Friday December 14 Minecraft/Sketchup Civ Project Cont

Good morning,

I'd like to meet with each of you to see your progress on the Minecraft/Sketchup civilization projectand learn what I can do to help.
While meeting with each person you'll be working on the project.

Wednesday 12.12.12 -Civilization SketchUp/Minecraft Project

Good Morning,

Today we are going to start our SketchUp/Minecraft project.

Your task:
Recreate 1 significant building from any 2 civilizations we have studied. You will be recreating 2 buildings.
We've studied: Rome, Byzantine Empire, Islam, Sub-Saharan Africa, Aztec, Maya, and Inca. Here's an example: You could recreate a traditional village home (Sub-Saharan Africa), and the Temple of the Cross-see image below (Maya). Or the Colosseum (Rome) and the Hagia Sophia (Byzantine Empire).

Your steps to success:

1. Complete the steps below for your first building before starting on your second.
2. Choose 1 building you want to start building.
3. Sketch by hand the building in your IN. 
4. Write a several sentence explanation about the buildings importance to the civilization and why you chose it.
5. Build it in SketchUp or Minecraft.

Completed the above steps for your first building? Now you can start on your second. Use the same world to build each of the buildings.

Your grade depends on completing the 5 steps above for 2 civilizations.

SketchUp tutorial 1
SketchUp tutorial 2







Image Credit

Tuesday 12.11

Good morning,

Let's discuss your homework (watch Angry Aztecs and write a quick summary).
After we'll watch more Empires: Maya  

HOMEWORK: Study Island 4a MesoAmerica and Andean Civilizations

Monday 12.10

Hello,

I trust you had a nice weekend.

Let's review what was accomplished on Thursday and Friday while I was out of town.
We'll make notes as we watch and discuss Empires: Maya 

HOMEWORK: Watch and write a summary on Angry Aztecs. Please download it while in class.
Please download (at school) Angry Aztecs

Friday 12.7

Happy minimum day!

I'm in San Diego for AVID training and I hope that things are going great with my guest teacher.

Today:
Make cornell notes on the Maya, Inca and Aztec posters you made on Wednesday (they are posted on the inspiration wall).



HOMEWORK: finish the columns on the chart handed out on Tuesday. You can find the chart here.

Wednesday 12.5

Good morning 7th grade,

You have 40 minutes to create a poster on one of the RED sections of the textbook from the Am I chapters 7-9. Work with the partner of your choice. Pick your red section on the board.

After we're going to have another scavenger hunt today.
Go to: https://docs.google.com/open?id=1cr-rgRUJ956XcQE7ftVNFKRUHPZuW3Wm8Jz6Pbqnhjtx7EMSB0jGy9MeRrD8

Please write the questions and answers in your IN.

HOMEWORK: Inca column of the Am I chart handed out yesterday.

Tuesday 12.4

Good morning,

We are switching gears as we begin to study the Aztecs, Maya and Inca.
Today I'd like you to flip through the book and draw something that represents each of the civilizations. That's 3  drawings. You should draw these in your IN on the left side.

Homework:  If you didn't finish the drawings, please do. AND fill out the Maya column of the AM I chart handed out today. You can find the chart here

Monday 12.3

Happy December,

This school year sure is flying by!
Let's have a fun group game on Sub-Saharan Africa using Study Island. We'll break into 2 or 3 teams and have a friendly competition.
After you'll have an opportunity to catch up on your individual Study Island. By the end of this week you need to have 20 questions on 2a (Fall of Rome), 2b (Byzantine Empire), 3a (Islam) and 3c (Medieval Africa). We finished 2a and 2b a few weeks back, so you should just have 3a and 3c.

Friday 11.30

Good Morning,

Let's share our Sub-Saharan Africa stories with a neighbor.
After please grab a book, open to p. 143 read and complete Writing #7. Once you have that complete turn to p. 148 and complete Writing #1.

Finish for homework.

Wednesday 11.28

Hey 7th grade,

I'm really excited to watch The National Geographic Africa Desert Odyssey with you today. Literally it is one of my favorite videos for the entire year. The story is about a young Tuareg who is on his first journey with the men of the tribe.
While watching we'll pause, discuss and take some notes. So please  have your IN out and ready.
More info on the Tuareg people: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuareg_people

Follow up writing assignment: 1)Summarize the film in 5 complete sentences (not too long, not too short). 2) Write: If you were on the tuareg trip, what would it be like for you?

Links the videos:
Part 1:https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0KFq1x1cZRWY0lfSG5kaUk3bHM
Part 2:https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0KFq1x1cZRWNTBSZmtRcU5Kb0k
Part 3: https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0KFq1x1cZRWeFZxdGMxZ1EtMWc
Part4: https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0KFq1x1cZRWWHRCZDdHYkVrdXc

Love the video like me you can buy it here: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/africa/about/episode2.html

11.20 Tuesday

Happy last school day before Thanksgiving!

We will take the Islam test today. You are welcome to use your Cornell Notes during the test.

