Here you'll find descriptions of our day-to-day activities, as well as homework assignments.

Week of May 17 - 21

Monday, May 17 - We'll finish Bull Run. I will return research papers to you this week or next. Homework: This week we will finish our Civil War unit and prepare for our FINAL QUIZ on Thursday. Make sure that your reading notes are complete! Topics covered will be:

Tuesday, May 18 - We'll watch a brief video about the life of Abraham Lincoln. Homework: Prepare for Thursday's Quiz.

Wednesday, May 19 - Jeopardy! Here are the Questions! Homework: Make sure you're ready for tomorrow's quiz with complete reading notes and any hand written notes you would like to use.

Thursday, May 20 - Final Quiz. No Homework.

Friday, May 21 - We will straighten up the classroom and celebrate our completion of the academic year!

Week of May 10 - 14

Monday we will continue reading Bull Run.

We won't have class for the rest of the week, but I will be collecting the FINAL DRAFTS OF YOUR RESEARCH PAPERS at deck meeting on THURSDAY!

Next week we will finish our Civil War unit and prepare for our FINAL QUIZ.  Make sure that your reading notes are complete!  Topics covered will be:

Week of May 3 - 7

Monday, May 3 - I'll collect rough drafts of the Research Paper. We'll finish reading Chapter 18 and doing the Reading Notes. Homework: Finish reading Chapter 18 and doing the Reading Notes in case you weren't able to finish in class.

Tuesday, May 4 - We'll do a fabulous activity in which we'll analyze passages from the Declaration of Sentiments from the Seneca Falls convention to see if the demands made by women's rights activists in 1848 have been met in 2010! Homework, due Thursday: The Era of Reform was a period when many Americans worked to make the world a better place. What do YOU think are the aspects of American life that still need to be changed for the better. Make a PROTEST SIGN to call attention to a current issue in need of reform!

Wednesday, May 5 - We'll finish the Declaration of Sentiments activity. Homework, due Thursday: The Era of Reform was a period when many Americans worked to make the world a better place. What do YOU think is something that still need to be changed for the better? Make a PROTEST SIGN to call attention to a current issue in need of reform!

Thursday, May 6 - We'll watch the 8th graders' performances from the American Spirit Festival, identifying reformers we now know about, and making predictions about our final unit, the Civil War. Homework: I'll give back research papers. Final drafts due next Wednesday!

Friday, May 7 - We'll read about one of the most amazing figures of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln. Homework: Research Paper final drafts due next Wednesday!

Week of April 26 -30

Yay! We did it! Congratulations on a wonderful festival!

Monday, April 26 - We'll reflect on the festival and do self-evaluations. We'll jump back into the Mexican American War with some video clips from a PBS website and discussion: Was it a just war? No Homework.

Tuesday, April 27 - I'll pass back research papers and we'll talk introductions and conclusions. You'll have time to work on them in class. Homework, due Friday: Full rough draft of your research paper, including heading, title, introduction, all body paragraphs, conclusion (all 12 pt, double spaced) and bibliography. Please bring your textbook for the remainder of the week.

Wednesday, April 28 - I'll answer any remaining questions on research papers. You'll begin reading Chapter 18, the Era of Reform, and doing the reading notes. Homework, due Friday: Full rough draft of your research paper, including heading, title, introduction, all body paragraphs, conclusion (all 12 pt, double spaced) and bibliography.

Thursday, April 29 - No class or abbreviated class. Homework, due Friday: Full rough draft of your research paper, including heading, title, introduction, all body paragraphs, conclusion (all 12 pt, double spaced) and bibliography.

Friday, April 30 - Research paper peer review. No homework. Have a great weekend!

Week of April 19 - 23

This week will be entirely devoted to our preparations for the American Spirit Festival, which is Friday. For more information, see the festival page on this site.

Homework:

Week of April 13 - 16

Not to strike fear into anyone's heart, but ONLY EIGHT CLASS PERIODS UNTIL THE AMERICAN SPIRIT FESTIVAL! Yikes! Please check out the festival page on macspage.com if you haven't already.

Tuesday, April 13 - We'll jump straight back into preparations for the Festival. First, we'll review everyone's roles and check in about how costumes are going. Then, we'll brainstorm ideas for our performances. Homework: Work on your costume and whatever you've been assigned for the festival performance (script writing/props/costumes/set/etc.).

