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Social Studies Journal: 5.13-5.17.2013
How do you think the invention of the automobile changed life in the United States?
A standing army consists of full-time, paid soldiers. What are some of the reasons why a country might want to have a standing army? Would you ever consider a career in the military?
Many jails in the United States are becoming overcrowded. Can you think of any other punishments that would relieve the overcrowding, yet still be appropriate for some criminals?
A tariff is a tax on goods in or sometimes going out of a country. What would be some appropriate uses for tariff money?
During the 1840s, many people moved west to California in order to look for gold. What are some reasons people move across the country today? In what ways are these reasons similar to those of people in the 1840s?
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Social Studies Journal: 4.29-5.3.13
NAME_____________________________________________DATE______________________________
Social Studies Journal: 5.6-5.10.13
A Chinese philosopher named Confucius said, “What you do not want done to yourself, do not unto others.” Why is this a good rule to live by?
In 1884, representatives of fourteen countries worked out a way to divide Africa between them. Africans were never given a say in what happened to their land or their government. Do you think this was fair? Explain your answer.
Explain why you would want or not want to run for president of the United States when you grow up.
Write some reasons that would encourage a resident of another state to move to our state permanently.
What is your definition of “freedom”?
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What area of the United States do you think is most different from the area in which you live? Why do you think so?
In your opinion, why has a woman not yet been elected president of the United States? Do you think a woman will be president during your lifetime?
Why can the blending of old traditions and new ideas help make a person or a country stronger? Give examples to support your answer.
Tell me your favorite legend or folk tale. Why is it your favorite?
Laws in the colonies were very strict. Punishment for breaking the laws included public humiliation or even execution. What are some of the rules governing behavior at our school? What are the consequences?
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Social Studies Journal 4.15-4.19.2013
Name and describe as many landmarks as you can.
How do you think computers will affect society in the next twenty (20 years).
Andrew Jackson was known by the nickname, “Old Hickory” because he was as
tough and strong like a hickory tree. Do you think these are important
qualities for a president to have? Why or why not?
Growing cities in the 1800s faced problems such as fire, uncleanliness, and
disease, but they also offered opportunities to visit museums, see plays, and
shop in fancy stores. What are the pros and cons of visiting and living in
today’s cities?
Discuss three (3) concerns or worries you have that you believe are common to
people your age around the world.
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Social Studies Journal: 4.8-4.12.2013
What are some reasons two countries may go to war with each other? In your opinion, are any of these reasons good enough? If so, which ones?
Native Americans of the Northwest used many different plants as medicines. Describe some natural remedies you have used or heard about.
Some people claim to have seen a large, hairy creature called Bigfoot in the forests of Oregon. Do you think there may really be a Bigfoot? Why or why not? Can you think of any other unusual creatures people have claimed to have seen?
A reformer is someone who fights for a change in society. What qualities do you think reformers must have in order to succeed in their causes? Can you name any present or past reformers?
Imagine you are a young boy or girl from the east coast of the U.S. during the 1800s. Your parents have just told you they are moving the family west to Oregon. Tell what you think and feel about moving.
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Social Studies Journal: 4/2/2013-4/5/2013
Native Americans in the Northwest create totem poles to tell their family histories. Draw or list some things that tell the story of your family’s history.
Describe what you think people in other countries consider to be the typical American dress. Also, describe what YOU consider to be the typical dress in a foreign country of your choice.
A ghost town is a deserted place that once was a thriving town or city. Write a SHORT story about spending a day and a night in a ghost town.
Describe a time you were unhappy with a product you purchased. Did you let the company that made the product know you were unhappy? Why or why not?
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Social Studies Journal: 3.25-3.28.13
People have just begun to explore some territories, such as the depths of the ocean, Antarctica, and space. Imagine that one of the territories will be settled someday. Describe the technology that will be necessary in order for this to take place.
“Give a man a fish and feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” What does this expression mean? How could this message be used to solve some countries’ hunger problems?
