Mr. MacDowell's United States History

Chapter 5 Note Organizers

2011-10-28T14:13:00.002-04:00

Students.... To assist you in organizing our readings some of you may find it more effective to put your notes we do in class into actual organizers rather than create the organizers using the example I provide. I have put the link to the Chapter 5 organizers below:

5.1: http://www.mediafire.com/?s6y2xbfjgkb7572

5.2: http://www.mediafire.com/?8lvl4q7bh078xq8

5.3: http://www.mediafire.com/?4whysv5wsh247xj

You may print these out ahead of time and fill them in during our class time if you wish to not have to create these from our overhead example.

October 31 - Novemeber 4 agenda

2011-10-28T14:03:00.003-04:00

Parents and students, below is the schedule for this week:

Monday: Begin Chapter 5.1 readings and comprehensive notes. HW - Finish the Chapter 5 vocabulary we started last Weds...it is due on Tuesday.

Tuesday: Finish 5.1 notes and activity. HW - complete all 5.1 work.

Wedsnesday: Begin 5.2 notes and reading comprehension activity. HW - Begin Review Questions 1-10 on page 152. This is due Friday.

Thursday: Finish 5.2 notes and activity. HW - Finish CW and RQ

Friday: Begin 5.3 readings and comprehensive notes activity. HW - none.

3.3 Inventory link

2011-10-05T14:32:00.001-04:00

Below is the link to the 3.3 Inventory that we worked on in class today October 5, 2011:

http://www.mediafire.com/?6ovadzq51nb8nip

Puritan DBQ (27)

2011-10-04T14:46:00.002-04:00

Below are the links to our assignment from today, October 4, 2011:

1) The Assignment directions:
http://www.mediafire.com/?ccl32rdlq1b1fin

2) The Document Based Question set and prompt:
http://www.mediafire.com/?1odxey3c9f3qw4f

3.2 Notes

2011-10-03T13:03:00.001-04:00

Below is the link to the 3.2 notes that we covered in class on Monday October 3rd.

http://www.mediafire.com/?hp1p6xorsd274x6

Weekly agenda and homework 10-3-11 to 10-7-11

2011-10-03T13:01:00.003-04:00

Monday 10-3: 3.2 Notes...homework:Read Chapter 3 section 3
Tuesday 10-4: 3.2 Activity...homework: Page 103 #3
Wednesday 10-5: 3.3 Notes...homework: Study Ch 3 vocabulary
Thursday 10-6: 3.3 Activity...homework: Ch 3 Test Review
Friday 10-7: Creating the 14th Colony...homework: Study/ Ch 3 Test Review

Explorer Project Grading Rubric

2011-09-19T21:13:00.002-04:00

Below is the criteria for my grading of the Explorer Project. The maximum amount of points that could be earned on this project is 50 points total. I had a requirement that all research be turned in with this project but because of the extended deadline and other "first project" difficulties, I have relaxed that grading requirement for this project only. Subsequently, if you did turn in the research with your project, you will receive 5 points bonus to be added to your overall score. Below is the rubric:

1) Basic details section(15 points): All personal information is historically accurate and labeled. This information includes the DOB, Network, Hometown, Relationship Status, Religious, and Political Views.

2) Information section (15 points): All information relating to the explorer is based on historic details researched by the producer and reflects the explorer. The categories of Education, Activities, Interests, Quotes, and About Me may be creative in answer but have to be linked to actual re-searchable details in order to achieve full points.

3) Wall and Friends section (10 points): All Friends pictures are figures from the explorer's time and may be featured in the Wall posts. All friends that are listed in the wall post must have quotes and citations of the posting friend's name in order to achieve full points. These wall posts do not have to be historical quotes but must have a connection to historic elements in order to achieve full marks.

4) Groups section (5 points): Groups section must list at least 1 groups that the explorer might have belonged to. This category may be represented with non-existent groups but those groups must have some historic link to the explorer in order to achieve full points.

5) Overall appearance (5 points): Presentation of template and details is cleanly printed and arranged in proper order without large organization or formatting errors in order to achieve full points. Presentation does not have to be colored but it is strongly advised.

Facebook template

2011-09-13T09:51:00.001-04:00

Due to an error, the previous link does not work properly. This link should work and all you need to do is put this address into your search bar, and download the document.

Thanks for your patience.

http://www.mediafire.com/?emmk4mevak7qr48

Mr. M

Weekly agenda and homework 9-12-11 / 9-16-11

2011-09-12T13:46:00.002-04:00

Monday 9-12: Begin Explorer project and work on it for homework
Tuesday 9-13: Continue explorer project in class and finish it for homework
Wednesday 9-14: Remediation Day and Progress Reports and Read Chapter 2 section 1 for homework
Thursday 9-15: Chapter 2 section 1 notes in class and Page 66 #3 for homework
Friday 9-16: Chapter 2 section 1 activity for class and Read Chapter 2 section 2 fo homework over the weekend.

Remediation Day will provide a nice chance to get caught up on any missing work or grade recoveries.

Explorer Project

2011-09-12T13:35:00.002-04:00

Students. In class on Monday the 12th, you received the name of an explorer for our unit of study. Your assignment for this project is to research that explorer and create a fictional Facebook page for them using the template I have provided. The template is found below:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/64702120/Face-Book-Template (paste this URL into your URL address bar and download a version of the template into a word document)

Once finished with your research, you will use the information for the explorer to create this page using historic accuracy. It needs to be printed out at home and brought in to class by Thursday the 15th. As always historic accuracy will be graded along side creativity so please try your best to make these historically accurate while having fun with the creative elements like Wall updates and friends, etc.

Also due on Thursday will be the organizer sheet of research. With the history fair approaching in the second quarter I want to begin re-enforcing research skills in order to prepare ourselves for an even larger project to come.

Any questions can be brought to my attention in class or through email at macdowellc1@duvalschools.org.

Expansion Project Instructions and rubric

2011-05-03T08:11:00.002-04:00

It has come to my attention that some students would like to have a written explanation of what we discussed in class pertaining to the instructions for the expansion project for the fourth quarter. Here below is that explanation:

You are to choose a 365 day segment during the time frame of 1859-1866 within the United States. Once that time is chosen you are going to assume the role of someone during that time frame. Examples of this selection are wide ranging and can be anything from a slave to the President and anyone in between. Create a blog that features at least 1 entry per week of your life as either a soldier, family member, slave, the President, etc. By the end of this blog you should have a minimum of 52 entries (1 per week average). In order to achieve full marks you should mention as many details as possible about life during that time and your feelings about your own life situations. This project will stress that historical details and events be utilized alongside creative elements of personal connection and interpretation. This project will be graded on several criteria and be worth 2 test grades once split into 2 assigned due dates.

Each blog post is worth a maximum of 4 points and will be graded on the following scale:

4 points = The post is historically accurate is ever aspect. The post features a connection between the historic nature of the time AND the role assumed and also features creative personal connections or feelings mixed in the historic discussion. The post finally is of an appropriate length and quality overall and has expanded on the details to conclude its relevance for the "whole blog".

3 points = The post meets the majority of the criteria for full credit but is lacking in one area or deficient in only one aspect. Examples include being appropriate length with creative personal elements but does not mesh with historic elements of the time period or role.

2 points = The post meets most of the criteria for full credit but is deficient in two areas. Examples would be lack of development in the post and missing historic elements at the same time.

1 point = The post is deficient is several areas and could be classified as being inappropriate for the overall value in the blog. Examples of a post of this nature could be one that lacks development in the historic and creative regions of judgment as well as being far too short and underdeveloped.

