Social Studies

 
12/03/2008: Today students completed a graded warm-up in which they were to 
list the Allied and Central Powers of WWI. I collected the homework that was 
due today, Chapter 6, Lesson 2 questions. We read articles about trench 
warfare, poison gas, doughboys and life on the homefront. I showed a video 
clip that showed life in the trenches.
H.W. Students will have a quiz on Chapter 6 Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 on Friday. 
Please study vocabulary and key ideas from these two sections of the 
textbook. It will be matching, fill in the blank w/ word box provided and 
require them to know the Allied and Central powers, much like our warm-up 
today.


12/02/2008: We read about Alvin C. York and discussed the Selective Service 
Act.
H.W. Your Chapter 6 Lesson 2 questions will be collected tomorrow. Please 
make sure that these are complete and correct. This was a handout given 
previously by my substitute teacher. Extra copies were provided today if any 
student needed this. Due tomorrow.

Reminder: Yearbook school sales are being held during lunch.
          Field trip permission forms are being collected.

12/01/2008: We worked on a WWI scavenger hunt to review what we learned 
before our break. In 1st period we also read Chapter 6, Lesson 2. In 6th and 
7th we will continue our study from Chapter 6 Lesson 2.
Reminder: Please turn in your report card envelope if you have not done so.
Note: School sales for the 2008-09 yearbook will begin tomorrow, December 2. 
Order forms went home today. 
Field Trip permission forms went home today. This is for the holiday 
performance held at Virginia Tech of The Nutcracker. See permission form for 
details.
H.W. none

11/25/2008: Students were asked to complete an activity in which they were 
reflective of what about this country makes them thankful. We continued to 
discuss WWI.
HW: none

11/24/2008: We completed a warm-up: List the Allied and Central Powers using 
the memory strategies. We reviewed these together. We also took a benchmark 
test using the CPS system.
H.W. none
Note: If a student has not taken the Chapter 5 test, he or she will do this 
tomorrow.

11/21/2008: Today I called out the list of students who have submitted the 
following: 
1.) Chapter 6 Lesson 1 questions (HW assigned on Wednesday)
2.) KWL chart on the sinking of the Lusitania (Classwork from Wednesday)
3.) Open Book quiz in preparation for the benchmark (HW assigned on Tuesday)

I wanted to make certain that students knew exactly what I had indeed 
received from my substitute teacher. Copies were given to those that raised 
their hand and requested these.

We finished the video and any work that we needed to catch up from the work 
assigned while I was out. Any Chapter 6 Lesson 2 questions assigned are NOT 
due. They were instructed to place these in their binder it will be revisited 
later after we have read the lesson.
I rescheduled our benchmark for Monday.

HW: none

11/19/2008: I have a substitute teacher for today.
Students are to complete a KWL chart on the sinking of the Lusitania. The 
homework should be collected from last night as well. This was a take home 
open book quiz.
H.W. Make sure you have completed the Chapter 6 Lesson 1 questions. Some 
started after the test yesterday. These are due tomorrow. 

11/18/2008: Students are testing on Chapter 5 today. They were asked to 
complete an open book/take home quiz in preparation for a benchmark test to 
be given on Friday. If time permitted they were to begin working on Chapter 6 
Lesson 1 questions.
H.W Make sure you have the open book quiz completed for tomorrow.

11/17/2008: We are continuing our study of WWI. Students were reminded to 
study their study guides in preparation for the test on Chapter 5 to be given 
tomorrow. In 1st and 2nd period we completed a warm-up to put the story of 
WWI in order. We also completed another review of Booker T. Washington and 
W.E.B. DuBois. Students completed the graphic organizer. We reviewed the 
Central and Allied Powers and the MAIN causes of the war. 
In 6th and 7th periods we watched a video clip of the US enters the war. They 
also worked on Chapter 6 Lesson 1 questions from the text and completed the 
WU to put the story of WWI in order. 7th period also completed the graphic 
organizer.
H.W. Study for your test on Chapter 5


11/14/2008: We outlined the MAIN causes again (militarism, alliances, 
imperialism and nationalism). Students completed a sheet and wrote the 
definition and then illustrated their own symbols for each. We then colored a 
map showing the Allied and Central Powers. Students were reminded of the 
memory strategies (Girls Ask Boys Out, or Boys Ask Girls Out to remember 
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and Ottoman Empire.) We also 
discussed "BUS-FIRE" which represents the Allied Powers. They are encouraged 
to think up their own strategy to help them remember the key players of WWI. 
Extra credit--assignment trackers were collected for the 2nd six-weeks 
grading period.
H.W. Reminder--Test is on Tuesday for Chapter 5.

