Final Grade Update

I posted the final grade update today on TeacherWeb.

Goodbye

Have a wonderful summer and high school experience!

Due to the possible passage of Louisiana House Bill 570 I may not be permitted to respond to your emails or other electronic communication in the future. If you email me and do not get a reply please do not take offense -- I must comply with the law.

You have been a great class and I wish each of you the best.

Grades Updated

Grades were updated this afternoon on TeacherWeb. The deadline for We the People assignments is Thursday at 3:00 p.m. I have graded all assignments submitted thus far, so unless I receive additional work this is your final grade.

Pick-a-Project Rubric

If you need another copy of the rubric click here. The online version looks a little different from the handout but the text is the same.

Counterfactual Due Dates

The Counterfactual Project timelines and PowerPoints are due on 12 May 2009. You will present in class.

Pick-a-Project

Your last project for the year is the most flexible assignment. You may select the topic (with my approval) and the means of presenting the topic. Your project should fulfill your IEP objective. Past projects have included cooking videos, video game re-enactments of a famous battle, and web pages. See the Rubric Index for ideas, although I will consider developing new rubrics for innovative projects. Projects are due on 19 May 2009; we will schedule presentations in each class period.

Grades Updated

I updated the grades on TeacherWeb to include today's open note quiz. Students had the opportunity before the quiz to compare notes. The quiz was announced yesterday; students were told in advance that they would be allowed to use their notes on the quiz.

Carthage video quiz Wednesday

Bring your notes on Carthage on Wednesday. If you missed class read this article:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/97373/Carthage

Counterfactual Rubrics

The Counterfactual Powerpoint Rubric
http://www.paulblankenship.com/CounterfactualPowerPointRubric.pdf

The Counterfactual Timeline Rubric
http://www.paulblankenship.com/CounterfactualTimelineRubric.pdf

The Counterfactuals Project

Working in small groups (2 to 3 students), students will select a turning point in history, change the outcome, and project a counterfactual series of cause and effect events based on the altered turning point. A "turning point" is some event that made a difference in history, such as Bienville bluffing the English captain into leaving the Mississippi River. The events will be presented in a timeline and PowerPoint. I have reserved library time on 30 April & 1 May for research time and group work on this project. The counterfactual history must be logical, realistic, and probable. Omit references to mythological figures or anything that would be impossible in the real world (such as unicorns, dragons, or magic). Also exclude anything not known to exist, such as space aliens. Even in the counterfactual history all the rules of physics still apply. Rubrics have been provided.

Henry Lin for the win!

Henry IS the Louisiana Student of the Year. Congrats Henry!

Congratulations to Henry Lin

Henry made finalist for Student of the Year; all the finalists are from Caddo Parish Schools:
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009904110339

Grades Updated

I updated the grades on TeacherWeb yesterday.

Country Song Due Date

Your group's country song on inflation and unemployment is due on May 1st 8th. Be prepared to perform for the class.

Point Sheets

Point sheets went home today. Of course, you may check your grade anytime on TeacherWeb.

Fake Resumé Due Date

The new due date for the fake resumé is 28 April 2009.

No Test this Week

We will not have a test or binder check this week.

Fake Resumés

The due date will be after the break; Mrs. Boddie will announce a due date in her class. Bring two copies; one for each of us.

Grades Updated

The tests earlier this week have been posted.

Next Two Tests

I will give tests on Monday and Tuesday of next week. The test on Monday will cover GLEs 31-36. The test on Tuesday will cover GLEs 37-40. We are using class time on Friday to prepare for these tests. Study the crossword puzzles posted below. Copies are available in class.

Grades Updated

Online grades have been updated on TeacherWeb.

Test Thursday

We have a 21 20 question test on Thursday on GLEs 67-69. I posted this on the board in class on Tuesday. Study the three crosswords below.

GLE #69 Crossword Puzzle

GLE #69. Propose and defend potential solutions to past and current issues in Louisiana (H-1A-M5)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle69crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle69crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle69crossword.txt

GLE #68 Crossword Puzzle

GLE #68. Interpret a political cartoon (H-1A-M4)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle68crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle68crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle68crossword.txt

GLE #67 Crossword Puzzle

GLE #67. Analyze given source material to identify opinion, propaganda, or bias (H-1A-M4)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle67crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle67crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle67crossword.txt

GLE #40 Crossword Puzzle

GLE #40. Describe ways by which citizens can organize, monitor, or influence government and politics at the local, state, and national levels (C-1D-M4)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle40crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle40crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle40crossword.txt

GLE #39 Crossword Puzzle

GLE #39. Identify individual rights guaranteed in the Louisiana Constitution (C-1D-M2)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle39crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle39crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle39crossword.txt

Grades Updated

I updated grades for the third grading period. This is your final grade unless you are entitled by policy to make up a grade. I do not think that is the case for anyone, since we did not have a test last week.

Test 4.1 on Monday

Remember, Test 4.1 on Monday covers GLEs 58-61. See below for study guides.

GLE #38 Crossword

GLE 38. Explain how U.S. foreign policy has affected Louisiana (e.g., tariffs, NAFTA) (C-1C-M2)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle38crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle38crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle38crossword.txt

GLE #37 Crossword

GLE #37. Explain the role of nation-states in various alliances and international organizations (e.g., NATO, the United Nations, OPEC) and identify effects of their decisions upon Louisiana (C-1C-M1)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle37crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle37crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle37crossword.txt

GLE #36 Crossword Puzzle

GLE #36. Explain how political parties, campaigns, and elections provide opportunities for citizens to participate in government (C-1B-M6)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle36crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle36crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle36crossword.txt

GLE #35 Crossword Puzzle

GLE #35. Describe the role of the Electoral College and how Louisiana participates in that system (C-1B-M6)

Make sure you know the number of electors and why we have that number (see your notes).

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle35crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle35crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle35crossword.txt

GLE #34 Crossword Puzzle

GLE #34. Explain how the U.S. census is used in the political process and how it affects Louisiana representation in Congress (C-1B-M6)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle34crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle34crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle34crossword.txt

GLE #33 Crossword Puzzle

GLE 33. Analyze how the democratic process has been used to institute change in Louisiana (C-1B-M5)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle33crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle33crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle33crossword.txt

GLE #32 Crossword Puzzle

32. Describe various peaceful ways of resolving political or social conflicts, including majority vote vs. consensus (C-1B-M4)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle32crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle32crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle32crossword.txt

GLE #31 Crossword Puzzle

GLE #31. Explain how the Louisiana Constitution reflects the principles of government set forth in the U.S. Constitution (e.g., checks and balance, separation of powers) (C-1B-M3)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle31crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle31crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle31crossword.txt

Grades Updated

Grades were updated today on TeacherWeb.

Help with the Historical Figure Resumé

Please see:

http://delicious.com/louisianastudies/gle66

Job Shadow Day Forms Due Friday

Please turn in your Job Shadow Day form on Friday. Job Shadow Day is 24 April 2009.

Next Test will be on Monday

Test 4.1 will cover GLEs 58-61 and will be on Monday, 23 March 2008. Please review the crosswords below.

Grades Updated

Online grades have been updated.