0 points = Post is unavailable to be graded.

Expansion Project Due dates

2011-04-26T10:46:00.002-04:00

The following due dates will be levied for all classes regarding the 4th quarter expansion project:

Half of the entries (26) need to be ready to read by May 6th.
The final half of the project will need to be ready two weeks later (May 20).

Both halves are worth 100 points a piece so this project will have a total of 200 points (2 test grades) so please plan accordingly to ensure that you have your full potential for credit.

Mr. M.

Unit 8 Extension

2011-04-05T09:34:00.002-04:00

Students. Listed below is your extension for Unit 8:

Read Chapter 14
Complete questions 1-3 from all 4 section reviews

This extension will be worth 100 points total and will have the following due dates
Half classes = Sections 1 and 2 April 17th or 18th
Sections 2 and 4 April 24th or 25th

Full classes = All sections April 24th or 25th.

Notes will be covered in class

Mr.M.

Extension Unit 7

2011-03-03T12:12:00.002-05:00

Now that we are finished with our quiz for Unit 6 we turn our attention Westward. The following extension will hereforward be assigned:

Read Chapters 11.1 and 11.2, along with Chapter 12
Complete the Main Idea questions for every section and take notes on every section.

This extension will be worth a total of 150 points and will be due on the following dates:

For split classes Ch 11 work is due March 10th or 11th and Chapter 12 work is due March 17th or 18th.
For solid extension classes all work is due March 17th or 18th.

Mr. M.

Third Quarter Extension 2

2011-01-30T09:14:00.003-05:00

Parents and students. While I am away for the college field trip, I wish for all students to begin preparation for our next unit..."The Presidency". To begin this preparation I have assigned the following extension:

1) Read Chapter 9 and 10
2) Take notes on both chapters
3) Answer all "Main Idea" Questions at the end of the sections in both chapters (21 total questions)

This extension will be worth 100 points total and the due dates will be as follows:

Full extension classes will have this assignment due on either February 14 (A day) or February 15 (B day)

Classes that are splitting extensions into parts will have the first part (Chapter 9 reading, notes, and 9 main idea questions) due on either Feb 4 or 7 and the second part (Chapter 10 reading, notes, and 12 main idea questions) due on either Feb 14 or 15.

Mr. M.

Due dates for Constitution Handbook

2011-01-30T09:10:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to clarify some due dates for the handbook project that we are working on in class for the next few days. The Constitution Handbook is due on the following days:

Friday February 4, 2011 for A day
Monday February 7, 2011 for B day

Please remember that we will be working on this during class time for the next 2 class periods so please be aware with your progress and if you need to do some components at home, please keep the end in mind for the due dates.

Mr. M

Third Quarter Extension 1

2011-01-22T10:24:00.002-05:00

Students. As we begin the third quarter we now get into the nation building (and sometimes destruction) section of the course. Moving past the American Revolution and Constitution we will spend 2 class periods finishing our class constitution ratification process and then finishing a few things from the actual Constitution as review. As part of this I have assigned the following extension to be due February 27th (A day) or February 28th (B day):

Read pages 248-277
On page 278 answer the 10 review questions
Be prepared to discuss the Seven Principles of the Constitution in class

This will be worth 100 points total

Mr. M

End of the quarter updates

2011-01-09T08:02:00.002-05:00

As we conclude another great quarter I have a few updates on the end of the quarter process and grades:

1) We will have a bellringer quiz and a notebook quiz next week after we finish our ePEPs. You should have all of those ready to go.

2) History Fair projects are due the 13th or 14th and that will be the last day to turn in any missing components of the process timeline. There are several students who are missing significant portions of this grade and it will be a test grade this quarter.

3) There will be a take home essay for our end of the quarter exam. I am doing this because we do not have an extension due currently and we are under a bit of a crunch in class due to our ePEPs and Constitution activity.

The prompt for this essay will be given to students on Tuesday and Weds in class and will be due the following class period.

4) Any makeup work or extra credit opportunities that are in place will be due next week as well. The quicker you get those items to me the quicker we can update grades to see where we are. Remember these safety nets are in place to help reinforce missing concepts and allow students to catch any holes in their grades.

Mr.M.

BR 11 Constitutional Priveleges

2010-12-06T09:10:00.002-05:00

Students, since the bell schedule has been a bit interesting this past week some of you have had more time in my class than others to do things like bellringers. Below is BR 11 from Monday/Tuesday if you were unable to finish it in class:

Create and organize a list of rights into whether you think states should control them or the national government. Support your decisions with details:
Set taxes, Sign Treaties, Issue Money, Control Land, Enforce Laws, Wage War, Make Peace

Mr. M.

Quiz study topics

2010-11-29T19:43:00.002-05:00

For our quiz Wednesday and Thursday I have provided you with the following study topics to make sure you have a focused area of study:

1) Differences in the Acts (what they did and the effects each had)
2) Documents produced including the Declaration of Independence and Continental Congress (who produced them, and what did they accomplish)
3) Groups like the Sons of Liberty and Continental Congress (who made up these groups and what was their main goals and/or accomplishments)
4) The war itself (battles, leaders, treaties, strategies, etc)
5) After war effects (how our government was formed and effected)

This should guide your studies.

Good luck on the quiz...if you prepare it should not be difficult.

Mr. M.

Updates for this week 11/28 and extension 2

2010-11-28T16:43:00.003-05:00

Good evening students. I hope that everyone had a great mini break to enjoy with friends and family. Here are some updates for the week:

Monday and Tuesday we will be finishing the propaganda assignment that we started last class. All articles should be finished and typed out and saved electronically so that we can put them into a newsletter. We will be using the Macs to comile these newsletters so everyone hopefully will be ready and prepared.

Wedsnesday and Thursday we will be taking our quiz on Unit 4. Remember this covers material in Chapters 5, 6, and 7. So study now.

Extension 2 for this quarter will be as follows:
1) Read Chapter 8
2) Take complete notes (50 points)
3) Define all vocabulary (50 points)
4) Answer the question "Interact with History" on page 240 in a short response of 1-3 paragraphs (50 points)

Stay posted in class for the due date for this extension and other updates.

Mr. M.

Boys Soccer Final Cuts

2010-11-16T20:44:00.002-05:00

I would like to take one more time to share just how tough this decision was for me. There is so much talent that I cannot have on the team this year and I encourage all of you to continue to work at your skills. With that being said below is the list of athletes who have been selected to be on this years boys soccer team:

2 8 15 22
3 9 16 23
4 10 17 28
6 11 18
7 13 19

I also would like to see the following athletes tommorrow in room 302 before school starts:
21 and 29

Please remember that there is no practice tommorrow so all athletes should be ready to go on Thursday to kick this season off.

Coach M

Boys Soccer first cuts

2010-11-10T18:48:00.002-05:00

Student-Athletes. Let me just say how truly difficult this decision was for me to make as a coach. There was an unbelievable amount of talent that came out this year and the cuts will only get tougher from this pont forward. With that being said I encourage all 7th graders who miss out on this years team to keep practicing nd try out again next year. And for any 8th graders that do not make cuts please continue to improve on your skills to be competetive for a potential highschool team. Without any further delay, the following athletes need to be prepared Monday with their equipment to continue the next phase of tryouts:

2 21 34
3 22 35
5 25 36
8 26 39
9 27 41
12 28 42
13 29 45
15 30
16 31
18 32
19 33

As a word to all those who have made it to the next phase, things will only get more difficult so stay focused and get plenty of sleep and hydration.

