Take Two: September 30, 2016

Hi everyone,
Today in class, we took a formative assessment on mercantilism and triangle trade.  I know many of you will want to do a retake, which is fine.  However, I do want to point out that I previewed all the questions yesterday when we discussed our mercantilism worksheet and outlined triangle trade.  Please make sure that you are taking notes of what I diagram on the board and the info I repeat as being important!

After that, we did a close analysis of a critical vocabulary term - COLONY.  Most of us know and use the word correctly in context, but we will be using this term for the next three units, so we need a specific, detailed, and accurate understanding of this important concept.  After all, if you don't know how colonies operate, how will you understand why our colonies wanted to separate?

I will pass back your formatives on Monday, and you can use them to review for your retakes.  Don't forget, if you want to retake the summative assessment, you can do that as well.  I am including the two review powerpoints so you can practice applying your historical thinking terms.  Bring your contract, your test corrections, and your original test to any team time when I am available and you can retake - let's get this done soon!  Have a great weekend!!

Historical Thinking Review

Another version of review

Test Retake: Historical Thinking

Please see me at team time on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday of next week (10/3) to retake the second section of the exam.

Here is the Quizlet for the vocabulary terms.

Globalization, 1600s Style: September 28, 2016

Hi everyone,
Today, we added the concept of Triangle Trade to our understanding of mercantilism.  The two topics are very closely interconnected, because mercantilism encouraged the formation of colonies, particularly in the "New World'; colonies had to generate raw materials to send to their mother countries; the need for labor encouraged the use of enslaved Africans as a source of captive workers; and the need for those workers encouraged trade with Africa - thus, triangular trade came about. I included a full color copy of the map I displayed in class:

Tomorrow, you're going to start with a simple formative assessment to summarize what you know about mercantilism and triangle trade. Focus on the key ideas - the chief goal of mercantilism, the path of raw materials and finished goods (which went where), and the role of colonies. Know the three major points of the trade triangle and what went where and you will be fine!

Merchants and Colonies and Trade, Oh My! September 28, 2016

Hi everyone!
Today in class, we finished our mercantilism game and figured out how mercantilism affected the major European powers.  Some won big, some lost big, but in the end, most of you seemed to have a good time along the way (which is a nice bonus).

After the game ended, you had a chance to debrief with your table groups. This is critical information, because it helps show what you learned and understand as a result of playing the game - and because it will help you with tonight's assignment!

HOMEWORK:  Your task is to show me that you understand the policy of mercantilism by doing one of the following:

• EITHER you can make a "top ten" list of rules, guidelines, or do's and don'ts to share with European countries that want to become mercantilism powers.  For example, you might tell a European country, "always have a lot of ships available to trade goods" (and no, you can't use that one).
• OR, you can make a meme (appropriate for school please!) that shows you understand what mercantilism means, as shown in our game.  Please share with me or print it out and bring it in (printing is better than sharing).

Win Some Fame in the Mercantilism Game! September 27, 2016

Hi everyone!
Today in class, we started playing a game to teach you about mercantilism - the policy pursued by the major European powers to become wealthier and more powerful than their enemies by controlling trade and gaining gold and silver.  I hope you enjoy the game and learn a lot!

You have no new homework for tonight.  Please make sure you check PowerSchool.  If you have a lot of "late" or missing assignments, you need to know that this will affect your Habits of Learning grades for progress reports.

Old World, New World: September 26, 2016

Hi everyone,
Today in class, we caught up from my day away on Friday. I am sorry that some of the instructions got lost in translation, but you guys were good about going with the flow and being productive!  If you have not finished up the atlas work (especially if you were out on Friday), you are going to need to see me to sign out an atlas for a study hall or overnight.  I DO NOT HAVE MANY ATLASES! Please handle them with care!!!

HOMEWORK:  You have a one-page formative assessment to complete tonight. It will be scored as a formative assessment.  If you don't like the grade you earn the first time, you will get a second shot at it later.  Please note:  Everything you need to answer these questions is on the sheet. You can use the notes we took on England, France, and Spain to help you.  Whatever knowledge of the colonies you have may be useful as well, but please do NOT desperately Google answers!

Here is the worksheet if you need it.

Mapping It Out: September 23, 2016

Hi everyone!

I was not in school today, which I am sure makes you all very sad. But don't worry - I'm thinking of you!!!  I'm not going to tell you where I went, but I will give you a hint:

Today in class, you had time to complete some handouts using a US history-themed atlas.  If you did not finish in class, that is fine.  If you did finish, you had the option to complete an extra sheet for an extra reward, TBA soon!  If you were not in school, please see me when you return, because I need to arrange for you to borrow an atlas.

HOMEWORK: None - but be ready to hit the ground running on Monday!