Wednesday, April 14 - We'll rehearse American Spirit performances. Homework: Work on your costume and whatever you've been assigned for the festival performance (script writing/memorizing lines/props/costumes/set/etc.).

Thursday, April 15 - We'll rehearse American Spirit performances. Homework: Work on your costume and whatever you've been assigned for the festival performance (script writing/memorizing lines/props/costumes/set/etc.).

Friday, April 16 - We'll rehearse American Spirit performances. Homework: Work on your costume and whatever you've been assigned for the festival performance (script writing/memorizing lines/props/costumes/set/etc.).

Week of March 22 - 25

Monday, March 22 - Today we'll do a whirlwind activity to trace how America stretched "From Sea to Shining Sea" HOMEWORK FOR THURSDAY: Have your first 9 body paragraphs ready to turn in TO ME! Remember to format correctly and proofread well. Your outline should be stapled behind your work.

Tuesday, March 23 - Today you'll be briefed on the American Spirit Festival and select your roles. You'll fill out the American Spirit Character Handout. HOMEWORK FOR THURSDAY: Have your first 9 body paragraphs ready to turn in TO ME! Remember to format correctly and proofread well. Your outline should be stapled behind your work.

Wednesday, March 24 - Today we'll begin writing our mini-plays for the American Spirit Festival. HOMEWORK FOR THURSDAY: Have your first 9 body paragraphs ready to turn in TO ME! Remember to format correctly and proofread well. Your outline should be stapled behind your work.

Thursday, March 25 - Today we'll finish our mini-plays for the American Spirit Festival. Homework over break: Finish typing any remaining body paragraphs for your research paper. Begin gathering costumes and props for the American Spirit Festival.

Week of March 15 - 19

Monday, March 15 - We'll finish our look at the arts in early nineteenth century America. Homework: Revisit your first three body paragraphs, proofread and make the changes suggested during our peer review.

Tuesday, March 16 - Today we'll learn about the presidency of Andrew Jackson, Sequoyah's Cherokee Alphabet, and the Trail of Tears. Homework, due Friday: Have your next three body paragraphs (#4 - 6) typed and ready for a peer editing session.

Wednesday, March 17 - We'll begin an activity about how America stretched from Sea to Shining Sea. Homework, due Friday: Have your next three body paragraphs (#4 - 6) typed and ready for a peer editing session.

Thursday, March 18 - We'll finish the activity about American expansion and Manifest Destiny, focusing on the Mexican American War. Homework, due Friday: Have your next three body paragraphs (#4 - 6) typed and ready for a peer editing session.

Friday, March 19 - Peer editing session. Have a great weekend!

Week of March 8 - 12

Monday, March 8 - We will read 12.1 and look at the map on pg. 162 before beginning rehearsal of mini-plays to bring alive the events in Chapter 12. Homework: Spend at least 15 minutes memorizing your lines.

Tuesday, March 9 - I'll hand back your RP outlines and quizzes. We'll work on rehearsing our mini-plays. Homework: The first three body paragraphs of your paper are due on Friday. 7th graders MUST type their work...I strongly suggest that 6th graders type their work as well.

Wednesday, March 10 - Finish mini-play rehearsal and begin performances. Homework: The first three body paragraphs of your paper are due on Friday. 7th graders MUST type their work...I strongly suggest that 6th graders type their work as well.

Thursday, March 11 - Finish mini-play performances. Homework: The first three body paragraphs of your paper are due on Friday. 7th graders MUST type their work...I strongly suggest that 6th graders type their work as well.

Friday, March 12 - We'll do an activity to learn about the new forms of art, music, and literature that blossomed in 19th century America. No Homework - have a great weekend!

Week of March 1 - 5

Monday, March 1 - I'll pass back your outlines and we'll have time to discuss my comments. If you need a fresh outline handout, click here. Brainstorming for the American Spirit Festival. Homework: Work on your Reading Notes for Thursday's quiz on Chapter 11. Work on making my suggested improvements on your outline, and start filling in the supporting ideas in your body paragraphs. Remember, the supporting ideas should be BULLET POINTS, NOT FULL SENTENCES! Full outline due Thursday.