Coach MacDowell

Unit 4 Extension

2010-10-28T09:35:00.000-04:00

The Unit 4 extension has been on the board now for a little over a week. Here is the official blog posting for it:

In collaboration with the Unit 4 inventory that we worked on in class, the following material is due for the Unit 4 extension:

1) Read Chapters 5, 6, and 7
2) Takes notes for all 3 chapters (75 points)
3) Complete the vocabulary for all 3 chapters (75 points)

This extension will be worth 150 total points and will be due either on the 9th (B-day) or the 10th (A-day).

End of quarter 1 updates

2010-10-19T22:17:00.002-04:00

Students,

We have 3 days left in the quarter and finals are halfway done and graded. B-dayers have some high standards to live up to on their finals so hopefully you have studied.

Just so everyone is clear, extra credit expansions or any kind of quiz recovery or make-up work is due before Friday and any points accrued from extra credit expansions will be added to the classwork average. Any extra hall pass credits will be put toward the quiz average.

Even if you are unhappy with your grades this quarter, please keep in mind that quarter 1 weighs as much as the other 3 quarters so it is never to late to start being proactive.

History Fair topics will be due early November so you need to start making final preparation and initial research should be guiding you in topic selection.

Mr.M.

Unit 3 Extension

2010-10-05T14:40:00.002-04:00

Dear students. It is on we go to the colonies. This unit actually covers chapters 3 and 4 so I have amended your normal workload for this extension based on time frames allowed. Below is the requirements for this extension:

1) Read Chapter 3 and 4 (25 points)
2) Complete the notes for both chapters (50 points total)
3) Answer the 10 Chapter 4 review questions from page 130 (25 points)

This will be a total of 100 points and it will be due October 18th (B-day)or October 19th (A-Day)

Mr.M

Field trip news

2010-09-27T20:32:00.002-04:00

Due to my error in setting up the field trip to St.Augustine on an early release Wedsnesday, we have decided to move the day to Thursday the 7th instead. I will send out a memo for your parents tommorrow during research time so please make your parents aware of this change and if you are wanting to go I will take only be collecting money on Wedsnesday the 29th.

If you are one of the 5 students that have turned it in I am going to believe that you have informed your parents and that they know the day has shifted. If for some reason you cannot attend on Wedsnesday the 6th, I will refund your money.

Mr.M

Grades and updates

2010-09-27T20:18:00.003-04:00

Students. Please make sure you are coming to class prepared to discuss information from the assigned chapter everyday. Grades are not quite where I would like them to be on certain items like quizzes and class assignments. I truly feel that if you have read the material and come to class with that background knowledge, you will be more successful.

With 2 quizzes in the books, many people did not turn in the quiz recovery as they needed to do. Remember that quiz recovery is a great safety net to not only relearn certain facts or basic concepts from a quiz or test, but it also serves as a great way to earn credit back that will boost your quiz average (which is 25% of your overall grade).

Don't forget that the Unit 2 extension is due on the 29th and 30th of September (Weds and Thursday). We need to fit in a Bellringer quiz and Notebook quiz so start making those in order so that you can solidify that part of your grade. Final extra credit expansion projects are also due sometime during this week if you have been working on them.

The Expansion project will be due October 8th and 11th. The test for quarter 1 will be October 12th and 13th.

I know it is alot to digest but lwt's stay focused and organized.
Mr.M

Extension 2

2010-09-13T19:58:00.002-04:00

For Extension Unit 2 the following will be due after you read all of Chapter 2:

1) Take notes on all 5 sections
2) Answer the Main Idea questions for all 5 sections (15 total)
3) Define all terms and names of significance
4) Answer the Analyzing Leadership question (question 2) on page 80 in short response format (3 paragraphs)

This assignment will be due September 29th or 30th.

Mr. M.

Rubric/Due dates for expansion project

2010-09-12T14:12:00.002-04:00

Below is the grading rubric for the expansion project:

100-90: Students master all components of project. Students have choosen a European country and stuck to that country and sufficient 10 year span of years within the 1400s by which to gather all research. Students also have no fewer than 5 different types of jobs by which to pay wages within the 100 people limit for their colony. Students have also a wide range of resources and correct figures attached to all resources. To acheive this highest level of marks students need at least 3 types of food, 5 types of secondary resource, and 2 "building materials" and associated costs. Within these types, all totals for amounts required must be logically reasonable as far as amounts needed to sustain a colony for 10 years. Students will also have converted all costs to silver and then finally to current day dollars for an overall perspective of costs.

89-80: Students master most of above criteria but are missing components on a small scale. They also may possibly be missing accurate numbers associated with wages or values or could possibly have choosen incorrect years to research or can have a lack of depth when it comes to resource types, amounts, or job types. Final points may be deducted due to lack of effort on the part of converting amounts to silver and modern day dollars. Different combinations of missing or incomplete components may result in scores within this level as long as majority of components are present.

79-70: Students master some of the overall components but are missing several types of overall requirements. Levels acheived within this level master some or all areas partially and are showing lack of depth when it comes to understanding or conversions of amounts and costs. Levels within this tier of scoring may also be insufficient when it comes to overall organization, time management, and/or effectiveness when it comes to creativity.

69-60: Students mastering this level of score have basic components to the project but are lacking in many key areas including conversions, realistic numbers, and depth of wage and resource types. This level of marks shows a lack of attention to detail and could possibly be a result of lack of understanding of project components.

59-50: Students are missing several components within project. Students are at a level where little progress has been made in synthesis of material or projects are missing key research and types of resources and/or job types. Students scoring in this level have attempted to complete project but have failed in several areas to address fundamentals of requirements.

49-0: Students acheiving this projects are missing or incomplete on most if not all components of project. They seem to have deficiency in creativity on level by which higher levels have acheived. Students earning this level of marks may show lack of attention to focus, detail, or time management and projects are very lacking in accuracy and/or detailed explanation or synthesis.

Due date for this project will be sometime in the range of October 6th- 11th.

Good luck to all and continue researching.

Mr. M.

Unit 1 quiz

2010-09-06T20:30:00.002-04:00

The first quiz will be next week after the Benchmark testing. Make sure that you study this week prior to turning in your unit extension because you can't study what you don't have.

First quarter expansion project

2010-09-06T20:17:00.002-04:00

For our first quarter expansion project I have chosen the following topic:

Conduct research on historic exploration era prices for goods and labor/worker needed for establishing a colony in middle “America”. Create a financial plan for this trip taking into account short term and long term costs for the maintaining of this colony for 10 years. Use the following website to research prices for this project: http://www.iisg.nl/hpw/data.php. This website contains datafiles that are typically excel charts that have the data in them and descriptions to point you in the right direction. We will break some of these down in class and we will have some time in class to work on this project. Due dates will be put up later.

This also can be a group project fo 2-4 people as well.

Mr. M

Upcoming field trip updates

2010-09-06T20:06:00.002-04:00

Hello students and parents. I just wanted to drop a couple of updates on upcoming fieldtrips. Team 8A's first field trip will hopefully be to St.Augustine to visit a few historic areas that correlate with our studies of early colonialization. Right now I am estimating cost to be about 10-15 dollars for this trip and we will tentatively go on the trip around October 4th, 5th, or 6th.

Also as far as the 8th grade college trip I have a few initial tidbits of information. We are trying to go to different colleges than last year's 7th grade trip. We are aiming to go to FAU, FIU, University of Miami, Embry Riddle and Stetson/Rollins College. Only FAU is locked up right now but I am working on all of the others as we speak. Cost hopefully will be similar to last year's trip cost of $365.00 but the process is very fluid right now so things may change.

