Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

I hope everyone has a safe and happy break.  I'll see you all back on January 6th.

History 12-3/12-2

Today we wrote our Cold War test.  I won't be introducing a new topic tomorrow.  Our next unit will be China (wait until you hear of The Long March - it's very cool).  If you want to read over the break so you don't have homework on the first day back, you can read DeMarco, Chapter 15.

Socials 8-1/8-3

Today we had a nice discussion about civil rights and Nelson Mandela.  I then read the beginning of an info pack and students read the rest.  Please remember that some of you promised to try to get missing work in tomorrow.

Socials 8-2 Last day for the Viking sketchnote

Today we tidied up our outstanding work.  A few students need to get their Saxon poster in to me:

Jericho
Maitland
Kody
Liam S.
Tyler
Harley

Most students were able to also get their Viking sketch note in today.  If you did't get that done, please do so before you start your winter break.

History 12-3/12-2 Cold War test prep day

Today we created a timeline and discussed the key events and people associated with tomorrow's Cold War test.  The test will have three multiple choice timeline questions, the usual "what/so-what" format, some general multiple choice questions, a map associated with Korea, and finally a paragraph with a cartoon as the prompt.  Good luck: tonight we study, tomorrow we will be happy in our work, and on Friday we will start a glorious vacation!

Hist 12-3 notes on Berlin Wall

Hist 12-3 notes

Hist 12-2 notes

History 12-3/12-2

Today was a jam-packed day.  We started by debriefing the study guide for yesterday's comparison of the Warsaw Pact and the NATO treaty.  We noted that there were more similarities than differences.  Here are so focus points from that:

Next, we watched the video titled "Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Khrushchev."  It did a good job outlining the increased tensions between the superpowers over things like The Bay of Pigs, The Berlin Wall and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

We ended by hearing my PPT presentation on Khrushchev: this highlighted some of the important points from DeMarco Chapter 14, (but it is not a replacement for the reading).

Use the Slideshare link to access the presentation 

Tomorrow, we will go deeper into the Berlin and Cuba crises and then review for the test that is on Thursday.

Socials 8-3/8-1: Day 2 of the Viking Sketchnotes

Today was a work session to complete our sketchnotes. I noted that lots of students needed a reminder to add more text to help explain their learning.  Here is a photo from yesterday's class:

The finished products are due to be handed in on Thursday.

History 12-3/12-2 Comparing the Warsaw Pact with NATO

Today we spent the entire class working through a comparison of the two subject treaties.  Some found the language a bit challenging, but for the most part the text was not "legalese."  I tried to share some techniques for managing this sort of work.  It is best to write marginal notes to summarize your understanding rather than hunt for "answers" to "questions." Those who just looked for answers will likely have a more superficial understanding than those who tried to "work" with the text at a deeper level.  You should come to class with the two treaties done.

Tomorrow we'll be looking at some of the DeMarco, Chapter 14 questions so be ready.

Socials 8-2 Viking Sketchnotes Day 2

Today we spent the whole class working on our sketchnotes.  They are really coming along.  If you are almost finished, good; if not, you may wish to do some work at home (hint, hint).

History 12-2/12-3 Korean War

Today we had a lesson on the Korean War (the slides are available via Slideshare).  We also completed a map and timeline activity and then completed a study guide to confirm some of the key ideas.  We ended with a few minutes of some documentary footage on the war.

Remember:
38th Parallel
UN resolution
Security Council
Pusan
Inchon
Yalu River
MacArthur ("old soldiers...just fade away")
Truman
Panmunjom
DMZ

Please remember to have Chapter 14 of DeMarco ready for tomorrow.  Also, don't forget tomorrow is re-test day for the six who attended the tutorial.

Socials 8-1/8-3 Vikings

Today we completed the text study guide work for pp 32-35.  I also introduced the Vikings sketchnote assignment.  This is a chance to show your learning in a new way.  We will continue with this next class.  If you were unable to finish the questions in class, you may like to do so for homework.

