Semester Exam Study Guide

The semester exam will be on Thursday, December 12. Students received a study guide on Friday but I've attached another copy below. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks! Semester Exam Study Guide- Fall 2013.docx

Life on the Great Plains!- SPI 5.5.6

On Thursday and Friday of this week, we watched an episode from the popular series, "America: The Story of Us" from the History Channel. Students will be required to answer discussion questions based on the video. This episode is entitled "Heartland" and it will concentrate on the development of the Transcontinental Railroad and the settlement of the American West. The discussion questions are attached below. We also worked on a chart describing the problems faced by Great Plains settlers. I've attached it below as well. Video Guide- America The Story of Us Episode 6.docx

Hardships of the Great Plains Settlers.docx

Big Business- "Robber Barons" or "Captains of Industry."

I've attached the content for Monday's lesson below. Have a great weekend!

Reconstruction- SPI 5.5.3

This week in class, we have been learning about the Reconstruction Era. On Monday, we covered several important terms relating to this time period after the Civil War on Monday and on Tuesday, we analyzed an article covering the Reconstruction plans of both Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. On Wednesday, we worked on a one page essay predicting how Reconstruction would have been different if Lincoln hadn't been assassinated. I've attached all important documents below. Thanks! KIM Chart Reconstruction.pdf

Plans For Reconstruction _Lincoln and Johnson_.docx

Reconstruction Writing Prompt.docx

Civil War Exam Study Guide- Test on Monday, November 25! (SPI's 5.5.1-5.5.2)

I've attached the study guide for the exam on Monday. Please prepare yourself! Thanks! Civil War Exam Study Guide

Clara Barton- The Angel of the Battlefield (SPI- 5.5.2)

On Thursday of this week, we will be examining the contributions of Clara Barton, famous Civil War nurse and eventual founder of the American Red Cross. We will perform a close read over a primary source sample of one of her diary entries and complete a form evaluating the document. Students will also be given a short writing prompt relating to the material. The document, evaluation form, and writing prompt are attached below. Evaluate That Document

Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant- Generals During the Civil War (SPI- 5.5.2)

Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant were very famous generals during the American Civil War. I've attached copies of the informational text samples as well as discussion questions for each. Robert E. Lee Biography Analysis
Ulysses S. Grant Biography Analysis

Frederick Douglass (SPI- 5.5.2)

We also learned about a famous slave turned abolitionist, Frederick Douglass. We learned some very important facts about this incredible figure in American history. I've attached a short biography as well as a close read activity with text dependent questions relating to his early life. The text selection is taken from his most famous work, Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass an American Slave. Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass Text
Untitled presentation _2_

The Dred Scott Case- Tensions Before the War (SPI 5.5.2)

Another famous figure that we must recognize in this unit is Roger Taney, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court during a very infamous trial. We analyzed the trial in great detail, constructed summaries of the trial, and answered text-dependent questions over a text based on the trial. The activity used in class is attached below. Dred Scott Case Analysis

War Leaders Compared: Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis (SPI 5.5.2)

This week in class we have been learning about several important military and non-military leaders of the Civil War. The first two that we compared were the presidents of both the Union and the Confederacy, Abraham Lincoln (Union) and Jefferson Davis (Confederacy). I've attached the informational text selection as well as the discussion questions that we used to accompany this lesson. war leaders compared
lincoln and Davis points to consider
lincoln and Davis challenge questions

North and South Writing Prompt- Due Date Extended!

The North and South writing prompt guidelines are listed below and the due date has been extended to Friday, October 15. North and South Writing Prompt

The North and South During the Pre-Civil War Era- S.P.I- 5.5.1

On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, we have been comparing and contrasting the North and the South prior to the Civil War. On both days, we analyzed informational text and students were asked to summarize each paragraph of the text in one sentence. Also, they should complete the accompanying questions for both text samples. The South- Old Times Were Not Forgotten
South Points to Consider
North Before the War- Expanding Frontiers
North Points to Consider
North Challenges

Government Test Tomorrow!

Tomorrow we will be having our test over U.S. Government. Please use the attached study guide if you have misplaced yours. Government Study Guide key

The Civil Rights Amendments (13th, 14th, 15th, and 19th Amendments) SPI- 5.4.3

On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, we have been learning about the Civil Rights Amendments. These are four very important amendments to the Constitution. Each amendment is described below:

- 13th Amendment: Made slavery illegal in all states
- 14th Amendment: Provided equal protection of the law to all citizens, regardless of race. It also ensured that citizenship is given to anyone born in the USA.
- 15th Amendment: Gave African-American men the right to vote.
- 19th Amendment: Gave all women the right to vote.

