Friday, December 19, 2008

Utah Studies--Friday, December 19, 2008

Today in class students finished their Native American culture change posters.  Period 2 also presented theirs.  DUE MONDAY, JANUARY 5:  Nothing, except the final 15 points of learning centers are due Wednesday, January 7.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Utah Studies--Thursday, December 18, 2008

Today in all classes students continued working on their posters.  DUE TOMORROW: Classes will need to finish their posters.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Utah Studies--December 17, 2008

Today in all classes, students continued working on their Native American posters.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Utah Studies--December 17, 2008

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Utah Studies--Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Today there was no social studies lesson because students watched Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" in accordance with their language arts curriculum.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Utah Studies--Monday, December 15, 2008

Today in Period 1, 3-7 students finished comparing Chief Walker to Brigham Young.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but MANY of you have not turned in learning centers still!  Please turn those in soon.

Today in Period 2 students worked on creating their posters that would show what happened to the Native Americans of Utah once settlers began to move in.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but MANY of you have not turned in learning centers still!  Please turn those in soon.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Utah Studies--Friday, December 12, 2008

Today in Period 1, 3-7 students worked on creating a story showing the difference in thinking between Chief Walker, leader of the Utes, and Brigham Young, leader of the Mormons.  DUE MONDAY:  Nothing, but turn in late learning centers if you have them!

Today in Period 2 students took a short quiz on the settlement of Utah.  Then they began to read Chapter 7 about conflict between the Native Americans and the settlers.  DUE MONDAY:  Nothing, but turn in late learning centers if you have them!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Utah Studies--Thursday, December 11, 2008

Today in Period 1, 3-7 students compared the point-of-view of Chief Walker of the Utes to the point-of-view of Brigham Young.  These two leaders sometimes cooperated, sometimes clashed.  DUE TOMORROW: Learning center points!

Today in Period 2 students began learning about how Native American culture changed once settlers arrived to Utah.  DUE TOMORROW: Learning center points!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Utah Studies--Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Today in Period 1 students continued working on their Native American culture change posters.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but 10 points in learning centers are due on Friday!

Today in Period 2 students finished up their notes on the settlement of Utah.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but 10 points in learning centers are due on Friday!

Today in Period 3-7 students began working on their Native American culture change posters.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but 20 points in learning centers are due on Friday!

For the Stretch I hosted today, we had a fantastic speaker, Mike Rose, who has dedicated much of his life to researching the lost stories of Pearl Harbor.  He has a particularly personal interest in this event since he was a 3 year old boy living in Hawaii in that time.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Utah Studies--Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Today in Period 1 students began working on the creation of their group's poster that will examine how Utah's Native American culture's were affected by the arrival of the settlers.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but 10 more points in learning centers are due Friday!

Today in Period 2 students continued to examine the patterns of early settlement of Utah and how this affected the early economy.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but 10 more points in learning centers are due Friday!

Today in Period 3-7 students continued researching how the arrival of settlers impacted Native American culture.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, but 10 more points in learning centers are due Friday!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Utah Studies--Monday, December 8, 2008

Today in Period 1 students were given some time to work on learning centers.  This is because they have 10 points due in learning centers by this Friday.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but get going on learning centers!  Turn them in as soon as you finish them.

Today in Period 2 students continued learning about the early Utah settler economy.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but 10 points in learning centers are due Friday!  Turn them in as soon as you can.

Today in Periods 3-7 students continued working on research for their Native American culture change posters.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but 20 points in learning centers are due Friday!  Turn them in as soon as you can.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Utah Studies--Friday, December 5, 2008

Today in Period 1 students took a quiz about Native American and settler conflicts.  Then they finished answering questions from Chapter 7.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing, but 10 points in learning centers are due Friday, December 12.

Today in Period 2 students took a quiz about the LDS pioneers coming to Utah.  Then they read about the Willie and Martin handcart disaster of 1856.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing, but 10 points in learning centers are due Friday, December 12.

Today in Period 3-7 students took a quiz about Native American and settler conflicts.  Then they began doing research from various historical sources about this subject.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing, but 20 points in learning centers are due Friday, December 12.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Utah Studies--Thursday, December 4, 2008

Today in Period 1 students reviewed for the Rise and Stretch quiz tomorrow.  They also worked on reading Chapter 7 about Native American and settlers.  DUE TOMORROW: Be ready to take the quiz!

