Date:
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Assignment Description:
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| 5/24 | Please read "Secession" in Chapter 18, Section 4 and take notes on the following topics:
- Harpers Ferry
- Election of 1860
- Confederate States of America
We will have a Build-Up to the Civil War test on Tuesday. A study guide was provided in class. |
| 5/23 | Please read the below components of "Political Divisions"on pages 566-567 and take notes for Thursday. These topics are in Chapter 18, Section 3 of the Call to Freedom textbook.
- Dred Scott
- Lincoln-Douglas
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| 5/22 | Please read "Trouble in Kansas" and take notes for class on Wednesday. This is Chapter 18, Section 2 on pages 559-563. |
| 5/21 | Students should read Chapter 18, Section 1, "The Debate Over Slavery" pages 552-557 and take notes for class on Tuesday. |
| Week of 5/14 through 5/21 | Students are working in groups to research specific topics which contributed towards the American Civil War. The topic are below:
- Compromise of 1850/Fugitive Slave Act
- Uncle Tom's Cabin
- Kansas & Nebraska Act, "Bleeding Kansas"
- Dred Scott
- Lincoln/Douglas Debates
- Raid on Harpers Ferry
- 1860 Presidential Election
Students should use the guiding questions provided in the project requirements handout as they research their topics. The group presentations will begin in class on Monday, May 21st. |
| 5/2/12 |
Please read "Southern Society" on pages 433-437 and take notes for class on Friday. This is Chapter 14, Section 3 in the Call to Freedom textbook. |
| 5/1/12 | Please read "The Slave System" and take notes for class on Wednesday. This is chapter 14, section 4 on pages 439-443.
You can check for understanding by taking the online practice quiz here. |
| 4/30/12 | Students should read, "The Growth of Cotton" in Chapter 14, Section 1 on pages 424 - 427 and take notes for class on Tuesday. |
| 4/23/12 | Students should read "Manifest Destiny and Expansion", Chapter 17, Section 1 on pages 516-521 and take notes for class on Tuesday.
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| 4/11/12 | Students should read "Changes in Working Life" on pages 404-409 and take notes for class on Thursday. This is chapter 13, section 2 in the Call to Freedom textbook. |
| 4/9/12 | Students should read chapter 13, section 1 on pages 398-403 in the Call to Freedom textbook and take notes for class on Wednesday. The title of this reading is the "Industrial Revolution and America".
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| 4/5/12 | Please complete the chart provided in class with data from friends and relatives. Try your best to gather data from each of the birth decades and - politely - ask the following prompt:
What has been the most important technological change in your life?
Record the responses you gather on the chart and also be sure to ask for a reason. This assignment is due on Monday. Please try your best and I understand if you cannot gather data for every birth decade. |
| 4/4/12 | Students should read "More Technological Advances" on pages 415-419 and take notes for class on Thursday.
You can use your notes and take the online practice quiz here. |
| 4/3/12 | Students should answer reading questions #1-4 based upon the topic assigned in class: Roads, Canals, Railroads, or Steamboats |
| 4/2/12 | Students should complete the pro/cons graphic organizer provided in class today comparing the major modes of transportation in 1800-1860. Please use the Call to Freedom textbook for assistance and take notes on the pro/cons chart for class on Tuesday.
- Railroads & Steamships: pg. 410-414 (Chapter 13.3)
- Roads & Canals: pg. 371-372 (Chapter 12.2)
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| 3/28/12 | Big Question: Was Andrew Jackson a good president?
Students should review "The Age of Jackson" and "Indian Removal" Chapter 12, Sections 3 & 4 and take notes on only the following concepts:
- The Issue of Florida (pg. 365-366)
- Spoils System (pg. 375-376)
- Nullification Crisis (pg. 376-377)
- 2nd Bank of the US (pg. 377-378)
- Indian Removal Act (pg. 381 - 382)
- Worcester v. Georgia (pg. 383)
- Popularity (pg. 374 Jacksonian Democracy)
Questions to Consider:
Was Andrew Jackson a 'good' president?
