Week 1
August 17:
Today students worked in pairs to guess historical figures from clues. We went over them as a class. Then, students wrote which figure was their favorite and why. There is no homework.
August 18:
Today we talked about culture. We took brief notes on specific pieces of culture, then did a diagram to reflect on our own cultures. After, students were assigned their culture project. The first draft of the project will be due, hard copy, on Friday. Here for PDF version.
August 19:
Today students had time in class to work on their rough draft for their culture project. Students are reminded this is due tomorrow.
August 20:
Today we proof read our classmate's essays. We followed the directions found on this form. Our final drafts are due on Tuesday, typed.
August 21:
Today students worked on their essays. I assigned the illustrative piece of their projects. Final drafts are due on Tuesday, typed.
Week 2
August 24:
Today we started our unit on the technicalities of history. We started with a map activity. Students read pages in the book, took notes on their sheet, cut out some states, and applied their knowledge of the reading to their cut outs. This is to be completed by tomorrow if students did not finish.
August 25:
Today students presented their culture projects to the class. After, we had a mini discussion about map types. Students wrote a paragraph for each graph type on the pros/cons of the graph. Whatever they did not finish writing is due tomorrow.
August 26:
No history today due to PE. Tomorrow students will turn in their map activity.
August 27:
Today students took notes on longitude and latitude. After, we did some class practice with maps. For homework, students need to look up 5 coordinates of their favorite cities worldwide, write them down, then put a dot on their map on the approximate location. Students also need to outline the prime meridian, equator, and long/lat lines, per our class discussion. This is due Monday.
August 28:
No history today. Students are reminded their maps are due Monday, completed.
Week 3
August 31: Today we worked in pairs to quiz another on longitude and latitude, as we had done for homework. Students then submitted an exit ticket. There is no homework.
September 1: Today students read about the Stone Age stages- Mesolithic and Paleolithic Eras. We will connect this to our knowledge about primary and secondary sources in a later class. For homework, students need to work on taking notes on both Eras, in a t-chart, as we discussed in class. This will be due on Wednesday.
September 2: Today students worked with one another on comparing their charts on the Paleolithic and Mesolithic Eras. For homework, students need to write 6-8 sentences (a paragraph) on the similarities and differences of the two Eras. This will be submitted tomorrow.
September 3: Today students turned in their paragraphs. After, we had a group discussion about the Paleolithic and Mesolithic Eras. After, we applied our knowledge about sources to what source types we would expect to find from each Era.
September 4: Today students created comic strips for the Paleolithic and Mesolithic Eras. Whatever was not finished today will be finished in class on Tuesday.
Week 4
September 7: No school, Labor Day. Enjoy the day!
September 8: Today students finished their comic strips from Friday. After, students wrote an analysis of how their comic strip fits the Era they picked. This is to be completed for homework tonight. Students also have a quiz Friday on: coordinates, Eras, and sources. We will spend the next few days reviewing.
September 9: Today we did not have history due to PE. I gave students the 4 things they will need to study and know for Friday's quiz. To help them prepare, students need to complete the coordinate worksheet. This is due tomorrow.
September 10: Today we reviewed the coordinate sheet. After, students went over primary and secondary sources. If they did not finish their worksheet in class it is homework. They are reminded of their quiz tomorrow.
September 11: Today students studied and took a quiz. There is no homework.
Week 5
September 14: Today students read about early man and migrations. We read from the book, had a discussion, answered some questions and wrote a paragraph on man's movement, and completed a map activity. Anything not finished in class is homework.
September 15: Today we went over our graphs in class from last night's homework. We discussed the map in detail. Students also submitted their questions to me. After, students read about technology in the early man's times. For homework, students need to look up their invention from class here and write 5 facts about it they will share with the class tomorrow.
September 16: Today students talked about their favorite inventions. After, students wrote a cohesive paragraph with a topic sentence and concluding sentence about their invention. Anything not finished in class is homework.
September 17: Today students shared their inventions in groups. There is no homework; we will finish up tomorrow.
September 18: No school; faculty inservice.
Week 6:
September 21: Today students took notes on facts and opinions. After, students wrote an opinion paragraph to their inventions from last week. If they didn't finish, this is homework.
September 22: Today I checked students paragraphs on facts and opinions. After, we discussed early man tools, and the structure/functions of those. Then, we read and took notes on the structure and function of religion, art, and language. If students did not finish their chart in class, they need to do so for homework.
September 23: No history today, due to PE and a change in the schedule.
September 24: Today students completed an in-class quiz for the section. After, students wrote a paragraph on what they thought the most important piece of early man life was and why. If students did not finish their paragraph, it is due tomorrow. Link to cave man article.
September 25: Today students submitted their take-home quiz. Then we took notes on early man migration. After, students took a visual tour of a cave. There is no homework.
Week 7:
September 28: Today we read about key pieces of an organized society. After, we created a pamphlet to indicate each piece, with examples from early humans to illustrate each piece. This is helpful for reviewing early man society. This will be due on Wednesday. Students are reminded they have a test Friday.
September 29: Today students worked on their pamphlet. After, we took notes on the ancient city of Catal Huyuk, took a visual tour, connected this to our knowledge of sources, looked up where this ancient dig is located, and then wrote a reflection about the society with regards to PERSIAG. If students did not finish, it is homework.
September 30: No history today due to schedule.
October 1: Today students completed review activities. All these will help them ace their test tomorrow :)
October 2: Today students took a test. There is no homework.
Week 8:
October 5: Today we read about the geography of Mesopotamia. Students took notes. There is no homework.
October 6: Today we drew a diagram to help us understand the geography of Mesopotamia. After, students wrote two paragraphs: one, on how the water flows into the floodplain, and two, the benefits and consequences of water flooding in Mesopotamia. Students need to finish their paragraphs for homework.
October 7: No class, P.E.
October 8: Today students read about Sumer. They defined a few vocabulary terms, took webbed notes on how Sumer was a civilization, and then wrote a paragraph to explain the reasons that made Sumer a civilization. They need to finish their paragraph for homework if they did not finish in class.
October 9: Today we read went over our Sumerian webs from the day before. After, we fixed our paragraphs from the day before, with our newly learned information. Students need to finish that for homework if they did not already.
Week 9:
October 12: No school, Columbus Day.
