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...

On to Rome...

Today students were given their first vocabulary sheet regarding Rome.  I will be giving more tomorrow.  The goal of this week will be to complete the sheets and review the new terms.  Once we are back from Spring Break, we will being our projects.  All groups will be required to complete the Roman Play Project as well as a Presentation.  We will discuss this more in the coming days.

Expanding Empire

We began class today by looking at a map which depicted the spread of the 'Greek' Empire under the direction of Alexander the Great.  The route he and his troops traveled took them through many different types of terrain and exposed them to different climates. 

Next, we focused on the final essential question:  How did the Greek culture spread and who was directly responsible for it?  The short answer is Alexander the Great and he did so by conquering other civilizations.  Now, you will have to expand on that!

Chapter 7, Section 3

Today in class, students read Chapter 7, Section 3, in their small learning groups and answered four reading check questions.  I have collected those questions and will enter them as a graded assignment.  Tomorrow we will discuss the section, review the questions, and begin to focus on the final essential question.