11-23-09 Today students began the process of writing their WTP Presentations
for the preliminary hearings here at Sycamore on December 17th. They will be
collaborating here in class daily, however some of the work will also be
required at home over the next few weeks. No Homework tonight!
11-20-09 On this last day of the trimester I returned the results of the WTP
Test. I checked the homework for effort and then reviewed it coupled with
discussion. No Homework!
11-19-09 We started the class with a response to a prompt "Explain the
difference between the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution"
which we then discussed as a class. Then, we analyzed the preamble to the
Constitution and reviewed all the articles. Also, we reviewed the homework.
Homework: Using your TEXTBOOK...Answer questions #2,3 in Ch#4 Assessment +
complete Ch#4 Section 2 Guided Reading Activity.
11-18-09 Students took their WTP Test. Upon conclusion they began a
worksheet "Interpreting Political Cartoons" which is due tomorrow. We
finished viewing the DVD "Creating a Constitution". Homework: Complete
worksheet referred to above.
11-17-09 We reviewed the homework which I collected and then we had a review
for tomorrow's We The People TEST (study the key concepts at the beginning
of each unit of your We The People books). Homework: Study for Test
11-16-09 After reading about the democratic ideals that are globally
influential I presented a lesson via PowerPoint on the Electoral College.
After, we watched part of a DVD "Creating a Constitution". Homework: Read:
p.140–141 then complete Lesson 16 Review (p. 144) #4 and Re-read: p.248–250
then complete Lesson 28 Review (p.251) #4. Also WTP TEST ON WEDNEDSAY.
Again, the best way to study is to review the key concepts at the beginning
of each unit of your We The People books.
11-13-09 After checking homework for effort we reviewed constitutional
principles and specific actions citizens take to support these principles.
We read about political action v. social action to complete Lesson 30.
No Homework!
11-12-09 We began WTP Lesson 30 and discussed civic participation. Homework:
Complete the worksheet (posted in Downloads) - Ideas for Discussion: Should
Citizens Participate in Their Government? that we began in class. For the
last column of the worksheet you should reference p.271 and/or p.257 for
ideas; include at least 2 examples of specific actions citizens can take.
11-10-09 After reviewing the homework about citzens' rights &
responsibilities students took a modified U.S. Citizenship Test (not
graded). I announced there will be a We The People TEST next Wednesday.
No Homework!
11-9-09 We began reading Lesson 29 - rights & responsibilities of citizens.
Students created a T-Chart (See Downloads) that lists at least 5 rights and
responsibilities of citizens (personal rights, political rights, economic
rights, personal responsibilities and civic responsibilities.
Homework: Complete chart and also do Lesson 29 Review questions #3, & #5.
11-6-09 Students took a 5 point Quasi-Quiz based on their Lesson 27 reading
last night which we corrected in class. We then discussed Amendments #4-8
via PowerPoint presentation and watched a 20 minute DVD on the Supreme Court
decision Gideon v. Wainwright. Homework: Complete the First Amendment
Summary Tower Project - DUE MONDAY!
11-5-09 After reviewing what is required for completing the Summary Tower
project we discussed the homework question about inciting violence and free
expression and also discussed the limits on exercise of religious freedom.
Homework: Read WTP Lesson 27 (only p.234,235,& 239) and be prepared for a 5
point warm-up quiz tomorrow based on your reading.
11-4-09 I introduced the 1st Amendment Summary Tower project and went over
the directions and rubric that I handed out in class (copy posted in the
Downloads section). There is also a document in the Downloads that
demonstrates how to construct the Summary Tower. *Printer paper or colored
construction paper for the project is available in class if you need it. We
discussed both Tinker v. Des Moines School District and Hazelwood School
District v. Kuhlmeier, comparing & contrasting both. Homework: Respond to
the following question from WTP Lesson 23: Should a public speaker who calls
for violent action be protected by the First Amendment whereas an audience
member who performs the action can be sent to prison? Why or Why not?
11-3-09 We reviewed the homework questions and continued reading Lesson 23
about limits on freedom of expression. We read and discussed the Supreme
Court decision Tinker vs. Des Moines School District. Homework: Complete
"Solve the Problem" #1-3 (p.204-205) and be prepared for discussion tomorrow.
