Social Studies Fair: Relevance to Today

I have had a couple of questions about the section of the Social Studies Fair Display Rubric on the item "Relevance to Today." I want a sentence or two explaining how the topic is relevant (or important) today. For example, if I were making a display on the Giza Pyramids I might state that "The Pyramids of Giza remain relevant to today's world as examples of public works projects that provided jobs for laborers when they were not needed for other tasks. Franklin D. Roosevelt similarly used public works projects to provide employment during The Great Depression when much of the labor force was not needed in the private sector."

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Happy holidays to all!

Remember the Social Studies Display & Monologue

The display and monologue are due 08 January 2008. The rubrics and instructions are availble on the web site.

The Social Studies Fair Page

The Monologue -- 1 minute, 45 seconds to 2 minutes long, and a minute of Q & A

Open-Notes Test on Tuesday

The test covers the Medici family under Giovanni and (mainly) Cosimo. You may bring one page, front and back, of your notes. Compare notes with your friends to find any gaps. 

Tests on Friday

I have scheduled two open-notes tests on Friday to avoid conflicts with field trips scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday. The tests will cover the Crusades and William the Conqueror.

Hanging Out at the Nakatosh Cafe

I am sitting with Mrs. Parrish at out temporary HQ at the Nakatosh Cafe. So far the trip has been great. Occasionally I see one of our chaperone groups occasionally stroll by as we wait for the lights. We will meet back here (corner of Front and Church) at 5:30 PM and walk to the bus at 5:45 PM for a 6:00 PM departure. We are on schedule to arrive at Hobby Lobby at 7:10 PM as planned.

As we walked by the Old Courthouse Museum I noticed that the George Rodrigue exhibit has been extended through 2 February 2008.

A few reminders about the Natchitoches Trip

As we discussed in class:

• We leave CMM at 8:15 AM. Go to your Stallion Roundup for attendance. We will call for you around 8:00 AM.
• The CMM Dress Code is in effect on the trip.
• We will arrive at Hobby Lobby at 7:10 PM. Please arrange to have someone pick you up there.
• We will learn a lot and have fun. Your good behavior makes field trips possible. I know I can expect all of you to be at your best.

Half-Credit for Late Papers

I will grant half-credit for late papers submitted on Thursday, 06 December IF an essay on time management is attached. The essay must be formatted in Times 12-point font, no more than double spaced, and must be a full page or no late credit will be allowed. After Thursday no credit will be allowed.

Poinsettias Delivered on Wednesday

Poinsettia orders arrive on Wednesday, 5 December 2007. Please be prepared to pick them up if you cannot carry them home.

"Open Notes" Test Monday - One Sheet Allowed

As posted on the marker board, our test is Monday. It will cover GLE #34, the American Government videos from Thursday & Friday of the week before Thanksgiving, and the Crusader video covered after the 18 question quiz.

You may bring one 8.5" by 11" sheet of paper with any notes you want for the test. I will collect this paper (not for a grade, but for my records) after the test. The GLE #34 notes are posted on my site (see the last Weekly Preview for a link). The other notes should have been taken in class. If you missed a day, phone a friend for notes.

I seldom give open notes tests, but I know you all want to enjoy your holidays. I will make the rest of the tests for this grading period open notes tests as my holiday gift to you.

As far as the binder check, only concern yourself with what we covered in class. We will be taking a homework holiday for the rest of the grading period (except for the research paper, still due on 4 December).

Happy holidays!!!

BTW, the Natchitoches Trip will be on Friday. Remaining seats are available on a first-come/first serve basis on Monday.

Basic Supply & Demand

Ancient Causcasian Mummies in China

Natchitoches Trip Deadline: Friday, 30 November 2007

Friday is the last possible day to turn in the Natchitoches Trip forms and donations. It will be a great trip!

Weekly Preview for 26-30 November 2007

I hope your Thanksgiving holiday was all that you wanted it to be. I am posting this on the first Sunday of the break in case anyone needs a break from the xBox or shopping. ;-)

I've decided that I will not take up your rough drafts of your Social Studies Fair Papers.

Monday
Bellringer: 7 facts on the Franks
GLE #34
American Government video (if time permits)

Tuesday & Wednesday - LIBRARY
We will join Mrs. Berg's students for two days of Medieval world history review for the LEAP through a video series on the Crusades.
Bellringer: KWL Chart on the Crusades (we will do this in class)
Mind map or linear notes on the video series
Quiz on the videos on Wednesday!

Thursday
Bellringer: 7 facts on the Merovingians
GLE #35
American Government video (if time permits)

Friday
Bellringer: 7 facts on Charlemagne
Test & binder check
GLE #36
American Government video (if time permits)

Change of Plans

I will be out Monday. Please do not turn in your outlines and sketches to the sub -- give them to me when I return. I expect that Mrs. Parrish still wants her copy on Monday. Push back the bellringers by one day, as well as the other events. Therefore the test is now scheduled for Wednesday, if I am back on Tuesday. I hope to be back soon.

Natchitoches Trip Forms

Please return your Natchitoches Trip Forms and donations ASAP.

Established in 1714, Natchitoches is the oldest permanent settlement in what is today Louisiana (New Orleans was established in 1718). The Cane River meanders through the city past the site of Fort St. Jean Baptiste (with it’s recently renovated museum and historical re-enactors) and out into Creole Country where generations have created a unique culture with French, African, and Native American roots. Melrose Plantation, started in 1833 by a freed slave woman, bears witness to history and art. Restored around the turn of the last century, it became a haven to writers and artists such as Lyle Saxon and Clementine Hunter. Old oaks covered in resurrection moss create the feel of an ancient place. Several films were shot at Melrose because it is an impressive Louisiana plantation home.

The Natchitoches Meat Pie is an official state food in Louisiana. The best known retaurant that specializes in the Natchitoches Meat Pie is Lasyone Meat Pie Restaurant in downtown.

A recent visit to Natchitoches found the riverfront shopkeepers decorating for Christmas. The booths for the upcoming festival appeared by the river. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the old Cane River. Won’t you join us for a day of heritage and enjoyment as we make history come alive on the Cane River?

Poinsettia Sales

Please sell the poinsettias to help fund Mardi Gras. If we have a float in the Krewe of Highlands parade every flower sold gets you an entry in the drawing to be eligible to ride (you will still have to buy the beads, however).

Test 2.4 Study Guides

The interactive flashcards
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test24fcfolder/


Printable versions

Plain Text
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test24studyguide.txt

Rich Text
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test24studyguide.rtf

Word
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test24studyguide.doc

Pages (Apple)
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test24studyguide.pages

Acrobat
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test24studyguide.pdf

Weekly Preview: 12-16 November 2007

Monday, 12 November 2007
Bellringer: 7 facts about the Visigoths
GLE #30
Quiz Game Test Review

Tuesday, 13 November 2007
Bellringer: 7 facts about the Huns
Test 2.4
GLE #31
American Government video (if time permits)

Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Bellringer: 7 facts about the Ostrogoths
GLE #32
American Government video (if time permits)

Thursday, 15 November 2007
Bellringer: 7 facts about the Vandals
GLE #33
American Government video (if time permits)

Friday, 16 November 2007
Bellringer: 7 facts about the Franks
GLE #34
American Government video (if time permits)

Scouting the Natchitoches Field Trip

I spent Saturday in the Natchitoches area scouting our upcoming field trip. Melrose Plantation, established 1833, is one of my favorite old houses. The history and art on display at the house combine two interests into one visit.