Was Andrew Jackson an 'evil hero' or a 'good enemy'? |
| 3/26/12 | Students should read "Expansion and Improvements" on pages 368-373 and take notes for class on Wednesday. This is Ch. 12, section 2 in the Call to Freedom textbook.
You can learn more about the Missouri Compromise and other primary documents of American History on the Library of Congress Website. |
| 3/20/12 | Students should read "The Rise of Nationalism" and take notes for class on Friday. This reading in on pages 364-367 and is Ch 12, Section 1.
You can use your notes to check for understanding by taking the online practice quiz here.
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| 3/19/12 | Big Question: Who 'won' the war of 1812?
Students should read the handouts provided in class titled, "An Unpopular War", "War of 1812 I & II" and then answer the questions. This assignment is due on Tuesday. |
| 3/16/12 | Students should read "The War of 1812" on pages 350-355 in chapter 11, section 4 of the Call to Freedom textbook. Please take notes using the outline provided here for class on Monday.
You can use your notes to check for understanding by taking the online practice quiz.
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| 3/12/12 | Students should complete the Lewis and Clark brochure project by Friday, March 16. A description of the project was provided to students in class and is also available as a PDF here.
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| 3/6/12 | Students should read "The Louisiana Purchase" on pages 338-343 and take notes for class on Friday. Please use the outline provided here to take notes. This reading is Chapter 11, Section 2.
You can use your notes and check for understanding by completing the online practice quiz here. |
| 3/5/12 | Please read, "Thomas Jefferson as President" on pages 334-337 and take notes for class on Tuesday.
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| 3/1/12 | On Tuesday, March 6 students will have a quiz on the major policies, political developments and events during the presidencies of George Washington (1789-1797) and John Adams (1797-1801). We will also examine the presidential election of 1800. Students took notes on this content from Chapter 10 of the Call to Freedom textbook.
Big Question: Do political parties cause more harm than good? |
| 2/28/12 | Students should read "John Adams's Presidency" on pages 319-323 and take notes for class on Thursday. After you finish your notes you can check for understanding by taking the online practice quiz. |
| 2/27/12 | Students should read Chapter 10, Section 4 in the Call to Freedom textbook and take notes for class on Tuesday. After taking notes you can check for understanding by taking the online practice quiz.
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| 2/16/12 | We will have a re-take of the Civics Unit test on Friday. Student can decide if they want to improve their grade and demonstrate civics and government understanding on this new assessment. |
| 2/15/12 | Students should read Chapter 10, Section 3, "Troubles Abroad" on pages 310-314 and take notes. We will use our notes in class on Thursday.
You can use your notes to check for understanding by taking the online practice quiz here.
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| 2/13/12 | Students should read Chapter 10, Section 2 "Hamilton and National Finances" pages 304-309 and take notes using the outline provided in class. We will use these notes in class on Tuesday. |
| 2/9/12 | Students should read Chapter 10, Section 1 "Laying the Foundation of Government" in the Call to Freedom textbook, pgs. 300-303 and take notes. Please use the organizational template provided in class.
You can use your reading notes and check for understanding by taking the online practice quiz here. |
| 2/9/12 | History Enrichment: Birth of Political Parties
You have the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the birth of early American political parties. Please pay special attention to the development and growth of the two party system in the United States and the leaders below:
Federalist Party: Alexander Hamilton
Democratic-Republican Party: Thomas Jefferson & James Madison
Please select 3 issues (as discussed in class) and contrast the positions of these two political parties by explaining what each party believed. You may also focus upon how the two party political system impacted the Presidential Elections of 1792, 1796, 1800.
