Socials 10-3: Reviewing the fur trade and comparing boats

Today we reviewed the map of Canada as it concerned the HBC and the NW Co.  We also handled some trade goods such as ink, nails and lye soap.  We took some notes from the PPT and then used the links on yesterday's SS10 class's post to access info on York boats and canoes.  We created a table to compare the two and then reviewed our answers.  I'll post a copy of our review later since the other class has still to complete this task for their homework.

Tomorrow as HBC partners, we will try to create a business plan to compete with the NW Co who is challenging our monopoly.

There is no homework today and we should have books by tomorrow.

History 12-1: The First World War: Part 2

Today we reviewed the political elements of the First World War and then examined the nature of the war itself.  We only have time for a cursory review as it is expected that students will have an understanding of this war from Socials 11.  I understand that in Socials 11 you only really get exposed to the Western Front, but examination of the others now would take time we can't spare away from other topics.

I asked that students attempt their first History 12 paragraph for homework.  Please be careful NOT to retell the story of the war.  Your job is to use the key vocabulary terms to set the tone for the 1919 Paris Peace Talks by explaining the nature of the politics that got the warring nations to the battlefields, and then describing the nature of this new style war itself.  I suggest that you consider using the word "cynicism" somewhere in your conclusion.  In the editing stage, ask yourself if a reader would be able to as "so what?" at the end of any of your sentences.  He the answer is, "yes," go back and tell the significance of what you've shared in that sentence.  Good luck and don't worry if you don't achieve perfection this first time - we're all learning.

Remember, the PPT is available via the Slideshare link on the side tab of the blog.

Social2 8-1/8-3: Law and Asia in the Middle Ages

Today we switched gears from our investigation of castles, back to a general study of the time.  We completed a study guide for pp. 56-61 in the text, including a table that compared the Manor Courts with the Royal Courts and the Church Courts.  Here is a link to the questions: Law and Asia

If you were unable to finish in class, you should do so for homework.

Remember that the Castle Design Projects are due Thursday as well.

Socials 10-2: Intro to the fur trade

Today we had an introductory lesson on the fur trade.  We started by getting an orientation to the map of Canada and the area known as the Northwest.  We also sited some of the major bays and lakes, noting the importance of rivers as lines of communication in an area that had no roads or railways.

Next we looked at some characteristics of the fur trade as carried out by the HBC and the NW Co.  We will do more comparing next class.  For homework, I asked that you review the info on the york boat and the canoe, and then complete a simple table showing the pros and cons (or, advantages and disadvantages) of each.  Two points in each square would be good.

1. York Boats: Info Page

2. Canoes: Info Page


For more info on the canoe, here is a link to an interactive page on the NW Co

canot du maitre

Socials 10-3: Intro to the Metis and the Fur Trade

Today we discussed the geography and other aspects of the fur trade as it related to the HBC and the NW Co.  We also created a basic timeline for this topic.  We ended by reciting some Cree numbers, something the wintering partners of the NW Co most certainly would have had to do.  We don't have a text at present, but I'm working on it.  There is no homework for today.

Hist12-1: Intro to the First World War

Today we looked at the beginning of a PowerPoint (PPT) that examined the causes for the First World War.  The War is outside of the scope of the course, but we need to do a short review because it (and the treaties that resulted because of it) set up much of what was experienced for the rest of the century.

If you use the link on the sidebar of the blog, you can access all of the PPTs we will be using during the course.  Tomorrow we will get our textbook and workbook (really just another text) so there is no homework tonight.

Click on the link to access the PPTs

Socials 8-2: The Law and Contact with Asia

Today we switched gears from our investigation of castles, back to a general study of the time.  We completed a study guide for pp. 56-61 in the text, including a table that compared the Manor Courts with the Royal Courts and the Church Courts.  Here is a link to the questions: Law and Asia

If you were unable to finish in class, you should do so for homework.

Remember that the Castle Design Projects are due Wednesday as well.