The first Christmas Festival booths were set up as we walked by the Cane River. The shop keepers were decorating on Saturday afternoon. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the Cane River.

Weekly Preview: 5-9 November 2007

Monday: 05 November 2007
Bellringer: 7 facts about Julius Caesar
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9108314/Julius-Caesar
Review for Test 2.3
GLE #26 Presentation & Activity -- Small Groups
American Government video

Tuesday: 06 November 2007
Bellringer: 7 facts about Rome under Augustus Caesar (page 40)
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9109501/Rome
Test 2.3
GLE #27 Presentation & Activity
American Government video

Wednesday: 07 November 2007
Bellringer: 7 facts about later Roman emperors (page 41)
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9109501/Rome
Western Acadian Parishes via the Quiz Game (review the chart before class to be ready to play) (we will come back to Acadiana East next week)
http://paulblankenship.com/SocialStudies/LaStudies/Parishes/AWparishes/acadianawestpari.html
Complete the GLE #2 map and GLE #4 chart for these parishes. If you lost your copy print another.
GLE #2
http://paulblankenship.com/SocialStudies/LaStudies/LaGeography/louisianastudieb.html
GLE #4
http://paulblankenship.com/SocialStudies/LaStudies/LaGeography/louisianastudied.html
American Government video

Thursday: 08 November 2007
Bellringer: 7 facts about the slow decline of the Roman Empire (page 42)
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9109501/Rome
GLE #28 Presentation & Activity
American Government video

Friday: 09 November 2007
Bellringer: 7 facts about the decay of Roman imperial authority (page 43)
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9109501/Rome
GLE #29 Presentation & Activity
American Government video
DUE: OUTLINE OF PAPER (YOU MAY CHANGE IT LATER BUT I WANT AN IDEA OF WHERE YOU ARE GOING)

Remember to sell poinsettias.

Better thesis statements

See:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/01/

About the paper

See:
http://paulblankenship.com/SocialStudies/SocialStudiesFair/socialstudiesfaa.html

Monday's Binder Check

As I mentioned in class, the Monday Binder Check will include your notes from the days I was out sick (Monday-Wednesday) and the bellringers since the last check. Any recent GLEs up to #23 are fair game.

Test Delayed until Monday

I hope no one minds, but since we have had some technical difficulties with the flashcards, I'm postponing the test until Monday.

The Link for the Plain Text Study Guide

http://www.paulblankenship.com/test23studyguide.txt

Plain Text Study Guide 2.3

If no other version will work for you I have posted the plain text version. It's not pretty but it works. The flashcards are best. As I mentioned in class a few times, you may have to turn on JAVA in Explorer and go into your control panel for your firewall/virus/spyware programs and permit JAVA to run. I opened the flashcards on an old computer on campus. I installed JAVA and had the flashcards running in 3 minutes. Just click through the screens. If you have trouble email me. I will do what I can on my end but if your computer is locked down tight by protection software my efforts may be in vain and I am not familiar with most of the PC protection software because I run Mac and Ubuntu Linux at home.

Test will be Friday

Hopefully you will have come down from your Halloween sugar high and be ready for Test 2.3 on Friday. I will review you when I see you on Thursday.

Another Study Guide 2.3 for Word

For those unable to open either of the other Study Guides, here is the Word version:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test23studyguide.doc

Study Guide 2.3 in Acrobat (.pdf) Format

For those unable to open the Java flashcards:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test23studyguide.pdf

Test Delayed

I will be out on Tuesday, so no test for now. If I am back on Wednesday the test will be on Thursday, as I will need a day to review. Be nice to my subs.

Poinsettia Sales

Please remember to sell the Poinsettias. Forms and flyers went home last week. Our Mardi Gras is financed through the sales.

Weekly Preview for 29 October to 02 November 2007

Monday
Bellringer: 7 facts about Rome during the Mid-Republic Period (page 38)
Rome
Review for Test 2.3
GLE #26 Presentation & Activity
American Government video

Tuesday
Bellringer: 7 facts about Rome during the Late Republic Period (page 39)
Rome
Test 2.3
GLE #27 Presentation & Activity
American Government video

Wednesday
Bellringer: 7 facts about Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar
Acadiana West Parishes, GLE 2 & GLE 4 (if you lost the sheets print new ones from my site)
American Government video

Thursday
Bellringer: 7 facts about Rome under Augustus Caesar (page 40)
Rome
GLE #28 Presentation & Activity
American Government video

Friday
Bellringer: 7 facts about Augustus Caesar
Augustus
GLE #29 Presentation & Activity
American Government video

Flashcards for Test 2.3

Flashcards for Test 2.3 (Tuesday, 30 October 2007):
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test23cardsfolder

Weekly Preview: 22-26 October 2007

Monday, 22 October 2007
Bellringer: What study techniques work for you?
Finish GLE #21 & #22
Review for Test 2.2
American Government video

Tuesday, 23 October 2007
Bellringer: List 7 facts about the Etruscans
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9033158/Etruscan
Test 2.2
Discuss thesis statements for Social Studies Fair Papers
GLE #23 - Presentation and activity
American Government video

Wednesday, 24 October 2007
Bellringer: What law would you like to see passed in Louisiana, and why?
GLE #24 - Presentation and activity
Writing a bill for GLE #25 - homework assignment
American Government video

Thursday, 25 October 2007
Bellringer: List 7 facts about the Founding of Ancient Rome (see page 36 of the article)
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-23914/Rome
GLE #25 - Legislative Simulation
THESIS STATEMENT DUE
Binder Check 2.2

Friday, 26 October 2007
Bellringer: List 7 facts about the Roman Republic (see page 37 of the article)
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-23914/Rome
GLE #25 - Legislative Simulation concluded
GLE #26
Discuss Social Studies Fair Research Paper outline and display sketch
American Government video

Study Guide 2.2

I have posted at Study Guide for Test 2.2 (scheduled for Tuesday):
http://www.paulblankenship.com/studyguide22.pdf

The Major System

The Major System is a useful study technique for learning numbers, dates, and statistics. Please know the following by next Tuesday:

0 = z, s, soft c (as in cell)
1 = d, t, th
2 = n
3 = m
4 = r
5 = L
6 = j, g, sh, soft ch (as in cheese), zh
7 = k, q, qu, -ng (as in ring), hard ch (as in loch)
8 = f, v
9 = p, b

We will use this technique to generate mnemonics for class.

See also:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/Mind/majorsystem.html

The Industrialization of Louisiana

A student requested help with research on the industrialization of Louisiana. I was glad to help. See the link below for all my "delicious" links about "industrialization:"
http://del.icio.us/LouisianaStudies/industrialization
You may bookmark the link and check back later to see if I have added more links as I surf.
If you are stuck on your research topic I will try to help you, but don't wait until the last minute (or week) or I may not have time to help you. Some sources that may help many of you are Bennett Wall's Louisiana: A History (available at the library or on Amazon.com) and your textbook.

