Today's Activities

Recent Activities

Well this is it!! What a year! You have covered alot of ground. Like 50,000+ years of History going back to Uncle Ugh burning himself in a cave! Hours and hours of HW, Mr W's bad music, story time, 15 page tests, and all the challenges that Room 208 had to throw at you. You have come out the other side and hopefully here at the end of your time in class we are all at least a little bit smarter. If you've learned anything hopefully you realize that all subjects relate to History. An important science idea is what History is ALL about. In physics it is said that "for every action there is a reaction". You should have figured out by now that the physics quote applies to History, countries, important people, and even ourselves. You can be proud of what you have accomplished and I have very much enjoyed my time with you. Keep working hard and being kind! Don't be a stranger and good luck in the next steps of your own History. Play the Kahoot and enjoy the music!  
Intro
Today we will finish the 20th Century to end the year. No HS or MS History class ever goes from Uncle Ugh keeping warm in a cave to the Information Age! You've done well:) We haven't spent nearly enough time on alot of things but hopefully all will be revisited in HS in greater depth. Yesterday you learned about WW II. After the Axis powers are defeated a confrontation called the Cold War dominates the world for the next 50 years and still simmers today. That would be between the countries that supported Communism vs the Western countries that support Capitalism and Democracy. The Soviet Union was a group of communist countries led by Russia. Opposing them were the Democratic countries of the world led by England and the United States. The Cold War very much explains why the world is the way it is today. From our relationship with Russia and China, to our involvement with Afghanistan & Iraq, to the tension in Korea and other places we can look to the Cold War for understanding.
Instructions
*  Sidenote- For those of you not answering the Prize Question correctly. The answer is always in the INTRO!!!!
​*  Read or listen to the short duckster lesson on the Cold War
​*  Do the crossword or the word search & share it with me
*  Watch the History Bombs Cold War vid and answer the questions
​*  Optional- View the Number 2 Song in the History Class Top 5 Playlist!
​Tomorrow! The big finish!!! The Number 1 song is revealed and a Kahoot from Uncle Ugh to the Space Age!
And the Number 2 song on the History Top 5 Playlist is a fan favorite that takes us back to 7th Grade US History! What will be Number 1 tomorrow??
Questions
1-  List 5 big events in the Cold War
2-  What were the 2 sides of the Cold War?
3-  What did the 2 sides disagree about? 
4-  Ask 2 curiosity questions about the Cold War or World War II
5-  Rate that song! 1-10
Intro
Today is World War II. WWII is really just an extension of the first World War. After the WWI the winning countries placed all of the blame for the war on Germany when in actual fact everyone involved was kind of equally to blame. Germany was forced into an impossible situation of having to pay for all of the damage from the war and giving up it's military. The 1920's world economy boomed because of all the manufacturing during the war. It was referred to as the Roaring 20's. But with the war over the economy didn't survive and the world fell into the worst economic depression in History. And no one suffered more than Germany. That gave way to bad influences like Adolph Hitler to take advantage of a terrible situation.  Dr Nicky and I have visited alot of European battlefields. In a museum in Belgium we were given characters to act out. Dr Nicky was a war nurse and I was a boxer & soldier. It was a fun and informative experience. Choose which work to do from below. 
Instructions
*  Choose one of the 3 sets of work to do
*  Take 10-15+ Notes from the videos
*  Answer the few questions at the end
*  OPTIONAL- Knock yourself out with some learning and do multiple options! Be sure to let me know if you do this option!
Option 1- Shortest simplest option
Option 2- 3+ Level Work- The funniest option but the longest
Option 3​- 4 Level Work- the hardest option but informative
Questions
1-  What were 2-3 causes of WW II?
2-  Who were 4 Allied Countries fighting in the war?
3-  Who were 3 Axis Countries fighting in the war?
4-  Who were 3 Allied leaders in the war?
5-  Who were 2 Axis leaders in the war?
6-  Of the horrible things that Germanys leaders did in the war what was the worst?
7-  What was Germanys biggest mistake that would lead to their losing the war?
8-  What big unfortunate event ended the war in Asia?
9-  Prize Question- What characters did Dr Nicky and I play in World War I?
​10-  RATE THAT SONG!!!!! 1-10
We can thank the Ancient Greek writer, Aesop, for todays song.
Read Intro
Listen or Read the Duckster & do short quiz
Watch the 2 vids & take 3-5 notes on each
​Optional- View The History Playlist Song Number 4 & Rate it 1-10
THE 20TH CENTURY- Wow, how far we have come! Today. World War I. One of the best examples in History of pathetic leadership getting millions of ordinary people into one of the most horrific couple stories in History. Imperialist Europe had developed an intense competition for who could own and control more of the world and it's resources. Most of Europe was still led by monarchies and many of the leaders were related. Each cousin wanted their country to be the most powerful. In the end World War I was like a family feud! The main factors that led to the Great War:
Nationalism- An unhealthy level of pride in your country at the expense of all other countries.
Militarism- Countries determined to have bigger and better militaries than all their neighbors.
Imperialism- As you know the competition to conquer & control as much of the world and it's resources as possible.
Unhealthy Alliances- Irresponsible alliances in Europe drag everyone into war
Take the Duckster Quiz & let me know result
3-5 Notes on each of the short videos
Ask one curiosity question you have about World War I
Rate Song Number 4 on the History Play List
Optional- For some extra learning- Two horrible History vids about the start of WWI
Very optional vids below- 2 Horrible History vids showing how ridiculous the start of WW I was.
The Last Week!!!!!!!!!!
Let's do this. Let's finish this story!
We have arrived at the Age of Imperialism, which could also be referred to as the Age or Introduction of Widespread Greed. The European countries are now flexing their new found muscle. They don't have alot of resources in their own small countries but they use their technological and military advantages to go out and take what they want from the rest of the world. European countries find out through the Age of Exploration that there's lots of resources out in the world to be had. And for the Industrial Revolution be successful it needs resources Europe doesn't have alot of. So out into the world they go conquering and colonizing all along the way.