October 13: Today we did a jigsaw read. Students first defined key words, then read assigned sections about Sumerian city states. For homework, students need to finish answering the questions, as well as complete the visual diagram, labeled with specific pieces and descriptors.
October 14: Today was a PE day. We did not have history.
October 15: Today we read and discussed Sumerian religion. We created a Priest profile sheet and wrote a paragraph, comparing priests in Sumeria to priests today. This needs to be finished for homework if they did not finish in class. Students have a quiz on Tuesday.
October 16: Today we reviewed for our quiz in class. We created questions that could be asked on the quiz. We also wrapped up our discussion on Sumerian religion. There is no homework. Students have a quiz on Tuesday.
Week 10:
October 19: Today we read about and did an activity related to the social pyramid in Sumer. After, we had a class discussion about class divisions. Students are reminded of their quiz tomorrow.
October 20: Today students took their quiz. For homework, students need to define the words from pages 100-102 in their notebook. This will help set us up for our activity on Thursday.
October 21: Today was a PE day. We did not have history.
October 22: Today students took notes on achievements in Mesopotamia. After, students began working on 2 separate activities related to these achievements. They are due, completed, by the end of class tomorrow.
October 23: Today students finished and submitted their activities on Mesopotamia. There is no homework.
Week 11:
October 26: Today students did a jigsaw activity. Students worked in groups to become experts in a particular area and king within Mesopotamia. After, they reported back to their main group. Students then wrote a paragraph on what region and king they thought was most effective and why. Students who did not finish this have to finish it for homework.
October 27: Today we did a map activity to see where each king ruled. We labeled our maps and connected concepts to our knowledge of Mesopotamia. There is no homework.
October 28: Today was a PE day. We did not have history.
October 29: Today we did a buddy activity. We did not have history.
October 30: Today we read about the history of Halloween. There is no homework.
Week 12:
November 2: Today we talked about laws that are unfair or unjust. We then read about Hammurabi's Code, and discussed which of his laws were fair and just. After, students wrote a paragraph on which law they thought was either: most important, most effective, or most unjust. If students did not finish this, this is homework.
November 3: No school, power outage.
November 4: No school, field trip.
November 5: Today we reviewed about King Hammurabi. After, we took notes on proposals, and students began to write their own, in Hammurabi fashion. There is no homework.
November 6: Today students finished and presented their proposals. After, students received their take home test. This is due on Monday.
Week 13:
November 9: Today students wrote about what they know about Egypt or have heard about Egypt. After, we discussed Egyptian geography. Students completed a map activity and wrote a paragraph to help them remember the geography. Both are due tomorrow if they did not finish in class.
November 10: Today students visited the CIA website for Egypt. Students looked up and researched a few questions. After, they wrote a compare/contrast paragraph, based on what they know thus far. We also talked about Veteran's Day: the history of, and current celebration of the holiday.
November 11: No school, Veteran's Day
November 12: No school, Carnival!
November 13: No school, Carnival!
Week 14:
November 16: No school, Carnival
November 17: Today we talked about Isis and the events that happened in France over the weekend. We linked this to our current study of Egypt, as ISIS has roots in Egypt today. After, students wrote a paragraph about what they think is the most effective way that the world is fighting against ISIS. If they did not finish this, it is homework.
November 18: Today was PE. We did not have history. I did check homework from last night, though.
November 19: Today we read about how Egyptians used the Nile River. We read, cut out pictures, and wrote small blurbs in our notebooks. There is no homework.
November 20: Today students read about Ancient Egyptian natural resources, on pages 150-151. They wrote down 3 key facts for each section on their chart under the "Ancient Egypt" section. After, students looked up 3 main concepts from the three sections, as they pertain to present-day uses of the natural resources. They added them to their chart on the "Today" side of their chart. The links for each thing they need to read are found here, and the focus questions they need to look for are here too:
Turquoise: What are some present-day uses of turquoise, according to the article?
Copper: What are some present-day uses of copper, according to the article?
Sailboats: Read only the section titled "history." What are some present-day types of sailboats? How are sailboats different now than back then?
If students did not finish, this is homework.
Week 15
November 23: Today we talked about the social pyramid of Ancient Egypt. We read and took notes. There is no homework.
November 24:Today we did not have history. There is no homework during the break.
November 25-27: No school, Thanksgiving Break
Week 16:
November 30: Today we read about Egyptian achievements. We had a discussion about who would have been responsible for each achievement. After, students created a visual image of the achievements. For homework, students need to finish their visual creation, and write a paragraph responding to the following: What Egyptian achievement has made the most lasting impact today?
December 1: Today we read about how mummies are formed and preserved and various Ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs. After, we compared this to what Catholics believe happen in the afterlife. For homework, students are to use their graphic organizer to help them write a compare/contrast paragraph. Here is a list of words that are helpful to compare and contrast. This will be due tomorrow.
December 2: No history, due to PE. Students turned in their paragraphs, however, that were homework.
December 3: Today we had a discussion about Ancient Egyptian death and burial rituals. Then, students fixed their paragraphs from the previous days to include a topic sentence, concluding sentence, and narrow the paragraph to match the prompt they were asked. Students who did not finish in class have this for homework. All students will turn this in tomorrow. Students who never submitted their original homework assignments can receive up to half-credit.
December 4: Today we read, had a discussion about, and took notes on what made the Old Kingdom in Egypt powerful and weak. After, students wrote a response in their notes. There is no homework.
Week 17:
December 7: Today we read and had a discussion about the Middle Kingdom in Egypt. After, students wrote a compare and contrast paragraph responding to the following prompt: Compare and contrast the ways on how the Old Kingdom and Middle Kingdom were powerful and weak.
December 8: Today we read about the New Kingdom. Each student was placed in an expert group to assess the empire/pharaoh they were assigned in terms of power and weakness. Students began working on posters. These will be finished in class on Thursday.
December 9: P.E. day, no history. Students are reminded their project is due on Wednesday.
December 10: Today students finished their posters in their groups and then presented them to the class. Students are reminded their project is due on Wednesday.
December 11: Today students wrote 2 paragraphs, addressing the prompt given in class. If they did not finish, this is homework. Students are reminded their project is due on Wednesday.
Week 18:
December 14: Today students turned in their paragraphs from Friday. After, we did a bingo review game. Students are reminded their project is due on Wednesday.
December 15: No school, due to LAUSD threat. Completed projects are due tomorrow. Here is the assignment for students who misplaced it.
