Friday, 30 May: All Classes

There were no classes yesterday due to the teachers' strike action.  Due to the time constraints today, I have to compose an amalgamated, condensed blog post:

Socials 10-3  Today we has a free-wheeling discussion that wove connections between the Laurier history unit and current Canadian current events.  You all did well creating your timeline at the start of class.  I'll try to wrap the history unit on Monday.  There is no homework.
REMEMBER: THE FINAL EXAM HAS NOW BEEN CHANGED TO THURSDAY, 19 JUNE AT 09:00 

History 12-1  Today we debriefed the two Vietnam study guides and completed the map of Asia activity.  For homework, please read the two magazine articles "When Bears Fly..." and the "Nukes of Hazard" book review.  Please come with five speaking/bullet notes from the latter piece.  Also, please complete the first détente work sheet.

Socials 8-2: We worked on our paragraphs: they are due on Monday morning.

Wednesday, 28 May: All classes

Due to the time constraints, I have to compose an amalgamated, condensed blog post:

Socials 10-3: Today we focused in on the Naval Services Bill of 1910 and Laurier's Reciprocity Treaty of 1911.  We watched the People's History episode "I am Canadian First."  I was impressed with the quality of your ideas; here is a shot of the board work you created in discussion:

There is no homework.


Socials 8-2: Today we worked to complete of study of explorers and trade.  All five sheets should be compete when you come to class on Friday when we'll be working on the synthesizing paragraph activity.

History 12-1: Today we examined the conflict in Vietnam from the end of the Second World War to the departure of the U.S.A. and subsequent peace talks and the complications with the newly amalgamated country's neighbours. I'd like you to complete Falk Ex # 1 (we'll do #2 on Friday) 2. On Friday we'll examine détente as a response to the Cold War.  Please read Falk pp. 184-89 prior to Friday's class.

Tuesday, May 27: All classes

Due to the time constraints, I have to compose an amalgamated, condensed blog post:

Socials 10-2: Today we reviewed Laurier and discussed "A Nation of Cities" from the People's History.  Please come to our next class with pp.252-260 read.

Socials 8-1/8-3:
Today we discussed the role of communication and writing in our lives and then worked to be ready to start our summary paragraphs.  Please be at a point where you have started your paragraph by Next Tuesday's class.  That class will be our last in-class work period on this topic.  It will be due on Thursday.

History 12-1:
Today we wrote the China unit test.  For tomorrow read the following pages from Howarth: p. 201, 214-16, 225-27 and from DeMarco: pp 214-223.

Monday, 26 May: All classes

Due to the time constraints, I have to compose an amalgamated, condensed blog post:

SS10: We discussed Laurier's term and watched  "A Nation of Cities" and "A New Map of Canada" from the People's History.  Please read pp. 246-250 for homework.







Hist12: We watched the second BBC documentary from the Howarth text and discussed a second short piece on the Cultural Revolution.  We also created a timeline to review China in the 20th century from the creation of the CCP in 1921 to the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989.  Tomorrow we will write our China unit test - there will be a writing section on a "source" prompt only: tell what you see; tell what it means; and then connect the larger topic and share your learning.




















SS8-2: We worked to complete our study guides: some students are now working on their cumulative paragraphs. Everyone should be finished Ex 1-4 by Wednesday.

Socials 10-3: Laurier timeline and signpost events

Today we built a timeline together on the board and discussed the differences between early Canada under the Conservatives with the National Policy and the era of Laurier and the push towards Reciprocity.  We talked about the boom in the economy but I left out any talk of tariffs - that will be the next lesson.  We watched two segments of The People's History one on the South African (Boer) War and one on the Last, Best West.  Thanks for your participation today - you always seem to muster a nice energy in class.  There is no homework.

History 12-1: China and Mao's plans

Today we began with a jigsaw activity based on some readings out of the Howarth text.  It would have been better with everyone here, but those who participated took up the slack well.  Next, we watched some video snippets that I've collected over the years and at the end of class had an interesting discussion about how some of Mao's views (criticisms) of liberalism could be related to our lives.  Things then took a turn and we included a discussion of the role of public education in society and how it and other elements of our western world all fit together.  Thanks for sharing your ideas so freely.  It's nice to be able to see how the course can help us give context and order to our thinking about our world.

Remember, I need you to finish reading the DeMarco chapter on China.  We'll try to wrap things up on Monday.  You may wish to get a head start on the Falk exercises.  Enjoy your weekend, wether you're going to the concert on Sunday, or not.

