Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The instructor finished up the lecture notes and discussion dealing with the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation (Shay's Rebellion and the social mobility of the Critical Period). Students were given some additional time to Peer-to-Peer review with their completed Chapter Questions to this point.

Tonight's Homework: Continue with AP Chapter Questions (Chaps. 8, 9 and 10)...the questions will be due on Monday 10/5 when you take the Unit 3 Quiz (30 multiple choice questions).

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Students were introduced to the lecture notes and PowerPoints dealing with the Critical Period following the American Revolution (life under the Articles of Confederation). Students took notes and discussed with the instructor the issues dealing with the weaknesses of the loose AOC union.

Tonight's Homework: Continue working on your AP Chapters Questions (Chaps. 8, 9 & 10)

Monday, September 28, 2009

Today in class, students worked on a Practice DBQ Essay dealing with the "revolutionary nature" of the American Revolution. Students were to create two body paragraphs using the PRICETAGS Social Science categories using the documents presented to them with the prompt.

Tonight's Homework: Polish off your practice DBQ essay plus continue with your AP Chapter Questions over Chapters 8, 9 and 10 (will be due the day of the next quiz...likely Mon 10/5).

Friday, September 25, 2009

UNIT 2 EXAM TODAY OVER CHAPTERS 5, 6, and 7...AP CHAPTER QUESTIONS are due (were collected by the instructor at the start of the period).

Tonight's Homework: Keep reading ahead in American Pageant (Chapters 8-11)...we start Unit 3 on Monday. HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Today, students were given an opportunity to work on finishing their AP Chapter Questions (5-7) to prepare for tomorrow's Unit 2 Exam over Chapters 5-7 in American Pageant. Tomorrow's exam will be 50 multiple-choice questions (10-12 questions over review information from Unit 1 plus 38-40 questions from current information in Chapters 5-7).

Tonight's Homework: Review Chapter Questions and prepare for tomorrow's Unit 2 Exam.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Today, the instructor finished up the final slides and lecture notes dealing with Unit 2. At the close of the lecture, the instructor provided the students with some materials for their review binders and allowed students time to Peer-Peer review for the upcoming Unit 2 Exam on Friday.

Tonight's Homework: Finish all AP Chapter Questions for Unit 2 (Chapters 5, 6 and 7) and start to final review (study) for Unit 2 Exam on Friday (50 Multiple-Choice Questions).

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Today in class, students continue working through the lecture notes and PowerPoint discussion dealing with the lead-up to the American Revolution (Political Theory, Social Contract Theory, Military Strategy and the American Colonial Grievances). Some of the Primary Sources that we looked at included Thomas Payne's Common Sense, the Declaration of Independence, Patrick Henry's Radical Speech about Liberty (and their intention for the colonial cause).

Tonight's Homework: Finish AP Chapter Questions for Unit 2 (Chapters 5, 6 and 7). Bring your materials so you can use in Peer-to-Peer Review for Wednesday's class period.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Today, students were asked to evaluate and credential Primary Sources dealing with the Boston Massacre and identify their purpose and validity in telling the story of the March 1770 event. The students looked at the Engraving completing by Paul Revere (Son of Liberty), the account of John Tudor (Boston colonist) and the account of General Gage (British military). Following the Primary Sources discussion, the instructor continued with background lecture notes and PowerPoint dealing with the buildup to Revolution.

Tonight's Homework: Start finishing up your AP Chapter Questions for Unit 2 (Chapters 5, 6, and 7). The questions will be due Friday before the Unit 2 Exam (50 multiple-choice questions).

Friday, September 18, 2009

Today in class, we continued with lecture and PowerPoint notes dealing with the build-up to the American Revolution (Revolution in Theory, Revolution in Practice). Specifically, we focused on the areas post-French and Indian War and the political acts enforced on colonists, thus resulting in British-colonial tension and catastrophic events (i.e. The Boston Massacre).

Tonight's Homework: Continue with Chapter Reading in American Pageant (Chapters 5-9) and finish working on the AP Chapter Questions (Chapters 5, 6, and 7). In addition, do some preliminary research on the interpretations of the Boston Massacre events (Paul Revere engraving versus political accounts (British versus Colonial).

HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

A LOT OF CHANGES TODAY! With the opening of the new 2nd period section of AP US History, the instructor worked to acclimate the new students to their new learning environment (expectations, syllabus, pacing). Once settled, 2nd period and 3rd period both worked on continuing with lecture notes, PowerPoint and discussion dealing with the American Revolutionary Period and Founding (Chapters 5-7). The instructor provided some handouts/graphic organizers to assist students with differentiating the tensions between British and Colonial rule.

Tonight's Homework: New students need to read and complete AP US History Syllabus Confirmation sheet. In addition, all students need to continue with AP Chapter Questions (Chapters 5-7) and reading in American Pageant (Chapters 5-9).

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Today, the instructor began lecture notes and PowerPoint over the curriculum in Chapters 5-7 (Precedents leading to American Revolution and the American Founding). Students took notes and engaged with instructor through dialogue about the chapter material.

Tonight's Homework: Continue with Chapter Reading in American Pageant (Chapters 5-9) and continue with AP Chapter Questions for Chapters 5-7 (due Friday, September 25, 2009).

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Using last night's homework, students had a discussion with the instructor about the PRICETAGS implications (Social Studies Categories) on the 1993 DBQ question dealing with the creation of distinct societies in the early American colonies (New England vs. Virginia). Following the discussion and creation of PRICETAGS evidence...students were asked to write a "polished" thesis-introduction that they would use to open such a DBQ for an AP exam (practice). If the students did not finish the assignment in class...they can finish for homework as part of their notebook.