Watch the Kahn Academy video taking 10+ notes and answering the few questions at the end. AND RATE THE FIRST SONG IN YOUR MIDDLE SCHOOL HISTORY PLAYLIST. TODAY IS NUMBER 5 ON THE LIST!
Intro
Well here we are! From Uncle Ugh through the Greeks and the Romans. There have been Dark Ages and Revolutions. There have been heroes and Villains. Romances. Adventures. Epics & Dramas. We've listened to music. Oh the music! We've laughed a little here and there. At times History has horrified & amazed us. We've studied the big changes in History and how important even the smallest of us can become(Joan of Arc?). The world and Europe rose out of the ashes to become a super continent and empires fell. You have worked your butts off in room 208(and remotely) to produce an awesome year of work and learning. I am very proud of this 8th grade class and here we are in the final week. Along the way I hope you have learned more than you knew about how the world was shaped into the world we live in today. As a group you will have gone farther into History than any other year I have taught and I have very much enjoyed my time with you. Let's finish this!
Video and intro Questions
1-  What are the causes of the Age of Imperialism?​
2-  What countries do the most colonizing around the world?
3-  What Revolution helps to create Imperialism? Hint it's not a violent one.
4-  What is some technology Imperialism depended on?
5-  In your own words what is Economic Capital?
6-  In your on words what is capitalism?
7-  Guess what big World event Imperialism will lead to.
8-  What is the message in the first paragraph of the intro?
9-  Rate that song!!!
Today's instructions
Take 3-5 Notes on the intro
Take 5+ Notes on the Age of Revolutions Video
Take 5+ Notes on the Industrial Rev Video
3+ Optional Activity- In addition to the notes answer the questions
NEXT WEEK. THE 20th CENTURY!!!!
Intro
You have now gone farther into History than any other class I've taught!!! Today's Age? The Age of Revolution! Revolution is defined as big changes in something, or Transformation. It often takes the shape of a violent Revolution to overthrow and change leadership or government. Sometimes though it has to do with things other than conflict, like the Agricultural Revolution or the Industrial Revolution, to the Transportation Revolution. The Age of Revolution though featured many countries influenced by the Enlightenment ideas of having different types of government than Monarchies. The idea of Humanism, people having great potential, encouraged societies to want to get rid of Kings and have regular people run governments. What country takes the lead in this AGE and inspires worldwide change? That's right, the new United States of America after it's own Revolution gets rid of British/English rule. Our Revolution and the Age of Revolutions would not have happened without the thinkers of the Age of Enlightenment which could not have happened without the Printing Press and the Renaissance Age, which wouldn't have without....... As you can see History is just one big series of Cause and Effect that you should always be on the lookout for.
3+ Level Questions
1-  What are some likely causes of a Revolution
2-  What are a couple of very successful Revolutions and why were they successful?
3-  What were 1 or 2 Revolutions that didn't go so well and why?
4-  Give a definition of a Revolution in your own words and list 3-4 different types of Revolutions.​
Today's Instructions- Take today & Thursday to complete
* Take 5+ Notes from the intro
* Take 5-7 Notes from the School Yard Rap video
* Take 5-7 Notes from the Powtoon video
* 3+ video. In addition to the above watch the Enlightenment Rap and use the resources to review in a paragraph what the Enlightenment was about.
Where In The World Are We?!?!?
Well that’s a good question! We have indeed come a very long way in covering 100’s of thousands of years of Human History. We have gotten to the last 400 years of Man’s story and with a little push we will get to the final 50 years. As we mentioned last week, our History has brought us to the Age of Exploration which you should remember from 7th Grade. Spain, France, and England would take the lead as European countries that would explore the other parts of the world, colonize and leave their mark for modern times. England of the 3 will go on to have the biggest influence around the world. It was their values, ideas on government, their culture that they would leave with us for the birth of our nation. 
Take aways from The Renaissance & Reformation. You need to know that this is the time that would shape Modern Europe which would go on to colonize the Americas. It was a time where Europe recovered from the Dark Ages, and embraced science. Before this time local nobles and the church determined all aspects of life. Out of the Renaissance powerful countries emerged and people used science instead of religion to explain the world they lived in. The very important idea of HUMANISM was embraced. Humanism was the idea that individuals had their own potential. That they could determine their fate and make their own decisions. Before that people were told exactly how their life will be by a noble or the local church. All of this change of course was driven by the expansion of knowledge and information due to the influence of the Printing Press and economic trade. Because of the Renaissance and Reformation much of the world would be “Reborn” in Europes image. The Age of Exploration would open up a whole new world of ideas. This would introduce two new Ages to the world, The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment. 
Intro
Resource
​Video
Questions
Intro
​So we have reached the crossroads of your 7th Grade US History and World History. King Henry the 8th and the Tudor family are the English leaders who start colonization of North America and what would become the United States. Henry is worth studying because he is a good example of bad leadership. Of an out of control tyrant who did not have enough checks on his power. Our Founding Fathers worried about out of control leadership and put together a government that could hopefully avoid influences like Henry and later King George. On the other hand his daughter Queen Elizabeth may have been the greatest monarch in History. Her leadership helped raise England to the superpower it would become. Their time also showed the growing divide between Christianity and Protestantism that would lead to conflict of religion for over 400 years. Dr Nicky and I were raised by our families one as Catholics and one as Protestant. Before our generation we would not have been allowed to get married because of our different religious backgrounds. As a child Dr Nicky may not have even been allowed in my families church of St Rose. Thankfully in our country, and much of the world, we have become far more tolerant in the past 40+ years. This country more and more has lived up to it's ideals of religious freedom and that makes us a and the world a better happier place. Today watch the video of Henry the 8th to see an example of leadership, conflict and religious differences.