Tuesday, March 2 - Outline Work Day. Homework: Work on your Reading Notes for Thursday's quiz on Chapter 11. Work on making my suggested improvements on your outline, and start filling in the supporting ideas in your body paragraphs. Remember, the supporting ideas should be BULLET POINTS, NOT FULL SENTENCES! Full outline due Thursday.

Wednesday, March 3 - Chapter 11 Jeopardy. Subjects covered will be the Presidencies of Washington and Adams, Hamilton and the Federalists, Jefferson and the Democratic Republicans, and the election of 1800. Click here to see the jeopardy questions! Homework: Work on your Reading Notes for Tomorrow's quiz on Chapter 11. Full outline due tomorrow.

Thursday, March 4 - Chapter 11 Quiz. Outlines Due. No Homework.

Friday, March 5 - We'll begin an introductory lesson to Chapter 12. No Homework.

Week of Feb. 22 - 26

Monday, Feb. 22 - Thesis workshop. You'll take your list of possible research paper theses done over the break and hone one of your options into a brilliant, finely tuned thesis. Homework: Make sure to bring your notecards and your outline handout tomorrow, and write your final thesis into the outline handout.

Tuesday, Feb. 23 - Outline mania. We'll review how the topic sentences fit into the outline. Remember, in order for your paper to be strong, the underlying STRUCTURE must be strong. The thesis and topic sentences make up that structure! Homework: RENEW YOUR LIBRARY BOOKS! Your outline should be filled out with your brilliant THESIS and TOPIC SENTENCES for tomorrow's check.

Wednesday, Feb. 24 - You'll turn in your outlines (with thesis and topic sentences in place) for me to check. We'll return to reading Chapter 11, doing the reading notes, and learning about the birth of American Political Parties. Homework: TBA, depending on where each class arrives with the reading.

Thursday, Feb. 25 - Chapter 11 Reading and Notes continued. Homework TBA.

Friday, Feb. 26 - Brainstorming for the American Spirit Festival! No Homework.

Week of Feb. 8 - 12

Monday, Feb. 8 - You will have time in class to read from your sources and work on your notecards. Bring any internet sources or library books that you would like to read. Homework: Work on your 15 notecards, due Friday. Don't forget to record keywords and sources on your notecards. You may find that you need more than 15 cards - that is fine! You will need a minimum of 15 cards to get full credit on Friday.

Tuesday, Feb. 9 - Periods 1,2 and 4 will work on notecards. Period 3 will begin reading Chapter 11 and doing the Reading Notes. Homework: Work on your notecards!

Wednesday, Feb. 10 - We will work on reading Chapter 11 and Reading Notes. Homework: Work on your notecards!

Thursday, Feb. 11 - I'll show you how to renew your library books online. You will have time in class to read from your sources and work on your notecards. Bring any internet sources or library books that you would like to read. Homework: Work on your 15 notecards, due Friday. Don't forget to record keywords and sources on your notecards. You may find that you need more than 15 cards - that is fine!

Friday, Feb. 12 - Notecard check. I will pass out the outline handout, and we'll review the importance of the thesis sentence and the topic sentences in the organization of a paper. Homework for break: Now that you've written your notecards, you've become knowledgeable about your subject. Brainstorm at least 3 ideas for your thesis. Bring your thesis list on Monday the 22nd. Make sure that each thesis on your list can be easily broken down into topic sentences to guide the structure of your paper.

 

Week of Feb. 1 -5

Monday, Feb. 1 - I will check your SB Library lists - remember, you should have three book titles with their call numbers, preferably from the Juvenile section. We will continue our Supreme Court Activity, with you acting as justices on two more Supreme Court cases. Homework for Friday: Rough draft of your bibliography. Typed work is required for 7th graders, recommended for 6th graders. Cite all the internet resources and books you plan to use in your paper. You may add more sources as we continue the writing process. Don't forget to use the MLA format.

Tuesday, Feb. 2 - Supreme Court Activity, continued. I will collect your opinions on all four cases. Homework: Work on your bibliography and be sure to bring all your printed internet resources tomorrow; we will begin working on notecards!

Wednesday, Feb. 3 - Research Paper reading day. You will have time to read your sources and work on your notecards. Homework: Make sure you have your SB Library list for our trip tomorrow. Work on your bibliography.

Thursday, Feb. 4 - SB Library Trip??? Homework: Bring your library books to class tomorrow. Bibliographies due tomorrow, so be sure to add your new library books to your bibliography.

