On August 15, 1918, the Panama Canal opened connecting the world's two largest oceans and signaling America's emergence as a global superpower. The story of the canal features a delightful cast of colorful characters ranging from an indomitable President to visionary engineers to tens of thousands of workers from around the world, rigidly segregated by race.
Check out the video from WGBH here!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
2nd Quarter Extra Credit: DUE Friday 1/14
Last week, Adam Kirsch penned an interesting op-ed for the New York Times entitled "The First Drafts of American History".
To receive some credit, please read the article and draft a two paragraph response. Your first paragraph should summarize Kirsch's arguments and the second paragraph should be a reflective response.
Your response must be handed in to me, emailed, or posted as a response to this blog post by Friday afternoon at 3:00 pm.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Study Tips for Midterms (All of them)
Midterms are coming! In order avoid stress and meltdowns, time management and discipline are essential keys to success. You should have two goals: to do well and your tests and to stay sane!
Here are some tips to help you:
- Time Management: Plan, plan, plan! Before exams start, take some time to fill in your calendar (I'll give you a sample in class) and schedule study sessions for specific material, sports practices, breaks (these are essential!), meals, etc. Be disciplined and stick to that schedule!
- Schedule in study breaks: You can not expect to study non-stop for two weeks. It isn't healthy. When you write your schedule, include short study breaks to help you recharge. Again, be disciplined and stick to that schedule.
- Take advantage of study guides and sessions: If a teacher offers a session, make sure you go! Make sure you do not use these guides and meetings as a crutch. Remember-these are guides are just a jumping off point and sessions are not supposed to replace independent study time. To get the most out of a study session, please review material and come with questions. If you are not prepared, you will not get anything out of this extra time.
- Schedule in sleep: You know that sleep is essential. Put a "bedtime" on your calendar and stick to it!
- Schedule in exercise: There is absolutely no better relief for stress and anxiety than exercise. If you play a sport, write all of your practice times on your calendar. For everyone else--make sure to schedule in something you normally do--or if you don't do anything (shame on you) make sure you are going for walks on study breaks. You need fresh air. Make sure you have a balance-don't over do it on exercise to the point where you are procrastinating other tasks.
- Work with effective groups: Only study in a group if you work effectively with each other and are responsible enough to stay on task. Your friends do not always make the best study buddies. Skip working with lousy groups.
- Clear up your schedule: Remember this is only for a temporary time period! As much as you can, eliminate other responsibilities. Can you cut your work schedule down? The same goes for hanging out with friends. Talk to them at school. They will still be around in two weeks. MLK day is great day to get ahead on material. USE THIS TIME!
- Ask for help. Early and often. There is no excuse to not understanding material at this point! Teachers are willing to help you master the material. Just ask!
- Utilize study tools: There is a plethora of material online to help you master any subject. I highly recommend www.schmoop.com for easy to use study guides and review material that covers most of the material we work for US History I. There are online sites to help you make flashcards, quizzes, and schedules. Just do some searching!
Remember time management and discipline are the keys to success. It also helps to keep everything in perspective. This is just a temporary time where your schedule will rule your life!
MIDTERM STUDY GUIDE!
You will be given a one hard copy of this guide in class. Get cranking and let me know if you have any questions!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Friday, December 17, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
TR & Conservationism
For homework, please read the information on the website for Ken Burn's Film "America's Best Idea" as well as watch the short clip of TR.
Be prepared to DISCUSS what you read/saw/heard in class.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Progress Reports are on their way home!
Hi Parents,
I just wanted to let you know that Progress Reports were sent home for all students today.
If the grade is a C- or below, please sign the report and have your student return it to me as soon as possible. You may also acknowledge receipt of the progress report by emailing me.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you!
JLO
I just wanted to let you know that Progress Reports were sent home for all students today.
If the grade is a C- or below, please sign the report and have your student return it to me as soon as possible. You may also acknowledge receipt of the progress report by emailing me.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you!
JLO
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
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