December 16: Today students submitted their projects. After, we did a culminating activity for Ancient Egypt. There is no homework.
December 17: Today students presented their projects. There is no homework.
December 18: Today students presented their projects. There is no homework.
Week 19:
January 4: Today students read about the geography of Nubia, specifically Kush, and the relationship between Kush and Egypt. We made charts on the positive and negative influences of the relationship. We specifically worked on coming up with commentary for our findings. For homework, students have to respond to the prompt, in a paragraph form: How and why was the relationship between Kush and Egypt positive? This is due tomorrow.
January 5: Today students turned in their paragraphs. After, we did some skim-reading on politics and economy in Kush, including Meroe. Students took notes on specific pieces of the economy. Finally, students looked at present-day Sudan here and compared the economy to Ancient times. Students then wrote a paragraph, answering the prompt: In what ways are Ancient Kush and Present-day Sudan similar and different in their economics, politics, or culture (depending on where they read from today)? This is due tomorrow if not completed in class.
January 6: Today students had an opportunity to work on their paragraphs from Monday and Tuesday. We looked at paragraphs from our classmates to see what made their paragraphs strong and how they could improve. If students would like to resubmit their paragraphs, that is the only homework they will have tonight.
January 7: Today we read about Aksum's kingdom. We looked on a map at where this was located, and analyzed why it was an ideal location for a kingdom. After, we read and answered questions about the kingdom as a group. This will help to give us a foundation for tomorrow's reading. Students have one question to finish for homework. It is based on reading on pages 199-200.
January 8: Today we read a current event article about present-day Sudan and Ethiopia, found here.
Week 20:
January 11: Today students took notes on the 7 Principles of Catholic Social Teaching. We linked this to action groups in present-day Sudan and Ethiopia. After, students looked into two organizations and how they help those less fortunate. The Save Darfur link is here; Catholic Relief Services link is here. Students filled in their charts. If they did not finish, it is homework.
January 12: No history today. Students have an extra day to complete their charts as needed.
January 13: PE Day, no history.
January 14: Today we went over the different organizations from the student's charts. We evaluated the information to determine which organizations are most helpful to this region and why. We came up with what could be done in Darfur today. There is no homework.
January 15: Today I gave students a template for writing a letter to someone in government. We labeled and discussed key elements using an example letter. After, I assigned students their assignment: writing a letter to either John Kerry or Barak Obama about the situation in Sudan. Students will have time in class Tuesday to work.
Week 21:
January 18: No school, MLK Holiday.
January 19: Today we worked on writing our letters for either Secretary of State John Kerry or President Barak Obama. This is homework if it is was not completed. Students need to bring their tablets to class tomorrow too.
January 20: Today was PE; no history.
January 21: Today students got into partners and looked at spelling and grammar for each other's letters. They gave each other constructive feedback to help improve each other's letters. Students need to bring their devices to type their letters tomorrow.
January 22: Today students typed up their letters and worked on campaign posters. There is no homework.
Week 22:
January 25: Today we began our new unit on Ancient India. Students shared background knowledge about what they have heard about Ancient India. We labeled maps of geographical features using labels. After, students read about the geography and climate of Ancient India and responded to the following prompt: Describe the climate and geography of Ancient India.
January 26: Today students worked on fixing their letters for Obama and Kerry. After, students wrote their paragraphs on the geography and climate of Ancient India. These activities, if not finished, are due on Thursday.
January 27: Today was PE. There is no homework.
January 28: Today students read about planned cities, found here. Students took notes on different characteristics that make up a planned city. There is no homework.
January 29: Today students created their own planned city maps. There is no homework.
Week 23
February 1: Today students read about Harappan culture. After, students wrote a paragraph to summarize what they read. This is due tomorrow if not finished.
February 2: Today students finished their paragraphs if they did not last night. We did not have history today; we did music instead.
February 3:Today was PE. There was not history. I checked the paragraphs on Harappan culture.
February 4: Today students read about Hinduism in India and watched a few videos. We took notes and compared Hinduism to our own faith as Catholics. Tomorrow students need to bring their devices and some colors if they do not normally bring these to class.
February 5: Today students created a visual representation of what they understand Hinduism to be. They could choose from a poem, a cartoon, or word art. This is due Monday if students did not finish in class. The external link for Hinduism is here.
Week 24
February 8: Today we talked about Buddhism. We watched a video and had a class discussion. For homework, students need to write a summary of what Buddhists believe, and come up with 3 bullet points as to how Buddhism differs from Catholicism. Also, students need to bring their devices for an activity tomorrow.
February 9: Today we talked about the Eightfold Path. Students looked up what that meant here and filled in their notes. After, if students did not submit their compare and contrast paragraphs, they finished them in class. In addition, students were able to look up key moral beliefs of Buddhism and find ways in which their moral practices differ from Catholicism. Students who did not finish either activity need to finish for homework.
February 10: Today students created a Buddhism word collage. Students had an hour in class to work on this. If they did not finish and submit it, they can do so for homework and receive half credit tomorrow.
February 11: Today students used their word collages to write a summary of Buddhism. They used their word collages from Hinduism to write a summary of Hinduism. They then saw the differences between the two religions. This is homework if not finished.
February 12: Today we celebrated Valentine's Day. There is no homework. Enjoy the weekend. See you Tuesday!
Week 25:
February 15: No school, President's Day
February 16: Today we talked about the Gupta Empire. We compared accomplishments here with those in the Gupta Empire from last week. Students need to finish the chart if they did not do so in class.
February 17: Today we read about the legacy of India. Students read about the legacy of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Gandhi. Students answered their focus questions, found here. If this was not finished, it is homework.
February 18: Today students completed an in-class, open note and open book test in their table groups. This was to finish our unit on Ancient India. Students then worked on their Gandhi quotes if they did not finish.
February 19: No school, teacher inservice day.
Week 26:
February 22: Today we began our unit on Ancient China. To start, we looked on the CIA Factbook website to see about present-day China. Students answered the following questions in their notebook. They need to finish this for homework if they did not do this already.
Week 28: The Start of Trimester 3
March 7: Today we read about the Qin Dynasty. Students completed notes in a 5-3-1 fashion; 5 facts, 3 words to describe Shi Huangdi, and 1 summary statement. This is homework if not finished.
March 8: Today I checked homework. After, we had a discussion about Shi Huangdi. For homework, students need to read the last Chinese Dynasty, the Han Dynasty, and complete the 5-3-1 style of notes we have been doing. This assignment is due Thursday.