Friday, Feb. 5 - Research Paper reading day. You will have time to read your sources and work on your notecards. Have a great weekend!

Week of Jan, 25 - 29

Monday, Jan. 25 - Last in-class day to work on Chapter 10 Reading Notes. If you finish your notes early, you will have the opportunity to read your latest Research Resource and work on your bibliographical citations. Homework: Finish your Chapter 10 Reading Notes if you haven't done so already.

Tuesday, Jan. 26 - SURPRISE! You've been appointed to the Supreme Court by the president and approved by the Senate (because you are 100% qualified, of course)! Get ready to rule on cases related to the Bill of Rights. Homework: Find a third solid internet resource for your Research Paper.

Wednesday, Jan. 27 - Supreme Court Activity, continued. No Homework.

Thursday, Jan. 28 - We'll learn how to use the amazing Black Gold Library Catalog. Homework for Monday: Make a list of the titles and call numbers of three books that you might want to check out from the Santa Barbara Public Library. Double check that they're in Santa Barbara, not elsewhere. If you find a book at another library, you can have a hold placed and it will be sent to the library of your choice - Solvang is recommended, as it may not get to Santa Barbara in time for our filed trip. Go for quantity, not quality, and give preference to books in the JUVENILE section (they will have a J before the call number).

Friday, Jan. 29 - Pancakes, Jammies and Chess. Enjoy your weekend!

Week of Jan. 18 - Jan. 22

Monday, Jan. 18 - Happy MLK Jr. Day! No school.

Tuesday, Jan. 19 - I'll go over the Research Paper Timeline. Due dates may change, so please check on macspage.com often. You'll have some time to work on reading and highlighting your internet research. Homework: Find and print another internet resource for our next reading day, date TBA.

Wednesday, Jan. 20 - School cancelled because of weather

Thursday, Jan. 21 - We'll watch a short video on MLK Jr., then finish the Constitutional Law activity! May the best firm win! Homework: Do Preview 10 Handout. Disregard the instructions that ask you to complete the work with a partner.

Friday, Jan. 22 - We will read Chapter 10 in class and do the accompanying Reading Notes Handouts. It is a large PDF document so it may take a while to download!) Homework: Bring your textbook on Monday. The last in-class day to work on Chapter 10 reading notes is Monday; after that it will be homework!

Week of Jan. 11 - Jan. 15

Monday, Jan. 11 - We'll continue to prepare for the Constitutional Law Bar Exam, studying the three branches of the government as well as the topics of Federalism, Judicial Review, and the Amendment Process. I'll meet with each of you individually to discuss your research paper topic, and I'll give you a suggestion of a great place to start with your research. Homework: Please bring your book tomorrow and Wednesday. Have an internet research resource for your research paper topic printed out for class by next Monday.

Tuesday, Jan. 12 - We'll continue to prepare for the Constitutional Law Bar Exam. Homework: If you haven't finished your Chapter 9 Reading Notes in class, choose one set of Constitutional Question Cards to take home, and complete the Reading Notes for that subject.

Wednesday, Jan. 13 - Constitutional Jeopardy. See the Jeopardy Questions Here. Homework: Make sure you're ready for the Constitutional Bar Exam, with your Chapter 9 Reading Notes complete!

Thursday, Jan. 14 - Constitutional Bar Exam! No Homework, but make sure you have your printed research resource for Monday.

Friday, Jan. 15 - Today you'll form law firms and advise clients with questions regarding Constitutional Law. No Homework, but make sure you have your printed research resource for Monday.

Week of Jan. 5 - Jan. 8

Tuesday, Jan. 5: I'll collect your topic choices for the Research Paper, then we'll jump right back into the Constitutional Convention activity. Homework: If you had a problem accessing my list of research paper topics, please click here for an HTML version. Make sure you have your list of 3-5 topics by tomorrow!

Wednesday, Jan. 6: We'll continue/finish the Constitutional Convention activity. Homework: Read 8.12 and complete the Chapter 8 Processing Handout, using the knowledge you have gained during the Convention activity. Please bring your textbook for the rest of the week.

Thursday, Jan. 7: If your class has not finished the Constitutional Convention, we will do so today. Everyone else will begin the Constitutional Law activity, in which you will study Constitutional law in order to pass a "bar exam," then form law firms to advise clients on Constitutional dilemmas. Homework: Complete the Chapter 9 Preview Handout.

