US+History+2010-11+Announcements

Tuesday May 31
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 Wednesday June 8 (US-D) or Thursday June 9 (US-E), 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) //**

A. The podcasts due date has been pushed back to the beginning of class on Wed June 8 (US-D) or Thursday June 9 (US-E) There will be about 15 minutes of recording time in class on Tue Jun 7. When finished, should be posted on the appropriate link on THIS PAGE. The podcast group members' names are posted next to their link. 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.
 * // 2. Podcast Information //**

A. Click on the US-D link for US-D and the US-E link for, you guessed it, US-E. Of special importance are the due dates listed. Also, Mr. Duncan will explain the Words of Wisdom Activity in class on Thursday.
 * // 3. Last Few Days Schedule //**

Wednesday May 18
A. To see when the due dates for all assignments in the upcoming weeks, check out 1 of the following links: B. The same website (from above) has the schedule of when each group is debating and what their stance is. Please be sure to understand your stance before completing your background reading. C. The background reading for each group should have been emailed not long before the email for these announcements was sent. If for some reason you did not receive your background reading, please contact Mr. Duncan immediately. D. All of the rubrics and the debate explanation can be found HERE (from the same website @ the bottom)
 * // 1. Upcoming Due Dates //**
 * US-D May & early June assignments
 * US-E May & early June assignments

Monday May 16
A. For tomorrow (US-D) or Wednesday (US-E), fill out this short survey about today's videoconference with Amy Cohen.
 * // 1. US Homework //**

Wednesday April 20
A. To find out more, please read the email sent out on Wednesday April 20.
 * // 1. "The Crucible" Opportunity //**

Wednesday March 9
A. US History Scholars, here is the plan for Thursday's class:
 * // 1. Thursday March 10 Class //**
 * Turn in the Ch. 28-1 questions (from p. 915, handwritten answers) as soon as the bell rings. We will discuss these at a later date.
 * You have the entire period to work on your Spring 2011 Music Project lesson plan. Be sure to consider the following as you are preparing:
 * what the Spring 2011 Music Project description specifically says about the lesson plan
 * the teaching objectives should come both from the music AND from the events/situations of the time period
 * an example lesson plan from a previous year has been posted on the same link...while some of the requirements have changed from that time to the present, it is does many things well
 * This lesson plan is due (printed out) at the beginning of class on Tuesday March 15.

Wednesday February 23
A. Instead of all six Cold War analogies/similes/song titles due next class (Thu Feb 24), only TWO will be due then. The remaining four will be due Monday February 28. B. Keep in mind that each one will likely take 15-20 minutes to do. (some may be longer, others could be a little shorter) C. For tomorrow, the work does not have to be printed out. For Monday, the six should be printed.
 * // 1. Cold War Latin America Analogies/Similes/Song Titles Activity //**

Wednesday February 16
A. ***Important Field Trip Correction*** -- Students will not be leave class until 8:45am. Please ignore my in-class announcements of leaving at 8:30. B. At 8:45, all US-D and US-E students will get on the __same__ bus together, even if you have friends in Mr. Wood's classes. C. Please remember to bring lunch money and a pen/pencil to the museum. D. The pen/pencil will be used to complete a 4-question activity. Those who do not turn this into Mr. Duncan at the end of the day (most of you should) should turn it in at the beginning of the next class. E. There is no homework over the weekend. F. Get ready to enjoy broadening your horizons about the most significant event in modern Korean history and one of the most important Cold War conflicts.
 * // 1. Field Trip Final Announcements //**

Tuesday February 8
A. For the Thursday February 17 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 Wednesday February 16.** 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 //**

