This Week's Agenda - LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL!

Dearest 7th Graders,

We have come to that sad part of the year when school comes to a close.

ALL LATE WORK IS DUE TODAY (Monday June 3). 

This week we will be concluding our Rwandan genocide unit and covering current events. FYI - Both Monday and Thursday are shorten schedules. Tuesday and Wednesday are normal "A" Day schedules. Friday is a half day devoted to Field Day.

If any students are cleaning out their lockers and have unused supplies, please visit Mr. Brandstrader's classroom donation center and donate them to a very needy teacher. Your generousity will not go unnoticed!

Block Day Agenda

Today I will be checking notes from last week, informing students of their current grades and any missing work. In addition, we will be studying the Rwandan genocide this week, watching clips and identifying the stages of genocide that we see.

HOMEWORK for THURSDAY: Finish the reflection questions on Worksheet 1.

For Tuesday

On Tuesday May 28, I will be checking notes. NOTES AND A WRITING UTENSIL SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO CLASS.

I will be checking for the following:

From Monday:
A 3 sentence reflection on the Armenian video (how did it make you feel? What was the message?)
An example from each of the 8 stages of Armenian genocide

From Tuesday:
The 5W's and How of the Cambodian Genocide

From Block Day:
A 3-5 sentence reflection on when the U.S. should intervene in genocides (Elie Wiesel quote that we must "always"intervene versus Bill Clinton's speech that we should help when we can -- who do you agree with? Would you put your life on the line to save people you have never met and a country you will never visit? )
The 5W's and How of the Bosnian Genocide

From Friday:
The 5W's and How of the Darfur Genocide

For the 5W's:
Who - The "Us" group, the "Them" Group, and the leader if well known (Pol Pot and Milosevic)
When - Time period
Where - pretty straight forward

(Each of the following should be 2-3 sentences long)
What - brief summary of the genocide, including approximately how many people died)
Why - was it due to race, ethnicity, religion? What was the history of the groups and/or region?
How - How did it occur? Were people relocated? Sent to camps? Were there death squads? (Think organizational stage) Why didn't the U.S./U.N. stop it?

Friday's Agenda

Today we will discussing the Darfur genocide. Students will be taking notes on the key aspects. All genocide notes are due on TUESDAY MAY 28. 

In addition, students will be given some time to make up missing work and complete quiz corrections.

Here are links for Darfur research:

http://www.history.com/topics/darfur-conflict

http://worldwithoutgenocide.org/genocides-and-conflicts/darfur-genocide

Here is a link to a video of childrens' drawings of their memories:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml10CnaICk8

Monday's Video

Monday's video for the reflection:

Prezi on the Bosnian Genocide, Elie Wiesel quote, and Bill Clinton speech on Bosnia

Once again, the industrious researchers in 5th period found a prezi on the 8 stages of the Bosnian Genocide. 

And here is quote from Elie Wiesel on genocide:

Lastly, here is a speech from Bill Clinton discussing the Bosnian peace accord and America's role. 

Block Day Agenda

Today we will be discussing the Bosnian genocide of the mid-90s, as well as the US and UN response to the action. In addition, we will be discussing the genocide trial of Gen. Efrain Rhos Montt of Guatemala and the disaster in Oklahoma.

Tuesday's Agenda

Today we will be discussing the Cambodian genocide. We will watch a short clip from a survivor about what it was like to grow up under Pol Pot's reign of terror, and discuss what could have been done to stop it.

There is no homework this week due to MAPS testing. All late work must be submitted by June 3rd for credit. 

Prezi on the 8 stages of the Armenian Genocide

http://prezi.com/orf7impymbgm/copy-of-the-eight-gruesome-stages-of-the-armenian-genocide/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=prezi_landing_related_solr&utm_campaign=prezi_landing_related_author

Monday's Agenda

This week we will be looking at genocides that have taken place throughout history. Today, we will be discussing the Armenian genocide in the early 20th century. We will watch a short clip on the genocide, and read short passage summarizing the event. Once that is completed, students will note in their spirals examples of each stage of genocide from the Armenian conflict.