GLE #23 Presentation and Outline

I have posted the GLE #23 presentation and outline.
http://www.paulblankenship.com/SocialStudies/LaStudies/LaCivics/louisianacivicse.html

GLE #21 Presentation and Outline

I added a presentation and outline to help you complete GLE #21.
http://www.paulblankenship.com/SocialStudies/LaStudies/LaCivics/louisianacivicsc.html

Study Guide for Test 2.1

The test is on Tuesday, 16 October 2007.
The test covers GLEs 18, 19, and 20.

GLE #18

• Know the branches and levels of government.
• Know the facts about the legislative branch at federal and state levels.

GLE #19

• Know the purposes of constitutions.
• Know the basis for government.
• Compare the legislative branch at the federal and state levels.
• Know the role of each branch of government.

GLE #20

• Know the CEOs at each level.
• Know the Louisiana elected executive branch officials and their powers and responsibilities.
• Know the powers and limits of the Governor.
• Know about impeachment.
• Know the leadership of the legislative branch at the state and federal levels.
• Know the powers of the judicial branch.
• Know the limits on the President.
• Know the amendment process at the federal level.
• Know the powers of the legislative branch at the federal level.

Extra Credit Opportunity: Historical Marker Scavenger Hunt

For 10 extra-credit points:
- have someone take your picture standing beside a historical marker
- be the first person to email or bring me a picture of that historical marker
- the Huey Long House does not count

Only the first person to send or bring me the picture (not to take the picture) of that marker gets the points. You must be in the picture. No editing allowed. One bonus per student per grading period (9 weeks) allowed. You may not turn in this bonus during the last week of a grading period.

Point Sheets

Point Sheets went home on Thursday and Friday. They are due signed by Monday. I will deduct 5 extra-credit participation points per day that they are not returned starting Tuesday.

Health Screening Forms

Please return your health screening forms on Monday if you have not done so. I will take 5 extra-credit participation points per day that they are not returned starting Tuesday.

Weekly Preview: 15-19 October 2007

Monday, 15 October 2007
Bellringer: 7 Facts on Aristotle
Review for Test 2.1

Tuesday, 16 October 2007
Bellringer: 7 Facts on Mayan civilization
Test 2.1
Civics GLEs

Wednesday, 17 October 2007
Bellringer: 7 Facts on Olmec civilization
Civics GLEs
American Government Video

Thursday, 18 October 2007
Bellringer: 7 Facts on Toltec civilization
Civics GLEs
Binder Check 2.1
American Government Video

Friday, 19 October 2007
Bellringer: 7 Facts on Incan civilization
Civics GLEs
American Government Video

Update on the Natchitoches Trip

Please bring in your head count form if you have not done so. I called the bus company and got a quote on 4 buses. I think we will need at least that many buses.I need all of the head count forms back before I can give you a price for the trip. Empty seats cause the price per person to rise, so I hope we can fill all the seats on the buses.

I contacted Lasyone's about lunch, we will eat in two groups. We will order a standard plate with a meat pie. If you are a vegetarian, have religious dietary requirements that would prevent you from eating a meat pie, or are allergic to foods fried in peanut oil I need to know that now so I can make other arrangements for you. You may have to bring a sack lunch because our options are limited.

Mrs. Newton's Comments

Mrs. Newton's comments about today were very positive. Thanks for being well-behaved today!

Vote in our Gubernatorial Poll

My students are invited to vote in a gubernatorial poll on this blog. I want a sense of which candidates have support among my students. We may even conduct a class debate on the governor's race. Please read about the candidates listed and learn about their positions.

Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 4 Section 3

Please read Chapter 4, Section 3 of your textbook (pages 126 to 132) and answer the four questions on page 132 by Tuesday. A pop quiz on the section is possible.

Weekly Preview: 8-12 October 2007

Remember that we are at the end of the grading period. Any make-up tests must be completed and submitted by Tuesday or no credit will be given.

Monday
Bellringer: What have your learned this nine-weeks? (5 sentence paragraph)
GLE #20, continued as needed
GLE #21, continued as needed
GLE #22
GLE #23

Tuesday
Bellringer: 7 facts on the Hittites
GLE #21, continued as needed
GLE #22, continued as needed
GLE #23, continued as needed
GLE #24

Wednesday
Bellringer: 7 facts on the Ancient Greece
Video & mindmap on the Greeks (world history review) -- you will turn in the mindmap to Mrs. Newton at the end of class

Thursday
Bellringer: 7 facts on Socrates
GLE #22, continued as needed
GLE #23, continued as needed
GLE #24, continued as needed
GLE #25
Binder Check 1.6

Friday
Bellringer: 7 facts on Plato
Video & mindmap on Alexander the Great (read the article if you miss class) (world history review)
Binder Check 1.6, continued

GLE #20 in "Plain Vanilla"

I posted a text file of the GLE #20 presentation. It lacks any formatting but allows the student to copy and paste the information into any word processor and print as needed.
GLE #20 in Plain Vanilla Text

GLE #20 Outline

Some students told me that they had problems printing the GLE #20 presentation notes. I am providing an outline that may be easier to print.
GLE #20 Outline

Natchitoches Head Count Letter

I need a head count of all students and adults planning on joining us on the Natchitoches Field Trip. Please print and sign the letter on this link. I will give 5 extra credit points for anyone turning in the letter (whether you are going or not) by 2:45 PM on Friday, 05 October 2007. The letter is not a commitment and no deposit is required at this time. The letter will help me determine the total cost of the trip.
http://www.paulblankenship.com/NatchitochesHeadCount.pdf

Note-Taking Guides for GLEs #19 & #20

I posted the note-taking guides on GLEs #19 and #20 on the web. You may print these and bring them to class to save time on note-taking.
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle19presentationnotes.pdf
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle20presentationnotes.pdf

EWE Presents the Movies (in 1988)

Edwin Edwards presents the top ten movies for some week back in 1988. A fun bit of trivia for Louisiana Studies.

Chaperones on the Natchitoches Trip

We have the minimum number of chaperones for the Natchitoches trip on 7 December 2007. If you are considering joining us but have not committed please know that you are most welcome to join us. I will begin reserving buses and venues this week. When I have more news I will post it here. I am not 100% certain that the trip will happen. However, I am encouraged by the response so far and unless some unforeseen problem arises I expect the trip to happen.

Weekly Preview: 1-5 October 2007

Remember that pop quizzes may be given on the bellringers or parish seats at any time.

Monday
Bellringer: How did you prepare for this test?
The Geography Unit Test
If we finish the test early we will continue the video from Friday.

Tuesday
Bellringer: 7 facts about the Minoans.
Discuss Geography Unit Test
GLE #19
GLE #20; film & discussion of Louisiana politics
Binder Check

Wednesday
Bellringer: 7 facts about the Phoenicians.
Acadiana West Parishes - discuss chart and play quiz game.
DUE: GLE #17 Assignment (be sure to complete your reference section or no credit will be given!)
DUE: Bring your Social Studies Fair sources (at least half of what is required for the paper) to class -- I will check for a 20 point project grade.
Binder Check continued

Thursday
Bellringer: 7 facts about the Chaldeans (do this even if you will miss my class for the Explore Test)
Film continued from Friday
Binder Check continued

Friday
Bellringer: 7 facts about the Medes.
GLE #20; film & discussion of Louisiana politics
GLE #21

New bellringer for Friday

New bellringer for Friday:
List 7 facts (one sentence each) about the Assyrian Empire.
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9009959/Assyria

Geography Unit Test Moved to Monday

After I rescheduled the test for Friday I learned that two trips were scheduled for that date. A large number of students came to me and told me they would be out on Friday. In order to avoid having so many make-up tests I have again rescheduled the Geography Unit Test for Monday.