I have attached several examples of informational text for you to analyze. On Wednesday, we answered  the four attached discussion questions over the amendments and on Thursday, we worked on the attached writing prompt. Each essay should rank these amendments in order of most to least valuable according to the evaluation of the student. This essay will be due on Wednesday, November 6.


Abolition of Slavery _1865_ _print-friendly version_
Civil Rights _1868_ _print-friendly version_
Voting Rights _1870_ _print-friendly version_
's Right to Vote _1920_ _print-friendly version_
Informational Text Analysis Civil Rights AMendments
CivilRightsAmendmentsWritingPrompt

The Judicial Branch!

On Thursday and Friday, we learned about the judicial branch of the U.S. Government. We discussed that the primary purpose of the Supreme Court (the highest court in the judicial branch) was "judicial review." "Judicial review" can be defined as the Supreme Court's power to declare any law passed by Congress or any action by the president as being "unconstitutional." We also performed case studies on a few Supreme Court cases dealing with the First Amendment to the Constitution (freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.) I've attached copies of the case studies as well as an example of a writing prompt used in conjunction with those cases.


sccs 28
sccs 30
SupremeCourtWritingPrompt

The Executive Branch of U.S. Government

Today in class, we learned about the Executive Branch of the United States government. We learned that this branch is primarily made of the president, the vice president, and the various members of the presidential cabinet. Below, I have attached a graphic organizer outlining some of the major responsibilities of the executive branch as well as the homework assignment for the night. Please let me know if you have questions. Thanks! Executive Powers GO
All in a Day's Work_Student Copy

The Legislative Branch of Government

Today in class, we learned about how the U.S. Constitution sets up the three branches of government and in particular, the legislative branch. We learned that the purpose of the legislative branch is to make laws. We created a vocabulary chart covering some very important terms and then students participated in a group activity where they were to construct their own plan for a legislative branch of government in their "committees." Some students represented small states and some represented large states. The guidelines for the activity are posted below. Please let me know if you have any questions. Note: Due to a shortened class period, 7th period worked on an alternative activity. They completed the vocabulary chart but then they were asked to come up with an idea for a law and construct a letter to one of their representatives requesting that their law be presented as a bill.

Preamble to The Constitution

Today in class, we began learning about the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. We analyzed the direct text closely and created our own summary for it. Please watch the video below to supplement our class activities or to catch up if you have missed. I've also attached a copy of the preamble with notes explaining each of the important aspects of it. Please email me if you have any questions. Thanks!
Breaking It Down- The Preamble 1 -

Newspaper Article Assignment!

On Friday, we began working on an assignment where students were asked to construct a newspaper article covering a very significant event in American history, the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Guidelines for the article are listed below:

- Approximately 1 page of text
- Must include a headline and an illustration
- Must address at least one of the questions listed below
- Must be turned in by Wednesday, October 23 (late work will NOT be accepted)

Questions to be considered in your article:
- Should we have signed the Declaration in the first place? Defend your position.
- Do you agree or disagree with Jefferson's plan for government? Defend your position.
- What do you think about the phrase, "all men are created equal?" Do members of the 2nd Continental Congress truly believe that? Defend your position.
- What is your opinion of King George III? Are we being too hard on him? Defend your position.
- What grade would you give Jefferson for his writing skills? Defend your position.
- What are the key arguments for the Declaration of Independence?

Grading Rubric (9 total points)
- 1-3 for creativity
- 1-3 for content accuracy
- 1-3 for detail

Declaration of Independence Overview! SPI- 5.4.5.

I've attached a Prezi covering an overview of the Declaration of Independence. Please review this. Also, I've attached a video detailing our classroom activity for this week. We are analyzing a primary source copy of the Declaration of Independence to determine its purpose. Please e-mail me with any issues. Thanks! Summary Organizers

1st 9 Weeks Exam Study Guide!

Please use all of your classroom materials to study the items on the study guide below. 1st 9 Weeks Exam Study Guide

Tennessee Geography Webquest! In-class activity for Monday 9/29.