There is no homework this week due to MAPS testing. 

This Week's Agenda

-- Sorry for the delay, but I was in a Project Citizen Whirlwind. Great job students! --

Monday/Tuesday - Project Citizen Presentations
Wednesday (Block) - Discussion of Current Events, specifically the genocide trial of General Efrain Rios Montt in Guatemala.
Thursday (Early Release) - Return and Review of the Genocide Open Note Quiz. Directions for corrections listed below.
Friday (Band/Orchestra/Chorus Field Trip) - Discussion of Kristallnacht and written response

There is no homework this week or next due to MAPS testing. 

Friday's Agenda in the Computer Lab

Today is the last day in the computer lab to work on Project Citizen. Goals for today -

1) Finalize Speech

- Add proper transitions
- Delete all notes, script should only include your speech parts
- Insert which slide should be shown during which part of your speech

2) Complete Presentation

- Share with bbrandstrader@nssd112.org- Make sure theme/font is consistant

- 5th - Light Gradient/Arial
- 6th - Dark Gradient/Arial
- 8th - Wave/Trebuchet
- 9th - Spotlight/Trebuchet

- Share with bbrandstrader@nssd112.org- 5-8 slides that are easy to read
- Share with bbrandstrader@nssd112.org

3) Reminder about Dress Code

- Boys - collared shirt, dress pants, dress shoes
- Girls - skirt (knee length), dress, or business pants, nice top, shoulders covered

- You do not have to wear these clothes all day, however, you DO NOT have time to change during our period. Must be dressed by the start of your presentation.

PROJECT CITIZEN PRESENTATIONS!!!

For the past two months, 7th grade social studies classes have been working diligently on Project Citizen, analyzing issues in our community and researching alternative policies. On May 13th and 14th, Mr. White's and Mr. Brandstrader's classes will be presenting their public policy solutions in the Edgewood Auditorium. 

Family members, community members, and other Edgewood classes are invited to join us and be part of our audience. Presentations will be held during the following times:

Monday, May 13 (Block Day):

White Period 3 - 9:20-10

White Period 5 - 10:40-11:20

White Period 8 - 12:00-12:40 (during 7th grade lunch)

Tuesday, May 14 (A Day): 

White Period 4 - 10:20-11

Brandstrader Period 5 - 11-11:40

Brandstrader Period 6 - 11:50-12:30

Brandstrader Period 8 - 12:30- 1:10 (during 7th grade lunch) 

Brandstrader Period 9 - 2:00-2:40

See you there! 

Goals for Tuesday in the Computer Lab

Today in the computer lab...

1) Finalize your PC script. Make sure to clearly state who is speaking which parts. 

EXAMPLE: 

JOAKIM: Today we are going to be talking about Project Citizen in Mr. Brandstrader's 10th period Social Studies. We are talking about the problem of too many TVs in the lunch room. 

NATE: That's right Joakim. With the money we are spending on those TVs, we could buy air conditioning for the whole school and 2 chromebooks for every student!

TAJ: I'm not sure if that's correct Nate, but we all know that no one likes the TVs... 

2) Share it with me (bbrandstrader@nssd112.org). It is every member's responsibility to make sure the doc is shared. If I do not have it by the end of the day, points will be deducted from every group member. 

3) Work on visual portion of the presentation. Here is a great example of how your slides should look:

5th Period Social Studie...Bullying

This Week's Agenda (5/6-5/10)

Monday - Holocaust Museum Field Trip
Tuesday - Finish Project Citizen Script, work on Project Citizen Visual Presentation
Block Day - Practice Project Citizen Presentation in the Auditorium
Friday - Finish Project Citizen Visual Presentation, resolve any last issues before presenting on TUESDAY MAY 14. 

This week's Agenda (4/29-5/3)

This week in 7th Grade Social Studies...

