SPARTANS,
For those of you just checking the blog for the first time, make sure to check old blog posts. A few of you are asking questions that have been addressed already on the blog.
Go to "Blog Archive" on the right side of the page under the Spartan helmet image.
Please check this site regularly. I update and give general feedback pretty frequently.
Take care,
Mr. Todd
22 June 2008
Mini-Research Paper Reminders
SPARTANS,
Many of you are already starting your mini-research paper on indigenous peoples of the Americas. Please keep in mind the following:
**Wikipedia does NOT count as a reliable source. (There may be useable links at the bottom of a Wikipedia entry page, however.)
**If you choose a tribe other than one listed in the Summer Learning Packet, please notify me by e-mail first.
**Make sure that you can find enough resources on the tribe you have chosen before getting too far into your writing.
**All papers should be written in MLA format (for now) with appropriate citations.
**All quote sources and citations must be printed/photocopied with the cited text highlighted (to be included with your submitted paper).
**Papers should be free of typos and grammatical errors. Please utilize spell- and grammar check tools while word processing.
Good luck.
Many of you are already starting your mini-research paper on indigenous peoples of the Americas. Please keep in mind the following:
**Wikipedia does NOT count as a reliable source. (There may be useable links at the bottom of a Wikipedia entry page, however.)
**If you choose a tribe other than one listed in the Summer Learning Packet, please notify me by e-mail first.
**Make sure that you can find enough resources on the tribe you have chosen before getting too far into your writing.
**All papers should be written in MLA format (for now) with appropriate citations.
**All quote sources and citations must be printed/photocopied with the cited text highlighted (to be included with your submitted paper).
**Papers should be free of typos and grammatical errors. Please utilize spell- and grammar check tools while word processing.
Good luck.
Feedback for Chapter Reading Response Answers
1) Questions about feedback
2) Question about MS Word document format
3) General feedback on Reading Response answers for Chapter 1
1) Ian Enario asked a great question: Will students get feedback on their chapter Reader Response answers?
Answer: The short answer, to quote Mr. Lee, is yes and no. If you need to fix anything, I'll tell you. If not, you may not hear from me, or just get a "thank you" e-mail.
2) Another good question from Lauren Hofmann was: Which MS Word format (.doc or .docx) is preferred for attachments?
Answer: Please send your attachments in ".doc" format since Vista still has problems opening its own .docx format from e-mails sometimes.
If you do not have MS Word, please just include your answers in the body of your e-mail to me.
3) Some general feedback on Reading Response Answers for Chapter 1:
**DO NOT use phrases like "I think" or "In my opinion". Please write in the third person.
**Most of you are answering the questions well, but be mindful of the Command Terms and what they mean.
**Many students are not answering Questions 2 and 3 fully.
**Lastly, use your book to answer the questions. You do not need to do extra research and add unnecessary information. Stick to answering the question.
2) Question about MS Word document format
3) General feedback on Reading Response answers for Chapter 1
1) Ian Enario asked a great question: Will students get feedback on their chapter Reader Response answers?
Answer: The short answer, to quote Mr. Lee, is yes and no. If you need to fix anything, I'll tell you. If not, you may not hear from me, or just get a "thank you" e-mail.
2) Another good question from Lauren Hofmann was: Which MS Word format (.doc or .docx) is preferred for attachments?
Answer: Please send your attachments in ".doc" format since Vista still has problems opening its own .docx format from e-mails sometimes.
If you do not have MS Word, please just include your answers in the body of your e-mail to me.
3) Some general feedback on Reading Response Answers for Chapter 1:
**DO NOT use phrases like "I think" or "In my opinion". Please write in the third person.
**Most of you are answering the questions well, but be mindful of the Command Terms and what they mean.
**Many students are not answering Questions 2 and 3 fully.
**Lastly, use your book to answer the questions. You do not need to do extra research and add unnecessary information. Stick to answering the question.
19 June 2008
Further Clarification on Summer Assignments
For VOCABULARY:
Vocabulary must be HAND-WRITTEN.
For READING RESPONSE (RR) ANSWERS:
Re-state the question in the answer.
Make sure you are answering the question according to what is specified for the "Command Terms" (last sheet in the Summer Learning Packet), such as "describe", "identify", "to what extent", and so on.
Your chapter RR answers must be TYPED and E-MAILED to me by the deadline for each chapter.
Please include the TITLE of the assignment in the subject line of your e-mail to me.
You may send the answers to me in the body of the e-mail or as an attachment.
Whatever way you send your answers, you should keep a copy of your answers (as a Word document, a saved e-mail in a special "assignment folder", and/or hard copy).