Weekly Preview: 24-28 September 2007, Revised

Since the test is now on Friday, change the bellringers as follows (and as posted Monday on the boards in class):
Monday: Bronze Age
Tuesday: Iron Age
Wednesday: Mesopotamia
Thursday: Ancient Egypt
Friday: How did you study for this test?

We are spending the week playing quiz games to review for the test. Please bring your binders each day.

Will the material from the quiz games be on the Geography Unit Test?

Questions from the game will only be on the test if they also appear in the study guide I gave you last week. I added some material to the games to make them more challenging. The games also review World History and American History.

Social Studies Fair Disciplines in the EB

I am posting the disciplines of social studies used in the Social Studies Fair. Please read the introductions to the articles to determine where your project best fits:

• anthropology
• economics
• geography
• history
• political science
• sociology

Geography Unit Test Rescheduled for Friday

Since we have not had time to play all the review games I created for the Geography Unit Test, I have rescheduled the test for Friday. However, the forecast calls for pop quizzes on the bellringers, so make sure you read the EB articles I assigned (see the last Weekly Preview, links to the left of this post).

Democracy

Bookmark for reference during the civics unit:
democracy

Greek Religion

Includes information on the religion of Ancient Greece. Bookmark for a future bellringer:
Greek religion

Ancient Greece in the EB

The EB article on Ancient Greece (bookmark for a future bellringer):
ancient Greek civilization

Natchitoches in the EB

Information about Natchitoches from the EB.
Natchitoches

Del.icio.us Education

Del.icio.us is a link sharing site. I created an account there to share links with you. As I find sites that relate to our course I will post them on del.icio.us under LouisianaStudies.

Pork: Supply and Demand in China

The law of supply and demand at work in Communist China:
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/BUSINESS/09/21/pigs.china.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Easy Extra Credit

Get a parent to sign a print-out of this entry for 5 points.

Louisiana's Legal Heritage

Slate.com posted an article just after Hurricane Katrina about Louisiana's legal roots.
http://www.slate.com/id/2126126/

JazzFest

JazzFest is an important cultural event in Louisiana each year.

http://www.nojazzfest.com/

Vote on the Geography Unit Test Format

Since we are about to begin our civics and citizenship unit I am putting democracy to work for our Geography Unit Test. Through 4:00 PM you may vote on the length of the test. You may vote for a longer test (100 questions) with fewer points per question or a shorter (50 questions) test with more points per question. Either way the test will count for 200 points that cannot be dropped. The poll is posted on this blog.

Extra Credit Opportunity: Where was Huey?

Huey Long, the flamboyant former governor of Louisiana, once lived about three miles from Caddo Middle Magnet while practicing law. I will give you the following hints but you must do some research to find the exact address:

• He could have walked to Byrd High School.
• You will know his house when you see it.

If you bring or e-mail a photo of yourself standing on the street in front of his former abode I will give you 10 extra credit points. This offer expires at 2:45 PM on Friday, 28 September 2007.

You must abide by all of the following rules to get the points:

• Do not disturb the current occupants.
• Stay on the sidewalk (public right-of-way).
• Go during daylight hours.
• The house must be in the background.
• No photo editing (someone always asks if they can do this).
• If you find it, you cannot tell anyone else where it is until after the due date.
  

Weekly Preview: 24-28 September 2007

Monday, 24 September 2007
• Bellringer: List 7 important facts about the Bronze Age. Article: Bronze Age
• Review for the Geography Unit Test

Tuesday, 25 September 2007
• Bellringer: How did you prepare for this test?
• The Geography Unit Test (200 points, no drop)

• Study Guide in Acrobat format (answers are in your old study guides, parish charts, and GLE activities)
• Practice Test (look in the upper right corner to check your answer)
  

Wednesday, 26 September 2007
• Bellringer: Bellringer: List 7 important facts about the Iron Age. Article: Iron Age
• Check GLE #17
• GLE #18 Activity
• GLE #19 Activity
• Video Scavenger Hunt (details TBA)

Thursday, 27 September 2007
• Bellringer: List 7 facts (one sentence each) about Mesopotamia (you only have to read the first page of the article). Article: history of Mesopotamia
• GLE #19 Activity, continued
• Video Scavenger Hunt continued

Friday, 28 September 2007
• Bellringer: List 7 facts (one sentence each) about ancient Egypt (you only have to read the first page of the article). Article: Egypt, ancient
• GLE #20 Activity
• Video Scavenger Hunt continued

Friday's Bellringer: The Neolithic Period

List 7 facts (i.e., non-obvious facts that show you did some research) about the Neolithic Period. The entire article is on the link below (you can ignore the sales pitch, you are getting the whole one-page article).
The Britiannica article:
Neolithic Period

Buckwheat Zydeco Plays Istanbul, Turkey

Remember cultural diffusion? You'd better on my next test! Buckwheat Zydeco, a famous Louisiana musician, playing to an enthusiastic crowd in Istanbul, Turkey is a great example of the global diffusion of Louisiana's culture and music. The Internet is a powerful tool for indirect cultural diffusion, but Buckwheat Zydeco performing in Istanbul is direct cultural diffusion.

Queen Ida and the Bon Temps Zydeco Band

The Queen of Zydeco:

How to Dance to Zydeco Music

No, I will not demonstrate this in class.

Sugar Cane Loader

Imagine how long it would take to harvest all this sugar cane by hand. You can see how technology is the resource multiplier in economics:

Catalhoyuk - Neolithic Settlement

An early settlement in Turkey:

DIY Stonehenge

How one man could build Stonehenge (no aliens required):

Ġgantija Neolithic Temples, Gozo, Malta

A neolithic temple older than the pyramids:

Reconstruction of a Neolithic House in Europe

Iroquois Flint Knapping Demonstration

Paleoplanet Photo Montage

Paleolithic hobbyists show off their new creations:

Flint Knapping

Basic flint knapping (a paleolithic skill) on YouTube:

New Rule for Next Set of Point Sheets

I am having a hard time getting some students to return their point sheets with a parent/guardian signature. Returning signed point sheets and other work is an important aspect of participating in my class. I give 50 extra-credit participation points each grading period as a reward for good participation and I deduct from those points when a student does not meet my expectations for participation. One of my class rules is to "follow directions the first time." Starting with the next point sheet (coming soon) I will give my usual five-point grade for turning in the point sheet on time. Students may turn in the sheet for no credit the following day. For every day after that I will deduct five participation points until the point sheet is returned with a parent signature or the participation points are eliminated. At that point I will write a referral for "failure to follow a reasonable request." I will also apply this rule to other forms requiring a signature. I hate to have to be tough about this, and many of you are great about returning point sheets and other forms. However, I must find a way to motivate those students that consistently fail to follow instructions.