Describe at least two important values you’ve learned from your family.
Sparta was an ancient Greek city-state. It was known for its strong military, which was the main priority of Sparta’s leaders. What other aspects of a culture might suffer if all resources were put into the military?
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Beginning of the 4th nine weeks: 3.18-3.22.2013
Social Studies Journal 3.18-3.22.2013
Which do you enjoy more, learning about ancient history or about current events? Why?
Choose any famous person from history and describe a holiday that would celebrate that person. What would people eat, do, and wear on that day?
Describe someone from United States history who you think was brave. Explain your choice.
Describe the most expensive item you have ever saved money to purchase. Why did you want it so badly? Once you had it, did you think it was worth the money?
Most teenagers are reluctant to accept advice from their parents or other older people. Why do you think this is so?
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NAME________________________________________DATE______________________________
Social Studies Journal: 3/26-3/30/12
Many persons become heroes during wartime. What do you think it is about war that creates heroes?
Explain why you would or wouldn’t want to run for president of the United States when you grow up.
What advantages are there in having different countries work together?
What are some ways you can voice your opinion with a congressperson who has a different opinion than you have?
Describe some family traditions you hope to pass to your children someday.
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NAME________________________________________DATE______________________________
Social Studies Journal : 3.4-3.8.13
Describe an opinion you have about a current issue. What factors helped you form this opinion?
What is your definition of “freedom”?
Advertize your city so that others would want to come to it.
Puerto Rico is a small island in the Caribbean. Some Puerto Ricans want their island to become the fifty-first state in the U.S. What arguments do you imagine there might be for and against giving statehood to Puerto Rico?
A recent survey reported that the majority of shows on television today contain violence. Some experts believe that children my try to imitate the violence they see on television. What do you think should be done about the amount of violence on television?
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Social Studies Journal : 2.25-3.1.2013
Which foreign country would you most like to visit? Why?
Why would buying goods at a local source be a good idea?
There are drivers’ licenses and marriage licenses. What might be the requirements for a “parent’s license”?
What is your definition of “freedom”?
Advertize your city so that others would want to come to it.
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Social Studies Journal: 2.19-2.22.13
What are some reasons for the United States to stay on good terms with Mexico and Canada?
In early cultures people bartered for goods. A farmer might have traded two dozen eggs for a cotton shirt. Would you like to see us go back to that system? Why or why not?
Would you ever consider a career in the military? EXPLAIN!
How do you think the invention of the automobile changed life in the United States?
Describe at least two businesses that would do well in our area during each of the
four seasons. Explain why or why not.
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Social Studies Journal: 2.4-2.8.13
If writing had never been invented, how would your knowledge of history change? How would your life be different?
In some early societies, girls were not allowed to go to school. Imagine yourself as a girl in this society. Try to persuade your father to let you go to school. What would you say to him?
The government believes all new televisions should contain a V-chip (to block certain programs). Do you agree? Why or not?
Tell what you know about ancient Egyptians such as Cleopatra, King Tut, Moses, etc.
What are some ways water has affected people’s lives throughout history? How does water affect your life?
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Social Studies Journal: 1.28-2.1.13
Choose an American hero, and write about our country would be like if that hero had not existed.
Do you think government should create laws to protect the environment? For example, should recycling be mandatory? Should fresh water be rationed? Support your opinions with reason.
Describe what you imagine castle life must have been like in the Middle Ages. Be sure to consider both the advantages and disadvantages.
Compare and contrast today’s astronauts with the early European explorers.
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Social Studies Journal 1/22-1/25/2013
Who would you like to have a pretend fight with? What would you say? What would the person say to you?
Imagine you own a business. Write 3 rules for your employees and 3 reasons why employees might work for you.
Fried squid or bird’s nest soup are delicacies. Name a food that’s gross to you, but other people like it.
Experts believe that children try to imitate violence they see on TV. What do you think should be done about the amount of violence on TV?