Friday, Jan 8: Constitutional Law activity. No Homework.

Winter Break Homework Assignment

We’re about to embark on the exciting process of writing a research paper.  Please take at least 1 hour over the break to visit the Research Paper page on www.macspage.com.  There, you can learn about the assignment and even read an example of a strong past paper.

By Wednesday, December 23 I will post the list of possible paper topics on the Research Paper page of my website.  These are just suggestions to get your mind moving; if you have another idea (from American history), please e-mail me at marymacduncan@gmail.com so that I can approve it.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:  By the end of break, prepare a written list of 3-5 topics that you would like to write about (we will narrow it down to one during the first week back from break).  I recommend using your textbook or any of the research resources on my website to find out more about the topics you think might interest you.  Invest the extra time to find a topic that fits your interests and abilities; if you do, the entire process will be more enjoyable!

Week of Dec. 14 - Dec. 18

Monday, Dec. 14 - Today will be a work day for the Constitutional Convention. Homework: Make sure you are ready for tomorrow with your nametag and assignment.

Tuesday, Dec. 15 - Constitutional Convention begins. Homework: make sure you are ready for the rest of the convention (tomorrow and after the break) with your nametag and assignment.

Wednesday, Dec. 16 - Constitutional Convention continues for 6th grade. 7th graders will have the opportunity to finish another project. Homework: The Constitutional Convention will continue the day we return from break, so be prepared. Also due the day we get back: Research Paper Topic Handout.

No Classes Thursday or Friday!

Week of Dec. 7 - Dec. 11

Monday, Dec. 7 - Review Jeopardy for tomorrow's quiz. Homework: See the review jeopardy questions and expand your notes as needed. Remember, I will not allow you to use notes that are printed directly from the computer - you must write them out by hand! Make sure your binder and notes are in good shape, as I will be doing a binder check as well tomorrow.

Tuesday, Dec. 8 - Quiz and Binder Check. Homework: 6th Graders are still working on the quiz; no homework. 7th Graders: read 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3. Be ready to discuss the following question in class: How did Shays' Rebellion expose the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Wednesday, Dec. 9 - 6th Graders will finish the Quiz.  7th Graders will receive your roles for the Constitutional Convention - We will begin Friday! You will have class time to prepare. Homework: 1st Period:  Read 8.1 to 8.3.  2nd Period:  None.  3rd and 4th Periods:  Read your character packets and be ready to work on your nametag and your speech tomorrow. If you were absent, make sure you've read 8.1 to 8.3.

Thursday, Dec. 10 - Preparation time for the Constitutional Convention. Homework: Have your nametag, your speech, and your costume ready for Friday.

Friday, Dec. 11 - The Constitutional Convention Begins!

Week of Nov. 30 - Dec. 4

Monday, Nov. 30 - "Declaration of Independence for Young People" can be turned in for extra credit any time this trimester. Play Round 1 of "Revolutionary Capture the Flag." Preview Reading Notes 7.2 and 7.3. Homework: Read 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 of the text and complete Reading Notes 7.2 and 7.3.

Tuesday, Dec. 1 - Play Rounds 2 and 3 of "Revolutionary Capture the Flag." Preview Reading Notes 7.4 and 7.5. Homework: Read 7.4 and 7.5 of the text and complete Reading Notes 7.4 and 7.5.

Wednesday, Dec. 2 - Play Rounds 4 and 5 of "Revolutionary Capture the Flag." Preview Reading Notes 7.6 and 7.7. Homework: Read 7.6 and 7.7 of the text and complete Reading Notes 7.6 and 7.7.

Thursday, Dec. 3 - Finish "Revolutionary Capture the Flag," preview Reading Notes 7.8. Homework: Read 7.8 of the text and complete Reading Notes 7.8.

Friday, Dec. 4 - Grades Posted, Mini RP's go home in Friday Folder. Social Studies Binder First Aid (time to go through our binders, make sure work is comleted and organized). No Homework!

Week of Nov. 16 - 20

This week is a little different than most. In class, everyone will be working on the Declaration of Independence for Young People, a simplified and illustrated version of the Declaration of Independence that could be understood and appreciated by a 3rd grader. Remember, if your Declaration is especially wonderful, you will have the opportunity to share it with the 3rd grade class of your choice!