Test Friday the 13th

Don't panic! But do study. The test will cover GLEs 53, 54, 55, 56, and 57. The crossword puzzles are available below. Study the crosswords and you should do well. We will play a review game on Thursday but you still need to study the crosswords.

Remember, the skit on GLE #53 and the rap on #54 are due Thursday.

GLE #53. Explain and analyze factors affecting production and allocation of goods/services in Louisiana and the United States (E-1B-M2)

GLE #54. Explain the difference between private goods/services and public goods/services and give examples of each (E-1B-M3)

GLE #55. Identify the costs and benefits of a given government policy (e.g., trade agreements, minimum wage) on a competitive market (E-1B-M4)

GLE #56. Identify various types of taxes and user fees and predict their consequences (E-1B-M5)

GLE #57. Explain reasons for trade between nations and the impact of international trade (E-1B-M6)

GLE #61 Crossword

GLE #61. Describe the influence/impact of inflation or unemployment on different groups of people (e.g., consumers, business owners) (E-1C-M2)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle61crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle61crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle61crossword.txt

GLE #60 Crossword

GLE #60. Define inflation and unemployment in terms of an economic system as a whole (E-1C-M2)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle60crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle60crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle60crossword.txt

GLE #59 Crossword

GLE #59. Explain the meaning of various economic indicators that help describe the state of an economy (e.g., GDP, CPI, stock market indices, rate of unemployment or inflation) (E-1C-M1)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle59crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle59crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle59crossword.txt

GLE #58 Crossword

GLE #58. Describe historical and economic factors influencing the economic growth, interdependence, and development of Louisiana and the nation (e.g., mass production, oil boom and decline) (E-1B-M7)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle58crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle58crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle58crossword.txt

GLE #57 Crossword

GLE #57. Explain reasons for trade between nations and the impact of international trade (E-1B-M6)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle57crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle57crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle57crossword.txt

GLE #56 Crossword

GLE #56. Identify various types of taxes and user fees and predict their consequences (E-1B-M5)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle56crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle56crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle56crossword.txt

GLE #55 Crossword

GLE #55. Identify the costs and benefits of a given government policy (e.g., trade agreements, minimum wage) on a competitive market (E-1B-M4)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle55crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle55crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle55crossword.txt

GLE #54 Crossword

GLE #54. Explain the difference between private goods/services and public goods/services and give examples of each (E-1B-M3)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle54crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle54crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle54crossword.txt

Your small group's rap on GLE #54 is due Wednesday.

GLE #53 Crossword

GLE #53. Explain and analyze factors affecting production and allocation of goods/services in Louisiana and the United States (E-1B-M2)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle53crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle53crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle53crossword.txt

Your small group skit on GLE #53 is due Wednesday. Keep it brief.

Grades Updated

Grades were updated on TeacherWeb today.

Grades Updated

I updated the grades on TeacherWeb.

GLE #52 Flashcards

Try these interactive flashcards for GLE #52. Let me know if you think they are helpful.

GLE #52. Explain how supply and demand affect prices (E-1B-M1)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle52flashcardsfolder

GLE #52 Crossword

GLE #52. Explain how supply and demand affect prices (E-1B-M1)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle52crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle52crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle52crossword.txt

GLE #51 Crossword

GLE #51. Use economic concepts (e.g., scarcity, opportunity cost) to explain historic and contemporary events and developments in Louisiana (E-1A-M9)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle51crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle51crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle51crossword.txt

GLE #50 Crossword Puzzles

GLE #50. Describe institutions (e.g., banks, government agencies, large companies, small businesses) that make up economic systems (E-1A-M7)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle50crossword1
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle50crossword1.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle50crosswordpuzzle1Export.txt

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle50crossword2
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle50crossword2.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle50crosswordpuzzle2Export.txt

Next Test: Friday

Our next test will be on next Friday, 06 March 09. Read Chapter 3 in your textbook and look over the crossword for GLE #41. The test will also cover GLEs #50, #51, and #52. Some review material from GLEs #42-49 (except for #46) may be included on the test.

I plan to update your online grades Monday with today's test.

I am planning a quiz game for Thursday.

Study Guide for Test 3.5 on Friday

Please study the crosswords for GLEs 43-45 and 47-49 posted in the previous blog entries below. Several of these GLEs are very brief.

GLE 46 does not have any questions on the test, but the worksheet is due Friday.

GLE 41 will be on the next test, not this week's test.

The test is 50 questions long.

GLE #41 Crossword

GLE #41. Explain the importance of being an informed citizen on public issues, recognizing propaganda, and knowing the voting issues (C-1D-M5)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle41crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle41crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle41crossword.txt

GLE #47 Crossword Puzzle

GLE #47. Cite examples of how skills/knowledge and technical training increase personal productivity and career opportunities, and which skills/knowledge would enhance particular career prospects (E-1A-M5)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle47crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle47crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle47crosswordpuzzleExport.txt

GLE #49 Crossword

GLE #49. Describe how the four basic economic questions are answered in traditional vs. command vs. market economies (E-1A-M6)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle49crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle49crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle49crosswordpuzzleExport.txt

GLE #48 Crossword

GLE #48. Characterize and analyze the use of productive resources in an economic system (E-1A-M6)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle48crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle48crossword.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle48crosswordpuzzleExport.txt

Grades Updated

Online grades were updated today on TeacherWeb.

Due Date for the Fake Resumé

09 April 2009 is the due date for the fake resumé project.

Career Activities: GLE #47 Fake Resumé

GLE #47. Cite examples of how skills/knowledge and technical training increase personal productivity and career opportunities, and which skills/knowledge would enhance particular career prospects (E-1A-M5)

Write your fake resumé as if you are just finishing your formal education and seeking your first position in your new profession. To emphasize your skills and de-emphasize your lack of experience you will use the functional resumé format.

Your resumé must be typed and neat. Bring two copies -- one for Social Studies and the other for English. You will be graded in each class on this assignment.

Fake Resumé Rubric for Social Studies

Career Activities: GLE #46

GLE #46. Use a variety of resources to research education and training for jobs and careers (E-1A-M5)

The GLE #46 Worksheet
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle46ws.pdf

The Occupational Outlook Handbook
http://www.bls.gov/OCO/

Exploring Career Information
http://www.bls.gov/k12/

GLE #45 Crossword Puzzle

GLE #45. Analyze the role of specialization in Louisiana's economy (E-1A-M4)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle45crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle45crossword.pdf

GLE #44 Crossword Puzzle

GLE #44. Explain choice/trade-offs, cost/benefits, and opportunity costs related to making personal economic decisions (E-1A-M3)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle44crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle44crossword.pdf

No Pajamas for Mardi Gras

A student asked about wearing pajamas for Mardi Gras. Pajamas are regarded as a violation of the school dress code and may not be part of the Mardi Gras costume. Athletic uniforms and street clothes are also prohibited as costumes. Be creative and wear a costume that looks like something a float rider might wear. Pirates, clowns, superheroes, jesters, movie characters, and cartoon characters (excluding Family Guy and similar cartoons) are encouraged.

Next Test: Friday 27 February 2009

Our next test (3.5) will be on Friday, 27 February 2009. Items on the test will be posted on the board in class. You may start by studying the GLE #43 crossword puzzle and Chapter 3, Section 1. The test will be on Friday because of the Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday.