Friday December 17
A. In order to provide more perspective on World War II (our next unit) 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: A. The exam grades will not be posted until after school resumes in January. B. Have a great holiday!
 * // 1. WWII Movie Extra Credit //**
 * Watch one of the following movies: //**The Pianist,**// //**Saving Private Ryan,**// //**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 **Tuesday Jan 11.**
 * //**Note: US-E students still must bring it to me by Tue 11 Jan even though class does not meet that day.**//
 * **//Note: Students who have not taken a picture of themselves by Tue 11 Jan will NOT be allowed to complete the assignment.//**
 * On that day, students will receive their assignment that will require questions to be answered about the movie. It is approximately 2 pages (typed) of answers. Students will bring that to class on **Thursday January 13**. Those who have completed all steps and have thoughtful responses will earn up to **5 bonus points** on a 1st semester test grade.
 * Note: This is completely optional.
 * // 2. Exam Grades //**

Wednesday November 17

 * // 1. Upcoming Classes //**
 * A. WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 17: Working on 1920s/1930s Teaching Project**
 * In order to give each group more time researching and planning for their teaching project and to better introduce the Civil Rights Movement in the 2nd semester, Mr. Duncan has moved today's scheduled activity on Marcus Garvey, Booker T. Washington, and W.E.B. DuBois to the 2nd semester.
 * Today's class will follow this schedule:
 * 1st 5 mins: Groups figure out how to divide responsibilities over the next 40 minutes.
 * Next 30 mins: Group members will research using the textbook and/or internet to find out as much about 1 of their teaching objectives as possible. (Note: This will NOT be the only research students do throughout the process. This is only supplementing what has already been researched and building on the foundation for future research.). This is individual work.
 * Next 10 mins: //Each person// in the group must write a detailed paragraph that answers 1 of the 2 teaching objectives. This is individual work.
 * Next 7 mins: Each person shares their findings with the other groups verbally and electronically. The group members should help each other learn.
 * Final 20ish mins: Mr. Duncan will go to each group, asking each members of each group to explain the teaching objectives and checking some of the paragraphs. Group members may use this time to plan ahead for the lesson plan that is due on Tuesday and/or to ask the teacher about test-related questions.
 * Homework: Study for the test


 * B. FRIDAY NOVEMBER 19:** **US Becomes a World Power Test**
 * Take the "US Becomes a World Power" Test
 * Homework:
 * Detailed lesson plan due (1 per group) -- See the teaching project description for expectations
 * Polished, detailed paragraphs that answers both objective (1 per group...2 paragraphs total)
 * Note: Groups with students missing for MUN, Habitat, etc are still required to turn in these assignments on Tuesday.


 * C. TUESDAY NOVEMBER 23:** **Working on 1920s/1930s Teaching Project** (Last day to do so)
 * After turning in the lesson plans and paragraphs, students will have the remainder of class to work on the project (research, lesson planning, etc.)
 * Mr. Duncan will meet with each group about their lesson plans after grading them to give constructive feedback
 * Homework: The teaching projects begin after the break! To see the schedule, go to the Unit 5 - 1920s & 1930s webpage or click on the schedule below:



Wednesday November 3

 * // 1. Upcoming Classes //**
 * A. FRIDAY NOVEMBER 5:** All students will read the "Part II: The Spanish-American War" handout that tells the story of the US expanding its territory outside of the North American continent. During or after reading, each student should answer the questions that are stapled to the handout. Once finished, students may start preparing for Monday's debate by reading "Fall 1898: America at the Crossroads" and "Options in Brief" before reading their own option packets.


 * B. MONDAY NOVEMBER 8 (US-D) and TUESDAY NOVEMBER 9 (US-E)** For this class, each person should be prepared to 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. In the interest of time, not all will speak (Mr. Duncan will choose at random). 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. Even though students are listed in groups, they do not have to prepare anything with their group members. They will just all be representing the same side in the debate.
 * US-D Option 1 Group: Hijo, Brian C, Ryan, Esther, Justin, Woo Yon
 * US-D Option 2 Group: Jessica, Mikaella, Kaila, Dong Myung, Staci, Jamie
 * US-D Option 3 Group: Alex, Joseph, Brian K, Brian M, Jenny, Leo
 * US-E Option 1 Group: Hyun Woo, Jee Min, Steve, Jennifer
 * US-E Option 2 Group: Won Jun, Jeyeon, Terry, Billy
 * US-E Option 3 Group: Ho Joon, Minhee, Eric, Rachel

Monday November 1

 * // 1. 1920s & 1930s Teaching Project Groups //**
 * A.** Please fill out THIS SURVEY to help your teacher form groups for the chapter teaching project. It will only be used as a reference. Students are not guaranteed to work with people they list on the survey.
 * B**. It is hard to imagine, but the only major test/project grades left this semester are the US Becomes a World Power Test (tentatively scheduled for Fri Nov 19) and the teaching project which begins on Tuesday November 30!