Use the resource and video below to help answer the questions.
Questions
1-  What religion did Henry change England from and to?
2-  Describe what Henry was like in his younger years before being King and early in his reign.
3-  Describe what Henry was like later in his reign.
4-  Would we want Henry as a leader today? Why or why not?
5-  Who was Henry's favorite wife?
6-  Review 2-5 things Henry was good about or at.
7-  Review 2-5 things he was bad about.
8-  Ask 1-2 curiosity questions.
​9-  Bonus question. What was the name of the church Mr W attended when he was young. 
Take today and Monday to finish the work. Tuesday we will arrive in America!
Prize Winner
Intro
Videos and questions
Intro-
Today and Monday we will wrap up the Renaissance and the Reformation. This Age moves people out of the Dark Ages and also embraces science and individual thought. During the Dark Ages people depended on the church for all their guidance and support. As things got better individuals started to consider science and thinking for themselves. This led them to question the Church and the way religion was delivered to them. People started thinking they could enjoy their religion without a powerful church telling them how to be religious. The Renaissance and the Reformation had an engine that drove them and that was the Printing Press. Without the Printing Press the Church would control all information and wouldn't allow changes. Before the Printing Press books were copied by hand so there were very few of them and very few educated people. With the invention of the Printing Press learning took off! One of the countries that left the Catholic Church was England. Henry the 8th wanted a divorce from his first wife and the Church wouldn't give him one so he changed his country to the new version of Christianity, Protestantism. Henry's conversion of England to Protestantism would be the religion that England spreads to America and influences the start of our country. So the Reformation and Henry's England are important to know because of the cultural impact they had on the start of our country. This split in Christianity led to centuries of conflict right up until recent times. 
Use the intro and watch the videos below and answer the questions below. Some of you may have already watched the second video.
1  The Reformation changed what religion?
2  Luther didn't like what about the church?
3  What is it called to buy your way out of sins?
4  What did Luther nail to the church door?
5  What is the new branch of Christianity?
6  What was the Bible written in before Luther?
​7  What does Luther think the Church focus had become?
8  The Reformation divides Christianity into what two branches?
9  Why did Henry want to divorce his first wife?
10  Why did Henry change the religion of England and who did he put in charge of religion in England?
11  How many marriages did Henry have?!?!
12  What important invention drove the Renaissance and the Reformation?
​13  RATE THAT SONG!!! 1-10.
Todays Work- Take today and Thursday to complete.
​Intro
Prize Winner
​​Choose the 3 or 3+ Level Activities
Playlist Recommendations
Intro: So we study the 100 Years War because it establishes England as a world superpower. They would use this power to go and colonize much of the world, including what would become the United States. They have to battle and rise above the Spanish and the French along the way. Also an important result of the war was that the Tudor family ends up in charge. By this time England had established a constitutional called the Magna Carta, enacted a Bill of Rights, a court system, and limited the kings power with a cooperating government of elected officials. But the monarchy still had alot of power as the Tudor family would show. The most famous Tudors you may have heard of, Henry the 8th and his daughter Elizabeth the 1st. During their time Europe and Christianity are experiencing the Renaissance and the Reformation. The Reformation is when Christianity divided into two halves, Catholic and Protestant. The Protestants thought the Catholic Christian Church had lost it's way and wanted Christianity to be simpler and more humble. The Catholic Church thought it got big and powerful enough to do alot of good. Henry the 8th was a product of the Renaissance and the Reformation. One of my favorite places to visit in England is Henry's palace called Hampton Court. Today I will share with you some details about the Renaissance and the Reformation. On Friday we will cover the Tudors. The meme below is a "Heads Up" for the Tudor studies. An image of Henry the 8th as a teaser to Fridays work. He was not a nice man!
3 Level Work
1-  Watch the 3 videos below.
2-  List 3-5 things you were familiar with
3-  List 7+ things you learned
4-  Watch the song video and list 4+ people you've heard of.
Rate the song 1-10. It's a good one today!
5-  Prize Q-  What house of Henry the 8th has Mr W enjoyed visiting?
3+ Level Work
1-  Watch the video below.
2-  List 3-5 things you already knew
3-  List 7 things you learned
​4-  Watch the song video and list 4+ people you've heard of.
​Rate the song 1-10. It's a good one today!
5-  Prize Q- What house of Henry the 8th has Mr W enjoyed visiting?
This week we will study The Renaissance Age. This Age sees Europe having overcome the Dark Ages. Europe can thank the Middle East for helping improve their economy through trade and the sharing of knowledge and ideas that had been lost to Europe for centuries. Also to thank, Monks in monasteries. The only places in Europe that were still reading, writing, learning, and copying books were the monks in monasteries. They were the only ones in the continent to copy books(by hand!) and preserve old knowledge. They were the only ones who could read those books though and the books stayed in their libraries until literacy levels improved. They say that the Irish monks in their monasteries preserved and saved Western Civilization by recording all the Ancient Greek and Roman ideas. So Europe experiences a Rebirth of culture, learning and trade. This time features great minds like Leanardo Da Vinci and William Shakespeare. Artists like Raphael and Michelangelo. Many countries of Europe that we know today get their start at this time. And it was a time of invention and perhaps the greatest invention since Uncle Ugh and fire, the Printing Press! You will learn that Italian cities like Florence and Venice become rich and famous at this time and fund the growth of the Renaissance Age. Florence is a most amazing Renaissance city the Dr Nicky and I have enjoyed spending time in. And within this Age is also the Age of Exploration which will lead to the European Discovery of America and the beginnings of our country. 