For both VOCABULARY and READING RESPONSE ANSWERS:
The answers in these assignments should be written in complete sentences, and in paragraph form, when appropriate.
Bullets and sentence fragments should not be used for these assignments (but ARE acceptable on the "Chart" assignments in the Summer Learning Packet).
Length of answers: The length of answers should fit the assignment. A short paragraph or a few sentences should suffice. Remember, though: I am looking for the QUALITY, not QUANTITY, of the answer.
Good luck,
Mr. Todd
Vocabulary must be HAND-WRITTEN.
For READING RESPONSE (RR) ANSWERS:
Re-state the question in the answer.
Make sure you are answering the question according to what is specified for the "Command Terms" (last sheet in the Summer Learning Packet), such as "describe", "identify", "to what extent", and so on.
Your chapter RR answers must be TYPED and E-MAILED to me by the deadline for each chapter.
Please include the TITLE of the assignment in the subject line of your e-mail to me.
You may send the answers to me in the body of the e-mail or as an attachment.
Whatever way you send your answers, you should keep a copy of your answers (as a Word document, a saved e-mail in a special "assignment folder", and/or hard copy).
For both VOCABULARY and READING RESPONSE ANSWERS:
The answers in these assignments should be written in complete sentences, and in paragraph form, when appropriate.
Bullets and sentence fragments should not be used for these assignments (but ARE acceptable on the "Chart" assignments in the Summer Learning Packet).
Length of answers: The length of answers should fit the assignment. A short paragraph or a few sentences should suffice. Remember, though: I am looking for the QUALITY, not QUANTITY, of the answer.
Good luck,
Mr. Todd
Fitting in Fun and Summer Goals
SPARTANS,
I know many of you are busy at work for IB classes already, taking classes at the community college, or doing other academic or athletic enrichment activities this summer. Perhaps some of this is fun or interesting to you. But what have you done lately just for you to have fun?
I hope you are all having some fun and enjoying some relaxing time this summer. I know this is sometimes hard to do, but make sure you keep things in balance by pacing yourselves. Make a list of things you need to accomplish for each day or week, even if it's something simple like, "Make my bed".
Make sure you include things you enjoy on your list. Go swimming, go to the movies with friends, sleep in, write an e-mail to a relative, go hiking, take some photos, walk the dog... Make time for yourselves. I don't want any of you (or me) to start off the school year already burned out.
I've tried to make sure that your assignments for the summer are spaced out sufficiently and realistically enough for you to have enough time to get them done at a pretty leisurely pace, and still do well. Don't wait until the last minute to get things done. As Mr. Franklin wrote, "You may delay, but time will not."
Have fun and take care of business.
Take care,
Mr. Todd
I know many of you are busy at work for IB classes already, taking classes at the community college, or doing other academic or athletic enrichment activities this summer. Perhaps some of this is fun or interesting to you. But what have you done lately just for you to have fun?
I hope you are all having some fun and enjoying some relaxing time this summer. I know this is sometimes hard to do, but make sure you keep things in balance by pacing yourselves. Make a list of things you need to accomplish for each day or week, even if it's something simple like, "Make my bed".
Make sure you include things you enjoy on your list. Go swimming, go to the movies with friends, sleep in, write an e-mail to a relative, go hiking, take some photos, walk the dog... Make time for yourselves. I don't want any of you (or me) to start off the school year already burned out.
I've tried to make sure that your assignments for the summer are spaced out sufficiently and realistically enough for you to have enough time to get them done at a pretty leisurely pace, and still do well. Don't wait until the last minute to get things done. As Mr. Franklin wrote, "You may delay, but time will not."
Have fun and take care of business.
Take care,
Mr. Todd
15 June 2008
Chapter 2 Reading Response Questions
This assignment must be e-mailed to spartan.hoa@gmail.com by 11:59pm July 1, 2008:
1) What nation appears to have been the training ground for English soldiers who ended up in the New World? In what ways did this place "prepare" them for the New World?
2) Identify the motivations of explorers and "sea dogs" employed or encouraged by the English crown.
3) Examine how a 1588 sea battle started to change the balance of power in Europe.
4) Explain how social and economic change served to motivate the growth of an English empire.
5) Briefly describe the initial interactions between English settlers in Jamestown and the local indigenous peoples.
6) In what ways did European contact with indigenous peoples sometimes influence inter-tribal relations?
7) Compare and contrast the effects of tobacco and sugar cane cultivation in the New World.
8) Explain how two significant events in 1619 would foreshadow events for English North America and the future United States.
9) To what extent was the Act of Toleration tolerant?