Pop Quizzes

I may start giving pop quizzes on the bellringer assignments. I have not required you to read your textbook, but I do want you to read about the world history topics on the bellringers. Most of the articles I have posted are only about a page long. Many were not prepared for today's bellringer on Cro-Magnons. I expect you to read the brief Britannica articles I posted on the Paleolithic (Thursday) and Neolithic (Friday) Periods. We must review world history to prepare for the LEAP Test.

Never Give Up

I encourage you to read this article (from Emory University) about people who overcame failure. You will recognize most of the names. Failure is not final until you give up.
http://www.des.emory.edu/mfp/efficacynotgiveup.html

Weekly Preview Redux

If you missed the Weekly Preview last week here is a link. You may also use the index tag that says "Weekly Preview."
http://lastudies.blogspot.com/2007/09/weekly-preview-week-of-10-14-september.html

Gifted Children are Being Left Behind

The San Diego Union-Tribune published a thought-provoking article on the place of gifted students in the No Child Left Behind program:
http://cfx.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070829/news_lz1e29goodkin.html

I'm not promising anything, but...

Your 8th grade Gateway teachers are discussing a possible day trip to Natchitoches on 7 December 2007. Before we go any farther in our planning I need to know if there is interest in the trip and if enough parents are willing to go as chaperones. Last time we visited Natchitoches we toured the Kate Chopin House, Melrose Plantation, Fort St. Jean Baptiste, Lasyone's (for lunch), and shopped on Front Street. The last time we took this trip the cost was around $40/person but gas prices may increase the bus rental fees. I would like to have about one adult for every five students. If you are interested in serving as a chaperone please send a note saying so with your child or e-mail me. The large size of this year's class presents many challenges in planning a trip to Natchitoches because of the small venues involved in the trip but I am hopeful that with some creative scheduling we can make this trip a reality. The size of the group may require us to split into two groups (boys/girls) and visit different locations at different times so that the locations can accommodate us. Are you interested?

GLE #15 Presentation and Chart on Monday

We will cover the GLE #15 presentation and chart on Monday. If you are absent please complete the chart (worksheet) using the presentation. It will be due on Binder Check 1.5 on Tuesday.
http://www.paulblankenship.com/SocialStudies/LaStudies/LaGeography/louisianastudieo.html

Point Sheet 1.2 Reminder

Point Sheet 1.2, signed by a parent or guardian, is due on Monday.

Easy Extra Credit, 2nd Post

If you missed the announcement yesterday, here is a link to the extra credit assignment. One to a customer, please.
http://lastudies.blogspot.com/2007/09/easy-extra-credit.html

A few pointers on the art map

Here are some tips on the art map project:

• Read the rubric very carefully. Follow all directions. (The point of the assignment is to generate a map based on written instructions per GLE #3).
• Use a ruler to make your straight lines very straight.
• Check the number of cities, waterways, etc. against the rubric.
• Include the map scale and the legend/key.
• Do not wait until the last minute to start.
• Turn the project in on time. Late projects get no credit.

I look forward to seeing your creativity expressed through this project.

Do I need parishes on my art map?

Parishes are NOT required on your art map but it is OK if your included them.

Nine Cultural Subregions of Louisiana

You do NOT need this for your art map. I am posting this for those interested.

A more detailed map of Louisiana's cultures may be found here:
http://www.louisianafolklife.org/LT/Maps/creole_maps_subregions.html

Map of Ethnic Groups

I came across a map of Louisiana's ethnic groups:
http://www.louisianafolklife.org/LT/Maps/creole_maps_major_ethnic.html

Question on the Art Map

The rubric refers to the old textbook's chapter 24 for the three cultural regions of Louisiana. Your new book gives five cultural regions. For the sake of simplicity I recommend that you use the regions on this map:
http://www.louisianavoices.org/Unit4/edu_unit4_3subregions.html

However, you may use the five regions from the new book and the overhead if you prefer.

Thanks to the student who spotted this, he gets 5 bonus points.

The Man-of-War Explained

I love old sailing ships, and the man-of-war was a part of Louisiana's history. The following link is to an article explaining these great old ships:
http://www.kipar.org/piratical-resources/british-man-of-war.html

Geography Unit Test

The Geography Unit Test will conclude our Geography Unit on 25 September 2007, although we will continue work on the GLE #2 Map and GLE #4 Chart. I have posted a study guide and practice test on the web site.

Practice Test
http://www.paulblankenship.com/geotest/

Study Guide
http://www.paulblankenship.com/StudyGuideGeographyUnitTest.pdf

Test 1.5

I have posted the Study Guide and Practice Test for Test 1.5 (Tuesday).

Study Guide
http://www.paulblankenship.com/studyguide15.pdf

Practice Test
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test15online/

Lascaux Grotto: Cave Art

A famous site for cave art:
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9047247/Lascaux-Grotto

Aurignacian Culture and Cave Art

More help on cave art:
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9011286/Aurignacian-culture

Easy Extra Credit

For a very limited time only...
As a reward to students who check this blog on the weekend, I will give 5 extra credit points just for bringing a print-out of this blog entry.

To get the extra-credit you MUST:

• write your name on the top, the date, and your class period
• get a parent or guardian to sign the print-out

Feel free to forward this to your friends.
Due Monday -- no credit after Monday.

How to Analyze a Political Cartoon

Political cartoons are a part of the LEAP test (GLE #68). See this article for tips on analyzing a political cartoon:
http://www.wikihow.com/Analyze-Political-Cartoons

Reminder: Central Louisiana Parishes

Remember to complete the GLE #2 map and GLE #4 chart for central Louisiana. By Tuesday you should have finished the northwest, northeast, and central Louisiana parishes. Look at page 126 in your textbook for a map of parishes and parish seats. I have posted the answers to the GLE #4 charts on my web site.

Binder Check 1.5

Please have the following completed by Tuesday:
- Bellringers (Tuesday - Friday)
- GLE #10
- GLE #11
- GLE #12
- GLE #13
- GLE #14
- GLE #15
- Levee video notes or mind map
- Cave Art Bellringer
- Central Louisiana parishes on the GLE #2 Map and GLE #4 Chart

5th period - Bring GLE #8, completed.

Archaeology in Britannica

I am posting the link to the complete EB article on "archaeology:"

http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9113553/Archaeology

Point Sheets

Point Sheets went home today. They must be signed and returned by Monday. If you did not get one you may contact me at (kd5rui at mac . com )(I have to write it this way to avoid being spammed.)

Weekly Preview: 17-21 September 2007

We begin our World History review for the LEAP through the bellringers this week. If you do not remember enough from World History to answer the question you are responsible research the answer BEFORE you come to class. You may bring your notes to class to answer the question.

The Art Maps (GLE #3) are due this week. Please see the list below to find out when your Art Map is due. Please do not bring it in early or late.

Students may work on the Art Map during the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway video if they will get notes from a friend.