Monday 11.19

Good Morning,

We will review and share our Islam notes. Be sure to add and change your notes to include what you are missing.
You will have a test on Islam tomorrow. It'll be a lot like the practice test.
If we have time we can watch more Empires: Islam part 1
Empires: Islam part 2

Friday 11.16

We need to review and correct our Islam pretests.
If we have time we can watch Empires: Islam.

Happy end of the week!

Wednesday 11.14 -Islam and the Inspiration Wall

Good Morning,

We are continuing our efforts to learn Islam. By now you have studied 2 learning goals for Islam with your groups. Each group will use sticky notes to populate the Islam inspiration wall -see pic

Today's Requirements:
Make Cornell Notes using the information posted on the Inspiration wall.
Use the left page to draw several representations of the information.
Prepare for your Islam test, Tuesday 11-20-12 last day before Thanksgiving break.

So how do we start?
Turn your existing notes on Islam into sticky notes.
Post your sticky notes in the appropriate area on the Inspiration wall.
Make notes on the rest of the topics you did not explore in your group.
Use the left page in your IN to design several representations of the information.
Prepare for your test.

HOMEWORK: If you did not already finish the Cornell Notes and the left side drawings. Also use the book to answer the questions on the Islam practice test.

Our learning goals while studying Islam:
Explain the beginning of Islam
Explain the life and teaching of Muhammad
Explain the connection between Islam and Christianity
Understand why are the Quran and Sunnah significant, and how they affect Muslims' daily life.
Describe the geographic location of the spread of Islam. (hint: it starts on the Arabian Peninsula)
Explain the Muslim military conquests.
Understand the impact of trade and trade routes.
Understand Muslim scholar accomplishments.

Tuesday 11.3

Good Morning,

First you'll present your Islam project you finished from last week.
Next we'll watch and discuss Islam.

Islam -end of first Sprint

Hey campers,

The end of your first sprint is today!
We'll have a quick stand up meeting with each group.
You need to have both learning goals complete today.


As a reminder I've pasted Wednesday's blog below:
Our learning goals while studying Islam:
Explain the beginning of Islam
Explain the life and teaching of Muhammad
Explain the connection between Islam and Christianity
Understand why are the Quran and Sunnah significant, and how they affect Muslims' daily life.
Describe the geographic location of the spread of Islam. (hint: it starts on the Arabian Peninsula)
Explain the Muslim military conquests.
Understand the impact of trade and trade routes.
Understand Muslim scholar accomplishments.

In your groups of 3 discuss how you are going to address each of the educational goals listed above. 
Requirements:
Evidence of exploring the information in the form of Cornell Notes or other methods (schoodling, etc.)
Make something -may be small to represent the learning goal. This could be a drawing, poster, animation, movie, journal, essay, clay model, presentation, play, puppet show and much more.
Everyone in the group agrees to work towards accomplishing the learning goals listed above.

So how do we start?
In your groups of 3 decide which Learning Goals you will start with.
Using the scrum board in the back select 1 learning goal above and break it down to small tasks. Tasks are the small items that you will work on to meet the learning goal.
For example: Learning Goal- "Explain the Life and Teaching of Muhammad"
Tasks- 1)research by reading through the textbook section, 2)research using wikipedia, 3)make cornell notes on research in IN, 4)decide what you are going to make (poster, animation, drawing, etc.), 5)Get materials you need to make your #4

By the end of today you will need to have 2 Learning Goals complete.

Wednesday 11.7 Islam meet Scrum, Scrum meet Islam

Good Morning,

We are going to investigate the beginnings of Islam. What is Islam you say. Well that's exactly what we are going to discover.

Our learning goals while studying Islam:
Explain the beginning of Islam
Explain the life and teaching of Muhammad
Explain the connection between Islam and Christianity
Understand why are the Quran and Sunnah significant, and how they affect Muslims' daily life.
Describe the geographic location of the spread of Islam. (hint: it starts on the Arabian Peninsula)
Explain the Muslim military conquests.
Understand the impact of trade and trade routes.
Understand Muslim scholar accomplishments.

In your groups of 3 discuss how you are going to address each of the educational goals listed above. 
Requirements:
Evidence of exploring the information in the form of Cornell Notes or other methods (schoodling, etc.)
Make something -may be small to represent the learning goal. This could be a drawing, poster, animation, movie, journal, essay, clay model, presentation, play, puppet show and much more.
Everyone in the group agrees to work towards accomplishing the learning goals listed above.

So how do we start?
In your groups of 3 decide which Learning Goals you will start with.
Using the scrum board in the back select 1 learning goal above and break it down to small tasks. Tasks are the small items that you will work on to meet the learning goal.
For example: Learning Goal- "Explain the Life and Teaching of Muhammad"
Tasks- 1)research by reading through the textbook section, 2)research using wikipedia, 3)make cornell notes on research in IN, 4)decide what you are going to make (poster, animation, drawing, etc.), 5)Get materials you need to make your #4

By the end of today you will need to have 2 Learning Goals complete.

