Socials 10-2: Designing a better HBC

Today we began with a short reading quiz from pp 139-146.  This time the marks didn't count so that you could see how the format works. If you didn't do the reading, you're not off the hook; please come to our next class prepared.

We spent the bulk of our time working in groups of four to work on new business plans for the HBC, a company threatened by the competition of the NW Co.  Our current economic landscape seems to demand that companies are flexible and able to react to the conditions of the day (or better yet, to anticipate the conditions of tomorrow).  Thanks for your group work today - you all worked well and everyone gave a fair effort.  We'll finish this up next class: there is no homework.

Socials 8-1/8-2: Crescent and the Cross Documentary

Today we watched the BBC documentary "The Crescent and the Cross."  We stopped every ten minutes to share our learning and to discuss the main features.  Here is the link to the film:
Video: 180 minutes

Here are my sketchnotes:

Section Three got to minute 45 and Section One got to minute 39 (because they also watched the Horrible History).  There is no homework unless you still have not handed in your group's castle design work.

History 12-1: 1914 Map of Europe/Wilson's 14 Points (Day 1)

Today I started by collecting your revised 1919 paragraphs (although it seemed some of you didn't actually revise them?).  Next, I shared my method for learning the map of Europe using the four similarly-sized "signpost states."  Here are some visuals:

We then began our reading of Exercise Three from the Falk workbook.  I reviewed some strategies for doing close readings of  "dense" passages.  Get those pointer fingers out and don't forget to "mumble read" aloud.  I "translated" the preamble and asked you to read the remainder (including completing the questions) for homework.

Socials 10: Debriefing boats and examining NW Co strengths

Today we debriefed the strengths and weakness of York boats and canoes.  Here is a review of some of the ideas we discussed:

Next, we looked at some of the characteristics of the business model of the NW Co and then split into groups to rank them in the order of our perceived ranking of importance.  Here they were:

We will next try to take the "so-whats" we discovered in that activity to create a new business model for the HBC so that it can beat the NW Co in the battle of the fur trade.

For homework, please come to class with pp 139-146 read so you are ready for a brief reading quiz.

Socials 8-1/8-3: The Crusades

Today we completed the Crusades readings and questions.  See yesterday's SS8-2 post for details.

Socials 8-2: The Crusades

Today we did an introductory study of the Crusades.  I was pleased with the level of independence students showed - there was a good vibe in class today.  If you were unable to finish in class, you should do so for homework.  Here is a link to the study guide

I collected the Castle Design Projects - there were one or two groups who promised to get their late work in to me tomorrow morning - I hope they follow through.

Next class we get to watch some video!

History 12-1: Intro to the paragraph

Today we came to class with our First World War paragraphs completed; thank you all for being so responsible (this bodes well for our success as a group this semester).  Next, we spent time reviewing the paragraph rubric and learning how to analyze writing in order to better self-evaluate our work.  Next we looked at a few examples of past student writing and identified what was good and what could be improved.  I wanted to give you time to start to re-write in class, but we ran out of time.  Please come tomorrow with a "good" copy of today's paragraph AND a completed self-evaluation (rubric).

Remember that writing is a process and it will take time to develop all of the traits that I'm encouraging: be patient and remember to celebrate your successes - the pieces will come to make a satisfying whole before you know it.