Text and News

Today we took some time to talk about text organization.  Our textbook is full of resources that are often over-looked simply because students don't know that they are there!  Hopefully, they will all have a better understanding after today.

We also spoke about sources of the news (via our Question of the Day).  In some classes bias in the news was discussed as well as the selection of appropriate topics.  We also discussed the way modern technology could be used to find articles of interest.  I have asked all students to bring in an article for tomorrow so that we can talk about the format of our weekly current event assignment.

Question of the Day

Today we discussed the procedure for entering class as well as that of the Question of the Day.  All students are expected to come to class with a composition book in which to record the date, question, and answer.  This will help us get started in class and set us up for discussions of class concepts.

The Question of the Day for today was:  What is one topic that you want to learn about this year in social studies? Tell me why...

We also began to look at our text and how it is organized (in some classes this will be done tomorrow).

Assignment:  All students will be asked to come to class with a news story this Friday.  They do not have to write anything about it before class.  It can be an article of any kind (print and/or internet source).  Please keep it school appropriate.

Technology!

Today we discussed procedures for accessing course information on-line.  My 'Teacher Page,' which can be accessed from the MSD website, is the source for most information.  Some information requires clicking on a link which will direct students to wikispaces and/or blogger.  Both of these resources contain valuable information and can be used for the purpose of studying at home.  We also discussed how to create a user name and password for the online textbook. 

All students (who are permitted by their parents) are encouraged to locate these sites and set up user names and passwords.  It is best to do this as soon as possible so that I can help if needed.

Upcoming Test: 11/02/2011

On Wednesday of next week (11/02/2011) students in periods 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 will be given a test regarding the content of Unit 1 (Prehistory).  An interactive study guide can be found on my wiki and should be accessed in preperation for the test.  Please contact me immediately if you have any questions or concerns. 

What is social studies...

First, I need to apologize for not updating last night.  With all of the rain, flooding, leaking, and other problems that occurred, blogging just wasn't on my mind.

Yesterday, we discussed procedures including starting class, the QOD (Question of the Day), and various other instructional practices used in my class. 

Today, we began to explore the world of social studies.  We determined what the five themes of social studies are:  History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, and Behavioral Sciences.  In small groups, we began to define and explain those very important aspects.  Tomorrow we will continue to work on making our social studies webs and discussing these topics.

Is anyone watching President Obama's address?  What do you think?

So...

...who will be first to post on my blog?

In class today, we discussed several important topics.  First, we discussed what materials are needed for class (something to write with and a notebook/binder).  We also discussed class rules, important course topics, and the use of technology pertaining to this social studies class.  Please check out my teacher page for more information and remember to sign up for the wiki if you are permitted.  Remember to discuss the use of technology with your parents!

Any questions?  If you have one, post it here!

Welcome!

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome my newest group of students!  Our first week is now behind us and it is time that we start moving on toward the meat of this course.  I hope that you are willing to take the time to participate in both in the 'real' classroom and the virtual.  You will want to sign up for this blog, as well as my wiki, within this week so that you can get started.

Our major question for discussion will be:  What is social studies?  Feel free to leave your comment or respond to the comment of one of your classmates...