Socials 8-3: The Reformation Day 3

Today we worked to complete the work on the Reformation. I gave a short lesson on the rules for capitalization since correcting Grade 8 punctuation is a full-time job these days. Proper nouns seem to be the biggest problem, so please take care when answering your questions. Thursday will be a day to summarize the Reformation (I have a bullet sheet available) and that will complete the set portion of the course. I have booked the laptops for the last two weeks to allow you to inquire into any topic we've studied in more detail. After Thursday, there are only four blocks of Socials 8 left! (boo hoo).

Socials 8-3: The Catholic Counter-Reformation

Please see yesterday's SS 8-1/8-2 post. Please come to Tuesday's class with the Counter-Reformation work complete. Also, those of you who are still missing the Renaissance sketch need to get on it - time os running out.

Socials 8-3: The Reformation intro and Martin Luther

We started the block with me sharing the results from the Explorers unit test. I also gave overall term grades and advised people of any missing work. The most common deficiency is the Renaissance sketchnote. Please get missing work in ASAP.

Today we worked on the first study guide in the Reformation set. I spoke briefly about indulgences and how offensive they were for many Christians. We also spoke about the relationship between power and money. This helps to explain why the Church acted the way it did.

Please ensure you finish today's work before you arrive to the next class (on Friday).

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 8-3: Last work period for the exploration unit

Today we worked to get all of our study guides checked off. As folks completed all of their work, they began to get started on some extra-credit research using the computers. I gave a choice in the method of showing their learning: paragraph, sketch of bullet notes. Thanks for a great class.

Next class is a test review period and the test will be one week today, on Thursday, 21 May.

To see a good documentary on privateers that gives good insight into the ships and navigation in the era we are studying, use this LINK.

Socials 8-3: Finishing the ocean exploration series

Today was the last block of class time to work of on the ocean exploration series. Many students have finished all five activities and engaged in some extra-credit work. Next class we will have a review of all concepts in this unit and on Tuesday, next week, we will have a short unit test. If you have outstanding work, you should try to get it done before next class.

Socials 8-3: The Explorers

Today we worked autonomously to complete the Explorers study guide. Many students are now completing more than one guide per class so that many also started the look at the sea dogs (the English and the Dutch).

Socials 8-3: The Spanish and Portuguese

Today we carried on with our theme on exploration. The study guide included a political cartoon so we had a short discussion about the role of satire and how it might be used to affect change (either in people's attitudes or actions). I was pleased with the work ethic today and have noted that generally folks are working well to ensure they do not have any homework at the end of the day.

Socials 8-3: Ships and Navigation

Today everyone worked very well. I gave a short explanation of how the wind can "pull" a sailing ship, as well as "push" it. Since sailing is my recreational passion, I love studying this unit. If you were unable to finish in class, please do so for homework - I'll check your progress on Thursday.

The Renaissance sketchnotes that came in looked excellent - if yours is still missing it is now overdue.

A nice photo to show the "curve" (like a wing) in a sail

Socials 8-3: Intro to the explorers unit.

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 8-3: Renaissance Work Period

Today I finished checking the five study guides - all but a couple of students now have them all checked off. Today I noted an increased number of students having success staying focused to their work. Next class we will continue with our next unit, but the sketchnotes will not be due to turn in until early next week.

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 8-3: 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.

Socials 8-3: Renaissance Thought

Today we began by debriefing yesterday's work and then we got started on the Renaissance. Please have the first sheet completed for next class. It is fine to complete the second one (Renaissance Artists) in class on Tuesday. We will have the computers available to us next week so we can research the images needed for both activities. Enjoy the weekend. 

Term Three ends next Friday - get those missing Castle Projects in!

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 8-3: Middle Ages Test Day

Today we wrote the test. I'll try to have it marked for next class. If you missed the test, please arrange to have it done ASAP. There is no homework.

Socials 8-3: Test Prep/review

Today we reviewed for the test and a gave a page by page summary of the format. Study the blog, your study guides and today's notes to do well. Completing your Crusades paragraph will make that section of the test go much more easily. Good luck.

Today, since I had to be out of class yesterday and the others got to see an episode on the life of a peasant, I decided that you deserved the same. Next we created want ads for the job of peasant. I thought you worked well together and your ads were right on the mark. Next class we will review.

Socials 8-3: Finishing the Crusades paragraph

Today we started with a short discussion on the nature of good writing and then we worked to complete our paragraphs. I am planning to have a unit review on Thursday and the test on Friday (if the review goes well). Please complete your paragraph for homework. You will be asked to write a paragraph on the crusades on your unit test so you can think about it as test prep.

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