Grades Updated

Grades have been updated to include today's test.

GLE #43 Crossword Puzzle

This will not be on Wednesday's test, but on the next one.

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle43crossword/
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle43crossword.pdf

GLE #42 Crossword Puzzle

The puzzle & presentation are brief -- the main ideas you need to understand are scarcity and shortage.

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle42crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle42crossword.pdf

Next Test: Wednesday

Study:

• GLE #30 -- Severance Tax (see below for crossword)
• Chapter 3, Section 1 in your textbook (please read at home to discuss on Tuesday)
• GLE #42 -- Scarcity presentation (see outline, we will discuss on Tuesday)

Game Learning Guide: Life

In case anyone missed class on Friday, here is the assignment. Answer the questions as best you can if you were absent.

http://www.paulblankenship.com/lifeglg.pdf

Point Sheets and Progress Reports

I sent home point sheets and official progress reports today. All students received point sheets. Official progress reports (the short forms) must be signed and returned Thursday. I issued official progress reports to students with less than a "B" in my class at this time. Grades are also available on TeacherWeb.

Severance Tax Crossword

GLE #30: "Evaluate a type of tax in a historical context (e.g., severance tax)."

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle30crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle30crossword.pdf

Grades Updated

Today's test and yesterday's binder check have been added.

Mardi Gras Costume Project

Mardi Gras is February 24.
I distributed the costume grading checklist in class.
No street clothes, no athletic uniforms. No credit if you break these rules!
Dress code enforced.
25 project points.

If you plan to do the extra-credit Mardi Gras projects see me by Friday of this week for more information.

Test on Tuesday -- What I Wrote on the Board Last Week

I am posting this in case anyone forgot to copy the information from the board to the right into your agenda (part of your class start-up procedure that we learned at the beginning of the year). Study the following for Tuesday's test:

• The process of a bill becoming law (see pages 120-121 in your textbook)
• GLE #28 crossword, given in class last week, see below on this blog
• GLE #29 -- your notes, presentation on the iDisk if you need it

Good luck! :-)

Test Tuesday

The test on Tuesday will include the information listed on the board in class.

Binder Check Monday

We will have a binder check on Monday. The binder check was scheduled for Friday and was listed on the board in class.

Grades Updated

Grades updated, see the TeacherWeb page (link to the right).

GLE #25 Example Law

Here is an example of what I want as a law on Tuesday. Be concise but thorough.

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle25exampleLaw.pdf

GLE #25 Assignment

We will discuss the GLE #25 assignment tomorrow in class. If you lose your handout you may access it here or on the iDisk:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle25assignment.pdf

The law is due next Tuesday, giving you one week to complete the assignment.

Grades Updated

I updated grades on TeacherWeb. See the link to the right.

GLE #28 Crossword Puzzle

• Civics
• Structure and Purposes of Government
• Benchmark C-1A-M9: Explaining the necessity of taxes and describing the purposes for which tax revenues are used (1, 3, 4, 5)
• GLE #28. Explain why taxes are needed and purposes for which tax monies/revenues are used (C-1A-M9)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle28crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle28crossword.pdf

GLE #27 Crossword

• Civics
• Structure and Purposes of Government
• Benchmark C-1A-M8: Explaining how public policy is formed, debated, and carried out at local, state, and national levels (1, 3, 4, 5)
• GLE #27. Describe ways by which public policies are formed, including the role of lobbyists, special interest groups, and constituents (C-1A-M8)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle27crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle27crossword.pdf

GLE #26 Crossword

• Civics
• Structure and Purposes of Government
• Benchmark C-1A-M7: Explaining the importance of law in the American constitutional system and applying criteria to evaluate rules and laws (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
• GLE #26. List and apply criteria for evaluating rules and laws (C-1A-M7)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle26crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle26puzzle.pdf

GLE #81 Crossword

• History
• Louisiana History
• Benchmark: H-1D-M6; examining folklore and describing how cultural elements have shaped our state and local heritage. (1, 3, 4)
• GLE #81. Explain cultural elements that have shaped Louisiana's heritage (e.g., festivals, music, dance, food, languages) (H-1D-M6)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle81crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle81crossword.pdf

Weekly Preview -- 26-30 January 2009

If some of this week's Weekly Preview looks familiar it is because we are covering lessons that were scheduled for last week but not completed due to my unexpected absence.

Monday: 26 January 2009
GLE #81 -- Louisiana's culture
GLE #73 -- Events in Louisiana's history (late 19th/early 20th century)

Tuesday: 27 January 2009
GLE #26 -- Evaluating Rules and Laws
GLE #25 -- Part 1, How to Write a Law (assignment)
GLE #73 -- Events in Louisiana's history (early 20th century)

Wednesday: 28 January 2009
GLE #73 -- Events in Louisiana's history (early to mid 20th century)

Thursday: 29 January 2009
GLE #27 -- Formation of Public Policy
GLE #73 -- Events in Louisiana's history (early to mid 20th century)

Fabulous Friday #2: 30 January 2009
Test on this week's lessons (GLEs #26, #27, #73, & #81)
Binder Check
GLE #28
GLE #73 (if time permits)

Social Studies Fair Projects

I will be out again tomorrow. If you see this note in time to delay bringing your projects tomorrow do so. If your project is at school and it has not been graded leave it there. If it has not been brought or graded leave it at home until Thursday. If your projected day was Thursday you should still bring your project on Thursday.

The test will be on Friday.

We will watch the Louisiana History videos for the remainder of the week and continue with the GLE presentations next week.

Test Moved to Thursday

Given the historic event on Tuesday we will take the test on Thursday to give students an opportunity to celebrate the Inauguration on Tuesday.

GLE #78 Crossword Puzzle

Study for the test on Thursday along with the other crosswords, notes, etc.

GLE #78. Describe and analyze the impact of Louisiana's geographic features on historic events, settlement patterns, economic development, etc (H-1D-M4)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle78crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle78crossword.pdf

GLE #79 Crossword Puzzle

Study the GLE #79 Crossword (along with the others) for the test on Thursday.

GLE #79. Explain how Louisiana's natural resources have shaped its history (e.g., petroleum) (H-1D-M4)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle79crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle79crossword.pdf

GLE #80 Crossword

Also study the GLE #80 crossword for Thurday's test.

GLE #80. Trace the state's economic development and growth toward economic diversity (e.g., fur trade, tourism, technology) (H-1D-M5)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle80crossword
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle80crossword.pdf

GLE #72 Crosswords for Civil War and Reconstruction to 1900

Study these for the test on Thursday, along with your notes, worksheets, and the GLE #77 crosswords. Check back here for further crosswords or other study guides.

