US+History+2009-10+Announcements

Thursday Jun 3
A. The podcasts are due tomorrow (Friday) by the time class starts (12:10 for US-D, 1:30 for US-E). They should be posted on the appropriate link on THIS PAGE. The group members' names should be posted next to their link (Daeun/Sangheon is the example for this). B. The podcasts should be approximately 3 minutes long. No points will be deducted for podcasts longer than 2 minutes and shorter than 4. C. Be sure to doublecheck the rubric for podcast expectations.
 * // 1. Podcast Information //**

A. Tomorrow's class will be busy! Here is a brief rundown of what to expect:
 * // 2. Friday's Class //**
 * Podcasts turned in before class
 * "Words of Wisdom" printed out and ready to turn in at beginning
 * Optional extra credit quiz on "We Didn't Start the Fire" (see the Fri May 28 announcement for more info)
 * Teaching some final review lessons
 * Sharing analogies/similes with each other

A. I hope the research paper was valuable a learning experience for you. To help you reflect on the process, an optional assignment worth 3 points on the research paper grade is available to you. Those wishing to do the assignment may turn it in during the next few days, but it must be turned in to Mr. Duncan **no later than 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday June 9.** The requirements are listed below:
 * // 3. Research Paper Extra Points (Optional) //**
 * **(A)** Using bullet points, list the 12 most common and/or most important errors made in the paper. Little or no explanation is required.
 * **(B)** In a brief paragraph, reflect on what strengths your paper had and the most important ways you can improve when writing in the future.
 * **(C)** Turn in your original paper AND grade sheet with parts A & B!

Friday May 28
A. During the final week, any student who would like to improve his or her project grade (combination of music project, research paper, and debates) and/or learn more about US History can earn some extra points by learning the meaning behind Billy Joel's classic song about the US 1949-1989, "We Didn't Start the Fire." On Friday June 4, Mr. Duncan will give students 10 terms from a section of the song for students to define. Students who correctly define 6-10 of the terms from the song will be able to add that number of points to a project grade. Students who get 0-5 terms correct will not have any points added (Mr. Duncan will explain why in class). The great news: (A) It is completely optional and (B) it cannot any way harm your grade. To learn more about the song, check out: We Didn't Start the Fire, Or Did We?
 * // 1. Extra Credit Opportunity (Optional) //**

Thursday May 20
A. The "Conservative v. Liberal" survey is found HERE. You will need to scroll down about halfway down to find it. Each person, Dave and Peter, used some terms with which you may not be familiar. Be sure to look these up so you will have a better understanding of what they are saying. There are 9 open-ended questions that require thoughtful answers. Plan on approximately 1.5 hours to spend on this activity. B. In addition to the survey, the US History debate preparation assignment is due next class. Each student (not each group) should read 5 articles relating to his/her debate and complete the article summaries assignment outlined in the "Spring 2010 Debates Explanation and Rubric" document located on the Project Docs page. The articles do NOT have to support your position. In fact, it would be ideal to find articles from multiple perspectives. Plan on approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to spend on this activity. C. The people using the Choices packets for background information (US-D Debates #1 & #2, US-E Debate #1) should have received them by email. If you did not, please check with your partner first and then if there are still problems, let me know ASAP. D. The specific dates for each debate have been finalized. Please check the following document and notify Mr. Duncan ASAP if there are any conflicts so changes can be made to the schedule in plenty of time. Students absent on the debate days (even if excused) will have a much more time-consuming alternative assignment as there are no other days to make this up in class and because the debates are worth a project grade.
 * // 1. Assignment for Next Class //**
 * For several of the debates, the "Opposing Viewpoints" website (accessible from the KIS library homepage) could be a valuable resource.
 * The articles do not have to be printed out---only the summaries and bibliographical information.
 * The "Choices" packet CANNOT count as one of the articles.

