Happy Holidays

Blog #3- Due January 4th

Happy Holidays to my hard-working social studies students. Since you have worked so hard over the past few weeks, all you need to do to get FULL credit for this blog is respond (appropriately) to show me that you have read it. Enjoy your holiday season with family and friends and be sure to relax over break. See you next year!
-Mrs. Bartos

Colinization

Blog #2- Due Monday, December 10th

When Europeans decided to start settling in the New World they were taking a huge risk. They were going places where no one (Europeans) had lived before. They had to build their own houses and towns, gather their own food, create their own government and laws for the colony, and protect themselves from attack (and that was only if you survived the difficult voyage across the sea!!).


With all of these obstacles, why did people decide to leave their homes to come settle in the New World?



If you were going to lead a group of settlers to the New World, what supplies would you bring with you? How would you run your colony- what type of government would you have? Who would run the government? Who would make the laws? What types of laws would you have? Who would be allowed to live in your colony?

Thanksgiving

Blog #1- Due Monday, November 26th

As we approach Thanksgiving, what are somethings that you are thankful for as Americans living in the 21st century (think about things that early Americans and immigrants did not have or things that people in other countries still may not have)?


**You only have to blog once this time to earn full credit.

Election

Blog #4: Due Tuesday, November 6th

November 6, 2012 is election day.  Each candidate, President Obama and Mitt Romney, has very different viewpoints on many issues.  Look at each of the candidate's websites (posted below). Using the information from the websites, write down one issue that both candidates are talking about during this election. 

How are the candidates different in their points of view on the issues? 

Are there any similarities in their points of view? 

If you were able to vote, who would you choose, and why?  (You must give specific reasons- again, use the information from the candidates' websites). 

DO NOT BASH EITHER CANDIDATE!!!  Instead, give specific reasons why one candidate will be better for the country over the other.  Also, while responding to your classmates, remember that while you do not have to agree with their opinions, you still must respect them.  You are free to disagree, just do so in a way that is respectful. 

President Obama:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues

Mitt Romney
Mitt Romney-Official Site | MittRomney.com

Achievements of Early American Civilizations

Blog #3- Due Thursday, October 25th

As you have seen in the videos, readings and group work that we have done over the past couple of weeks, the Early American Civilizations were often very advanced with several great achievements. These civilizations found ways to adapt to their environments, and thrived for hundreds of years before Columbus ever thought of sailing a ship.

What were some of the achievements that the Early American Civilizations had?


Even with all of the achievements, eventually, these civilizations crumbled. What do you think happened to them?

Why are there so few descendents left from these great civilizations?

Geography

Blog #2- Due Thursday, September 27th

"Where you live affects how you live." 

What does this quote mean to you?  Think about our discussions in class about Bartoskia and the pros and cons of different geographic features.  Be specific- provide details and examples to explain your answer. 

Name the Dinosaur

This blog is OPTIONAL!!! However, if you complete this blog I will give you extra credit on Blog #1!!!


Name the squishy dinosaur! Our classroom dinosaur needs a name! If you think that you have the perfect name for him (yes, it's a boy!) then post your idea. You must support your name choice with a specific arguement explaining why your name choice should be chosen. I will choose my 5 favorite, and then we will vote. The person who names the dinosaur will win a prize (to be determined).

Welcome- Blog 1

Blog #1- Due Friday, September 14th

Welcome to our American History classroom blog! Throughout the year, I will be posting quotes, articles, pictures, videos, and questions for you to respond to. The goal is to create thoughtful discussion on topics related to American History. When a new topic is posted all students are expected to read/view the new post, and respond in an appropriate and thoughtful manner. Before your first response, you will provide me with a user name, which I will use to keep track of your responses. Please choose a unique user name that will not identify you to your classmates. Do NOT share this screen name with ANYONE. This way your posts are anonymous, allowing you to post your true thoughts without worrying about what your classmates will think. (Remember, I will still know who you are, and I must approve all posts, so keep it appropriate!) To post a comment just click in the comment box and type your response. Then you will see a drop-down menu under the comment box asking who you are posting as. You can just use the name/URL choice and put in the user name that you provided to me. Just leave the URL space blank.

Let's get started- Respond to one (or both) of the following:

1. What is history, and why is it important?

2. "If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday." -Pearl Buck

     What does this quote mean to you?