11-2-09 After reviewing the Quiz that was handed back we discussed the
ratification process of the U.S. Constitution and the Federalist v. Anti-
Federalist debate that led to the adoption of a bill of rights. After, we
reviewed Lesson 19 #4,5 and read briefly about the 1st Amendment.
Homework: WTP Lesson 23 (p.198) answer the following questions on a separate
piece of paper:
1.) What basic rights are listed in the 1st amendment?
2.) Why do you think these particular rights are included?
3.) Why do you think the Framers thought it was important to
protect freedom of expression in the Constitution?
10-30-09 We discussed the Anti-Federalist v. Federalist debate over
ratification of the our Constitution. Homework: WTP Lesson 19 Review #4,5
10-29-09 Students took their Unit 3 & r WTP Quiz. We then discussed
federalism and cited current examples of federalism in action. Homework: WTP
Define "Terms to Understand" p.156
10-28-09 We discussed organization of government: Federalism vs. Unitary &
Confederation. Homework: Study for QUIZ which includes the following topics:
Shays' Rebellion & the Articles of Confederation, The New Jersey & Virginia
Plan including the Great Compromise, the compromise over tariffs vs. slavery
to give the national government more power to regulate trade and the federal
system or federalism.
10-27-09 Today we reviewed information about compromises made to empower the
new national government at the Philadelphia Convention. In addition, we
introduced the idea of the federal system (federalism) and discussed powers
that are granted to the federal government vs. the state governments.
Homework: WTP p.152 Solve The Problem #1-10...follow the directions! There
will be a QUIZ on Thursday on topics including: Shays' Rebellion & the
Articles of Confederation, The New Jersey & Virginia Plan including the Great
Compromise, the compromise over tariffs vs. slavery to give the national
government more power to regulate trade and the federal system.
10-26-09 Students received their Shays' Rebellion cartoon strips back and
then I recollected them. We discussed the T-Chart from Friday that analyzed
the Northern & Southern positions on tariffs & slavery as relates to forming
a new constitution for the U.S. Homework: Complete Lesson 14 Review #4 only
Also, Read Lesson 17 Review (p.148-151) and complete a chart with bullet
points that addresses information on p.150 "The Power of the Federal Govt.,
The Power of the State Governments, "The Power Shared by Federal & State, &
The Powers & Rights of Citizens."
10-23-09 We discussed and made additions to the graphic organizer about the
advantages and disadvantages of The Virginia Plan & The New Jersey Plan as
well as the Great Compromise. Homework: WTP Lesson 14 (p.122-124)complete
the t-chart we began in class. Enter information related to the following
questions: What are the differences between the two economies of the Northern
& Southern states? & What were the positions of the Northern & Southern
States regarding tariffs and slavery.
10-22-09 We reviewed the Great Compromise and then read about the debate
between Northern vs. Southern states on the economic issues surrounding
protective tariffs and slavery. No Homework.
10-21-09 After reviewing the homework (PowerPoint in Downloads) we discussed
and took notes on debate & compromise made at the constitutional convention
(equal representation vs. proportional representation). Homework: complete
worksheet "Advantages & Disadvantages of both the New Jersey Plan and the
Virginia Plan" (See Downloads)
10-20-09 Students shared their Shays' Rebellion cartoon strips and then
handed them in. We read about the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 to revise
the Articles of Confederation & completed the DVD on Shays' Rebellion.
Homework: Complete Lesson 12 Review #1-4
10-19-09 We reviewed events leading up to Shays' Rebellion and discussed the
cartoon strip assignment (see Downloads) which is due tomorrow. We watched a
DVD segment on Shays' Rebellion. Homework: Complete comic strip assignment
of Shays' Rebellion.
10-16-09 We discussed the faults with the Articles of Confederation. Then
students learned about Shays' Rebellion; I introduced a small project on this
topic due Tuesday (see Downloads for assignment directions and rubric). We
viewed a portion of a DVD on Shays' Rebellion. Homework: Organize
information and sketch ideas for your Shays' Rebellion comic strip project.
10-15-09 We reviewed the narrative of how the colonies came to separate from
England and form their own state constitutions under the Articles of
Confederation. Homework: Read p.94-99 (not including Shay's Rebellion) and
complete a T-Chart that contrasts the advantages & disadvantages of the
Articles of Confederation.
