Artigas/APUSH Blog

Week of January 30 - February 3

My fingers are crossed for everyone that your performance on the Unit I test was to your expectation and you are justly rewarded. Once test corrections are graded, I will award the STARS for Unit I. I hope there will be many students to recognize for participation, work completion and test scores. Remember test correction opportunities will be given on Monday, January 30, before school (after 7:15) and immediately after school (until 4:15). TEXTBOOKS ARE NEEDED ON TUESDAY IN CLASS TO COMPLETE AN ASSIGNMENT. Apparently, the enter still does not work, so I will identify subject headings and important information for the week. Content Overview: On Monday, we will begin the studying about the creation of our government by very quickly learning about the Articles of Confederation, then the Constitution Convention and by the middle to latter part of the week, we will be onto the Federalist Era. From this unit on, it is a race, not a marathon! Honors U.S. History Assignments: Unit II Unit Page is due 2/1; Unit II Vocab Quiz will be 2/3; the Amendments Quiz (matching format) will be given on 2/6; and the Unit II Test is currently scheduled for 2/8, but could change if there are extenuating circumstances. U.S. History Assignments: Unit II Unit Page is due 2/1; Unit II Vocab Quiz and Vocabulary will be given/is due on 2/3; the Amendments Quiz will be given on 2/6; and the Unit II Test is scheduled for 2/8.

Week of January 23-27

Thank you, again, for another great week!! I appreciate the participation and your willingness to ask questions during our discussions and lessons. Also, well done on the Unit 1 Vocab quiz, even with the stress of the Irespond units, I appreciate your patience and good attitudes. Please keep it up because I believe the more involved you are, the better your class average AND your performance on the EOCT.

I cannot use "enter" to distinguish between lines, so everything from this point is going to be all together. Read very carefully. Textbooks will be needed in class on Monday and Tuesday this week. I know some of you have encountered challenges with access to the bookroom, but just keep trying. Overview for the week: On Monday, we will begin the movement toward the American Revolution by quickly discussing the effects of the French and Indian War on British/Colonial relations and the changing dynamics involved. 2nd Period will complete the Equiano reading activity at the beginning of class on Monday and 4th period will complete the reading and the activity. Tuesday will continue the 1760s and possibly, by Wednesday, we will be ready to begin the American Revolution. In the event we do move quickly, this will impact the date of the test. IF, and this is a big IF, we are to the Revolution by Wednesday, the Unit 1 Test will be on Friday, 1/27. IF we are not there, the Unit 1 Test will be on Monday, January 30. Assignments this week for ALL Classes: Movement Toward Revolution Visual Organizer (some time will be given in class to work on this Mon/Tues.) is due Wednesday, 1/25; The Unit 1 Test will be given on Friday, 1/27 or on Monday, 1/30 -- Date Will Be Determined by Wednesday (regardless of the date we will review in class for the test).

Week of January 17-20

A special thank you to everyone who made our first days of the new semester an easy transition.  The willingness to share opinions, participate in discussions and your positive attitudes made it a great way to begin the semester.  Unit pages were exceptional and the effort put forth is greatly appreciated. :)

All students are strongly encouraged to request a locker for the semester.  Many students have already asked to leave the textbook in the classroom for easy use when the book is needed.  Unfortunately, due to the number of lost textbooks experienced, especially last semester, I would prefer you either bring your book or get a locker.  I do not want textbooks left in the room.

Overview for the Week:

We will conclude the Chesapeake region on Tuesday by very quickly learning about Maryland and then we will move into New England, the Middle and Southern colonies.  Our goal is to be nearning the 1760s by next Monday.  Honors students will read about Puritan consequences (1st period has already begun) on Tuesday.  All classes will read about an eperience related to the Middle Passage later in the week.  The Unit I Vocab Quiz will be matching and will NOT INCLUDE any terms after the Great Awakening on the terms list.  IMPORTANT:  All terms are fair game on the Unit I Test.

Honors U.S. Assignments:

* Puritan Reading Question Responses due 1/17

* Bacon's Rebellion Questions are due 1/19

* Unit I Differentiated Activity is due 1/20

* Unit I Vocab Quiz will be 1/20

* Unit Test Date to still be determined

U.S. History (4th period) Assignments:

* Bacon's Rebellion Questions are due 1/19

* Unit I Vocab Quiz will be 1/20

* Unit I Differentiated Activity is due 1/20

* Unit Test I date to still be determined

Week of January 9-13

Welcome back to a new semester!  Hopefully time will pass as quickly as it did fall semester and the end of the year will be here before we know it.