History 12-2/12-3: Cold War Lesson 2

Today we started by examining some statistics from a 1950 American Gallup Poll. I wanted to give you a sense of how people were feeling at the start of tensions between the East and the West.  I asked students to record a couple of our observations.  For example, we saw a difference in the perceived likelihood of nuclear war based upon education level.  We also noted that there we differences in the views of Republicans vs. Democrats, and men vs. women.

After that we looked at the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan and NSC 68 as the cornerstones to US foreign policy in that era.  We also looked at the Soviet responses.  You should be able to complete the following chart and if you can't, revisit the PPT via Slideshare on the sidebar of the blog.

What are the Soviet companions to these
USA initiatives?  Where would NSC
Order #68 fit in?

For homework, please read DeMarco Chapter 14.  You should be ready to answer question on it for Friday's class.  Today we had the tutorial for Friday's retest on the USA, and the Mid-East and India: anyone who attended is welcome to write the test.

SS8-2 Vikings Study-guide wrap up and Sketchnote

Last class we completed the questions and illustrations from the big Vikings package.  Today we did four things:

1. Had a discussion regarding the "Link-up" activity (page 34 of the text)

2. Finished reading the text pp. 32-36 (if not already read).

3. Answered the questions on the back of the Link-up study guide.

4.  On an 11 X 17" piece of paper, we created a sketchnote to summarize our learning regarding the Vikings.

History 12-2/12-3 Test debrief and Cold War PPT - Part One

Today we started by reading a review in The New Yorker about a book that discusses nuclear weapons in the Cold War, and after.  Read it to find out what the author says was/is the real threat with these weapons (hint: it's not the fact that governments might launch their missiles).

Next, I reviewed the USA, Mid-East and India test.  There will be a tutorial on Wednesday at lunch for those who wish to rewrite that test (the re-write is on Friday).  I also shared the marks form yesterday's Second World War test.  If didn't present your inquiry on Friday, see me soon to arrange a time to present to me outside of class time.

We also had a discussion on the first part on my Cold War presentation.  We noted how some of the terms listed are examples of "causes" of the Cold War, and some are examples of "competition" during the Cold War.  The main thing is that you understand that the world order shifted into a bipolar landscape of two superpowers.  Tomorrow we'll look at some specific examples of events and their causes and their effects as they related to the late 1940s and 1950s.

Please complete the reading of Chapter 13 in DeMarco (and complete the exercises).

Today's PPT can be reviewed on Slideshare vis the link on the blog sidebar.

What imagery would you use to represent the division that
was created between the USA-dominated West and the USSR-
dominated East?  What would you leave in and what would
you add?  How would you use the dead space in the middle
of this image?

Socials 8-1/8-2 Vikings study guide: Day One

Today I started by giving out the marks/rubrics from the Saxon poster project.  The writing on the posters was, for the most part, well done.  It was clear that people put a good deal of care into their work.  Next, I gave a brief review of the use of capital letters since that was the most common error on the posters. 

After that, I set the class to work completing the Viking handout reading and questions.  Please complete the questions for homework (remember that you do not need to re-draw the longship if you have already completed the sketch note).

History 12-2/12-3: Second World War test day!

Today we wrote the unit test.  Tomorrow we will review the fascism and nationalism test and then get right to the Cold War.  Please ensure you get started by reading DeMarco pp. 154-158 and completing Ex 1-3.

Socials 8-2 Viking Questions, Part 2

Today we had a short discussion about Nelson Mandela and his contribution to our world.  We see his legacy in our own reconciliation work with our First Nations people, but there is still much to do.

We worked independently to read pp. 32-35 in the text.  Next we answered some questions in the study guide.  Again, we see the role of Christianity/religion as a force of change.  Many of you noticed that the graffiti activity was hampered by the fact that there is no rune for the English "l" sound.  I thought it was a great idea of the boys working at the back of the class to design their own rune to fill in the blank (innovation is a great skill to have).

Please ensure you have all of the study guide work done before next class: we will be bringing all of our learning together into a comprehensive Viking sketchnote.

Thanks for a very productive work period!

Socials 8-2 The Vikings Handout

Today I started by giving out the marks/rubrics from the Saxon poster project.  The writing on the posters was, for the most part, well done.  It was clear that people put a good deal of care into their work.  Next, I gave a brief review of the use of capital letters since that was the most common error on the posters.