March 9: Today we went on a fieldtrip. Students are reminded their notes are due Thursday. Students need to bring their devices on Thursday.
March 10: Today students learned about the Great Wall of China here and the Terra Cotta Statues found here. Students created a visual display or skit to show what they learned. They are presenting their skits tomorrow or submitting their visual display tomorrow.
March 11: Today students presented their skits and visual displays. They do not have homework.
Week 29:
March 14: Today students read and took notes on a graphic organizer on Chinese legacies. After students worked on quiz questions. There is no homework; students do not need to finish these for homework as they will have time later in the week.
March 15: Today students chose a review activity to complete. Students will have time to work on it today, Thursday, and Friday in class.
March 16: Today was PE. We did not have class.
March 17: Today students worked on their review activity. Students will have time on Friday to finish it. They will have a test next week.
March 18:
Week 30:
March 21: Today students took a quiz on Ancient China. It was open book and notes. They have a test Thursday.
March 22: Today students watched Mulan and looked for elements of Chinese culture in film. They created charts. They have a test Thursday.
March 23: Today students reviewed for their test tomorrow. There is no homework.
March 24: Today students took a test on Ancient China. There is no homework.
March 25: Beginning of Easter Break
Week 31: Easter Break
Week 32:
April 4: Today we started our unit on Greece! We read about the geography, took notes, and filled out maps. Anything not finished is homework.
April 5: Today we read about Ancient Greek seafaring. Students created a wheel with key elements to help them remember the seas. This is homework if not finished in class.
April 6: PE Day, no class.
April 7: Today students read about the Greek alphabet. After, students wrote their name in Greek and figured out some greek sororities. They need to finish this for homework if they did not finish in class.
April 8: Today students read about Greek gods. After, students selected a god from a hat and researched the god, what they were known for, whom they were related, and wrote a summary of their main story. After, students created a family tree.
Week 33:
April 11: Today we went over Greek Gods and the classroom Greek Family Tree. After, we used a graphic organizer to help us read and understand myths, fables, and poems. This is to be finished for homework.
April 12: Today students selected a fable from the choices here. Students read the fable of their choice, found the moral lesson, and then re-wrote the story in modern terms. This assignment will be due later in the week; students do not need to finish this as homework as they will have time to work on this in class.
April 13: No class, PE.
April 14: Today students finished writing their fables and began to type them. In addition, students completed a 2-sided worksheet. We will finish these tomorrow.
April 15: Today students finished typing their fables. Students then illustrated their work. Anything not finished is to be done for homework.
Week 34:
April 18: Today we did reviewed the last few lessons on Greece by completing some practice questions. After, we did an imaginative activity with Greek cities. After, students drew/labeled pictures and wrote down some key vocabulary words. If students did not finish their practice questions, this is homework.
April 19: Today students read about the different government types in Ancient Greece. After, students took notes in a graphic organizer. This is to be finished for homework if not in class. Students also turned in their worksheets from yesterday.
April 20: No class, PE
April 21: Today we discussed the pros/cons of different government types in Ancient Greece. After, students wrote letters in favor of/opposing a particular government type. This is due tomorrow if unfinished in class. In addition, students need to finish their fables for homework.
April 22: Today students began reading about Athens and Sparta. We filled in a graphic organizer as we read. This will be continued next week. There is no homework.
Week 35:
April 25: Today we talked about democracy in the United States, and linked this to our knowledge of democracy in Greece, where it all began. Students took notes of the pros/cons of democracy, then evaluated the city of Sparta. They created a chart. This is homework if unfinished.
April 26: Today we compared and contrasted Athens with Sparta with education, government, and women. This is due Thursday if unfinished.
April 27: PE day, no class.
April 28: Today students wrote a paragraph about Athens and Sparta, and which was better to live. After, students created an advertisement urging someone to move to the city they believe is better. This is due tomorrow if unfinished.
April 29: Today we read about and created a chronological account of the Persian Wars. We wrote this in our notebook, then wrote a summary. There is no homework.
Week 36
May 2: Today students worked on a word sort, as well as wrote a paragraph. These are to be finished for homework.
May 3: Today we did review questions to review for our Ancient Greece test. Students need to review their notes for homework.
May 4: No class, PE
May 5: Today students took a test on Ancient Greece. There is no homework.
May 6: Today students did not have history. We will begin our unit on Classical Greece next week.
Week 37
May 9: Today we began our unit on Classical Greece. Students read and charted how Pericles helped Athens flourish. If their chart is not finished, that is homework.
May 10: Today students read about the Peloponnesian War. We took notes in a graphic organizer to document the order of events. Students who did not finish this need to for homework. In addition, if students want to earn a few extra points, students can read the primary source from R56 on the war and answer the following questions, in complete sentences. Failure to write in complete sentences will result in zero credit.
Questions:
1. What is Thucydide's position on poverty? Do you agree? Why/why not?
2. What is Thucydide's position on humility? Do you agree? Why/why not?
3. Why does Thucydides caution against war? Do you agree? Why/ why not?
May 11: PE today, no class.
May 12: Today students read about Alexander the Great. We took notes on what made him so great. After, students wrote a paragraph to answer the following question: Do you agree that Alexander was great? Why or why not? This is due tomorrow, along with the notes.
May 13: Today students worked on a variety of activities related to Classical Greece. First, students took a virtual tour of some of the places to visit in Greece, found here. Second, students looked up quotes from either Socrates, Plato, or Aristotle. Then, students defined the key terms in the book, page 411. Anything not finished will be completed Monday.
Week 38:
May 16: Today students took notes individually and as a group to discover the legacies of Greece to the world today. They need to finish their chart for homework; this will be used tomorrow.
May 17: Today students discussed and wrote which legacies of Greece they find most important AND that impacted the most people. These two paragraphs are due Thursday if unfinished in class.
May 18: PE day, no homework.
May 19:
May 20: Today students read about the legacies of Greece.
Week 39:
May 23: Today students read and took notes on Rome's government. We talked about the branches of government and which branch was the most important. Students need to finish this for homework if they have not already.
May 24: Today students read about the two main leaders in Ancient Rome, Julius Caesar and Augustus. After, we filled in our charts with our partners. This is to be finished for homework if it was not finished today. Students also had worktime for their projects.
May 25: PE, no homework.