All students are strongly encouraged to check this page weekly to obtain a content overview for the week as well as to verify assignments and due dates.

When assignments differ between the honors and non-honors classes, each class will identified separately; otherwise, assignments and due dates will be the same for all classes.

IMPORTANT MATERIALS FOR ALL SPRING SEMESTER STUDENTS:

* STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A SEPARATE 3-RING NOTEBOOK FOR THIS CLASS.  PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THIS NOTEBOOK WITH ANOTHER CLASS. NOTEBOOKS SHOULD BE A MINIMUM OF 1 1/2 INCHES.

* BRING TEXTBOOKS WITH YOU TO CLASS.  YOU WILL NOT HAVE HOMEWORK ON A NIGHTLY BASIS, BUT YOU WILL NEED REGULAR ACCESS TO YOUR BOOK.  IF YOU HAVE A LOCKER THAT WILL WORK SO LONG AS YOU CAN HAVE QUICK ACCESS.

* COLORING UTENSILS ARE NEEDED TO COMPLETE ASSIGNMENTS.  THERE WILL BE WORK THAT IS COMPLETED OUTSIDE OF CLASS AND YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE ACCESS TO COLOR PENCILS OR MARKERS.

* INK PENS ARE REQUIRED FOR TESTS.  THE COLOR DOES NOT MATTER.

* HONORS STUDENTS MUST READ HIROSHIMA THIS SEMESTER.  ONCE THE EOCT DATE IS GIVEN, YOU WILL BE TOLD WHEN THE BOOK MUST BE READ.

This week we will begin European settlement in North America and you will complete an assessment of your working knowledge of U.S. History.

Assignments:  All of the following will be explained in class.

* Signed syllabus returned by Thursday, January 12.

* Complete European Explorers Worksheet for homework if necessary (date TBD)

* Unit 1 Unit Page (must have color and NO pencil on the final draft) is due Friday, January 13.

* Unit 1 Vocab Quiz will be given on Friday, January 20.  This date might change . . . .

* Unit 1 Differentiated Activity will be due Friday, January 20.

Week of December 19-22

Textbook Reminder:  Psychology and U.S. History students are strongly encouraged to locate their textbooks and return them BEFORE the rush begins later in the week.  Textbooks are not necessary to prepare for the Psych final nor for the final writing assessment to be given in U.S. History.

Honors U.S. History:

Per the class vote and the implementation of the Mayflower Compact, we will watch the movie, "Far and Away" about the Oklahoma land rush.  On Wednesday, you will take a final writing assessment which will take (or should) no more than 45 minutes. 

Assignment:

* Writing Assignment will be given on Wednesday, 12/21.

Psychology:

Work will continue on the ceiling tiles this week.  Remember to bring any materials you will need to complete the tile.  The final exam will be given on Wednesday and Thursday.  If you have paid any attention this semester, you will have no problem with the exam. 

Assignment:

* Final Exam will be given on Wednesday, 12/21 in 1st period.

* Final Exam will be given on Thursday, 12/22 in 4th period.

 

Week of December 12 - 16

The end is officially near!!  On Wednesday (12/14) and Thursday (12/15) the EOCT will be administered in U.S. History.  Attendance is imperative because there will be no time for make up tests to be given which means a grade of 0 is recorded for you.

FINAL EOCT Review Session will be Tuesday (12/13) 7:30 to 8:00.

Honors U.S. History:

On Monday, the unit quiz covering the Cold War through Nixon will be given at the beginning of the period.  After the quiz I am going to highlight key concepts and events from Ford to G.W. Bush.  There is a short review activity for you to complete as a class and any remaining time will be given to the EOCT review.  Friday the Hiroshima test will be given.

LAST Reminder:  Hiroshima must be read by Friday, 12/16.

Assignments:

* Unit IX Quiz will be 12/12

* EOCT will be administered 12/14 and 12/15 (this test counts 15% of your final course grade and is considered to be the final exam for the course)

* Hiroshima Test will be Friday, 12/16

* Final Class Assessment will be given on Wednesday, 12/21 during the 2nd period final exam time

Psychology:

At the beginning of the week, we will discuss phobias which is always interesting.  Also, each time day will be given for watching "Sybil".  By midweek we will quickly address the senses and hopefully by Friday have time to discuss stress.  On Friday you will begin working on your final class project.  Make sure if there are particular colors of paint you need, that is taken care of and you will need paint brushes.

Assignments:

* 1st Period:  "The Dark Knight" Character Analysis is due Thursday, 12/15.