Today in Period 2 students began learning about the settling of Utah and how the early LDS pioneers tried to be more self-sufficient.  They also reviewed for the Rise and Stretch quiz tomorrow.  DUE TOMORROW: Be ready to take the quiz!

Today in Period 3-7 students reviewed for the Rise and Stretch quiz tomorrow.  They also played a game that reviewed with them the importance of using an index when doing research out of books.  DUE TOMORROW: Be ready to take the quiz!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Utah Studies--Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Today in Period 1 students were assigned a section of Chapter 7 to read and then discuss with their groups.  That will continue tomorrow.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Today in Period 2 students read some primary source documents that explained why Americans were drawn to the Western territories despite having to travel long distance by wagon.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Today in Period 3-7 students finished reading Chapter 7 with their groups.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Utah Studies--Tuesday, December 2, 2008

I apologize for not posting yesterday, so today I will give a brief rundown of the last 2 days.

For Period 1 we had no class yesterday due to the assembly.  Today students began learning about how Native American culture began to change due to the arrival of settlers.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but some students have yet to turn in the final draft of the essay.  They will be marked in Skyward with a 0 if not turned in yet (or an "excu" if they've been absent).

For Period 2 students began learning about what brought the LDS pioneers to Utah in 1847.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

For Period 3-7, students continued learning about how Native American culture began to change due to the arrival of settlers.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but some students have yet to turn in the final draft of the essay.  They will be marked in Skyward with a 0 if not turned in yet (or an "excu" if they've been absent).

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Utah Studies--Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Today in Period 1 students took a short quiz on the settling of Utah.  Then they edited each other's rough drafts.  DUE TOMORROW: Finish your final draft!

Today in Period 2 students took a test based on what we have learned so far this year.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Today in Periods 3-7 students took a short quiz on the settling of Utah.  DUE TOMORROW: Finish your final draft!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Utah Studies--Monday, November 24, 2008

Today in Period 1 students worked on the rough drafts of their essays, if they didn't finish yet.  Then students reviewed for a short quiz we will take tomorrow.   DUE TOMORROW:  Study for quiz.  If still not finished with the rough draft, students need to finish it tonight so they can take it to Mr. Jones' class tomorrow in order to edit it.  The final draft is due Friday.

Today in Period 2 students reviewed for a large test they will be taking tomorrow that covers all the most important information from this year.  DUE TOMORROW: Study for the test!

Today in Period 3-7 students turned in their finished rough drafts, read a current event article about American economic problems, and then studied for the quiz tomorrow.  DUE TOMORROW: Study for the quiz.  If still not finished with the rough draft, students need to finish it tonight so they can take it to Mr. Jones' class tomorrow in order to edit it.  The final draft is due Friday.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Utah Studies--Friday, November 21, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students worked on their essay rough drafts.  Do NOT do the final drafts over the weekend because the essays will be edited Tuesday before completing the final drafts by Wednesday.  DUE MONDAY: All six paragraphs of the rough draft!  Also if you forgot to turn in learning centers, you can still turn them in late.  So get them in soon.

Today in Period 2 students simply watched the videos for the Student Body Officer race.  They then voted.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing, but if you forgot to turn in your learning centers, you can still turn them in late.  So get them in soon.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Utah Studies--Thursday, November 20, 2008

I apologize for forgetting to post yesterday.  So here is a synopsis of the last two days.

Yesterday in Periods 1, 3-7 students began learning how to write their persuasive essays about the settlement of Utah.  Today these classes continued learning how to write their persuasive essays.  They then began working on the essays for the last 15 minutes of class.  The rough draft of the essay will be due Monday at the start of class.  The final draft (worth 60 points) will be edited in Mr. Jones' class on Tuesday and then it is due Wednesday!  DUE TOMORROW: 20 points in learning centers! (10 points for Period 1)

Yesterday in Period 2 students continued to learn about Utah's trappers.  They also began writing a letter to a trapper where they related what they'd learned about trappers.  Today, they finished this letter and then studied the legacy of US government explorers in Utah (like Gunnison and Fremont).  DUE TOMORROW: 10 points in learning centers!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Utah Studies--Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Today in Period 1 students finished taking notes on the early LDS economy.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but be working on learning centers (10 points) due Friday.