Take today and Tuesday to do the Duckster lesson, the Duckster crossword or word find, and the questions below. When sharing your question answers also share your Duckster result in some way. I would suggest a screen shot. 
US History Review Questions!! Research a little if you need to.
1-  What 3 European countries explore the Americas the most?
2-  Early in the Age of Exploration what country becomes the most rich and powerful?
3-  What explorer claims much of the Americas for this powerful European country?
4-  What were a couple of powerful American Civilizations that Europeans conquered?
5-  What event happened that would lead to England becoming the leader in North American colonization? 
6-  What was the Magna Carta and what American document did it influence?
7-  What were the 3 G's that Europeans were coming to the America's for?
8-  What were the English Bill of Rights and what American rights did they lead to?
​9-  What Renaissance City have Dr Nicky and I enjoyed spending time in?
Practice the European countries and let me know your result and time.
Take today, Friday, and the weekend to finish the following work.
Read Intro
Do the Henry the V work
Do the Joan of Arc Work
​Intro- Today we take a look at the rivalry between France and England. Whoever comes out on top in this rivalry will be the biggest influence establishing the United States. The 100 Years War shows us the rise of these two rising superpowers. And Henry the 5th and Joan of Arc are two great individual examples in that rivalry. 
Also today I am going to introduce for the final few weeks a treat challenge. In your feedback or the intro each day I will provide a detail that will put you into a winners draw for a shot at a Mr W prize when you come to my class in the Fall. You all know how substantial my prizes are! How many prizes will you win. Todays detail is Mr W has spent alot of time in the town of Monmouth, Wales where Henry the V spent alot of time. 
After todays work we will be finished our study of the Middle/Dark Ages. We have technically arrived at the Modern Age! It is a time that features a rebirth(Renaissance) of Europe. It is highlighted by the Age of Exploration and the establishment of what will become the United States.  
Henry the V
Level 3 Work- Read the info below, just watch the challenging video, and answer the 3 level Q's
Level 4 Challenging Work- Read the info below watch the video and answer the 4 level questions.
​Henry the V- Yesterday you learned of perhaps the most famous English King, Henry the V. He is often given credit for establishing England as unique country of it's own, no longer heavily influenced by French leadership and culture. The kind of England that would impose it's culture on us. Most of you talked about what a ruthless and effective leader Henry was. This is true but he was also a wildly popular leader with his people and and the greatest of English heroes. He was more popular with the common folk than almost any monarch in History as he chose to spend alot of time with commoners as a fun loving young adult. Watch the video to get a better sense of what kind of leader he was. Answer the questions that follow. Take your time as it is uses old English style talk. Don't get frustrated and just do the best you can. And try and enjoy it!
3 Level Questions
What is the mood of the army before Henry's speech and after?
How does your opinion of Henry's leadership change after watching the video?
4 Level Questions
1-  What benefit does Henry think there is in NOT having more men from England?
2-  What holiday is the Battle of Agincourt being fought on?
3-  How does Henry say they will be remembered in the years to come?
4-  Henry says that those who shed blood with him today will be his what? It is this kind of idea that makes him so popular!
5-  Before Henry's speech what was the mood of the troops? How about after?
6-  Harold the French diplomat comes to camp asking Harry to what?
7-  What kind of warriors does Henry say the English are? What does he mean by this?
8-  How does Henry reply?
9-  What does it seem like Harold's opinion of Henry is?
10-  Does this video change your views on Henry's leadership and how?
11-  Ask 1-2 curiosity questions about the scene you've watched before the Battle of Agincourt.
Joan of Arc
Do the short Duckster Lesson and take the quiz linked at the bottom. Let me know the result.
Watch the short videos of Joan of Arc and answer the questions below
From the videos and your work.
1-  List 5-10 details about Joan you find interesting.
2-  What were the circumstances of Joan of Arcs upbringing?
3-  What special powers did Joan of Arc claim to have?
4-  Describe Joan of Arc as a leader.
5-  What leader would you have followed into battle, Joan or Henry, and why?
​6-  Mr W Prize Question: What town that Henry spent alot of time in has Mr Westberry also spent alot of time in?
Do the following Tuesday & Wednesday
Read Intro
Do the short 100 Years War Lesson
Do the Henry the 5th Activity
Do the Battle of Agincourt Activity
​
We are coming to the end of the Dark and Middle Ages. Out those times England, France and Spain will emerge as 3 powerful countries. As you will recall from US and Maine History it is those 3 countries that leave their imprint on the Americas. Before England and France can stand on their own they have many conflicts to see who owns who. Each country's King(or Queen!) thinks that they are meant to rule the other. The worst of these wars is the 100 Years War! This conflict happens at the end of the Middle Ages and both countries Monarchs think they rule both lands. Whoever wins the war will rule both countries. The war will decide who is the superpower of Europe as it comes out of the Middle Ages. The conflict features a couple of famous people in History, young charasmatic English King Henry the 5th and French inspirational heroine Joan of Arc. Take Tuesday and Wednesday to complete the following activities.
Review the short lesson in the tab below about the 100 Years War. Take the quiz at the end of the lesson. When taking the quiz please write out each answer. Remember that you can listen to the audio of the lesson if you prefer. The quiz and the audio look like this:

Henry the 5th
Choose either the 3 or 3+ level work below

3 Level work. Use the tab below for the following work.
Take 5+ notes on Henry the 5th.
Write a short statement on what kind of leader he was.
​Ask 1 curiosity question.
3+ Level work. Use the tab below for the following work.
Take 5-10 notes on Henry V
Write a short statement on what kind of leader he was.
​Ask 1 curiosity question. 
Battle of Agincourt
This battle makes Henry famous and guarantees England won't lose to France.
Watch the short videos and answer the questions below
What side seems to have the more professional army?
How do you know?
What advantages do the English seem to have?
What advantages do the French seem to have?
​Ask one curiosity question.
We've arrived at the stage in World History where England and France and Spain become great rivals. The Crusades have started brought back knowledge and trade that Europe has needed to pull out of the Dark Ages. European countries that we know of today start to develop as we know them today. Europe has developed a taste for Eastern products and resources that they didn't have before. Trade routes start to expand bringing back ideas and wealth. Italian cities are best at trading because of their central location in the Med and they become very rich and influential. And nobles in Europe who have gained enough territory become powerful kings. Christianity throughout the Dark Ages gave Europe some stability and served as the only source of some learning, church groups provided communities with medical help, churches(like today) provided social support, and region provide some leadership, comfort, and hope. With trade growing contact between people from different places also led to the spread of disease like the plague. Today watch the two videos below taking 5+ notes for each video and answer the few questions. The first video is about St Patrick who we celebrate the life of each March by wearing green on his day! He is a typical example of Christianities influence in Europe. The other video is on the plague. The plague hits Europe as it's trying to pull out of the Dark Ages. It can give us lessons on how to handle diseases, shows us how much better prepared these days we are, and the important of investing in science and medicine. This week we will learn alot about Englands rise to power, the Renaissance Age, and European contact with the Americas. 
Questions:
How did the Plague arrive in Europe?
What are some effective ways that we learned to deal with disease?
What are some lessons we can learn from the life of St Patrick?
Happy Friday and it's game day!! Choose from the options below for todays work. Enjoy!
Option 1:
​Watch the History of sports video and list the different sports in the video.
Describe a sport story you found most interesting and why.
​Also tell me what MT this video most relates to.
Vocab: Football is what the rest of the world calls soccer. This video features my favorite version of football(soccer). Don't get any ideas!
Option 2:
Watch the Today in History Vid and list what you think are the two most important events and why. Also ask one curiosity question you have from watching the video. And, play the European countries game and tell me your best result.
Option 3: Do both options!!!!!!! 
Do today's Kahoot. Have patience with my Kahoots as I'm still figuring them out! Before playing the Kahoot watch the "Crusader Song" video in the tab below. Be sure to use your first name and last initial so I know you've done it. Unless you mess up early only try once and be sure to watch the video fully in question 8.
Also answer the following question:
What are the 3 most important things brought back from the crusades and why? At least 1 of the 3 of the things must be a product or resource.
Game PIN: 09497023
Review the content in the resource below. Take the quiz at the bottom of the resource and tell me the result of your quiz. There is a nice feature at the bottom near the quiz that allows you to listen to an audio(4 minutes) of the page instead of reading it.
3+ Activity. In addition to the above activity take 5 minutes to learn from the following video and answer the 3 questions below.

Vocab to know:
Chistendom- The lands where Christianity was the main religion. At this time Europe.
Saints- Christian leaders in History who were said to have performed miracles and were idolized by many.
Relics- The remains or artifacts of Saints that were thought to have religious power.

