Last day of class. :(

Yesterday was the last meeting with Sections 04 and 05; today I see 01 for the last time this year.  It really has been a pleasure teaching you, and being taught by you.

Many thanks to Christie and Rachel for bringing in treats for everyone on the last day of class!

Tomorrow is the final exam.  Not to worry.  I'm sure you will all do well if you concentrate on the following subjects we covered this semester.

• Guns, Germs & Steel / Papua New Guinea
• Egypt, both ancient and modern
• Ancient Greece
• Ancient Rome - Republic and Empire

100 objective questions.  Two essays.

Do not bring your computer to the exam - you will not be allowed to turn it on before, during, or after the exam.

In order to keep you from racing through the exam, you cannot turn in your exam any earlier than 12:15.  Use the time to recheck your answers on the objective section.  Re-read your essays and do the editing necessary to make them excellent.

If you want, you may bring notes for another class (Math, Spanish, Earth Science, etc.) to study after 12:15.    No computers - just handwritten notes, index cards, and the like.

Section 01 tests in room 321, Section 04 in room 105, and section 05 in room 106.

The best of luck to all of you on your exams, and I hope you have a terrific summer break!  See you next year ... as sophomores!

the last test

The last regular test for Western Civ was today.  We have two classes left, which we will spend reviewing and saying goodbye.  Some of you have said you'd like to bring in some snacks for an end-of-year treat, which sounds fine to me.

More details about our exam to follow soon.  In the meantime, here's the exam schedule for next week.  Check your JC email for more info.

Wednesday, June 8

• English – 8 – 10 a.m.
• Social Studies – 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

 

Thursday, June 9

• Math – 8 – 10 a.m.
• Foreign Language – 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

 

Friday, June 10

• Religion – 8 – 10 a.m.
• Science – 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

new test date

Two sections did not have Western Civ today, which means you haven't had this class in four days.  In order to be fair, I am postponing the test on the fall of the Roman Empire to Thursday.  Tomorrow we will review; Thursday we test.

That means we will have Friday and Monday/Tuesday to prepare for the semester exam (which is scheduled for Wednesday, June 8).  If you would like to bring in a snack or two on either of those days to make reviewing a little more enjoyable, let me know.

In any case, be ready for the test this Thursday!

fantastic classes today

Is it because the end of the year is so close?  Is it because we were on the cusp of a three-day weekend?  Whatever the reason, you guys were terrific in class today as we finished covering the decine and fall of the Roman Empire.

Be sure to do the handout, and be ready for the test on Wednesday.

And have a great weekend!

The Roman Empire nears its end

Excellent conversations in class today (Thursday) as we compare the decline and fall of the Roman Empire to current affairs in the US.

Tomorrow we finish covering the handout, leading into our well-deserved three day weekend.

If you missed class today, you might consider contacting one of your classmates to get their notes.

tonight's reading assignment

After reading the handout you received in class today, you should answer these questions, found at the bottom of page 169.

Define.
Identify: b, c, d, e, g, h, j, m, n.
Answer: 1 through 4.
Critical thinking: 5.

Post these answers to your blog post tonight.

For those of you who will not be in class this week, I would advise you to check my blog to see what classwork and homework you will be missing.

more peer reviews

Section 01 met today and spent the period reviewing essays.  I recommend checking yesterday's blog for hints and details about writing a good essay.  Also, be sure to check out the rubric I have linked to.

Be sure to bring a printed copy of your paper to class tomorrow.

Peer review of essays

Today's class was devoted to reviewing each other's essays. I have included the rubric I will be using to grade these essays; it is called "Essay Rubric" and it is listed with the other links.

Reminders about formatting: Use Times New Roman font, size 12. No bold. Standard margins. Double space. Give your paper an interesting title. (Hint: "Roman Republic vs. Roman Empire" is NOT an interesting title.) I expect the paper to be completely free of grammatical or spelling errors.

The paper is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday.  

Have it printed and ready to hand to me at the start of class.  

Failure to do so will result in a twenty-point penalty.  Be ready.

today's classwork

I will not be with you in class today.  As we discussed yesterday, you will spend today working on your paper.  I expect you to take full advantage of the time.  Writing 500 words does not take too long, but writing, rewriting, editing, and crafting a GOOD paper takes more time.  If you use today's class time wisely, and put some time and effort in over the weekend, you should have a paper you are proud of.