Today in Period 2 students learned about Utah's fur trappers.  They also rehearsed skits about a trapper named James Beckwourth.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but be working on learning centers (10 points) due Friday.

Today in Period 3-7 students rehearsed and performed their self-sufficiency skits that their classmates took notes about.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but be working on learning centers (20 points) due Friday.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Utah Studies--Monday, November 17, 2008

Today in Period 1 students took notes on the LDS plan for being a self-sufficient economic group.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but 10 points in Learning Centers and any late work is due by Friday.

Today in Period 2 students began learning about the Spanish explorers to Utah.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, but 10 points in Learning Centers and any late work is due by Friday.

Today in Period 3-6 students began working on skits designed to teach each other about the LDS plan to be self-sufficient economically.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, but 20 points in Learning Centers and any late work is due by Friday.

Today in Period 7 students took a quiz on the settlement of Utah and learned how to present their skits.  They are a day behind due to my participation in the faculty vs. student volleyball game Friday.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, but 20 points in Learning Centers and any late work is due by Friday.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Utah Studies--Friday, November 14, 2008

Today in Period 1 students took a quiz on the settlement of Utah.  Then they continued taking notes on the how the early LDS pioneers tried to be self-sufficient.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing, but 10 points in learning centers are due Friday.

Today in Period 2 students took a quiz on the more recent of Utah's Native American cultures.  Then they worked on finishing their Ute legends.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing, but 10 points in learning centers are due Friday.

Today in Periods 3-7 students took a quiz on the settlement of Utah.  Then they received instructions on the history skits they will be rehearsing and performing next week in class.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing, but 20 points in learning centers are due Friday.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Utah Studies--Thursday, November 13, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students continued learning about the early settlement of Utah.  DUE TOMORROW: Students need to complete the study guide and study it for the quiz tomorrow!

Today in Period 2 students read Ute legends and then retold the legend in the form of a skit or comic strip.  DUE TOMORROW: Students need to complete the study guide and study it for the quiz tomorrow!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Utah Studies--Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students read about the star-crossed Willie and Martin handcart expedition that got caught in a blizzard in Wyoming in October 1856.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Today in Period 2 students learned about the Navajo culture.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Utah Studies--Monday, November 10, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students read primary sources that depicted the allure of the West for Americans living in the East.  We discussed how this pulled people on the California, Oregon, and Mormon Trails into the West.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Today in Periods 2 students read about Anasazi architectural and agricultural practices.  Then they heard the Navajo creation story as an example of Native American oral traditions.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Utah Studies--Friday, November 7, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students took a quiz on the early LDS pioneers coming to Utah.  They also analyzed our voting statistics.  Intriguingly, students voted almost the same way as Utah overall in regards to the presidential election with 63% of the students going for McCain and 33% going for Obama.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing.

Today in Period 2 students took a quiz on Utah's geology and early Native Americans.  They also analyzed our voting statistics.  Intriguingly, students voted almost the same way as Utah overall in regards to the presidential election with 63% of the students going for McCain and 33% going for Obama.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing.

Utah Studies--Thursday, November 6, 2008

Yesterday in Periods 1, 3-7 students examined the outcome of their last persuasive essays.  They learned areas of strength and weakness in their own writing.  Then they received the study guide for today's quiz.  DUE TODAY: Quiz on LDS pioneers coming to Utah.

Yesterday in Period 2 students learned about the Desert Archaic, Anasazi, and Fremont cultures.  DUE TODAY: Quiz on Utah geology and early Native Americans.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Utah Studies--Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students learned about the experiences of the first travelers along what became known as the Mormon Trail to Utah.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Today in Period 2 students began learning about Utah's first settlers, the Paleo-Indian people.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Utah Studies--Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students began reading about the causes that brought the Mormon people to Utah.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Today in Period 2 students continued reading about Utah's geological history.  They finished the handouts they were working on.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Utah Studies--Monday, November 3, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students prepared for the 2nd quarter by cleaning out their binders, learning about the voting topics, and seeing the learning centers for the 2nd quarter.  PS-Students can access learning centers and voting topics on this website in the right hand column.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Today in Period 2 students prepared for the 2nd quarter by cleaning out their binders, learning about the voting topics, and seeing the learning centers for the 2nd quarter.  Students can access learning centers and voting topics on this website in the right hand column.  Then students worked on reading Chapter 2 and answering questions.  DUE TOMORROW: We will finish the Chapter 2 questions in class.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Utah Studies--Thursday, October 30, 2008