Friday May 14
A. **Thu 5/13:** For those who missed class yesterday, be sure to catch up on what you missed by doing the following: go to the Ronald Reagan part of the wiki and (a) read the summary & analysis, (b) copy/paste the 12 questions into your notes and then answer the questions, and (c) read about Reagan's beliefs on at least 3 of the 6 topics listed at the bottom of the page. B. **Mon 5/17:** Nana/May & Mady/Sarah will be teaching an awesome lesson on "music without a home." Also, the final project for the year, the US History debates, will be introduced! (The debate info will be posted on the "class documents for downloading" part of the wiki. C. **Wed 5/19:** At the beginning of class, you will turn in your 10 analogies/similes/song titles. These will count as a 100 point homework and a 100 point participation grade. To see the original assignment, read the Tuesday May 11 announcement and for great examples, see the Thursday May 13 announcement. In class, the teachers will look at "The 2 Americas" lesson. D. **Thu 5/20:** Many of you will be gone for the Chinese or Physics class field trips. There will be no new information covered in class. Students will have the opportunity to work on either the "Conservative v. Liberal Survey" or the debate preparation assignment. E. **Mon 5/24 (US-D) & Tue 5/25 (US-E):** We will finish the "2 Americas Lesson," learn about "Demographic Changes in the U.S.," and have a little time to work on the debates. F. **Wed 5/26**: Debate #1 G. **Fri 5/28:** Debate #2; Students receive exam study guide & "Words of Wisdom" activity H. **Tue 6/1**: Debate #3 I. **Wed 6/2 (US-D) and Thu 6/3 (US-E):** Student music lesson on "War on Terror" J. **Fri 6/4:** Last class!!! Optional extra credit quiz and more! K. **Mon 6/ 7 **: **US History exam**
 * // 1. Thu 5/13 (yesterday) + Schedule for Rest of Year //** (Updates in blue!)
 * Homework for everyone else: Nothing is due Monday.
 * Homework: Finish 10 analogies/similes/song titles
 * Homework: Read Choices packet for debate (if applicable)
 * Homework: (1) Each student should thoughtfully fill out the "Conservative v. Liberal Survey" (explained in class on Wed 5/19). (2) Each person in the debate group should complete the debate preparation assignment.
 * Homework: 1st Debate groups ready
 * Homework: 2nd Debate groups ready
 * Homework: 3rd Debate groups ready
 * Homework: Debate reflections; "War on Terror" group ready; Work on/plan for debate Podcast
 * Homework: Finish "Words of Wisdom" activity; be ready for OPTIONAL extra credit quiz (will be explained on Tue 6/1); Finish Debate Podcast
 * Homework: Study for exam
 * Homework: Enjoy your summer!