10-14-09 I was absent and Mr. Calaba conducted class. Students reviewed the
homework and discussed the organization of state government's including the
concept of a confederaton. Homework: WTP Lesson 10 #5 & #6
10-13-09 We discussed Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" and how it influenced the
American Revolution. Then, we analyzed the principles of government
reflected in the Declaration of Independence. I showed a brief PowerPoint
highlighting important battles of the Revolution and how the Patriots pulled
off an unexpected victory. Homework: WTP p.87 Ideas for Discussion #1-4
10-12-09 Started the class off reading about Patriots vs. Loyalists leading
up to the Revolutionary War. Then, students completed a Thomas Paine bio
worksheet which we'll discuss tomorrow. We analyzed the organization of the
Declaration of Independence and started homework in-class. Homework:
Complete worksheet "Principles of the Declaration of Independence"...You'll
need to access the listed principles which is in the Downloads section.
10-9-09 Today we reviewed excertps from the Declaration of Independence.
Then students viewed a brief DVD vignette on the drafting of the Declaration
and answered questions which we discussed as a class. Finally, students took
a quasi-quiz (5 points) based on the previous night's homework.
Homework: Make corrections to the excerpts from the Declaration of
Independence in-class assignment (see Downloads section for the PowerPoint
that gives the correct summaries).
10-8-09 We reviewed the concept of "no taxation without representation" as a
protest cry in the colonies. We reviewed the homework and then students
worked in partnership to interpret excerpts from the Declaration of
Independence. Homework: Review Lesson 7 for a quasi-quiz tomorrow (I posted
the answers to Lesson 7 Review in the Downloads section).
10-7-09 I presented a PowerPoint on taxes and colonial unrest that led up to
the American Revolution. Homework: Read to the end of Lesson 7 and complete
Lesson 7 Review #1-6.
10-6-09 We reviewed the WTP Unit 1 Quiz and then discussed the homework.
No Homework tonight.
10-5-09 Students took their WTP Unit 1 Quiz. Homework: WTP Lesson 6-
Explain the importance of the following documents: Magna Carta, Petition of
Rights, English Bill of Rights. Also, WTP Lesson 7 - Read p.58-59 Define the
following basic ideas of constitutional government as relates to colonial
governments: Natural Rights, Representative Government, Rule of Law,
Separation of Powers, and Checks & Balances.
10-2-09 After reviewing Lesson 5 we played a review game for Monday's QUIZ
which is mostly based on vocabulary from We The People Unit 1 (Lessons 1-5);
study all terms at the beginning of each Lesson. Also, HONORS should review
all the lesson review questions to prepare for 2 short answer questions on
the quiz. Homework: Study for WTP Unit 1 QUIZ!
10-1-09 Students took a "quasi-quiz" based on the previous day's homework.
We then discussed important quotes on the nature of power. We then read as a
group and students copied a chart in their notes on checks & balances of
govt. Homework: WTP Lesson Review 5 #1-4...QUIZ on WTP Lessons 1-5 is
MONDAY!
9-30-09 We reviewed and discussed last night's homework. Homework: Complete
WTP "Ideas for Discussion" p.43
9-29-09 First, we reviewed important vocabulary for We The People and then
read the remainder of Lesson 3. I announced there will be a QUIZ the FRIDAY
on WTP Unit 1 (Lessons #1-5). Homework: On separate sheets of paper -
complete Lesson Review 3 - #1,3 & 4...Also, read Lesson 4 (p.32-34) and
complete Lesson Review 4 - #1,2 & 3
9-25-09 After reviewing the chart on republican government we continued
reading and highlighting Lesson 3 of We The People. We then watched a DVD
segment on comparitive government. No Homework!
9-24-09 We reviewed the homework Lesson 2 Review then there was a PowerPoint
presentation tracing back the influence of representative government on the
founders. Homework: Read part of WTP Lesson 3 (p.23-24)and complete the
chart that was copied from the board (chart posted in Downloads).
9-23-09 We took a warm-up quasi quiz (which was open note) based on our
review of yesterday's homework WTP Lesson 1. Students handed in their "state
of nature" illustrations. There was a review discussion about Locke and
natural rights philosophy; we read together as a class and underlined
important information. Homework: WTP Lesson Review 2 (#1-5) p.20
9-22-09 I handed back Ch#1 Test. We then reviewed We The People Lesson 1
Review and students were expected to make corrections to their own paper. We
discussed government and John Locke and underlined parts of WTP Lesson 2.