Monday - Run through of Project Citizen Presentation
Tuesday - Review 8 Stages of Genocide, Hand out Study Guide (below)
Block Day - First half: Review Study Guide, answer remaining questions on genocide. Second half: Edit Project Citizen script
Friday: Genocide Quiz

Friday Agenda

Today we are in the computer lab working on our Project Citizen script (speeches) for our presentations.

Completed scripts are due MONDAY. 

Also, please turn in your Holocaust Field Trip forms ASAP.

Block Day Agenda

Today in Social Studies, there are 3 assignments (I will be in a professional development meeting for half of 5th and all of 9th period). These are also posted on Edmodo. 
 
1) Complete notes for the 8 stages of Genocide (to Slide 42) - DUE FRIDAY
2) Complete Holocaust Independent Research Assignment (details below) - DUE FRIDAY
3) Complete your PC script for the presentation - DUE MONDAY

HOLOCAUST INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
Like when we researched Project Citizen, it is important to know the who, what, where, and when of the Holocaust. IN YOUR SPIRALS, research and record FIVE important events of the Holocaust, noting the whos, whats, wheres, and whens. 

There are no specific right or wrong answers. This is largely your opinion. 

EXAMPLE: 
What - Kristallnacht 
When - November 9-10, 1938
Who - The Nazi Party coordinated a series of attacks against Jews and Jewish businesses. 
Where - Throughout Germany and parts of Austria

You may NOT use Kristallnacht as one of your 5. Do your own work. Don't copy mine.
DO NOT POST YOUR ANSWERS ON EDMODO, WRITE THEM IN YOUR SPIRALS.

Tuesday's Agenda

Today we will discuss Stage 4 of Genocide, and begin working on Stage 5. For homework for Block Day, please complete notes for Stage 5. 

Also, please remember to turn in your Holocaust Museum Field Trip forms by this Friday April 26.

Monday's Agenda

Today we will be in the computer lab composing our speeches and presentations.

2 goals for today

1)   Continue and finish your script

2)   Create Presentation

a.     Pick Theme  - Check Edmodo for your classes' theme

b.     Create Title – your period and Group title

c.      Don’t change the font – needs to be consistent

d.     Insert pictures, do not change background
e.   Share the presentation with me

There is no homework this evening. 

Friday Agenda

Today in class, we will be completing notes for Stage 3 of Genocide. FOR HOMEWORK for Monday, please complete notes for Stage 4 (through Slide 20). The powerpoint is posted below and linked on Edmodo. All notes should be done on paper unless you have personally gotten approval from me to use another method. The assessment for the 8 stages of genocide will be open-note, so it is important that your notes be comprehensive and properly done.

*** For students who were out, please complete Stage 3 and Stage 4 notes for homework.

Eight stages of_genocide_and_preventing_genocide_by_gregory_stanton,_genocide_watch_may_2008 from teamhumanities

Block Day Agenda

Today we finished notes on Stage 2 of Genocide, and worked in groups on the Project Citizen presentations. Each group outlined the content they will cover in their presentations, and began scripting their parts. 

Here is a breakdown of what each class must cover: 

INTRO

            - Welcome guests

-       Explain Project Citizen

-       Explain how we chose our topic

-       Give background on our topic, including key statistics and facts

-       Explain why we must address this topic and why we must do it through public policy

-       Give background on Edgewood and key officials

-       Give background on District 112 and key officials

-       Give background on Highland Park and key officials

-       Describe the key areas we focused on

CONCLUSION

-       Summarize what the groups said

-       Construct memorable, persuasive recap/conclusion to sell the judges and crowd on our solutions

GROUPS

            - Identify the specific topic your group is focusing on

            - Describe the current policy process.

            -  Research that shows why this is not effective

            - Alternatives to our current policy

            - Propose 2 possible solutions. Each solution should include:

                        - Action Plan

                        - Obstacles

                        - Feasibility

Tuesday's Agenda

Today we will be discussing the events in Boston yesterday, then continuing on with the 8 stages of genocide lecture/notes. There is no homework this evening.