Thursday May 13
A. Here are some examples of great analogies/similes from other HS students who created theirs about modern Latin American history. Notice how they often take things that are dissimilar (e.g. comparing people to things instead of other people): >>>>
 * // 1. Examples for US History Analogies & Similes, and Song Titles Activity //**
 * [[file:WH Latin America Analogy & Simile Activity - Jorge A.pages]]
 * [[file:WH Latin America Analogy & Simile Activity - Nick A.pages]]
 * [[file:Analogies, Similes, Song Titles Examples.pages]]
 * Notes for creating song titles: As an example, if you were to write a song about Genghis Khan, you should not use the title Genghis Khan Rocks. It shows no thought or creativity, and does not show that you have an understanding of who Genghis Khan was or what things he accomplished. Some good song titles might include Genghis Khan-Back in the Saddle Again; Genghis, Throw off your Wooden Collar; and We Come to Conquer. These examples work because they are much more creative and refer to events in Genghis Khan’s life. Ohhh, too bad! Genghis isn’t a choice for you!
 * Some other examples:
 * The PRI in Mexico is to revolution as a mudslide is to a mountainside. Mudslides are sweeping agents of change and destruction in its first stage. Then, however, it cakes, dries, and doesn’t go anywhere. The same thing happened to the PRI when it fell into a stage of stagnation and conservatism.
 * Pablo Neruda is to capitalism as an angry monkey is to a tank. Angry monkeys are notoriously dangerous creatures. If you invade their territory, some species are known to howl constantly. Other monkeys will proceed to throw all sorts of shrubbery at you. Pablo Neruda was a highly refined version of an angry monkey. He threw polished words at the institution of capitalism. Nevertheless, he failed to deter capitalism which proceeded to ignore the howls & projectiles thanks to its 6-inch thick steel armor.
 * Leftist movements in Latin America are to the U.S. like a submarine is to a destroyer. Destroyers were invented largely with the sole purpose of locating and eliminating the submarine threat. However, the submarine is a notoriously tough prey to catch. It can submerge beneath the surface of the water so that it cannot be seen. Destroyers are equipped with depth charges to blow submarines up beneath the surface. Leftist movements in Latin America are like submarines because they constantly elude destruction and hide in the depths, only to resurface again later. The U.S., on the other hand, is a destroyer dedicated to the destruction of leftist movements wherever they appear.
 * DR-CAFTA (a free trade agreement between US/Central America) is like global warming. Nobody really understands it, but they protest against it anyway.
 * Gabriel Garcia Marquez is like a lucky chef. Chefs usually create or find their secret ingredient or sauce through experiment and luck. In the same way, Marquez’ success with his book One Hundred Years in Solitude was luck because he had at first sent the second part of the book to the publisher by accident and almost did not publish his book. Lucky enough, he had a friend nearby who got the first part. That friend helped publish the entire book.
 * Songs
 * “The Day Ol’ Benji Ditched Me”  Topic: Great Depression
 * This is a humorous satire on the Great Depression alluding to the presence of Benjamin Franklin’s portrait on ‘American’ hundred dollar bills. One of the more calm and melancholic songs on the album, the music tells the tale from a woman’s perspective. It emphasizes the fact that you know you’ve sunk to new depths when even the famous womanizer/Don Juan/playboy Benjamin Franklin won’t go out with you.
 * “The Most Infamous Must-aches: Hitler” Topic: Nazism/Facism
 * This song includes one of the most clever and witty puns ever made in human history: the must-ache. This tripled pun satirized the mustache of the Nazi demigod, Adolf Hitler, the fact that he was a huge mistake, and the knowledge that Hitler (and his mustache) must have caused quite a few aches for many people.

Tuesday May 11
A. Put on your "creative caps" because it is about to get interesting in US History. We are going to review and preview some important events from the 1970s to the present by having the students come up with analogies, similes, and song titles. What next? Look at "B" to find out: B. Activity Details
 * // 1. US History Analogies, Similes, and Song Titles Activity //**
 * Due: Wed 19 May
 * Topics: 10 of your choosing
 * All must be from 1970s to the present (unless from a topic we studied)
 * Only 6 can be based on what we have studied by Wed 19 May
 * Topics can come from events (e.g. Challenger Explosion, 2000 Election in Florida, Halle Berry and Denzel winning Academy Awards, etc), people (e.g. George W. Bush, Cindy Sheehan, etc), or everyday life (American football games, inner cities, fast food restaurants).
 * No more than 1 may come from pop culture (movies, music, etc) and at least 7 of the topics must be found in the US History textbook and/or the class wiki.
 * There must be at least 2 analogies, 2 similies, and 2 song titles. The other 4 can be from any of the categories.
 * Analogy example: Kimbab is to Koreans what staples are to staplers.
 * Simile example: KIS is like a rose. They both smell delicious and are hard to handle.
 * Song title example: "The Blades of Kim Yu-Na Work Their Magic."
 * Each analogy/simile/song title should be written in bold with a 4-8 sentence explanation (in normal font) written below each one. This should be printed out and brought to class on Wed 19 May.

Monday May 10
A. Before the next class, each student should read the following: (1)  and (2) [|Supreme Court's Evolving Rulings on Abortion - NPR] The forecast for next class is mostly quizzy. However, if it does "quiz" on us, it would be worth 50% of a normal quiz.
 * // 1. Assignment for Next Class //**

Thursday April 15
A. Before Monday, each student should have peer edited 2 research papers. The peer edits should (a) consider the rubric, (b) focus on the thesis and the support for it, and (c) offer general suggestions/comments about the paper. Students will share their thoughts with each other during the first 20-30 minutes of class. B. In addition, students should (a) bring their 1st semester research papers (except Paul, Taehyung, and Henry) and (b) be ready to edit their own papers for the remainder of class.
 * // 1. Assignment for Monday //**