Socials 8-2: Explorers and trade

Today was a very productive day for most of you.  I am noticing that the quality of your work has improved over the work you did for the Renaissance.  Please come to the next class on Monday with the first four study guides completed.  Enjoy your weekend.

History 12: China after the Civil War

Today we debriefed yesterday's exam and then discussed DeMarco, pp. 184-91. We also watched the BBC segment about Mao and the Civil War and then completed the study guide.  Please make sure you are familiar with the summary sheet I gave you about China.  There are a few "big ticket items" (such as the Hundred Flowers Campaign and the Great Leap Forward) that you have to get straight.  In general, I want you to be able to compare and contrast the way communism was instituted in China and Russia.  Tomorrow we'll carry on with China.  Please have the rest of the DeMarco chapter completed for Monday.

Socials 10-2: Laurier and the first decade of the new century

Today we discussed the many shifts that occurred in Canada with the new Liberal government of Wilfred Laurier.  We noted aspects of the economy as well immigration.  We highlighted a few main focus points: Manitoba Schools Question; Boer (South African) War; the last, best west; and, the Tin Pot Navy.  We watched two People's History segments, one on the war and one on immigration.

After school we had a 30-minute tutorial for those who wish to re-write the test tomorrow.  The following students attended:

SS 10-2: Amy, Sean

SS10-3: Jordan, Jack, Leif

Socials 8-1/8-2: Finishing up the Explorers

In Socials 8-1, we worked to complete the textbook work with the explorers.  I also let you listen to Stan Rogers' "Barrett's Privateers," a Canadian folk song as a lead-in to a short discussion about that element of the British sea dogs.  I also showed the short clip that illustrates the role of currents and winds in the sailing days of whale hunting.  Here is the link.

Socials 8-3 worked with Mr. Emmerson and a HACE topic.

History 12-1: Cold War Unit Test

Today we wrote the test.  In preparation for a look at China after the revolution, please come to Thursday's class with DeMarco pp. 184-191 read, and Ex 5-6 completed (bullet notes, as usual, are fine).

Socials 8-2: Explorers study guides

We hadn't seen each other for a week when we met today!  That means the other groups are almost finish the next unit's study guides while you are just beginning.  Still, some of you have already completed all five - that is quick, concentrated work.  Everyone should come to the next class at least ready to start the third sheet: "Portuguese and Spanish Explorers."

Socials 10-2: CAPP

Today was a CAPP block with Mr. Murphy.  We'll be wrapping up history in the next few classes as we prepare for a brief intro to government.

Socials 8-1/8-3: Moving ahead with the study guides

Today was most productive.  Many students in each class have now completed all five preliminary sheets and are moving to the pre-writing assignment to prepare for the culminating paragraph.  Everyone should have all of the study guides completed this week and be writing or ready to write next week.

HIstory 12-1: Cuban Missile Crisis

Today we started by doing a Cuban Crisis Excomm meeting reenactment.  It was difficult for some to "get in character" and difficult for all who felt they needed more background info to their character and how he might have thought.  In a way, that made the scenario real because the people of the day also had imperfect intelligence available in order to make their decisions.  Next, we watched a segment for the JFK documentary and took notes on the "play-by-play" and key points.  We saw, for example, that the Soviets were in fact ready to launch their Luna missiles had the USA acted aggressively against Cuba; we also saw the important role that Bobby Kennedy played both during Excomm discussions, intermediary between the Americans and the Soviet Ambassador in Washington, and in dealing with the "second letter."

Next, we debriefed Ex 10 from Falk.  Finally, we did a quick reminder of the format of tomorrow's test.  I suggest you take a drive-by through SlideShare to remind yourselves of the key points; the blog is also a good source.

Socials 10-2: Test debrief, Laurier's "Sunny Way" and the Manitoba School's Question.

Today we debriefed the test.  Most of you were able to do better than your last test.  Some indicated they would like to do a re-write.  The tutorial for both groups will be Thursday at 3pm and the test will be Friday at 3pm.

We also watched the People's History segment on Laurier and his method of compromise.  This became a common theme for many Canadian leaders and some would suggest is a part of our national character.

There is no homework.  Enjoy the weekend.

History 12-1: Cold-War Confrontation/Escalation

Today we started with a review of the main terms we've studied to date.  Then we used an incomplete sketchnote to curate the escalation of tensions/stressors.