Today in class all students took the end-of-quarter assessment.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing, just be ready to excel in the 2nd quarter!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Utah Studies--Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Today in Utah Studies all classes reviewed for the end-of-quarter assessment that will be given tomorrow.  DUE TOMORROW:  Be ready for the test!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Utah Studies--Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Today in Period 1 students began reviewing for the end of quarter test that they will take on Thursday.  DUE TOMORROW: Bring all of your Utah Studies notes and your study guide to help you review some more.

Today in Period 2-7 students learned about how cultural syncretism makes a taco!  They also discussed other things that Native American and European cultures shared when they met.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, but please bring all your notes so you can review tomorrow.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Utah Studies--Monday, October 27, 2008

Today in all of my classes, students learned about the legacy of the first government explorers to Utah.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but we will be having an end-of-quarter test on Thursday.  Students will be given a study guide on Wednesday and we will review all day that day. Then they need to study at home.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Utah Studies--Friday October 24, 2008

Today all classes continued studying the trappers by reading an adapted skit from the autobiography of James Beckwourth, a trapper.  They then wrote a short letter to Beckwourth (as if he were still alive).  They can finish this on Monday in class if not completed today.  DUE MONDAY:  Nothing, but new learning centers for 2nd quarter are currently available on this blog. 

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Utah Studies--Thursday, October 23, 2008

Today in all classes, students were able to learn a great deal about Native American culture from a guest speaker, Mr. Robert Hutchings!  Furthermore, he gave them the Legend of Timpanogos to read and they could go home with a pottery shard or arrowhead flake if they wanted to!  DUE TOMORROW: Any and all late work for the first quarter!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Utah Studies--Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Today in all my classes, students learned about the trappers who came to Utah in order to "make some beaver"--trapper parlance for "make some money."  DUE TOMORROW:  Any and all late work (including learning centers) must be turned in by Friday at 2:45 PM to my classroom!  This is the deadline for 1st quarter late work!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Utah Studies--Tuesday, October 21, 2008

IMPORTANT: The LAST DAY I will be taking any late work for the first quarter will be this Friday!  I will not accept turned in after 2:45 PM.  Students have or will have received grade print-offs to see if they are missing any work.

Today in Period 1 students finished the rough drafts of their Native American culture essays.  DUE TOMORROW: Final drafts of these essays--worth 60 points!

Today in Period 2 students took a Rise and Stretch quiz about Utah geology and Native American cultures.  Then students learned about the Dominguez-Escalante expedition to Utah.  DUE TOMORROW: Final 10 points in learning centers (plus others if you are behind schedule)!

Today in Periods 3-7 students began learning about the Spanish exploration of Utah done by Fathers Dominguez and Escalante.  DUE TOMORROW:  Final 15 points in learning centers (plus others if you are behind schedule)!


Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Utah Studies--Wednesday, October 21, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3, 5, and 7 students took a quiz on Native American culture. DUE TUESDAY: Nothing, but 15 points in learning centers are due Wednesday.

Today in Period 6 students took a quiz on Native American culture.  Then they edited their rough drafts of their Native American culture essays.  DUE TUESDAY: Final draft of your Native American essays!

Today in Period 2 students reviewed for a quiz we will have on Tuesday.  DUE TUESDAY: Make sure you've studied for your quiz!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Utah Studies--Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Today in Period 1 students studied for a clicker quiz tomorrow.  DUE TOMORROW: Be ready to take the quiz by reviewing the yellow study guide.

Today there was no Period 2 due to another assembly.

Today in Periods 3-7 students reviewed for a quiz tomorrow.  They also edited their Native American culture rough drafts for errors.  DUE TOMORROW:  Two things...1) most vital, your rough and final drafts are due at the start of class; 2) study for the clicker quiz tomorrow!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Utah Studies--Monday, October 13, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3, 5, 7 students wrote the rough draft of their Native American culture essay.  DUE TOMORROW:  All students must have rough draft completed, so it is homework if you did not finish it in class today.