A. The research paper for will be due at the beginning of class on Tuesday for US-D and on Wednesday for US-E. Please see the "final paper" part of the research paper requirements to see what needs to be turned in that day. B. Also, before class on the due date, each student should submit the "body of paper" to the proper place on [|turnitin.com]. Students are welcome to turn in the title and works cited pages but that is not required.
 * // 2. Turning in the Research Paper //**

Saturday April 10
A. The study guide for Thursday's test is located here**//.//** There is much to study for the test. To help, a majority of Tuesday's class will be dedicated to reviewing for it. A. Bring **two** **copies** of the rough draft to class on Tuesday. Two different students will peer edit your papers.
 * // 1. Civil Rights, Vietnam, Hippies Test Study Guide //**
 * // 2. Research Paper //**

Wednesday March 31
A. To clear up confusion, here is a sample of what I am expecting for the outline: 1. Research Question 2. [|Outline Example (be sure to write thesis statement for 1st part)] When finished, consult [|this checklist] to be sure your thoughts are clear. **// 2. Working Bibliography //** A. The "working bibliography" should look like your final bibliography. Be sure it includes all the required sources and follows Chicago style. You may add and take away sources before the final draft, but this should not change much between now and then. A. The revised thesis paragraph, working bibliography, and outline are due at the following times: in class on Thursday for US-D; anytime before 3pm on Friday for US-E. This gives both classes two days from when they received their edited thesis paragraphs. A. Read about the Vietnam War in Ch. 33-2 (p. 985-989) and then write a letter home (role play as if you are a US soldier writing to any relative back home) based on info from the reading. It should be a min. of 1.5 pages long typed, or _ long (depending on your writing style) handwritten. It will be explained more in class on Thursday.
 * // 1. Research Paper Outline //**
 * // 3. Due Date //**
 * // 4. Assignment for Monday 5 April //**

Tuesday March 9
A. The following songs are required for the US Music Project: A. To see the music project information sheet (with grading explanation) and schedule, please click here. A. Each student will need to print off a sheet of all the sources that he/she plans to use for the research paper. Please have a separate category for primary and secondary sources. Do not just list the URLs--give bibliographical information (title, author, date, etc.). It does not have to be in Chicago style although the working bibliography due Thursday April 1 does. The books should, in addition to being listed on the paper, either (a) be brought to class or (b) shown online. "Shown online" means the actual book is posted online, not just information about the book. Any additional questions may be answered by Mr. Duncan in Wednesday's class.
 * // 1. Required Songs for US Music Project //**
 * Civil Rights Group I: Oxford Town
 * Civil Rights Group II: Abraham, Martin, and John
 * Vietnam Group I: Fortunate Son
 * Vietnam Group II: Ohio
 * Hippies: Okie from Muskogee
 * Inner City Blues: //no song required//
 * Songs Without a Home: //no song required//
 * War on Terror: Either "Where Were You" or "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" (groups can only teach BOTH of these songs if they end up teaching 4-5 songs. If only 3 are taught, then students must pick one of these two.
 * // 2. Music Project Schedule //**
 * // 3. Research Paper Sources Due Thu (US-D) or Mon (US-E) //**

Saturday February 27
A. Before coming to the next class, each student should post his/her new and improved research question here. Students should start ordering books and finding sources as all the sources are due in class in less than 2 weeks on Thursday March 11. Also, the thesis paragraph is due on Tuesday March 16. B. Students who did not turn in the museum worksheet should be ready to turn that in at the beginning of class. 1. A big thank you to everyone. You did a great job on the field trip and hopefully learned something along the way.
 * // 1. Assignment for Tuesday (US-D) and Wednesday (US-E) //**
 * // 2. Field Trip Wrap Up //**

Thursday February 18
1. For the Friday February 26 field trip to the Korean War Museum in Yongsan, any students who do not plan on riding the bus back to school (which will arrive at KIS at approximately 2:35pm) **must** bring a signed note from one of your parents that gives you permission to not take the bus back. This note is due to Mr. Duncan **no later than 3:00pm on Thursday February 25.** Students who bring a note later than this (e.g. on the day of the field trip) or who do not have a note will be required to take the bus back to school, even if they live right next door to the museum. If you have any questions, please see Mr. Duncan.
 * // 1. Field Trip Transportation //**