8 Stages of Genocide PPT

Eight stages of_genocide_and_preventing_genocide_by_gregory_stanton,_genocide_watch_may_2008 from teamhumanities

Monday's Agenda

Today we will beginning to discuss the 8 stages of genocide. We will also be devoting a major portion of the class period to building note-taking skills.

There is no homework this evening. 

Block Day and Friday Agenda

For Block Day, we discussed our Project Citizen Presentations and created our groups. For the second half of the block, we worked on using the Haiku Deck app on the iPads, to become familiar with the software that we will be using to create our presentations.

For Friday, we will be discussing our prior knowledge on genocide and defining key terms of the unit.

There is no homework this weekend. 

Quick Note

For anyone who has not finished their Project Citizen Paper, you will be attending ALP until it is finished. Get it done!

Monday Agenda

Hello Students,

I am out sick today. You have 2 assignments.

Part 1 - Quarter 4 Pre-Evaluation

This quarter, we will be discussing tolerance, diversity and genocide. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine your prior knowledge on these subjects, and what you would like to learn. Not all students are familiar with these terms, but that would mean that students should have questions. These evaluations will not be graded for accuracy, but on the effort and amount of thought put into the answers. If students have no knowledge or interest in these topics, I still expect lengthy explanations as to why. Each  answer should be AT LEAST 2-3 sentences in length. You should perform some research to help you answer these questions; make sure you open a new tab, and make sure ALL answers are in your OWN words.

https://docs.google.com/a/nssd112.org/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dElYWTd0NDFzdFhCSmV6bi12bjY4N0E6MQ#gid=0

Part 2 - Project Citizen Title, Summary and Cover

In presenting our ideas for Project Citizen, we will need a catchy title, image, and summary. Every student must email me (Bbrandstrader@nssd112.org):

1) a title for our class project (something better than "School Safety at Edgewood" or "Green Ideas")

AND

2a) a picture (using the Draw app, a different app, or real paper) illustrating our class project

OR

2b) a 5-8 sentence paragraph introducing and summarizing our class project.

I understand not everyone is the greatest artist or wordsmith, but everyone must make a solid effort. Obviously, if you draw a picture on real paper, you can't email it. Please bring it in on Wednesday/Thursday.

Anything not completed in class is homework for Wednesday/Thursday. 

Friday Agenda

Today we will be in the computer lab, and all Project Citizen Papers are due by the end of the period.

A quick reminder on a few key points:
- No links within your paper. You should cite the source ("According to CNN.com,") and then provide the full link in the bibliography at the end of the paper.
- All sources must be in proper bibliographical format. EasyBib.com is a tool to help you, but it is your responsibility to make sure your entries are cited correctly. Please see yesterday's post if you have questions.
- All papers should be in 12 pt. Times New Roman, 1.5 spacing, with no spaces between paragraphs.
- Grammar and punctuation count. If you have finished your paper, proofread it! Then proofread again!
- The Rubric is posted on Edmodo. Check it to make sure you have covered all aspects.

Today marks the end of Q3. Only one more quarter until 8th Grade!!

Block Day Agenda

Today we are in the computer lab, finishing up our papers. The Project Citizen Paper is due tomorrow at the end of class!!!

For students who are having a difficult time thinking of ideas to write about: 
1) Do more research! A fun fact or statistic can spark new ideas and ways to write about your topic
2) Work on your action plan. Most students have very simple action plans. Instead of saying "talk to the mayor," describe how you would persuade the mayor if she was resistant to your ideas. Instead of saying "make ads," describe what your persuasive ads would say. 
3) Elaborate! Many students have short and choppy sentences in their papers. Edit and expand those sentences to be more complete. It makes for better writing (and longer papers)!