After that, I set the class to work completing the Viking handout reading and questions.  Please complete the questions for homework (remember that you do not need to re-draw the longship if you have already completed the sketch note).

History 12-3/ 12-2Presentation Day

Today we shared our presentations.  We began by debriefing the format of the rubric and decided the order of the speakers list.  I suggested that this was good experience for those of you who were planning to attend college or university because sharing information in seminar groups is a part of the post-secondary routine.  Thanks, those of you who were prepared and present.  We also did some practice questions for Monday's test.

Ideas for the test:

I suggested that you look at p. 117 in the Falk handbook to get an idea of what the three choices for the paragraph question might look like; ignore #1-3 and #5 (although appeasement questions could appear in the objective sections of the test).  Don't be lazy: write some pre-write notes for three topics and you should be good.  Remember, details/evidence/examples are needed to support your argument and to lead you to a conclusion.  Also, read pp 78-116 in the handbook a few times because it covers all of the "parts" of this unit in a clear fashion - it really is your silver bullet.  I have all of the PPTs on the Slideshare link via the blog.  Make sure you watch the rest of the War Conferences PPT and pay attention to Tehran, and Yalta (with the Big 3) as well as Potsdam.  Remember, the Atlantic Charter is the "14 Points" of the Second World War.  You may wish to review your answers to the Chapter 12 DeMarco questions that you did earlier.  There will be a "matching" section that uses terms from the list of 74 vocab terms that we "chunked." There is no "source" question on this test. Good luck.

History 12-3/12-2

Today we discussed the wartime conferences.  In the big class I also outlined the format for Monday's war unit test.  I'll do the same with the small class tomorrow.  Tomorrow is inquiry sharing day: be prepared to share your learning in a group for 5-10 minutes.  See the blog PPT link on the sidebar to access today's presentation.

Socials 8-3/8-1 Intro to the Vikings

Today's lessons went well; I am pleased with the apparent ease that you have transitioned to integrating sketchnoting into your assignments.  Here are some of our wonderings and other thoughts about the Vikings.  There is no homework; enjoy the weekend and I'll see you all next week.

History 12-3/12-2 War Timeline Google doc

Today we started by using the laptops to complete the Google doc on the Second World War timeline.  We debriefed all of the input in the small class and a variety of the events (by date and campaign) in the large class.  We also saw some more footage from various campaigns (in the big class it was the Allied bombing campaign on Germany and a bit of the U-boat war.  I tried to review some of the main points for each.  These two campaigns are good examinations of the ethical and strategic decisions that leaders and planners must make in time of war.

D-Day HINT: know the 5 beaches and their nations, the role of the airborne
vs. the amphibious soldiers, the role of the navy and the air force and
 the importance of P.L.U.T.O. and the Mulberry harbours. 

Looking at the land campaigns

Your projects are due on Friday.  We will be looking at the war conferences tomorrow and reviewing for the test.  On Friday we will listen to the projects being presented. And on Monday we will have the test on the war.  

Different ways to construct a WW2 timeline
(campaign vs. branch of service)

The Allied bombing summary
from World at War video

The U-boat summary from World at War video

Socials 8-2 Vikings

Today we started our look at the Vikings.  We began by asking what we know and what we wonder.  Then we read the introductions in the text and the handout.  We took some brief notes for each and then we read about the Viking long boats and showed our learning in a sketchnote.  It seems that most like the process because everyone was engaged and able to create a good sketch; some had more detail than others, but that will come.

There is no homework.

History 12-3/12-2

PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR INQUIRY PROJECTS ARE DUE ON FRIDAY.

Today we looked at the terms list for the war and came up with short reminders about what each meant.    We will finish the lest tomorrow.  We have the computers tomorrow so we will be inputting the info for our timeline event into the Google doc.

We also saw some of the World at War series.  The classes watched different parts of different episodes that included: the war in the Pacific, Op Barbarossa and the North African campaign.


Time is running out: PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR INQUIRY PROJECTS ARE DUE ON FRIDAY.

