Socials 10-2: The Merger of the fur companies; the Metis

We started by reading pp 147-150 which dealt with he merger of the two fur trade companies; although the NW Co had more shares initially, the HBC still ultimately came out on top.  We created some brief notes in our notebooks and then made a comment at the bottom of this post.

Next we read some timeline info about the Red River Resistance at the "How Stuff Works" website here.  The website gives a simple overview that will allow you to create a timeline (sketchnote, I hope) of the events that led up to and were included in this first "rebellion."

If you create a sketchnote, the metaphor of "the road that led
to the events" might be useful; this will get you started.

We also filled out Ex 14 to review the fur trade and then I showed a short video that demonstrated the way the Cree people of James Bay Quebec tan moose hide.  This gives you an idea of what the Cree language sounds like and also some of the processes that would have been used during the fur trade.  Here is a link to the video.

Please come to class with your timeline completed.  Also, please ensure you remember your text for every class.

History 12-1: Go Canada Go: and a teaser for the next unit

Is it bad luck to put gold around the heart?

Okay, today was hockey, Monday is the unit test, and Tuesday we'll start our study of the Russian revolutions (yes, there are three of them).  If you would like to get a head start, watch this 20-minute video.  I found the presenter engaging even if I hate the way he pronounces "bourgeoisie" and the fact that he keeps saying proletarian (one person) when he means to say proletariat (the class of people known as proletarians - or more simply, workers).

Keith Hughes history video

Remember to study hard - a good mark is easy to keep but hard to make up.

History 12-1: 1919 wrap up and test prep

NOTICE: 
WE WILL WRITE OUR TEST ON MONDAY IN "A" BLOCK 
(SO THAT WE CAN PARTICIPATE IN A STUDY OF NATIONALISM THAT WILL LIKELY OCCUR AT 9:00 TOMORROW).

Today we started by looking at a few more political cartoons to see how we can systematically interpret them.  I thought that by the last example you were all being insightful and probing in your interpretations.  Remember to slow down and think about all of the parts and all of the cues before you try to write.

Next, we looked at one another's sketch notes.  All of them had creative elements and you did well trying to incorporate the different design tricks that we examined in our "lesson" yesterday.  I hope you see how this process, while time consuming, is a good way to deepen your understanding and memory on any topic.

Next we watched the video Make Germany Pay and collaboratively answered Falk's Ex 11.  I created a timeline (similar to the one that will be on the unit test) and made connections to the two sketchnotes I posted yesterday to highlight the key ideas you should study for the test.  Remember that #1-16 on page 2 of the workbook are the terms on the what/so-what page of the test (you can include "reparations" "Maginot Line" "Polish Corridor" and "League of Nations").  The paragraph prompt on the test is: Evaluate the outcomes of the 1919 Treaty of Versailles.

History 10: Sketchnoting practice

Today I did a quick review of the techniques that I taught last class and then we spent some time creating our first sketchnotes.  I thought you did well.  Some students were unsatisfied with their work but it is important to remember that this is a type of thinking you haven't had much experience with and it takes practice to "see" the imagery in your mind as you think about these concepts.  I promise that is will get easier.  If you were unable to finish in class please take a few minutes to do so before we meet next.

Some notes from today's lesson.  Not as
pretty as the iPad, but you get the idea.

Socials 8-1/8-3: Middle Ages Test Prep

Today we broke into groups to create study reference sheets for each of the sub-topics in this unit.  We will finish up the prep tomorrow and write our test on Tuesday.  Thanks for your good work today: I was pleased with the collaboration and sense of team that was evident.

Socials 8-2: High Middle Ages Test Prep/Review Day 1 of 2.

Today we broke into groups and summarized one aspect of the past unit that spanned from William the Conqueror to the Crusades.  Next class we'll finish up, jig-saw (share what we did with the other groups) and then go over the format for Wednesday's unit test.  There is no homework except to start reviewing for the test on your own.

Socials 10-3: Intro to sketchnoting

Today most of the class was away for the outdoor ed trip so we watched the Sunni Brown TED Talk on doodling and then I shared some tips and tricks for creating this form of "dual-coding" information.  I think it is a good way to encourage creative and critical thought in school and I find it a refreshing way for students in socials studies courses to share their learning.  There is no homework except for those who fish to "finish" their practice sketchnote.