Wednesday October 27

 * // 1. Research Paper Reflection //**
 * A.** 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 Monday: **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.
 * // 2. Additional Assignment for Monday //**
 * B.** Read the Choices packet, answer the questions from the "advanced study guide" (complete sentences not required), and be prepared for a quiz. **//Forecast: Mostly Quizzy//**

Friday October 8
A. There is an opportunity to fine tune your research papers over the weekend. The rubric that Mr. Duncan will use to grade them is found here: Mr. Duncan emphasized most of the different parts of the rubric in class, but it may help to see all the different parts at one time. Students who wish to (it is 100% optional) revise their papers to better fit the rubric may do so and turn in another hard (printed) copy at the beginning of class on Monday. Papers will not be accepted after class on Monday. For students who do not wish to make their papers more "rubric-friendly," Mr. Duncan will grade the papers handed in originally.
 * // 1. Research Paper Opportunity //**

Tuesday September 28
A. All students need to submit their papers to turnitin.com prior to class on Thursday. The login information is as follows: B. I have given conflicting information on when the paper is due. The hard copy of the paper is actually due at the beginning of class on Thursday, not at 8:00 a.m. Those students leaving for Japan before class on Thursday should turn in their papers before leaving on their trip.
 * // 1. Research Paper Info //**
 * US-D Class ID: 3529454
 * US-E Class ID: 3529456
 * Password (both classes): whyfactor


 * // 2. Parent/Teacher Conferences //**

A. Mr. Duncan will not be at school on Friday, so parents wishing to have a conference regarding US History should come to parent/teacher conferences on Wednesday or Thursday.

Monday September 27
A. For the next class, you will find a current events article (internet or newspaper) that relates to the Bill of Rights in some way. The article needs to have been written within the past month. You will then complete a write-up (1-2 paragraphs) about this article that includes the following information:
 * // 1. Bill of Rights Current Event Assignment //**

1. A brief summary of the article 2. Answer: "How does the issue in this article relate to the Bill of Rights?" 3. Answer: "What is the impact of this article on (some) citizens of the United States?"

To find a copy of the Bill of Rights, you may click [|here.] Be sure that you turn in a hard copy of this assignment **and** a copy of your article at the beginning of the next class.

Friday September 10
A. To see all the Keynotes from the Intro to the US unit, click on "Class Documents for Downloading" on the left hand side of this page or on the US History main page.
 * // 1. Keynotes are Uploaded //**

A.Research Questions
 * // 2. Mini-Research Papers //**
 * The research questions were graded at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The status on the research questions are as follows:
 * **NOTE: IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS WERE ACCIDENTALLY DELETED/EDITED. BECAUSE OF THIS, I WILL GIVE YOU UNTIL MONDAY AT 8:00 A.M. TO MAKE CORRECTIONS TO YOUR R.Q. FOR THOSE THAT CHANGE THEM, I WILL ALTER YOUR R.Q. GRADE WITHOUT A LATE PENALTY.**
 * Good or Great (no further editing required)
 * US-D: Britney, Jessica, Ryan, Brian K, Staci
 * US-E: Ho Joon, Minhee, Eric, Terry, Billy
 * Grammar/Wording Problems or Other Minor Issues Only (Can proceed with topic)
 * US-D: Joseph, Esther, Dongmyung, Justin, Brian M, Jenny, Mark, Jamie
 * US-E: Won Jun, Jee Min, Jeyeon, Steve, Jennifer
 * Major work Needed Before Proceeding Further
 * US-D: Brian C, Alex C, Kaila, Wooyon, Leo
 * US-E: Hyun Woo
 * No question posted
 * US-D: Hijo, Mikaella