Thursday January 28
1. In order to provide more perspective on World War II and make the events of WWII come to life, KIS US History students have the opportunity to watch a movie focusing on WWII to earn extra credit. Students who choose to do this can earn extra credit by following these steps:
 * // 1. WWII Movie Extra Credit //**
 * Watch one of the following movies: //**Saving Private Ryan, The Pianist, Schindler's List,**// or **//Swing Kids.//**
 * **STUDENTS MUST NOT HAVE EVER SEEN THE MOVIE BEFORE IN ORDER TO EARN EXTRA CREDIT.**
 * Take a picture of yourself(ves) watching the movie and bring it to Mr. Duncan by **Thursday February 4 (one week from today).**
 * Note: US-E students still must bring it to me by Thu 4 Feb even though class does not meet that day.
 * On that day, students will receive their assignment that will require questions to be answered about the test. It is approximately 2 pages (typed) of answers. Students will bring that to the test on **Monday February 8**. Those who have completed all steps and have thoughtful responses will earn up to **5 bonus points** on the test.

Friday January 15
1. Congratulations to all the people who won the review games today. A note about today's review game: Even though much from the test was included in today's review, there is much to study for the exam (especially the essay questions) that was not included in the review. Be sure to study hard! 2. We talked about the New Deal today in class. One aspect of the New Deal that we skimmed over was the "Alphabet Soup" programs. More can be learned about the programs generally and specifically here and here. 3. The quiz passes that 1/2 of you earned early on in the school year may be used for either this semester or next semester. If you want to use it this semester, please bring it to me no later than Wednesday. Some may choose to save it for next semester as there will be fewer homework grades. 4. The US History exam is on Wednesday. All the project grades will be posted to Powerschool no later than Tuesday afternoon. 5. There will not be a formal review in class on Tuesday. Students are welcome to come in and ask questions during the designated time, but I will not be leading a review.
 * // 1. Exam Announcements //**

Tuesday January 5
1. Due to the school closures, the teaching projects will be due the following days:
 * // 1. Updated Teaching Project Schedule //**
 * Ch. 22-23: Fri 8 Jan
 * Ch. 24: Mon 11 Jan (US-D) or Tue 12 Jan (US-E)
 * Ch. 25: Wed 13 Jan

On Wednesday, I will teach the lessons originally scheduled for Monday. US-D, be sure to bring your Garvey/Washington/Du Bois document that you worked on in class before the break. US-E, you do not need to bring anything except your computer tomorrow. I hope you all enjoyed getting out in the snow and look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!

Friday November 13
1. On Monday, each person will give a 45 second speech arguing his/her position on the issue of what the U.S. should do in the Philippines after the Spanish-American War. The speech should not be written out. Only a few notes may be used. Be persuasive! Look people in the eye, speak clearly and with conviction, and know your arguments! Following the speeches, a semi-formal debate will take place. The preparation, execution, and debate participation together will count as one homework grade. 2. Homework for Tue 11/17 (US-D) or for Mon 11/23 (US-E): Read the assigned chapter for the teaching project. (For groups doing both chapter 22 & 23, each person will read one of the chapters and both chapters should be covered by the people within the group.) **Note**: For those going to THIMUN or Habitat, your assigned reading will be due on Tue 11/24.
 * // 1. Monday 11/16 Class //**

1. Groups in both classes should go to Unit 5 which is accessible via the US History main page and post the 2 main learning objectives each group has on the group's link before 8:00 a.m. on Tue 11/24. (**Note**: Groups teaching both chapter 22 and 23 may now, if they desire, choose 2 learning objectives from the same chapter as long as Mr. Duncan approves it beforehand.) 2. Groups should, in class, turn in (typed) at least 5 tentative ideas they may use in teaching the learning objectives. There will be approximately 15 minutes in class on Tue 11/17 for US-D and on Mon 11/23 for US-E for students to brainstorm. Plan on additional time outside of class to brainstorm as 15 minutes will not be enough to do it well. 3. The schedule for the rest of the semester is posted here:
 * // 2. Teaching Project Planning Assignment due Tue 11/24 //**