Tuesday 11.6 Geography and Civilizations

Good Morning,

Let's work on some geography. 
Use different colors to identify the borders of the following civilizations:

1.  Rome
2. Byzantine Empire
3. Islam
4. Sub-Saharan Africa
5. Maya
6. Inca
7. Aztec
8. Medieval China
9. Medieval Japan

You'll find a good starting place in the 7th grade textbook.
We'll use this map: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&ved=0CEgQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eduplace.com%2Fss%2Fmaps%2Fpdf%2Fworld_country.pdf&ei=XDeZUIy6Ns7xigL90oG4DQ&usg=AFQjCNGAVz2HAKRxld6RvMJJ-oHyN13BYA

On the back of the map:
For each civilization describe 2 significant things they are known for.
Draw a few examples on the back as well.

Monday 11.5

A Happy Monday To You!

1. Let's take a look at http://www.myhistro.com/story/the-byzantine-empire/14538
2. After we look at the map finish your study island from last week. You need to complete: 1)The Pretest, 2)The Fall of Rome and 3)The Byzantine Empire
3. Continue taking the tests until you get the grade you want.

Friday 11.2

Good Friday to you,

First let's go to StudyIsland.com and take the pretest, Rome and Byzantine. I suggest having the lessons open during the Rome and Byzantine tests.
Next, we'll watch a little more of the Engineering an Empire: Byzantium 

Wednesday. Design. ReIteration

I know it was crazy that you smashed your Hagia Sophia model yesterday, it was for all good reason.

Today we are going to reiterate (redo) the Hagia Sophia clay model, with a twist.
Yesterday I gave you clay and said design the Hagia Sophia.
The goal: Design an accurate model of the Hagia Sophia using clay. Label the Hagia Sophia's features.
Today:

1. Using the Scrum board. Make the tasks you need to do to complete your Hagia Sophia model.
2. Work as a team to move your tasks to DONE.
3. Acceptance criteria: Is your model an accurate representation of the Hagia Sophia? Are the architectural features labeled? Did you work well as a team?

Tuesday 10.30

Go Team!

Let's check out Hurricane Sandy. http://google.org/crisismap/2012-sandy

After we find out about the Hurricane, let's build a clay model of the Hagia Sophia.

Friday 10.26

Good Morning!
It's a minimum day, woohoo.

1. You are going to make Cornell Notes off of the Byzantine posters that are posted on the Inspiration wall. 
2. Your essential question: "What was significant about the Byzantine Empire?"
3. Make your Cornell Notes page
4. Stand up and read the Byzantine Posters on the Inspiration Wall to make your notes.
5. When your Cornell Notes are complete read them to a friend and share your notes, add to your notes with information you missed.

HOMEWORK: complete your Cornell Notes -questions and summary.

Wednesday 10.24 Byzantines

Good Morning,

1. We are going to make 30 minute posters on the Byzantine Empire.
2. Grab a partner, get a section of the text.
3. Read the section
4. Summarize the section on the poster, include images. Make it interesting!
5. The poster must be done outside.
6. We'll present our posters.
7. Then we'll watch a little more of the Engineering an Empire: Byzantium 

Sharing our Google Earth Tours

Good Morning,

1. Today you are going to share your Google Earth tours. Please know how to access your blog. 
2. After the presentations we will watch some more Engineering an Empire: Byzantium 
3. Please make Cornell Notes while watching the video.

HOMEWORK: Go back to your blog and answer questions #11 and #16 with the correct information. You made a prediction, now look up the information and post the correct answers.

Monday 10.22 Google Earth Tour Continues

Happy Monday,

First please get out your predictions #11 and #16. Make a prediction as to why the Roman Emperor Constantine moved the Roman Capital to Byzantium (modern day Istanbul). AND Make a prediction as to what the Hagia Sophia was used for, during the Byzantine Empire and today.
Next share your predictions with the class.
Make a Cornell Notes page we are going to watch Engineering an Empire: Byzantium

HOMEWORK: Finish your Google Earth tour and blog post -the assignment as a reminder:

1. On your travel blog please address the following prompts:

1.  In the upper left box type in Turkey
2. Find the capital -take a screenshot add it to your travel blog with a 1-2 sentence description.
3. Find Istanbul
4. Click on several pics around , screenshot 3 cool pics from Istanbul add the pics to your travel blog with 1-2 sentence description of each.
5. Zoom in and out and pan around the landscape to be able to describe in detail (using words) what Istanbul is like.
6. In the upper left click on the "directions" tab.
7. In the "From" box type "Rome, Italy"
8. In the "To" box type "Istanbul, Turkey"
9. On the travel blog - describe the route and how long it would take to travel from Rome to Istanbul. Include a screenshot pic fr
10. Find at least 5 great places to stop along the way from Rome to Istanbul. Click on pictures within Google Earth. Take a screenshot and add them to your blog with a 1-2 sentence description for each picture.
11. Make a prediction as to why the Roman Emperor Constantine moved the Roman Capital to Byzantium (modern day Istanbul).
12. Type your prediction on your travel blog.
13. While in Google Earth find the Hagia Sophia (hint: it's in Istanbul). 
14. Grab a couple pics off of Google Earth of the Hagia Sophia and post them on your travel blog.
15. Describe what the Hagia Sophia looks like.
16. Make a prediction as to what the Hagia Sophia was used for, during the Byzantine Empire and today.