* Final Exam will be given on Wednesday (12/21) in 1st period and on Thursday (12/22) for 4th period

Week of December 5-9

The countdown to the EOCT has begun!!  In less than 2 weeks it is ALL OVER!!

EOCT REVIEW SESSIONS:

* DECEMBER 6 (TUESDAY):  3:40 - 4:30

* DECEMBER 8 (THURSDAY):  3:40 - 4:30

* DECEMBER 13 (TUESDAY):  7:30 - 8:00

Honors U.S. History:

This week will focus entirely on the 1960s, from moving beyond the CRM, to Kennedy's short administration, the Johnson years, Vietnam, the tumultuous events of the decade, and on Friday, we will be to Nixon.  Phew!!!  Still so much to get covered and virtually NO TIME to get things done!!  Time has been allotted each day for working on the EOCT Review Guide.  Remember:  THE EOCT ACCOUNTS FOR 15% OF THE COURSE GRADE AND IT CAN AND IT DOES MOVE GRADES (usually up, but there have been instances of students losing A's due to making a B on the test).  It is imperative that you study and not wait until the night before the test.  There is simply too much information!!

TEXTBOOKS ARE NEEDED IN CLASS ON THURSDAY.

HIROSHIMA REMINDER:  The book must be read by Friday, December 16.  It was written by John Hersey.  This information is also on the course syllabus.

Remaining Assignments:

* EOCT Review Guide:  Units 1-5 due 12/8 and Units 6-8 due 12/12

* 1960's Cubing Activity will be in class on 12/8

* Cold War - Nixon Unit Quiz will be given on 12/12

* EOCT will be given 12/14 and 12/15

* Hiroshima test will be given 12/16

Psychology:

Yay!! We finally completed watching all of the documentaries on personality disorders!!!  Everyone should be very proud of what you accomplished. :)  This week, the classes are doing different things at the beginning of the week, but hopefully we will all be together by the end.  We will continue abnormal psychology this week by continuing our study of sociopathic and antisocial behaviors.  I have articles and programs for you to watch, including the Vick interview from a couple of years ago.  Schizophrenia and Dissociative Personality Disorder will also be studied this week.  Right now, the plan is to begin learning about phobias on Friday, but we will see how the week progresses.

Assignments:

* "The Dark Knight" Character Diagnosis for 1st Period:  the date will be determined once we near completion of the movie.

Week of November 28 - December 2

EOCT COUNTDOWN:  12 Class Days and Counting . . . (Review Session Schedule Provided Below U.S. History post)

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR U.S. HISTORY STUDENTS:  UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, BRING YOUR TEXTBOOKS WITH YOU TO CLASS EACH DAY.

Honors U.S. History:

When we return from the holiday break, we will continue with the Cold War Era by looking at domestic policies (Truman's) and related social developments to this period.  Also, we will quickly look at the developments in media and entertainment that continue to have influence, even today.  Time will also be provided to continue watching "Invasion of the Body Snatchers".  By the end of the week, we will study the Civil Rights Movement.  Unfortunately, like with everything else this semester, we will not have a lot of time, but we will watch excerpts from the PBS program, "Eyes on the Prize" which does a great job explaining key events early in the Movement.

On Monday, November 28, all students will receive a comprehensive review guide for the End of Course Test.  The vast majority of terms are ones that you have received during each unit of study this semster.  Completing the review is NOT an optional assignment.  Time will be provided in class; however, if it becomes a situation of socializing and little to no working, the assignment will be completed on your time outside of class. :(  As I have already shared, my students have traditionally performed very well on this monstrous test, but that is attributed to their efforts to prepare.  Remember the old adage:  You get out what you put in.

EOCT Review Sessions:  Tuesday (12/6) and Thursday (12/8) from 3:40 - 4:30 and Tuesday (12/13) from 7:30 to 8:00.

Yet another Hiroshima reminder:  the book must be read by Friday, December 16.

Assignments:

* Unit XI Unit Page (last one!) is due 11/30 (note this is a date change from my earlier post)

* 1950's Visual Dictionary is due on 11/30 as well (time will be given to work on this in class)

* EOCT Review Guide:  Units 1-5 are due 12/7 (why is this date historically important???) and Units 6-8 are due 12/12

* Unit Quiz (this will be content, not vocabulary) will be given on 12/12

* EOCT will be 12/14

* Hiroshima will be 12/16

Psychology:

We will continue our study of psychological disorders this week.  Many of the disorders addressed in the projects will be our focus, including:  OCD, eating disorders, narcissism, and antisocial disorder.  There are many programs that we will watch either in their entirity or excerpts from to provide a better understanding of the effects of these disorders on those who live with them.