GLE #72. Describe leaders who were influential in Louisiana's development (H-1D-M1)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle72puzzlecivilwar
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle72puzzlecivilwar.pdf

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle72puzzlereconstruction1900
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle72puzzlereconstruction1900.pdf

GLE #77 Crossword Puzzle 2

The study guide for GLE #77 from the Spanish-American War to the War on Terror:
Interactive Crossword Puzzle
Printable Crossword Puzzle

• History
• Louisiana History
• Benchmark: H-1D-M3; identifying and discussing the major conflicts in Louisiana's past; (1, 2, 3, 4)
• GLE #77. Describe major conflicts in context of Louisiana history (e.g., Rebellion of 1768, the French and Indian War) (H-1D-M3)

Weekly Preview -- 20-23 January 2009

Weekly Preview, 20-23 January 2009

Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Some classes may watch portions of the Inauguration, depending on the schedule of events and the time of the class.
GLE #73 -- Late Civil War, early Reconstruction
GLE #81 -- Culture of Louisiana

Wednesday, 21 January 2009
GLE #73 -- Reconstruction
GLE #26 -- Evaluating Rules and Laws
GLE #25 -- Part 1, How to Write a Law (assignment)

Thursday, 22 January 2009
Test/Binder Check
GLE #73 -- Reconstruction & its aftermath
GLE #27 -- Formation of Public Policy

Friday, 23 January 2009
GLE #73 -- Late 19th Century
GLE #28 -- Taxes: Need & Purpose

Weekly Preview

Weekly Preview

Monday, 12 January 2009
GLE #72 -- page 3
GLE #73 -- Late Antebellum Period, Early Civil War

Tuesday, 13 January 2009
GLE #77 -- Wars and Louisiana (After the Civil War)
GLE #73 -- Civil War
SOCIAL STUDIES FAIR DISPLAYS DUE!!!
SOCIAL STUDIES ORAL PRESENTATIONS DUE!!!
THESE DUE DATES WERE POSTED IN CLASS AND ON THIS BLOG SINCE THE BEGINNING OF SCHOOL. -25%/DAY LATE
ON MONDAY I WILL ASSIGN PRESENTATION DATES BASED ON STUDENT ID NUMBERS.
YOU MUST BRING THE PROJECT ON THE PRESENTATION DAY ASSIGNED, NOT BEFORE OR AFTER.

Wednesday, 14 January 2009
GLE #73 -- Civil War

Thursday, 15 January 2009
GLE #80 -- Economic Development and Diversification
GLE #73 -- Civil War

Friday, 16 January 2009
Teacher work day -- no class

Second Chances on Mind Maps

As posted on the board today, any student with a zero on a world history mind map may bring the mind map to me for credit on Thursday or Friday. I will not ask for them, it is the responsibility of the student to bring the work to me. I will not give credit for them after Friday when I enter my grades for the nine weeks.

Reminders as Posted on the Board in Class

Thursday -- Binder Check (possible items include GLE worksheets 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77 for the portions covered in class)

Friday -- Test

Both these items have been on the board since Tuesday.

GLE #77 Puzzle 1: Natchez War to Civil War

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle77puzzle1
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle77puzzle1.pdf

GLE #76 Puzzle

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle76puzzle
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle76puzzle.pdf

GLE #72 Crossword Puzzles for the Antebellum Period

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle72antebellumperiodpuzzle1
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle72puzzleantebellumperiod1.pdf

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle72antebellumperiodpuzzle2
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle72puzzleantebellumperiod2.pdf

Weekly Preview

First week of January 2009

Monday
GLE #72 -- Leaders in Louisiana History
GLE #73 -- Antebellum Louisiana

Tuesday
GLE #73 -- Antebellum Louisiana
GLE #76 -- Governments of Louisiana

Wednesday
GLE #73 -- Antebellum Louisiana
GLE #77 -- Wars and Louisiana

Thursday
Complete any unfinished GLE presentations
GLE #78 -- Geography in Louisiana History
Review Game (if time permits)

Friday
Test over materials taught this week (see above)
GLE #79 -- Natural Resources in Louisiana History

GLE #26 Outline Updated

If you have downloaded the GLE #26 outline please discard the old version and download the revised copy from the iDisk.

Social Studies Fair Displays

Remember, the displays and monologues are due 13 January 2009. I distributed rubrics and discussed the projects at the beginning of the school year. If you have questions please ask as soon as possible.

Grades Updated

I updated the course grades Tuesday afternoon.

Test on Friday

The test on Friday will only cover GLEs 73 (colonial period), 74, and 75. It will not cover GLE 76. Study the crossword puzzles for the GLEs on the test.

GLE #73 Crossword Puzzle: Colonial Period

History
Louisiana History
Benchmark: H-1D-M1; describing the contributions of people, events, movements, and ideas that have been significant in the history of Louisiana ; (1, 3, 4)
GLE #73. Describe and explain the importance of major events and ideas in the development of Louisiana (H-1D-M1)

We went over this puzzle today in class; if you were absent or lost your copy you may download from these links.

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle73puzzlecolonialera1
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle73puzzleColonialEra1.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle73PuzzleColonialEra2
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle73PuzzleColonialEra2.pdf

GLE #76 Puzzle

I will not include GLE #76 on the test this Friday except for the pre-Columbian and colonial periods.

History
Louisiana History
Benchmark: H-1D-M2; tracing the development of the various governments that have been established in Louisiana throughout history; (1, 3, 4, 5)
GLE #76. Trace and describe various governments in Louisiana's history (H-1D-M2)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle76puzzle
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle76puzzle.pdf

GLE #75 Puzzle

History
Louisiana History
Benchmark: H-1D-M1; describing the contributions of people, events, movements, and ideas that have been significant in the history of Louisiana ; (1, 3, 4)
GLE #75. Describe the contributions of ethnic groups significant in Louisiana history (H-1D-M1)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle75puzzle
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle75puzzle.pdf

Crosswords for GLE #74

History
Louisiana History
Benchmark: H-1D-M1; describing the contributions of people, events, movements, and ideas that have been significant in the history of Louisiana ; (1, 3, 4)
GLE #74. Describe the causes and effects of various migrations into Louisiana (H-1D-M1)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle74puzzle
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle74puzzle.pdf

GLE #72 Crossword Puzzle for the Colonial Period

The GLE #72 crossword puzzle for the colonial period.

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle72colonialperiodpuzzle

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle72puzzle1colonialperiod.pdf

Extra Credit Opportunity

You may earn 10 extra-credit test points (but no more than 2% of your overall grade) by completing the LEAP practice test for 8th grade. You must bring a print-out by the Friday before Christmas. See:

http://www.louisianapass.org/

GLE #71 Puzzle

GLE #71. Describe major early explorers and explorations significant to Louisiana or early settlers in Louisiana

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle71puzzle
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle71puzzle.pdf

Friday

We will cover GLE #72 for the colonial period. No quiz.

We covered GLE #71 (explorers) today.

Weekly Preview

15-20 December 2008

Monday
Louisiana history
IEP Day for my IEP students

Tuesday
Louisiana history
GLE #75
Test on GLEs 23, 24, 71, 72 (as covered in class), 73 (as covered in class)

Wednesday
Louisiana history
GLE #76

Thursday
Louisiana history
Review game

Friday
Louisiana history
Test on GLEs 71 to 76 as covered in class

No Bellringer Quiz

We are taking a break from the bellringers. No quiz Friday. We will continue our study of the early history of Louisiana. Read Chapter 5 for next week.

GLE #24 Crosswords

GLE #24 crosswords:

http://www.paulblankenship.com/currentgovernmentleadersfed

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle24fedgovcrossword.pdf

http://www.paulblankenship.com/louisianaofficialspuzzle
http://www.paulblankenship.com/LouisianaOfficialsPuzzle.pdf

http://www.paulblankenship.com/scotuspuzzle
http://www.paulblankenship.com/SCOTUSpuzzle.pdf

Thanks to All Supporters of the English Department!