Google Earth, Rome, Istanbul, Hagia Sophia

Good Morning,

I've taken the video class to the lower campus to film the Alumni event, please follow the steps below:
You are going to continue working on your Google Earth tour. Remember you are posting your pictures and descriptions on your travel blog.
Please read all the steps below carefully as I have updated a couple.

1. Open Google Earth, it's in the Internet section of Ubermix.
2. On your travel blog please address the following prompts:

1.  In the upper left box type in Turkey
2. Find the capital -take a screenshot add it to your travel blog with a 1-2 sentence description.
3. Find Istanbul
4. Click on several pics around , screenshot 3 cool pics from Istanbul add the pics to your travel blog with 1-2 sentence description of each.
5. Zoom in and out and pan around the landscape to be able to describe in detail (using words) what Istanbul is like.
6. In the upper left click on the "directions" tab.
7. In the "From" box type "Rome, Italy"
8. In the "To" box type "Istanbul, Turkey"
9. On the travel blog - describe the route and how long it would take to travel from Rome to Istanbul. Include a screenshot pic fr
10. Find at least 5 great places to stop along the way from Rome to Istanbul. Click on pictures within Google Earth. Take a screenshot and add them to your blog with a 1-2 sentence description for each picture.
11. Make a prediction as to why the Roman Emperor Constantine moved the Roman Capital to Byzantium (modern day Istanbul).
12. Type your prediction on your travel blog.
13. While in Google Earth find the Hagia Sophia (hint: it's in Istanbul). 
14. Grab a couple pics off of Google Earth of the Hagia Sophia and post them on your travel blog.
15. Describe what the Hagia Sophia looks like.
16. Make a prediction as to what the Hagia Sophia was used for, during the Byzantine Empire and today.

HOMEWORK: #16 above is your homework, so try and finish in class.

Presentations and Google Earth Tour

Good Morning,

1. First let's finish the travel blog presentations, fill out this form while watching the presentations.
2. Next, we are going to explore some geography using Google Earth.
3. Open Google Earth, it's in the Internet section of Ubermix.
4. On your travel blog please address the following prompts:

1.  In the upper left box type in Turkey
2. Find the capital -take a screenshot add it to your travel blog with a 1-2 sentence description.
3. Find Istanbul
4. Click on several pics around , screenshot 3 cool pics from Istanbul add the pics to your travel blog with 1-2 sentence description of each.
5. Zoom in and out and pan around the landscape to be able to describe in detail (using words) what Istanbul is like.
6. In the upper left click on the "directions" tab.
7. In the "From" box type "Rome, Italy"
8. In the "To" box type "Istanbul, Turkey"
9. On the travel blog - describe the route and how long it would take to travel from Rome to Istanbul. Include a screenshot pic fr
10. Find at least 5 great places to stop along the way from Rome to Istanbul. Click on pictures within Google Earth. Take a screenshot and add them to your blog with a 1-2 sentence description for each picture.
11. Make a prediction as to why the Roman Emperor Constantine moved the Roman Capital to Byzantium (modern day Istanbul).

HOMEWORK: Answer #11 above and return the progress report signed. Thanks!

Tuesday -Byzantium

Good Morning,

Let's review your blog posts. Use this form while we are watching the presentations.

After the travel blog presentations let's watch some Engineering an Empire: Byzantium

Roman Empire Travel Post

Good Morning,

Time to review your Roman Empire travel post. Please open your travel post and share it with a neighbor.
Using last Wednesdays blog post that describes the travel blog requirements read through 2- separate posts.
The requirements were:

1. Plan a trip to at least 2 sites within the Roman Empire. 
1. In detail explain what the sites have to offer, 
2. What the site looks like today,
3. What it looked like during the Roman Empire,
4. Why you are interested in visiting the site.
5. Include high-quality images of the site -today and (if possible) drawing/images of what the site originally looked like.
6. Include maps for each location
7. Include what other modern-day places near by you would like to visit: like the spot with the best gelato or espresso or a cafe with a perfect view of your monument.
8. Optional: research cost of flights from Santa Barbara to your locations, Hostel, The cost and method of travel between hostel and famous Roman locations. 

After we finish reviewing 2 different blogs, you are to ReWork your travel blog to better address each of the requirements above.

HOMEWORK: ReWork your travel blog to better address each of the requirements -see above.

Friday 10.12.12

Good Morning,

1. Please get your homework see Wednesdays blog for details.
2. Let's review your work
3. By Monday 10.15.12 you need to have your travel blog complete.
4. With time left in class you can choose to either continue working on your travel blog or
5. play Investigate a Roman Death http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/launch_gms_deathrome.shtml 
6. or Fling the Teacher http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/games/fling/ancientrome/
7. or Alien Adventures The Romans http://www.schoolsliaison.org.uk/aliens/access/curatorCol/roman.htm

HOMEWORK: Finish your travel blog - see Wednesdays blog for details.

