FRIDAY, December 19, 2014

Today in class...

• We turned in our video guides (after having time to finish them)
• We wrote our essays - How much the world be different if ______________ civilization never existed? 
• We turned in the essay
• We watched the news

Homework...

• Enjoy your break - tell your family what you appreciate about them!

Random...

• If you counted all the gifts that were given in the song “Twelve Days of Christmas” you would realize that the number of gifts being presented were 364 in total, thus a gift was given for each day of the year.

THURSDAY, December 18, 2014

Today in class...

• We finished It's A Wonderful Life 
• We turned in our study guide 
• We began discussing our essay: what would our world look like if ______________ culture never existed

Homework...

• None

Random...

• The ZIP in Zip Code stands for "Zone Improvement Plan" 

WEDNESDAY, December 17, 2014

Today in class...

• We continued It's A Wonderful Life 
• You should be pretty far along on your literary terms guide 
• Remember - you will write an essay related to the primary theme in relation to the cultures we have studied thus far

Homework...

• None

Random...

• It takes one ton of water to make one pound of refined sugar 

TUESDAY, December 16, 2014

Today in class...

• We began watching It's A Wonderful Life 
• A study guide will accompany our viewing of the film based upon reinforcing literary terms and understanding the depth/value of quotes
• Please be aware that we'll be using the themes of the film to write an essay on the cultures we have studied this semester thus far - essay will be written in class on Thursday/Friday 

Homework...

• None

Random...

• The Tibetan mountain people use yak's milk as their form of currency

MONDAY, December 15, 2014

Today in class...

• We took our open-note test on Chapter 4 (Ancient India). Students were allowed to use all of their notes, hand-outs, and vocabulary work on the test. 

Homework...

• None

Random...

• The first recorded person to run a mile race in under four minutes was Sir Roger Bannister on May 6, 1954. 

FRIDAY, December 12, 2014

Today in class...

• We took our Middle East Map Test
• We watched the news

Homework...

• Bring your notes - on Monday we take a test on Ancient India (open note!)

Random...

• Bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers were all invented by women

THURSDAY, December 11, 2014

Today in class...

• We did Daily Geo
• We finished our Buddhism notes
• We watched the news
• We studied our Middle East Maps

Homework...

• STUDY YOUR MAPS! Middle East Map Test is tomorrow!

Random...

• A speleologist is a person who studies caves

WEDNESDAY, December 10, 2014

Today in class...

• We did our Daily Geo
• We watched the news
• We took notes on the development of Buddhism in ancient India

Homework...

• Your Middle East map test is FRIDAY!!!!

Random...

• New York City contains 572 miles of shoreline

MONDAY, December 8, 2014

Today in class...

• We started our new Daily Geo (and handed in last week's Daily Geo since we were gone on Friday)
• We discussed what we did on our day off
• We watched the news
• We finished our Hinduism notes
• We studied our Middle East Map Key

Homework...

• Middle East Map Test is on FRIDAY!!! STUDY!!!

 Random...

• The first actor to star in a talking motion picture was Al Jolson in 1927 in The Jazz Singer.

THURSDAY, December 4, 2014

Today in class...

• We did Daily Geo
• We watched the news 
• We began studying how Hinduism developed in Ancient India

Homework...

• Middle East Map Test next week December 12 (Friday) - STUDY!!
• Students with missing work from 2nd quarter need to get that work turned in asap

Random...

• The coldest place in the known universe is the Boomerang Nebula, about 5,000 light-years away

WEDNESDAY, December 3, 2014

Today in class...

• We did Daily Geo
• We handed in our Chapter 4 Vocab
• We took notes on Chapter 4, Section 1
• We watched the news

Homework...

• Middle East Map Test next week - December 12!!

Random...

• The first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest was Junko Tabei in 1975. 

TUESDAY, December 2, 2014

Today in class...

• We did our Daily Geo (what cities are found at 8 degrees south and 13 degrees east AND 33 degrees south and 18 degrees east)
• We watched the news
• We worked on our vocabulary - you should have finished during the class period
• We studied our Middle East Maps

Homework...

• Chapter 4 Vocab DUE TOMORROW
• Canada Map Test is coming up on December 12

Random...