August 17:
Today students worked in pairs to guess historical figures from clues. We went over them as a class. Then, students wrote which figure was their favorite and why. There is no homework.
August 18:
Today we talked about culture. We took brief notes on specific pieces of culture, then did a diagram to reflect on our own cultures. After, students were assigned their culture project. The first draft of the project will be due, hard copy, on Friday. Here for PDF version.
August 19:
Today students had time in class to work on their rough draft for their culture project. Students are reminded this is due tomorrow.
August 20:
Today we proof read our classmate's essays. We followed the directions found on this form. Our final drafts are due on Tuesday, typed.
August 21:
Today students worked on their essays. I assigned the illustrative piece of their projects. Final drafts are due on Tuesday, typed.
Week 2
August 24:
Today we started our unit on the technicalities of history. We started with a map activity. Students read pages in the book, took notes on their sheet, cut out some states, and applied their knowledge of the reading to their cut outs. This is to be completed by tomorrow if students did not finish.
August 25:
Today students presented their culture projects to the class. After, we had a mini discussion about map types. Students wrote a paragraph for each graph type on the pros/cons of the graph. Whatever they did not finish writing is due tomorrow.
August 26:
No history today due to PE. Tomorrow students will turn in their map activity.
August 27:
Today students took notes on longitude and latitude. After, we did some class practice with maps. For homework, students need to look up 5 coordinates of their favorite cities worldwide, write them down, then put a dot on their map on the approximate location. Students also need to outline the prime meridian, equator, and long/lat lines, per our class discussion. This is due Monday.
August 28:
No history today. Students are reminded their maps are due Monday, completed.
Week 3
August 31: Today we worked in pairs to quiz another on longitude and latitude, as we had done for homework. Students then submitted an exit ticket. There is no homework.
September 1: Today students read about the Stone Age stages- Mesolithic and Paleolithic Eras. We will connect this to our knowledge about primary and secondary sources in a later class. For homework, students need to work on taking notes on both Eras, in a t-chart, as we discussed in class. This will be due on Wednesday.
September 2: Today students worked with one another on comparing their charts on the Paleolithic and Mesolithic Eras. For homework, students need to write 6-8 sentences (a paragraph) on the similarities and differences of the two Eras. This will be submitted tomorrow.
September 3: Today students turned in their paragraphs. After, we had a group discussion about the Paleolithic and Mesolithic Eras. After, we applied our knowledge about sources to what source types we would expect to find from each Era.
September 4: Today students created comic strips for the Paleolithic and Mesolithic Eras. Whatever was not finished today will be finished in class on Tuesday.
Week 4
September 7: No school, Labor Day. Enjoy the day!
September 8: Today students finished their comic strips from Friday. After, students wrote an analysis of how their comic strip fits the Era they picked. This is to be completed for homework tonight. Students also have a quiz Friday on: coordinates, Eras, and sources. We will spend the next few days reviewing.
September 9: Today we did not have history due to PE. I gave students the 4 things they will need to study and know for Friday's quiz. To help them prepare, students need to complete the coordinate worksheet. This is due tomorrow.
September 10: Today we reviewed the coordinate sheet. After, students went over primary and secondary sources. If they did not finish their worksheet in class it is homework. They are reminded of their quiz tomorrow.
September 11: Today students studied and took a quiz. There is no homework.
Week 5
September 14: Today students read about early man and migrations. We read from the book, had a discussion, answered some questions and wrote a paragraph on man's movement, and completed a map activity. Anything not finished in class is homework.
September 15: Today we went over our graphs in class from last night's homework. We discussed the map in detail. Students also submitted their questions to me. After, students read about technology in the early man's times. For homework, students need to look up their invention from class here and write 5 facts about it they will share with the class tomorrow.
September 16: Today students talked about their favorite inventions. After, students wrote a cohesive paragraph with a topic sentence and concluding sentence about their invention. Anything not finished in class is homework.
September 17: Today students shared their inventions in groups. There is no homework; we will finish up tomorrow.
September 18: No school; faculty inservice.
Week 6:
September 21: Today students took notes on facts and opinions. After, students wrote an opinion paragraph to their inventions from last week. If they didn't finish, this is homework.
September 22: Today I checked students paragraphs on facts and opinions. After, we discussed early man tools, and the structure/functions of those. Then, we read and took notes on the structure and function of religion, art, and language. If students did not finish their chart in class, they need to do so for homework.
September 23: No history today, due to PE and a change in the schedule.
September 24: Today students completed an in-class quiz for the section. After, students wrote a paragraph on what they thought the most important piece of early man life was and why. If students did not finish their paragraph, it is due tomorrow. Link to cave man article.
September 25: Today students submitted their take-home quiz. Then we took notes on early man migration. After, students took a visual tour of a cave. There is no homework.
Week 7:
September 28: Today we read about key pieces of an organized society. After, we created a pamphlet to indicate each piece, with examples from early humans to illustrate each piece. This is helpful for reviewing early man society. This will be due on Wednesday. Students are reminded they have a test Friday.
September 29: Today students worked on their pamphlet. After, we took notes on the ancient city of Catal Huyuk, took a visual tour, connected this to our knowledge of sources, looked up where this ancient dig is located, and then wrote a reflection about the society with regards to PERSIAG. If students did not finish, it is homework.
September 30: No history today due to schedule.
October 1: Today students completed review activities. All these will help them ace their test tomorrow :)
October 2: Today students took a test. There is no homework.
Week 8:
October 5: Today we read about the geography of Mesopotamia. Students took notes. There is no homework.
October 6: Today we drew a diagram to help us understand the geography of Mesopotamia. After, students wrote two paragraphs: one, on how the water flows into the floodplain, and two, the benefits and consequences of water flooding in Mesopotamia. Students need to finish their paragraphs for homework.
October 7: No class, P.E.
October 8: Today students read about Sumer. They defined a few vocabulary terms, took webbed notes on how Sumer was a civilization, and then wrote a paragraph to explain the reasons that made Sumer a civilization. They need to finish their paragraph for homework if they did not finish in class.
October 9: Today we read went over our Sumerian webs from the day before. After, we fixed our paragraphs from the day before, with our newly learned information. Students need to finish that for homework if they did not already.
Week 9:
October 12: No school, Columbus Day.
October 13: Today we did a jigsaw read. Students first defined key words, then read assigned sections about Sumerian city states. For homework, students need to finish answering the questions, as well as complete the visual diagram, labeled with specific pieces and descriptors.