Don't forget - you MUST come to class next Mon/Tues with your paper printed out, ready to be reviewed by your classmates.  Twenty point penalty if you don't have enough to be reviewed or if you need to run to the library to print it.  Be ready!

I'll see you next week.  Be nice to your sub, and have a good weekend!

first a test, then a paper

Today we took a test on the Roman Empire.  I hope to have results posted soon.  I have posted the grades on PowerSchool.  (Average grade for all three sections: 83, and 17 out of 43 of you got an A!)

As we discussed in class today, the next assignment is a 500-word paper.  Topic:  Compare the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire.  We began work on the paper in class today.  Work will continue in class tomorrow (Friday).  You will then have the weekend to finish a good first draft.  In class Monday (Sections 04 & 05) and Tuesday (Section 01) you will bring a printed copy of your paper to class for peer review.  You will take the suggestions you get from your classmates and incorporate them into the final draft of your paper, which you will turn in at the start of class Wednesday.

Failure to have a printed copy of your paper in your possession at the beginning of class Monday or Tuesday will result in a 20-point penalty on the assignment.  No exceptions.

Some details on formatting the paper:  use Times New Roman font, size 12.  No bold.  Standard margins.  Title your paper.  With four or five days to work on it, I expect the paper to be completely free of grammatical or spelling errors.

You have the option of either writing a fact-based comparison of these two forms of government, or you may include your opinion, and describe which form of government you would prefer.  If you include your opinion, you must back it up with factual evidence.  It is entirely up to you what kind of paper to write; neither style has an advantage over the other.

This paper is to be entirely your own writing.  Plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the assignment and the offense will be reported to the Dean's office for disciplinary action.  Don't plagiarize.

Feel free to ask questions - in class, after school, or by email.  The assignment is worth 100 points, just like a test.  Put in some real effort, and you will be rewarded.  Let's see your best writing!

tomorrow's test

Tomorrow we will test on the Roman Empire.  It will include material from the video we watched in class ("PBS - Empire: Years of Trial.") and the PowerPoint I presented in class.

Feel free to click on the link I have provided to review the video.

I have also emailed the PowerPoint to your JC email address.

Please let me know if you have any questions.  Good luck!

the Roman Empire

Yesterday and today we have been reviewing our chapter on the Roman Empire.  We should finish this material tomorrow, and then test on Thursday.

As always, feel free to stop by with any questions or problems.

It's Friday, Friday...

As you can see, Blogger is back.  But it looks like our old posts - from Wednesday and Thursday - are gone.

I will give you credit for the blogs you posted, plus for Wednesday and Thursday.  Please post the work you did in class today, combined with your research on the emperors, by Saturday night.

Here's a recap of today's assignment:

• Working with two other people, combine your notes on the video with the notes of the others in your group.
• Supplement these notes with information on the first three Roman emperors, as found in Wikipedia.
• These emperors are Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius.
• Post these notes by Saturday night.

Finally, we will go over these notes - plus a PowerPoint I will put together this weekend - at the beginning of next week.  We will test on the transition from Roman Republic to Roman Empire - plus the first three Roman emperors - on Wednesday of next week.

It would be a good idea to check this blog a time or two this weekend for information updates.

Have a good weekend!

Roman emperors, and Jesus - from a historical perspective

Today's video segment looked at some unbalanced Roman emperors, and at the historical figure of Jesus.

Many thanks to the brilliant 04 section for a thoughtful and provocative discussion!  It was one of those days that makes it extra rewarding to be a teacher.

If you miss a class, or if you want to review the video we are watching in class, click on the link at the right titled "PBS - Empire: Years of Trial."

See you tomorrow!

a pause to review

Today it was Section 01's turn to review the last couple tests.  This is good information that will help you next month when we take semester exams.  Keep these study guides handy!

Tomorrow, we begin to study the Roman Empire.

before we head back to Rome

Today two sections (04 & 05) reviewed the last couple tests.  This is good information that will help you next month when we take semester exams.  Keep these study guides handy!

Section 01 will go through the same routine tomorrow.

Rome test

Two weeks of studying Rome will culminate with a short test tomorrow.

How to study for it?

• Check the notes you've taken on the class projects/PowerPoints.
• Review the three handouts I emailed you.
• Memorize the song.