If you have any questions about these trips please email me at macdowellc1@duvalschools.org.

Quarter 1 Extension 1

2010-08-23T14:36:00.003-04:00

The following extension should be completed and ready for turning in on September 9th(A-day) or 10th(B-day):

-Read Chapter 1
-Explain all terms and names of significance from sections 1-5 (can be in 2 column or visual format)
-Completely answer the Main Idea questions for all sections (15 questions total)
-take notes on Chapter 1 in its entirety.

Mr.M

Welcome

2010-08-23T14:34:00.001-04:00

Please see the curriculum paper for class components and please have a parent or guardian sign for the acceptance of the syllabus guide and National Geographic release form.

Mr.M

South America project rubric

2010-05-26T09:01:00.001-04:00

Below is the rubric for the South America project. Copies will be made available in class if requested.

South America Project Rubric
Group portion 60%:
1) Countries and locations (5 pts.) – Provide the absolute and relative locations of capitals of any and all countries while also providing relative location for the country(s) of study in comparison to surrounding nations.
2) Physical Features (5 pts.) – Provide names and accurate locations of any vital physical features in your chapter. Include major bodies of water and landforms.
3) History (10 pts.) – Describe important events (including independence dates and imperial countries) and any other current timelines of historical importance.
4) Culture (14 pts.) – Include cultural items related to your chapter. Please include a minimum of 1 example of each of the following: language, religion, dress, food, jobs, customs, traditions, etc.
5) Resources (10 pts.) – Describe the major exports and imports for your chapter and connect these to the overall status of the economy(s) in your chapter.
6) (10 pts.) Answer the following question with at least 5 responses: “Where should people visit if they wish to go on educational tours or vacations to the areas in this chapter?”
7) 6 illustrations (6 pts.) – Include photos or drawing examples for each of the above areas (at least 1 per area).

Individual portion (40%):
10 pts. - In bibliography form, please list the responsibilities that your were accountable for and include your role in the project.
20 pts. – In class participation is vital for this project. Student has demonstrated willingness to work with group members in focused and productive fashion and has not provided distraction or detrimental efforts for collaboration.
10 pts. – Present all information from above in a presentation that is of the groups choosing in 10 minutes of class time or less.

Mr. M.

Period 5 project groups

2010-05-18T12:02:00.000-04:00

Below are the groups and chapters for period 5:

1) Scott C, Kelsey D, Rodney H, Nia S, Travis T, India W
2) Mikayla B, Logan H, Brooke L, Jeremy S, Samuel S
3) Tanner C, Sam C, William F, Lakara G, Mia H
4) Brittany B, Samantha C, Tailer D, Nicole H, Nathan R
5) Meisa B, Elijah F, Tessa H, Trey J, PJ M

Group 1 = Chapter 7
Group 2 = Chapter 9
Group 3 = Chapter 6
Group 4 = Chapter 10
Group 5 = Chapter 8

Mr. M.

Period 3 project groups

2010-05-17T12:18:00.000-04:00

Below are the groups for the project for Period 3A:

1) Mandy Dealing, Samantha Foss, Andrew Heckel, Cole Houser, Nia Jackson
2) Krista Hatten, Courtney Haynes, Taylor Johnson, Zahria Mims
3) Liliana Bolanos, Christie Husbands, Robert Jackson, Candyce Johnson
4) DJ Dlugosz, Janna Isaac, Lexie Nickas, Morgan Woodle
5) Jocelyn Drury, Chase Evans, Alex Kaplan, Amber Wilcox

Group 1 = Chapter 8
Group 2 = Chapter 7
Group 3 = Chapter 10
Group 4 = Chapter 9
Group 5 = Chapter 6

Mr. M.

Period 2 project groups

2010-05-17T10:43:00.000-04:00

Below are the groups for Period 3:

1) Case Miller, Megan Hughes, Aiden Millsconrad, Matt Torak
2) Abby Allen, Gabby Bayot, Megan N. Brown, Carly Crump
3) Emily Bradford, Jordan Harrington, Jessica Wallley, Audrey Ware
4) Megan E. Brown, Olivia Jacqmein, Gabriela Maduro, Arlena Soria
5) Arman Canlas, Nick Pelligrino, Kathryn Robinson, Nick Stiles

Group 1 = Chapter 9
Group 2 = Chapter 6
Group 3 = Chapter 8
Group 4 = Chapter 10
Group 5 = Chapter 7

Mr. M.

Period 6 project groups

2010-05-17T09:54:00.000-04:00

Below are the groups for Period 6:

1) Dani Dove, Austin McMann, Hunter Russell-McKenzie, Alex Saffice
2) Brianna Hill, Marcus Houston, Amber Saffice
3) Zach Morell, Christain Roberts, Gabby Vereen
4) William Kreitner, Julian Leandro, Jack Melville
5) Lauren Carr, Keely Nowlin, Janae Petty

Group 1 = Chapter 9
Group 2 = Chapter 7
Group 3 = Chapter 6
Group 4 = Chapter 8
Group 5 = Chapter 10

Mr. M.

2010-05-17T09:09:00.000-04:00

Period 1A project groups

2010-05-17T08:34:00.000-04:00

Below are the groups for all students in Period 1A:

1) Taylor Johnson, Alphonso Robinson, Jehser Salonga, Brandon Tanner, Taylor Wilson
2) Brandon Battle, Nina Lee, Kali McNutt, James Singer
3) Chris Lowe, Mark Molvie, Adrian Salonga, Sheldon Wells
4) Monica Byers, Joseph Ilano, Savannah Mika, Jorge Simpson
5) Haley Garvin, Kyle McKnight, Caleb Vigil, Courtney Butler

Group 1 = Chapter 10
Group 2 = Chapter 6
Group 3 = Chapter 7
Group 4 = Chapter 8
Group 5 = Chapter 9

Mr. M.

Final project details

2010-05-14T22:03:00.000-04:00

Students,

Here is a description of details for your final project of the year:

This project will be the method of study for South America. In groups which I will assign randomly, you are going to be divided into 5 groups per class. Each group will then randomly select a chapter to study and complete. For that chapter groups will need to prepare a presentation to outline the following parts:

1) Countries and locations
2) Physical Features
3) History (including Independence timelines and from whom)
4) Culture (language, religion, dress, food, jobs, customs, traditions, etc)
5) Resources (exports and imports, etc)
6) Where to visit if going on educational tours or vacations
7) 6 illustrations (minimum 1 from each area)

This "presentation" can be anything from powerpoint to skit, poster to brochures, etc. It also needs to be a MAXIMUM of 10 minutes long.

Groups will be assigned next week.

Due date for this project will be June 3rd and 4th.

Mr. M.

Important dates to know

2010-05-14T21:58:00.000-04:00

Students and Parents,

Here is a list of vital dates that you need to be aware of:

May 24 and 25... EOC exams for World Geography and Language Arts

May 31 and June 1... Final Exam

June 2 and 3... Final project due (see next post for details).

Mr. M.

Homework 5/5 and 5/6

2010-05-06T22:38:00.001-04:00

Your homework was to complete the vocabulary for Chapter 27. It will be homework 8.

Mr. M

Make -up work policy for 4th quarter

2010-05-04T20:44:00.000-04:00

Some students have continued to ask about the make-up work for the class. Just to clarify, if you were on the college field trip you still need to make up homeworks 3, 4, and 5... as well as assignments 2 and 3. I have exempted you from bellringers 3 and 4.

For those of you who were in grade recovery I have exempted you from Assignment 4.