As for the bibliography, students may use EasyBib.com to assist them in crafting their bibliographies. Easybib.com is a great site to use to help create proper bibliography entries. While often all necessary information is transferred and converted into proper form simply by entering the webpage, students may have to enter some manually. Key information that must be included are 1) source type, 2) title of the article/post, 3)authors/contributors, 4)website link, and 5)date. In order to cite informational websites, such as greatschools.org, it is important to have the topic/subject (Edgewood), the website title, the website link, and the date that you accessed the information.

Tuesday's Agenda

Today we will be in the computer lab, working on our Project Citizen papers.

PAPERS ARE DUE AT THE END OF THE DAY ON FRIDAY. In addition, Quarter 3 ends on Friday. Please turn in all missing work.

Monday's Agenda

Welcome back!

This week we will be in the computer lab, putting the finishing touches on our Project Citizen Papers. All requirements are posted on Edmodo. Please make sure to ask any questions you may have so that you can complete your paper correctly and on time.  Papers are due by the end of class on Friday 4/5. They need to be shared with me (bbrandstrader@nssd112.org) but do not need to be printed out.

In addition, we will also be working on our citations and reference pages. Easybib.com is a great site to use to help create proper bibliography entries. While often all necessary information is transferred and converted into proper form simply by entering the webpage, students may have to enter some manually. Key information that must be included are 1) source type, 2) title of the article/post, 3)authors/contributors, 4)website link, and 5)date.

Block Day / Friday Agenda

In this abbreviated week, we will be outlining and researching for our Project Citizen paper. I have posted key resources on Edmodo, as well as the 7 essential questions you should be able to answer by Friday. On Friday, I will be checking each student's progress on their outlines/paper. I must see that substantial work has been completed, which I would define as having bullet points for each section, research/evidence that identifies the problem/supports your solution, and possibly a few sections that are close to paragraph length.

Block Day Agenda

Today we are reviewing Task 14, discussing the requirements of the Project Citizen paper, and beginning to outline our papers.

Tuesday's Agenda

On Tuesday we reviewed Task 13, passed out the rubric for the Project Citizen Paper (On Edmodo), due April 5th, and previewed our schedule through the end of the quarter.

This week and next, we will be outlining and researching for our Project Citizen Papers. After spring break, we will be in the computer lab all week, with the paper due at the end of class on Friday.

Monday Agenda

Period 6 and 8 only.

Today, we will review Tasks 9-12, and take time to work on Tasks 13 and 14, due Tuesday. Also, I will be meeting with each student to inform them of their grades and missing work.

Missing Work and Progress Reports

7th grade students and parents -- due to the snow day and ISATs, I will not be sending out progress reports until Tuesday March 12th. Please check Pinnacle and Edmodo to see if you have any missing work. I will also be alerting students to missing work in class on Friday and Monday. If you turn in an assignment that has been marked missing, please email me at bbrandstrader@nssd112.org to alert me that it is complete and I will put it into my gradebook.

Agenda for Week of 3/4 - 3/8

This week is ISAT week, so we will be working on Tasks 13-17 in class and discussing our results from Tasks 1-12. There is no homework this week. Rest up!

UPDATE: The snow day today means that our schedule will be altered, so it is unlikely we will get to all the planned tasks.

MONDAY: Task 13, 14
TUESDAY: UPDATE - Snow Day
WEDNESDAY: Period 5/9, each for 55 minutes
THURSDAY: Period 6/8, each for 55 minutes
FRIDAY: Period 5/9, each for 55 minutes

This Week's Agenda

This week we are working on Tasks 8-12 (All posted on Edmodo), and taking an open document,  15 questions check-up on Friday covering the basics of Project Citizen and Tasks 1-12.

Civil Disobedience Current Event

Here is a good example of civil disobedience that is currently in the news. The Sierra Club, an environmental group, is trying to change our government's policies in dealing with climate change. Specifically, the Sierra Club is trying to stop the building of the Keystone XL pipeline.

http://www.politico.com/story/2013/02/sierra-club-goes-bolder-in-climate-fight-87973.html?hp=r18

Monday's Agenda

Today we will be discussing current events regarding civil disobedience, and discussing and extending Task 7.  Tomorrow I will be checking Project Citizen documents in class tomorrow.