Socials 8-3/8-1 Day 2 of Sketchnoting

Today we started by discussing the things that allowed our poster projects to be successful and the things that slowed our progress.  Flash drive availability was one common complaint. If you wish, put a $10 (2 gigabyte) flash drive on your wish list so your folks know you need one.

Next, we did a review of the sketchnoting skills we learned last class and then practiced adaptations in the hope of taking our first steps towards developing a personal style.  We also discuss the rationale for doing sketches (purposeful doodles with labels) as a way to deepen our connections with our learning.

We ended the class by creating our first sketchnote on the migration (invasion) of Britain by the Saxons.  I was pleased with the successful application of the strategies we had worked on earlier.  It is gratifying to see such obvious learning.  Thanks.

The beginning of my Saxon sketchnote

There is no homework unless your Saxon poster is overdue.

HISTORY 12 SECOND WORLD WAR TIMELINE GOOGLE DOC

Here is the link to the google doc: Google doc

PLEASE TYPE IN BLACK AND LEAVE THE BLUE HEADINGS ALONE.  IF TWO STUDENTS ARE DOING THE SAME EVENT, COPY THE BLUE FORMAT BEFORE YOU FILL OUT THE INFORMATION.

Here is a photo of what you chose to do:

An example of a completed event.

History 12-3/12-2 Battle of Britain video

Today we watched the "Britain Alone" video (sorry for the poor quality of the degraded vhs tape).  After viewing and discussing, I  asked the class to write a brief five or six sentence summary of the video.  By now you should be getting very comfortable developing a quick topic sentence and then summarizing a discussion.  This ability to take a big idea and simplify key points will pay dividends for those of you going on to post-secondary school next year.

I also asked students to select a timeline event and research it as per the example below.  We have the computers on Wednesday and Thursday, and I'll ask you to transcribe your findings onto a Google doc then.

In the big class, I issued a copy of the workbook terms from the Second World War chapter and then "chunked" them into categories (ex. Spanish Civil War; Pacific War; Battle of Britain; etc.)  I'll give that information to the small class tomorrow.

I did not assign any homework so that you would have another night to build your inquiry presentations  due Friday.  Tomorrow 

Socials 8-2 Learning about sketchnoting.

See Friday's for a summary of today's activity.  I thought that the class worked well today and was impressed by the practice sketches you all handed in at the end of your practice; it is hard to tell this is beta at this point.  Anyone who was unable to turn in his or her poster must get them in as soon as possible.  There is no homework.

Histroy 12-2/12-3 Mid-East and Indian Independence/USA Depression Test Day

Today we wrote the unit test and I let students use the rest of the block to research their Second World War inquiry projects.  Remember that your projects must be ready to share in one week on Friday, Dec 6.  If you haven't done so already, please add a comment to the blog to indicate your subject and who is in your pair.

There is no homework other than working on your project.  Please don't leave it too late: I'm giving you  lots of time so you can do a quality job.  Enjoy your weekend.

Socials 8-1/8-3 Looking at doodling and sketchnoting as a way of thinking

Today we switched gears a bit from the concentrated work that we've been engaged in for the past week.  I wanted to give everyone a break but also to introduce them to sketchnoting,  a technique that I've been investigating for the past year.

We began with the six-minute Sunni Brown TED Talk from a couple of years ago.  Here is the link: TED Talk

Next, we looked at the evolution of my work and I introduced the idea of "beta testing" (the idea of releasing something that isn't perfect so that it can be used by others in order to gain their insights).  In school, we often leave students with the idea that their work has to be perfect every time and because of that, many are afraid to take risks, preferring to play it safe rather than to chance failure.  Today I encouraged them to realize that stumbling is necessary and good and a positive part of learning (I used samples of my early practice with my iPad drawing app - Paper by 53 - as an example).

We looked at ways to create images (metaphors?)
and how to alter text to tell a story

I then gave some instruction in creating a personal font style and illustrated ways to "draw" people in a sketchnote (everyone loves "star people").  We had a bit of time to practice, but all too soon, the class was over.

