American Government: Sep. 10-14

This week we will continue our examination of the Constitution by looking at how power is distributed between the three branches of government. We will discuss why there was an emphasis on the separation of powers & the idea of checks & balances. We will look closely at the qualifications, powers, & checks placed on the different branches. We will also continue to look at how early American history shaped the Constitution, as well as the inclusion of a Bill of Rights that was added to satisfy the Anti-Federalists as well as smaller states within the union.

JA 8 A Civics: Sep. 3-7

This week we will continue our investigation of the American government under the Articles of Confederation after the revolutionary war. We will discuss the problems that existed in the Articles & the reasons why they needed to be changed. As we look at the debates between the framers, we will investigate the reasons why the Articles constrained the national government's power; which basically made it inoperable. As the week progresses, we will discuss the events surrounding the Constitutional Convention and the decisions that were made there in the summer of 1787.

World History: Sep. 3-7

This week we will begin our investigation into the ancient civilization of Greece. This is truly the birthplace of Western civilization. We will discuss how geography played a role in the development of culture, religion, and politics. We will examine the significant contributions made by the Greeks in philosophy, architecture, science, and the arts. Early in the week we will focus on the powerful city-states of Athens & Sparta. Towards the end of the week we will examine the empire of Alexander the Great and the spread of Greek culture through his conquests.

American Government: Sep. 3-7

This week we will continue our investigation of the U.S. Constitution & why it replaced the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution is the foundation on which American government & society are based, and it effects our lives everyday. As the week progresses, we will break down each part of the document & examine the structure of our government within the three branches.

JA 8 A Civics: Aug. 27-31

This week we continue our discussion of the English roots of American democracy & then we will examine some of the major events that played a role in the development of the American system of government. We will look at the causes & effects of the American Revolution, and we will look closely at the Declaration of Independence.

World History: Aug.27-31

This week students will present their Pharaoh Fakebook Projects and then we will begin to look at  the origins of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. We will examine the similarities and differences of the religions and how they changed over time. We will also investigate Indo-Europeans and seafaring traders before moving onto our exploration of Ancient Greece!

American Government: Aug. 27-31

This week we will continue examining the people & events that helped shape the government of the United States. We will look closely at why such emphasis was placed on limited & representative government. We will then discuss the Articles of Confederation; which was our first constitution. We will break down its highlights and examine why it was ultimately unsuccessful.

JA 8 A Civics: Aug. 20-24

This week we will begin our investigation of the roots of American Democracy. We will examine our English heritage & how it has influenced our form of government. We will also discuss some of the history of the English colonies & the unrest that erupted into the American Revolution. We will discuss how the founders looked to the past for ideas about how to govern.

World History: Aug. 20-24

This week we will continue up our investigation of ancient Egypt. Students will be working on and completing their Pharaoh Facebook pages. Later in the week we will begin to look at people and ideas on the move. Emphasis will be placed on how trade routes helped shape culture, language, religion and politics in the Ancient World. We will examine the origins of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. We will examine the similarities and differences of the religions and how they changed over time.

American Government: Aug. 20-24

This week we will continue investigating the roots of American Democracy. This week we will focus on the unrest that existed in the English colonies & how it created the call for independence from the British. We will investigate how the colonists took "old" ideas from political thinkers such as Locke & Montesquieu to create what would become the foundations of American government.



CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ACCESS THIS WEEK'S SAS ACTIVITY:

http://www.sascurriculumpathways.com/portal/Launch?id=210

JA 8 A Civics: Aug. 13-17

We will begin by discussing the importance of good citizenship, why we have laws, & where our laws come from. We will discuss the diversity of America & the roots of our Democratic government. Some of this should be review from your history classes!

World History: Aug. 13-17

We will begin by discussing the importance of studying the past & how current events are linked to history. We will begin our investigation of world history by looking at the early civilizations in Mesopotamia & Egypt. We will also focus on the significance of geography & its role in history.

American Government: Aug. 13-17

This week we will begin examining the role of government in our lives before moving on to the origins and foundations of the American system of government. We will examine the people & events that influenced what our government looks like to this day. Emphasis will be placed on the events surrounding the American Revolution; as well as the key figures involved in the major historical event.

ALL CLASSES: May 28-31

We have finally made it to the last week of school! This has been a wonderful year of growth and achievement on a number of levels. This week we will discuss how far we have come, & where we are headed. I plan on discussing current events in relation to our classes to wrap up the school year. Just because it is the last week, do not think we will not have something to do. If you have not done so already, you will need to turn your textbooks in to me ASAP! Another reminder of note, Thursday all students are expected to be at the Aquatic Center for our Awards Assembly at 7:30 AM. This is a wonderful opportunity to show great character and support your fellow classmates. Finally, our graduation ceremony will be at 7:00 PM, at the London Bridge Resort. Come out & celebrate graduation day! I wish all of my students & their families a safe & relaxing summer!