October 14: Today was a PE day. We did not have history.
October 15: Today we read and discussed Sumerian religion. We created a Priest profile sheet and wrote a paragraph, comparing priests in Sumeria to priests today. This needs to be finished for homework if they did not finish in class. Students have a quiz on Tuesday.
October 16: Today we reviewed for our quiz in class. We created questions that could be asked on the quiz. We also wrapped up our discussion on Sumerian religion. There is no homework. Students have a quiz on Tuesday.
Week 10:
October 19: Today we read about and did an activity related to the social pyramid in Sumer. After, we had a class discussion about class divisions. Students are reminded of their quiz tomorrow.
October 20: Today students took their quiz. For homework, students need to define the words from pages 100-102 in their notebook. This will help set us up for our activity on Thursday.
October 21: Today was a PE day. We did not have history.
October 22: Today students took notes on achievements in Mesopotamia. After, students began working on 2 separate activities related to these achievements. They are due, completed, by the end of class tomorrow.
October 23: Today students finished and submitted their activities on Mesopotamia. There is no homework.
Week 11:
October 26: Today students did a jigsaw activity. Students worked in groups to become experts in a particular area and king within Mesopotamia. After, they reported back to their main group. Students then wrote a paragraph on what region and king they thought was most effective and why. Students who did not finish this have to finish it for homework.
October 27: Today we did a map activity to see where each king ruled. We labeled our maps and connected concepts to our knowledge of Mesopotamia. There is no homework.
October 28: Today was a PE day. We did not have history.
October 29: Today we did a buddy activity. We did not have history.
October 30: Today we read about the history of Halloween. There is no homework.
Week 12:
November 2: Today we talked about laws that are unfair or unjust. We then read about Hammurabi's Code, and discussed which of his laws were fair and just. After, students wrote a paragraph on which law they thought was either: most important, most effective, or most unjust. If students did not finish this, this is homework.
November 3: No school, power outage.
November 4: No school, field trip.
November 5: Today we reviewed about King Hammurabi. After, we took notes on proposals, and students began to write their own, in Hammurabi fashion. There is no homework.
November 6: Today students finished and presented their proposals. After, students received their take home test. This is due on Monday.
Week 13:
November 9: Today students wrote about what they know about Egypt or have heard about Egypt. After, we discussed Egyptian geography. Students completed a map activity and wrote a paragraph to help them remember the geography. Both are due tomorrow if they did not finish in class.
November 10: Today students visited the CIA website for Egypt. Students looked up and researched a few questions. After, they wrote a compare/contrast paragraph, based on what they know thus far. We also talked about Veteran's Day: the history of, and current celebration of the holiday.
November 11: No school, Veteran's Day
November 12: No school, Carnival!
November 13: No school, Carnival!
Week 14:
November 16: No school, Carnival
November 17: Today we talked about Isis and the events that happened in France over the weekend. We linked this to our current study of Egypt, as ISIS has roots in Egypt today. After, students wrote a paragraph about what they think is the most effective way that the world is fighting against ISIS. If they did not finish this, it is homework.
November 18: Today was PE. We did not have history. I did check homework from last night, though.
November 19: Today we read about how Egyptians used the Nile River. We read, cut out pictures, and wrote small blurbs in our notebooks. There is no homework.
November 20: Today students read about Ancient Egyptian natural resources, on pages 150-151. They wrote down 3 key facts for each section on their chart under the "Ancient Egypt" section. After, students looked up 3 main concepts from the three sections, as they pertain to present-day uses of the natural resources. They added them to their chart on the "Today" side of their chart. The links for each thing they need to read are found here, and the focus questions they need to look for are here too:
Turquoise: What are some present-day uses of turquoise, according to the article?
Copper: What are some present-day uses of copper, according to the article?
Sailboats: Read only the section titled "history." What are some present-day types of sailboats? How are sailboats different now than back then?
If students did not finish, this is homework.
Week 15
November 23: Today we talked about the social pyramid of Ancient Egypt. We read and took notes. There is no homework.
November 24:Today we did not have history. There is no homework during the break.
November 25-27: No school, Thanksgiving Break
Week 16:
November 30: Today we read about Egyptian achievements. We had a discussion about who would have been responsible for each achievement. After, students created a visual image of the achievements. For homework, students need to finish their visual creation, and write a paragraph responding to the following: What Egyptian achievement has made the most lasting impact today?
December 1: Today we read about how mummies are formed and preserved and various Ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs. After, we compared this to what Catholics believe happen in the afterlife. For homework, students are to use their graphic organizer to help them write a compare/contrast paragraph. Here is a list of words that are helpful to compare and contrast. This will be due tomorrow.
December 2: No history, due to PE. Students turned in their paragraphs, however, that were homework.
December 3: Today we had a discussion about Ancient Egyptian death and burial rituals. Then, students fixed their paragraphs from the previous days to include a topic sentence, concluding sentence, and narrow the paragraph to match the prompt they were asked. Students who did not finish in class have this for homework. All students will turn this in tomorrow. Students who never submitted their original homework assignments can receive up to half-credit.
December 4: Today we read, had a discussion about, and took notes on what made the Old Kingdom in Egypt powerful and weak. After, students wrote a response in their notes. There is no homework.
Week 17:
December 7: Today we read and had a discussion about the Middle Kingdom in Egypt. After, students wrote a compare and contrast paragraph responding to the following prompt: Compare and contrast the ways on how the Old Kingdom and Middle Kingdom were powerful and weak.
December 8: Today we read about the New Kingdom. Each student was placed in an expert group to assess the empire/pharaoh they were assigned in terms of power and weakness. Students began working on posters. These will be finished in class on Thursday.
December 9: P.E. day, no history. Students are reminded their project is due on Wednesday.
December 10: Today students finished their posters in their groups and then presented them to the class. Students are reminded their project is due on Wednesday.
December 11: Today students wrote 2 paragraphs, addressing the prompt given in class. If they did not finish, this is homework. Students are reminded their project is due on Wednesday.
Week 18:
December 14: Today students turned in their paragraphs from Friday. After, we did a bingo review game. Students are reminded their project is due on Wednesday.
December 15: No school, due to LAUSD threat. Completed projects are due tomorrow. Here is the assignment for students who misplaced it.