*** Check Edmodo for further instructions for Task 7.

Friday's Agenda

On Friday we shared our Task 6 assignments about social change and civil disobedience, and began Task 7, to be completed for homework.

Block Day Agenda

Next Monday we will be attending an assembly about Martin Luther King Junior and Black History Month. During block day, we will be looking and analyzing some of Dr. King's Speeches and gaining a further understanding of his mission and message. We will also begin work on Task 6, which will be looking at how change is created and who is creating change in today's world. (Directions will be posted on Edmodo)

Tuesday's Agenda

Today we will be completing Task 4 and Task 5 for our Project Citizen Unit (posted on Edmodo). In addition, I will be having individual conferences with students to review Tasks 1-3.

Friday Agenda

We are reviewing answers to Task 2, and beginning Task 3 "Research". Students will have time to complete the task in class. It is due by Monday (no school) when I will be checking Project Citizen Google Docs.

Please check Edmodo for instructions on Task 3, as each class has different topics.

Block Day Agenda

We will be completing an inference activity based on the President's State of the Union address last night, exploring the most important factors in dealing with our Project Citizen Topic, and completing Task 2 (posted on Edmodo).

Tuesday's Agenda

Today we will review answers from Task 1 of Project Citizen, and discuss the State of the Union, its purpose, and watch some clips of past speeches.

HOMEWORK for BLOCK DAY (posted on Edmodo) - Please watch part of the State of the Union speech and record 5 key phrases or ideas that the President mentions. You can answer and list the 5 phrases directly onto Edmodo, or bring them in on a piece of paper if you do not have computer access. If you can not watch the State of the Union tonight or record it, you can find it online, or you can select an article which reviewed the speech and find the key ideas there.

Monday's Agenda

Project Citizen Topic Showdown! Last Friday's vote resulted in a tie between school safety and bullying issues. We will discuss the pros and cons of each issue, then we will hold a final vote.

Once our topic is settled, we will begin our work, defining key words and concepts regarding our topic.

HOMEWORK TONIGHT - Complete TASK 1 questions on your Project Citizen Google Doc that you created last week. Please check Edmodo for the questions you should answer, as all classes will have different questions. Please use complete sentences.

Friday's Agenda

Today we will:
- Vote on our Project Citizen topic
- Learn how to search effectively on Google
- Complete GoogleADay search assignment (to be completed and submitted through Edmodo) -- It is due by Sunday night.  Homework cancelled. Enjoy your weekend. 

Thursday's Agenda

On Thursday we reviewed what public policy is and is not, how problems can be solved through public policy solutions, and how problems can be solved through community solutions.

Wednesday Agenda - Early Release

I am out sick today. In class (and for homework) I would like you to answer the following questions about your public policy problem on Blogger (but remember to submit the link on Edmodo so I know you turned it in!). You may work in groups (2-3 people) but each member must turn in these questions individually. You may stay with the problem you introduced yesterday, or change to a problem your classmates brought up . However, this must be a public policy problem. You must use complete sentences and provide well-thought out answers. You may need to research questions to find answers as well. 

Names of group members:
Date:
The PUBLIC POLICY problem:

1) Is this a problem that you and other people in your community think is important? Why? 

2) What level of government or governmental agency is responsible for dealing with the problem? 

3) What policy does government now have to deal with this problem? 

3a) What are this policy's advantages and disadvantages? 

3b) How could this policy be improved?

3c) Does this policy need to be replaced? Why? 

3d) What disagreements are there, if any, about this policy in the community?

4) Where can you get more information about this problem and the positions taken by different individuals and groups?

5) Are there other problems in your community that you think might be useful for your class to study? What are they? 