We also watched a short clip of confrontation involving General Clay and Soviet tanks at Checkpoint Charlie and J.F.K.'s famous Ich bin ein Berliner speech.  The speech allowed us to have a good discussion about the issue of protecting West Berlin sovereignty against Soviet designs.  We were able to reconnect with terms such as communism, democracy, capitalism and dictatorship.  I thought your did well today and I feel we tightened up our understanding nicely.  On Tuesday we'll investigate the Cuban Missile Crisis and get ready for Wednesday's unit test.

Please review p.144 in Falk and read pp.223-28 in DeMarco (no questions need be done).  Enjoy your break.

Erik: the North Korean capital did fall to the UN forces after Inchon but was recaptured by the Chinese during their drive south.

Socials 8-1: Peer-teaching the Explorers

Today we switched our routine.  I noted on the board the names of the students who had completed certain study guides so that they could act as peer teachers for students who were ready to have their work checked.  This came from our discussion that the lecture methods is the least effective way to learn and teaching someone else is the best.  It took a while for students to get efficient at working within this setup, but in the end it worked well.

Most students have now completed the second guide, and many have completed the third.

Enjoy the long weekend.

History 12-1: Khrushchev

Today we debriefed Ex 7 and discussed the transition to Khrushchev with some PPT slides (available on SlideShare.  We also saw a brief segment from the JFK biography.  I left you with some thinking around the Berlin Crisis that developed in 1961-62.  How should the leaders proceed.  Is Berlin worth the trouble?  If so, why?  If not, why not? This really is worth thinking about as you grapple with the concept of a cold war and how it affected policy and decisions.

Socials 8-1/8-3: Explorers cont.

Today we should have all finished the Spanish and Portuguese explorers study guide.  If you're not there, you should get some work done at home.  Both classes worked well today.  Se you all tomorrow.

Socials 10-2: Test day

Today we wrote the mini unit test.  I'll try to have them marked by tomorrow so you can see how you did.  Please come to tomorrow's class with pp. 242 - 256 read.  I want to quickly move through the last piece of history and get to government.

History 12-1: NATO vs the Warsaw Pact

Today we watched the "Cold War Confrontation" documentary and then read the two defence pacts and discussed their similarities and differences.  Please complete Falk Ex # 7 on Peaceful Co-Existance in preparation for our discussion of Khrushchev in a post-Stalin USSR.

Socials 10-3: Logging and Fishing test

Today we wrote the mini unit test.  They are marked and you can come see me at your leisure to see how you did.  We don't meet again until Wednesday - boo - hiss - hiss.  Please come to our next class with pp. 242 - 264 read.  I want to quickly move through the last piece of history and get to government.

Socials 8-2: HACE with Mr. Emerson

Today you got a break from me and worked on a HACE assignment.  From what I saw it was a pretty interesting topic.  See you next Wednesday!

History 12-1: Korean War and McCarthyism

We had a discussion about the Korean War, took some notes from some slides (available on SlideShare) and completed a review guide.  We also looked at some Herb Block cartoons as a way to examine McCarthyism (also on SlideShare).  There is no homework today.  Tomorrow we'll be working with some primary documents to understand NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

Socials 8-3/8-1: Explorers and their ships

Today, I explained the way an airplane wing achieves lift and how a lateen sail can be thought of as a wing on its end.  In this way, a sail can be pulled by the wind as well as pushed by it.  This knowledge is key to understanding how advances in sailing technology allowed navigators to move more easily between places on Earth.

Please ensure you have the Ships and Navigation study guide done for homework.

Socials 10-2: Industries Google Docs Activity

Today we did some constructivist learning to wrap up our look at early BC industries.  We formed two working groups to create two Google docs to summarize our learning about logging and fishing.  The groups were given full autonomy to create their documents from content and design to work sharing. I have locked the docs to comments only to ensure they stay in tact for people to access.

Here is the link to the SS10-2 Fishing Google doc

Here is the link to the SS10-2 Logging Google doc

Both groups were directed to study each other's work because on Thursday we'll have an assessment.   

History 12-1: Early Cold War events

Today we completed the PPT that examines the big events at the start of the Cold War.  We also debriefed DeMarco Chapter 13.  We completed the Korea map and located the timeline for tomorrow's lesson. I asked that you read Chapter 14 pp. 162-166, Ex 1-2 for tomorrow.  We'll also examine McCarthyism.