Wednesday November 4
1. Before school begins (8 am), post the .pdf file of the newspaper using THIS LINK. 2. Before the bell rings to begin class, each group should turn in 1 printed newspaper and 1 bibliography for all sources consulted. 3. Once the bell rings, go to THIS LINK to prepare for peer reviewing other newspapers. __The sub will assign each student 2 newspapers to review__. After thoroughly reading, learning from, and analyzing each newspaper, students should complete the survey at the bottom of the newspapers page. Remember, do this to the best of your ability as this is factored in to the project grade. 4. After finishing, spend the remainder of class working on either the research paper reflection (see Tuesday November 3 announcement) or completing the "Choices" packet reading and questions (given during class). 5. Homework: (A) Research paper reflection; (B) "The Origins of a Global Power" reading packet reading & questions (do not have to be answered in complete sentences)
 * // 1. Thursday 11/5 class //**

1. "The Origins of a Global Power" quiz based on "Choices" packet reading/questions 2. Read "The Spanish-American War" reading packet and answer the questions. (US-E may have an extra activity in class) 3. Homework: Finish "The Spanish-American War" questions (if not finished in class).
 * // 2. Friday 11/6 & Mon 11/9 class //**

Tuesday November 3
1. Hopefully the research paper was an important learning experience for you. To help you reflect on the process, the following assignment will be due on Friday (US-D) or Monday (US-E): **3 parts: (A)** Using bullet points, list the 12 most common and/or most important errors made in the paper. Little or no explanation is required. **(B)** In a 3/4 to 1 1/2 page essay (Times New Roman, 12 pt font, 1" margins), reflect on what strengths your paper had and the most important ways you can improve when writing in the future. If space allows, also comment on what lessons you learned from this process. **(C)** Turn in your original paper AND grade sheet with parts A & B! This 3-part assignment is worth TWO homework grades.
 * // 1. Research Paper Reflection //**

Thursday October 29
1. Due to continued illnesses of some students in US History, the due date for the Progressive Era Newspaper has been pushed back from Tuesday 11/3 to Thursday 11/5. In addition to the four items listed below (in the Tue 10/27 announcement) that are due, each group will have to post the .pdf file to the appropriate place using THIS LINK by 8:00 a.m. on Thursday November 5. 2. It is highly recommended that students who are able to finish the project this week do just that. There will only be approximately 15 minutes in class on Tuesday to meet with the rest of your group.
 * // 1. Newspaper Due Date //**

Tuesday October 27
I hope you all enjoyed sleeping in today. I know I did. For those who are sick, I hope you get better soon. On to the assignment announcements... 1. Because of the school cancellation, some of the US History class and homework plans and due dates had to be altered. However, because each of the 2 canceled classes was going to be 50% dedicated to group project work, our schedule has not been altered significantly. Below are the updated schedule and list of upcoming assignments. It includes what will be done in class each day and the homework (HW) for each class. If you have any questions, please email me and I will be happy to help.
 * // 1. H1N1 Week //**
 * **Week of 10/27-10/30**: No class
 * HW #1 - Due by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday 10/29: @Child Labor in the Progressive Era
 * HW #2 - Due by 8:00 a.m. on Monday 11/2: electronic copy of @Progressive Era Project Primary Source Analyses
 * HW #3 (THE PROJECT) - Due in class on Tuesday 11/3:
 * A. The printed version of the group's newspaper (see @Progressive Era Project Extra Info for updated project information and for your Q & A)
 * B. An electronic, .pdf version of the group's newspaper (have on a USB drive)
 * C. The group's bibliography
 * D. Each person's printed primary source analyses with the primary sources

Tuesday October 20
1. To help prepare for the upcoming project and to get a good background on the Progressive Era, students should complete the reading and questions based on Howard Zinn's //A People's History of the United States// that are found here: Zinn on the Progressive Era 2. Students should also bring their textbooks to class on Thursday. 3. US-D students should have their Progressive Era Newspaper project description with them on Thursday.
 * // 1. Assignment for Thursday October 22 //**

Wednesday September 23
1. The papers are due this Friday. Be sure to (a) bring a printed copy to class and (b) submit the paper to [|Turnitin.com] before 8:00 a.m. on Friday. 2. Turnitin.com info: Students may submit a cover sheet and works cited page, but only the body of the paper is required. The class ID for US-D is 2902164 and for US-E is 2902165. The password for both classes is "greattheses." 3. Final pieces of advice - Remember the importance of the thesis! Research, research, research! Look at the rubric!
 * // 1. Mini-Papers //**