Who won the Crusades?
What did the Crusaders bring back to Europe?
What cultural achievements are mentioned near the end of the video?
Take till Wednesday to finish the following.
Where we are at. The Middle Ages have taken hold of Europe in the time of 800-1400 and the worst period during that time is the Dark Ages. The Dark Ages provide us with the best example in History of how bad things can get without good structure and government in society. And out of the Dark Ages rises the Europe that we are familiar with today and will go on to influence America so much. Before Europe could rise from it’s ashes it had to go through more darkness. Two things to introduce today, The Plague and The Crusades. We take comfort in our current situation that we aren’t in the Dark Ages suffering through the plague. At that time when disease hit hard in society they didn’t have the science and the medicine we have today and we are able to handle things in a less disastrous way. Our situation is tough but science and medicine will help us get through this tough time. In the Dark Ages the Plague was far worse than what we face and they didn’t have the ability to deal with it. The Crusades shows that the sometimes religiously intolerant relationship between Christianity and Islam goes back 2000 years. It would be the Crusades that would play a huge role in pulling Europe out of the their Dark Times. Watch the following videos and follow the instructions.
Watch the following video about Dark Ages/Middle Ages "medicine". Beware, it's a bit gory!
What other job did the "doctor" of a village usually do?!?!?
What are 3-4 ways you might be treated in the Dark Ages by the local "Doctor"?
Explain what ways we are MUCH better suited to handle disease in our times?
At the end of the video what Age does the doctor introduce that follows the Dark Ages?
Watch the following Mr Corwyn video. Take 5-10 notes and answer the questions at the 8:23 minute mark. 
Where we've gotten to.
Uncle Ug, Egyptians, Alexander the Great, Hannibal & his elephants, Cleopatra, Caesar, the Fall of Rome, the Dark Ages and tens of thousands of years. And now approaching modern Europe. We study the Dark Ages to know how bad life can get without government and structure. And to show how modern Europe comes to be and eventually turns it's attention to America. And that will bring us to when our US History and World History collide. Charlemagne and William the Conqueror help to provide some stability to Dark Ages Europe but the Dark Ages would not give up so easy. Anarchy, mini Ice Ages, disease, war, Vikings and lack of culture torment Europe at this time despite efforts by some rising leaders to improve conditions. Before the Dark Ages would give up Europe had to overcome the Crusades, the Plague, lack of knowledge/culture and the MONGOLS. We'll study these things this week and next before arriving to The Modern Age. Watch todays video on the Mongols to see that there were powerful forces elsewhere in the world determined to stand in the way of European progress. Take till Friday to complete.
Crash Course Episode 17 Guided Viewing
  1. The reason the Mongols came to dominate the world really started with one guy, ____________________  _______________.
  2. After uniting the Mongols, Genghis Khan went on to conquer a lot of territory. By the time he died in his sleep in 1227, his empire stretched from the Mongol homeland in Mongolia all the way to the ______________________ Sea.
  3. And another of Genghis’ grandsons, Kublai Khan, conquered the __________________ Dynasty in China in 1279.
  4. The Mongols succeeded primarily because of their military skill.  Genghis Khan’s army, which never numbered more than 130,000 was built on _______________ and __________________________.
  5. And they also adopted gunpowder, probably introducing it to ______________________________.
  6. The Mongols really did expand trading. The __________________  _____________ trading routes that had existed for about 1000 years by the time the Mongols made the scene had fallen into disuse…
  7. The Mongols were almost extremely tolerant of different religions…. So you could find Muslims and Buddhists and Christians and people of any other religion you can think of __________________________________ throughout the Mongol empire.
  8. The Mongols were seriously __________________________ conquerors.
  9. Their empire didn’t last. Within 80 years they’d left China and been replaced by a new dynasty, the ______________.
  10. The Mongols were probably responsible for the __________________________  _______________________.​
  11. From our studies list the 5 things that made Europe experience the Dark Ages.
  12. From our studies who are 2-3 leaders started to provide some stability during this time.
  13. From our studies what is one constant in Europeans lives during the Dark Ages that they can rely on for some hope and comfort. 
  14. I'm putting you in charge. You have conquered Europe and are the Kng/Queen. If you were able to take over Europe at that time what are some of the first things you would do to improve the situation?
As a review rearrange the list below in chronological order(the order that they happened in) from the oldest event to the most recent event. Some events overlap and you should list the event that starts earliest.
​Also be on the lookout for an email explaining what sort of work we will be doing in the upcoming weeks.
Roman Empire
Agricultural Revolution
Egyptian Civilization
Bronze Age
World War I
Iron Age
The Age of Mr W
Your Age
American Civil War
Greek Civilization
Computer Age
Roman Republic
Dark Age
Columbus “Discovers” America
Viking Age
Alexander the Great
Julius Caesar
Printing Press
​Stone Age
Battle of Thermopylae
The Renaissance
Battle of Tours
William the Conqueror
American Revolution
Fire as a tool
World War II
Today I have two outstanding videos that have been big hits, one recently and an "old school" classic. One is my favorite Justin Bieber song and the other is by music legend Blondie. List the 5-7 most important facts from each of their songs that relate to things we have studied. Each of your lists should start with who the hit song is about.
Also rate each song from 1- Mr Westberry my ears will never recover from that. To 10- Mr Westberry you should DJ school dances.

England!!!

We have studied the establishment of France as an early European power. We've now studied the beginnings of England becoming one of the first major countries in Europe. From the time of William the Conqueror England starts to resemble the country we are familiar with today and the country that will go on to influence the start of our own country. Every English school child knows of the year 1066 and of William. Once he has conquered he rules with an IRON FIST. He replaces all the English nobles with his loyal Norman knights. He sets up intimidating castles all over the land as a way of telling the locals that the Normans are in charge now and don't mess with them. He orders a census to be done(a count of everyone & everything in the land) to know what he has conquered and now owns. He creates a recorded History of his success in a LONG embroidered tapestry called the Bayeux Tapestry. He changes the culture by making French the official language of England and introduces French culture. Use the details mentioned, a little research if necessary, and the videos to answer the following questions.
1- What group of people does William come from. They were descendants of Vikings and known to be the most fierce knights in Europe. The region he's from is named after these people.
2- What country and region does William come from?
3- What resource tells us the story of the Battle of Hastings?
​4- What is the Bayeux Tapestry
5- What was the "Doomsday" book? Why was it written?
​6- Give 3 reasons why William built so many castles in England?
7- Using the above text, or a little research or the 3+ video below- how did William rule over England? What was his style and approach? 
Use the Short videos below for today's work. Choose 1 or both to do.
3.0 Video Questions
1- Describe Williams Young life
2- Describe the details of how he becomes King of England
​3- Describe how he controls England once he has conquered it
4.0 Questions- This one will not be easy to keep up with and they use a couple rude words. If you don't want the challenge watch the 3.0 vid above. 
Only watch from the 2:00 minute mark to 11:30 Minute mark. It is a hard video to keep up with and all the info you need is found between those times.
1- How did Williams young life shape him to be such a tough guy?
2- Who dies in England that cause a leadership crisis and conflict?
3- What three people think they should be King?
4- Describe the conflicts that result and how does one of them succeed over the other two?
5- How does William control England after he gains the throne?
6- What are Williams qualities as a leader?
​7- What cultural affect does William have on England? 
Use my introduction and the "10 Facts of William the Conqueror" to answer the questions. The facts are kind of entertaining and even yucky!

