History 12-1: Sketchnoting practice

An earlier sketchnote on Paper53 to help with exam prep.

Today we added to the skills introduced yesterday, and then took some time to apply our new skills by creating a sketchnote to summarize the outcomes of the Versailles Treaty.  Here is mine; please be ready to share yours tomorrow.

Today's effort: not as much fun as Paper53 on the iPad, but
much faster to create w/o the need to use the zoom feature.

We ended the class by reviewing the evidence practice exercise (5a and 5b) from Falk. Some of the main ideas that came out of that discussion were the importance of recognizing bias and noting how one source can corroborate or contradict another.  It is our job as historians to weigh the evidence on its various merits to determine what we should believe.  For example, we now have a stronger understanding of Woodrow Wilson's attitude towards what "fair" treatment for post-war Germany might look like.  This also reinforces our need to seek a number of sources when creating/determining our understanding about a topic, event or person.

Tomorrow we'll finish up the unit and prep for Friday's unit test.

History 12-1: Powerpoint basics and intro to sketchnoting

Today I reviewed so basic design skills in PPT.  Specifically, I demonstrated how to create a "floating" "table of contents" text box at the top of the slides.  I also discussed slide backgrounds and techniques to add interest while still allowing for easy reading.  We talked about "dead space," limiting text, animations and font selections.

Next we watched Sunni Brown's TED Talk on doodling.  We then practiced some basic sketchnoting skills.  We'll carry on with that tomorrow as well as wrapping up the Paris 1919 content, including the League of Nations.  You should expect your first unit test on Friday.

Socials 10-2: finishing HBC plans and intro to sketchnoting

Today we used the laptops to complete our HBC business plans (including an "ad" poster 8.5X11" and a Word document with mini-paragraphs outlining our ideas to complete with the NW Co).

Next, we watched the Sunni Brown TED Talk on doodling and then learned some basic sketchnoting skills.  This will allow us to show our learning and display our creativity in new ways as the course moves forward. We'll carry on with that next class and then examine the events surrounding the Red River conflict of 1869-70.  There is no homework unless you did not hand in your HBC work.

Socials 8-1/8-3 Magna Carta

Today's classes followed the same script as yesterday's SS 8-2 block.  Please complete your classroom "magna cartas" for homework if you were unable to do so in class.  We'll share at the start of next class.

Socials 8-2: Magna Carta

Today I returned the castle design projects.  The marks were generally 75% or higher.  Some students have not yet returned this assignment and getting that done is a priority.

We also completed a study guide on King John and the Magna Carta.  We discussed this step in beginning the process that ended autocratic rule (eventually) and established the conditions for parliamentary democracy (and the preservation of the Crown).  We also watched this video and then made some connections between the Magna Carta and our own Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  You should complete the study guide at home if you were unable to do so in class.  We'll share our classroom "Magna Cartas" at the beginning of next class.

History 12-1: The League of Nations

On Friday and today we examined the League of Nations and discussed the Treaty of Versailles (the PPT is available on SlideShare).  Today I returned the paragraphs written on the the Paris 1919 talks.  I was very satisfied with the progress you've made.  I would say yours is a very "teachable" group in that I can see students employing the tips and tricks we discuss to improve both the argument and style in these pieces.  We just started to look at some political cartoons at the end of class. Interpreting these cartoons is a "bread and butter" staple skill in History 12.  There is no reading homework tonight.  But the two students who owe a paragraph should get those in tomorrow.

Socials 10-3: Finishing the HBC business plans; Mistissini Cree tanning moose hide

Today we spent the bulk of our class finishing the business plans we started last class.  As people finished, I asked then to start to read the next section in the text.  I recognize that many of you will miss the next class because of the Manning trip, but we'll come to class on Friday having read pp. 148-160.  This will allow us to have some background as we prepare to discuss the Red River events of 1869-70.

We ended today's class by watching a short five-minute video demonstrating the techniques used by the Cree to tan moose hide.  I lived in Mistissini for the first four years of my teaching career, so I recognize the landscape and the people well.  I was fortunate enough to see this process many times. The video gives a small window into the traditional culture, but also traditional gender roles: Tanning

On Wednesday we'll watch some of this documentary: Cree Hunters of Mistissini