Today there was no Period 6.  We will work on the rough draft in class tomorrow.

Today in Period 2 students finished learning about the 5 Historic Tribes of Native Americans.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you want to turn in learning centers.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Utah Studies--Friday, October 10, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students learned how to write their persuasive essays and then began writing the introduction.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing, but the rough draft of this major essay (30 points for the rough draft; 60 for the final) will be due Tuesday at the beginning of class.

Today in Period 2 students learned about the cultures of the Anasazi, Fremont, Shoshone and Utes.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Utah Studies--Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students began learning how to write their upcoming Native American culture essays.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, but by next Wednesday all students should have finished and turned in the Native American culture essay.

Today in Period 2 students continued to learn about different Native American cultures.  This time they focused on the Desert Archaic people.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Utah Studies--Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students finished (or nearly finished) filling out notes on the cultural traits of Utah's many Native American groups.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but on Wednesday we will begin working on a large essay about Native American cultures.  This will be a lot of work and will be due around Wednesday, October 15.

Today in Period 2 students listened to a Navajo legend and then began learning about Utah's Paleo-Indian culture.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Utah Studiies--Monday, October 6, 2008

I apologize for not posting the last few school days.  I forgot to post since I was not at school on Friday.

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students examined the Fremont, Ute, and Shoshone cultures.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but if you have learning centers to turn in late please do so!

Today in Period 2 students finished reading about Utah's geology.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, but if you have learning centers to turn in late please do so!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Utah Studies--Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Today in Period 1, 3-7 students began learning about Utah's first people, the Native Americans.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but 15 points (10 points for period 10) are due for Learning Centers by Friday!

Today in Period 2 students previewed the upcoming geology unit by looking at a geological clock and trilobite fossils.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, but 10 points in Learning Centers are due Friday!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Utah Studies--Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students finished sharing their Utah geology presentations.  Then most classes were able to look at trilobite fossils that I collected out near Delta, Utah.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, but 15 points in Learning Centers are due Friday! (10 points for Period 1.)

Today in Period 2 students labeled the counties and county seats on a Utah map.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, but 10 points in Learning Centers are due Friday!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Utah Studies--Monday, September 29, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students began sharing their geology presentations with the class.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but 15 points in learning centers are due Friday (10 points for period 1).

Today in Period 2 students were able to work on learning centers in class since I made a bone-headed mistake and thought that the kids were switching to Mrs. Spitzer.  Therefore he did not have a good lesson prepared for them!  Luckies!  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but 10 points in learning centers are due Friday.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Utah Studies--Thursday, September 25, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students worked on creating presentations about Utah geology.  DUE MONDAY:  They will give their geology presentations on Monday!  Also, by Friday, Oct. 3 students need to have completed 15 points (10 points for Period 1)  in Learning Centers.

Today in Period 2 students took a quiz on Utah geography and then read a current event about the collapse of an arch in Arches National Park in August.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing, but by Friday, Oct. 3 students need to have completed 10 more points in Learning Centers.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Utah Studies--Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students read a current event about dinosaur fossil discoveries in Utah.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, but turning in some learning centers soon would be great because 15 points (10 points for period 1) will be due Friday Oct. 3.

Today in Period 2 students finished learning about Utah's natural resources.  They also received a study guide to prepare for tomorrow's quiz.   DUE TOMORROW: Students will take a quiz based on the study guide they received today.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Utah Studies--Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Today students in Period 1, 3-7 worked on creating a presentation about what they learned about Utah's geology from their readings of Chapter 2.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but getting some learning centers done soon will help.

Today students from Period 2 learned about Utah's 3 regions and Utah's natural resources.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Utah Studies--Monday, September 22, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students began learning about Utah's geology by reading from and previewing Chapter 2.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, except that students can be working on earning 15 learning center points (10 for period 1) by Friday October 3.

Today in Period 2 students studied geographic vocabulary and also began learning about Utah's 3 geographic regions.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, except that students can be working on earning 10 learning center points by Friday October 3.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Utah Studies--Friday, September 19, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students took the Utah geography quiz.  If you were absent you will need to make that quiz up Monday.  Then students were introduced to just how ancient the Earth is by looking at a 12 hour geological clock of the history of the Earth.  It sure made human passions, triumphs and tragedies seem not so big and important!  DUE MONDAY:  Nothing.