Wednesday 10.10 Special Guest -Traveling to Rome

Welcome,

1. Today we will have an opportunity to hear from a special guest who traveled to Rome last summer.
2. Please make Cornell Notes on while our guest is presenting. Your essential question: Where would I want to go to when I'm in Rome and why?
3. Keep in mind you will be writing a travel blog about traveling to any location that was ONCE in the Roman Empire. Although our guest will be speaking mostly on the city of Rome, you can pick any place that was once in the Roman Empire. 
4. Travel Blog requirements: As a modern day traveler plan a trip to at least 2 locations that were once in the Roman Empire.

1. Plan a trip to at least 2 sites within the Roman Empire. 
1. In detail explain what the sites have to offer, 
2. What the site looks like today,
3. What it looked like during the Roman Empire,
4. Why you are interested in visiting the site.
5. Include high-quality images of the site -today and (if possible) drawing/images of what the site originally looked like.
6. Include maps for each location
7. Include what other modern-day places near by you would like to visit: like the spot with the best gelato or espresso or a cafe with a perfect view of your monument.
8. Optional: research cost of flights from Santa Barbara to your locations, Hostel, The cost and method of travel between hostel and famous Roman locations.
2. This could include the Colosseum in the city of Rome, The Forum of Caesar, The Forum of Augustus, The Basilica Aemilia, The Basilica of Maxentius, The Imperial Palace, The Circus Maximus, Tiber Island, The Pantheon, The Appian Way and MORE! Use this link to learn more: http://www.touropia.com/ancient-roman-monuments/
3.  Use at least 4 resources -you must cite each one- as you research your travels.

HOMEWORK DUE FRIDAY: In your Interactive Notebook: under #4 Travel blog requirements complete #1-4 for both sites see below:

1. In detail explain what the sites have to offer, 
2. What the site looks like today,
3. What it looked like during the Roman Empire,
4. Why you are interested in visiting the sites

Tuesday 10.9.12

1. Today is my son's 7th bday! Please sign the card.
2. Let's first take some Cornell Notes on The Fall of Rome. You can follow along with the slideshow here Slides 16-21.
3. Then we can continue watching Colosseum: Gladiator story  

Monday 10.8.12

Happy Monday!

1. Time to present your project Reworked. 
2. While the groups are presenting fill out the Presentation Rubric Form.

HOMEWORK: Create 5 questions for a test that are about the strengths or weaknesses or Rome.

10.5.12 Project Review & Cornells

Hello,

Let's first take some Cornell Notes on The Fall of Rome. You can follow along with the slideshow here Slides 16-21.
Next, we'll review how to improve your project. Show me what you have done to improve your project since Wednesday.

HOMEWORK: ReWork your project. Make it better based on the discussions we've had on Wednesday and today.

Rome Project Due Today

Hey everyone,

1. I'll give you 5 minutes to finish getting organized before presenting.
2. Presentations.
3. While the groups are presenting fill out the Presentation Rubric Form
4. When we are all done with the presentations please create a new document titled "Rome Project Reflections" and answer the following questions in complete sentences: SHARE with cscottsy@gmail.com
1. What did you like most about your project?
2. What did you do to work well with the others in your group?
3. How did your project teach the other group about the strengths or weaknesses of Rome?
4. What would you do differently next time?
5. How could you use the Scrum board better for your next project?
6. What grade do you deserve?
7. Any concerns you would like to share with me?

HOMEWORK: Rework your project/presentation with the information discussed in class - Project reworked due Monday. This may include a better presentation, more information, accurate information, involving everyone in your group and more.

Project Due Tomorrow

Good Morning,

1. I'm giving you the entire class period to work on your project.
2. Don't forget it's due tomorrow at the beginning of the class period.

Have FUN!

Let's pick up where we left....

Monday!

First please fill out this form.
Let's pick up where we left off.
Update your tasks, I will give points today based on your tasks. Remember your tasks should be able to move from the work in progress column to done in about 5-25minutes. If it's longer than 25 minutes break it into more tasks.
The project is due on Wednesday -at the beginning of class- so we have enough time to share. I would like to show more Engineering an Empire: Rome if we have time.
HOMEWORK: Continue work on project

Crash Course Fall of Rome, Schoodles and Project

Good Morning,

1. Turn in your take-home Rome test.
2. Let's watch a Crash Course on The Fall of Rome, and Schoodle on a Rome template while we're at it.
3. Please glue your Schoodles in your Interactive Notebook.
4.  I'll be giving grades today on your project tasks on the Scrum board. The grade will be based on your following directions on making a task. Remember a task is small like: "Make 2 boy costumes" or "Make 3 girl costumes" NOT "Make props" (that's too big and doesn't explain what you need to make). Be sure to include your time required estimate for each task.
5. Continue working on your project
6. HOMEWORK: work on project and glue schoodles in IN.

Test Review, Project, Gladiators

Good Morning,

I really like our longer class period, it really gives us a chance to get a lot finished.