Homework: Turn in your final draft of the mini-research paper by the day listed below. If you have any questions about my expectations or about how to write your paper, please visit THIS LINK! If that doesn't answer your questions, feel free to e-mail me!

7th graders: Tuesday, Nov. 17

6th graders: Friday, Nov. 20

Week of Nov. 8 - Nov. 13

Monday - We'll finish episode 1 of John Adams and do the Colonial Town Hall Meeting.
Homework: Read 6.1 through 6.3 and do the reading notes handout. Final draft of mini-research paper due Friday.

Tuesday - We'll begin episode 2 of John Adams
Homework: Read 6.4 through 6.6 and do the reading notes handout. Final draft of mini-research paper due Friday.

Wednesday - We'll finish episode 2 of John Adams
Homework: Final draft of mini-research paper due Friday.

Thursday - Declaration of Independence Activity
Homework: Final draft of mini-research paper due tomorrow.

Friday - Declaration of Independence Activity.
No Homework; have a great internship/conference/Thanksgiving!

Week of Nov. 2 - Nov. 6

Monday - I will collect all rough drafts of mini-research papers.Pop Quiz: What do you already know about the American Revolution? Read 5.1 and 5.2 and discuss student predictions about how the events described might have led to American independence. Homework: Read 5.2 and 5.3 and fill out the accompanying reading notes handout I gave you in class. If you are absent, do the following chart for your notes. Title your notes "Toward Independence."

Action British Motivation American Reaction Enforced or Repealed?
Proclamation of 1763      
The Stamp Act of 1765      
The Quartering Act of 1765      

 

Tuesday - Begin watching the first episode of HBO's John Adams, about Adams' involvement in the Boston Massacre trial, etc. Homework for Thursday: Read 5.4, 5.5, and 5.6 and continue with the reading notes handouts.

Wednesday - Finish watching John Adams. Homework for Thursday: Read 5.7 and 5.8. and continue with the reading notes handouts.

Thursday - Discussion of questions from 5.5, 5.6 and 5.7. Portrait of a Patriot (Paul Revere) activity. Begin preparing for Colonial Town Meeting. No Homework.

Friday - Preparation time and begin Colonial Town Meeting Activity. Have a great weekend!

Week of Oct. 26 - Oct. 30

Monday - 6th graders - I'll pass back your theses with my approval or comments.  7th graders - I'll pass back your outlines and notes with my comments.  We'll share some strong examples of student work.  You'll have some time in class to work on your outlines. Homework:  Have your complete outline filled in and ready to check tomorrow.  Remember that your topic sentences should point back to your thesis, and all the information in a given paragraph should fall logically under that topic sentence.  The rough draft (must be typed for 7th graders, can be hand-written for 6th graders) of your mini-research paper is due Friday!  It should include heading, title, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, and bibliography, and your should staple your outline to the back!

Tuesday - 6th graders will have time to work on your introduction and conclusion.   I'll check your outlines in the meantime!  7th graders will have a double period with Dawn today. Homework:  The rough draft (must be typed for 7th graders, can be hand-written for 6th graders) of your mini-research paper is due Friday!  It should include heading, title, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, and bibliography, and your should staple your outline to the back!

Wednesday - Bibliography madness!   You'll know the MLA bibliographical citation form like the back of your hand by the end of the day.  7th graders will also review introductions and conclusions today. Homework:  The rough draft (must be typed for 7th graders, can be hand-written for 6th graders) of your mini-research paper is due Friday!  It should include heading, title, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, and bibliography, and your should staple your outline to the back!

Thursday - Time to work on introductions and conclusions, polish mini-research papers, etc.  Homework:  The rough draft (must be typed for 7th graders, can be hand-written for 6th graders) of your mini-research paper is due Friday!  It should include heading, title, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, and bibliography, and your should staple your outline to the back!

Friday - AAHHHH.... doesn't it feel good to have your mini-research paper turned in?  We'll curl up with a good book - the Cartoon History of the United States, to review all we've learned about colonization so far, and get ready for our next topic - the road to REVOLUTION!  No homework, have a great weekend!

Week of Oct. 21 - 13

Wednesday 6th graders will share their "Colonial Region Infomercials." We'll have time in class to read our research for our mini-research papers, and we'll discuss the importance of comprehension as a first step in writing about a topic.  We'll discuss several options for note-taking, and we'll spend the rest of the class taking notes. Homework: Make sure you've read and understood your sources, and that you have taken notes in one of the formats discussed in class. You will need them tomorrow!