Homework: Read WTP p.17 and the draw a cartoon that illustrates what life
might be like in a state of nature. Use your cartoon to illustrate why we
need government.
9-21-09 Today students presented their Create a Country projects. No Homework
9-18-09 Students continued working on their project. Homework: Complete
History & Constitution portion of project and be prepared for presentations
on Monday.
9-17-09 First, students handed in their homework. We reviewed the syllabus
and presentation rules for "Create a Country" project (DUE - Monday). Then,
students joined their teams and continued working. Homework: make progress
on the project.
9-16-09 Students took Ch#1 Test. Homework: Read We The People (p.10-11) and
then on a separate sheet of paper complete Lesson 1 Review #1-5 (p.12). You
don't have to write the questions but answer in complete sentences.
9-15-09 We reviewed for tomorrow's Ch#1 TEST. Homework: Study Ch#1, Guided
Reading Activities, Notes, Chapter Reviews etc...
9-14-09 We continued our "Create A Country" project (see 9-11-09 below).
I also referenced the U.S. Constitution (p.248 of textbook)as a source to
help students come up with ideas for the constitution of their country.
Homework: Work on "Create A Country" project & study for Ch#1 TEST on Wed.
9-11-09 Students were introduced to the "Create A Country" project which will
be due Monday, September 21st. This will mostly be an in-class project but
some work will need to be done outside of class. They were given a handout
which explains the different components of the project. Today they chose
their groups and were expected to come up with a name for their country. We
will be working in class on Monday, Thursday & Friday of next week. I will
post the assignment syllabus (Downloads section] as well as links to websites
that may be helpful for reference. Homework: Bring Colored Pencils to class.
9-10-09 Today I issued students their We The People books which are to be
brought to class daily. We reviewed & corrected the homework. Then, we read
and highlighted part of lesson 1 in WTP (We The People). No Homework!
9-9-09 We reviewed both the T-chart and last night's outline which I
collected. It was announced there will be a TEST on all of Ch#1 on
Wednesday, September 16th. Homework: Read to the end of Ch#1 Section 3 and
complete Guided Reading Activity 1-3
9-8-09 Today we started with a review of Ch#1 Sections 1 & 2. We then
previewed Section 3 "The Enlightenment" and created a T-Chart to distinguish
ancient cultures and their contributions to today. Homework: Complete the
outline introduced in Class for the reading on p.102-103 [See Download
section for the document "Europe's Heritage of Ideas" which you can either
print out or copy into your notes section]
9-4-09 Students took a quiz on policies & practices of the classroom. We
then reviewed the homework and read a bio on Amerigo Vespucci. No Homework
9-3-09 After a warm-up summary response about "The Age of Exploration" and a
subsequent discussion we reviewed the homework GRA 1-2. Homework: Review
Policies & Practices of the classroom (handout on 1st day of school). Also,
complete the outline we began in class on "The Columbian Exchange" (posted in
the Downloads section.
9-2-09 I announced there will be a QUIZ on Friday on Policies & Practices of
the classroom. We revisited Ch#1 Section 1 "The Age of Exploration".
Then we read most of Section 2 "The Rise of Capitalism" as a group.
Homework: Guided Reading Activity 1-2.
9-1-09 Today we reviewed last night's homework using a PowerPoint
presentation. No Homework!
8-31-09 We reviewed the policies & practices & announced there will be a QUIZ
Friday on the all the rules and procedures of the classroom. Students then
completed the textbook scavenger hunt (5 pts) and handed it in. After, we
previewed Ch#1 Section 1 briefly. Homework: Read Ch#1 Section 1 "The Age of
Exploration" and complete Guided Reading Activity (1-1)
8-28-09 Reviewed Policies & Practices...we then previewed our textbook, "The
American Journey" and began an in-class textbook scavenger hunt which we'll
complete on Monday. Homework: signed Policies & Practices due (10 pts)
8-27-09 Welcome Back! Today we reviewed the policies & procedures of the
classroom. Emergency packets were sent home as well as the PTA/Booster
donation drive. Homework (Due Monday): Policies & Practices handout signed
