The Judicial Branch

This week we are discussing the Judicial Branch. Visit the following website: The Judicial Branch and read the information. Give a summary about the Judicial Branch, their job, and why we need them in the US Government.

Next, complete the activity Supreme Order in the Court. Once you complete this activity, tell me how many times it took to complete, what you think about the activity, and if it helped you to learn anything new about the Judicial Branch.

I expect your responses to be five sentences in length and you should answer by January 4th, 2010. Have a great Winter Break!!!!

The Three Branches of Government

During these next few weeks we are going to be discussing the Three Branches of Government and the three levels of government. Visit the following site:

http://www.congressforkids.net/Constitution_threebranches.htm

Read the information and write a summary (at least five sentences) of what the three branches of government do, and who makes up that branch. Have fun! Respond by December 4th, 2009!

Exam Review Vocabulary

Nine Weeks Vocabulary Review:

Define the following words. You may draw (or find ) a picture for each word or write the word in a sentence for extra credit.


citizen, naturalized, alien, candidate, rule of law, charter, constitution, bicameral, delegated powers, amendments, federalism, concurrent powers, reserved powers, political party, platform, registration, media, bias, incumbent

The Electoral College

This week we will be discussing the Electoral College. Visit the following link and then tell me what the Electoral College does. What do we need them for? Do you think we still need them and if not, what can we do instead? Answer in THREE to FIVE sentences by Sunday, November 1st, 2009.

http://www.congressforkids.net/Elections_electoralcollege.htm

Creigh Deeds v. Bob McDonnell

Which person do you think is the best "fit" for the job of Virginia's governor? Now that we have reviewed the issues in class and some of the things that they want to change, who is best for the job? Why? Support your response in at least two sentences. Respond by October 25th in order to receive extra credit or replace a "0" on any assignment.

Christopher Columbus

With our recent discussion of exploration and the fact that today is Columbus Day- I thought we should spend the week discussing Christopher Columbus and what did for our nation. Visit the following link:

http://www.mce.k12tn.net/explorers/christopher_columbus.htm

Read all about Christopher Columbus and then give a three-to-five sentence summary of Christopher Columbus' journeys and adventures. Please respond by October 18th, 2009 in order to receive full credit.

Political Parties

This week we will begin discussing political parties and the voting process. Read the following web article that discusses the Democrats and the Republicans as well as third parties. After reading, discuss some of the differences between Democrats and Republicans and then choose one of the third parties and tell me something about their views and ideas. Please respond in five sentences by October 18th, 2009.

http://www.politics1.com/parties.htm

EXPLORATION!!!

How different would our nation be if the explorers had not come over to the Americas? Where do you think we would be today? Answer in two-four sentences. You must have a response posted by October 11th, 2009. When you respond, write your first and last name in the Title box.

Fundamental Political Principles. Constitution, and Early American Documents

We have been studying the five Fundamental Political Principles (Consent of the governed, Rule of Law, Democracy, Limited Government, and Representative government). We also have studied the US Constitution (The Preamble) and the documents that contributed to the US Constitution. Why do you think that it is important to study this information? What benefit will you have later on in life from knowing these things? Answer this question in three-five sentences. This will count as Current Event # 1. You must have a response posted by Sunday October 11th, 2009. When you respond, write your name in the Title line.

Ms. H

Native Americans

We have been studying Native Americans for the past two weeks. Why do you think that it is important that we learn about Native Americans? Which tribe do you find the most information?? Why?? (EXTRA CREDIT- THIS WILL REPLACE ANY "0" THAT YOU HAVE!!!)

Early American Documents

For the past two weeks we have been discussing those documents that led to the creation of the US Constitution. Tell me which one you feel was the most important to our nations's government and why? (EXTRA CREDIT: REPLACE A "0" ON ANY MISSING ASSIGNMENT!!!)