Today in Period 2 students took the Utah map quiz.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing.

Utah Studies--Thursday, September 18, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students read a current event about the recent collapse of Wall Arch in Arches National Park and then wrote about it.  Then students studied a bit for the geography quiz tomorrow.  DUE TOMORROW: Make sure you've studied for the geography quiz!

Today in Period 2 students students reviewed for a Utah map quiz coming up tomorrow.  DUE TOMORROW: Make sure you've studied for the map quiz!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Utah Studies--Wednesday, September 16, 2008

All students participated in Rise or Stretch today.  Parents: If they went to Rise, ask them what test they retook and how they think they did on it.  If they went to Stretch ask them what fascinating skill they learned or topic they studied.

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students learned about the natural resources that the earth provides for us here in Utah.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but we will be studying for our upcoming Utah Geography quiz on Friday.

Today in Period 2 students finished their maps of Utah.   DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but we will be studying for our upcoming Utah map quiz on Friday.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Utah Studies--Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students learned about the characteristics of the 3 regions of Utah.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Today in Period 2 students began labeling a physical map of the state of Utah.  DUE TOMORROW: We will finish the map in class.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Utah Studies--Monday, September 15, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students studied geography vocabulary.  They also found out their score on the Utah Map Quiz I gave on Friday.  If they missed 4 or fewer they passed.  If they missed 5 or more they will need to "rise" to the occasion and restudy for my test (or science or language arts depending on which one's they may have failed) on Wednesday's "rise" session.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, but they can and should be studying the geography vocabulary this week.

Today in Period 2 students tried to orientate themselves to Utah's location in the world in preparation for their Utah geography unit.  They also found out their score on the Utah Map Quiz I gave on Friday.  If they missed 4 or fewer they passed.  If they missed 5 or more they will need to "rise" to the occasion and restudy for my test (or science or language arts depending on which one's they may have failed) on Wednesday's "rise" session.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but students currently with me (and not with Mrs. Spitzer) need to get me 10 points in learning centers by Wednesday.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Utah Studies--Friday, September 12, 2008

Today all students had a substitute because of a seminar I attended.

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students took a Utah map quiz.  Then they read Chapter 1 about Utah's geography and answered questions as they read.  DUE MONDAY:  Due to my unexpected absence, the due date for learning centers (10 points for period 1, 20 points for periods 3-7) is moved back to Monday, September 15.

Today in Period 2, students took a Utah geography quiz.  Then they read Chapter 1 about Utah's geography and answered questions as they read.  DUE MONDAY:  Due to my unexpected absence, the due date for learning centers (10 points) is moved back to Monday, September 15. 

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Utah Studies--Thursday, September 11, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students reviewed for a Utah map quiz tomorrow.  DUE TOMORROW: Study for the map quiz, also 20 points in learning centers are due (for periods 3-7) or 10 points in learning centers (for period 1).

Today in Period 2, students reviewed for a Utah geography fact quiz tomorrow.  DUE TOMORROW: Study for the geography quiz, also 10 points in learning centers are due.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Utah Studies-Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students finished creating their maps of Utah.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing unless you have learning centers to turn in.

Today in Period 2 students took a Utah map quiz and then learned about Utah's natural resources.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing unless you have learning centers to turn in.

Utah Studies-Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students began using a map to label key physical and political features of Utah.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you want to turn in learning centers.  Remember, 10 points are due for 1st period by Friday, 20 points are due for Periods 3-7 by Friday!

Today in Period 2 students reviewed for a map quiz!  DUE TOMORROW: Map quiz on key physical and political features of Utah!  Also, 10 points in learning centers are due Friday!

Monday, September 8, 2008

Utah Studies-Monday, September 8, 2008

Today in Utah Studies all of my classes read a current event article about "Buffalo Soldiers" in Utah in the 189o's. Then they summarized it. DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you haven't done learning centers yet. Students in Periods 3-7 need to have 20 points turned in by Friday. Students in Periods 1-2, need to have 10 points turned in by Friday.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Utah Studies-Friday, September 5, 2008

I apologize for not posting yesterday. Currently I am having trouble being able to consistently log in to edit my blog. Hopefully I can figure out what the problem is soon.