December 16: Today students submitted their projects. After, we did a culminating activity for Ancient Egypt. There is no homework.
December 17: Today students presented their projects. There is no homework.
December 18: Today students presented their projects. There is no homework.
Week 19:
January 4: Today students read about the geography of Nubia, specifically Kush, and the relationship between Kush and Egypt. We made charts on the positive and negative influences of the relationship. We specifically worked on coming up with commentary for our findings. For homework, students have to respond to the prompt, in a paragraph form: How and why was the relationship between Kush and Egypt positive? This is due tomorrow.
January 5: Today students turned in their paragraphs. After, we did some skim-reading on politics and economy in Kush, including Meroe. Students took notes on specific pieces of the economy. Finally, students looked at present-day Sudan here and compared the economy to Ancient times. Students then wrote a paragraph, answering the prompt: In what ways are Ancient Kush and Present-day Sudan similar and different in their economics, politics, or culture (depending on where they read from today)? This is due tomorrow if not completed in class.
January 6: Today students had an opportunity to work on their paragraphs from Monday and Tuesday. We looked at paragraphs from our classmates to see what made their paragraphs strong and how they could improve. If students would like to resubmit their paragraphs, that is the only homework they will have tonight.
January 7: Today we read about Aksum's kingdom. We looked on a map at where this was located, and analyzed why it was an ideal location for a kingdom. After, we read and answered questions about the kingdom as a group. This will help to give us a foundation for tomorrow's reading. Students have one question to finish for homework. It is based on reading on pages 199-200.
January 8: Today we read a current event article about present-day Sudan and Ethiopia, found here.
Week 20:
January 11: Today students took notes on the 7 Principles of Catholic Social Teaching. We linked this to action groups in present-day Sudan and Ethiopia. After, students looked into two organizations and how they help those less fortunate. The Save Darfur link is here; Catholic Relief Services link is here. Students filled in their charts. If they did not finish, it is homework.
January 12: No history today. Students have an extra day to complete their charts as needed.
January 13: PE Day, no history.
January 14: Today we went over the different organizations from the student's charts. We evaluated the information to determine which organizations are most helpful to this region and why. We came up with what could be done in Darfur today. There is no homework.
January 15: Today I gave students a template for writing a letter to someone in government. We labeled and discussed key elements using an example letter. After, I assigned students their assignment: writing a letter to either John Kerry or Barak Obama about the situation in Sudan. Students will have time in class Tuesday to work.
Week 21:
January 18: No school, MLK Holiday.
January 19: Today we worked on writing our letters for either Secretary of State John Kerry or President Barak Obama. This is homework if it is was not completed. Students need to bring their tablets to class tomorrow too.
January 20: Today was PE; no history.
January 21: Today students got into partners and looked at spelling and grammar for each other's letters. They gave each other constructive feedback to help improve each other's letters. Students need to bring their devices to type their letters tomorrow.
January 22: Today students typed up their letters and worked on campaign posters. There is no homework.
Week 22:
January 25: Today we began our new unit on Ancient India. Students shared background knowledge about what they have heard about Ancient India. We labeled maps of geographical features using labels. After, students read about the geography and climate of Ancient India and responded to the following prompt: Describe the climate and geography of Ancient India.
January 26: Today students worked on fixing their letters for Obama and Kerry. After, students wrote their paragraphs on the geography and climate of Ancient India. These activities, if not finished, are due on Thursday.
January 27: Today was PE. There is no homework.
January 28: Today students read about planned cities, found here. Students took notes on different characteristics that make up a planned city. There is no homework.
January 29: Today students created their own planned city maps. There is no homework.
Week 23
February 1: Today students read about Harappan culture. After, students wrote a paragraph to summarize what they read. This is due tomorrow if not finished.
February 2: Today students finished their paragraphs if they did not last night. We did not have history today; we did music instead.
February 3:Today was PE. There was not history. I checked the paragraphs on Harappan culture.
February 4: Today students read about Hinduism in India and watched a few videos. We took notes and compared Hinduism to our own faith as Catholics. Tomorrow students need to bring their devices and some colors if they do not normally bring these to class.
February 5: Today students created a visual representation of what they understand Hinduism to be. They could choose from a poem, a cartoon, or word art. This is due Monday if students did not finish in class. The external link for Hinduism is here.
Week 24
February 8: Today we talked about Buddhism. We watched a video and had a class discussion. For homework, students need to write a summary of what Buddhists believe, and come up with 3 bullet points as to how Buddhism differs from Catholicism. Also, students need to bring their devices for an activity tomorrow.
February 9: Today we talked about the Eightfold Path. Students looked up what that meant here and filled in their notes. After, if students did not submit their compare and contrast paragraphs, they finished them in class. In addition, students were able to look up key moral beliefs of Buddhism and find ways in which their moral practices differ from Catholicism. Students who did not finish either activity need to finish for homework.
February 10: Today students created a Buddhism word collage. Students had an hour in class to work on this. If they did not finish and submit it, they can do so for homework and receive half credit tomorrow.
February 11: Today students used their word collages to write a summary of Buddhism. They used their word collages from Hinduism to write a summary of Hinduism. They then saw the differences between the two religions. This is homework if not finished.
February 12: Today we celebrated Valentine's Day. There is no homework. Enjoy the weekend. See you Tuesday!
Week 25:
February 15: No school, President's Day
February 16: Today we talked about the Gupta Empire. We compared accomplishments here with those in the Gupta Empire from last week. Students need to finish the chart if they did not do so in class.
February 17: Today we read about the legacy of India. Students read about the legacy of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Gandhi. Students answered their focus questions, found here. If this was not finished, it is homework.
February 18: Today students completed an in-class, open note and open book test in their table groups. This was to finish our unit on Ancient India. Students then worked on their Gandhi quotes if they did not finish.
February 19: No school, teacher inservice day.
Week 26:
February 22: Today we began our unit on Ancient China. To start, we looked on the CIA Factbook website to see about present-day China. Students answered the following questions in their notebook. They need to finish this for homework if they did not do this already.
Week 28: The Start of Trimester 3
March 7: Today we read about the Qin Dynasty. Students completed notes in a 5-3-1 fashion; 5 facts, 3 words to describe Shi Huangdi, and 1 summary statement. This is homework if not finished.
March 8: Today I checked homework. After, we had a discussion about Shi Huangdi. For homework, students need to read the last Chinese Dynasty, the Han Dynasty, and complete the 5-3-1 style of notes we have been doing. This assignment is due Thursday.