Monday, 17 September 2007
Bellringer: List 7 facts (one sentence each) about cave art.
GLE #15 Activity
Video: Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Bellringer: List 7 facts (one sentence each) about Neanderthals.
GLE #16 Activity
Test 1.5
Binder Check 1.5
Video: Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Bellringer: List 7 facts (one sentence each) about Cro-Magnon Man.
GLE #17 Activity
Video: Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
DUE: ART MAP OF LOUISIANA (LAST NAMES BEGINNING WITH A-H)

Thursday, 20 September 2007
Bellringer: List 7 facts (one sentence each) about the Paleolithic Period.
Geography Unit Test Review
DUE: ART MAP OF LOUISIANA (LAST NAMES BEGINNING WITH I-P)

Friday, 21 September 2007
Bellringer: List 7 facts (one sentence each) about the Neolithic Period.
Geography Unit Test Review
DUE: ART MAP OF LOUISIANA (LAST NAMES BEGINNING WITH Q-Z)

Geography Unit Test: Tuesday, 25 September 2007 (200 points, not eligible to be dropped)

GLE #6 - The Third Mind Map

The third mind map on GLE #6 does not have to be as large as the video mind maps. The amount of information on the single branch on the back of the GLE #6 handout is all you need for your whole map. However, you can't use that event, since I did it for you. Just show that you know how geography shapes the history of an event. Follow the Mind Map Rubric I gave you in class (which is on the Rubric Index of my site) I have suggestions and help for you here:

The GLE #6 Page

Study Guide for Test 1.4 on Tuesday

I fixed the link for the Acrobat version of the study guide for Test 1.4:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test14geo.pdf

Discussion of Social Studies Fair on Monday

Please write down any questions you have after reading the Social Studies Fair Packet for a class discussion on Monday. You may email your questions this evening.

Binder Check 1.4, Revised

Please have the following items ready for Tuesday on Binder Check 1.4:
GLE #2 with Northeast Louisiana Parishes & Seats
GLE #4, page 2 - Northeast Louisiana Parishes
GLE #7 - Paragraph
GLE #8 - Venn Diagram
GLE #9 - Class notes on a chart (we will do this on Monday, do not try to work ahead at home on GLE #9)
Bellringers for Thursday, Friday, and Monday
Mind Maps: Hurricane Katrina, Flood of 1927, and your mind map on a historical event influenced by geography (GLE #6)

Due Monday: Social Studies Fair Signature Sheet

Reminder: the signature form for the Social Studies Fair Packet is due on Monday. It is a 5 point grade. If you lost your copy please print another:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/ssfairsigsheet.pdf

Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth 2007-2008 Talent Search

If you want to participate in the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth 2007-2008 Talent Search you may apply at:
http://www.cty.jhu.edu

Wanted: TOP Student Volunteers

Are you a volunteer? Be acknowledged for your contribution by winning the 2007-2008 Prudential Spirit of Community Award. You may apply by 31 October 2007 at:

http://www.prudential.com/spirit

The CMM PTSA Magazine Fundraiser

The only fund-raiser for our CMM PTSA is the magazine subscription drive. When you renew magazine subscriptions through our fund-raising drive you help improve our school. I have used these funds to purchase a printer and a computer-projector for our classroom. The drive started on Friday. Please help us help you through this fund-raiser.

A student has already asked for and received my pledge to order.

Back to School Night on Monday at 6:00 PM

I look forward to meeting parents on Back to School Night on Monday at 6:00 PM.

Binder Check 1.4

Please have the following items ready for Tuesday on Binder Check 1.4:
GLE #2 with Northeast Louisiana Parishes & Seats
GLE #4, page 2 - Northeast Louisiana Parishes
GLE #7 - Paragraph
GLE #8 - Venn Diagram
GLE #9 - Class notes on a chart (we will do this on Monday)
Bellringers for Thursday, Friday, and Monday
Mind Maps: Hurricane Katrina, Flood of 1927, and your mind map on a historical event influenced by geography (GLE #6)

Social Studies Fair Packets

Social Studies Fair Packets went home today. Please sign and return the form for a 5 point classwork/homework grade on Monday.

Study Guide & Practice Test 1.4

The Study Guide and Practice Test for Test 1.4 (on Tuesday) is available on the 8th grade page:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/SocialStudies/LaStudies/cmmlahx.html

Study Guide 1.4
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test14geo.pdf

Practice Test 1.4
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test14geo/

Weekly Preview: Week of 10-14 September 2007

Monday, 10 September 2007
Bellringer: What did you learn from your Social Studies Fair Project last year?
Discuss Social Studies Fair Packets
DUE: Signed sheets for Social Studies Fair Packets
GLE #9 Notes
GLE #10 Activity
Review for Test 1.4

Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Bellringer: How have the 9/11 attacks changed the United States?
Test 1.4
Binder Check 1.4
GLE #11 Activity

Wednesday, 12 September 2007
Bellringer: How is cultural diversity a strength for Louisiana?
GLE #11 Activity continued
GLE #12 Activity
Video: Levees

Thursday, 13 September 2007
Bellringer: How are King Cakes an indicator of cultural diffusion?
GLE #13 Activity
Video: Levees (continued)

Friday, 14 September 2007
Bellringer: How has the levee system helped Louisiana? How has it harmed the state?
GLE #14 Activity
Video: Levees (continued)

Help with Wednesday's Bellringer

If you have time tonight (after studying for the test and prepping for the bellringer) I have a couple of links that might help with the Wednesday bellringer:
How could a family prepare for a disaster? What disasters are likely to occur in Shreveport? (five sentence paragraph)

This is NOT homework, but if you want to know more about the subject see these sites:
http://www.louisianaredcross.org/
http://www.ready.gov/
http://www.caddobossierohsep.org/links.asp
http://www.fema.gov/
http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/
http://www.skywarn.org/

Test 1.3 on Wednesday

Test 1.3 is on Wednesday, 5 September.

Printable version
http://www.paulblankenship.com/Test13geographyonline.pdf

Interactive version
http://www.paulblankenship.com/Test13geographyonline/

Look on your crossword puzzles and previous study guides for answers.
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test13geographyonline/

Katrina Notes in Outline Form

http://www.paulblankenship.com/KatrinaOutline.pdf

Binder Check 1.3

Have the following for the check:
- Bellringers
- GLE #5 Sheet
- Mind Map of Katrina - does not have to be finished, but I want to see what you have so far
- GLE #4, page 1
- GLE #2, NW LA parishes and seat on the map
- landforms crossword

GLE #4 Charts Posted with Google Maps

I finished posting all the parish charts for GLE #4. Each parish has a link to a page with an embedded Google Map.
http://www.paulblankenship.com/SocialStudies/LaStudies/Parishes/parishesoflouisi.html

How Clocks Work

The longitude video explained how clocks were used to determine longitude at sea. This video explains how mechanical clocks work.

How Floods Work

We will watch a video on the 1927 Flood when we finish the video on Hurricane Katrina. This short video explains how floods work.

How GPS Works

Remember the Global Positioning System we discussed in our lessons on GLE #1? Here is a brief video that explains how GPS works.

How Hurricanes Work

Aaron Neville's 1927 Song with Slideshow

Aaron Neville Singing about the Flood of 1927 at the Katrina Concert

Aaron Neville, a legendary Louisiana musician, sings about the Flood of 1927 at a concert to raise money for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Hurricane Katrina Storm Chasers

Video from storm chasers in Hurricane Katrina.

Hurricane Katrina and the Second Amendment

Should the government be able to suspend Constitutional rights in an emergency?

Northeast Louisiana Parishes Chart for GLE #4

The Northeast Louisiana Parishes Chart (Week 2) for GLE #4 is online. See:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/SocialStudies/LaStudies/Parishes/NELAparishes/northeastlouisia.html

I have embedded a Google Map in the page for each parish. Some parishes may have additional links or information. You may use these to help with the GLE #2 parishes map, though the textbook might be easier to use.

