Remembering 9/11

Eight years later we find ourselves again reflecting on the terrible attacks of September 11th and their aftermath. We'll be reading and discussing the events of the day. Some classes may also watch this excellent video from Newsweek about Generation 9/11.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/215044?GT1=43002

President Obama's Message for America's Students

A relevant, moving speech about personal responsibility. We watch it in class on Wednesday & Thursday.














If you missed it or want to watch it again here it is:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/video/President-Obamas-Message-for-Americas-Students/
Or read the transcript here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-in-a-National-Address-to-Americas-Schoolchildren/

Sitting out this school year

At first I was planning to take off a semester to stay home and take care of my son, Jonah. Things have been going really well here at home, although I do miss teaching a lot. During one the most important elections in US history and I'm not teaching?!? Oh, well. It's certainly worth it to be home.

I'll be returning for the 2009-2010 school year.

In the meantime you can check out this civics quiz. I'm a little skeptical of some of the questions and their correct gauging of civics, and some of their conclusions about the data are rather dubious, but if you've had me for a year you should do fairly well since most of the questions are on the Constitution and last 100 years of US history. Enjoy

8th Grade Graduation

Graduation went well this past Saturday and the 8th Graders are now finished. Good luck!

The Great Debate 2008

As our last major activity we also practiced debating. This was my first time trying this in class and I think that it wend very well. Here are some pictures of ace debtors (some more shy than others).

End of the Year

It's been a great year. We started with America in 1900 and traveled all the way to 2008. We also took the state required US & Illinois Constitution tests.

Debate WebQuest & 50 States Geography

Debate

First research "agree" or "disagree" debate points if you need to.

Next, decide on who you’re going to write to and find their name, address, and email.

Then write your rough draft of your postcard on your worksheet. Rough drafts are due next class.

50 States Geo

On your computer, Click on Start > All Programs > Map Games > US Map Puzzle and use the timed version and see how you do.

Or online, you can also try this resource for learning and testing but this one is my favorite.

United States & Illinois Constitution Test Completed!

We're that much closer to graduation. We're now moving onto state geography, current events, and debate.

Illinois Constitution Flashcards

are hosted at flashcardexchange.com
Click here, page down and click on study.
The test is Wednesday & Thursday next week.
Good luck!

Jonah Visits

Today my son, Jonah, visited the school.

He must really love history.