Our focus for the next couple of days is the establishing of England as a country as we know it today. England starts to take shape when Alfred the Great unites regions together to resemble todays England. At that time the countries of Scotland and Wales also take shape. And with that the modern countries of Europe come into play. The countries of Britain, France, Russia, Norway, and soon Spain, Portugal and Sweden. And then the others. Understanding how England came to be helps us to understand how our own country develops as England, and Europe, so heavily influence the making of our own country. Alfred may start what we know of as England today but it is William the Conqueror that really helps it to take shape.
​
1- From my intro who are two Kings that help to establish England as we know it?
2- In our studies what are two of the biggest European countries to have been established so far?
3- According to the 10 Facts William was a descendant of what scary group of warriors?
4- William grew up with a BIG chip on his shoulder. What are some things about his upbringing that may have caused this?
5- What death started Williams most famous battle and was was the name of that battle?
6- What gross thing happened at William's funeral?
​More on William tomorrow. Including maybe a video of his funeral scene!

The Vikings!!!!!

The Angles, The Saxons, The Vikings and the Normans. England is a hot mess at the beginning of the 2nd millennium. As you know England influences how America develops. Well how did England develop? It starts to take shape when a guy named Alfred the Great unites parts of England for the first time to finally check the Vikings. The next important figure to enter the scene will be William the Conqueror. Watch the short video below and answer the questions. Bob Hale again so try and keep up! Too lazy for the questions? Just give me a 2-3 sentence recap of the vid and a good question.

​1- In the first 400+ years of the first millennium who ruled Briton?
2- What are 3-4 groups that keep invading the Islands of Briton?
3- As groups in Islands of Briton start to control certain areas what 3 countries develop that still exist today?
4- Who are a couple of Kings that try and hold off the Vikings? Which one is most successful?
5- In the end of the video who are the 3 leaders who battle for control of Briton? Who wins!
6- Ask one good curiosity question.
7- Rate today's joke on a scale of 1-10. 1- Mr Westberry that is torture to 10- Mr Westberry give up teaching and become a comedian.
Thursday's work. Read the information below and answer the questions. Friday will be a couple of videos on William the Conqueror!
The middle Ages are defined as the time between the Fall of Rome and the period called the Renaissance. The Dark Ages were the worst several centuries of the Middle Ages. The Viking Age was a big reason why the Dark Ages were so dark. The Viking Age ended partly because(like the Romans) many of them embrace Christianity and it's more peaceful ways. Also, many Vikings actually get tired of fighting and realize the places they raid and conquer would be good to settle down in. As the Viking Age ends the country of England as we know it starts to develop. It gets it's name from a group of people who lived there, the Angles, or Angleland(or England as we know it today). In 1066 the last attempt by Vikings is made to conquer England. At the same time that Viking army is trying to invade an army also attacks from Normandy France. It is led by a descendant of the Vikings William of Normandy. And from 1066 England will never be invaded again. It goes on to become the England that will have a heavy influence on the making of America as we know it. Because modern England helped shape America our studies will have some focus on England.