Please remember that your Saxon poster projects are due on Tuesday (ensure you're one of the cool kids who hands it in on time).  Have a great weekend.

History 12-2/12-3

Today was a work block to plan and research your Second World War mini-inquiry projects.  I'm sorry if I was unclear as to the due date - it is NEXT Friday, not tomorrow (not even I would give you a project to complete in two days while expecting you to prepare for a unit test on the same day).

Tomorrow we will have a unit test on the USA (in the 20s and 30s), the Middle East (1914-45) and India (1919 - 47).  There will be fewer objective questions (fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, and matching), the usual four what/so-what terms and a paragraph.  There will be no source question this time.  There will only be one prompt for the paragraph and I can tell you it will be on the effect of the Depression on all aspects of American society including the government.  Ensure you arrive having done a pre-write with lots of facts/evidence to support your work.  Here are some notes about the test - make sure you study the terms and know the names of the various documents (letters, reports, acts of government, etc) and what/who they concerned.

Review your DeMarco notes and your study guides.  The PPTs can be accessed via SlideShare.  Also, please ensure you bring work to do once you complete this "shortened" test.

Socials 8-1/8-3 Last class to work on the posters

Today was our last class block to work on the Saxons poster project.  Some students have already turned in their completed work.  The due date for your two classes is this Tuesday.  See me tomorrow if you have any questions or need the 11" X 17" paper.

History 12-2/12-3

Today we started the class with a five-question quiz on the Chapter 11-12 DeMarco readings.  Next, I shared a PowerPoint presentation on Operation Barbarossa and the Pacific War.  When we look at the "Eastern Front" we have to realize its scope: a 1000-mile wide front that spanned the distance from Leningrad in the north to Stalingrad in the south (that's Vancouver to Saskatoon).  It absorbed 75% of the German war effort!  You should understand the reasons why Hitler went east, why he was initially successful and why her ultimately failed.  Here is a sketchnote:

What more would you add? Winter clothing? Kursk? Ural
Mountains? What did Hitler say about "kicking in the door?"

In the Pacific we ask why little Japan would attack the USA.  Also, how did the nature of war in the Pacific differ from the other theatres. We need to be aware of terms such as: island hopping, withering on the vine, carriers, Manhattan Project, Pearl Harbor, Midway Island, Leyte Gulf, Asia for the Asians, South-East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere,  etc.

I omitted Hong Kong, the Doolittle Raid, Okinawa, and the
conventional bombing of Japan: what else could you add?

We spent the last 20 or so minutes getting into our mini-inquiry projects.  You are able to work in pairs and can choose any topic (confirm your choice with me, please).  Even better though, you can choose to share your learning in any way you want (ex. play, skit, song, puppet show, sketch notes, movie, stop-motion video, painting, model, replica artifacts, whatever (again, please confirm with me before moving forward).  We have the computers tomorrow.  Your "sharings" are due next Friday, Dec 6.

I will give you a quick review for Friday's test tomorrow (USA and the Depression; Mid-East nationalism; Indian nationalism).

Socials 8-2 Day 4 of 4 for Poster Project

Today it was pretty quiet in class with so many members away on the science trip.  Please remember that the posters are due on Monday - please be responsible about checking in with me if you need support before the weekend.  Ensure you have a piece of 11" X 17" paper before you leave on Friday (you may use your own larger/coloured paper if you wish).

Don't forget that a link to the resource package on the Anglo Saxons was posted a few days back (just in case you need it at home).

Socials 8-1/8-3 Day Three of the Poster Project

Today was day 3 (of 4) for the Anglo Saxon poster project.  We will have the computers in class for Thursday's class.  The posters are due to be turned in on Tuesday.  You may have to come in at lunch (or otherwise) to gain access to the computers or to print your data.  See me if you need help.

Ensure your poster has 5 paragraphs with 5 images.  You also need a title and your name.  IF you get outside information, please be sure to add a citation page giving the web site or book that you got your information from.

Note: Don't worry about putting a fold in the 11" X 17" paper to transport it safely.