March 9: Today we went on a fieldtrip. Students are reminded their notes are due Thursday. Students need to bring their devices on Thursday.
March 10: Today students learned about the Great Wall of China here and the Terra Cotta Statues found here. Students created a visual display or skit to show what they learned. They are presenting their skits tomorrow or submitting their visual display tomorrow.
March 11: Today students presented their skits and visual displays. They do not have homework.
Week 29:
March 14: Today students read and took notes on a graphic organizer on Chinese legacies. After students worked on quiz questions. There is no homework; students do not need to finish these for homework as they will have time later in the week.
March 15: Today students chose a review activity to complete. Students will have time to work on it today, Thursday, and Friday in class.
March 16: Today was PE. We did not have class.
March 17: Today students worked on their review activity. Students will have time on Friday to finish it. They will have a test next week.
March 18:
Week 30:
March 21: Today students took a quiz on Ancient China. It was open book and notes. They have a test Thursday.
March 22: Today students watched Mulan and looked for elements of Chinese culture in film. They created charts. They have a test Thursday.
March 23: Today students reviewed for their test tomorrow. There is no homework.
March 24: Today students took a test on Ancient China. There is no homework.
March 25: Beginning of Easter Break
Week 31: Easter Break
Week 32:
April 4: Today we started our unit on Greece! We read about the geography, took notes, and filled out maps. Anything not finished is homework.
April 5: Today we read about Ancient Greek seafaring. Students created a wheel with key elements to help them remember the seas. This is homework if not finished in class.
April 6: PE Day, no class.
April 7: Today students read about the Greek alphabet. After, students wrote their name in Greek and figured out some greek sororities. They need to finish this for homework if they did not finish in class.
April 8: Today students read about Greek gods. After, students selected a god from a hat and researched the god, what they were known for, whom they were related, and wrote a summary of their main story. After, students created a family tree.
Week 33:
April 11: Today we went over Greek Gods and the classroom Greek Family Tree. After, we used a graphic organizer to help us read and understand myths, fables, and poems. This is to be finished for homework.
April 12: Today students selected a fable from the choices here. Students read the fable of their choice, found the moral lesson, and then re-wrote the story in modern terms. This assignment will be due later in the week; students do not need to finish this as homework as they will have time to work on this in class.
April 13: No class, PE.
April 14: Today students finished writing their fables and began to type them. In addition, students completed a 2-sided worksheet. We will finish these tomorrow.
April 15: Today students finished typing their fables. Students then illustrated their work. Anything not finished is to be done for homework.
Week 34:
April 18: Today we did reviewed the last few lessons on Greece by completing some practice questions. After, we did an imaginative activity with Greek cities. After, students drew/labeled pictures and wrote down some key vocabulary words. If students did not finish their practice questions, this is homework.
April 19: Today students read about the different government types in Ancient Greece. After, students took notes in a graphic organizer. This is to be finished for homework if not in class. Students also turned in their worksheets from yesterday.
April 20: No class, PE
April 21: Today we discussed the pros/cons of different government types in Ancient Greece. After, students wrote letters in favor of/opposing a particular government type. This is due tomorrow if unfinished in class. In addition, students need to finish their fables for homework.
April 22: Today students began reading about Athens and Sparta. We filled in a graphic organizer as we read. This will be continued next week. There is no homework.
Week 35:
April 25: Today we talked about democracy in the United States, and linked this to our knowledge of democracy in Greece, where it all began. Students took notes of the pros/cons of democracy, then evaluated the city of Sparta. They created a chart. This is homework if unfinished.
April 26: Today we compared and contrasted Athens with Sparta with education, government, and women. This is due Thursday if unfinished.
April 27: PE day, no class.
April 28: Today students wrote a paragraph about Athens and Sparta, and which was better to live. After, students created an advertisement urging someone to move to the city they believe is better. This is due tomorrow if unfinished.
April 29: Today we read about and created a chronological account of the Persian Wars. We wrote this in our notebook, then wrote a summary. There is no homework.
Week 36
May 2: Today students worked on a word sort, as well as wrote a paragraph. These are to be finished for homework.
May 3: Today we did review questions to review for our Ancient Greece test. Students need to review their notes for homework.
May 4: No class, PE
May 5: Today students took a test on Ancient Greece. There is no homework.
May 6: Today students did not have history. We will begin our unit on Classical Greece next week.
Week 37
May 9: Today we began our unit on Classical Greece. Students read and charted how Pericles helped Athens flourish. If their chart is not finished, that is homework.
May 10: Today students read about the Peloponnesian War. We took notes in a graphic organizer to document the order of events. Students who did not finish this need to for homework. In addition, if students want to earn a few extra points, students can read the primary source from R56 on the war and answer the following questions, in complete sentences. Failure to write in complete sentences will result in zero credit.
Questions:
1. What is Thucydide's position on poverty? Do you agree? Why/why not?
2. What is Thucydide's position on humility? Do you agree? Why/why not?
3. Why does Thucydides caution against war? Do you agree? Why/ why not?
May 11: PE today, no class.
May 12: Today students read about Alexander the Great. We took notes on what made him so great. After, students wrote a paragraph to answer the following question: Do you agree that Alexander was great? Why or why not? This is due tomorrow, along with the notes.
May 13: Today students worked on a variety of activities related to Classical Greece. First, students took a virtual tour of some of the places to visit in Greece, found here. Second, students looked up quotes from either Socrates, Plato, or Aristotle. Then, students defined the key terms in the book, page 411. Anything not finished will be completed Monday.
Week 38:
May 16: Today students took notes individually and as a group to discover the legacies of Greece to the world today. They need to finish their chart for homework; this will be used tomorrow.
May 17: Today students discussed and wrote which legacies of Greece they find most important AND that impacted the most people. These two paragraphs are due Thursday if unfinished in class.
May 18: PE day, no homework.
May 19:
May 20: Today students read about the legacies of Greece.
Week 39:
May 23: Today students read and took notes on Rome's government. We talked about the branches of government and which branch was the most important. Students need to finish this for homework if they have not already.
May 24: Today students read about the two main leaders in Ancient Rome, Julius Caesar and Augustus. After, we filled in our charts with our partners. This is to be finished for homework if it was not finished today. Students also had worktime for their projects.
May 25: PE, no homework.