Recap Questions:
1- When were the Middle Ages?
2- What two well known Ages happen during the Middle Ages?
3- Why did the period of Viking terror end?
4- What group of people is England named after?
5- What year was the last time that England was successfully invaded? Who does it? Hint: It wasn't a Viking army.
6- 7th Grade Recap! In 2 or 3 sentences tell how or why did England have such a big effect on the way America and the United States develop. Either think back to last year for this one or do a little research.
Use the video below to do this work:
What was his nickname?
What religion did he help solidify in Europe?
Give 3-5 details about his life.
​Was he great or was he bad?
3 Level music video below on Charlemagne. Take 3-5 notes on Charlemagne
Use the video above to answer the following questions:
​Who was Charlemagne's Father & Grandfather?
What does the name Charlemagne translate into?
He named his sword! What was it's name?
He conquered alot! Who was his toughest opponent?
He was brutal. Give an example.
Charlemagne was determined to spread and solidify what religion?
Who did Charlemagne protect in the late 700's? What was his rewarded?
What good things did Charlemagne establish?
​Was Charlemagne good or bad?
Some of you asked questions about Dark Ages medical treatment. Well here's a 2 minute vid you might find funny.
Some of you asked how they picked Dark Ages leaders or Kings. Here's a funny 4 minute that might explain how King Arthur was chosen. Sometimes it could be pretty random! In a funny way what does the video suggest were ways that and qualities that factored into picking Dark Age leaders.
One more 5 minute video to describe society and government in the Middle Ages. This is the period of knights in shining armor, jousting, castles, Merlin and King Arthur, and dragons. Well maybe not dragons. Watch the video and take 5-10 notes and ask one great question.
We study the Dark Ages to see how bad life can get without the support of a well organized society and government. Watch the video below to see just how bad things got. It also helps to show us that society can get through any tough times no matter how bad. Even in this irritating time we find ourselves in now we are so much better prepared and equipped than those people who found themselves in the Dark Ages. Enjoy the video and stop and start as you need to while answering questions.
List 4-5 reasons why life wa so bad during the Dark Ages.
Ask 1-2 curiosity questions you have about the Dark Ages.
​Having watched the video in your own words give a definition for the Dark Ages.
A couple activities today. Do each or pick one. Send me any questions or work completed if you want. The Pop game is from the census website and shows that SST and math can be a great combo. Try it out if you haven't already. Send me your result but only your first attempt(if you've already done it) and an honest result. Thanks Mrs Knell for sharing.
Using the John Green video answer the following questions. Send them to me by email or turn them in when we return to class. JG talks fast & uses big words but he's funny and informative.
​
What is an agreement with God called?
What other religion does Christianity come out of?
Who did Jesus appeal most to?
Who does one Roman writer compare to Jesus?
What is a diaspora? You may need to research a little.
When or what does John Green say helped Christianity really take off?
10 Simple Questions. Email me the answers if you like or save them for class.
Hinduism is from where and is how old?
How many Gods does Hinduism have? Name One.
Who starts Judaism?
Passover celebrates Jewish escape from what?
Where did Buddhism start?
Who started Buddhism?
Who starts Christianity?
What is the biggest religion in the world?
Who starts Islam?
What are the 5 Pillars?

Homework And Activities

Previous Activities

Cleopatra Activity

Measurement Topic Focus:  Leadership and how it relates to Conflict
Activity:
Create a tabloid cover that features Cleopatra. The cover should resemble something you might see in a supermarket at checkout. It should have a variety of details that would be typical to a tabloid cover but must feature Cleopatra. Your work should reflect what kind of person she was, her efforts to gain leadership and what she accomplished as a leader. 
Apart from that you have alot of flexibility with what you do. Have some fun with it, include as much detail as you can, make it colorful, funny, and put some thought and effort into it.  Merge any Ancient Egyptian story into your work.

What does the story tell us about the relationship between sons and fathers?
What meaning is there behind flying too close to the sun and too close to the water?
Describe the overall morals of the story.
Are these morals that we can still live by 3000 years after that story was first told?
Are there any modern stories that you know of that have a similar moral lesson?
Write one I wonder question about the story.
In one or two words describe each of the 10 Amendments in the Bill of Rights.
List 10 important details about The Renaissance.

Recent Activities

 Activities Previous Years

Fire Ad- Advertisement must show the several benefits of fire for pre-historic people. It must also show reliable pre-historic methods of starting and maintaining fire. You should also address concerns that cavemen may have had with the use of fire. 

Recent Activities

Cleopatra Tabloid Cover

Include:
Details of Cleopatra's life
Other Egyptian content
History vocab
Her leadership qualities 
Geography & the Nile
Good presentation

Further guidance:  Review the SS rubric in the resources section.
africa_booklet.pages
File Size: 11308 kb
File Type: pages
Download File
Video Questions:
  • Why did European explorations to other areas of the work mark a significant change to collective learning and why did these explorations begin in the mid- to late-fifteenth century?
  • The connection of the four world zones was immediately profitable for Europeans and for us but what were some of the negative effects?
  • How is the Industrial Revolution the result of years of collective learning?
  • How did the Industrial Revolution spark a different kind of adaptive radiation?
  • Why did industrialization begin in Great Britain and not in some other part of the world?
  • Effects of Conflict
  • Rise of Islam
  • List some different Civilizations
  • How do different religions interact in the video
  • What are the Vikings good at?
  • What eventually “tames” the Vikings?
Need help? Need to catchup? Just like doing History?
​Mr W's Office Hours

Wed 11:30-12:30

8th Grade Measurement Topics

​1     Culture-   Culture impacts society.
2     Technology-   Tech & innovation impacts societal change.
3     Religion-   Religions impacted history and the world today.
4     Transformation-   Different forms of change.
5     Conflict-   Why people enter into conflict or war.
Continents & Oceans

Isaac O 9.5
Manny C 9.6
Jason K  10.1

Mr W 13.1
Avg   18.2
​Physical Features of the World
Isaac O  49.4
Holly H 50.4 
Taylor T  52.6


European Countries
Taylor T  51.9
Zavier D  52.2
Ethan H  55.2


20 Biggest Countries of the World
Isaac O  19.9
Manny C  20.5
Brooklyn F  22.0
Taylor T  22.0


South America
Alicen B  31.4
Jason K   31.5
Brock B   32.4
​Mr W  41.7
​Avg 58.2​

​
Africa​
Alicen D  53.6
Brock B   54.8
Libby C   1:00


South American Physical Features
Alicen B  13.8
Jason K 14.0
Rylee H  14.7
​

Africa Physical Features
Jared M  25.3
Gabe M   25.6
Libby C   25.9

Social Studies Challenges!!
​&

Resources

Ingredients for 
Culture & Civilization
Fashion                     Religion
Art                             Infrastructure
Military                      Government
Sports                       Language
Social Hierarchy       Food Surplus
Big Cities                  Money/Economy
A Shared History       Common Laws
Monumental Architechture
Common Geography

Geography and Education Games

Honorable Mentions