28 & 29 August

Today's starter was:  We often learn about history by reading a book or watching a movie about history - How do the people who write these books or make these movies learn about history?  Give me one or two specific examples.

We continued with our physical regions overview.  We then spent time working on the "Introduction to Geography" assignment.  Pages 2, 3, & 4 will get you ready for our upcoming test. 

Our geography test will be on September 4th for A-Day and September 5th for B-Day.

26 & 27 August

Today's starter was: How does geography affect the way you live here in Utah County.  Give me at least one specific example-

Today we completed our look at the question, "What is history?"  We practiced identifying the difference between a primary source and a secondary source.  We also practiced making observations and logical inferences based on those observations.

We then began our study of geography by looking at the physical regions of the United States - we will continue with this next time.

22 & 23 August

Today's starter was: What is the difference between a primary source and a secondary source?  Give me one example of each.

We reviewed the disclosure document - this does not need to be signed.

We also read an Encyclopedia Brown mystery - these are to help us to make better observations and develop better inferences.

We then continued to practice observations and inferences by looking at primary sources - photos from my own family history and photos of the history of Disneyland.

20 & 21 August

 

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Welcome back to Vista Heights after your summer break - my name is Mr. Smith, and it is a pleasure to have you in our class this year.

Today in class we  reviewed the roll to make sure that we were all in the right place and that I was pronouncing your names correctly.  We also did a short "get-to-know-you" activity and made name tags to place on your desks so that I can get to know your names more quickly.

We then created our first starter - "What is history?"  We discussed this for the rest of the class period.

The supplies that you will need for this class are:

• Paper - every day
• A pen or pencil - every day
• A way to keep track of work from this class - a folder, a binder, or part of a binder

Here is a link to my webpage.  I will also send out a short version of this blog entry on Twitter. Follow me @VHMS_MrSmith

24 & 28 May

We talked about two big questions today - the first was Do you think that laws, and the threat of punishment, are the only things that keep people from doing bad things?  The second question was - What are your responsibilities in our community?

We used these questions as a place to begin our look at what it means to be an American.  We looked at some video clips of people from all over America and looked at what America means to them.

It has been wonderful having you in class this year.  I wish you the very best as you begin your Freshman year, whether it is here, at Frontier, or whatever adventure awaits you.

22 & 23 May

There was no starter today-

We discussed the end of the Civil War and Lincoln's Assassination.  We also looked at the nation moving west after the Civil War.

20 & 21 May

Things are starting to wind down.  Today is your last starter for the year: In your opinion, what are the elements of a really great speech?

We handed in the starters today.

We read an Encyclopedia Brown mystery and then looked at a short video clip on how photographs were made during the Civil War.  If you are interested in viewing this clip, follow this link.

We reviewed the Emancipation Proclamation.  I then gave you time to wrap up the Civil War assignment - we turned these in today.

We finished the day by looking at the Battle of Gettysburg and reading Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.