Geography

Today in class we created a map and a map key of the 7 continents and the 4 oceans. The students also received a quiz review and they have a quiz tomorrow on Geography vocabulary and the placement of the 7 continents and the 4 oceans. You can use the following links to study more geography information:

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

http://www.cfschools.net/schools/veterans/218/t7con.html

Today we focused on how US citizens become citizens by birth or naturalization. We talked mainly about how immigrants can become a citizen of the United States. The students took a practice Citizenship test to see if they would pass it if they were immigrants. The results were hilarious! Students got a taste of what it would be like to be an immigrant and try to gain citizenship to the US. The following links focus on more information about the naturalization process.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services Homepage:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis

The Civics and History Section of the Immigration Citzenship Test: http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/100q.pdf

Full Text of Barack Obama's Back to School Speech (9/8/2009)

Barack Obama gave a speech urging students to make goals and follow through. Read the entire speech below.

Click on the link: http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-now-obama-speech-text.s8,0,6266461,full.story

Does this speech encourage you to make goals/follow through with them? Answer this question for extra credit.

Full Text From Barack Obama's Speech (9/8/2009)

Barack Obama gave a speech urging students to make goals and follow through. Read the entire speech below.

Click on the link: http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-now-obama-speech-text.s8,0,6266461,full.story

Does this speech encourage you to make goals/follow through with them? Answer this question for extra credit.

First Day of School

Today in class we worked on understanding the way that the classroom will run throughout this school year. You were made aware of where to place your work, where to look for work when you are absent, and where to find Homework and materials needed in the classroom.

Do you have anymore questions for me? Anything that I did not say in class, or something I did say and you are confused???? Now's the time to speak out!

This week we will begin learning about the geography of the United States. Tomorrow we will review geography vocabulary, learn about lines of latitude and longitude, and place the seven continents and four oceans on a map. On Thursday we will review for a quiz that will be given on Friday. On Friday, we will take a quiz and start learning about the Eight Geographical Regions of the United States.

First Day of School

Today in class we worked on understanding the way that the classroom will run throughout this school year. You were made aware of where to place your work, where to look for work when you are absent, and where to find Homework and materials needed in the classroom.

Do you have anymore questions for me? Anything that I did not say in class, or something I did say and you are confused???? Now's the time to speak out!

This week we will begin learning about what it takes to become a citizen of the United States and what makes someone a good citizen. Tomorrow, we will begin talking about how you can become a citizen of the US and introduce the citizenship unit. On Thursday we will take a US Citizenship test (the one that Immigrants have to take to become a citizen) and see if you could actually be a US Citizen. On Friday we will take notes on citizenship and you will work on your section of the Class Citizenship Book (more information to come).

Inauguration Speech

We will learn about the process for Presidential Elections. The last step is the Inauguration. Please watch the most recent President's Inauguration speech and share your thoughts about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjnygQ02aW4

Welcome to History Hotspot

Welcome to US History to 1877 class!! I hope you enjoyed your summer. My goal this year is to make History as fun and as interesting to you as it is to me! This blog will be used to help you interact with the subject matter at home (as well as in school on occasion). There will be questions posted and your responses will result in extra credit.

There will be pictures, games, newspaper articles, and videos posted and you can always feel free to post comments. In the Title line, please put your first name and last initial. This way I can identify you, and if extra credit is an option, you will receive it.

I am so excited to start this journey with you this year. I hope you feel the same!!!

Welcome to Civics Scene

Welcome to Civics class!! I hope you enjoyed your summer. My goal this year is to make Civics as fun and as interesting to you as it is to me! This blog will be used to help you interact with the subject matter at home (as well as in school on occasion).

There will be questions posted and your responses will result in extra credit. There will be pictures, games, newspaper articles, and videos posted and you can always feel free to post comments. In the Title line, please put your first name and last initial. This way I can identify you, and if extra credit is an option, you will receive it.

I am so excited to start this journey with you this year. I hope you feel the same!!!