•  King George I of England could not speak English.

MONDAY, December 1, 2014

Today in class...

• We started Daily Geo 12 - the word was "mountain" 
• We watched the news
• We discussed our test results (from chapter 3)
• We began working on chapter 4 vocabulary
• Definitions can be found here
• Remember: word, definition, sentence, picture

Homework...

• Middle East Map Test coming up on December 12 - be studying your map!

Random...

•  The most abundant metal in the Earth's crust is aluminum.  

FRIDAY, November 21, 2014

Today in class...

• We took our Chapter 3 (Ancient Egypt) test
• We watched the news

Homework...

• Your Middle East Map Test is coming up on December 12 - study over break! 

Random...

• The first person who referred to a coward as a chicken was William Shakespeare 

THURSDAY, November 20, 2014

Today in class...

• We did "Atlas Thursdays" for our Daily Geo Assignment
• We watched the news
• We turned in our 3-5 worksheet
• We made our notecards for the test tomorrow

Homework...

• Chapter 3 (Ancient Egypt) test is TOMORROW

 Random...

• The average human brain is 80% water

WEDNESDAY, November 19, 2014

Today in class...

• We did our Daily Geo (Quote Wednesday)
• We finished presentations 
• We watched "Egypt: Engineering An Empire" 

Homework...

• If you haven't finished yet - you need to finish your project!!!
• Chapter 3 (Ancient Egypt) test is on FRIDAY 

Random...

• Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise

 

TUESDAY, November 18, 2014

Today in class...

• We did our Daily Geo
• We watched the news
• We turned in our projects and began presentations

Homework...

• Chapter 3 (Ancient Egypt) test is on Friday!
• Presentations will continue tomorrow

Random...

• Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon using his left foot first.

MONDAY, November 17, 2014

Today in class...

• We started Daily Geo 11 - the word for today was "mesa"
• We watched the news
• We did a self-guided work day
• Projects
• 3-5 Guided Reading

Homework...

• Your projects are due tomorrow
• Chapter 3 test will be on FRIDAY

Random...

• An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

FRIDAY, November 14, 2014

Today in class...

• We took our Daily Geo 10 Quiz
• We finished our 3-4 notes (primarily focusing on the Rosetta Stone)
• We watched the news
• We spent 25 minutes in the computer lab (final work day for project)

Homework...

• Projects are due next week Tuesday!!
• Chapter 3 (Ancient Egypt) test is next week Friday!!

Random...

• The male seahorse carries the eggs until they hatch instead of the female.

WEDNESDAY, November 12, 2014

Today in class...

• We did Daily Geo - Quote Wednesday
• We discussed our Ancient Egypt Project - including showing examples
• We went to the computer lab to begin research and writing

Homework...

• Project is due TUESDAY, November 18

Random...

•  In a single night a mole can tunnel 220 feet

 

MONDAY, November 10, 2014

Today in Class...

• We started Daily Geo 10 with "Isthmus" (word/definition/sentence/picture)
• We watched the news
• We finished notes/discussion on 3:3 - Ancient Egyptian Religious Beliefs
• We received and finished our Middle East Map Keys

Homework...

• Middle East Map Key should be completed 

Random...

• Your thumb is the same length as your nose

FRIDAY, November 7, 2014

There is no school today. End of 1st Quarter! 

THURSDAY, November 6, 2014

Today in class...

• We did Atlas Thursdays for Daily Geo (How much taller in feet is Mt McKinley than Borah Peak). We also handed in our Daily Geo.
• We took notes on Egyptian Religion

Homework...

• None.

Random...

• A human hair is ten thousand times thicker than the film of a soap bubble.

QUICK NOTE...

• Monday Mr. Anderson was out sick. Students received a packet on Chapter 3, Section 2. They worked on it on both Monday and Tuesday of this week. Yesterday (Wednesday) the students took a few more notes on the Kingdoms (Time Periods) of ancient Egypt.

MONDAY, November 3, 2014

Mr. Anderson was in the hospital - Guest Teacher filled his shoes for the day...

FRIDAY, October 31st, 2014

Today in class...