Yesterday students in Periods 1, 3-7 learned the difference between primary and secondary sources of information. Today students reviewed the 6 Historian Skills and had a short quiz on some of those definitions. DUE MONDAY: Nothing, but 20 points (10 points for Period 1) in Learning Centers are due on Friday September 12!

Yesterday students in Period 2 began creating physical maps of Utah. Today they finished those maps and then made a political map too. DUE MONDAY: Nothing, but 10 points in Learning Centers are due on Friday September 12!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Utah Studies-Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students continued learning about the "6 Historian Skills." This time we discussed the value of being able to identify cause and effect. Then we listed and discussed other reasons why learning about history is so important. Finally, we defined the terms "citation" and "paraphrasing." DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but learning center due date #1 (10 pts. for period 1, 20 for periods 3-7) is Friday, Sept. 12.

Today in Period 2, students learned about the unique features of Utah's 3 physical regions: the Rocky Mountain region, the Great Basin region, and the Colorado Plateau region. DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but learning center due date #1 (10 pts. for period 2) is Friday, Sept. 12.

Utah Studies-Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Today in all classes, student's X-File essays were due. If not turned in today, they are considered late but can still be turned in for credit.

Today in Periods 1, 3-7 students began to learn about the "6 Historian Skills" that, if learned, will make them successful in most social studies classes. In particular we discussed how considering the point-of-view of another person can help us better understand different opinions about history. DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but the first learning center due date is Friday, Sept 20 (10 points for periods 1 and 20 points for all other classes).

Beginning today in Period 2 students began a unit on Utah's geography. We used a compass to understand where various locations in the world are in relation to Utah. DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but the first learning center due date is Friday, Sept 20 (10 points for period 2).

Friday, August 29, 2008

Utah Studies-Friday, August 30, 2008

Today in Utah Studies students wrote a biographical, third person view of themselves that I call their "X-File." The short essay was an outside perspective on themselves and was designed to instruct them how to write biographically. DUE TUESDAY: Must have completed their X-File essay. (Many of them already have finished them and turned them in to me.)

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Utah Studies-Thursday, August 28, 2008

Today periods 1-3, 5 finished learning my rules and procedures. They also learned some interesting things about Mr. Shake in preparation for them writing their own life story.

Periods 6-7 are a bit behind due to an assembly and therefore did not quite finish learning about my rules and procedures.

DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless students want to turn in learning centers early!

Utah Studies-Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Yesterday in class student visited various locations in the school (like the media center, etc.) to learn rules and procedures. DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Utah Studies-Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Today in class students were introduced to some of the rules and procedures specific to my classroom. DUE TOMORROW: Nothing.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Utah Studies-Monday, August 25, 2008

WELCOME TO ALL THE NEW SEVENTH GRADE STUDENTS!

Today in Utah Studies class I introduced myself, had the students listen to a song, and then they created their own version of that song! It was just a fun way for them to learn some things about me and vise versa. DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but we will be learning class rules and procedures and how they fit into the school-wide RATTLE rules.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Utah Studies-Friday, May 23, 2008

Today was an assembly schedule day.  So students who have Mr. Shake on periods 1-3 finished Mr. Jones' novel.  

Students who have Mr. Shake 4th period did not come to me today.

Students who have Mr. Shake 6th period worked on their kid's book.

Students who have Mr. Shake 5th period reviewed for the fourth quarter test!  Students will take their final 4th quarter test on Wednesday of next week!


Thursday, May 22, 2008

Utah Studies-Thursday, May 22, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 students began creating a kid's book about subjects that we studied this year in Utah Studies.  DUE TOMORROW: Late work including learning centers!!!!! Also the kid's book (with a signature verifying that you read this to someone) is due next Friday!  

Today in Period 5 students finished studying Utah in the modern era. DUE TOMORROW: Late work including learning centers!!!!!  Next week students will have their final test on Wednesday!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Utah Studies-Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we took a test over the most important material from the 4th quarter.  DUE FRIDAY: Late work (including learning centers) is due by Friday at 2:45 pm in Mr. Shake's possession by that time.

Today in Period 5 we discussed how both the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement impacted Utah.  Students turned in an assignment they did about the Vietnam War. DUE FRIDAY: Late work (including learning centers) is due by Friday at 2:45 pm in Mr. Shake's possession by that time.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Utah Studies-Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 students finished reviewing for the Quarter 4 test tomorrow! DUE SOON: ALL late work is due by Friday May 23 @ 2:45 pm!