Tennessee Geography! (SPI 5.3.7)

Students will receive the attached map/study guide in class. The first map should be labeled with the three grand divisions (east, middle, and west), as well as the major landforms of Tennessee. The landforms should be labeled and different colors should be used for each landform. The second map should be labeled with the major resources and their location in the state. You may use the attached Study Island lesson as well as your textbook to complete each map. Also, please watch the attached video by "History Bill" over the landforms of Tennessee. Thanks! Tennessee Geography Study Guide
TN Geography and Climate

Atlas Activity (SPI 5.3.3)

I've attached a classroom atlas activity. Please use the attached atlas pages to complete the 5 items. Your answers SHOULD BE DETAILED! Atlas Scavenger Hunt

Analyzing and Interpreting Climographs (SPI- 5.3.8)

Today in class, we will be looking at climographs and the information that they can show us. I've attached the classroom discussion questions as well as an overview video of the lesson. Also, please complete the climograph template page with a city of your choice (template can be found here). You will need to research average monthly temperature as well as average monthly precipitation for that particular city to create your own climograph. The climographs will be due on Thursday, 9/26/2013. Please email me with any questions.
Climograph Analysis -

A Google Earth Tour of the Great Lakes! (SPI- 5.3.1)

Article Analysis- The Great Lakes

On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, students will be performing an article analysis over some of the problems facing the Great Lakes. Students should do the following:

- Perform a close read over the article and complete the close read graphic organizer
- Discuss the attached questions with others in their group. Each student should record the question and their own individual answer for each question in their composition book. Note: the answers to these questions should be very detailed so be prepared to answer in paragraph and complete sentence form. 


20-Great_Lakes_Concerns

Close Read Activity - Great Lakes Concerns Questions

Travel Brochure Assignment (SPI- 5.3.1)

I've attached some guidelines for a travel brochure project that we will begin working on during class tomorrow. Two class periods will be allotted for this assignment and the remainder will need to be completed outside of class. The due date for this assignment is Friday, September 20. Please email me with any questions. Travel Guide Brochure Assignment

Topics for Economics Quiz on 9/10/2013

The following items will be covered on the quiz on September 10:
- Needs and Wants on a personal AND national level
- The difference between "costs" and "benefits"
- The relationship between credit, installments and interest

Study Guide for SPI- 5.3.1 (Continents, Oceans, Rivers, and Great Lakes)

Students should complete the attached map as a study guide. They will receive a copy in class but if you need another, please feel free to download or print another from here. Each continent should be colored in a different color and the following items should be labeled on page 1:

- North America
- South America
- Europe
- Asia
- Africa
- Australia
- Antarctica
- Atlantic Ocean
- Pacific Ocean
- Indian Ocean
- Arctic Ocean
- Southern Ocean

On page 2, the following rivers should be drawn (preferably in blue) and labeled:

-  Columbia River
- Missouri River
- Colorado River
- Rio Grande River
- Ohio River
- Tennessee River
- St. Lawrence River
- Mississippi River

Also, the Great Lakes should be colored (preferably in blue) and labeled:

Remember the acronym, "HOMES"

Lake Huron
Lake Ontario
Lake Michigan
Lake Erie
Lake Superior


Continents_ Oceans_ Rivers_ Great Lakes Study Guide

Continents and Oceans- Informational Text Articles and Discussion Questions

Please see the attached articles below as well as the discussion questions. We will be working on these during class this week. Discussion questions will be answered in your composition book and they MUST BE DETAILED! Thanks! Continents and Oceans Informational Text
Discussion Questions- Continents and Oceans

SPI 5.3.1- Continents and Oceans!

This week, we will begin our next major unit over Geography. For the past week, we've been working on a mini-unit over basic economic concepts. We will quiz over that on Wednesday and revisit some of those concepts when we get to the Great Depression. Please view the video below for an overview of continents and oceans. Thanks!

 Continents and Oceans Tutorial

Continents and Oceans- Timed Game

SPI 5.2.1 Differentiating between NEEDS and WANTS on a PERSONAL AND NATIONAL level.

I've attached a mini lesson over our first SPI over economics. Please email me with any questions! Thanks!

Unit 1 Exam Study Guide- Exam on Thursday, August 29!

