Loyalist or Patriot??

Blog #2- Due Wednesday, January 23rd

Patriots- colonists who wanted to break away from British rule

Loyalists- colonists who wanted to remain part of the British empire

As the colonists approached revolution against the British, many colonists were still undecided on whether they were patriots or loyalists. Some people, especially those in Boston, where British taxes and other laws were felt the most, were very much in support of protesting British laws and the possibility of breaking away from the British altogether. Other colonists were very happy to be part of the British empire, and had no desire to fight a war against the most powerful country in the world.

If you lived during this time period, would you have been a loyalist or a patriot?

Explain why- What might you say to convince people of the opposite view point to join your side? Be specific (Think about class discussions and the webquest).

***Remember: Not everyone lived in Boston. People further away from busy port cities like Boston barely noticed or cared about the taxes imposed by the British, especially in the Southern Colonies. Life in the colonies was pretty good for most of the people- Taxes were actually lower than the taxes people living in England paid, you had a steady trading partner in England, you were allowed to practice your own religion, you had your own land.

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.