4th Period Students:  We will watch two (2) documentaries Monday and Tuesday and only one (1) on Wednesday.  That should finish us up with watching them, I hope.  The projects we were able to watch on Friday were excellent and very informative about the disorders covered.  Well done to everyone and I appreciate the perserverance so many of you demonstrated with all of the technical glitches and challenges you encountered along the way . . .

Assignments:

* Responses to "The Ice People" Readings 12/1

* Response to Michael Vick interview on 12/1 or 12/2

Week of November 14-18

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR STUDENTS WHO WERE ABSENT ON FRIDAY:  ALL HISTORY STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE THE UNIT VIII VOCAB QUIZ THAT WAS ANNOUNCED LAST MONDAY.

U.S. HISTORY STUDENTS:  BRING TEXTBOOKS WITH YOU TO CLASS MONDAY - WEDNESDAY THIS WEEK AND AGAIN ON FRIDAY.

Honors U.S. History:

For the week, we will very quickly study World War II.  You are strongly encouraged to locate your World History notebooks as much of what should be covered, you have already learned by completing WH last year.  It will be a great asset for you this week.  The Unit VIII test will be given on Thursday; however, it is important for you to recognize test corrections will be held on Friday before and after school only.  No corrections will be scheduled for the week we return from the break.  The latter part of the week will focus on the Cold War.  When we return from the break, we will have 12 days to cover from the 1950s to the present before the EOCT.

EOCT Review Guide and Review Sessions:  On the Monday we return from the holiday break, I will have a comprehensive EOCT review guide for you to complete.  It is not optional and I do not want to hear any complaints.  You are lucky to receive it and my students in the past have exceeded standards on this very difficult test.  Do your part!!

Hiroshima Reminder, again:  the book must be read by December 16.

Assignments:

* Unit VIII Vocab Quiz will be given to all students on Monday, 11/14

* Unit VIII Test will be given on Thursday, 11/17

* Unit IX Unit Page (the LAST ONE!!) will be due on Tuesday, November 29

* Cold War Visual Dictionary will be due Wednesday, November 30 (you will begin this assignment before the break in class and complete it after the break)

Psychology:

Both classes will continue to be given time in class to work on the assigned projects related to Abnormal Psychology.  Students in 1st period must have tri-boards in class on Monday to begin putting together the project.  Students in 4th period should be prepared to have limited computer access so make sure you have research in hand on Monday and Tuesday.  We will also continue watching "Abnormal Behavior" and other programs related to psychological disorders, too.  The Disorder Fair will be held on Wednesday, November 16, in 1st period.  Students in 4th period will begin airing documentaries on Thursday, November 17.

Assignments:

* 4th Period students:  Mensa quiz results (your score is sufficient) are due on Monday, November 14

* 1st Period:  Abnormal Psych project is due Wednesday, November 16

* 4th Period:  Abnormal Psych project is due Thursday, November 17

Week of November 7-11

U.S. History test corrections are scheduled for Monday (11/7) in the morning (7:20-8:15) and afternoon (3:30-4:00).  Please allow yourself enough time to make the corrections because one you begin, that is your only opportunity.  Also, I have class on Mondays, so time is more limited for those who plan to attend the afternoon session.

Psychology Classes:  Bring textbooks with you to class Thursday and Friday this week.

Honors U.S. History:

Our week will begin with the 1920's and by Thursday, we will be quickly studying the Great Depression and Roosevelt's New Deal.  On Monday, you will be sharing your 1920's Differentiated Activities with the class.  In the past, these have been sooo much fun to experience.  Many of you will be out on Friday due to various activities, so make sure you obtain the notes before the next unit test.  This unit will be moving very quickly, but at least it is pretty easy content.  Yay!

Benchmark Test will be administered this week.  Here we go again . . .

Reminder:  Hiroshima must be read by Friday, December 16.  It will be here before you know it!!

Assignments:

* 1920's Differentiated Activity is due 11/7

* Unit Page is due 11/9 (there is only 1 more remaining)

* Unit Vocab Quiz will be Monday, 11/14

* Unit Test will be given 11/17

Psychology:

On Monday, you will share your Codes of Behavior and will receive feedback from your peers.  Wednesday, we will discuss personality traits and learning styles.  We addressed this earlier in the semester, but we will discuss it further as well as the use of administering intelligence tests.  By the end of the week, we will begin Abnormal Psychology.  There is a project students in both classes will complete, but it is a partner project in both.  Thursday, you will select your project topics.

Assginments:

* 4th Period students:  Online survey results are due 11/9

* 4th Period students:  take the Mensa.org quiz and bring your results 11/10 to class