UNIT 1 EXAM STUDY GUIDE

More Cultural Trend Analysis (SPI 5.1.4)

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, we analyzed more graphs over cultural trends. Students were asked to scan QR codes and evaluate cultural trends through the use of graphs. I've attached copies of the graphs used as well as questions that each student is expected to answer. Please email me if you have any questions. Thanks!
Source: Online Education
QR Code Activity-Cultural Trends -

Graphs Over Cultural Trends! (SPI 5.1.4)

I've attached a video for analyzing graphs to discover cultural trends. Please watch the video and be prepared to discuss and begin working with graphs when you come to class. I've attached a handout with some discussion questions as well. You will receive a copy of this handout in class but if you are missing it, feel free to print another. Thanks! Graph Analysis 1

Close Reading- "Lizzie's Morning"

For the first part of this week, we have been working on a close reading of a story originally published in National Geographic entitled, "Lizzie's Morning." This story helps students understand the importance of cultural diffusion and helps them appreciate the fact that so many cultures impact their every day activities without them even knowing it. Our procedure for performing the close reading was as follows: 1.) Students read the selection twice SILENTLY 2.) Students complete a graphic organizer including "Words I do not know," "Words I cannot pronounce," "Phrases I do not understand," and "Questions I have." 3.) Students will list one AMAZING fact over the story. 4.) Students will follow along as the teacher reads the story out loud. As I read the story, I interject probing questions to stimulate thinking. After performing these four steps, students will be asked to respond to four in-depth discussion questions over the reading. We also are adding two supplemental activities to this story including a comic strip illustrating Lizzie's morning. The comic strip will be grading on the following rubric: 1-3 points for content, 1-3 points for creativity, and 1-3 points for neatness. The second supplemental activity will be a friendly letter to Lizzie. The letter should use SPECIFIC EVIDENCE from her story. The purpose of the letter should be to EDUCATE Lizzie about how so many different cultures have affected her every day life and CONVINCE her to understand the importance of learning about different cultures. A copy of the story and the original assignment are attached below. Lizzie's Morning Activity
Close Read Activity

National Holidays and Celebrations (SPI 5.1.3)

Below is the video lecture for SPI 5.1.3, entitled, "National Holidays and Celebrations." Please watch this video and be prepared to begin activities on it on Friday, August 16. Feel free to leave feedback through comments. Thanks!

QR Code Activity Sheets!

This week we will be using QR codes to analyze articles, primary sources and solve issues relating to the Components of American Culture that you have learned about from the video posted on Friday. Students will be grouped and each group will begin with a different component of American culture. Groups will continue the activity until they have researched and completed the activity sheet for each component of American culture. Each activity sheet is posted below. Thanks!(Note: This activity correlates with Tennessee State Performance Indicators 5.1.1 and 5.1.3) QR Code Activity- ART
QR Code Activity- Clothing
QR Code Activity- FOOD
QR Code Activity- HOLIDAY
QR Code Activity- LANGUAGE
QR Code Activity- MUSIC
QR Code Activity- RELIGION

Components of American Culture- 5.1.1, 5.1.3

Hello everyone! This is our first attempt at "flipping" our classroom. Please watch this video and be prepared to share what you have learned on Monday. Also, on Monday, be prepared to really dig in deep and evaluate the impact that these components of American culture have on our nation as a whole. Please email me with any questions. Have a great weekend!

Open House!

The "Flip"

Throughout the school year, we will be experimenting with the idea of the "flipped" classroom on a semi-regular basis. Many educators are experimenting with this model across the country with much success. You are probably asking yourself, "what is a flipped classroom?" Simply put, direct instruction (i.e. lectures, etc.) are given outside of class in the form of online videos and presentations during the time usually set aside for homework. In the flipped classroom, class time is set aside for activities, project-based learning, and other assignments. This allows the teacher to become more of a facilitator in the process of mastering content. Accommodations will be made for students with limited or no internet access. I've attached an infographic as well as a couple of videos detailing the idea of a flipped classroom. Please remember, we will be implementing this slowly but it is my goal for it to become a regular practice for this class. Thanks!

Created by Knewton and Column Five Media

Welcome!

First of all, welcome to my blog. I will update this page regularly with important class information regularly throughout the school year. We are going to have an awesome year. I've attached my syllabus below. If you need to get in touch with me, please feel free to email me with any concerns. Thanks! 5th Grade Social Studies Syllabus 2013-2014

Fireside Chat Examples from 2013!

Some examples of the "Fireside Chat" activity from last school year are shown below.