11/13/2008: We checked the study guides and began our study of WWI by reading 
and outlining the MAIN causes, who fought who and why?
H.W. Study for your test to be given on Tuesday on Chapter 5. A study guide 
was provided and checked during class time. You will need to study.

11/12/2008: Today we concluded our study of the Progressive Movement. 
Students took a quiz on Chapter 5, Lessons 3, 4, and 5. We filled in a 
handout about "REFORM" and watched a summary clip about the era. Students 
began working on a study guide. In 6th period we were able to check this 
today. We plan to start World War I tomorrow. Students were informed of a 
benchmark test that will be given on CPS next week.
H.W. Please complete your study guide. You will have a test on Chapter 5 on 
Tuesday. We will check the study guide tomorrow to ensure you have correct 
answers to study.


11/11/2008: Reminder to students that today is Veteran's Day, followed by a 
brief history. In 1st and 2nd periods students worked on comparing and 
contrasting Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois. We completed a Venn 
Diagram. In 6th and 7th we are continuing our study of early Civil Rights.
H.W. Quiz tomorrow on Chapter 5, Lessons 3, 4, and 5.

11/10/2008: In 1st and 2nd period we read about the Triangle Shirtwaist 
Factory fire. We watched a video clip and I read an excerpt. In 6th and 7th 
periods we are discussing WEB DuBois and Booker T. Washington.
H.W. Students will have a quiz on Wednesday. The quiz will cover Chapter 5 
Lessons 3, 4, and 5. Please study your vocabulary and key ideas that we have 
discussed.

11/7/2008: Today we completed a warm-up for review. This was about 
cause/effect and tied in with our study of the Progressives. In 1st and 2nd 
we read about the Progressive Movement and checked for understanding by 
completing some fill in the blanks. In 6th and 7th we are examining the 
Triangle Shirtwaist Company and the rise of labor unions. This will include a 
video clip, short article and excerpts from the novel, "Triangle": A Fire 
that changed America. We also will tie our some class discussion to the video 
we watched yesterday about Tovah and her initiative with women's rights and 
labor unions.
H.W. none

11/6/2008: Today we viewed, "Dreams in the Golden Country," a story that 
focuses on immigration, cities, safety conditions in factories and labor 
unions. Students were to complete questions that go along with the video.
H.W. none

11/5/2008: We are continuing our study of the Progressives. In 1st and 2nd 
period we completed our graphic organizer and read an article about the 
Progressives. We watched a brief video clip and completed a 3-2-1 close 
activity in which students listed 3 changes the Progressives wanted, 2 people 
who wanted change and 1 word that means reform (change). In afternoon classes 
we will be continuing our study of Progressives with completing the graphic 
organizer and reading an article summarizing the movement.
H.W. none

11/3/2008: Students completed a warm-up for mixed review. We started 
discussing the Progressives. We finished reading Chapter 5 Lesson 5. In 6th 
and 7th we read an article about the Progressives and watched a summary clip 
of Politics and the Progressives. Any late homework that was due on Friday 
was collected for a late grade.
H.W. none

10/31/2008 We completed a warm-up and then talked about the Hull House. We 
also started reading Chapter 5 Lesson 5. Last night's homework was collected.
H.W. none

10/30/2008 We are finishing up Chapter 5 lesson 4. We completed the graphic 
organizer, discussed Jane Addams and child labor.
H.W. Handout with 5 questions from Lesson 4. This is due tomorrow.