Hist 12-2/12-3 Second World War #1

Today we began our brief overview of the Second World War.  I spoke to the main points discussed in last night's reading and then showed a sketchnote connected to the Battle of Britain.  I also showed a student-made PowerPoint on the Battle.  Next, we read the beginning of Chapter 12 in DeMarco.  I noted that logistics are often the limiting factor in war.  In the case of the North Africa campaign, both sides were hampered when their "lines of communication" became too long.  We also noted that the shortfalls in equipment and machines quickly became evident when the Italians went to war.

Please finish reading Chapter 12 tonight. I will be giving a reading quiz on Chapter 11 and 12 tomorrow at the start of class.

Some historians see 4 phases, and some see five.

How would you adapt a sketchnote on the topic?

History 12-2/12-3 Spanish Civil War

Today's lesson was a quick march through the main ideas concerning the Spanish Civil War.  I asked students to complete the following reading:

Global Forces pp. 59 - 62
the map book handout (p. 56-57)
Falk workbook pp. 79-82 (top)

I also summarized the following notes:

 

Remember, in many respects, Spain was a dry run for things to come.

We also examined some Republican propaganda posters and in the small class I called up a copy of Picasso's "Guernica" painting.

A peasant's slipper crushes the stone swastika

Please read and answer Chapter 11 in DeMarco.  It is a short one (pp. 133-141).  It addresses the invasion of Poland, the Phoney War and the Fall of France, and the Battle of Britain.

Socials 8-2

Today was day 3 (of 4) for the Anglo Saxon poster project.  Many students are going to miss Wednesday's lesson because of the Science 8 field trip.  They will definitely have homework.  Our next class after that is on Monday, and Monday is when the posters are due to be turned in.  You may have to come in at lunch (or otherwise) to gain access to the computers or to print your data.  See me if you need help.

Ensure your poster has 5 paragraphs with 5 images.  You also need a title and your name.  IF you get outside information, please be sure to add a citation page giving the web site or book that you got your information from.

Socials 8-3/8-1 Day Two of the Poster Project

Today was Day 2 of the poster project and what a day.  I was impressed with the focus and determined effort of everyone today.  You have certainly earned a rest.  I noted that in order to meet the deadline (that has been extended by one class) you should return on Tuesday with at least three of the five paragraphs completed (better yet, typed and ready to be added to your poster).

Enjoy your long weekend - I'll be in teacher school tomorrow!

History 12-3/12-3

We started by looking at the essay prompt key words from the Ministry to ensure we are all understanding what kind of response specific prompts are asking for.  I hope this helps students know how to organize their pre-writing for their next paragraph.

Next, we looked at a website that had quotations from Gandhi during the 1930 Salt March.  I asked students to copy three or four quotations and then choose one to add as a comment to this blog post.  Also, please indicate why you chose your quotation (post your first name only).

Finally, I asked that everyone write a 75-word paragraph to summarize their learning of the key points involved in the achievement of Indian independence (keep these in your binders because we'll use them later in an assignment to compare the Gandhi with Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam.

Socials 8-1/8-3

Please see yesterday's Socials 8-2 post outlining the Poster Project's first lesson (Day One).  I was very pleased with the keen, focused work that took place.  Remember that next class we'll have the computers so you will be able to get some of your typing done. It is a good idea to get a data storage device to keep your work safe (ex. a flash drive).

Hist 12-2/12-3 Tues/Wed

Sorry for missing the post yesterday.  We completed the Mid-East PPT discussion and I asked the class to ensure that Falk's Ex #14-15 were completed.  Today we debriefed those two pieces and then shared the India (Gandhi) PPT.  I also issued a reading package from the Howarth text.  Please ensure that you read that for tomorrow's class (put a few highlights or bullet-notes on each of the pages).  Tomorrow we shall complete the short quiz on the discussion and then use the terms from the first slide to write a short summary.  There is also a Falk study guide to complete if you're in the small class; the big class will be issued that piece tomorrow.

Terms for India summary paragraph to be written tomorrow

At the early dismissal bell we had a 30-minute tutorial for those who wish to do the fascism re-test (tomorrow at 2 p.m.).