For the remaining students who do not necessarily fall into these categories, I ask that you do all work on time and if something does not get turned in on time, that you make it up as soon as possible as to not fll further from behind.

Mr. M.

Homework 5/3 and 5/4

2010-05-04T20:40:00.000-04:00

As we continue to finish our year we must continue to proceed through the remaining sections of Asia. To help all of you I ask that for your homework you read Chapter 27.

Mr. M

Powerpoint notes for India

2010-04-23T20:48:00.000-04:00

Students. Below is the link to your notes for India. Please use it for any notes, bellringers, and assignment information that you may need in order to get caught up.

India

Homework 4/23 and 4/26

2010-04-23T08:35:00.000-04:00

Students. As we make further headway into Asia pleae complete the following homework:

Ch 25 Section Review questions 22-27 and question 29. This is homework 6.

Also get the consent form signed by your parent to watch Gandhi next week. If your parents do not wish to have you watch the film, please have them indicate that on the fom and sign so that I can have you placed in a different room with a suitable activity to do.

Thanks,
Mr. M.

Homework 4/21 and 4/22 and Assignment 2

2010-04-21T09:14:00.000-04:00

Students, homework 5 is as follows:

Complete questions 18-21 and question 28 from the Chapter 25 Review.

Also here is the criteria for your second assignment:

-As individuals, choose 1 event from the history of India section of notes and create a political cartoon that educates any reader of its purpose.
-Make sure your political cartoon includes a title and that there is dialogue within it in some capacity.
-As with all political cartoons, include a message or theme for the cartoon that can be used to teach someone about the event on a first and second level.
-Color is preferred but not required.

Thanks and make sure that you are staying up to date.

Mr. M

Homework 4/19 and 4/20

2010-04-19T12:16:00.000-04:00

Students, here is the homework for the next two days:

Look at the Chapter 25 chapter review and complete questions 12-17.

This is homework number 4.

Mr. M.

India map project groups

2010-04-16T07:20:00.001-04:00

Below are the groups for the project:

Period 1:
1) Brandon Battle, Alphonso, Adrian, Brandon Tanner, Sheldon
2) Monica, Nina, Kyle, Savannah, James
3) Haley, Taylor J, Chris, Caleb, Courtney
4) Joseph, Kali, Jehser, Jorge, Mark

Period 2:
1) Abby, Emily, Megan H, Gabriela, Kathryn
2) Gabby, Megan N and E Brown, Arman, Arlena, Matthew
3) Carly, Jordan, Aiden, Nick P, Jessica
4) Olivia, Case, Nick S, Audrey

Period 3:
1) DJ, Chase, Courtney, Amber
2) Mandy, Krista, Cole, Morgan
3) Sammantha, Christie, Robert, Candyce
4) Jocelyn, Andrew, Janna, Nia, Zahria
5) Liliana, Alex, Taylor J, Lexie

Period 5:
1) Mikayla, Sam C, Kelsey, Rodnrey, Jeremy
2) Brittany, Tailer, William, Brooke
3) Meisa, Elijah, Mia, Samuel S, Nicole
4) Tanner, Scott, Tessa, PJ, Lakara
5) Samantha, Trey, Travis, Nia, India, Logan

Period 6:
1) Danielle, William, Alex, Gabby
2) Brianna, Zach, Keely, Christain
3) Lauren, Julian, Jack, Amber
4) Marcus, Austin, Janae, Hunter

See the previous post for any directions and due dates for this project.

Mr. M

India map project directions

2010-04-15T22:03:00.000-04:00

In groups that I have already put together you are to follow these directions for the India map project:

In groups of 4-5 you will be drawing the 4 basic map types for India and the surrounding countries...Political, Physical, Land Use/Resources, and Climate. These maps should include a title, all proper labels, and as much detailing as possible.

Groups will also need to include a cover page containing colorfully drawn representations of India and the surrounding countries.

At the end all magazines need to include a "bibliography" of sorts saying who did what map types as this grade is worth 30 points total (15 group, 15 individual).

All group projects containing 6 members will include the population density map.

All non-college trip groups will have their projects due next Monday and Tuesday and for all college trip groups the projects will be due next Friday and the following Monday.

All group pairings will be uploaded by tommorrow.

Mr. M

Homework and updates 4/15

2010-04-15T09:09:00.000-04:00

Students. As we start the fourth quarter here is the homework for all students for 4/15 and 4/16:

Complete the section review on page 557 questions 1-5 only. This will be homework 3.

Also I will be putting on the directions and groups for the mini project which will be Assignment 1. All students will be responsible for its completion and the college field trip students will have it due after their trip. I suggest however that all college trip students begin working on it now and have it completed before they go to the trip so that they will not need to do it the night before it is due for them.

Mr. M

Last chance for extra credit

2010-03-28T23:55:00.000-04:00

To close up the third quarter, I have decided to offer one last chance to obtain some extra credit. Here is the assignment:

You are asked to create an article for National Geographic magazine. They wish to do an educational article on the modern day challenges of an African nation. They are curious about how these challenges for this nation came to be caused and how the citizens and country itslef have coped. The challenges could be anything that pertains to the country so a bit of actual research needs to be done from your notes, textbook, or internet/library because some challenges do not effect all nations. This article needs to be at least 5 paragraphs and needs to include the following information:

1) Source of information learned
2) Well organized paragraphs that are grammitically correct and free of spelling errors.
3) Up to date information and details that are relevant.

The magazine also wishes to use this article as a cover story so you need to include an illustration that goes along with your writing.

This extra credit can be put towards any category of grade you wish and here are the maximum points you can earn based on category:

Quiz - 5
Homework - 10
Test - 10
Assigment - 15

Good luck, these are due by Weds and we can use class time and supplies to complete them if necessary.

Mr. M

Homework 3/15 and 3/16

2010-03-16T23:37:00.000-04:00

Please read and take notes on Chapter 23 and for homework to be turned in please complete the vocabulary for the chapter.

It is vital that you read and take notes on this chapter because we are going to focus on SOuth Africa more in depth and you need to make sure that you do not neglect it for the test.

Mr. Mac

Updates for next week

2010-03-14T10:32:00.000-04:00

Good weekend students. I first wanted to say that I was sorry for missing class on Friday. I am feeling better now and with that being said we have got to get ready to close out the third quarter very strongly. Here are some quick updates for next week:

1) Scholarship warnings will be handed out next week so please make every effort to get last second late work turned in to get late credit.
2) Next week is the final week to get all history fair project boards out of the classroom. When Friday rolls around any projects still in class will be thrown away.

We have about two weeks to finish the African unit so we have little time to waste. Let's make sure that we stay focused and committed to completing all tasks while keeping our homeworks in check.

See everyone tommorrow.
Mr. M

Upcoming week

2010-02-28T14:19:00.000-05:00

For your consideration students:

1) The Chapter 21 quiz will be Monday and Tuesday.
2) Please continue to look at FreeRice.com to familiarize yourself for our upcoming contest to promote awareness of poverty in the region.
3) Begin to skim over Chapter 22. We are going to East Africa so please begin to focus your attention there following our quiz.
4) Make-up work and late work needs to be continually turned in for grading. Some of you still have significant holes and nothing should be missing if you care about your grades.

Mr.M

Make-up/late work and updates

2010-02-23T22:15:00.001-05:00

Students. We are at the halfway point of the third quarter and some of us have some big work to do to close this year out strongly. Continue to get all late or make-up work turned in. Some have already taken advantage and raised their grades. Also there will be a quiz on Thursday and Friday as I forgot that the Black History Month project needed to be presented today and tommorrow. I like what I have seen so far with those projects and I will begin to grade those shortly and I hope to be done over the weekend.