1. Please get out your take home homework test so we can correct and review the problems.
2. After we finish discussing the test, begin working on your project. 
3. Add more tasks to the task area of the Scrum board.
4. Make sure you have tasks in your Work in Progress area of the Scrum board -anything you are working on should be in the Work in Progress section.
5. Move completed tasks to the Done column of the Scrum board.
6. The last 10-15 minutes I'd like to watch Colosseum: Gladiator story 
7. HOMEWORK: Work on project

Rome Project Tasks

Good Morning,

1. Please click here to fill out this form.
2. When the form is complete you may continue working on your project tasks. BE SURE to write down all the tasks required to complete your project. 
3. I will be meeting with each group to ask what you've done and what you are going to finish today.
4. With any time we can watch Colosseum: Gladiator story 
5. HOMEWORK: Continue working on your project tasks and answer the questions on the Rome take-home test.

Rome Project -Tweaked

Welcome back after a quick 2 days,

1. We are tweaking our project process a little.
2. We are going to break out into groups. The groups will be based on what you don't understand about the Roman Empire. One group for the Fall of Rome, another group for the strengths or lasting contributions. 
3. Fall of Rome your project must include:its ultimate internal weaknesses (eg rise of autonomous military powers within the empire, undermining of citizenship by the growth of corruption and slavery, lack of education, and distribution of news).
4. Strengths of Rome your project must include: the early strengths and lasting contributions of Rome (eg significance of Roman citizenship; rights under Roman law; Roman art, architecture, engineering, and philosophy; preservation and transmission of Christianity)
5. After you've written down your groups project idea. Your group will create a list of things you need to do to complete the project. For example if you want to make a movie- you need to break it down to smaller chunks: Research for the script, write the script, find actors, design costumes and set, film, and edit. Each item needs to go on a post-it note.
6. Add how much time in minutes and who will work on the task it will take your group to complete each item: For example Film movie -30minutes (Joe as Cameraman), Edit 55minutes (Sally&Suzy as editors).
7. HOMEWORK: Describe how your project will prove to Mr. Scott you have learned the material. Write this in your Interactive Notebook.

What Project Gladiator?

Good morning,

1. Your task is to design a project that will help your partner. Ask your partner "what project can I build to help you learn about Rome?"
2. In your Interactive Notebook write down what they say. Once you know what they are need help with YOU research the information. You research by reading the textbook, wikipedia
3. As a reminder your project needs to: cover Rome's strengths and weaknesses. The project should talk about what Rome is famous for and the reasons leading to it's collapse.
4. Let's watch some more Colosseum: Gladiator story 
5. HOMEWORK: On the next page in your Interactive Notebook please sketch out a project idea that would help your partner. If it's a movie or skit draw a storyboard. DRAW and COLOR it.

Rome's Internal Weakness

Good Morning Travelers,

1. Please get out your homework: "In your Interactive Notebook -- Describe Rome's internal weaknesses (be sure to look up Rome's use of slavery, it's lack of education, split of the empire, and more)" 
2. I'll walk around and check your work.
3. While I'm walking around using post-it notes write down Rome's internal weaknesses. One weakness per post-it.
4. Stick the notes on the Inspiration wall.
5. On the next page in your Interactive Notebook Describe Rome's strengths and the cool things they accomplished -include the art, architecture, law, engineering, and more.
6. Time to travel blog- after you've looked up something great that Rome accomplished find out where it happened. Write a blog post about traveling to the location where the Roman accomplishment happened. Include in your post: description of location (and map), description of Roman achievement (and image of the achievement). Add a personal touch as to why you think it is a great accomplishment.
7. Let's watch some more Colosseum: A Gladiators Story

Homework: Finish your travel blog post (see #6 above). And come up with 3 different project ideas you would like to do that covers: Rome's strengths and weaknesses. The project should talk about what Rome is famous for and the reasons leading to it's collapse

Rome, The U.S. Constitution and Gladiators

Hey Team,

Hope everyone had a great Monday.

Task 1: Open your Travel blog and answer the prompt: "Describe the similarities and differences between Ancient Rome and the U.S. Constitution" -Make sure you use the information from yesterday. PLEASE ADD an applicable image to your post. Don't forget to click Publish when you've finished.
Task 2: Click here to go to the EASY pop quiz.
Task 3: With the time left lets watch the Gladiator film we started last week.
Extension: In your Interactive Notebook -- Describe Rome's internal weaknesses (be sure to look up Rome's use of slavery, it's lack of education, split of the empire, and more)

Constitution Day

So it's Constitution Day, what is the Constitution? Why should you care?
We know that the US Constitution was influenced by the Roman Republic, lets find out more.

Let's watch a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8BwWBc571k

After watching the video work with a partner to compare the Republics in Ancient Rome and Modern day U.S. Link to doc 
You'll need a US History textbook opened to p. 100 

Extension: Please glue in the first 5 pages of your Interactive Notebook - the pink packet handed out in class. Page 1 Table of Contents, Page 2 Table of Contents, Page 3 Cornell Notes, Page 4 Left page ideas, Page 5 Right page ideas