Notes from the tutorial

History 12-3/12-2

THURSDAY AT THE START OF THE EARLY DISMISSAL IS THE FASCISM RE-TEST.  YOU WILL HAVE TWO OPTIONS:
1.  RE-DO THE WHOLE TEST
2.  RE-DO THE SOURCE AND PARAGRAPH ONLY

In either case, you must attend a tutorial on Wednesday at the start of early dismissal to complete a pre-write to gain admission to the test.

Today the small class debriefed the last two exercises in DeMarco Chapter 9 and then went on to start the Falk Ex #14 and 15.  I also shared Part One of my Mid-East PPT.  The main thing is that you recognize that in trying to satisfy the Zionists' and the Arabs' national aspirations, the British almost guaranteed future conflict.  Also, we see in the Middle East one of the clearest failures of the Mandate system as colonies became, for the most part, different colonies with new titles.  We'll finish the exercises tomorrow and then get right into the Indian independence movement and the Gandhi phenomenon.  G-Block will be shortened by 30 minutes for CAPP.

The big class started by copying a Depression paragraph pre-write.  Next I planned to debrief DeMarco, Chapter 9 but too few students did the reading so I worked with the few who did while the rest of the class tried to catch up.  I'm unwilling to change my principles on this in favour of using coercion to gain compliance.  You, unfortunately, have been moulded by 12 years of operant conditioning.  I'm not willing to punish folks who don't prepare, and I'm unwilling to give prizes to those who do.  I have to rely on logical consequences to guide people's decisions.  I'm wondering if the situation would change if the option of retests was removed?  Would people feel more motivated to well in the first place?  I don't know.  I do know that for some, just getting credit is enough, and I have to accept that, even if it is soul-destroying for me, the teacher.

Anyway, after DeMarco we watched two short video clips, one on the WPA and one on the CCC.  I then started the Mid East PPT by teaching about the region's geography.  We'll do the two Falk exercises tomorrow.

Socials 8-2: Monday = Day One of the Saxon Poster Project

DAY ONE (of three)

Today I issued the reading packages for the Saxon Poster Project.  This is a three-class assignment.  The resources and assignment sheet were posted to the blog on Thursday, Nov 14.

The project can be broken into bite-sized pieces

1.  Read the assignment sheet.
2.  Decide which of the five sub-topic you wish to do first.
3.  Read the section in the package and highlight important bits.  I suggest writing notes (point form) after every paragraph you read.
4.  Write the rough copy of a paragraph summarizing your research.  Remember to create a good juicy topic sentence!  There: you are one-fifth done the tough part.
5.  Repeat Step 3 and 4 until you have a rough copy for each of the five sub-topics
6.  Find at least five images to go with your paragraphs.
7.  Write out or type your five finished paragraphs (remember to edit/proofread)
8.  Now the fun part - glue your poster pieces together and enjoy the satisfaction knowing you've done a good job.

9.  Hand in your poster and get ready to receive praise from your teacher for the best darn Saxons poster that the world has ever seen!

*NOTE: remember that if you choose to use information from outside sources (a book or the Internet) you must cite the source and indicate where in your paragraph that you used it, with a footnote number.

History 12-2/12-3

In the big class we spent the bulk of the class working on the Google Presentation slides for the New Deal.  Please ensure that you come to school with that complete (including the Word doc with your "speaker's notes) on Monday.  We ended by using the headings in Chapter 9 of DeMarco to review some of the main ideas about the Depression.

In the small class we debriefed DeMarco (Chapter 9, Ex 1-6) and had a summarizing discussion about the Depression.  We also talked about the prewriting notes (for a paragraph?) that I've attached.  How would you organize these points.  I thought the ideas that the group came up with to improve the list were well-founded.  If you haven't completed your New Deal slide(s) and speaker's notes, please do so for Monday.  Otherwise, have a great weekend!

Socials 8-2: Anglo-Saxons

Please take a moment to post a comment on the following prompt:


In studying the Franks, Anglo-Saxons and the Celts, and anticipating an examination of the vikings, what questions are arising for you? (Remember to label your comment using the Name/URL tab).