Thursday 6th grade will go over notes and talk about what a thesis is.  7th grade will begin our outlines for the Mini-Research Papers.  We'll try to come up with a thesis that expresses the main idea of the information we've found on the topic.   Homework: 6th graders:  Have all your notes done.  Remember to follow notecard format.  7th graders:  Fill in the thesis sentence and topic sentences on your outline.  Bring it in tomorrow with your notes.

Friday 6th grade will write their theses.  7th grade has a double period with Dawn, but I will collect your homework at the beginning of class.  Homework: None, have a great weekend!

Week of Oct. 12 - 16

Monday Today I will introduce the Mini-Research Paper Assignment. Click here to see details! You will be assigned a topic from the New England, Middle, or Southern Colonies. We will go over my expectations for the assignment. Homework:  Have your first, second, and third choices ready for your Mini-Research Paper topic.   Remember that I'll be doing a binder check tomorrow.  Click here to see what should be in your Social Studies Binder.

Tuesday I'll introduce the research resources on my website and explain how to use them.  Together with the classmates who represent the same colonial region, you will read the section in Chapter 3 pertaining to that region. In the meantime, I'll be checking your Social Studies Binders.  You will then create a 5 minute presentation to introduce your region to the rest of the class. Your presentation should include:

Homework:  Bring in two pieces of internet research on your subject that you gathered through the research sites on macspage.com. Make sure that the internet address of your source is somewhere on your papers. 

Wednesday We will continue going over research resources on my website.   Homework:  Bring in two pieces of internet research on your subject that you gathered through the research sites on macspage.com. Make sure that the internet address of your source is somewhere on your papers.

Thursday Together with the classmates who represent the same colonial region, you will read the section in Chapter 3 pertaining to that region. In the meantime, I'll be checking your Social Studies Binders.  You will then create a 5 minute presentation to introduce your region to the rest of the class. Your presentation should include:

Homework: None

Friday We will share our "Colonial Region Infomercials." Homework: None. Have a great (long) weekend!

Week of Oct. 5 - 9

Monday
Today we will finish the Columbus trial.
Homework: Have the written component of the Columbus Trial Activity ready to turn in on Wednesday. Consult the Columbus Trial Rubric to review my expectations. Your work should be proofread and presented in "final draft" format (that means typed for 7th graders, please!).

Tuesday
We will continue reading Chapter 2, bringing each section to life with role-playing and other activities.
Homework: Reading from Chapter 2 to be announced in each class. If you are absent, read at least 2.3 and 2.4.

Wednesday
Today we will finish our activities from Chapter 2. I will go over the materials that you should have in your Social Studies binder for next Tuesday's binder check (see Notes).Homework: Make sure your binder is in order for next Tuesday's binder check. Quiz Friday on Chapter 2. Finish reading Chapter 2 by Friday.

Thursday
Review Jeopardy for tomorrow's Quiz. If you are absent, check the Review Jeopardy question list here.
Homework: Make sure your binder is in order for next week and that you finish reading Chapter 2 for tomorrow's quiz.

Friday
Chapter 2 Quiz.
Homework: None. Have a great weekend!

Week of Sept. 28 - Oct. 2


Monday
In Class: I will go over my Columbus Trial Evaluation Rubric (how you will be evaluated on the Trial project) and we will begin/continue going over the Anatomy of a Trial packet. Any remaining time will be spent with your teams, practicing your direct examination.
Homework: Attorneys, work on your opening statements. Witnesses, work on your questions. Remember, you are preparing these documents both for the trial itself (we will begin Wednesday or Thursday), and to turn in to me at the end of the project (sometime next week).

Tuesday
In Class: Teams will work collaboratively to practice direct examination and brainstorm questions for cross examination.
Homework: Attorneys, work on your opening statements. Witnesses, work on your questions. Remember, you are preparing these documents both for the trial itself (we will begin Wednesday), and to turn in to me at the end of the project (sometime next week).

Wednesday
In Class: The trial of the People vs. Christopher Columbus begins! Depending on the readiness of each class, I may give you a limited amount of time at the beginning of class to do last minute preparations!
Homework: Reflect on the events of the day. Brainstorm ideas for how your team can improve its case in response to the day's testimony. Be ready to share your ideas in class tomorrow.