B.Assignment for Tuesday
 * **Narrowed Topic:** Finalized, polished research question
 * **Thesis Paragraph**: Introductory paragraph to paper with thesis at end; This may (and will likely) change
 * **Sources List:**Working bibliography of sources; While the sources may end up changing, what is turned in on Tuesday needs to (a) be cited correctly using Chicago Style and (b) have all of the required sources (e.g. 2 primary sources).
 * An example paper with a correct cover sheet, footnotes, and bibliography is now posted at the bottom of the US History Research Papers page.

Friday September 3
A. To help students plan ahead, here is the pre-Chuseok US History schedule:
 * // 1. Pre-Chuseok Schedule //**
 * **Fri 9/3**
 * US-D Territorial Expansion Quiz (Note: Since this is part of a project grade, this quiz cannot be dropped)
 * Both classes
 * Territorial Expansion Notes
 * Antebellum America Activity
 * Assign Roundtable Discussion Roles
 * Homework:
 * US-D:
 * Post research question here (originally due Thu 9/9, now due Tue 9/7)
 * Peer review **TWO** projects from //US-E// by filling out 2 of these surveys. (2 notes: 1. Your teacher will not look at these until after grading the rest of the project. 2. This will only affect the grade of the person filling out the surveys--be thoughtful and on time.)
 * Finish Note Sheet on "Pre-Civil War Trends" (based on packet of charts and graphs) if not finished in class
 * US-E:
 * Post research question here (originally due Thu 9/9, now due Tue 9/7)
 * Fill out chart on Territorial Expansion (approx. 1 hr 15 min), be prepared for quiz based on questions from chart and project description
 * Peer Review **TWO** projects from //US-D// by filling out 2 of these surveys. (2 notes: 1. Your teacher will not look at these until after grading the rest of the project. 2. This will only affect the grade of the person filling out the surveys--be thoughtful and on time.)
 * Finish Note Sheet on "Pre-Civil War Trends" (based on packet of charts and graphs) if not finished in class
 * **Tue 9/7**
 * US-E Territorial Expansion Quiz (Note: Since this is part of a project grade, this quiz cannot be dropped)
 * Both classes
 * Writing/Research Paper
 * Keys to writing a good research paper
 * "Becoming a Better Writer" activity
 * Introduction to Chicago Style
 * Mr. Duncan will grade/go over research questions with each student while all other students prepare for roundtable activity next class
 * Homework:
 * Be prepared for Antebellum roundtable incidents activity
 * Work on research paper
 * Correct research questions on wiki
 * **Thu 9/9**
 * Start roundtables
 * Pass out/go over test study guide
 * Library
 * Mrs. Feller introduces some key places/way to search for information
 * (Time permitting) research time in library
 * Homework:
 * Start studying for test
 * Work on research paper
 * Correct research questions (if necessary)
 * **Fri 9/10 (US-D); Mon 9/13 (US-E)**
 * Wrap up roundtables
 * Homework
 * Research Question, Thesis Paragraph, and Rough Outline Due
 * Study for test
 * **Tue 9/14**
 * Turn in HW
 * Civil War/Reconstruction lesson
 * Homework
 * Study for test
 * **Thu 9/16**
 * Intro to US History Test
 * HW: Enjoy Chuseok! (Working on the research paper is also an option)

Monday August 16
A. The readings for Wednesday are as follows: (Quiz Forecast: "Mostly Quizzy")
 * // 1. Homework for Wednesday. //**
 * Textbook
 * p. 3
 * p. 14-15 ("The Age of Jackson" section)
 * p. 438-443 (Ch. 13, sEction 1)
 * Online
 * [|Family Stories from the Trail of Tears]
 * Read the accounts of the following people:
 * Lilian Anderson
 * Wallace Cook
 * W.W. Harnage
 * Rhoda James
 * Josephine Usray Lattimer
 * D.B. Lewis