10) Compare and contrast the relationship between indigenous peoples and their English neighbors in the various colonies of British North America.
1) What nation appears to have been the training ground for English soldiers who ended up in the New World? In what ways did this place "prepare" them for the New World?
2) Identify the motivations of explorers and "sea dogs" employed or encouraged by the English crown.
3) Examine how a 1588 sea battle started to change the balance of power in Europe.
4) Explain how social and economic change served to motivate the growth of an English empire.
5) Briefly describe the initial interactions between English settlers in Jamestown and the local indigenous peoples.
6) In what ways did European contact with indigenous peoples sometimes influence inter-tribal relations?
7) Compare and contrast the effects of tobacco and sugar cane cultivation in the New World.
8) Explain how two significant events in 1619 would foreshadow events for English North America and the future United States.
9) To what extent was the Act of Toleration tolerant?
10) Compare and contrast the relationship between indigenous peoples and their English neighbors in the various colonies of British North America.
Chapter 1 Reading Response Questions
SPARTANS,
The following are questions for the Chapter 1 reading from The Americans. Please remember in answering the questions to follow the directions from the Summer Learning Packet (complete sentences, re-stating the question in the answer, etc.). Please also make sure to include the assignment title in the subject heading of your e-mail to me. In this case it would be "Chapter 1 Reading Responses". The assignment must be e-mailed to me (spartan.hoa@gmail.com) by 11:59pm on June 24, 2008.
1) According to the text, what was the estimated indigenous population of the Pre-Columbian New World?
2) To what extent did Christian Crusaders motivate exploration in the 15th century?
3) Which events seemingly compelled Spain to start its exploration, and propel its explorers in a westerly direction?
4) Describe the "Columbian Exchange" and its impact on the New and Old Worlds.
5) Which event does the text describe as a "demographic catastrophe without parallel in human history"? How did this catastrophe come about?
6) Explain the impact of New World mining on the European economy.
7) Analyse Fray Bartolome de las Casas's objections to the encomienda system.
8) Identify the motivations of the conquistadores described in Chapter 1.
9) Briefly describe the "conquest" of Aztecs and the impact this event had on what would become known as Mexico.
10) Evaluate the truth or fiction of "la Leyenda Negra", the "Black Legend". Justify your answer.
The following are questions for the Chapter 1 reading from The Americans. Please remember in answering the questions to follow the directions from the Summer Learning Packet (complete sentences, re-stating the question in the answer, etc.). Please also make sure to include the assignment title in the subject heading of your e-mail to me. In this case it would be "Chapter 1 Reading Responses". The assignment must be e-mailed to me (spartan.hoa@gmail.com) by 11:59pm on June 24, 2008.
1) According to the text, what was the estimated indigenous population of the Pre-Columbian New World?
2) To what extent did Christian Crusaders motivate exploration in the 15th century?
3) Which events seemingly compelled Spain to start its exploration, and propel its explorers in a westerly direction?
4) Describe the "Columbian Exchange" and its impact on the New and Old Worlds.
5) Which event does the text describe as a "demographic catastrophe without parallel in human history"? How did this catastrophe come about?
6) Explain the impact of New World mining on the European economy.
7) Analyse Fray Bartolome de las Casas's objections to the encomienda system.
8) Identify the motivations of the conquistadores described in Chapter 1.
9) Briefly describe the "conquest" of Aztecs and the impact this event had on what would become known as Mexico.
10) Evaluate the truth or fiction of "la Leyenda Negra", the "Black Legend". Justify your answer.
14 June 2008
Late Work Reminder
SPARTANS,
A couple of you have already e-mailed me about late work. While I appreciate your concerns and circumstances, I must and will remain firm on the policy I explained in our library meetings and included in your Summer Learning Packet: No late work is accepted for any reason.
I understand that some of you are leaving on vacation soon, or may have already left. Some of you will be without Internet access, or be unable to bring your book and other materials on your vacation(s). I understand that most of these factors are out of your control. Still, I expect that you will do what is in your control, and excel at it. In the words of Black Flag, "Rise above".
If you miss an assignment deadline, that's the way it goes. You'll lose some points, but it's not the end of the world. Just don't make a habit of it, and make sure the assignment you miss is not a big one. In stating this I don't mean to say that you should blow off any of your assignments, but just to let you know that if you miss an assignment or two, you will live, and you still have a chance for success in the course.
I expect that all students in my classes will do their best. Realistically, though, some days' "bests" are better than others.
Good luck... y adelante!
Mr. Todd
A couple of you have already e-mailed me about late work. While I appreciate your concerns and circumstances, I must and will remain firm on the policy I explained in our library meetings and included in your Summer Learning Packet: No late work is accepted for any reason.