10/29/2008 We watched the Immigrant Experience. Students completed video 
questions today along with watching this video. We are continuing our study 
of city life in the late 1800s/early 1900s.
H.W. none

10/28/2008 Today we read about life in cities. We read all or part of Chapter 
5, Lesson 4. We talked about problems/solutions in cities and the 
contribution of Jane Addams and the Hull House. We also talked about the 
Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
H.W. none

10/27/2008 Today we completed a quick warm-up for review. We read an article, 
Life in American Cities and completed questions related to the article. 
Signed midterms were collected.
H.W. none

10/24/2008 Today we completed a warm-up (mixed review) together as a class. 
We then checked the Chapter 5, Lesson 3 questions. We watched video clips 
relating to the assembly line, Marconi and the Wright Brothers. If time 
permitted we read from the SOL Coach book. Midterms were given out today. 
These require a parent/guardian signature and each student will need to 
return these to the appropriate teacher. Congratulations to my 1st and 7th 
period classes for everyone bringing their textbooks to class yesterday.

H.W. Mid-term signed.

10/23/2008 Today we completed Chapter 5, Lesson 3. I collected the classwork 
that students were able to complete. We were on an activity schedule due to 
the pep rally.
H.W. none

10/22/2008 Today we completed a warmup for review. We conducted an assembly 
line as a class activity. Each student became a worker on the assembly line 
and we then discussed the advantages/disadvantages to this process and how 
Ford could use this idea to make cars more affordable. We have recorded our 
results to compare among classes to see how we were able to balance time and 
quality. We watched a video clip about Henry Ford. 
H.W. none

10/21/2008 We read Chapter 5, Lesson 3 and discussed Henry Ford's ability to 
make the car affordable. I collected the writing activity and any quiz 
reviews.
H.W. none

10/20/2008 Today we completed a warm-up called, "Find the Errors". This was a 
mixed review. We then worked on a Quiz Review, in which students were given 
the opportunity to correct their mistakes from the quiz using their textbook. 
Corrections must be on a separate sheet of paper and in a complete sentence 
and stapled to the quiz when returned. 
Some credit will be given (1/2 point per correction)to encourage students to 
complete this assignment. Students were also to work on the summary about the 
Spanish-American War. A grading rubric/assignment sheet was given on Friday. 
This is due tomorrow in addition to the quiz review. Students had time in 
class today to work on both of these assignments.
H.W. Quiz corrections and Writing Activity #3/Spanish American War summary--
due tomorrow

10/17/2008 Students completed a warmup in which they were to discover 
the classmates' name. This was a mixed review. They read page 71 in the SOL 
Coach Book. We took a quiz on Ch4L5, Ch5L1 and L2. They were to begin working 
on a summary of the Spanish-American War. We will finish this on Monday.
H.W. none

10/16/2008 Students completed a warm-up called "I" know these. Then students 
were asked to work on Chapter 5 Lesson 2 questions. They may finish these 
questions for homework if they did not finish given our shortened schedule.
H.W. Quiz tomorrow on Chapter 4 Lesson 5 and Chapter 5, Lesson 1 and 2. 
Please look over vocabulary words and main ideas.
Finish your questions if you need to.

10/15/2008 Students completed a warm-up about the Spanish-American War. We 
viewed a powerpoint presentation about the war and Teddy Roosevelt. We 
watched a brief video clip about Roosevelt. Students completed a classwork 
assignment about Teddy Roosevelt.
H.W. none tonight! 

10/14/2008 We are continuing our study of the Spanish American War. We have 
read an article about the battles and the Platt Amendment. Students filled in 
and completed a "newspaper article" handout about the war. We checked this 
together. Homework from last night was collected. If time permitted I showed 
a video clip about the Panama Canal.
H.W. Panama Canal handout due tomorrow

Note: Thank you for checking teacher web. I have many students that are not 
turning in their homework. This is affecting their grades. Please help me 
encourage students to complete their homework and avoid numerous zeros.
If you have questions, please feel free to inquire via e-mail, phone, or if 
need be you may schedule a conference through our Guidance Office. Thanks for 
your help!