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Social Studies Journal: 1.14-1.17.2013
If scientists discovered a planet where the atmosphere was perfect for human life, would you want to be one of the first “colonists”? Why or why not?
Describe an experience you’ve had or heard about that involves ocean currents or the movement of water.
What items in your home could tell future historians about life today? What information might the historians gain from each item?
Describe one of your friends who has a different background from yours. How do your differing cultures add to the friendship?
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Social Studies Journal 1.7-1.11.13
During the Revolutionary War, Native Americans tried to stay neutral. Eventually however, they were drawn into the battle. Describe a time when you tried to stay neutral during an argument but were finally forced to take a side. What were the results of your actions? How did you feel afterward?
List as many ways as you can in which the United States is different than most other countries.
If scientists discovered a planet where the atmosphere was perfect for human life,
would you want to be one of the first "colonists"? Why or why not?
When would you consult a globe for information? When would a map be more helpful?
Describe an opinion you have about a current issue. How did you form this opinion?
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Social Studies Journal: 12/10-12/14/2012
Immigrants are people who enter a country from another country. What are some of the benefits of living in an area where people from many different countries have come together to live.
When you buy a product, do you check to see if it was made in the U.S.? Do you think the government should tax people for buying products that are not manufactured in the U.S.? Explain.
Do you think government should censor movies today? Why or why not?
The Constitution states that the President of the U.S. must be at least 35 years old. Why do you think this rule was made? Do you think a younger person could do the job just as well?
Choose any famous person from history and describe a holiday that would celebrate that person. What would people eat, do, and wear on that day?
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Social Studies Journal: 11.26-11.30.2012
In your mind, what is your idea of a perfect youth recreational center?
There are drivers’ licenses and marriage licenses. What might be the requirements for a “parent’s license”?
List the ways you can find out what is going on around the word. Easiest? Fastest? Cheapest? Most interesting?
Do you think it’s important for young people to learn about current events? Why or why not?
Make up a reason for our state being called Louisiana.
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Social Studies Journals: 11.12-11.16.2012
Why do you think Native Americans stopped welcoming European explorers?
Do you think knowing latitude and longitude is useful? Why or why not?
What are some of the reasons people move across the country today?
Name 3 of the people you would like to have as allies.
Do you think people in Alaska and Hawaii feel any less a part of our country? Why or why not?
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Social Studies Journal: 11.5, 11.7-11.9.2012
Would you ever consider a career in the military? EXPLAIN!
In early cultures people bartered for goods. A farmer might have traded two dozen eggs for a cotton shirt. Would you like to see us go back to that system? Why or why not?
What are some reasons for the United States to stay on good terms with Mexico and Canada?
Many jails are overcrowded. What can we do to relieve the overcrowding in jails?
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Social Studies Journal 10.28-11.2.2012
Which foreign country would you most like to visit? Why?
Why would buying goods at a local source be a good idea?
What is your definition of “freedom”?
How do you think the invention of the automobile changed life in the United States?
Describe at least two businesses that would do well in our area during each of the four seasons. Explain why or why not.
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Social Studies Journal 10/22-10/26/2012
What do you think future generations will learn about us from the remains of our cities?
What advantages are there in having different countries work together?
What are some ways you can voice your opinion with a congressperson who has a different opinion than you have?
Many persons become heroes during wartime. What do you think it is about war that creates heroes?
Advertize your city so that others would want to come to it.
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Social Studies Journal for the 2nd nine weeks: 10/15-17/2012
Describe some family traditions you hope to pass to your children someday.
Who is your favorite legend or folk hero? Why?
What are some of the rules governing student behavior in our school?
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Social Studies Journal 10/8-10/12/2012
Because of space problems, Japanese have bedding that unfolds onto the floor at night and stores away during the day. How else might Japanese have to conserve space?
Do you think it’s important for young people to learn about current events? Why or why not?