Socials 8-2: The Navigators

Today we looked at some of the key explorers and the technology that allowed them to more confidently leave the sight of land.

We also watched a short clip that showed the trade/whaling routes of the nineteenth century.  I discussed some of the factors that we need to remember when we think about sea exploration.  Sometimes we forget that not only wind is acting on the ship: there are also ocean currents.  When we look at the bottom left of the map in the video, we see lots of traffic in the area of strong winds called the "Roaring Forties" (40 degrees south latitude) between the Cape of Good Hope and western Australia.  Here is the link.

There is no homework unless you have not completed today's "Portuguese and Spanish Explorers" study guide.

Socials 10-3: Fishing and logging Google doc activity

Today we did some constructivist learning to wrap up our look at early BC industries.  We formed two working groups to create two Google docs to summarize our learning about logging and fishing.  The groups were given full autonomy to create their documents from content and design to work sharing. I have locked the docs to comments only to ensure they stay in tact for people to access.

Here is the link to the Fishing Google doc

Here is the link to the Logging Google doc

Both groups were directed to study each other's work because on Wednesday we'll have an assessment.   I asked if that should be objective test questions or two summarizing paragraphs and the class was split so you can probably expect a split of both.  It would probably be wise to do a paragraph pre-write just in case (hint, hint).

History 12-1: Intro to the Cold War

We started the class by reviewing the unit exam and then got right to the Cold War.  The PPT "Intro to the Cold War" is on SlideShare.  On Monday we will debrief DeMarco and the Chapter 10 worksheet I gave out today.

Enjoy the weekend and thanks for a week of concentrated effort.

.

Socials 8-2: Final inquiry sharing

Today the final inquiries were shared.  If you still haven't presented yours, it will be your responsibility to arrange a time out of class.

Many students have now finished the first two study guides in the unit on the explores/trade.  At the very least, the first should be done, but I suggest you also complete the second for homework.

Enjoy the weekend.

Socials 10-3: Logging and Fishing in BC

Today we did an exercise that drew on our reading last day about the traditional resource industries in BC.  Afterwards, I showed a few images to explain how we could examine the nuts and bolts of one of the industries, in this case logging (available via my SlideShare account - link at top right of this blog).
At the end of class, we visited the NFB site to view three classic Canadian shorts: The Log Driver's Waltz, Black Fly and just for fun, The Cat Came Back.  There is no homework; enjoy the sun.

Socials 10-2: Local traditional industries

See yesterday's SS10-3 post.  You should watch the short video called "Spartree."  The links to all three videos are on the post.

History 12-1: Second World War Unit Test

Today we wrote the test. In order to prepare for tomorrow's intro to the Cold War, please read 156-161 and complete bullet answers to three questions only (your choice) from any three exercises (Ex 2-6) = 9 questions total. Plus, create one question for discussion.

Socials 8-1/8-3: Finishing inquiry sharings/beginning explorers unit

Today we split into two groups: students who had and had not completed their sharings.  If anyone has still not presented, he or she will have to arrange to bring an audience of two peers OUTSIDE of class time to share.

We are now working on the Trade/Exploration unit. Since the study guides are designed to take one block to compete, anyone who was unable to complete the "Riches of Asia" sheet should do so for homework.

History 12-1: Test Prep.

Today we reviewed and I covered the format of the test.  We'll write tomorrow.  I also discussed the Conferences PPT that I asked you to read last night.  You should have a sense of when the Big 3 did and did not meet.  What was the one MAIN focus of each of the conferences.  Remember the Atlantic, Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam conferences are the most important.  There is no homework other than to study for your test.

Socials 10-3: Local industries

Link to NFB

Today we started by looking at a local heritage website to gain an insight to some of the traditional "European" economic activity on the Sunshine Coast.  See yesterday's Socials 10-2 post for the link.  We also saw a few short video clips to gain an appreciation of what work in those industries looked like.  We watched an NFB short titled "Red Runs the Fraser," and "Spartree." We also saw the beginning of a documentary on the Allison Logging Co. that showed hand logging with spring boards, crosscut saws and wedges.

Link to video

Link to video

There is no homework.

Socials 8-2: Inquiry Sharing - Day 1 of 2

Today we began by learning how to use the rubric for the inquiry sharing and then arranged ourselves into three groups.  For each presentation there was a self, peer and teacher evaluation.  For the most part, students were able to conduct themselves respectfully during the whole process.  We'll complete the sharings on Thursday and then start our new unit on the navigators and trade.  See yesterday's Socials 8 post for a copy of the rubric.