10/13/2008 We finished reading about the Panama Canal. We filled in our 
graphic organizer as a reteaching activity. We read an article about the 
canal. We watched a video clip about the USS Maine. We completed a cloze 
activity via Powerpoint.
H.W. A new role for the US  (a vocabulary handout)--due tomorrow

10/10/2008 We started reading about the Spanish American War. We watched a 
video clip to summarize. We located different countries on the map and 
outlined the basic story.
H.W. none--Remember to get your report card envelope signed and return to 
your advisory teacher.

10/09/2008 Students read about Alaska and Hawaii.
H.W. none--I collected the Chapter 5 Lesson 1 questions for those that did 
not turn it in yesterday. Some students needed to finish yesterday's 
classwork for homework. 

10/08/2008 Today we read about Alaska and Hawaii from Chapter 5, Lesson 1. 
Students watched 2 brief video clips about each. They were to complete 10 
questions about the reading. 
H.W. Finish your questions if you did not get finished in class today.

10/07/2008 We read articles about immigration today. Students were to clean 
our their binders. A new assignment tracker was distributed for the 2nd six-
weeks grading period.
H.W. none

10/06/2008 I collected the writing activity that was due today. If students 
did as I asked, they were permitted to look at a Kids Discover Magazine about 
Immigration. They were given time to read and enjoy. If they did not turn in 
the writing activity they were strongly encouraged to use this time to work 
on it. The assignment is a 50-point assignment which carries the same value 
as a quiz.
H.W. none

10/03/2008 Students completed a warm-up: Put the immigration story in order. 
We then read a play: Immigration, First Stop, Ellis Island. Students were 
given a reading today that may help them as they write their papers. They may 
use the textbook, graphic organizers and any articles that would help them 
with the writing activity.
H.W. Remember that your writing activity is due on Monday. 

10/02/2008 We completed a warm-up for review (fact or opinion). We completed 
our graphic organizer for Ch4 Lesson 5. We took a virtual tour of Ellis 
Island via Powerpoint. I distributed a writing assignment that will be due on 
Monday. A grading rubric and checklist was given to each student. Students 
worked on a 4-square pre-writing assignment today in class. This must be 
turned in with the final copy and the grading rubric/checklist on Monday. 
Last night's homework assignment (Chapter 4, Lesson 5 questions were 
collected)

H.W. Writing Activity due Monday(reasons they came, problems they had upon 
arrival, where they settled, famous immigrants or current immigration--make 
sure you have an introduction and a closing statement.)

10/01/2008 We finished reading Chapter 4, Lesson 5 with the last section 
about the Great Migration. Students were then to complete the 20 question 
test (multiple choice). Students were then to read from the SOL Coach book (2 
pages) and answer some questions. (In 1st period we read and I asked these 
questions aloud). Students were then to begin to answer Chapter 4, Lesson 5 
questions. These are due tomorrow. Remember to write your answers using 
complete sentences.
H.W. Chapter 5 Lesson 4 questions provided in class are due tomorrow.

09/30/2008
Students completed a warm-up test review activity. We read the article, 
Immigration, Migration and American Industry. We underlined the reasons 
immigrants came and circled the problems encountered. We also discussed the 
Great Migration. We watched video clips about immigration (except 2nd period).
Students were reminded to study for the test.
H.W. Use your study guide to study for the test on Westward Expansion and 
Industry. Test is tomorrow.

NOTE: PICTURE DAY IS TOMORROW!!!!


09/29/2008
We checked our study guide. We finished the video, Iron Road (2nd, 6th, 7th) 
and collected the video sheets. 1st period was collected on Friday as we were 
able to complete the video in one class period. We started reading/discussing 
immigration which begins in Chapter 4, Lesson 5. Test is on Wednesday. Please 
study your study guide.
H.W. Study your study guide to prepare for the test.


09/26/2008 We are watching the Iron Road, a story of the building of the 
Transcontinental Railroad.
H.W. none

09/25/2008 Students completed a warm-up as they reflected on quotes by Andrew 
Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller. We then took a quiz on Chapter 4, lesson 3 
and 4. Students were to read and respond to an article about Carnegie and 
Rockefeller. They were then provided with a study guide.
H.W. If you did not finish your study guide, please do so.

NOTE: We have switched to a new e-mail system. If we do not respond to your 
e-mail, please give us a call. We are trying to learn and adjust to this new 
system.