Keep up the great work and continue to focus and make preparations as much as possible.

Mr. M

Quiz next week

2010-02-20T09:22:00.000-05:00

Students,

Next week there are alot of things that are going to happen. You have:
1) Progress reports
2) Quiz on Tuesday and Wednesday
3) Black History Month projects are due and we are going to play a game in order to present them.

Please begin making final preparations for the Quiz and projects and continue to get all work in for make-up or late grades.

Mr. M

2/18 and 19 video questions and homework

2010-02-17T20:54:00.000-05:00

Love on the Sahel questions

1) What are the dangers for the Sahel travelers and herders?
2) How is marriage arranged in the cultures of the Shael tribes?
3) What resources mark prosperity in this region?
4) List 3 examples of wildlife in the Sahel and some potential conflicts with all 3 examples.
5) How are Sahel elephants different than their grassland counterparts?
6) Describe the defenses against the elephants to the farmers.
7) How is milk a complete food source to the Felani?
8) How do the herders cross benefit with the land they walk on?
9) Explain the understanding between the villagers and crocodiles?
10) How is the Dama feared and celebrated?
11) Describe the communication techniques of the village at Tireli?
12) Describe the Dama?

Also for homework page 477 section review questions 1-4

Mr.M

Homework 2/8 and 2/9

2010-02-08T22:52:00.000-05:00

Students. You need to Read sections 3 and 4 for Chapter 21, complete the visual notes for the sections, and for homework to be turned in complete the Read to Discover questions.

Mr. M

Homework 2/4 and 2/5

2010-02-05T16:02:00.000-05:00

Homework for the next two days is to Read and do Notes for Chapter 21 section 1 and 2. You need to have the vocabulary for both sections ready to turn in next class.

Also continue to turn in make-up work.

Mr. M

Updates on history fair and a quiz

2010-01-28T08:41:00.000-05:00

Students,

I am almost finished with grading the projects and I hope to have your grades by the early part of next week.

Also there will be a quiz on Chapter 20 next week as well. The earliest it will be will be Tuesday and Wedsnesday. Or it could be Thursday and Friday so be actively completing and studying your notes.

Mr. M

Homework 1/27 and 28

2010-01-28T08:39:00.000-05:00

Students,

For the next class period you will need to complete the following homework:

Read sections 3 and 4 for chapter 20 and complete the vocabulary.

And as always make sure that you complete visual notes as well.

Mr. M

Homework 1/25 and 1/26

2010-01-25T17:57:00.000-05:00

Students homework is to complete the section review for Chapter 20 section 2. Be careful not to do the vocabulary or sketch mapping section unless you wish to have those. The vocabulary and mapping has already been done but will be put into your portfolio with the other assignments from quarter 2.

Mr. M

History Fair last minute updates

2010-01-16T19:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday students. Just as a last minute reminder for your history fair:

1) If you are doing a website you have to load it up through the proper NHD format. This can be found on NHD.org so please move all of your coding over to the proper formating especially if you wish to move on to the School Fair.

2) If you are doing a performance or documentary, please adhere to the 10 minute max on time. You will have time before and after to set it up but 10 minutes is max for the actual exhibit.

3) If you have the backboard please make sure that your word count is under the 500 limit for all written text other than first hand artifacts of evidence as specified in the NHD handbook.

4) All projects have to have a process paper and bibliography typed, double spaced (process paper only) and in the proper formats as specified by the NHD handbook. Also please make sure that your process paper has a cover sheet.

5) If you are unaware of what your grade is going to be on the project you can find out by looking at the official grading rubric that I will be using. It can be found on the NHD website.

Best of luck with your final preparations and the time you have worked so hard for is right around the corner.

Mr. M

1/13 and 1/14 homework

2010-01-12T21:58:00.000-05:00

Homework for the next two days is as follows. Read section 2 for Chapter 20 and complete the vocabulary and read to discover questions for the section...

And as always...complete visual notes for the section :)

Homework 1/11 and 1/12

2010-01-12T21:55:00.000-05:00

Homework for the next 2 days due on Weds and Thursday is to Read Chapter 20 Section 1 and complete the visual notes for this section. Also you need to complete the vocabulary terms for the section as well.

Weekly updates

2010-01-10T18:51:00.000-05:00

Good evening students. I have some general updates about what is happening this week"

1) The Quarter Test 1 will be Monday and Tuesday. I hope that all of you have been reviewing your study guide and notes. There is a strong possibility that I will allow you to use your notes and study guide for the exam.

2) I will not be in class on the 13th so I am pushing that days History Fair checkpoint to Friday the 15th. I encourage all of you to take one last final few days to make sure everything is finished with the process piece so that you can know what your Test 2 grade will be.

3) Projects will be due and presented as scheduled on the 20th and 21st. Grades are due on the 22nd so this test grade will be your first test grade for the third quarter.

4) Begin checking your folders to make sure all of your work is ready to be moved into the portfolios. We will move all quizzes and tests over sometime next week after any possible test recycling opportunities.

5) We have less than 2 weeks to get in any last minute make-up work. Grades are not as strong as they were in the first quarter for some of you but grades have improved for many more. Keep up the great work and get anything in if you can.

6) For any students with a grade of 72 or lower, progress reports will be given out next week. The other team teachers and I will distribute team wide scholarship warnings that will need to be signed and returned by a parent. Phone calls home will also be made.

We will actually start Africa at the end of this quarter so we need to finish this quarter strong and keep up all of this positive momentum going forward. See you all very soon and study hard.

Mr. M

Holiday break news

2009-12-31T11:07:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year students. I hope that all of your breaks have been filled with joy and relaxation. I just wanted to pass on some updates for all of you.

1) All papers have been graded but have not been entered into the grade book though. The B-day students are going to be effected more than the A-day students but grades will change for all classes once entered.

2) As a reminder, there will be a notebook check the week that we come back. It is tentatatively aimed for the Thursday/Friday time period but do not be surprised if it is Tuesday/Weds. Please remember that anything and everything can be asked on this quiz...whether it is dates, titles, or specific answers.

3) Our test for this quarter will be the following week. Because our time in the second quarter is drawing to a close quickly, make sure that you are still actively reviewing material that we have gone over this quarter.

4) History Fair projects will be due shortly after we come back. Make sure that you are beginning to put the final touches on your projects, sources, and all other details.

See you all very soon,
Mr. M

Extra Credit

2009-12-08T20:35:00.000-05:00

Imagine that you are going on a 7 day vacation to the Middle East. Your extra credit is to create a weeks worth of postcards (7) detailing observations from your trip. These observations should be from different countries and should include observations relating to the religious, historical, cultural, leisure, social, economical, and political themes that we have discussed in class. This information should go on the back of the postcard.

On the front side there should be a drawing, picture, or illustration.

There is 3 ways that you can take this extra credit. If you wish to have it go towards your homework average you may earn up to 15 points. If you choose quiz average you may earn up to 5 points. If you choose assignment average you may earn up to 10 points.

This extra credit will be due Monday and Tuesday next week before the break.

Mr. M

Homework 12/8 and 12/9

2009-12-08T20:30:00.000-05:00

Students. Here is your homework for the next two days:

1) HW8 Read to Discover Questions Chapter 18 section 4
2) HW9 and 10 Iran Video Worksheet.

Also there is a quiz very soon so please be completing and actively studying your notes for Chapter 18.