Multiple choice only.  Please come prepared with a pencil.  Short classes tomorrow, but you should still have plenty of time.  Good luck, study hard, be ready!

working in class Wednesday

Sorry to say, but I will not be with you in class today, Wednesday, May 4.

In class, you should continue to work with your partner on your Rome PowerPoints. Please help out anyone who wasn't in class Monday or Tuesday - get them to partner up and take a stanza of the song that hasn't been assigned yet.

We'll start presenting these in class Thursday.

I want to thank you in advance for having a great, productive day, and for being nice to my sub.  See you tomorrow!

your PowerPoint

I have emailed everyone in all three sections a PDF that may help you research your PowerPoint.  As I said in class, you are free to use Wikipedia, since this is not a research paper.  If you would like to use any other sources, feel free.  Use the last frame of your PPt to list your sources.

guest appearance

Many thanks to Chi Cago for dropping by class today.  He has allowed us to use his lyrics to help with our studies of Rome - listed as "Rome - by Chi Cago" under Links.

Assignment: using the lyrics, find at least 10 pictures to illustrate the story of ancient Rome.  This could end up being used to make a video of the song you heard today.  Provide captions for the images so we know what we are looking at.  The assignment is worth at least 10 points.

Post these to your blog by midnight Sunday.

pop quizzing our way through Rome

For Section 04 and 05, no new readings tonight.  However, based on our class "discussions," I would recommend you review the readings you already received.

Section 01 receives their second reading via email today.  If you encounter the infamous "sideways" page, click View and choose Rotate -> Counterclockwise.  Your world should now make sense.  Do the Define section, and answer # 1 – 6.

Be ready for tomorrow!

rockin Rome old school

Read the new info emailed to you.

Define a - f, and Answer 1 - 6.

Post to your blog.

Moving to Rome.

I have emailed you some reading material, called Rome 1.1.

When you finish reading, please define the terms and answer the questions on your blog.  The critical thinking question, #6, is optional.

It's nice to be back.

test today, break tomorrow

I'm sorry I can't be with you today.  Good luck on your test today.  This test is NOT open note - as a matter of fact, I would ask that you not use your computer at all in class today - before, during, or after the test.

Don't forget to post to your blog tonight.  Tell me what you thought of the test.

Enjoy your break, and I'll see you next week!

test on the past in your near future

We test on ancient Greece Wednesday.



04 and 05 reviewed today;
01 reviews tomorrow.

Alexander's battles

Today we looked at two of Alexander's most significant battles: Gaugamela and Hydaspes. There are new links posted in case you want to read more about these astonishing victories, plus Wiki bios of Alexander and his nemesis, Darius III.

One class of review, followed by the test on ancient Greece on Wednesday.

Have a great weekend!

nearing the end of the Greek empire

Section 04 finished the Crucible of Change video, 

while Sections 01 and 04 took a look at 

Alexander, Darius, and the Battle of Gaugamela.

Reminder: test on Ancient Greece next Wednesday,

review in class next week, study at home over the weekend.

the Allegory of the Cave

Today we finished presentations, then discussed the deeper meaning of Plato's Cave.  

I was impressed with many of your observations, and they seemed to prove Plato's point that we should all learn to think for ourselves.

I have listed a few videos (see the links list) that may provide even more enlightenment.

01 finishes up - almost

All we need is Emily K, and Amir, and we have finished your presentations.

Today we saw Madi (Greek art/sculpture), Mark (Greek drama), and Jason (Greek armies/battles).  Remember to grade your classmates and post three potential test questions on each project.

finishing the presentations

Grade these projects, and write three potential test questions about each presentation.

SECTION 04

Megan covered Greek armies and battles; Brynly did Greek sculpture and art; Vinny rapped about the trial of Socrates.

SECTION 05

Emma showed us the Olympics; Jeffy discussed architecture; Cole did a tasty presentation of the Peloponnesian War (pictured below).

even MORE presentations!

Reminders:

• Your postings should include three potential test questions about each presentation, plus the grade you would give the student.
• Be sure to email me your presentation (the PowerPoint, paper, Prezi) by midnight tonight.  Send to rschick@johncarroll.org .
• You are encouraged to buy an Amnesty International tshirt to wear for dress down day next Friday.  I'll give you 5 extra credit points if you support this worthy cause.  If everyone in your section wears the tshirt next Friday, you all get 10 EC points.