Google Calendars in English, Science, and Social Studies

Ms. Just, Mrs. Parrish, and Mrs. Pomeroy have added Google Calendars. You may now subscribe to any of these that you need (along with mine) so your tests and due dates are in one convenient location.

Mrs. Pomeroy


Ms. Just


Mrs. Parrish


Mr. Blankenship

Change of Due Date on GLE #6

I pushed back the due date of GLE #6 (mind maps) from Friday (7 Sept.) to Tuesday (11 Sept.) because I noticed that two other assignments were due in English and Science that day. How did I know that? See my next post...

Hurricane Katrina Mind Map

By popular demand, I have posted my mind map of the Hurricane Katrina video. The mind map has grown well beyond a normal mind map as I have used it to demonstrate the mind map process in each class. Your mind map does not need to be this extensive. I use Novamind to create my mind maps, but pencil, paper, and markers are all you need.

My Hurricane Katrina Mind Map
http://www.paulblankenship.com/katrinamindmap.pdf

Remember to follow my Mind Map Rubric
http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php?screen=ShowRubric&module=Rubistar&rubric_id=1095617&PHPSESSID=ba89d3c30b304629a0cd38e658cc8850

Point Sheets

Except for 6th period, point sheets went home on Friday. They must be signed and returned. 6th period will get their point sheets on Tuesday.

Nothing Due on Tuesday

In honor of Labor Day, nothing is due on Tuesday. You may want to work on your Art Map of Louisiana or your Social Studies Fair Projects, but that is up to you. Have a wonderful long weekend.

The Social Studies Fair Packet

The Social Studies Fair Packet is available online:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/SocialStudies/SocialStudiesFair/socialstudiesfai.html

Study Guide 1.3

The Study Guide for Test 1.3 is available on the site at:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/Test13geographyonline.pdf

I provided copies of this in class on Friday. The test is on Wednesday.

Correction: Test 1.3 and Binder Check 1.3 Next Week

The Weekly Preview should have stated that the test & binder check next week is 1.3, not 1.4.

Weekly Preview

Monday
Labor Day -- no school!

Tuesday
Bellringer: What lessons should we learn from Hurricane Katrina? (five sentence paragraph)
Review for Test 1.3
Video on the Flood of 1927 - make a mind map for GLE #6

Wednesday
How could a family prepare for a disaster? What disasters are likely to occur in Shreveport? (five sentence paragraph)
Test 1.3
Binder Check 1.3
Video on the Flood of 1927 - make a mind map for GLE #6

Thursday
Who do you blame for the delayed recovery of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina? (five sentence paragraph)
Video on the Flood of 1927 - make a mind map for GLE #6
Work on the third mind map for GLE #6 -- your choice of topic from Louisiana history
GLE #2 Map & GLE #4 Chart: Northeast Louisiana

Friday
Interpret the song played in class. What political statement is made by this song? (five sentence paragraph)
Due: GLE #6 Mind Maps
GLE #8: Venn Diagram
GLE #9: Chart

Practice Test 1.3

I have posted the Practice Test 1.3
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test13geographyonline

Social Studies Fair Due Dates Posted on the Course Calendar

I posted the due dates for the Social Studies Fair assignments on the course calendar this afternoon.

Art Map of Louisiana Due Date

The due date for the Art Map of Louisiana is 19 September. I made the assignment a week ago. The due date is 4 weeks from the day I assigned it. If you lost your packet look on the Rubric Index page on my site.

Extra Credit Puzzle, +5 Points

Using the Major System (see my "study" page on the web site), determine the date encoded in the phrase "DEEP DAZE DUCK FOOD" and the event that occurred on that date. The format is DAY-MONTH-YEAR. The deadline is Friday.

Binder Check 1.2 Tomorrow, 29 August 2007

Please have the following for the check:
Historic Places Crossword
Bellringers from Thursday, Friday, Monday, and Tuesday
Study Guide 1.2 - highlighted or underlined from class on Friday
GLE #4 Chart - only what we did in class! It is not homework.
GLE #2 Map: Just the rivers and lakes, NOT the parishes and seats.

Practice Test 1.2

I posted a practice version of Test 1.2:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/test12online/

Dress Up on Thursday for Portrait Day

The Yearbook Staff requests that you look you best for pictures on Thursday.

Caddo Parish in the 2000 Census

Interesting statistics on our parish:
2000 Census for Caddo Parish

Encyclopedia Britannica on Louisiana

Encyclopedia Britannica is a subscription service. However, I can share Britannica articles with you for free through this blog. See me in class if you need access to an article for your research papers. You may use Britannica but not Wikipedia as a reference on your papers. The "Louisiana" article is posted below:

Louisiana

Robert Fulton's Steamboat

Robert Fulton created the first commercially successful steamboat on 1807. The article does not mention that Fulton's boat was too weak to travel upstream on the Mississippi River. Captain Henry Miller Shreve invented the steamboat for that task.

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2007/08/dayintech_0817

Henry Miller Shreve

Origins of Civilization May Have Been More Widespread than Previously Believed

New evidence suggests that the origins of civilization may have been more widespread than previously believed. See the following article for details:
http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2007/0802archaeology.shtml

Kayaking from the Source of the Mississippi to Shreveport

A kayaker paddles from the source of the Mississippi River to Shreveport.

Shreveport Festivals Video

GLE #81 includes our festivals. The video is also a good example of a video project. You may choose to do a video project in the last grading period.

Tony Buzan on Mind Mapping

Please watch this video!

Nothing Due on Monday

Study for the GLE #2 test on Tuesday this weekend; no assignments are due on Monday.

Weekly Preview: 27 August to 31 August

Monday
Bellringer: Why are rivers important to Louisiana?
Review Test 1.1
Review for Test 1.2

Tuesday
Bellringer: How did you prepare for this test?
Test 1.2 (GLE #2) (I split the first test into two tests to move to a Tuesday test schedule.)
Discuss the Social Studies Fair Research Paper
GLE #4 Chart and the GLE #2 Maps - work in class (not due today)

Wednesday
Bellringer: How does a place shape a population?
Binder Check 1.2
GLE #5 Chart
GLE #6 Mind Map

Thursday
Bellringer: How did the 2005 hurricanes affect you?
Note-taking strategies
Video on Hurricane Katrina: take notes on the video

Friday
Bellringer: Should the government be able to force a person to evacuate before a hurricane? Why or why not?
Video on Hurricane Katrina continued
Discuss the LEAP Constructed Response Rubric
GLE #7 Extended Constructed Response

Study Guide for Test 1.2

The study guide is the same material as the crossword puzzles on lakes, rivers, landforms, and cities. See:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/StudyGuideTest12.pdf

Plantations Presentation

If you missed or wish to review the Plantations Presentation you may view it on the following link:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/PlantationsPresentation.html

Test 1.1

Reminder: Test 1.1 is tomorrow. The test covers only GLE #1. I will test you on part of GLE #2 on Tuesday. Use the study guide on the back of the Art Map Rubric, also provided here:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle01studyguide.pdf

Or the online flashcards:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/lastgle01cardsfolder/index.html

If you study you will do well.