Methods: (as outlined in class)
1. Formal Essay - individual
2. Screen-cast - individual
3. Video - small groups 3-4 students
This enrichment is due at the end of the 3rd quarter. |
| 2/8/12 | Students can improve their letters to government officials. Please revise the letter and include the rubric and comments from Mr. Mehler. This revision will be due at the end of the 3rd grading quarter. |
| 2/7/12 | Checks & Balances Simulation Game: Click here to play the simulation game Branches of Power. Do you like running things? Branches of Power allows you to do something that no one else can: control all three branches of government! You'll have the power to write any laws you want about issues you choose. Careful, though, there's a lot to juggle when you're playing all three branches. |
| 2/6/12 |
Civic Unit Exam: On Thursday, February 9th students will have an exam on the concepts and skills examined in the Civics and Government Unit. A study guide was provided to all students in class and is also available as a PDF here.
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| 2/1/12 | Judicial Branch Simulation:
Ever wondered how the Supreme Court really works? Click here to play the simulation, Supreme Decision, as you help cast the deciding vote. At state is the suspension of a student who wore his favorite band t-shirt to school against the dress code policy. You'll held the final justice make up her mind and influence the outcome of the case.
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| 1/31/12 | Executive Branch Simulation: After you complete the letter writing assignment you can click here to play the icivics game, Executive Command. Ever wanted to be President for a day? In Executive Command, you can be President for four years! Try to accomplish what you set out to accomplish while facing the challenges and responsibilities that crop up along the way. Being commander-in-chief and chief executive is no easy job! See how you do! |
| 1/30/12 | Letters to Government Officials due on Friday, February 3 at the end of class. We will use class time this week editing, providing peer feedback to improve our letters. Please refer to rubric and requirement guide.
Please bring in a stamped envelop to class on Friday. We will correctly address and mail our letters. |
| 1/27/12 | Students should read and highlight the "Supreme Court" handout and take notes for class on Tuesday. |
| 1/23/12 | Students will have a quiz on the Federal Executive Branch on Thursday. In preparation for the quiz, students were provided with a study guide in class.
Enrichment Opportunity: The 'State of the Union Address' is on Tuesday, January 25th at 9pm.
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| 1/17/12 | Students should read and highlight the handout, "Executive Branch of the Federal Government". Please answer questions #1-11 provided in class based upon the information in the reading. This assignment should be completed by class on Friday.
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| 1/13/12 | The below contact information for elected government officials is provided for you to address your letters. Please see requirements and rubric for more information. Federal Government: US Senate: http://www.senate.gov US House of Representatives: http://www.house.gov/ Massachusetts State Government: MA State Senate: http://www.malegislature.gov/people/senate MA State House of Representatives: http://www.malegislature.gov/People/House Lexington Town Government: Town Meeting Representatives: http://www.lexingtonma.gov/townclerk/electedofficials.cfm Boston City Government: Boston City Council: http://www.cityofboston.gov/ |
| 1/10/12 | Issues for Government Officials As we live in a country with a democratic republic form of government, public participation is an essential component of improving society. Please think of one issue that concern you and answer the questions below. You will need to complete research about your topic and gather supporting details. You will also need address your issue towards the correct level of government for your issue: federal, state or local. The last step is to provide a recommendation for improvement and to introduce a bill or article into a town warrant. We will be mailing our letters to the elected government officials. Be sure that you select the correct government and individual that will/can address your particular issue. Click here to complete a series of online questions to guide your thinking and letter writing. A rubric and requirement guide was provided in class today. This is a long-term assignment and a due date has not been established yet. |
| 1/6/12 | Students will have a Federal Legislative Branch Quiz on Tuesday, January 10. Please use the study guide to prepare for this quiz.
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| 1/3/12 | Students should read the handout "Civics in America" that was provided in class. Please read and highlight the information for Friday. You may answer the reading questions #1-12 to help guide your understanding of the legislative branch as described in the "Civics in America" handout. These questions were provided in class today. |
| 12/16/11 | Students can prepare for the Early American Government Unit test by reviewing their reading notes for chapter 8 and by using the study guide provided here. We will review in class this week. |
| 12/22/11 | Have a great vacation and see you next year! |