09/24/2008 Today we did a KWL strategy (What we know? What we want to learn? 
What we did learn?) using our Time for Kids book, "The genius of Menlo Park." 
This is a book about Thomas Edison's life and his inventions. In 1st and 2nd 
we viewed the clips about the steel and oil industries in addition to our 
book reading.
H.W. Quiz tomorrow on Chapter 4, Lessons 3 and 4.

09/23/2008 Students completed a warm-up. I collected the homework that was 
due today (RR expands westward and Westward Expansion Review). Students read 
from the SOL Coach Book. We watched a video clip/railroads (1st and 2nd) 
Carnegie and Rockefeller (6th and 7th). We discussed industries and big 
business, including leaders. If time permitted we completed the Rise of 
Industries handout 1-4.

09/22/2008 Today students completed a warm-up to review key terms of westward 
expansion. We completed our graphic organizer for Chapter 4, Lesson 4. We 
read an article about the Transcontinental Railroad and viewed a video clip. 
Homework was collected from Friday--Ch4, L4 questions. 
H.W. Students were to complete a handout about the railroads and westward 
expansion. due tomorrow--some time was provided during class to get started


09/19/2008 Today we are reading Chapter 4, Lesson 4. Students are asked to 
complete the questions for homework. This is a handout and has page numbers 
and section heading that correspond with the student's textbook. We also 
completed the character education activity on "Responsibility" is we did not 
get to it yesterday.
H.W. Answer the questions from Chapter 4 Lesson 4.
This is due on Monday.

09/18/2008 Today we looked at the routes of the Nez Perce. We completed a 
warm-up and we completed a quiz on the Great Plains. If time permits we will 
complete the character education handout about Custer and Chief Joseph.
H.W. none

09/17/2008 Today we finished hearing Chief Joseph surrender. We worked on a 
video reflection including a Venn Diagram and response questions. These were 
collected at the end of class. I passed back the writing assignment and asked 
students to read over the comments to help them better prepare for future 
writing assignments.
H.W. Quiz tomorrow on the Great Plains (know about the Great Plains including 
geography, adaptations and the Indian Wars)

09/16/2008 Today we are continuing the video, "I will fight no more forever." 
H.W. None 

09/15/2008 We are watching a video, "I will fight no more forever." This is 
about the Nez Perce Indians and their leader, Chief Joseph.
H.W. none

09/12/2008
Today we read about the Nez Perce. We read a play called, "I will fight no 
more forever." In 2nd, 6th and 7th we read an article as well. In 1st we 
watched a video clip about the Nez Perce as we have already read the article.
H.W. none---unless you did not complete your homework from last night.

09/11/2008
In first period we read an article about the Nez Perce Indians and answered 
questions about the reading aloud. The following writing assignment was given.
All classes: Students were given a writing assignment, in which they are 
required to read an article and answer three questions. We discussed good 
writing practices and the expectations for each paragraph in question one to 
be at least 5 sentences each. Suggestions were given for how to approach a 
reading selection (highlighting important point you want to include, etc). 
Students were informed that the writing assignment must be in their own 
words. The purpose is to read, think and write!
In 2nd, 6th and 7th I read an article about Custer's Last Stand and then gave 
out the writing assignment. In 2nd we also finished the brief clips from 
yesterday.
H.W. Writing assignment due tomorrow.--Students were given some time to get 
started and to ask me questions if they needed to. They will need to finish 
this for homework. 

NOTE: SIGNED MID-TERMS WERE COLLECTED. 

09/10/2008 Advisory: Don't forget to bring in canned goods for the food drive 
on behalf of the Salvation Army.
Today we completed a warm-up for review of Westward Expansion concepts from 
Lesson 3. We are studying Custer's last stand/the Battle of Little Bighorn. 
Students were given a mid-term and asked to have this signed.
H.W. Mid-term signed

09/09/2008 Today we viewed photos of the west. Students finished the 
article/graphic organizer for lesson 3 of Chapter 4. We completed a 
comprehension check activity during class. We viewed a brief powerpoint 
presentation. If time permitted students were given 5 questions summarizing 
our study of westward expansion.
H.W. none