History 12-1: The End of the War

Today we began by watching "The Road to Germany," and debriefing the Falk study guide.  Next, we had a discussion around the use of technology and how that aspect of the war had changed and even what it meant for the future.

Tomorrow we'll debrief the war conferences and watch a "World at War" interview about the shape of the post-war peace (can you still remember 1919?).  We'll also do a general unit review in preparation for Thursday's WW2 unit test.  Friday we start the Cold War.

For homework, please read pp114-16 in Falk; read 154-55 in DeMarco, and go to SlideShare to read the PPT on the war conferences.

I'm still missing some "War in the Pacific" paragraphs from last week and not everyone has written a blog comment describing one of the theatres of war.  Italy is up for grabs, as is the Mediterranean, Burma and even Northwest Europe (D-Day?).

Socials 10-2: Science Trip

Use this link

Only two students were in class today because of the science trip.  We investigated the local traditional economies using the following website.  This will be a wider activity for everyone later.

There is no homework.

Socials 8-1/8-3: Renaissance inquiry sharing

Today we began by learning how to use the rubric for the inquiry sharing and then arranged ourselves into three groups.  For each presentation there was a self, peer and teacher evaluation.  For the most part, students were able to conduct themselves respectfully during the whole process.  We'll complete the sharings on Thursday and then start our new unit on the navigators and trade.

There is no homework except for those few students who were not prepared to share today.

Socials 8-2: Intro to Ocean Navigators and World Trade

Today we saw a short video on square-rigged ships rounding the Horn as an intro to our new unit.  We then read pp. 243-246 and answered the questions on the study guide.

Please remember that your Renaissance inquiry sharing (5-minutes long) will be on Wednesday, next week!

History 12-1: The close of the Second World War

We started by posting comments to summarize the major theatres of the war (see the comments below). If you were absent, I'll ask you to comment on one of the theatres not covered (D-Day and North-West Europe, Mediterranean, Italy, etc).

SS10-3: BC traditional industries

We began today's class by discussing reasons different people thought B.C. should or shouldn't join Confederation.  I was most impressed with the class's ability to puzzle out such a good variety of ideas.  When we reviewed, we found that you came up with all of the main reasons: well done.

Next we read a summary on four of B.C.'s main resource industries.  We practiced taking "marginal notes."  Then we shared our ideas.  We ended by looking at a Google Earth image of North Road and greater Vancouver.

Use this link to begin your search for information on BC's traditional resource industries: http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/exhibits/timemach/galler09/frames/index.htm

I suggested you could read pp. 227-228 if you were finished early.

There is no homework.

History 12-1: Japan and the War in the Pacific

Today we began by examining sources about the Nanking atrocities of 1937-38.  We read reports from both Japanese and Chinese investigators.  We also saw how the events were reported in four contemporary Japanese school books.  It gave us an insight to some of the psychology of warfare.  We ask ourselves how could normal people allow their behaviour to change in such a way.  I noted that in Golding's novel Lord of the Flies the same question is addressed.

Next, I gave a PPT lesson on the Pacific using some basic questions as guides.  Why, for example, would Japan attack the USA, a country with nine times the industrial output and 97% the agricultural output?

For homework, I asked for a one-page, double-spaced response to the following prompt:

"Discuss the nature of the war in the Pacific."  

This prompt, or a form of it, often appears in unit exams.  You have studied the blitzkrieg strategy of Europe; how does the strategy of the Pacific compare?  Were the weapons the same?  Were the soldiers the same?  Were the tactics the same?  Were the outcomes the same?  You get the idea.

Socials 8-1/8-3: Last Day of Renaissance Inquiry

Today we had our final day of inquiry research and artifact creation.  OnTuesday we'll have our sharing.  I am giving students the long weekend to complete their work.

SS 10-2: The Chinese in early BC history

After reading pp. 234-236 in your text, please use these links to get a deeper understanding of the Chinese in B.C.

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/chinese-canadians/021022-1200-e.htm
http://www.ccnc.ca/redress/history.html
http://ccs.library.ubc.ca/en/chronology/chViewItem/1/0/20/
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/apology+Chinese+head+should+include+cash+advocate+says/9378779/story.html

Next we watched "Gold Mountain" from The People's History.  Here is my sketchnote:

Scroll to 1:08:18 of the linked video  to see the episode "Gold Mountain"

There is no homework.