The Lyrics to the School House Rock video:
Rockin' and a-rollin', splishin' and a-splashin',
Over the horizon, what can it be?
The pilgrims sailed the sea
To find a place to call their own.
In their ship Mayflower,
They hoped to find a better home.
They finally knocked
On Plymouth Rock
And someone said, "We're there."
It may not look like home
But at this point I don't care.
Oh, they were missing Mother England,
They swore their loyalty until the very end.
Anything you say, King,
It's OK, King,
You know it's kinda scary on your own.
Gonna build a new land
The way we planned.
Could you help us run it till it's grown?
They planted corn, you know
They built their houses one by one,
And bit by bit they worked
Until the colonies were done.
They looked around,
Yeah, up and down,
And someone said, "Hurray!"
If the king could only see us now
He would be proud of us today.
They knew that now they'd run their own land,
But George the Third still vowed
He'd rule them till the end.
Anything I say, do it my way now.
Anything I say, do it my way.
Don't you get to feeling independent
'Cause I'm gonna force you to obey.
He taxed their property,
He didn't give them any choice,
And back in England,
He didn't give them any voice.
(That's called taxation without representation,
and it's not fair!)
But when the Colonies complained
The king said: "I don't care!"
He even has the nerve
To tax our cup of tea.
To put it kindly, King,
We really don't agree.
Gonna show you how we feel.
We're gonna dump this tea
And turn this harbor into
The biggest cup of tea in history!
They wanted no more Mother England.
They knew the time had come
For them to take command.
It's very clear you're being unfair, King,
No matter what you say, we won't obey.
Gonna hold a revolution now, King,
And we're gonna run it all our way
With no more kings...
We're gonna elect a president! (No more kings)
He's gonna do what the people want! (No more kings)
We're gonna run things our way! (No more kings)
Nobody's gonna tell us what to do!

Rockin' and a-rollin', splishin' and a-splashin',
Over the horizon, what can it be?
Looks like it's going to be a free country.

Roman Architecture

Let's watch Roman Architecture and make some Schoodles. After we watch we will discuss the style of Roman Architecture, then you need to draw an example of a Roman style building on the left side of your Interactive Notebook.

When in Rome

Rome.

The standard:
7.1.1 Study the early strengths and lasting contributions of Rome (eg significance of Roman citizenship; rights under Roman law; Roman art, architecture, engineering, and philosophy; preservation and transmission of Christianity) and its ultimate internal weaknesses (eg rise of autonomous military powers within the empire, undermining of citizenship by the growth of corruption and slavery, lack of education, and distribution of news).

Let's watch Empires: Rome and Schoodle our way through. Link to schoodle template

September 11 Memorial Design

Hey campers,

You are going to design a memorial for the September 11 attacks. Let's first remember what happened on September 11, 2001 : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks

Take a look at some pics of the attacks : http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/11/september-11-photos-_n_1869226.html

And look at other memorials:
Vietnam Memorial:

WWII Memorial:



Korean War Memorial:
 

Travel Blogs

Yeay! We are finally ready to start our travel blogs. Let me explain. As we study history this year you will be writing on your blog as a travel writer.
You ask: "How do I start a blog?"
"What is a travel writer?"

Let's start with the blog.

1. In the Google search bar type "Blogger"
2. Create a limited profile - This is just your name Chris or Sally or Mike (you can add or change this later).
3. Click the "New Blog" button
4. Create a title- follow this example: Chris' Travels Through the Medieval World or Sally's Travels Through the Medieval World or Mike's Travels Through the Medieval World
5. Create your address- follow this example:  Chris7-1 or Sally7-3 or Mike 8-4 (NOTICE THERE ARE NO SPACES BETWEEN your name and class)
6. Select a template: You choose -make it pretty!
7. Blogger will create your new blog.
8. Click on the Orange rectangle with the white pencil to start your first blog post

Now what is a travel writer and what makes a good travel blog.

1. Let's watch a YouTube vid http://digitalnomad.nationalgeographic.com/2012/06/15/what-makes-a-good-travel-blog/
2. Read this article online http://www.vagabondish.com/recipe-great-travel-blog/

Primary v Secondary day 2

Let's finish our Cornell notes -summary and questions. For the left-page extension activities please draw lots of examples of Primary and Secondary Sources to show your understanding.


After you finish your Cornell notes grab a 7th grade textbook and identify 10 primary sources offered. Flip through the text, in your Interactive Notebook describe the primary sources.

Sources: Primary or Secondary?

Let's watch a couple YouTube videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVL_qQ4xv90&feature=related
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHTtpYYbhm0&list=PLXgW1JCgcfp4cXL_CxINGKzdEK5a-63Hz&index=3&feature=plpp_video

Please make notes while watching the video. Essential question: What are Primary and Secondary Sources?

After the video you will work with another to develop a Primary vs. Secondary Source poster.
Your goal: Make an interesting and visually appealing poster to demonstrate your understanding of Primary and Secondary Sources.
Review the rubric and your notes.
The Rubric: http://goo.gl/VkGmn

Did you hear about the lunchroom fight?

Imagine that you are the principal of a school and you just found out that there was a fight in the lunchroom during lunch. You’ve asked many students and teachers who witnessed the fight to write down what they saw and who they think started the fight. Unfortunately, you have received many conflicting accounts that disagree not only as to who started the fight, but also as to who was involved and when the fight even started. It’s important to remember that NO ONE is just plain lying.



