Socials 8-1,8-2: Ocean Exploration quiz and intro to the Reformation

On Monday we wrote the quiz and then did a review of the history topics we've done so far in the course. We created a timeline and then put SS8 in context with SS7 and the courses that come next. Next, as an introduction to the Reformation, we reminded ourselves of the East/West split in the empire during Roman times. We also reconnected to some of our previous learning from the crusades and then I used a story where I would sell "A"s for $50 as a way to introduce some of the practices of the Catholic Church as a way to understand how a religious protest movement might be started.

There is no homework.

Socials 8-1 and 8-2: Test prep

Today we started by creating an ending to this prompt:

"The Age of Exploration was..."

This forced us to synthesize all of our learning into a concise single idea. I suggest this is a difficult but useful exercise to test your understanding in any topic you study in the humanities (courses such as English and Socials).

Next, we watched a short clip on Barthalomew Dias and reminded ourselves about the technology and innovation involved in the construction and sailing of a caravel. We then watched two short videos that showed the ocean paths of trade ships and whaling ships in the 1700s and 1800s. We noted that winds and currents helped determine the seasonal trade routes.

On Monday you will have your test:

Page One 
1) Match ten terms to their sentences, and 
2) Fill in the blanks for five sentences.

Pages Two-Three 
Answer ten multiple choice questions.

Socials 8 Ship Documentary

To access the video for Wednesday, May 20 and Thursday, May 21 use this LINK. (it may start mid-video; draw it back to the start).

Socials 8-1 and 8-2: The Explorers

Today we took some time at the beginning of class to regroup. I made it clear who still has not handed in his or her sketchnote as well as identifying which (if any) study guides are missing. Most students were working on the Spanish and the Portuguese, or The Explorers by the end of class. You should all be finished the Spanish and the Portuguese before Wednesday's class.

Socials 8-1 and 8-2: Intro to the ocean explorers and trade

I started today by reminding you of the time expectations in class. The study guide activities are designed to be completed in 70 minutes or less. If you are unable to complete all of the questions/activities, please do so for homework so that you don't get behind. ENSURE you keep all of your work in the rings of you binder so it is not lost (it needs to be ready to be checked for completion).

We began the lesson with a look at the world map where we reminded ourselves about projection and scale. Next, I showed a short clip of video so that you could see a replica Chinese junk under sail, and learn of Admiral Zheng. We used the rest if the block to complete the guide titled "Riches of Asia."

If you want to watch it, here is the LINK.

Socials 8-1 and 8-2: Last day to complete the Renaissance sketchnotes

The title says it all. If you did not complete your sketch in class, please do so before our class on Wednesday, next week.

Socials 8-2: Work period

Today was a work period. By the end of class, all but one or two students had checked off all five Renaissance study guides. I will give one more block to complete the sketchnotes on Wednesday. That means some of you may need to use your LA blocks or time at home to finish. (If you have completed your skecthnote please bring work on Wednesday).

Socials 8-1 and 8-2: Renaissance continued...

Today we continued to finish up our five study guides: half the class has moved onto the sketchnote project.

Socials 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3: Renaissance: Monday and Tuesday, 20-21 April

Today we started to wrap up the work on the Renaissance study guides. There are five in total, and I started going around individually to check each student's completion. Once the five guides are done, students will move on and create a summary sketchnote on 11 X 17 paper
to show their learning. Below is a model of one part of what the sketchnote might look like (in this case, "Renaissance Thought").

Socials 8-1 and 8-2: Renaissance Day 3

Today we worked to complete the work on the Renaissance artists and some students moved on to a study of the Northern Renaissance. Everyone now seems pretty good at formatting jpeg files and text boxes. We also worked to learn some basic composition skills so that the images we curated looked more pleasing. When we complete all of the readings, we will do a big sketchnote assignment instead of a test.

No homework (unless you know you are behind); enjoy the sun!

Socials 8-1 and 8-2: Renaissance Thought

Today we got started on the Renaissance. I gave a short demonstration on formatting pictures in a Microsoft Word document in order to complete the last question from today's activity. Please have the first sheet completed for next class. It is fine to complete the second one (Renaissance Artists) in class on Wednesday. We will have the computers available to us all week so we can research the images needed for both activities.

Socials 8-1, 8-2, 8-3: The Italian City States and the story of money.

Yesterday and today we completed a map of the Italian City States and then discussed the effect of geography on Italian development. Next, we learned how interest works in banking and how $1 can become $2! I showed everyone who wrote the Middle Ages Test his or her score, and then shared the Term 3 final grades. A few people have their Castle Design Project to return for marks (asap). From there, were completed the study guide on Italian City States, and started the package on money. Please ensure the first study guide on city states is completed before next class. Enjoy the sun!

Socials 8-1 and 8-2: Middle Ages Unit Test

The title says it all. I'll have the test back to you for next class. Enjoy the long weekend. If you are missing the castle design project (8 from SS8-1 and 5 from SS8-2) please get it in - the Third Term reports will be due soon.

Socials 8-1 and 8-2: Test review

Today we did a test review and I went over the format of the test. If you review these notes and your study guides, you should have no problems doing well. Do some practices where you try to construct the big sketches on pages six-seven; if you can do it in practice, then you'll be able to do it on test day. Also, don't kid yourself: ensure you know what you are going to write on the crusades paragraph. Below are the board notes from the two lessons - they are mostly copies of one another.

Socials 8-1 and 8-2: The Life of a Peasant

Today, since I had to be out of class, instead of beginning our review for the test, we watched an episode on the life of a peasant. Next we created want ads for the job of peasant. I heard I missed a bad word on one of the want ad samples that I provided the TTOC - oops - sorry everyone. Next class we will review.

Socials 8-1 and 8-2: Finishing the Crusades paragraph

Today I began with a review of the elements of good writing. We used the remainder of the block to work on our paragraphs. This is the last work block for this writing. On Wednesday we will review the Middle Ages work we have done to date and on Monday next week we will write our unit test (it will include a paragraph on the Crusades, so please ensure you keep tour rough draft handy).

Today's writing review

Socials 8-1 and 8-2: Paragraph Writing - Day 2: Closers

Did I really spell "fought" with an "a."

Today we had a lesson and practice on writing paragraph closers. These are difficult and I felt both classes worked hard and had good results. Enjoy the break.

Socials 8-2 Student samples

Socials 8-1 Student samples

Socials 8-1 and 8-2: Paragraph First Draft

Today we used the whole block to compose the first draft of our crusades paragraphs. We will edit and add our closing sentences next block. Both classes worked well and got quality work done.

There is no homework. The Middle Ages unit test will be held after Spring Break.

Monday - Socials 8-1 and 8-2 AND Tuesday - Socials 8-3: Crusades Paragraph Lesson

Today we had a writing lesson to prepare us to write on the Crusades next class. We focused on the topic sentence and the clarifying statement. We will write our paragraphs next class. There is no homework.

Socials 8-1 and 8-2: Finishing the Crescent and the Cross

Today we started by comparing and contrasting (finding similarities and differences) between the Muslim fortifications shown in the film and the castles we studied earlier. We then finished the documentary. Afterwords we did some preliminary writing activities associated with key words. This involved some collaborative and critical thinking. Please ensure you come to the next class with today's paperwork. There is no homework.

Socials 8-2 words

Socials 8-1 words