• We took our Canada Map Test 
• We watched the news
• We took our Daily Geo Quiz

Homework...

• Enjoy your weekend - be safe & smart on Halloween night

Random...

• Jack o’ Lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed candles in hollowed-out turnips to keep away spirits and ghosts.

THURSDAY, October 30, 2014

Today in class...

• We did Atlas Thursdays for our Daily Geo (Use Atlas pages 18-19 to answer the following questions: 1. About 250 years ago, what did people learn that helped the population grow faster? 2. Approximately how much did the population grow between 1900 & 2000?)
• We watched the news
• We took notes on Chapter 3, Section 1
• The Nile is the world's _________________________ river. 
• Give a detailed description of the Red Land & Black Land in Egypt.
• List 5 goods that were traded by caravans of traders in ancient Egypt. 
• What was an important resource in Nubia? 

• We studied our Canada Map Key as a large group and in partnerships

Homework...

• Your Canada Map Test is TOMORROW!!!!

Random...

• The first woman to win an Olympic Gold Medal was Charlotte Cooper in tennis in 1900.

WEDNESDAY, October 29, 2014

Today in class...

• We did "Quote Wednesday" for our Daily Geo ("Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts." -Winston Churchill)
• We handed in our Chapter 3 Vocab
•  Remember word/definition/sentence/picture

• We read Chapter 3, Section 1 of the textbook
• We took notes from this section
• Essay for next test (The Nile River supported life in ancient Egypt - is the claim)
• You must find evidence/support from the text supporting that essay claim

• We practiced our Canada Map - TEST IS FRIDAY

Homework...

•  Study your Canada Map Key - TEST IS FRIDAY

Random...

• An "octillion" is the lowest positive number to contain a letter C

TUESDAY, October 28, 2014

Today in class...

• We did Latitude & Longitude Tuesdays for our Daily Geo 
• What city is located at 36 degrees north, 115 degrees west
• What city is located at 30 degrees north, 90 degrees west
• We had 20 additional minutes to work on vocabulary from chapter 3
• We watched the news
• We started working on our Nile River Essay - Egypt is the gift of the Nile

Homework...

• Your Canada Map Test is on Friday, October 31st
• Your Vocabulary from Chapter 3 is due tomorrow. Here are the definitions if you need them - remember WORD/DEFINITION/SENTENCE/PICTURE!!! 

Random...

• Shrews and platypuses are the only mammals that are poisonous.

MONDAY, October 27, 2014

Today in class...

• We started Daily Geo 8 (word of the day: hill)
• We watched the news including a discussion of corporate tax inversion
• We started working on our Chapter 3 vocabulary - Ancient Egypt 

Homework...

• Your Canada Map Test is this Friday, October 31

FRIDAY, October 24, 2014

Today in class...

• We took our Chapter 2 Test

 Homework...

• Your Canada Map Test is next week Friday (October 31)

 
Weekend Video

 

THURSDAY, October 23, 2014

Today in class...

• We did "Atlas Thursday" for our Daily Geo
• We finished Judaism notes
• We watched the news
• We made our notecard for the test tomorrow

Homework...

• Study for your Chapter 2 Test - finish notecard if necesary
• Included on test...
• 2-1 & 2-2 Worksheets
• Phoenician notes
• Israelite/Judaism notes
• Hammurabi's Code notes
• Notes from essay on theme being universal across time 

WEDNESDAY, October 22, 2014

Today in class...

• We did Quote Wednesday for Daily Geo
• We took notes on ancient Israel and their religion of Judaism
• We watched the news

Homework...

• Chapter 2 Test is on FRIDAY
• Canada Map Test is next week FRIDAY (Halloween)

TUESDAY, October 21, 2014

Today in class...

• We did our Daily Geo (Lat & Long Tuesdays): Find the latitude and longitude of St. Paul, MN and Phoenix, AZ
• We watched the news
• We took notes and discussed the Ancient Israelites

Homework...

• Your Phoenician Note is due by THURSDAY
• Your Chapter 2 Test is on FRIDAY
• Your Canada Map Test is next week FRIDAY (Halloween)

MONDAY, October 20, 2014

Today in class...