Mr. M

11/30 and 12/1 Homework

2009-11-30T19:18:00.000-05:00

Dear students. Here is your homework for the next 2 days:

1) Page 397 Organizing What You Know (Question 5). This is Assignment 7.

2) Please Read chapter 18 Section 2 and complete visual notes on this chapter.

3) As you timeline for history fair states, please have 30 ADDITIONAL note cards ready including sources. By now you should have 50 notecards and the minimum of 7 sources ready to show me. As well as a preliminary storyboard on a seperate sheet of paper.

Mr. M

Homework 11/19 and 11/20

2009-11-19T21:02:00.000-05:00

Dear Students, your homework for the next 2 days is as follows:

Complete the section review for Chapter 17 Section 4 on page 391.

Make sure that you are completing your Visual Notes for the section as well if you could not finish in class. Study hard because there will be a quiz next week.

Mr. M

Homework 11/17 and 11/18

2009-11-17T18:31:00.000-05:00

Please Read Chapter 17 Section 4 and do the 3 "Read to Discover" questions.

Be sure to study your new visual notes for a possible upcoming quiz and continue to complete any make-up or late work.

Also keep researching because 20 notecards for the history fair project are due the 19th or 20th.

Mr. M

Homework 11/13 and 11/16

2009-11-16T20:17:00.000-05:00

Please read Chapter 17, Section 3.

Also History fair notecards 1-20 are due on the 19th and 20th.

Mr. M

Recycling Make-up Question

2009-11-11T14:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Veteren's Day Students

I hope that everything is going swell on your day off. As a make-up question to the video question about the 2 Russian cities, I have come up with the following question:

Describe one example of Communism in modern day Moscow.

Updates and project removals

2009-11-09T21:48:00.000-05:00

I hope that history fair is treating everyone well. For those of you who were absent from class for the last 3 days, we have work to do. Topics, the 4 areas of concern, and the notecards will all be due for you on Tuesday or Thursday along with the 3 sources. Also I will conference with everyone individually about topics and will try to supply feedback if needed.

Also Thursday is the last day that you have to pick up landform projects from my room. After that I will be forced to have thm removed. Please make appropriate arrangements.

Quiz 1 will also be recycled in the near future. This is an opportunity to receive half credit on each successful attempt so that those grades will be higher.

This is all,
Mr. M

Homework 11/4 and 11/5

2009-11-05T22:42:00.001-05:00

For your homework due 11/6 and 11/9, make sure that you are bringing in your 3 components of the process piece of your history fair topic.

Also you need to locate and describe 1 example of prejudice or intolerance in our modern world. I am not looking for a 5 paparagraph essay, but I also will not be happy if I get 1-2 sentance answers either. 1-2 paragraphs will due very nicely if they are well written.

Mr. M

Citing Resource

2009-11-05T22:40:00.000-05:00

For all students. On the 10th and 12th, another set of points are due for your process piece of the history fair. You need to find 3 credible resources and cite those in MLA format.

As promised, here is a very helpful site that you can use to cite these sources:
www.easybib.com

Good luck researching,
Mr. M

Quiz Tommorrow

2009-11-03T21:09:00.000-05:00

I told all classes that I do not like to give out Pop-Quizzes unless students earn them. Well ladies and gentleman, I have graded the work for all of the classes up to tonight and I am saddened by the lack of effort to do homeworks. Bellringers are still not as good as they should be (we go over everything in class the majority of the time). Therefore, tommorrow there will be the first quiz of the second quarter.

For those of you who have put in the effort to paying attention in class and doing all of your work, this quiz should not be an issue for you.

See you tommorrow and Thursday and good luck.

Mr. M

History Fair Group forms

2009-11-03T09:02:00.001-05:00

History Fair group forms that need to be signed by every member of the group will be handed out on 4th and 5th of this eek so you need to finalize those groups as soon as you can.

Mr. M

First History Fair process assignments

2009-11-03T08:56:00.001-05:00

As part of the history fair process grade the first 15 points worth of information will be due Friday the 6th and Monday the 9th. These processes due are:

1) Your History Fair Topic (5 pts)
2) Four areas of investigation that you wish to look at relating to your topic (5 pts)
For example... if your topic is plastics, foiur areas of investigation could be plastics innovation effects in the areas of 1)Medicine, 2) War, 3) Automobiles, 4) Food
3) You need to bring in a pack of note cards (5 x 7) wrapped in either a rubber band or the original wrapping. (5 pts)

The next parts of the process grade will be due Nov 10th and 12th and updates will follow in class and on the blog.

Mr. M

Homework November 2 and 3

2009-11-03T08:54:00.000-05:00

Your homework is to complete the Analyzing Primary Resources activity and questions on page 345 and also complete Questions 21-25 on page 358.

Mr. M

Test and Progress Reports

2009-10-19T17:08:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday students.

I have some quick updates for all of you:

1) Test 2 will be conducted Tuesday and Wednesday for all classes. The test will cover all material related to your European unit so make sure you review your notes and look over the vocabulary, importnat people, and places for each of the 4 chapters (including Chapter 14).

2) I have chosen to make the Leadership Activity post Quiz a quiz grade for all students. This was a major activity for every student for 5 class periods and so I want to put an importnace on the efforts of all of the students.

3) Progress Reports will be handed out during all classes on the 20th and 21st. This will utilize all updates outside of the test and give students one last chance to cover their notebook in order to make-up any missing work.

4) Starting Quarter 2, all make-up work will follow my classroom guidelines and penalty structure. To become aclamated to any new structures, I allowed work over 2 class periods late some relaxation in order to put stress on its large scale importnace. This will end however once quarter 2 starts as everyone will begin with a full 100% average.

5) Let's make sure that our healthy habits are in place. It is vital to your acedemic success that we stay focused on classwork and even more focused at home.

Mr. M

Sunday Updates

2009-10-11T09:34:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday students. I just wanted to drop off some quick updates.

1) Make sure we are doing our homework. I had a very large amount of students not turn in the HW 11 Read to Discover Questions from Chapter 11. Many of you also admitted to not reading Chapter 11 at all (which was assigned 2 classes ago). Homeworks are to be completed as assigned and turned in next class if applicable. Make sure we are keeping on track with grades, time on this quarter is rapidly decreasing and there are some that cannot afford to become further behind.

2) The grading for the landforms project will go as such. Groups of 4 or so will present their projects to the class and give briefs explanations of their work (talking is required). The definitions for the landforms needs to be handed into me separately and I will attach the grading rubric to it for students notebook records and such. The grading rubric is very similar to the first rubric that was earlier posted on the blog with the points. Make sure you have a Key, Compass Rose, Legend in color, and proper labels otherwise you will not acheive the highest level of success for this project. One student dropped his off Friday afternoon and it looks very promising. I look forward to reading it.

3) Time for quarter 1 is dwindling. Grades are very diverse but there is always time to improve. Continue to turn in late or makeup homeworks, assignments, and bellringers in order to receive some points towards your grade.

4) Sometime soon after projects have been presented I will print off progress reports for every student so that you can see your grades up to that point and possibly get yourself on a recovery plan if you are behind.

Good luck with your projects and I look forward to seeing them.

Mr. M

General Updates and Extra Credit opportunity

2009-10-05T19:40:00.000-04:00

Hello classes. Here are some general updates:

1) Notebook check have been graded. Team average is around an 18. That tells me that for the most part students have their binders in order. That also tells me that the binders can be alot more organized.

2) Make sure that for your landform projects, you have a key and compass rose on the board itself and also have a sheet with the definitions of the landforms that you used on a separate sheet of paper that will be turned in before you present.