Do we have different cultures in Jonesboro and Hodge? What are they?
In your opinion, why has a woman not been elected President of the United States?
Christ said, “Do to others as what you would have them do to you.” Why is this a good rule to live by?
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Social Studies Journal: 10/1-10/5/201
Describe someone from the United States history who you think was brave. Explain your choice.
What do you think the next development in transportation might be?
What are the pros and cons of living in today’s cities?
What are some important qualities for a president to have today?
How do you think computers will affect society in the next twenty years?
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9.24-9.28.2012
Because of problems with overpopulation, the government in China states that families should have only one or two children. How much control do you think a government should have over its citizens’ lives?
Political cartoons show the cartoonists’ opinions about political issues or events.
Draw a cartoon that shows your opinion about something.
Japan sometimes experiences fierce hurricanes called typhoons.
What severe weather conditions have you experienced? How did your family and community prepare for the arrival of the severe weather?
A minority is a group of people that is different in some way from everyone else.
Think of a time when you were in the minority based on your age, sex, race, or another factor. Describe what it felt like to be different.
Life expectancy is the term used to describe how long the average person lives.
How many years would you like to live? What are some of the problems that might
result if the human life expectancy suddenly increased to 300 years?
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9.17-9.22.2012
A dictator is someone who holds complete control over a country’s government. Imagine you are a citizen in a country ruled by a dictator. Write a journal entry describing what it is like to live in a place where one person makes all the rules.
A revolution is a sudden change in government. Imagine students became the decision-makers in your school. Describe some of the changes that might take place.
Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who used his wisdom to guide his people through troubled times. To whom do you turn when you are having difficulties? Why?
What are some reasons two countries may go to war with each other?
The ancient Romans had over 175 holidays per year. On these days, the government offices and most businesses were closed. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having so many holidays.
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Social Studies Journal 9.10-9.14.2012
Archeologists study the artifacts of past civilizations. Imagine you are an archeologist in 2199. You find a compact disc, a plastic flower, a car tire, and a fast food container. You have no idea how these were used in the past. Make up an explanation.
A time of economic hardship is called a depression. You are a 25-year-old worker who just lost your job due to a depression. Explain to your family what a depression is like and how it is affecting your standard of living.
A trend is a change in direction over a period of time. There are trends in fashion, music, and hairstyles, for example. Forecast an educational trend that may occur as a result of future changes in communication technology.
History is a story of the past. Create a timeline that shows major events in your own history.
Much of the earth’s water is frozen in glaciers. If the temperature of the poles ever get high enough to melt the glaciers, some of the land on which people live would slowly become covered with water. How do you think we could prepare for this possibility?
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Social Studies Journal 9.3-9.7.2012
Name three concerns or worries you have that you believe are common to people your age around the world.
You are traveling in a time machine to help another civilization rebuild. Name three books you would take with you.
What does your favorite type of music say about young people today?
Imagine you were the first set foot on the moon. What are your thoughts as your foot touches the moon?
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8/27-8/31/12
Some people claim to have seen Bigfoot. Do you think there really is a Bigfoot? Why or why not?
What do you enjoy more, learning about past history or current events? Why?
What do you think it would be like to walk through a ghost town?
King Tut was only 9-years-old when he became king of Egypt. Do you think he was an effective ruler? Why or why not?
Describe two important values you have learned from your family.
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8/20-8/24/2012
The Sumerians wrote with pointed reed instruments in soft clay tablets. Imagine your usual writing utensils disappeared for a week. What materials could you use to complete your writing assignments?
Write a letter to the President , telling him why the decisions he makes are so important to young people.
Imagine you are a filmmaker. If you were given the funding to make a documentary on some aspect of history, what subject matter would you choose? What would your documentary be like?
How would life be different if money did not exist?
The word,democracy, comes from the Greek wordsdemos, which means “people,” andkratein, which means “to rule.” Do you think the termdemocracyis an appropriate name for our system of government?
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