Thanks to all the CMM families supporting the ELA teachers at Cheeburger! Cheeburger! and Barnes and Noble tonight. It was good to see so many of our students and former students participate despite the wet weather.

Grades Updated

I updated the grades on TeacherWeb about 4:00 p.m. to include the test on GLEs 18 to 22 given today.

About the Athens Bellringer

Please read the sections on "Athen's expansion" and "Athens at its zenith" for the quiz on Friday rather than the first five paragraphs. 

See the last Weekly Preview for a link to the article.

Updating GLE #24

I am updating GLE #24 for some of the recent elections and upcoming cabinet appointments. The files are taking some time to upload, so please check back later tonight or tomorrow for an outline dated today that replaces the old outline from September.

GLE #23 Puzzle

GLE #23. Identify qualifications and terms of office for key leaders/representatives at the state and local levels (C-1A-M6)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle23puzzle
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle23puzzle.pdf

Civics Reading Assignment

Please read Chapter 4 in the textbook by next Friday as a supplement to the course material. You are not required to do the assignments in the textbook, nor will I test you on this chapter except as it coincides with the material presented in class.

Grades Updated

To see your grades on today's test go to TeacherWeb (see the link in the right-hand column of this blog), select your class and then enter your last name and password.

GLE #22 Puzzle

GLE #22. Describe the powers/responsibilities and limits of power for government officials at the local and state levels in Louisiana (C-1A-M6)

GLE #22 Crossword Puzzle #1
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle22puzzle1
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle22puzzle1.pdf

GLE #22 Crossword Puzzle #2
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle22puzzle2
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle22puzzle2.pdf

Weekly Preview

8-12 December 2008

Monday
Bellringer: Ancient Greek Civilization
GLE #23

Tuesday
Bellringer: Sparta
Test: GLEs 18 through 22 (see the crossword study guides)
GLE #24
Binder/Mind Map Check

Wednesday
Bellringer: Athens
GLE #25 -- Legislative Sim

Thursday
Bellringer: Socrates
GLE #26

Friday
Bellringer: Plato
GLE #27
Quiz on Bellringers: Trojan War through Socrates

CMM Student Announcements

Phase Two of the canned food drive is underway! Collect cans through Tuesday morning December 16th!

There will be a brief Homeroom Rep Meeting in the PAC Foyer Friday morning during Stallion Round-up.

Student Council and Newspaper Staff members going on the field trip this morning should report to the buses no later than 8:00.

The Holiday Dance will be Wednesday, December 17th. Make plans to attend! Tickets will go on sale at lunch Monday, December 15th.

GLE #21 Puzzle

21. Describe the various forms of local government in Louisiana (C-1A-M5)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle21puzzle
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle21puzzle.pdf

GLE #20 Puzzle

GLE #20: Identify the structure and powers of the three branches of the state government, the limits of those powers, and key positions within each branch (C-1A-M5)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle20puzzle
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle20puzzle.pdf

GLE #19 Puzzle

GLE #19: Explain the purposes of state constitutions and describe the relationship of the Louisiana Constitution to the U.S. Constitution (C-1A-M4)

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle19puzzle
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle19puzzle.pdf

GLE #18 Puzzle

The crossword puzzle for GLE #18 is linked below. The test on GLE #18 through #22 will be on Tuesday. The American Government Unit Test will be this Friday.

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle18puzzle
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle18puzzle.pdf

GLE #18. Identify the powers of state government as defined in the Louisiana Constitution and compare/contrast those powers to the powers of the federal government (C-1A-M3)

No Federalism on the Unit Test

I will not draw review questions from the federalism test on the American government review test. Please study the other crosswords. I hope you all do well!

Poinsettia Pick-Up Day

Poinsettias will arrive tomorrow afternoon. They will arrive around 2:00 p.m. Students & parents may pick them up in the G-Wing. Thanks to all participants!

Change to GLE #18

I made a change to the GLE #18 outline and presentation. If you downloaded an earlier version delete it and download the new one.

iDisk: GLE Outlines 18-21 Posted

The iDisk should be ready to use; email me if you cannot find a file. My thanks to the student who noticed that the GLE #18 outline was not in its folder and let me know!

iDisk: Try Again Later If You Have Trouble

If you have trouble downloading the outlines from the iDisk, try again later today. I am syncing the iDisk with my hard drive this afternoon to make sure you get the latest version of each outline, so you may have to wait a few hours to download. 

15 December 2008: My IEP Meetings

My IEP meeting date is 15 December 2008. I sent the first set of notification letters home before Thanksgiving. I am required to send two more, even if the earlier letter(s) have been signed and returned. This pertains only to the students on my IEP roster. 

Grades Updated

I updated your grades to include your research papers. If you turned in your paper late your grade is not yet posted.

Primary Sources: A Second Chance to Clarify

We will go over your research papers next week. Some did not indicate a primary source. In some instances I could figure out which source(s) were primary, but not in each case. I told each class to note which source was primary, but I will give students losing points in this category a chance to prove that they used a primary source before the end of the grading period. If this applies to you, you must print out your primary source (or bring a copy) and write a paragraph explaining how this source is an example of a primary source for your subject. The deadline for regaining these points is the second Friday in December.

Archimedes and Pi

Back on Email (Occasionally)

I'm occasionally checking my email during the holiday (I can't seem to break the habit). If you need help with your Social Studies Fair display board or monologue send an email but be patient if I do not reply as quickly as I sometimes do. I am writing IEPs over the break.

Poinsettia Sales: Results

Thanks to all participants in the poinsettia fundraiser! Second period wins the competition.

The graph shows average sales in dollars.

The American Government Review Test

On Friday, 05 December 2008, you will take a unit test on American government. Please study your notes (especially the questions from the videos) and the crossword puzzles on government.
http://lastudies2009.blogspot.com/search/label/crossword

Email Over the Holiday

I will be taking some time off from my email over the break. Have a great Thanksgiving! Feel free to write but don't expect a reply until I return.

Grades Updated

I updated the grades to include today's test & quiz.
http://www.teacherweb.com/LA/CaddoMiddleMagnet/Blankenship/AllClasses/Grades.html

Talking About Greece

Weekly Preview (Week After Thanksgiving Break)

These are the bellringers for the week after Thanksgiving. Please do not confuse them with the ones on Egypt for tomorrow's quiz.

I encourage my students to download and print the GLE outlines before coming to class. It will save you a lot of work. See the link to the iDisk on the right-hand column of this blog.

Monday
Bellringer: Philistines and Sea People
GLE #18

Tuesday
Bellringer: Aegean Civilization
GLE #19

Wednesday
Bellringer: Minoan Civilization
GLE #20

Thursday
Bellringer: Homer
GLE #21

Friday
Bellringer: Trojan War
Review Test -- American Government (study the crosswords from the review videos)
Quiz on Bellringers -- Ramses II to Homer

The test on this week's GLEs will be next Tuesday.

Grades Updated

I updated the grades on TeacherWeb to include today's test on the judicial branch.

Be sure to scroll down on this page to see the study guide for Friday.