Today's projects:

SECTION 01: Emily S (trial of Socrates), Rachel (Greek architecture), Cole (Golden Age of Greece), Elena (Greek poetry)

SECTION 04:  Sam (Greek drama), Alena (Greek poetry), Lauren (the Age of Pericles), Brad (Greek architecture)

SECTION 05: Taylor (Homer's Odyssey, Billy (Hellenistic influences), Sarah (Parthenon), Clark (math & science breakthroughs), Christy (the trial of Socrates), Catherine (Greek art/pottery), Gracie (poetry)

We will finish all the presentations in the next class or two.

more presentations!

Grade today's presentations, and write three potential test questions about 'em.

Just  to remind you, here were the presenters for today:

SECTION 01:  Colleen (philosophers).  (Don't grade Amir yet - he will get another try - hopefully with no technical difficulties - tomorrow.)

SECTION 04:  Kevin (mathematical and scientific breakthroughs), Morgan (Alexander the Great), Haley (the Parthenon), Tasha (philosophers).

SECTION 05:  Alyssa (Greek army/battles), Caitlin (drama, Oedipus), Clarke (Alexander).

presentations!

SECTION 05

Kamau presented on Spartan life, and Fiona covered the Peloponnesian War.  Your blog posting should include three potential test questions on Sparta and the War, plus give Kamau and Fiona grades on their presentation (xx out of 100).

Also, many many thanks to Billy for bringing in a nice "Welcome Back Cole" cake.  That might be the biggest cake I have ever seen in a classroom!

SECTION 04

Julia talked about Greek Art, and Zach's presentation was on the Olympics.  Your blog posting should include three potential test questions on Greek art and the Olympics, plus give Julia, Zach (and Caitlin) grades on their presentation (xx out of 100).

Thanks to Julia for the excellent, authentic Greek cuisine!

SECTION 01

Emily taught us about mathematical and scientific breakthroughs, and Rita focused on Homer.  Your blog posting should include three potential test questions on Greek science and Homer, plus give Emily and Rita grades on their presentation (xx out of 100).

Finally, thanks to Emily for the fantastic blueberry pi... I mean PIE.  You guys are the best!

Tuesday is Section 01 Day

Today we fine-tuned the presentations which begin in earnest tomorrow.

Remember - make it interesting!  Don't overload your PowerPoint slides with written info, and then merely read it to the class.  Use brief bullet points and interesting images, and tell the story yourself.

the return of the Greeks

Today in class we started our reports.  In Section 04 Caitlin did a great job explaining the Peloponnesian War.  (Many thanks to Caitlin and Tasha for bringing in the treats!)  In 05 Kamau got started on Spartan life; he will finish up on Wednesday.

Homework for tonight is to write three questions - with the correct answers - based on the presentation in your class.  Post these to your blog.

And finally... welcome back, Cole!  Great to have you in class again!

our vacation is history

Here's a little something to refresh your memory on our studies of ancient Greece.  Click here, or click the link entitled Greece ... So Far, to get all caught up.

Project time

Want to get off to a great start for the fourth quarter?  

Do a fantastic job on this assignment!

Construct a lesson based on one facet of ancient Greece. 

Make this lesson as interesting to your fellow students as you possibly can. 

You have many choices as to how to do this... 

You can be traditional (500-word paper, PowerPoint, etc.),

 or non-traditional (write a song, make a video, whatever!).

You will choose your subject in class today.

Project is worth 100 points.
It's due the day we return from break.

Good luck and have fun!

today's quiz...

The quiz you took today is the second-to-last grade of the third quarter.  The last grade is the blog entries for this week.  Since the quarter ends on Friday, I want you to post Friday's blog by midnight Friday night in order to receive credit.

In class tomorrow:  more Crucible of Civilization.  (Socrates - my favorite Greek - will be here soon!)

quiz tomorrow!

Because so many of you want one more chance to raise your grade before the end of the quarter (which ends Friday), I am giving a quiz on ancient Greece tomorrow, Wednesday, March 23.  The quiz is worth 58 points.  It will be 29 multiple choice questions - no short answer, no essay.  Last chance to give your grade a boost for Q3.  You may use your blog as a resource.

Also, make sure you blog after every class this week.  The blog for Friday, March 25, is due before midnight, March 25.  That is the last day of the quarter, so that is when it is due.

oh, Pericles...