3) Mrs. Long informs me that 12 people from Team C have turned in money for the College Trip. That is the most of any team in seventh grade so good job. Also if you wish to go you need to turn in money the paperwork and money is due by the 15th so next week.

4) The first 5 people that come up to me and give me the European countries that make up the Iberian Peninsula correctly, will receive 2 extra points for their quiz average.

Keep it up Top Cats

Mr. MacDowell

Landform Project Due Dates and other updates

2009-09-30T21:50:00.000-04:00

The Landform projects will be due and presented on October the 12th for all A-Dayers and October 13th for all B-Dayers.

Notebook checks will be Friday and Monday.

Quiz number 2 will be recycled on Friday and Monday as well. All make-ups are almost complete.

Mr. M

Landforms project grading rubric

2009-09-24T21:08:00.000-04:00

A
25 or more landforms represented and connected in 3-D display (min. 20 X 20) w/ title, key, compose rose, & scale; colors and textures obvious; definition for each landform; information legible, typed or written in ink; clear and concise explanation and presentation; original design & use of materials; creativity and conceptual clearly identifiable in presentation; especially apparent and evident use of critical thinking skills and problem solving skills;
B
20 to 25 landforms represented and connected in 3-D display (min. 20 X 20) or drawings w/ title, key, compose rose, & scale; colors and textures noticeable; definition for each landform; information legible, typed or written in ink; clear explanation and presentation; original design & use of materials; creativity and conceptual in presentation; apparent and evident use of critical thinking skills and problem solving skills;
C
15 to 20 landforms represented and somewhat connected in 3-D display (min. 20 X 20), drawings or photos w/ title, key, compose rose, & scale; a small amount of colors and textures noticeable; definition for each landform; information legible, typed or written in ink; somewhat clear explanation and presentation; design is familiar & some materials are pre-made; creativity and conceptual not immediately obvious in presentation; critical thinking skills and problem solving skills is fairly noticeable (25 or more landforms 2-D display)
D
13 to 15 landforms represented and fairly connected in 3-D display (min. 20 X 20), drawings or photos (w/o more than one of the following) title, key, compose rose, & scale; few colors or textures used; definition are not complete for each landform; information fairly legible, and not typed or written in ink; hard to follow the explanation and presentation; design lacks originality & many of the materials are pre-made; creativity and conceptual fairly observable in presentation; subtle use of critical thinking skills and problem solving skills
F
12 to 13 landforms represented and not connected in 3-D display (min. 20 X 20), drawings or photos w/o title, key, compose rose, & scale; hardly noticeable colors or textures used; many definitions missing for each landform; information not legible, nor typed or written in ink; unclear explanation and presentation; design is not original and materials are purchased (pre-made); not at all creativity and/ or conceptual not observable in presentation; not apparent and/or evident use of critical thinking skills and problem solving skills

Landforms project criteria

2009-09-24T20:43:00.000-04:00

Landform Project Criteria

1. All displays need to have 25 different landforms represented and labeled. Landforms need to flow together, e.g. – a delta needs to be at the base of a river.

2. All displays need to have a title, a legend, and each landform labeled.

3. Displays need to be three-dimensional.

4. All displays need to be in color according to legend – you are encouraged to use many different materials to display each landform.

5. Displays need to be on foam board or wood. The board measurements are 24” x 24” for minimum size.

6. Displays will be evaluated on content – accuracy, presentation, creativity, and
explanation.

Explanation and Accuracy of Landform Project
5 pts. _____ Title
10 pts. _____ Legend with color
10 pts. _____ 20 different types of landforms
10 pts. _____ Landforms labeled correctly
5 pts. _____ Landforms connected
5 pts. _____ Landforms three-dimensional
5 pts. _____ Board measurements, at least 24” x 24”

Presentation and Creativity of Landform Project
10 pts. _____ Landform defined
10 pts. _____ Clear Presentation with eye contact with audience
10 pts. _____ Landforms creatively displayed
10 pts. _____ Legend creativity displayed
10 pts. _____ Materials used in project

_______________________________
Student signature & date

_______________________________
Parent signature & date

Quiz 2 will be Tuesday and Wednesday

2009-09-21T19:21:00.000-04:00

I have prepared the quiz and it will be given out during Tuesday for my A-Dayers and Wednesday for my B-Dayers. Study Chapters 2 and 3 and good luck.

Mr. M

Quizzes, Notebook Checks, and Europe on the horizon Oh My!

2009-09-19T13:25:00.000-04:00

Greetings to all of my classes. As I have informed you all in class, there are some events on the horizon drawing near. Remember that they are:

1) Quiz #2. Everybody should be reviewing their Chapters 2 and 3 work and notes. Anything that we have assigned through work, discussed in class, or reviewed is subject to being on this quiz for Chapters 2 and 3.

2) Notebook Check #1. This assignment should be very easy.....unless you have not been doing your work or keeping your notebook organized. I will give you a series of questions from your work and you will need to give me the answers. Names of assignments, specific answers form homework, or even dates of work could be on this assignment so please be ready for it.

3) Europe. Our first continent is in sights and following the work above we will begin to discuss Europe.

Don't get behind in turning in makeup work. Some of you have some swiss cheese sized holes in my grade book.

Have a safe and productive weekend and don't forget to turn in those permission slips for the rock wall by Tuesday.

Mr. M

Grades are done

2009-09-16T22:47:00.000-04:00

I have the grades ready for the first progress report. Individualized reports will be handed out Thursday and Friday and the actual progress reports will come out Tuesday the 22nd.

Some statistics that I ran for the 101 Team C students include:
Team Avg is an 80%.
Total As: 23
Total Bs: 39
Total Cs: 26
Total Ds: 6
Total Fs: 7

Individual class and student breakdowns will be available as soon as possible to the actual classes. Obviously there are alot of positives and some unwanted negatives but I am confident that we can improve if we stay focused, dedicated, and organized.

Mr. M

Homework Forgiveness pass opportunity.

2009-09-15T22:30:00.000-04:00

I will distribute a free homework forgiveness pass to the first 5 Students who come and tell me the answer to this question:

What are the 2 rivers in the world that flow North (hint...1 is right in our backdoor)

Mr. M

Open House feedback answers

2009-09-15T22:24:00.000-04:00

Some general issues were raised and I will use this outlet to relay those answers:

1) As a general note, barring makeup or late work of course, I will make it a policy to not assign work to be worked on over vacations as a policy (unless it relates to History Fair)

2) As part of History Fair (which we will begin in the 2nd Quarter), the Social Studies Department will host a parents informational meeting to go over general guidelines and rules.

It was wonderful to meet the parents and I hope we carry this positivity throughout the year.

Mr. M

Open House

2009-09-14T21:43:00.000-04:00

I hope to see everybody and their parents at open house tommorrow. It should be alot of fun and who knows... you may learn something about your teachers that you never knew before.

Mr. M

Leadership Field Trip Updates

2009-09-14T21:29:00.000-04:00

Due to some quick (and last minute) changes, the leadership field trip has undergone a few last second changes. The National Guardsman wanted to combine the classes all into one larger class and therefore we do not need to visit any location off campus. Subsequesntly 2nd and 5th period no longer needs to make special lunch plans as we will be eating regularly in the cafeteria. I do apologize for any A and B day parents who made special accomodations before the information could be disseminated.

Mr. M

Welcome to Mr. MacDowell's Blog

2009-09-10T20:09:00.000-04:00

I know this blog has been awhile in the making but I am now up and running. Things that I hope to add to this blog include all homework, important future updates for quizzes and tests, and hopefully class updates and helpful hints.