1. In addition to the research paper (and the Bill of Rights current event if not already turned in), bring your textbooks to class on Friday. There is a chance that plans will be adjusted, but as of right now the plan is to use the textbooks. 2. Your homework for the Chuseok break is...ENJOY IT!!!
 * // 2. Friday Class, Chuseok //**

Friday September 18
1. The mini-papers are due a week from today on Friday 9/25. As many may have noticed from the returned thesis paragraphs and more, there is much work to be done between now and then. While the formatting for everyone (yes, everyone!) needed improvement in some way, the most important tasks this weekend should be (a) improving the thesis and (b) conducting more quality research. The thesis is crucial to the entire paper. The thesis should directly answer the research question, deal with the "why" factor if possible, and be the foundation for all parts of the paper's body. Please try to save all inquiries about the paper and corrections until Monday at school, but anyone who has a major problem with his/her thesis is encouraged to email Mr. Duncan about it. All other inquiries will likely not be answered until Monday. 2. Next week, in addition to the research papers, KIS US History will be studying the first ten amendments to the Constitution, better known as the [|Bill of Rights], and issues relating to them.
 * // 1. Mini-Papers //**

Sunday September 13
1. The research questions are posted here: Fall 2009 Mini-Research Paper I have put 0, 1, 2, or 3 #s next to each question. Those without a # are great and no longer need editing. Those with one # have asked a good question, but they need to improve the grammar/wording of the question. Those with two stars are heading the right direction but need a little more than minor changes. Those with three stars are in need of major changes. I will check my email every couple of hours today if you have specific questions.
 * // 1. Research Questions //**

Thursday September 10
1. The research questions are posted here: Fall 2009 Mini-Research Paper Almost every research question needs further improvement. Many still need a major overhaul. On Thursday in US-D and Friday in US-E, students will have some time, albeit brief, to meet with Mr. Duncan and improve their questions. The edited research question should be posted to the wiki by noon on Saturday. (One important consideration--there are too many similarities in topics. Some students will need to go in a different direction to make their research distinguishable from others.)
 * // 1. Research Questions //**

1. Several important documents related to the research paper may be found here: Project Docs US History 09-10 They include the paper description, rubric, a document about using the Chicago Style format, Mrs. Boerner's handout, and a supplement that answers general questions about research, citations, and plagiarism. Please read them. They all may be helpful in teaching you how to create the best paper possible.
 * // 2. Research Paper Documents //**

1. The test study guide for next Friday's test is located here: Test Study Guides US History 09-10
 * // 3. Test Study Guide //**

Monday August 31
1. Mr. Duncan did remind US-D and US-E that the forecast for the next class is 100% quizzy. He did not, however, mention these two facts about the quiz: (a) students may use the worksheet they started filling out after the map test, but the answers must be (1) on that sheet and (2) handwritten--students who typed their answers may transfer their answers to the sheet if they so desire; and (b) it is a strictly timed quiz, so students should NOT rely on their notes/answers because it would take too much time to look up each correct response.
 * // 1. Ch. 8 Quiz //**

1. For those who still have to teach their Creation Station, please be sure to doublecheck the requirements before getting the lesson together. There have been several groups who have not followed some of the more important instructions.
 * // 2. Creation Station Reminder //**

1. Bring your textbooks to school (and to the next class)! Several students lost participation points today because they were without their textbooks at KIS.
 * // 3. Textbooks //**

Wednesday August 26
// 1. Documentary Project & Other Info //
 * 1. Check for important class documents, including project info and study guides here: US History Documents for Downloading

2. Keep in mind the Creation Station schedule. The schedule can be found in the link from #1. Mr. Duncan is excited to see some creative ways to present quality lessons over the next few weeks.

3. Tomorrow (Thu 8/27) is the due date for the Territorial Expansion Mini-Project.** *Be sure to post everything on the Territorial Expansion Project wik page before 8:00 a.m. Changes made after 8:00 a.m. will be considered late.