We completed the Anglo-saxons study guide in preparation for the Saxons Poster Project.  If you didn't complete the questions in class, please do so for homework.  Enjoy your weekend!

Socials 8 Saxons Reading Resource: November 2013 Poster Project

Here is the link to the Saxons Poster Assignment: Assignment Details

Use the link to access Mr. Clark's Social Studies 8 seven-page reading resource for the Saxons poster assignment:

Poster Reading Material

Use this material as the basis for your poster research. 

SS8-3: Thursday - things I wonder...

Please take a moment to post a comment on the following prompt:

In studying the Franks, Anglo-Saxons and the Celts, and anticipating an examination of the vikings, what questions are arising for you? (Remember to label your comment using the Name/URL tab)

History 12 Alphabet Agencies Inquiry

Please use this link to create one or two slides to share your learning: shared PPT slides

You should also create a Word document to act as your "speaker's notes" (don't cram your slide(s) with text.

SS 8-1: Thursday

Please take a moment to post a comment on the following prompt:

In studying the Franks, Anglo-Saxons and the Celts, and anticipating an examination of the vikings, what questions are arising for you? (Remember to label your comment using the Name/URL tab)

Socials 8-2: Wednesday

Today we finally got to see the Franks law presentations.  I know some of you were shy, but I was pleased you all came through in the end.

Next, we completed a study guide on the reign of Charlemagne.  We also practiced our mapping skills by seeing how to use natural features such as rivers and bays to help us locate man-made boundaries.

Here is a link to the full-length "Dark Ages" documentary Dark Ages (we will see a 10-minute version that includes just the highlights next class - some students who finished early have already seen to video to augment their learning.

There is no homework unless you were unable to complete the study guide in class.

Learning Mapping Sills
(excuse the typo)

HIST 12-2/12-3: Start of Depression Lesson

First, here is a link to the Google Doc for the Ex#20 terms (if you wish): 1920s Economic Terms

Here is a summary for the lesson:

1. Watch New Deal video
2. Complete Ex 20 (Falk)
3. Do New Deal PPT
4. Listen to "Nothing to fear but fear itself" speech
(the big class will watch the video tomorrow)

 Tomorrow, we'll be working on the computers to do a mini-inquiry on the Alphabet Agencies.

Please be sure to come to class with all of Chapter 9 in DeMarco read (with questions answered).

A sketchnote of some key terms

History 12-2/12-3 Fascism Unit Test

Today we did the unit test.  Please read pp.117 - 119 in DeMarco and do Ex #3-5 (you should have already read pp. 113-16 and done Ex#1-2).

Socials 8-1/8-3 Charlemagne

Today we completed a study guide on the reign of Charlemagne.  We also practiced our mapping skills by seeing how to use natural features such as rivers and bays to help us locate man-made boundaries.

Here is a link to the full-length "Dark Ages" documentary Dark Ages (we saw a 10-minute version that included just the highlights).

There is no homework unless you were unable to complete the study guide in class.

Socials 8-3/8-1 Presenting Our Frankish Laws

Today we spent the first half of the shortened bock being entertained while the study groups presented their plays and raps and puppet shows and songs and drawings and skits about the changes proposed to the Salic Code and other rights for the Franks.  I want to congratulate everyone for approaching this activity with such enthusiasm and energy.  You all did well.  Here is a shot of one group's puppet play:

We spent the last half of class discussing Remembrance Day topics.  I hope you all have a great weekend - thanks for your good work today.  There is no homework.

History 12-3/12-2 Intro to the USA

Today we introduced ourselves to an examination of the USA in the 1920s and 1930s.  I started by identifying some of the biggest ideas that I personally think about when I consider this topic as a way to give focus to the things that you should perhaps ses as the most important parts of the story to learn.

Next, we looked at Falk's Ex #19 that examines a primary source from the Grand Wizard of the KKK as well as some other aspects to US society in the 20s.  For homework, I ask that you read pp 113 -116 in DeMarco and do Ex #1-2 as a way to continue your thinking about the USA after having concentrated on Europe for most of the first term.

Don't forget that the fascism unit test is on Tuesday.  Bring your books so that you have something to do when you finish.