Tuesday's Agenda

Today we are reviewing the background of Project Citizen (below), and then we will have a full class discussion over public policy problems we (7th graders) face, and brainstorm possible solutions that can be reached through petitioning the local and state governments.

Monday's Agenda

Today we will reviewing our independent research project, then beginning our Project Citizen project. We will discuss public policy, and begin debating what topic/policy we would like to focus on in class. 

Homework (posted on Edmodo) - Create a Google Doc
Title your Google Doc your "first initial last name Project Citizen Notes"
Ex = BBrandstrader PC Notes
Share your document with your teacher (bbrandstrader@nssd112.org)
You will answer ALL future tasks in the Google Doc created. Each individual must have their own document for notes. Do NOT share your document with other classmates.

Friday Agenda

Friday we will be completing an Independent Research Activity, posted on Edmodo. 

As we begin our Project Citizen Unit, one key skill necessary for success is the ability to independently research. Find the answers to the following questions. YOU DO NOT NEED COMPLETE SENTENCES. YOU MUST GIVE TWO SOURCES TO VERIFY YOUR ANSWER. List those sources right next to your answer. In addition, please include 2 PICTURES relevant to your answers. 

Please complete this assignment on Blogger, and submit the link.

1. It has been said “The sun never set on which empire”? This was the most powerful empire during the 16th and 17th centuries.

2. The Bolsheviks, under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin, took control of what country AND in what year?

3. Which Aztec emperor was killed by Cortez and his conquistadors?

4. Which North American country became part of the British Empire at the end of the Seven Years’ War in 1763?

5. Who was the commander of the first expedition to circumnavigate (go around) the entire globe?

6. The first atomic bomb used for war was dropped on which city AND on which date?

7. In 1982 a dispute over which islands caused Argentina and the United Kingdom to go to war?

8. Which Southern Hemisphere country was founded by the British as a place to send criminals during the 18th century?

9. Which 16th century empire stretched from the Balkans, through Turkey, and into Arabia and the Middle East?

10. Which two neighboring Asian countries are bitter enemies and both tested nuclear weapons in 1998?

11. Which empire was Cleopatra the queen of?

12. Which country did the USSR (Russia) invade in 1968 to end it’s attempt at freedom?

13. The storming of the Bastille in Paris was the beginning of what major event?

14. Which Mesoamerican civilization followed the Olmec?

15. In which U.S. state did the hydrogen filled blimp the Hindenburg explode in 1937?

Block Day Agenda

Today I will be returning papers and presentations, reviewing our Edmodo/Blogger procedures, completing written reflections on Quarter 2 reflections, and discussing the current immigration debate over comprehensive reform.

Q2 Reflection is due on FRIDAY.

Monday/Tuesday Agenda

We will be presenting our group research presentations on Monday and Tuesday. Grades for Papers and presentations will be graded and returned on Wed/Thu block.

With Edmodo appearing to have work out its glitches, we will be using it more frequently this quarter. We will spend time during Block Day going over procedures. I will still be updating my blog as well.

Friday Agenda (End of 2nd Quarter)

Today we will be in the computer lab finishing our group presentations. Groups will be presenting Monday and Tuesday next week.

Due to a professional development meeting, I will not be here this afternoon. Any student who has not submitted their paper must leave it with the substitute teacher.

UPDATE - Due to a fair amount of papers that need to be re-worked and re-submitted, the Person of the Year Papers will be pushed to a Quarter 3 grade.

Here's to a great 3rd Quarter!

Block Day Agenda

Today we are continuing to work on our multimedia presentations. We will be presenting on Monday and Tuesday of next week. A copy of the directions are posted below.

Group Presentation Guidelines

Students will form groups of 3-4 and present their People of the Year in one multimedia format. Groups should come up with a theme under which all of their people can be categorized (ex. Athletes, Event (Sandy Hook), Inspirational, Motivational, Record Breakers, World Leaders). The theme should be listed in the introduction of the presentation.

