud
5. Answer Questions about the reading
6. Homework: Begin reivewing for Friday's test; we will be doing an activity tomorrow where the more you study, the better you will do!

Monday, November 6th Agenda

2006-11-06T07:21:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Read p. 127 "The Great Awakening" and describe, in your notes, what it was.
2. Discuss: The Great Awakening
3. Quiz and Test Make ups
4. PowerPoint Presentation: Election 2006
5. Classwork/Homework: p. 130 #'s 1-6 (due Wednesday)
6. TEST FRIDAY

We spent a large portion of the day discussing tomorrow's election and its significance. This ties in with a unit we will do later on American government, but will serve as a good introduction. In the meantime, we continue our study of colonial life.

Friday, November 3rd Agenda

2006-11-06T07:13:00.000-05:00

Sorry this is late getting posted.

1. Warm-up: How can this class work better for you? In other words, what improvements could be made?
2. Go over Guided Reading and Vocab Builder Chapter 4
3. Discuss colonial society (group work)
4. "Sinners in the hands of an Angry God" worksheet
5. Discuss Worksheet and Great Awakening
6. HW: None - Enjoy the weekend!

Thursday, November 2 Agenda

2006-11-02T10:17:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What are "rights"? What rights do you have as students? As Americans?
2. Read "The Rights of Englishmen" p. 46-49 in Hakim's From Colonies to Country text
3. Reading Questions
4. Guided Reading and Vocab. Builder
5. Discuss Colonial Society
6. HW: Read p. 127 "The Great Awakening" - Mini-quiz tomorrow to see if you read!
--Finish worksheet if not already done

Today's discussion centered on rights and their origins in English history. In class, we also discussed some modern issues involving prisoner rights and the War on Terrorism and Iraq.

Wednesday, November 1st Agenda

2006-11-01T07:28:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: Begin working on triangular trade sheet
2. Review Sheet
3. "Election" about end of the week quiz
4. Discuss systems of voting / colonial government
5. Government Activism: Pick an issue and write a letter to a legislator about how you feel and why it is important. If there is nothing you currently feel strongly about, pretend you are a colonist and choose an issue affecting them.
6. Discuss topics of writing.
7. HW: Finish letter

Today we wrapped up our discussion of colonial trade from yesterday and transitioned to a discussion of colonial government. We worked on letters as a way of practicing political activism because decisions made by lawmakers effect people of all ages. Therefore, as future voters, you should have a say in what they do as well. Writing a member of government is perhaps the best way to have your voice and perspective heard.

Tuesday, October 31st Agenda

2006-10-31T21:49:00.000-05:00

Sorry this is late coming out!

1. Warm-up: What three things did you write about in last night's homework? Why?
2. Notes: England and colonial trade.
3. Read "The Nasty Triangle" in Joy Hakim's book
4. Write down the 5 most important things you read about.
5. HW: Finish p. 123 #'s 1-5 for tomorrow

Today's lesson focused on trade between England and its colonies in North America. We discussed the Navigation Acts, Mercantilism, and triangular trade in detail. Read up on these things in your textbook and do the homework if you were absent!

Monday's Agenda

2006-10-30T07:18:00.000-05:00

1. Warm-up: What do you think is the most important event that we have studied so far?
2. Timeline Activity
3. Review Timelines
4. HW: --Finish Paragraph from timeline activity (due tomorrow) & p. 123 #’s1-5 (due Wednesday)

The purpose of today's lesson is to review what we have covered so far and to establish where we are chronologically as far as the history of colonial America. Also, we are addressing history standard 1 by looking at cause and effect relationships evident in the timeline. (See, and you guys just thought I was torturing you ;-))

Friday, October 27th Agenda

2006-10-27T07:43:00.000-04:00

1. Warm-up: As all of these colonies were settled, how do you think the Natives felt?
2. Quiz: Middle and Southern Colonies
3. Current Event: Choose one of three
4. Mini Project: Create a flier or pamphlet trying to convince Europeans to come to your colony. You may choose to represent any of the colonies we have discussed. Include factual information such as the background of the colony and the geography. Be creative!!

Weekly Objectives - Use to study!

2006-10-26T14:26:00.000-04:00

Objectives:
1. Identify William Penn and explain the start of the colony of Pennsylvania.
2. Explain why the Middle Colonies were known as the breadbasket colonies.
3. Describe life in the “backcountry.”
4. Explain the foundation of the Southern Colonies.
5. Describe the ways of life in the Southern Colonies.
6. Identify how slavery became an important part of southern life and culture.

Thursday, October 26th Agenda

2006-10-26T07:23:00.000-04:00

1. Warm-up: Is America today religiously tolerant? What about most individuals?
2. Review yesterday's classwork and collect homework.
3. Notes: Southern Colonies and Slavery
4. Primary Source Reading
5. Video: The Southern Colonies
---> Write 5 things you see in the video that you already knew and 5 things that you learned from watching the video.
6. HW: Study!!! Quiz Tomorrow - The Middle and Southern Colonies (Chapter 4 Section 2 and 3)

October 25th - Agenda

2006-10-25T07:32:00.000-04:00

1. Warm-up: How is the South unique?
2. Collect p. 112 #'s 1-6
3. Complete chart: Southern Colonies
4. Guided Reading worksheet: Southern Colonies
5. Review Classwork
6. HW: p. 119 #'s 1,2,5,6,8

Tuesday, October 24th Agenda

2006-10-23T23:02:00.001-04:00

Today in class:
1. Warm-up: What ideas, images, etc. come to mind when you think of Pennsylvania?
2. Notes/Discussion: The Breadbasket Colonies and the BackCountry
3. Read: "William the Wise" p. 105-108 in Joy Hakim's Making the Thirteen Colonies
4. Complete questions about the reading.
5. HW: Finish p. 112 #'s 1-6 - Due Tomorrow

Monday, October 23rd

2006-10-23T09:34:00.001-04:00

Today in class:
1. Warm - up: We labled the 13 colonies on a map.
2. We reviewed last week.
3. We completed a chart on the Middle Colonies
4. We started classwork/homework.
----> p. 112 #'s 1-6 Due Wednesday
5. HW: Finish Take Home Test (Due Tomorrow)

Welcome

2006-10-23T09:25:00.000-04:00

Welcome students and parents. I know this does not look like a traditional website for a class; that is because it is not. This is what is called a web log, or "blog" for short. This will allow me to post homework assignments and the agenda for each day so that those who are absent can easily access what we did from anywhere they can find a computer. Also, this site allows for comments and discussions in case questions arise about certain assignments. As of right now, all comments are approved by me first, so please keep it clean and about class information or your comment will not be approved. You may need to register to make comments. Registration is free and easy and they do not bother you with spam emails or anything like that. I'll be adding links that you might find interesting as I get more time to fix this up. Like all web pages, it is a constant work in progress. Please check back often for updates!