• We started Daily Geo 7 with "glacier" for Geographic Term Mondays
• We watched the news
• We took notes on the Phoenicians and the creation of the alphabet
• We introduced a new assignment: write a Phoenician note

Homework...

• Begin writing your Phoenician note
• Remember...
• Include a greeting, three sentences, and conclusion
• It must be written in Phoenician 
• Your parent/guardian must translate & sign it
• You can get EXTRA CREDIT if your parent/guardian writes a note back to you in Phoenician 
• Your Chapter 2 TEST is on FRIDAY!

FRIDAY!, October 17, 2014

Today in class...

• We took our Daily Geo 6 Quiz & handed in our work
• We watched the news
• We discussed laws and took notes on Hammurabi's Code

Homework...

• Canada Map Key - Canada Map Test is October 31
• Also, begin reviewing your notes for chapter 2 as that test is next week Friday (October 24)

 Do you remember...

THURSDAY, October 16, 2014

Today in class...

• We did "Atlas Thursday" for our Daily Geo
• We discussed 2-2 
• We watched the news

Homework...

• Discuss empires, caravans, and bazaars with your parent/guardians! 

WEDNESDAY, October 15, 2014

Today in class...

• We did "Quote Wednesday" for our Daily Geo
• We turned in our Sumerian City-State Drawing
• We worked on 2-2

Homework...

• Study your Canada Map Key

TUESDAY, October 14, 2014

Today in class...

• We did Daily Geo (Lat & Long Tuesday: What is the latitude and longitude of Mosul, Iraq and Mecca, Saudi Arabia?)
• We finished discussing Chapter 2, Section 1 Worksheet 
• We worked our on our Sumerian City-State Drawing

Homework...

• Finish your Sumerian City-State Drawing
• Hint - you must include:
• City walls
• Farmland outside city walls
• City gates
• Upper-class homes
• Middle-class homes
• Lower-class homes
• Ziggurat (center of city)
• Courts (think open roof shops)
• ALSO IT MUST BE COLORED!

MONDAY, October 13, 2014

Today in class...

• We started our new Daily Geo (today's word: "flood plain")
• We discussed our weekend
• We watched the news - very interesting video on ebola
• We discussed chapter 2, section 1 WS from last Friday

Homework...

• Continue studying your Canada Map Key

THURSDAY, October 9, 2014

Today in class...

• We did "Atlas Thursday" for our Daily Geo (How many centimeters is Coeur d'Alene from Pueblo, CO? How many miles is that?) using our classroom atlas
• We continued to work on and wrapped up our practice persuasive essay where the goal was to prove that theme is universal across time using the Epic of Gilgamesh 
• We took notes on the Epic of Gilgamesh
• We watched the news and turned in our news journal

Homework...

• Make sure you have your practice essay finished so you will feel confident on the chapter 2 test
• When in doubt you can always study your Canada Map Key

WEDNESDAY, October 8, 2014

Today in class...

• We did "Quote Wednesday" - "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." (Hellen Keller)
• We finished & graded our Canada Map Key
• We practiced our essay on the Epic of Gilgamesh - persuade me that themes are universal across time using the Epic of Gilgamesh

Homework...

• Finish writing your persuasive essay on the Epic of Gilgamesh
• Begin studying your Canada Map Key 

TUESDAY, October 7, 2014

Today in class...

• We did our Daily Geo associated with latitude and longitude (using the Middle East map, between what two lines of latitude is most of Iraq found and between what two lines of longitude is most of Iraq found?). 
• We discussed universal themes and how they apply across cultural divides and time divides
• We looked at a brief introduction to the story of the Epic of Gilgamesh
• We read a plot summary/overview of the Epic of Gilgamesh
• We discussed as a class and made a list of key themes from the story 

Homework...

• Please make sure you bring your notes tomorrow
• Please make sure you bring your Canada Map Key to work on tomorrow

THURSDAY, October 2, 2014

Today in class...

• We finished Daily Geo 4
• We took our Continents and Oceans Map Test
• We watched the news

Homework...

• Enjoy your extended weekend! 

WEDNESDAY! October 1, 2014

Today in class...