Poinsettia Sales

Please bring your poinsettia forms and money in on Thursday. I would like to wrap up sales on Thursday if possible.

If sales fall short of our needs we may have to scale back the Mardi Gras celebration this year. We need each person to sell at least two to cover expenses.

Progress Reports and Point Sheets

Please remember to get your progress report signed (if you received one). Everyone has been given a point sheet this week. Remember that you can check your grades online.

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Crossword Study Guide

Here is the study guide for the next test (on Friday):
http://www.paulblankenship.com/civil-liberties-rights-puzzle

And the printable version:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/CivilLibertiesAndRightsPuzzle.pdf

Poinsettia Sales

Please bring your sales forms and money in on Wednesday if you are done selling. Friday is the final day to turn in funds and orders, but I would prefer to wrap things up on Thursday if possible.

If the fundraiser is not successful we may have to scale back our Mardi Gras celebration.

Remember -- the class with top per person sales wins a prize!

Test on the Judicial Branch Wednesday

As previously announced, the test on the judicial branch (40 questions) will be on Wednesday. See previous posts for study guides.

Progress Reports and Point Sheets

All students in 6th and 7th periods received point sheets today. Student with less than a B also received official progress reports. Official progress reports MUST be signed and returned. I sent them home one day early because the grades will not change tonight,

All other classes will receive point sheets and progress reports on Wednesday.

Social Studies Fair Displays

Just a reminder: Social Studies Fair displays are due on 13 January 2009.

Bellringer Quiz on Friday

As usual, we will take a quiz on the bellringers on Friday. The quiz will cover Amenhotep I to Akhenaton.

Official Progress Reports on Wednesday

I will send home official progress reports on Wednesday for students with less than a B in my class.

Poinsettia Sales

I will start collecting money on Tuesday.

First IEP Notification Letters

Please get your IEP notification letter signed and returned on Tuesday. IEP meetings are scheduled for Monday, 15 December 2008 for my IEP students.

Judicial Branch Crosswords, Part II

The judicial branch test will be on Wednesday.

I wrote a second crossword puzzle:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/judicialbranch2
http://www.paulblankenship.com/JudicialBranch2.pdf

Here is the printable version of the first crossword on the judicial branch:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/JudicialBranch.pdf

Grades Updated

I updated the grades online yesterday afternoon.

http://www.teacherweb.com/LA/CaddoMiddleMagnet/Blankenship/AllClasses/Grades.html

Judicial Branch Crossword

A crossword puzzle on the judicial branch:

http://www.paulblankenship.com/judicial-branch-puzzle

Weekly Preview

Monday
Bellringer: Hatshepsut
Judicial Branch

Tuesday
Bellringer: Thutmose III
Judicial Branch

Wednesday
Bellringer: Amenhotep III
Test on Judicial Branch
Civil Rights

Thursday
Bellringer: Akhenaton
Civil Rights

Friday
Bellringer: Ramses II
Test on Civil Rights
Egypt video

Tests of Speech

Crossword puzzle on tests of speech:

http://www.paulblankenship.com/civil-liberties-speech
http://www.paulblankenship.com/civil-liberties-speech.pdf

Test & Quiz Friday

The test will cover civil liberties. In addition to the crossword please know the seven tests of speech (slander, libel, sedition, bad tendency, etc.).

The quiz will cover bellringers Imhotep through Ahmose I AND the video on Egypt seen on Wednesday.

I plan to check mind maps on Friday.

Bureaucracy Test Thursday

Since I was out today we will take the test Thursday. The civil liberties will still be Friday.

Poinsettia Sales

Just another reminder!

Civil Liberties Study Guides

Here are the first study guides for civil liberties. I'll post the second one tomorrow. I'm changing that test to Friday.

http://www.paulblankenship.com/civil-liberties
http://www.paulblankenship.com/CivilLibertiesCrossword.pdf

Bureaucracy Test Wednesday

I rescheduled the bureaucracy test to Wednesday. 

Study guide:

http://www.paulblankenship.com/bureaucracy-puzzle

http://www.paulblankenship.com/BureaucracyPuzzle.pdf

Grades Updated

I checked and the grades are updated and working. Let me know if you have a problem. 

Poinsettia Sales

I want to remind you that we need each student to sell (or make an equivalent donation to) two poinsettias to fund our Mardi Gras celebration.

The class with top sales will have either a pizza celebration, ice cream celebration, or a McDonald's breakfast celebration (depending on the time of day that the class meets and a vote of the class members).

(Photo from USDA)

Greater New Orleans Parish Chart

We will soon cover the parishes of Greater New Orleans:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle04GreaterNewOrleansParishesChartKey.pdf

Florida Parishes Chart

Next week we will examine the Florida Parishes.

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle04FloridaParishesChartKey.pdf

Acadiana East Parishes

We will go over the Acadiana East parishes this week. If you miss that day you can get the answers here:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle04AcadianaEastParishesChartKey.pdf

Hey, Hey, Hatshepsut!

Weekly Preview

I updated the course grades with Test 2.3 and Quiz 2.2. I'll add Test 2.2 on Monday when I am back at school.

Monday
Bellringer: Khufu and the Pyramids of Giza
American government review

Tuesday
Bellringer: Sphinx
Test on Bureaucracy

Wednesday
Bellringer: Hyksos
American government review

Thursday
Bellringer: Ahmose I
Test on Civil Liberties

Friday
Bellringer: Amenhotep I
American government review

Printable Constitution Crosswords

Click on the links:

http://www.paulblankenship.com/ConstitutionCrossword.pdf

http://www.paulblankenship.com/Constitution2Crossword.pdf

Printable Crosswords

I had a request for printable crossword puzzles. Click the links below to download them as Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) files.

http://www.paulblankenship.com/CivilLibertiesCrossword.pdf

http://www.paulblankenship.com/ExecutiveBranchCrossword.pdf

http://www.paulblankenship.com/FederalismCrossword.pdf

http://www.paulblankenship.com/Federalism2Crossword.pdf

Bellringer Quiz on Friday

Please read and study your assigned bellringers for a 60 point quiz on Friday.

Current Grades Online at TeacherWeb

Current grades are posted online at TeacherWeb. I provided students with passwords. I cannot send passwords via email for security reasons, but I can send a note home with a student with the password. I intend to update after major tests or at least once each week.

http://www.teacherweb.com/LA/CaddoMiddleMagnet/Blankenship/AllClasses/Grades.html

I sometimes put non-graded items on the point sheets for your information. Examples include results of pre-tests and whether or not certain forms have been submitted.

Primary Sources

I discussed primary sources during the first week of school when we covered the social studies fair packet and again a couple of weeks ago. If you want more information on primary sources see this brief article from Yale:
http://www.yale.edu/collections_collaborative/primarysources/primarysources.html

Weekly Preview

Hopefully, I will be back on Wednesday. Please keep my father-in-law in your thoughts as he recovers from an automobile accident. He is still in the hospital.