I understand that some of you are leaving on vacation soon, or may have already left. Some of you will be without Internet access, or be unable to bring your book and other materials on your vacation(s). I understand that most of these factors are out of your control. Still, I expect that you will do what is in your control, and excel at it. In the words of Black Flag, "Rise above".
If you miss an assignment deadline, that's the way it goes. You'll lose some points, but it's not the end of the world. Just don't make a habit of it, and make sure the assignment you miss is not a big one. In stating this I don't mean to say that you should blow off any of your assignments, but just to let you know that if you miss an assignment or two, you will live, and you still have a chance for success in the course.
I expect that all students in my classes will do their best. Realistically, though, some days' "bests" are better than others.
Good luck... y adelante!
Mr. Todd
13 June 2008
Vocabulary Assignments, Chapter RR Questions, Resources, and E-mailing me
1) Vocabulary assignment directions
2) Posting of Chapter 1 and 2 Reading Response Questions
3) Resources on the Rio Mesa homepage
4) E-mailing me
SPARTANS,
1) Miss Nicolle Sanchez had an excellent question about the vocabulary assignments: In what format should they be done?
Please make sure that all vocabulary assignments are done in Cornell notes format, with the terms, names, or phrases in the left column. Definitions should be written in the right column and align with the appropriate term/name/phrase in the left column. Please make sure to follow all instructions as given in the assignment packet.
2) I am currently out of town, but Chapter 1 and 2 Reading Response Questions will be posted here on the blog by Sunday, June 15.
3) I previously told students that they will get only one copy of any materials given by me for the IB History of the Americas class. While this will remain the case, please note that the Summer Learning Packet has been posted on the school website:
http://www.ouhsd.k12.ca.us/sites/rmhs/departments/ib.htm
Thank you to Mrs. Clayton for setting this up.
4) Many of you have e-mailed me already. Please remember that if you have questions, comments, or concerns, e-mail me at the spartan.hoa@gmail.com address, and NOT my school account because school e-mail fills up very quickly. If it does, your e-mail may bounce back unread.
Thank you.
2) Posting of Chapter 1 and 2 Reading Response Questions
3) Resources on the Rio Mesa homepage
4) E-mailing me
SPARTANS,
1) Miss Nicolle Sanchez had an excellent question about the vocabulary assignments: In what format should they be done?
Please make sure that all vocabulary assignments are done in Cornell notes format, with the terms, names, or phrases in the left column. Definitions should be written in the right column and align with the appropriate term/name/phrase in the left column. Please make sure to follow all instructions as given in the assignment packet.
2) I am currently out of town, but Chapter 1 and 2 Reading Response Questions will be posted here on the blog by Sunday, June 15.
3) I previously told students that they will get only one copy of any materials given by me for the IB History of the Americas class. While this will remain the case, please note that the Summer Learning Packet has been posted on the school website:
http://www.ouhsd.k12.ca.us/sites/rmhs/departments/ib.htm
Thank you to Mrs. Clayton for setting this up.
4) Many of you have e-mailed me already. Please remember that if you have questions, comments, or concerns, e-mail me at the spartan.hoa@gmail.com address, and NOT my school account because school e-mail fills up very quickly. If it does, your e-mail may bounce back unread.
Thank you.
01 June 2008
Welcome, new HOA students!
SPARTANS,
Thank you for your interest in the IB History of the Americas course. It will be challenging year of study for you, but also intellectually rewarding.
Please make sure to check this blog regularly for answers to questions about the Summer Learning Packet, as well as postings of your E-mail Reading Response (RR) questions for Chapters 1-6 in The American Pageant.
A few more reminders:
Thank you for your interest in the IB History of the Americas course. It will be challenging year of study for you, but also intellectually rewarding.
Please make sure to check this blog regularly for answers to questions about the Summer Learning Packet, as well as postings of your E-mail Reading Response (RR) questions for Chapters 1-6 in The American Pageant.
A few more reminders:
- Check out a copy of The American Pageant (Twelfth Edition) before you leave school for the summer. If you leave without it and do not complete your Summer Learning Packet, you will earn "zero" scores for the assignments you do not complete. If there are no copies of the text in the Textbook Room now, there will be soon. Be patient and check back regularly with Mrs. Lopez.
- I will do my best to post the first set of RR questions before school ends. Please make sure to e-mail me your responses (with the assignment title in the SUBJECT HEADING of your e-mail) on or before the due date.
- Please make sure you e-mail me with any questions or concerns, spartan.hoa@gmail.com.
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