• We took our first chapter test - lots of writing! 
• We watched the news
• We reviewed our Continents and Oceans Map Key - test tomorrow!

Homework...

• Study your Continents and Oceans Map Key for tomorrow's test

Quote for Daily Geo...

• “The whole course of human history may depend on a change of heart in one solitary and even humble individual - for it is in the solitary mind and soul of the individual that the battle between good and evil is waged and ultimately won or lost.”     -M. Scott Peck  

TUESDAY, September 30, 2014

Today in class...

• We did our Daily Geo (use the Canada map to tell me what cites are located at 62 degrees north & 114 degrees west AND 63 degrees north & 68 degrees west)
• We watched the news
• We studied for our Chapter 1 test which is TOMORROW

Homework...

• Study!
• Things to study: timeline usage, latitude and longitude, the chapter 1 packet, and the information from the Iceman video 
• Hints:
• What did humanity and life look like during hunting & gathering? 
• How did farming change  life & society?
• What four changes did we see from simple farming villages to complex civilizations
• Why was the discovery of the iceman so important? 
• What are myths/legends/oral traditions, why are they important, and are they "true"? 
• What is the difference between history & prehistory?

MONDAY, September 29, 2014

Today in class...

• We started Daily Geo 4 with the word: "delta" (remember: word, definition, sentence, picture)
• We reviewed concepts such as hunting & gathering groups and how farming changed humanity
• We discussed the transition from simple villages to complex cities and civilizations
• We watched the news

Homework...

• Chapter 1 test is on Wednesday. We'll review tomorrow. 
• Continents and Oceans Test is on Thursday. 

FRIDAY!!!!!! September 26, 2014

Today in class...

• We took our Daily Geo 3 Quiz
• We finished and corrected our Pinpointing Cities Worksheet (latitude and longitude)
• We handed back our Chapter 1 Packets and Iceman Study Guide
• We watched the news: in particular we paid attention to STEM jobs report

Homework...

• Begin studying your Continents and Oceans Map - Test is next week Thursday
• Begin studying your Chapter 1 Packet & Iceman Study Guide (Chapter Test is next Wednesday)

Friday Youtube Video Song...

THURSDAY, September 25, 2014

Today in class...

• We did an "Atlas Activity" for our Daily Geo
• We corrected our Continents and Oceans Map Key
• We watched the news
• We collected our Chapter 1 Packets
• We worked on latitude and longitude
• We handed out the Pinpointing Cities Worksheet

Homework...

• #1-6 on the Pinpointing Cities Worksheet
• DO NOT work on #7-12

WEDNESDAY, September 24, 2014

Today in class...

• We did "Quote Wednesday" for Daily Geo. Today was a quote from Robert Kennedy.
• We discussed Chapter 1, Section 2 - covering the questions from the Chapter 1 packet 
• The emphasis was on the importance of fire and farming being discovered in the Stone Age
• We handed out and worked on the Continents and Oceans Map Key
• You need to know the 7 continents and 5 oceans 
• Map Test on these will be next Thursday or Friday due to this map being a review of previously learned concepts
• We watched the news

Homework...

• Your first two sections of the Chapter 1 packet are due tomorrow 

TUESDAY, September 23, 2014

Today in class...

• We did our Daily Geo (Latitude and Longitude Tuesday: Identify which country the following coordinates are in...
• 15°N, 45°E
• 30°S, 60°W
•  We finished watching the Iceman Murder Mystery
• We discussed the rest of Chapter 1, Section 2 from our packet

Homework...

• None

MONDAY, September 22, 2014

Today in class...

• We started Daily Geo 3 with the word "canyon" (remember word, definition, sentence, picture)
• We continued our Iceman Murder Mystery film

Homework...

• None

Friday, September 19, 2014

Today in class...

• We took our Daily Geo Quiz
• We covered answers from Chapter 1, Section 2 packet. PLEASE REMEMBER: The "why" behind a vocabulary term is more important than the "what" (ie: Don't just tell me what a nomad is - explain to me why the people of the Stone Age were nomadic)
• We began watching the Iceman Murder Mystery. You'll need to fill out this packet.

Homework...

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Today in class...