Monday

• Bellringer: Rosetta Stone
  
• World history review video

Tuesday

• ELECTION DAY

Wednesday

• Bellringer: Menes
  
• American government review video
• Research papers due (bring your papers and assume I will be back on this day)

Thursday

• Bellringer: : Djoser
• American government review video
  
• Tests on the executive branch and the Constitution

Friday

• Bellringer: Imhotep
  
• American government review video
• Test on federalism (know the seven stages of federalism, know about each stage, and know the cake analogies)

Federalism Crosswords

Crossword puzzle study guides on federalism:

http://www.paulblankenship.com/federalism

http://www.paulblankenship.com/federalism-2

Constitution Crosswords

A couple of crossword puzzle study guides on the Constitution:

http://www.paulblankenship.com/constitution

http://www.paulblankenship.com/constitution-2

Test 2.2: Executive Branch on Friday

I will test you over the executive branch on Friday. See the crossword puzzle study guide posted last Friday.

Test 2.1: Legislative Branch

I have decided to limit Test 2.1 to just the legislative branch. I will test you on the executive branch on Friday, on Test 2.2.

Weekly Preview

Monday
Bellringer: Israel & Judah
American government review
Test review crosswords (see previous post)

Tuesday
Bellringer: Cimmerian
Test 2.1 on American government
American government review

Wednesday
Bellringer: Scythian
American government review

Thursday
Bellringer: Media
American government review
RESEARCH PAPER DUE IN ALL CLASSES, INCLUDING 6TH PERIOD (bring before class, give them to me, do not just leave them at my door)
Field trip to Career Center

Friday
Bellringer: Persian/a.k.a. Ancient Iran
American government review
Quiz on bellringers

Grades Updated

Although you do not have many points from the first week of the grading period, I have uploaded your grades from the quiz and pop quiz given this week. Your first major test is Tuesday (see the previous post for study guides).

Study Guide Crossword Puzzles: Legislative & Executive Branches

So far I have written the following crossword puzzles to review American government:

• Legislative Branch Crossword Puzzle #1
• Legislative Branch Crossword Puzzle #2
• Executive Branch Crossword Puzzle #1

Study Guide & Grade Update Later Tonight

I'll post a study guide and update grades later tonight.

Habeas Corpus

Bellringers on World History

The pretest administered at the beginning of the school year indicated a strong need for world history review. I have assigned readings on world history. Many students read these articles and are making good grades on the quizzes. Some students seem more challenged by the quizzes.

To help you review world history, I am requiring that students making less than a "B" on a quiz mind map the articles for the following week. I will show you your grades on today's quiz on Wednesday and let you know if you are assigned to make mind maps this week. Mind maps are a great study technique (one that I use when taking classes) -- I think that they will help many of you excel on the quizzes! Flash cards on the dates, people, and events would probably help. I am assigning reading on world history in place of textbook reading assignments. I will check your mind maps daily starting on Thursday. Those making "B" or above are excused from making mind maps but are encouraged to keep up the good work.

The Research Paper

The research paper is due on 30 October 2008. You must bring separate copies for English and Social Studies or your paper will be late in one of your classes.

Students in previous years lost points for failing to check their papers against my rubric. Do you have the correct number of sources, types or sources, and a primary source? Please read the directions and the rubric provided during the first week of school and be certain that your paper meets the requirements of the rubric.

Governmental Powers

Weekly Preview

Monday
Bellringer: Babylon & Babylonia
American government review video

Tuesday
Bellringer: Hammurabi & the Code of Hammurabi
Quiz on Bellringers: Akkad, Amorites, Lagash, and Sargon
American government review video

Wednesday
Bellringer: Assyria, Nineveh, and Sennacherib
Oktoberfest
American government review video

Thursday
Bellringer: Mitanni
American government review video

Friday
Bellringer: Aramaean
American government video
Test 2.1 -- on American government review videos (rescheduled to next Tuesday)

Quiz Game for the Geography Unit Test

Here is the review game we played in class on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Geography Unit Test is Thursday of this week.

http://www.paulblankenship.com/quizgamegeounittest.html

Quiz Game Online

I decided to post the quiz game for test 1.6 online. This is the test you will take tomorrow. We played the game today -- I am posting this for students who were absent.
http://www.paulblankenship.com/game16.html

GLE #62 Timeline: Partial Example

I made a partial example of the GLE #62 timeline. Follow the instructions I provided in class. Your timeline covers the 1600s.

Reminders: Upcoming Due Dates

About four weeks ago I assigned my students to complete a timeline on the 1600s and a take-home test. The take-home test may be completed in a cooperative manner but each student is responsible for the answers marked on his or her test.

The take-home test involves interpreting a set of timelines. These are available here:
http://delicious.com/louisianastudies/takehometestgle63

The timeline is a simple assignment. You only need FIVE events EACH from the English colonies that would later become the United States and Louisiana. Since very little recorded history happened in what would later become Louisiana you may include events in French Canada, such as exploration of the Mississippi River and the establishment of the fur trade in French Canada as events that lead to the colonization of Louisiana. You do not have to give a detailed explanation of the events -- just list them next to the correct year on the timeline. You do NOT have to do the timelines for the 18th, 19th, or 20th centuries yet, though you are welcome to work ahead. Don't make the assignment more complicated than it is. Keep it simple!

If you lost your copies please download them from the iDisk. Instructions on iDisk use have been given in class and posted on this blog.

The XYZ Affair

Last Chance for Extra Credit is Monday

The last chance to turn in extra-credit work is Monday. You may not have more that 2% of your grade from extra-credit. See:
http://delicious.com/louisianastudies/extracredit

Weekly Preview

Monday
Bellringer: 7 Facts on Amorite
Test Review -- Test 1.6, GLEs 12-17 and review
GLE #16

Tuesday
Bellringer: 7 Facts on Lagash
Test 1.6, GLEs 12-17 and review
Due: 1600s timeline and take-home test assigned 4 weeks ago

Wednesday
Bellringer: 7 Facts on Sargon
Geography Unit Test Review

Thursday
Bellringer: 7 Facts on Babylon and Babylonia
Geography Unit Test (200 pts.) -- review of geography GLEs covered this grading period

Friday
Bellringer: 7 Facts on Hammurabi and the Code of Hammurabi
GLE #18
Acadiana East -- GLEs 2 & 4

Study Guide for Test 1.5 on Friday

The text of the review game that we played in class Monday is posted here:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test15studyguide.txt

James K. Polk Rocks

Changes to Our Usual Schedule and Due Dates

No test on Tuesday. Ms. Pomeroy's two-day field trip and the Explore Test on Thursday make a test impractical until the end of the week. I will provide your review on Monday because it is the only other day I will see all of you. Study your notes on the review game between Monday and Friday. I still plan to give you a quiz on the bellringers on Friday. The due date for the 1600s timeline and the take-home test is now Tuesday, 14 October 2008 (that gives you an extra weekend to finish the assignments). Since these are major assignments I will accept each late at a 50% per day deduction of points.

Bellringers: Early Mesopotamia

Monday -- Sumer
Tuesday -- Hittite
Wednesday -- Erech (also known as Uruk)
Thursday -- Gilgamesh
Friday -- Akkad

Quiz on Friday -- covers Poverty Point, Sumer, Hittite, Erech, and Gilgamesh.

Reminder: World History Quiz Tomorrow

As seen on the board and course calendar, we have a world history quiz on Friday. The quiz covers the bellringers discussed on Monday through Thursday.