For each of the questions below, in pairs write your ideas/answers on post-its to post on the inspiration wall
•    Why would there be different stories of the event if no one is just plain lying?
•    What are the different types of people who might have seen this fight? (e.g., friends of those involved versus people who don’t know the kids who were fighting; those who were fighting versus those who were witnesses; adults versus kids)
•    What might make one person’s story more believable or plausible than another person’s?

On your own answer the following questions on the right side of your Interactive Notebook:
a. Why might people see or remember things differently?
b. Time: Do stories change over time? How might what we remember right after the event differ from what we remember a week later? Does time make the way someone remembers something more or less trustworthy?
c. Physical Evidence: what kinds might have an effect on what you believe: bruises, missing objects, etc.

Logos, Nasa and Blogs

Please post your finished class logo design on the inspiration wall. We will decide on a class logo -or maybe another redesign.

After we select a final design for the class logo, I want you to ask yourself "What do I want the Principal, my Teachers, and fellow students to say about me at the end of the year?" Please write this in your Interactive Notebook.


Curiosity landed! Let's watch the NASA video of the work that went in to making sure Curiosity would land successfully. http://youtu.be/h2I8AoB1xgU?t=1s a Great example of using the Design Thinking process of prototyping for success.

From Marshmallows to Logos

You're probably wondering how this will ever apply to history class. Have no fear, it's all a part of my master plan.
Yesterday you had another shot at the Marshmallow Challenge, most groups had a standing structure. The record was 81cm, currently held by a 7th grade team. If you recall from the discussion before and after the challenge, it's all about the process. Traditionally you take a shot at addressing the challenge/problem, create something and cross your fingers that it works. We found that your traditional methods of problem solving did not help you build a spaghetti tower.

Let's revisit the Design process:
Today we are going to design a class logo.

The challenge/problem: Design an awesome logo that represents our class and what we will be learning. 
Step 1: Grab some post-it notes and something to write with. Write/draw/doodle/scribble as many ideas on post-its as you can (1 idea per post-it please) and stick the notes on the inspiration wall.
Include: colors, words, pictures (drawings), phrases (You Can Do It!), shapes.
Step 2: After the logo ideas are on the inspiration wall everyone will review and evaluate the ideas. Pick the ideas you like, blend the ideas, mix the ideas and add your own flavor.
Step 3: I will put you in small groups of 2-3. Each person will design a class logo.
Step 4: Trade your logo with someone in your group. Each person should draw, write, cross-off, add-to the partners logo. (5min)
Step 5: Discuss what changes were made and why. With the extra time refine your logo sketch.
Step 6: Pin up your logo on the inspiration wall. Be ready to explain your logo to the whole class.
Step 7: Go back to your desks and design a final logo, using your the ideas discussed in class.
Step 8: Pin up final logo, class vote for best logo. We'll digitize and put on our websites.

For Friday:
Please finish your class logo design and bring a list of types of projects you would like to do in History class. For example: plays, movies, animations, physical project (castle)....

Marshmallow Challenge Part 2

Yesterday you gave your best shot at the Marshmallow Challenge and many of your towers collapsed under the weight of the marshmallow. You are going to do the Marshmallow Challenge again today, using the Design Thinking process. Take a look at the image:

Most teams talked about a design, started building and with less than 2 minutes left tried to make the tower hold the marshmallow.

Today, the same rules apply. Consider the problem, discuss the problem, understand the problem before talking about a design and building.

You should try a few different designs to test your structure. The record yesterday was 67cm. I know every team can beat that.

Marshmallow Challenge

Be ready for a fun way to work as a group.
Your task is to construct the tallest tower with the materials supplied. The entire marshmallow must rest on top. We'll do this in small groups of 3-4 people.

The Rules:

1. ✦Build the Tallest Freestanding Structure: The winning team is the one that has the tallest structure measured from the table top surface to the top of the marshmallow. That means the structure cannot be suspended from a higher structure, like a chair, ceiling or chandelier.
2. ✦The Entire Marshmallow Must be on Top: The entire marshmallow needs to be on the top of the structure. Cutting or eating part of the marshmallow disqualifies the team. 
3. ✦Use as Much or as Little of the Kit: The team can use as many or as few of the 20 spaghetti sticks, as much or as little of the string or tape. The team cannot use the paper bag as part of their structure.
4. ✦Break up the Spaghetti, String or Tape: Teams are free to break the spaghetti, cut up the tape and string to create new structures.
5. ✦The Challenge Lasts 18 minutes: Teams cannot hold on to the structure when the time runs out. Those touching or supporting the structure at the end of the exercise will be disqualified.

It'll be a blast!

First post New Year 2012-13

Dear 7th Graders,

Get ready for an AMAZING year. We are going to explore tons of civilzations like you have never done it before. Forget your worries and presumptions of history. You're in Mr. Scott's class now. You are going to make movies, write as a travel writer, create animations, 3-d drawings, virtual tours, and so much more.
I can't wait to learn with you.
So much cool stuff:
Rome
Byzantine Empire
Birth of Islam
Sub-Saharan Africa
Maya
Inca
Aztec
Medieval China
Medieval Japan
Medieval Europe
Renaissance
Reformation

In the comment section below drop me a note about what you are excited to learn about.