You started off so well, and then messed up so badly.

Oops!  Didn't mean to give away the ending.

Stay tuned for more of the ASTONISHING Greek saga!

cast of characters

Quite a colorful group of people we are learning about, 

all with an important role to play in the origins of democracy.

Why are these people so crucial?

Homer             Cleisthenes             Darius

Pisistratus         Isagoras                Hippias       Pheidippides

Can you define these terms?

tyrant             hoplite             democracy

agora             acropolis         aristocracy

Crucible of Civilization

Today in class will will re-view what you watched in class last Friday.  We want to make sure you know what is truly pertinent information.

Also, if you have to miss class for sports, illness, or any other reason, I have listed a link (called Crucible of Civilization - video) that is a shortened version of what we are watching in class.

intro to early Ancient Greece

Now all three sections have been introduced to the early years of Ancient Greece.  The PowerPoint you saw in class has been posted in my Links (Ancient Greece - Intro).

Also note the link to the DVD we started last Friday.  There is a TON of good info that directly relates to The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization.

Tomorrow, we start the good stuff.

while I was out

I hope everything went well for you while I was up on retreat, and you took good notes from Crucible of Civilization.

Don't forget to post those notes to your blog.  See you next week!

the fruits of your labor

Due to the work you put in on your slides, I hope the "story" to the Persian Wars makes more sense to you now.

Tomorrow you will watch the beginning of an excellent video on Ancient Greece, called Crucible of Change.  You should take good notes while watching, and post them to your blog.  Be nice to my sub, and wish me well while I am on Senior Retreat.  (Just think: you'll be on retreat yourself in just three short years!)

See you next week!

Collaborating on Greece

While the last few absentees finish their tests, the rest of us will begin working on a new class-wide presentation. Woo-hoo!

test completed - on to Greece!

Now all three sections have taken the test on Egypt - with the exception of just a few absentees, who will make it up on Wednesday.

Tomorrow, we begin our studies of one of the greatest civilizations of all time - the ancient Greeks!

Egypt today

Yesterday we discussed ancient Egypt - today, it's Egypt's place in today's world.

Click here for a presentation on modern-day Egypt - also listed in my Links sidebar.

Just like yesterday, Sections 04 and 05 get me for the accompanying lecture, while 01 will have a sub for the first half of class.

04 and 05 take the test on ancient and modern Egypt on Monday; 
01 will test on Tuesday.

BTW, mad props to Section 04 for at least attempting to sing the Egyptian national anthem in class today, the words of which are translated and transliterated in Arabic and English.  Thanks for helping to make class fun!


Bilādī, bilādī, bilādī

Lakī ḥubbī wa fū’ādī
Bilādī, bilādī, bilādī
Lakī ḥubbī wa fū’ādī

Miṣr yā umm al-bilād
Anti ghāyatī wal-murād
Wa ‘alá kull al-‘ibad
Kam liNīlik min āyād

*******

My homeland, my homeland, my homeland,
My love and my heart are for thee.
My homeland, my homeland, my homeland,
My love and my heart are for thee.

Egypt! O mother of all lands,
Thou are my hope and my ambition,
And on all people
Your Nile has countless graces

*******

بلادي بلادي بلادي
لكِ حبي و فؤادي
بلادي بلادي بلادي
لك حبي و فؤادي

مصر يا أم البلاد
انت غايتي والمراد
وعلى كل العباد
كم لنيلك من اياد

ancient Egypt / modern Prezi

Today in class we will pick up where we left off watching and studying the Prezi on ancient Egypt.  Sections 04 and 05 will do this with me; Section 01 will have subs.  Be sure to watch the video on pyramid building that is embedded in the Prezi.  Remember to post to your blog tonight. Have a great day!

overview of ancient Egypt

Remember: it's all about the geography.  And the daily life, the Pharaohs, and the Goddesses and Gods.  And of course, the pyramids.  It's all on the Prezi, found here.

test review - complete

Many thanks to Marky Mark and the rest of Section 01 for providing such fantastic entertainment during today's review.

Rappin' Rachel - who knew?

test review

Today in class we reviewed the Guns, Germs and Steel / Papua New Guinea test.  As you are aware, we will be seeing this material again on the final exam in June, so I hope today's review and discussion will help you out down the road.