09/08/2008 Today students finished reading Chapter 4 Lesson 3. We watched a 
couple of video clips about the Gold Rush and the Homesteaders. We looked at 
primary source documents on the Homestead Act. Additionally, in 1st period we 
also completed a graphic organizer 
and read an article about the Homesteaders. In 2nd period students were given 
some additional time to finish work from the SOL Coach book. This was re-
collected.
H.W. none

09/05/2008 We checked the SOL Coach questions which introduce Westward 
Expansion. As a warm-up activity, students were to list 5 inventions they 
would not want to do without. As a close activity they were to answer the 
question, "Has technology made our lives easier?". They were to defend their 
answer. If time permitted we began our reading of Chapter 4, Lesson 3. We 
will continue on Monday.
H.W. none

09/04/2008 
Today students had a test on geography. Textbooks were distributed. Students 
are expected to bring these to class each day. I introduced westward 
expansion as our next topic of study. Following the test students were given 
an assignment to read in the SOL Coach book. 
H.W. none

09/03/2008 Students worked on review materials in preparation for the test. 
We worked from the SOL Coach books.
H.W. Study your study guides. Test tomorrow.
Note: Due to internet difficulty I was unable to post teacherweb on 
09/02/2008.

08/29/2008 Students completed a quiz on basic geography skills. We then 
completed a handout, "Bodies of Water". Students were provided with a study 
guide. The test is scheduled for Thursday as announced during class. In 7th 
period we completed a mixed review.
H.W. Finish your study guide so we can check it together on Tuesday.


08/28/2008
Students completed a mixed review. We checked the How our world is divided 
handout. We completed a Venn Diagram of Latitude/Longitude. We also worked on 
a handout to locate latitude/longitude on a world map. We checked this as 
well.
HW--Students were advised of a quiz scheduled for tomorrow on basic 
geography. A word bank will be provided.

08/27/2008
Students completed a compass rose handout. Students completed a handout, "How 
Our World Is Divided." 
H.W. none

08/26/2008
Students completed a warm-up today about states/regions. I collected the All 
Fifty assignment and I checked the U.S. Regions Map (labeled and colored). 
Students were given an assignment tracker (exception to 2nd period--plan to 
distribute tomorrow). Students were given a course syllabus and a welcome 
sheet to place in their binders. We also worked on two handouts: Reading 
Political Maps and Give Me Good Directions.
H.W. none

08/25/08
Social Studies:
1st period: We completed a Warm-up for review. We outlined the regions and 
filled in our U.S. cities. We began talking about political maps/boundaries.
2nd period: We completed a warmup for review. We filled in our U.S. cities. 
We attended a brief assembly.
6th and 7th period: same as 1st
All students were reminded about the homework. This is listed on the agenda 
board.
H.W. Make sure you have your U.S. map outlining and labeling the regions. 
Make sure you have your "all fifty" completed.


08/22/08
Please remember any forms that need to be returned.
All Social Studies classes: Today students were given the "All Fifty" 
handout. 
Homework: Make sure you have both the US regions map (labeled and colored) 
and your all fifty assignment on Tuesday.


08/21/08
Advisory: Reminder: Please have your parents sign and complete "First Day" 
forms. Thanks! Also, if you have not paid the $3.00 locker fee, please bring 
your money to your advisory teacher.

Social Studies: Today in Social Studies we checked the USA Challenge and the 
continents/oceans paper. We are continuing in basic geography and beginning 
to place states into regions. Students were given a U.S. Map to color and 
label. This is due on Tuesday, August 26.
H.W. U.S. Map due on Tuesday, August 26. It needs to be colored and labeled. 
A handout of the regions, and a U.S map was provided. Time was given in class 
to help students get started.

08/20/08
Advisory: Reminder: Please give your packet to your parent(s)/guardian(s). 
Please refer to the information sheet to know which forms to return.
Today in Social Studies I explained our classroom 
rules/procedures/expectations and materials needed. I also presented an 
overview of topics we will study this year. We followed with a USA Challenge 
and Intro to Geography handout. We clozed by asking students about states 
they traveled to this summer.
H.W. Return forms to advisory teacher!