Happenings in history

8th graders have been studying Colonial America and what changed the viewpoints to declare independence from Great Britain. The students took part in an experience to make them feel what taxation without representation felt like, debated each other as patriots and loyalists, and are doing a project on the Declaration of Independence--creating a comic or story for children. The directions to that assignment are in the links above.

Here are some pictures of 8A's debate. Sorry for the terrible pictures quality!

Welcome!

Please use this blog to get a first-hand view of what the 8th graders are studying in history class this year. I plan to post pictures/videos of activities and projects throughout the year so please check back frequently.

Please also note the tabs at the top of the page. As the year continues, I will be using them as a gathering place of any important links and student work.

Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

This past summer, Mrs. Brown and I were given the amazing opportunity to attend a teaching institute at Colonial Williamsburg. It was a rewarding and wonderful experience and I can't wait to share what I learned throughout the year of history. Below are some pictures to give you a small taste.

Lady Dunmore and Martha Washington

Mrs. Brown and I standing at Jamestown Island.

A pew in Williamsburg where George Washington likely sat.

Field of surrender at Yorktown

Some of you might recognize Thomas Jeffferson!

This artifact was mind blowing!

Field Notebook from Civil War explanation

Research paper is under way!

The research has started! Details can be found in the research paper link above. I will continue to put information there as we continue.

Civil War Test

The Civil War test will be next week on Monday. Look above in the assignment links for the study guide if you misplace the one I gave you in class.

Civil War Studies

The 8th graders have been learning about the Civil War for most of the quarter. Unfortunately, some of those snow days pushed us back a bit! They have been taking notes on mini-lectures, watching both movie and documentary clips, and participating in some activities. A couple of weeks ago, students put themselves in the place of either injured soldiers or Civil War surgeons. They were pretty grossed out at the medical conditions of the patients! Sadly, a few of the students did not make it through their injury.

Today they learned about unfair draft practices that occurred in the North. Some members of the class were required to go to "basic training" while others who could pay $300 were able to choose not to join the Army. Next week we will be looking at the importance of African-American troops to the war and will watch scenes from Glory and learn specifically about the 54th Massachusetts Regiment.

Here are some pictures of the students acting as surgeons and soldiers.