Tonight's Homework: Finish DBQ Introduction and continue with AP Chapter Questions for Unit 2 (Chapters 5-7).

Monday, September 14, 2009

Today in class, students received back their results from the Unit 1 AP Quiz...Mr. Gull is very happy with the results!!! In addition, students received back their AP Chapter Questions from Chapters 1-4. During the instruction period, students were given copies of the new AP Chapter Questions for Unit 2 (Chapters 5-7) and some information about the Rubric Grading criteria for DBQ and FRQ questions for the AP Exam. The students used the rubric as they had a discussion with the instructor about the Essay portion of the exam and some early examples of DBQ formats. Near the end of the period, students were given a copy of an earlier DBQ question from the 1993 exam to evaluate and brainstorm (information from Unit 1 instruction).

Tonight's Homework: Begin completing the AP Chapter Questions for Unit 2 (Chapters 5-7)...in addition, review 1993 DBQ documents and begin formulating ideas for essay structure (we will use this in class on Tuesday).

Friday, September 11, 2009

DON'T FORGET THE OBSERVANCE OF PATRIOT DAY (NEVER FORGET 9-11)!!!

Today in class, students turned in their AP Chapter Questions for Unit 1 (Chapters 1-4). After the collection of the homework, students took the AP US History Quiz over Unit 1 (Chapters 1-4)...30 Multiple-Choice Questions. Upon completion, the students and instructor graded the quiz together to find out the final results and where greater recall & retention could occur as we press forward with the curriculum.

Tonight's Homework: Begin reading in American Pageant for Chapters 5-9...Unit Two is made of Chapters 5-7 (the next unit of study).

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Today in class, students received the final information left from the Chapter 4 Lecture Notes and Power-Point on Pennsylavania colony...information we didn't get a chance to finish during Wednesday's class period. In addition, students were given an opportunity to Peer Review regarding their AP Chapter Questions over Chapters 1-4. Before the close of the period, students got an opportunity to talk with the instructor about tomorrow's AP Quiz over Chapters 1-4 (How and What should be the focus of study to prepare for the multiple-choice questions).

Tonight's Homework: Finish any AP Chapter Questions for Chapters 1-4 (due tomorrow before AP Quiz) and of course...study for AP Quiz (30 Multiple-Choice Questions).

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Today, students finished up the notes and Power Point on Chapter 4 and the information pertaining to the New England colonies. Upon finishing the lecture, students were given an opportunity to work together to finalize their answers and thoughts pertaining to the AP Chapter Questions over Chapters 1-4...Friday's 30 question Multiple-Choice Questions will be based on this information. Tomorrow...students will be given an opportunity to review with the instructor prior to the quiz on Friday...students should bring all their materials.

Tonight's Homework: Finish all the AP Chapter Questions from Chapters 1-4 and bring any questions you have over information covered in this first unit (discuss with instructor tomorrow).

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Today in class, the instructor continued with the remaining lecture notes over early colonization in the Americas (Southern Colonies, Middle Colonies and the New England Colonies). The remaining lecture notes and Power Points should be finished on Wednesday to prepare for Friday's Unit One Quiz over the material. Review will be on Thursday...time in class provided to work on Chapter Questions and Peer Review.

Tonight's Homework: Finish completing the AP US Chapter Questions for Chapters 1-4...they will be due on Friday of this week before your quiz (30 Multiple-Choice Questions).

Monday, September 7, 2009

LABOR DAY HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE...hopefully you are catching up on some sleep or spending some quality time with your family...SEE YOU ON TUESDAY!!!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Today in class, the instructor continued with PowerPoint lecture notes and classroom discussion dealing with the Chesapeake and New England colonies. Specifically, students were exposed to the concepts of Indentured Servitude, Virginia Gold (Tobacco), Widowarchy and why the introduction of slave labor was established in the early colonies.

Tonight's Homework: AP Chapter Questions for Chapters 1-4 (Due September 11, 2009)

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Today in class, students read and discussed some of the Primary Source Documents relating to the historical accounts of Captain John Smith and their impact on Historical Interpretation (17th century and today). During the exercise, students completed a Graphic Organizer detailing the similarities and differences between Captain John Smith's accounts of his capture and relations with the Powhatan Confederacy. Overall, students became aware of how Captain John Smith's writings impacted the Jamestown colony.

Tonight's Homework: Continue with textbook reading in American Pageant and continue with the completion of the AP Chapter Questions for Chapters 1-4 (due Sept 11, 2009).

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Today in class, students were introduced to the backgrounds and characteristics of the American colonial period (Southern Colonies, Middle Colonies and the New England Colonies). In relation to more in-depth analysis, students were exposed to Primary and Secondary Sources (Captain John Smith vs. Chief Powhatan) (Richard Frethorne's Letter of 1623) related to Jamestown. Some of the information presented compares the realities and myths about White European vs. Indian Relations as the founding of the colonies occurred.

Tonight's Homework: Continue with Chapter Reading in American Pageant and continue working on the Chapter Questions (Chapters 1-4). Additionally, please browse the blog site and investigate Course Notes and Outlines to assist with retention and understanding on lecture material.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Due to the pace (recording and absorption) of lecture and classroom notes with the first unit, the instructor worked with the students today on completing the background information on the Pre-Columbian and Exploration period of the Americas. Towards the end of the lecture and discussion, additional information about early colonization was introduced...but the remainder of the specifics about the Southern, Middle and New England Colonies will be introduced during Wednesday's class period. The worksheets on the realities and interpretations of Jamestown was delayed until the introduction of the Chesapeake Bay characteristics (Wednesday and Thursday).

Tonight's Homework: Continue with Chapter Reading in American Pageant and continue working on the Chapter Questions (Chapters 1-4).