Study Guide for Test 1.1 on Friday

If you can't use the online flashcards or want a printable study guide see:

http://www.paulblankenship.com/gle01studyguide.pdf

Binder Check Rubric

Binder Check Rubric

o - outstanding: All assignments complete and accurate. 10/10 points
s - satisfactory: All assignments are present and are mostly complete and accurate. 8/10 points
u - unsatisfactory: One assignment is missing or assignments are mostly incomplete or inaccurate. 6/10 points
mi - missing: One or more assignments are missing or mostly incomplete. 0/10 points

Test on Friday

The first test will be on Friday.

Study Cards for Test 1.1

Binder Check on Thursday

The first binder check is on Thursday. The list of assignments due is on the board on the right in my classroom.

Parish Map with Parish Seats in Your Textbook

Look on page 126 for a map of the parishes with the parish seats. You may use this to complete the GLE #2 worksheet.

http://www.paulblankenship.com/worksheetgle02.pdf

GLE #2 Web Page

For the crosswords and vocabulary list (with links to most of the definitions) see:

http://www.paulblankenship.com/SocialStudies/LaStudies/LaGeography/louisianastudieb.html

Ideas for Social Studies Fair Topics

Your topic cards are due tomorrow. If you still need ideas see:

http://www.paulblankenship.com/LouisianaStudiesTopics.pdf

Vocabulary Card List

Make flashcards on the following words. I have links to many definitions on my web site on the GLE 2 page:

1. Barrier island (textbook glossary)
2. Bayou (use both definitions)
3. City (use definition 1d)
4. Coast (use first definition, noun)
5. County (use the third definition)
6. Gulf (first definition)
7. Hamlet
8. Hill (first definition)
9. Island (first definition)
10. Isthmus (first definition)
11. Lake
12. Landform
13. Levee (first definition
14. Mountain (definition 1a)
15. Ocean (definition 1 a & b)
16. Parish (textbook glossary)
17. Peninsula
18. Plain (landform)
19. Pond
20. River (definition 1a)
21. Salt domes (textbook glossary); see also Wikipedia
22. Sea (definition 1b)
23. Town (definition 2b)
24. Village (definition 1 a & b)

Time Zone Converter

Need help with time zones?

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

Addition to Weekly Preview

We will work on vocabulary flashcards in class each day this week. Please bring your 3x5 cards. I will introduce you to the Leitner Cardfile System of studying. The list is posted on my web site:

GLE 02

No need to bring your textbook this week

We will use the previous version of your textbook for vocabulary work this week. Since I have a class set, you will not need to bring your textbooks to class this week.

Weekly Preview: 20-24 August 2007

Monday

Bellringer
What are the advantages and disadvantages of daylight savings time? (Discuss in a five-sentence paragraph).

Activities
GLE 01 Worksheet (small groups)
Lakes and Reservoirs Crossword (small groups)
Louisiana Geography Facts Crossword


Tuesday

Bellringer
How do you study for tests? (Discuss in a five-sentence paragraph).

Activities
GLE 02 Worksheet
Rivers Crossword


Wednesday

Due
Social Studies Fair Topic Cards (5-7 topics on a 3x5 card). Have this ready when you walk into class.

Bellringer
List and describe five places you have visited in Louisiana outside the Shreveport/Bossier area.

Activities
Discuss the GLE 03 Art Map of Louisiana project
Cities and Town Crossword


Thursday

Due
Binder Check 1.1

Bellringer
Make a KWL Chart on Louisiana Plantations

Activities
Presentation (by Mr. Blankenship) on Louisiana Plantations
Crossword Puzzle on Historic Places in Louisiana
Study Guide for Test 1.1


Friday

Bellringer
How did you prepare for this test?

Activities
Test 1.1
Landforms of Louisiana Crossword

Social Studies Fair Page

Need ideas or information on your Social Studies Fair topic? See my page:

Mr. Blankenship's Social Studies Fair Page

Geography Bee

Anyone interested in competing in the CMM Geography Bee should begin studying for the event. Participation is optional. The National Geographic site has helpful material.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee/

Social Studies Fair Topic Cards due Wednesday

Please be prepared to turn in 5-7 topics for your social studies fair project on Wednesday at the beginning of class. List the topics in order of preference. I require solo projects for social studies fair, so have your own card ready.

Recap of the first week of school

We started SY 2007-2008 by learning about basic geographical concepts such as longitude and latitude. We watched the video "Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude." The video portrayed the work of John Harrison, the man who solved the problem of determining longitude at sea. We started learning the skill of making mind maps. We also worked on a crossword puzzle on map basics.

Bellringer Wrap-Up

The bellringers this week were:
Tuesday: List 10 events in world history that happened before A.D. 1500 and give the importance of each.
Wednesday: List 10 events in American history that happened between 1776 and 1877 and give the importance of each.
Thursday: List 10 events in Louisiana history and give the importance of each.
Friday: List 10 facts about Louisiana geography and give the importance of each.

Please complete these before the binder check on Thursday if you did not finish in class. You may use reference material, the Internet, or work with a friend.

Nothing Due on Monday

No assignments are due on Monday. You will not need your textbook on Monday. Social studies fair topic cards are due Wednesday. Binder Check is Thursday. Test 1.1 is on Friday.

Have a great weekend!

Correction to Map Basics Crossword

I made a correction to the map basics crossword. If you have the old copy from 2nd or 3rd period on Friday discard it and see the corrected version. the link is the same:

Interactive
http://www.paulblankenship.com/mapbasics

Print
http://www.paulblankenship.com/mapbasics.pdf

Longitude Outline

I posted an outline version of the mind map on longitude. Take a look and compare the two (that's not an assignment, just a suggestion).

http://www.paulblankenship.com/LongitudeOutline.pdf

Map Basics Crossword Puzzle

I posted a new crossword puzzle on map basics. We will start work on it tomorrow. The interactive version gives you a limited number of hints:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/mapbasics/

I also posted an Adobe Acrobat version:
http://www.paulblankenship.com/mapbasics.pdf

Supplies

Several students asked about supplies. You will need:
- 3-ring binder
- loose leaf paper (either type OK)
- black ink pens (dark blue OK)
- 3x5 cards for vocabulary flash-cards
- #2 pencils with good erasers

Optional but helpful:
- set of colored highlighters or pencils for adding color to mind maps

You will also need whatever supplies are required for your Social Studies Fair projects. More about that later.

Mind Map on Longitude

I posted a mind map on longitude on my web page. You may use this as an example in class.

Longitude Mind Map

I enjoyed meeting you all today and look forward to a productive year together as we master the skills needed for the LEAP test and life as an informed citizen.

Hold off on the vocabulary cards on GLE #1 until we discuss them in class. Don't try to work ahead on the GLE worksheets.

Back to School Newsletter

Please click the link to see my Back to School Newsletter for the 2007-2008 school year: Mr. Blankenship's Back to School Newsletter for 2007-2008

Welcome to my course!

Welcome to my course in Louisiana Studies. Check here OFTEN for updates on the course such as new assignments. You may visit my course web page for more information.

The course calendar is posted at:

Please subscribe to my newsletter. Enter the word "subscribe" (no quotes) as the subject. If you are using web mail the subscription address for the mailing list is:

la7-subscribe@paulblankenship.com