Tomorrow:  Section 01 reviews.

Wednesday:  back to Egypt!

Impressive.

I think today went pretty well, don't you?

I was so impressed with you on so many levels.  You came up with thoughtful questions to ask Sarah.  You did a great job handling yourselves when speaking with her.  You provided me with valuable technical assistance when I needed it.  You showed Sarah courtesy and respect throughout, and you were pretty friendly besides!  You presented yourselves extremely well, and you gave a terrific impression of John Carroll, not to mention America.

I couldn't be happier and prouder.

bringing Cairo to our classroom

Tomorrow we will have a special guest in class.  Direct from Egypt - via Skype - our Facebook friend Sarah will be speaking to us about life in Cairo during the recent revolution that unseated Hosni Mubarak.  You are going to have the opportunity to ask Sarah questions about her experiences during the "Days of Rage," the events that led to the revolution, the future of Egypt, and anything else that interests you!

This really is a unique situation, to be able to speak with someone who was on the scene during this historic event.  Your assignment tonight is to post (at least) 10 questions you would like to ask Sarah.  I would even encourage you to tell your parents about this assignment, and see if they have any questions they would like you to ask.

Let's be totally prepared tomorrow, and make the most of this epic opportunity!


Update:  I asked Sarah what sites she uses to get news.  Here is her response:

"Of course: http://english.aljazeera.net/ and on fb, there's: http://www.facebook.com/RNN.World

Mainly, I follow news on FB and Twitter. - A lot of the sites I access are in Arabic. But here are a couple of good ones to follow through Twitter! :)

http://twitter.com/AlMasryAlYoum_E
http://twitter.com/AJELive" 

 

If you like, look them over and see if they meet our standards for reliable information.

the best show on TV tonight

What just happened in Egypt?

Revolution in Cairo has the story.

This Frontline TV special is on PBS tonight at 9 pm.
And, of course, it will be live-Tweeted at #RevolutionInCairo.

I highly recommend you watch!

Another snow day!

Of course, this gives you another day to perfect your song.

Answers to some FAQs:

• Yes, you can perform using your lyric sheet.
• Yes, you may store your guitar and amp in the TV Studio before class.
• Yes, you may submit your song on video, but you have to let me show it to the whole class in order to qualify for an A.
• No, only the people who appear on camera singing or rapping qualify for the A (not the cameraman).

More questions?  Just ask!

Egyptian rap

Thousands of years ago the Egyptians wrapped up their mummies.  Here's your chance to do a little rapping of your own.

(Get it?  "Wrap?"  "Rap?")

Your assignment over this big three-day weekend is to write a rap based on our studies of ancient Egypt.  If you are not into rap, you can write any other kind of song (rock, country, pop, opera - whatever you're into.)

You should post the lyrics on your blog.  If you do a good job on this 50-point assignment, you will get a good grade.  But in order to get an excellent grade (known as an "A"), you must perform your song before the class.

If you want musical accompaniment (beatbox, guitar, etc.) provide it yourself or with the help of someone in your class.

If you are uncomfortable "performing" in front of the class, and you still want to go for the A, you may submit a video for me to show to the class.

Total length should be at least two to three minutes - longer if you like.

So set up a jam session
Good luck to all the sections
Let me know if you have questions
Go for perfection - Follow directions - Use your connections
Have some fun, get it done, and I won't raise no objections

Peace

Schick out

Thanks.

Thanks to all of you for the warm welcome back following my days off, and for the best wishes for Martha's recovery.

Details for the weekend's assignment will be given during today's class.

Spirits of Ancient Egypt

Think back to your middle school years.  Many of you studied Ancient Egypt, and you may remember some cool stuff from those studies.  We are going to start this unit by expanding on your prior knowledge, doing some online research to broaden our knowledge.

Post the results of your research on your blog.  Use the new gadget we created in class to list any useful links you used in your research.

test on GG&S and PNG

Lord, today we have a test.
Help us, please, to do our best!

No homework tonight.
Tomorrow, we start on Egypt.

test review

I hope the review we had in class today proves helpful to you on tomorrow's test.

The test will cover Guns, Germs, and Steel and our discussions of Papua New Guinea in the 21st century.

The format will be multiple choice questions, short responses, and one essay.

Don't forget your pencil!

Today's classwork.

Dear Section 01,

I can't be in class with you today, but there is still a lot you can accomplish. 