Presentation should be 5-7 minutes in length, and groups are free to use any multimedia program they choose (iMovie, Prezi, Animoto, Google Presentations). Groups should cover each of their people of the year, using both videos (clips should be around 30 seconds)  and pictures, and how their people of the year fit into the the group’s theme.

For each Person of the Year, groups must cover (in bullet points):

1. Biography of the Person
2. What they did in 2012
3. Why you believe this person is so important

Tuesday's Agenda

Today we will be turning in our papers and begin discussing the group presentations where we will review expectations. Students will form their groups, and we will head to the computer lab to begin creating our presentations.

Groups will present next week on Monday (1/28) and Tuesday (1/29).

Friday's Agenda

Today we will be in the computer lab writing, editing, polishing, and hopefully finishing our Person of the Year papers. Papers are due on Tuesday 1/22 at the beginning of the period. Each student should hand in a paper copy, no less than 2 typed pages and a typed bibliography page (thus 3 pages minimum).

After submission of the Person of the Year paper on Tuesday, we will begin discussing the group project.

Reminder, all work must be submitted by next Friday (1/25) to receive credit, as that is last day of Quarter 2. Please email me to let me know if you have publish any late work on Blogger, or to submit any late work to ensure that you get credit for the assignments.

Block Day Agenda (1/16 - 1/17)

During the Block Period, we will be recapping requirements for the Person of the Year essay, sharing our current drafts with the class (optional), engaging in peer review of our essays, and using the remainder of the period for writing and editing.

Suggestions/Guidelines for a quality essay are below...

Mr.Brandstrader

Period7

Thingsto check before handing in your paper on Tuesday…

FORMAT

Paper should list your name, period, and title as shown above. 

·     12 pt. Arial  or Times New Roman Font ONLY

·     No spaces between paragraphs

·     1.5 spacing

·     Formal bibliography with 3 sources (WikipediaMAY NOT be one of them)

STRUCTURE (Here is a guide forthose who are having difficulties)

·     Paragraph1 – Talk about the events of the year, ending with your choice for the 3finalists of the year.

·     Paragraph2 – Talk about each of your 3 finalists (2-3 sentences each) about why theywere important in 2012. End your paragraph by announcing which of the 3finalists you picked for person of the year.

·     Paragraph3 – Give a detailed biography of your person of the year.

·     Paragraph4 – Give a detailed explanation of why your person was so important in2012.

·     Paragraph5 – Give a detailed explanation why your person of the year was soinspiring to YOU.

·     Paragraph6 – Give a detailed explanation why your person of the year was soinspiring to THE WORLD.  (You canuse this as your concluding paragraph, or add a separate paragraph as yourconclusion)

STYLE

·     Thoughtful word choice, and written in your OWNvoice (do not plagiarize!)

·     Variety of Sentence Starters and Lengths

·     Proper grammar and punctuation

Tuesday's Agenda - Early Release (1/15)

On Tuesday we continued to research, write and edit our Person of the Year essays. Reminder - Essays are due Next Tuesday January 22. As a guide, students should have close to a page of writing completed. HOMEWORK - Print out your current draft of your paper for block day class for peer review.

Agenda for Monday 1-14

Today we are continuing to work on our Person of the Year project, specifically covering how to properly cite a source, both within the paper and in the bibliography.
*In addition, we will be holding individual conferences so that students are aware of any missing work they need to complete before the quarter ends next week.

Friday Agenda

We were in the computer lab working on our Person of the Year project.

Wednesday/Thursday Agenda

Today we will be:
-- Reviewing 3R's Cool Tool about being respectful, responsible, and ready to learn.
-- Begin Research on the Person of the Year Project

The is a  homework assignment due Friday 1-11-13 to be completed on Blogger.
1) Write a personal goal for each "R". How will you demonstrate being respectful, responsible, and ready to learn?

Monday's Agenda

WELCOME BACK!

Today in class, we reviewed the Chapter 7 and 8 test, and shared some of our Story of the Year stories.