Thursday
In Class: The trial of the People vs. Christopher Columbus continues! Depending on the readiness of each class, I may give you a limited amount of time at the beginning of class to do last minute preparations!
Homework: Attorneys should begin working on their closing statements. Everyone should reflect on the events of the day. Brainstorm ideas for how your team can improve its case in response to the day's testimony. Be ready to share your ideas in class tomorrow.

Friday

In Class: The trial of the People vs. Christopher Columbus continues/ends?! Depending on the readiness of each class, I may give you a limited amount of time at the beginning of class to do last minute preparations!
Homework: Make sure that you are ready to turn in your opening/closing statements (Attorneys) and question lists (Witnesses) by Tuesday.

Week of Sept. 21 - 25


Monday
Today you'll have an engaging discussion about aliens - yes, aliens! Then you'll respond to a writing prompt about how you would react to an alien encounter.
Homework: Read 2.1 and 2.2.

Tuesday
Today you'll discuss the connection between last night's reading and yesterday's assignment. Then you'll read and respond to the primary source on page 427 of your text. If you are absent, do the activity on pg. 427.
Homework: No Homework

Wednesday, Sept. 23
We'll take a personality test to see what part we might take in the Columbus Trial.
Homework: No Homework

Thursday, Sept 24
You'll get your roles for the Columbus trial and "meet" all the other people on your Prosecution or Defense team.
Homework: 5 Columbus Trial Questions. Lawyers: Write down at least five questions that you plan to ask the witnesses on your team. Make sure to note which question is for which witness. Witnesses: Write down at least five questions that you think your lawyer should ask you to help make your case.

Friday, Sept 25
Together with your team, you will read the witness testimony for the opposite team. You'll also use last night's homework to help the lawyer's plan their questioning for each witness.
No Homework

 

Week of Sept. 14 - 18

Monday
In Class: Warm up: Native American story. We'll finish taking notes on the character skills and academic skills that we'll be working on throughout the year. We'll also finish the Native American Cultural Regions Activity. If you're absent, you will need to finish reading Chapter 1. For each cultural region, you should list three environmental features and three Native American adaptations in your notes. You'll need these notes for Friday's quiz.
Homework (for Thursday): Native American Journal Assignment: Imagine that you are a young person growing up in one of the Cultural Regions described in Chapter 1. Write a one page journal entry that describes a day in your life. Incorporate descriptions of the three environmental features and three ways your people have adapted, all in the context of a first-person journal entry. You may choose to decorate your journal entry with sketches, maps, or other interesting visual details.

Tuesday
In Class: Warm up: Native American story. Finish Native American Cultural Regions Activity.
Homework (for Thursday): Work on your Native American Journal Assignment.

Wednesday
In Class: Warm up: Native American story. Chapter 1 Jeopardy game for Friday's quiz.
Homework: Journal Entry due tomorrow. Open notes quiz Friday. Make sure your notes are complete on the Native American Cultural Regions.

Thursday
In Class: Warm up: Native American story. We'll share our Journal entries.
Homework: Open notes quiz Friday. Make sure your notes are complete on the Native American Cultural Regions.

Friday
In Class: Native American Quiz. Discussion: Aliens...are they out there? We'll investigate how the first European visitors to the New World may have been treated like...well...aliens!
Homework: No homework.

 

Week of Sept. 8 - 11


Tuesday
In Class: We'll do an introductory Timeline Activity that will help you put important dates in American History in a larger historical context.
Homework (For Friday): Have your Social Studies binder up and running. Remember, I'm either looking for a well-marked section of a big fat multi-subject binder, or a small three ring binder. Either way, you should have lots of lined paper ready for writing and note-taking.

Wednesday
In Class: We'll finish our overview/discussion of the class. I'll pass out textbooks. If we have time, we'll move right in to an investigation of how "history" can change, depending on your point of view! We'll use the "Boston Massacre" as a case study!
Homework: See above. Social Studies binder due Friday.

Thursday
In Class: We'll finish the "Boston Massacre" exercise. If we have time, we'll begin learning about Native American groups with an activity.
Homework: Reading assignment TBA, as well as Social Studies binder tomorrow.

Friday
In Class: Native American Groups activities.
Homework: No homework.