You need to finish watching Guns, Germs, and Steel.  You can all do this individually on your computers, or perhaps you can hook up one computer to the LCD and all watch together.  Work this out with your sub; either way works for me.  To get yourselves caught up, click here, at the point where Jared Diamond is discussing domesticable animals.  This is Part 5.  You need to watch Part 5 and Part 6.  This should take less than 20 minutes.

Then you are going to do some group work.  Diamond does a great job of describing life in the highlands,  but is that a full description of all of Papua New Guinea?  You can find out by doing some research.  Use the CIA Factbook to find out how Papua New Guinea is adapting to life in the 21st century.  Focus on the people and the economy - things like the literacy rate, their industries, the economic growth rate, their languages, religions, per capita income, etc.  In groups of three, prepare a summary of how New Guineans are doing today.  This can be an informative paragraph, or a PowerPoint, or a Prezi - your choice.  Be sure to reach a conclusion: are they catching up with the rest of the world, or are they still stuck in the Stone Age?

We can review your work tomorrow in class.  I expect to be back with you then.

Reminder:  test on GG&S, and modern-day PNG, this Thursday.

Thanks for being nice to your sub!  In tonight's blog, tell me how today went!

The week at a glance.

Sections 04 and 05 have finished the video, and are researching how Papua New Guinea is doing here in the 21st century.

Section 01 will finish Guns, Germs and Steel tomorrow, and begin looking at modern-day New Guinea.

Everyone will take a test on Thursday, which will cover material from the video, as well as our discussion of PNG in 2011.

Starting Friday:  Egypt!

Just a reminder...

Have your Friday blogs posted by 11:59 pm Sunday night.  (Of course, you may post earlier if you like.)  I grade them on a weekly basis - this week's batch, as always, is worth eight points.

That may not seem like much, but they do add up.

Diamond's 14 domesticable animals

Goats, sheep, pigs, cows, horses, donkeys, Bactrian camels, Arabian camels, water buffalo, llamas, reindeer, yaks, mithans, and bali cattle.

But not zebras.

It's not a snow day.

It's an ice day.

more Jared Diamond

Whether or not we have school tomorrow, you still need to post about today's class.  Important points you might want to include:  hunters/gatherers, plant domestication, sago, taro roots and bananas, granary, Draa' (the world's first village), wheat and barley, etc.

Reminder

On the first day of classes you all received work to do.  Your assignment was to create a blog, email me the address, and post your first entry.  Some of you have done this; many of you have not.

If you want to avoid starting the semester with a zero, do this assignment.  If you need to be reminded of the details, check my posting for last Sunday and Tuesday.

Just because we had a few snow days does not mean we aren't still in school!

Christy's snow princess

Nice purse!

Gracie's perfect snowman

Very spherical.

Clark's dawg

Arf.

Brynly's hip snowdude

Thanks, Brynly!

Elena's snow pic!

Nice work, Ferd!

Snow day! Giddyup!

I hope you are all enjoying the snow!  It's great packing - perfect for snowball fights and snowmen.  Not bad for sledding and boarding.  Not so good for shoveling...

Hey, you've all got blogs.  Post a great pic of you doing something fantastic in the snow - boarding, sledding, making snow angels, whatever -  and I'll share it with everyone on my blog.  I'll start it off with the snow horse that the Schicks made this morning.  (Well, it was mainly my wife, but we all pitched in...)

Your turn!

All together, now...

Now all three of my sections - 01, 04, and 05 - have met.  Make sure you have completed all the requirements listed on Sunday's posting - including emailing me your blog url.

You also need to post your first blog.  Details are on Sunday's posting.

Feel free to email me at rschick@johncarroll.org if you have problems or questions.

It's Day One of the second semester.

Welcome to Western Civilization.  Here's what you will do in class today.

• Switch your browser to Google Chrome.
• Subscribe to my blog.
• Favorite my blog and put it in your Favorite bar.
• Create your own GMail account (if you don't have one already).
• Create your own blog for Western Civilization.
• Email me the web address for your blog (rschick@johncarroll.org).
• Make sure your postings will be in Eastern Time.
• Watch the beginning of Guns, Germs, and Steel.  

For homework, write 100-200 words on GG&S.  Also, go into Design / Settings and customize your blog.  Make sure you put together a cool profile!