• We did our Daily Geo Atlas Question: Using the Atlas, tell me which city is larger in population: San Antonio or San Francisco? 
• We discussed chapter 1, section 1 of our packet (Click here for packet)
• We watched the news
• We began our discussion of chapter 1, section 2

Homework

• None - but please make sure your Daily Geo is caught up and you have your packet to continue our discussion tomorrow 

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Quick Note...

• I was at an education conference this past Monday and Tuesday. I apologize about my absence from class. Students received a chapter 1 packet which they worked on. Please e-mail with any questions or concerns.

Today in class...

• Daily Geo - Quote Wednesday!
• Discussion of how class went with guest teacher
• Work on Chapter 1 packet
• Constitution Day - brief discussion of Constitution (they'll learn all about it next year in US History) 

Homework...

• Bring your packet to class tomorrow 

Back To School Night for 7th and 8th Grade is TONIGHT. I invite all students and their parent/guardians to attend. Doors open at 5:45 pm. It will be done by 7:15. Students who show up with a parent/guardian receive extra credit!   

FRIDAY!!!!, September 12, 2014

Today in class...

• We took our Daily Geo Quiz - do your work & the quiz is easy! 
• We watched the news
• We took notes on latitude and longitude and began practicing
• Timelines were due today

 Homework...

• None. Enjoy your weekend - be responsible, safe, and respectful!

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Today in class...

• We did our Daily Geography - today's questions were:
• What is a hemisphere?
• How many hemispheres is Africa in?
• We worked on our Timeline Activity. Timelines are due tomorrow. 
• We watched the news - which focused a lot on remembering September 11, 2001

Homework...

• Timelines are due tomorrow 
• Extra Credit Opportunity: Students ask a parent/guardian where they were and what they remember from 9/11/01. Students can write a paragraph describing those experiences.   

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Today in class...

• We did our daily geography. Today was "Quote Wednesday" and the quote was from the esteemed author David McCullough who said, "To me history ought to be a source of pleasure. It isn't just part of our civic responsibility. To me it's an enlargement of the experience of being alive, just the way literature or art or music is." Students were required to write the quote down, write the author down, and then explain in 3 sentences or so what they thought it meant. 
• We watched the news today (CNN Student News) and did our News Journal.
• We began our Timeline Activity in class.

Homework...

• By tomorrow you should have five events picked for your timeline. You should have them plotted on your line and begun your simple illustrations.  

Monday, September 8, 2014

Today in Class...

• Seating charts! Students received their 1st quarter seating assignment today
• Daily Geography 
• Students received template for Daily Geography 
• We practiced "Geographic Term Mondays" today with the word 'basin' 
• We will do Daily Geography every week - starting on Mondays and collecting on Fridays
• We graded our Procedures Quiz 
• We discussed and handed out classroom jobs 

Homework...

• Students - finish your Interest Inventories! We'll share them tomorrow in class

Friday, September 5, 2014

Today in class...

• We took attendance - names are all but accomplished!
• We finished our procedures notes
• We took the procedures quiz

Homework...

• Please complete the Interest Inventory which was handed out at the end of class

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Today in class...

• We attempted to go without name cards - names are getting easier
• We collected signed parent syllabus information sheets (remember - these are due by September 9 but if you turn them in by Friday, September 5 you get extra credit)
• We continued our procedures notes

Reminder...

• Tomorrow will be our Procedures Quiz - this is an open note quiz so you should do well if you have the notes written down 

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Procedures and Syllabus

• Today in class...
• Attendance and name cards - still trying to get everyone's name memorized
• Syllabus was explained and handed out. Kids need to have a parent/guardian fill it out and sign it by next Tuesday (September 9). If they get it signed by this Friday (September 5) they will receive extra credit. 
• We began our "Procedures" notes today - learning what we need to do in class to succeed. 

Tuesday, September 2nd

Welcome to Mr. Anderson's Social Studies (World History) Class! 

Today's highlights...

• Hello & How Was Your Summer?
• Attendance 
• Name Cards & Name Games - Can Mr. Anderson know your name by Friday?
•  Room, Class, and Teacher Questions 

Homework...

• None! It is the first day!!!