Thursday, February 15, 2007

Homework for Thursday, 2/15

Keep studying for test: your Extended Response Questions/Essays are due tomorrow at the end of class!

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Homework for Wednesday, 2/14

Study for Revolution Test!

Want to Improve your Grade?

Students and parents often ask me how they can improve their Social Studies grade. Go over this checklist with yourself/child if they are struggling, and you will likely find holes in their routine or work ethic.

How Can I Improve My Grade?
Before you ask, check this list:
1. Are you doing your homework and assignments?
2. Do those assignments get turned in on time?
3. Do you correct mistakes on homework or assignments?
4. Do you double-check your work for mistakes?
5. Do you ask appropriate questions in class?
6. Do you seek assistance before or after school, or even during study hall?
7. Do you study for tests/quizzes (more than one day in advance)?
8. Do you take notes on what you read and what we discuss in class?
9. Do you review those notes?
10. Is your SS binder organized so its easy to find materials?
11. Do you actually read the textbook?
12. Do you use your class time wisely? If you finish early, do you go back and review?
13. Do you practice answering questions on your own?
14. Do you use a dictionary or thesaurus when you don't understand words.
15. Do you submit answers to the Question of the Day box... EVERY day?

TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR RAISING YOUR GRADE

Monday, February 12, 2007

American Revolution Test (Part 2) - Friday, 2/16

A part of this test - on Friday - will also be an Extended Response Question (ERQ/Essay). Students must select one of these questions:

1) Would you have been a loyalist or a patriot during the Revolution?
2) What were the causes of the Revolution? Rank and describe at least 9.
3) How did the Americans earn independence?
4) What were the different perspectives of the Revolution? Compare and Contrast the 5 different points of view discussed in class (National Leader, Loyalist, American Trader, etc.)

Students must pick one question to answer, and their answer must be 3 paragraphs long (5-8 sentences each). Students should also use 3 facts per paragraph, something that we discussed in class, in group work, through a class activity, or other assignments. The web is NOT an acceptable resource, as we're assessing what students have already learned, not what they can find online. Each opinion must be supported with a fact, and students must always answer "Why?" Leave no statement open-ended. Using Vocab words and terms also makes you look smart, and looks like you studied. :)

This essay may be done in advance, and turned in on Friday, too. With a major test on Thursday, I don't want to give 2 high-pressure tests 2 days in a row. Students may work on them during class time, of course, but I will accept ERQ (essays) that were completed at home. Students have already had knowledge of these questions for a week, and they are major themes we've discussed, not new ideas. Students should support their answers from our class work and what they've learned.

Because of the nature of this question (tons of time to prepare, ISATs in a month, and the option to work on it at home), I expect excellence.

American Revolution Test (Part 1) - Thursday, 2/15

Our next test is a big one, worth between 100 - 125 points, by far the biggest grade of this Trimester. This test covers the American Revolution, which is mostly Chapter 6 (70%), but some Chapter 5 (30%). The following are the most imporant things a student can use to prepare for this test:

Little Books, made in class Friday - Tuesday.
Vocab Charts (Chapter 6 is white, Chapter 5 is orange).
Study Guide, with Sample Questions listed below.
All of our class materials (activities, notes, worksheets).
Last 3 weeks worth of daily Goals.
Reading Chapters 5 and 6 from the Textbook.

We will also have an Extended Response Question, which will be in a following post.

Here are sample questions students may use as preparation for the test:
1. Who was Benjamin Franklin, and what important idea did he have during the Albany Congress?
2. What did George Washington do for the Continental Army that was so important?
3. How did the role of women change during the Revolutionary War?
4. Native American leader (Mohawk Chief) who helped fight the British.
5. Know the difference between the First and Second Continental Congress.

Be sure to put these in Chronological Order (earliest to latest):
Group 1:
6. Intolerable Acts
7. Battle of Yorktown
8. Stamp Act
9. The (first) Treaty of Paris is Ratified
10. Boston Massacre

Group 2:
11. Green Mountain Boys take Ticonderoga
12. French Become Allies with Americans
13. Beginning of the French and Indian War
14. Battle of Long Island
15. Adoption of the Declaration of Independence

Know these terms/people:
16. Native American leader (Mohawk Chief) who helped fight for the British.
17. Song played by the British after they suffered defeat and surrendered to the Americans at Yorktown.
18. America’s First Traitor.
19. Symbolizes the work ethic and dedication of women in the Revolution. She fought in her husband’s place during a battle.
20. New style of warfare used by the colonists; sneaky hit and run attacks.

Homework for Monday, 2/12

All students should complete their "Little Books" for Wednesday. Students should use the following as guidelines for each page:

Cover "How the Americans won Independence"
Page 1: "French and Indian War"
Page 2: "British anger the Colonists"
Page 3: "Colonists Fight Back"
Page 4: "Accidents & Misunderstandings"
Page 5: "Declaration and Independence"
Page 6: "How the War was won"
Page 7: "Inspiring Leaders and Founding Fathers"

Each page should contain the headline listed above, and either a list of words/actions/descriptions or some artistic representation (scene/symbol/collage). Those with the most detail to clarity, are the most descriptive, and that review the Revolution best will receive full credit (40 points).

Goals for the Week of 2/12 - 2/16

Monday: 1) Explain how the Americans won the Revolutionary War.
2) Describe how the Americans earned Independence.

Tuesday: 1) Describe how the Americans earned Independence.
2) List the Causes/reasons for Revolution.

Wednesday: 1) Describe how the Americans earned Independence.
2) Review for the test!

Thursday: 1) List, in chronological order, certain important events of the Revolution.
2) Describe how the Americans earned Independence.
3) Recall the important people, facts, events and terms of the Revolution.
4) Explain the different perspectives of the Revolution.