Veterans Day: November 11, 2016

Friday is Veterans Day so we will discuss and watch the History Channel's great overview video below.  Don't forget to thank a vet!

http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-veterans-day/videos/bet-you-didnt-know-veterans-day
 

Welcome to the 2016-2017 School Year

Welcome back to Elm for your 8th grade year of social studies!

Over the course of this school year we will be studying 20th Century U.S. history, the U.S. and Illinois constitutions, and current events like the historic Election November 8th, 2016.  

We will also be writing DBQ essays and having a school-wide history fair!

During our first full class we'll also be taking a news quiz for events over the summer (as a group--don't worry).

And after that we will watch the news at my current favorite source for student news, CNN Student News.

History Fair is Due May 16 & 17

History Fair To Do

1. Write a thesis using the gold Thesis Proposal sheet.  If you're having trouble answering the questions, you need to read more about your topic. Once you can answer #1-5 on the worksheet, write a thesis.  Use the Thesis Generator (for computers) to help you construct a thesis if you're having trouble. Use this link for iPads: Thesis Generator for iPads.   Then have me approve your thesis and grade your sheet.
2. Retake the sources quiz.  Didn't get a good score?  Take it as many times as you want to get a good score.
3. Primary vs. Secondary Sources Quizhttp://www.quia.com/quiz/4327394.html
4. Choose your project type and get it approved by me.
5. Next, work on your outline using the HF 2016 Outline Template. 
6. Finally, start creating your project!  Class workdays are May 10-13.

Illinois Constitution Test is May 6 & 9

You must also pass the Illinois Constitution test May 6 and 9.
Finish your practice test by then.
Flashcards are on quizlet.  I'd recommend using the quizlet app or Flashcards NKO or other free app.



More games an activities are here:

Illinois Constitution Battleship

Illinois Constitution Hangman

Illinois Constitution Rags to Riches

Want to see who your Illinois and Federal representatives are?  Click here and enter your address.

History Fair Thesis

Write a thesis using the gold Thesis Proposal sheet.  If you're having trouble answering the questions, you need to read more about your topic.  A thesis is due May 4 and 5.

There is also a lot of excellent information in a video about the theme at the Minnesota HF site.

Once you can answer #1-5 on the worksheet, write a thesis.  Use the Thesis Generator (for computers) to help you construct a thesis if you're having trouble.   

Use this link for iPads: Thesis Generator for iPads

What makes a good thesis?
 

Finally, retake the sources quiz.  Didn't get a good score?  Take it as many times as you want to get a good score.
Primary vs. Secondary Sources Quiz
http://www.quia.com/quiz/4327394.html

History Fair 2016 Phase II April 26 - May 3

1) Everyone should have a History Fair topic and blue key sheet should be filled out.

2) Today you need to decide if you're going to work alone or with one other person in your block and then write a thesis using the gold Thesis Proposal sheet.  If you're having trouble answering the questions, you need to read more about your topic.  A thesis is due May 2 and 3.

There is also a lot of excellent information in a video about the theme at the Minnesota HF site.

3) Once you can answer #1-6 on the worksheet, write a thesis.  Use the Thesis Generator (for computers) to help you construct a thesis if you're having trouble.  iPad?  Use this link: Thesis Generator

4) Finally, retake the sources quiz.  Didn't get a good score?  Take it as many times as you want to get a good score.
Primary vs. Secondary Sources Quiz
http://www.quia.com/quiz/4327394.html

The US Constitution Test is April 20 & 21. Study flashcards on your phone or online!

US Constitution Flashcards

Use your phone or other device to study flashcards.  There are literally 100's of flashcard apps for apple and android devices.  Most should work fine.  

1. Download a flashcard app
2. Import flashcards from  quizlet by searching under Elm US Constitution Test 2016
3. Add the set to your flashcard app's library or sets.

Quizlet has it's own app that you can download for all phones.  Flashcards by NKO is a free app for Apple and Android products that I've used. There's also flashcards+ and StudyBlue (for both Apple and Android and free) but have not used them. You do not have to spend money on an app.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/flashcards-+/id478986342?mt=8 

  You can also study them below:
 

History Fair 2016: Explore History Fair, the Theme, and Choose a Topic

Topic list 1 (click here)
Topic list 2 (click here)

Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History is the theme this year.  Look over the handouts in class and on the Chicago History Fair link below for topic ideas.  Read about them briefly and try to pick two or three.  There is also a lot of excellent information at the Minnesota HF site.

We will be working on History Fair in class and at home.  For now History Fair is individual.  When we start projects you may work with one other person in your block by approval. 

The first thing you need to do is come up with a topic. 

Looking forward to another great year of History Fair!