Art Map Due Tomorrow

The Art Map is due tomorrow. The late penalty is 25% per day. I originally said 50% per day but I have changed my mind. This applies ONLY to the Art Map Project and not to any other project or assignment. The assignment was made near the beginning of school. I will check my email around 6:00 p.m. tonight for any last minute questions, though I took a considerable amount of time answering questions in class today. I wish you all good luck and hope everyone does well on the project!

Just for Fun: The Spider

Just for fun; I'm sharing a link to a Flash animation of a spider. It is an example of mathematics applied in computer programming to simulate physics. And it is cool.
http://www.onemotion.com/flash/spider/

Cane River Lake

View Larger Map

Test/Binder Check Tuesday

Please be prepared for a test and binder check over GLEs 9, 10, and 11 and central Louisiana parishes on GLEs 2 and 4.

Art Map Bonus Opportunity

Line #20 in the instructions (natural resources) is now optional. I will give 2 extra-credit project points for those completing this task.

Alternatives to Excel

If you need to make a spreadsheet for your charts and graphs, you may use Excel. However, Excel is expensive and I do not expect you to purchase it for my class (especially since I don't use it). There are some great free alternatives. Please get parental permission.

OpenOffice is a free, open-source alternative to Excel. You have to download and install it. I have used it and can say that it worked well for me.
http://www.openoffice.org/

Another free spreadsheet is offered online through Google. No download is required but you have to sign up for a free Google account.
http://docs.google.com

Art Map: Major Land Resource Regions

Ignore the numbers on the map online; just use the colored areas.

1600s Timeline Note

You may include other expeditions on the Mississippi River that led to the French colonization of Louisiana.

Art Map Due Thursday

Just another reminder -- the Art Map is due Thursday, 02 October 2008. It is a non-droppable project grade. Projects are weighted at 10% of your overall grade. I assigned this project on the first week of school and posted the due date on the board before school started.

http://lastudies2009.blogspot.com/2008/08/board-cam-important-dates.html

Mac Excel Help

If you are using Excel on a Mac you can find help here:
http://www.microsoft.com/mac/help.mspx?app=1

Art Map FAQs

I want a good, neat art map but I am not expecting perfection. Fulfill the rubric's requirements and you will get a good grade. I am open to your creative ideas on how to make this happen.


What about the nine cultural sub-regions? I don't see that many on the map.

Some are labeled by color, others are printed on the map (e.g., Terrace Flatwoods). As long as you have what's on the map it will be OK.


I can't fit everything on the map. How am I supposed to make it all fit?

Use smaller indicators, such as dots or stripes.


I need help using Excel to make my chart and graph.

See http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC100620751033

GLE #10 Spreadsheet Calculator

I posted a spreadsheet to help calculate percentage of change problems for GLE #10. GLE #10 is "Analyze the population characteristics and other demographic information about the United States and Louisiana, including rates of increase/decrease for demographic variables." The spreadsheet is available in the iDisk under 8th Grade Social Studies/Geography/gle10/gle10calculator.xls. You may open it in Excel or OpenOffice. You may also download the file here:
GLE #10 Calculator

Bellringers

Please read the linked articles before coming to class. We will have a quiz on Friday.

Monday -- Nazca
Tuesday -- Olmec
Wednesday -- Skara Brae
Thursday -- Çatalhüyük
Friday -- Poverty Point

Change to Art Map Instructions

Please make the following change to line #19 of the art map instructions (not the rubric):

19. Add major crops to your art map. The five major crops of Louisiana are cotton, soybeans, rice, sugarcane, and corn. Indicate which parishes had gross income of over $20,000,000 in 2002 (Yodis, Colten, & Johnson, 2003 (pp. 147-149). Indicate the parishes with these crops on the Louisiana's Agriculture Map at http://www.aitcla.org/files/AITC_MAP.2004.pdf

Corn is labeled "Feed Grains" on this map.

Reminder: Upcoming Due Dates

Just a reminder, these assignments, given some time ago, are coming due before the end of this grading period:

The Art Map of Louisiana Project -- 02 October 2008
The GLE #62 Timeline of the 1600s -- 08 October 2008
The GLE #63 Take-Home Test -- 09 October 2008

If you lost your instructions please print another copy from the iDisk -- see the links to the right.

I am concerned about the students who have not taken their art maps home to finish them. Time is running out!

Friday: Quiz on the Cradles of Civilization

As announced in class (and on the board) earlier this week we have a quiz on Friday over the cradles of civilization. I wrote a study guide on the board today:

• Definition of civilization
• Five cradles of civilization
• Rivers in each (except Mesoamerica and the Andes)
• Writing in each (Indus River probably spoke Dravidian and wrote in hieroglyphics)
• The five stages of material culture (Paleolithic through Iron Age)
• Bronze Age -- what is bronze?
• Sumer -- what was it and why was it important?

Suggested Study Techniques for Test 1.3 on Tuesday

I suggest that you make flashcards of the information from the review game today to prepare for the test. Phone a friend and quiz each other until you know the things you missed during the game.

Test 1.3 & Binder Check 1.3 on Tuesday

The binder check will be on your mind maps and bellringers not previously checked.

The test covers GLEs 1-8, except 3. We reviewed for the test today. If you were absent please look over the outlines for GLEs 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8; the map for the NW and NE parishes for GLE #2, and the charts for the NW and NE parishes on GLE #4.

Remember, the Art Map is due 02 October 2008.

Need Internet Access?

I am sending a letter home on Tuesday to determine which students need Internet access at school to complete the bellringers or other assignments. I have repeatedly offered in all classes to write passes for anyone in need of Internet access. If you are reading this at home please continue to do so. I only want to write passes for those without access to the Internet at home. I am requiring everyone to sign and return a letter about Internet access to help those who truly need Internet access and hold everyone accountable for reading the world history articles that I have assigned. My pretest indicates a strong need for world history review before we take the LEAP.

Caddo Middle Magnet a 'Blue Ribbon School'

Read the Shreveport Times' article on our Blue Ribbon School:
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080920/NEWS01/80919039

Bellringers on the Cradles of Civilization

Please read the following articles:
Monday: What does "civilization" mean? What were the five earliest known civilizations?
Tuesday: Egypt
Wednesday: Mesopotamia
Thursday: Indus Civilization
Friday: Shang Dynasty

Be able to give 7 facts about each of the ancient civilizations above.

Point Sheets Went Home this Week

I sent home point sheets and a few progress reports this week. Please return them with a parent signature. If you did not submit a topic/category worksheet on time you are missing 10% of your grade for the class because you have no project grade. If you turn in your art map and timeline projects on time you will recover most of the missing 10% of your grade (assuming, of course, that you make a good score on each project. As mentioned on the back-to-school letter, grades are weighted at:

• 10% classwork
• 10% projects
• 80% tests & quizzes

Test & Binder Check 1.2 on Wednesday

We will have the test & binder check Wednesday. Study GLEs 5, 6, 7, and 8. Review materials from the previous test, such as vocabulary cards.

The binder check includes:

• GLE #5 -- mind map & worksheet
• GLE #6 -- mind map
• GLE #7 -- mind map & worksheet
• GLE #8 -- mind map and video notes on the Great Flood of 1927
• Bellringers
• Vocabulary Cards from GLE #2, assigned two weeks ago

No GLE #2 maps are due. No GLE #4 charts are due.