Today in Period 5 students listened to music from the Vietnam War era in an effort to better understand how this war affected Americans at home.  DUE SOON: ALL late work is due by Friday May 23 @ 2:45 pm!

Utah Studies-Monday, May 19, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we began reviewing for the Quarter 4 test on Wednesday.  So, as the jocks say, "Fourth Quarter!  Play hard!"  DUE SOON: ALL late work is due by Friday May 23 @ 2:45 pm!

Today in Period 5 we began studying how the Cold War impacted Utah from creating more defense industry jobs to the fate of nuclear "downwinders."  DUE SOON: ALL late work is due by Friday May 23 @ 2:45 pm!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Utah Studies-Friday, May 16, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we finished discussing the civil rights movement. Then we read about and discussed modern issues for Utahns.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing, but there will be a test on Wednesday.

Today in Period 5, we had an end-of-the-year test about the 5 most important things students should have learned in my class.  Students will switch between Mr. Shake and Mrs. Spitzer on Monday.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Utah Studies-Thursday, May 15, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we had some great discussions about the civil rights movement and civil rights leaders who impacted Utah and the rest of America! DUE TOMORROW: Learning centers (through the final 15 points) must be turned in!

Today in Period 5 we took a test on what we studied during the fourth quarter. DUE TOMORROW: Learning centers (through the final 5 points) must be turned in!

Utah Studies-Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we read an article about the history of racism in Utah. Then we wrote a summary of it and discussed it. DUE SOON: The final Learning Center check for 15 points is Friday!!!

Today in Period 5 we finished reviewing for the Fourth Quarter test. Tomorrow is the test! Study hard! DUE SOON: The final Learning Center check for 5 points is Friday!!!

Utah Studies-Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we analyzed the movements in support of and against the Vietnam War through music.  DUE SOON:  The final 15 points in learning centers are due Friday!

Today in Period 5, we began reviewing for the big Fourth Quarter test.  DUE SOON:  The final 5 points in learning centers are due Friday!

Utah Studies- Monday, April 12, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we read about the Vietnam War and it's effect on Utahns (both those who supported and opposed that war).

Today in Period 5, we studied modern issues facing Utah from the economy, to population growth, to the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.

Utah Studies-Friday May 9, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we began a new unit dealing with Utah in the post-World War II world.  We studied the major events of the Cold War and the impact those events had on Utah. 

Today in Period 5 we studied the civil rights movement and it's impact on Utah.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Utah Studies-Thursday, May 8, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 students finished writing their letters to a character from Journey to Topaz.  Then we shared some of them before turning them in.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing unless you want to turn in some learning centers.

Today in Period 5, students read newspaper articles dealing with the history of racism in Utah's past.  We discussed that the Civil Rights movement did not just impact the South, but everywhere in the US because racism was not limited to the South as many kids naively assume.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing unless you want to turn in some learning centers.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Utah Studies-Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we discussed our favorite characters from the book.  Then we began writing letters to a character from the book.  DUE TOMORROW: In class, we will finish the letters.

Today in Period 5 we continued to analyze the impact that the Vietnam War had on the US and on Utah.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you want to turn in some learning centers.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Utah Studies-Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 students finished reading the novel.  They also completed their KWL activities that went with it.  Therefore, students should have turned in Ch. 13-17 questions and their KWL's.  DUE TOMORROW: If you have been absent, you were able to get an extension for your due date for Ch. 13-17 questions and the KWL.  Please get those done by the date assigned to you.

Today in Period 5, students listened to the news of President Kennedy's assassination being broadcast on t.v. and radio.  Then we listened to some songs that either protested or supported the Vietnam War.  (Bob Dylan's "Masters of War" and "Blowin' in the Wind" and Merle Haggard's "Okie From Muskogee")

Utah Studies-Monday, May 5, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 students continued reading Journey to Topaz.  DUE TOMORROW: Chapter 13-17 Questions and the KWL

Today in Period 5, we began a new unit, this one dealing with modern Utah from post-World War II era to today.  Students began by learning about Utah's role in the Cold War.  We discussed the development of Minutemen missiles by Thiokol, a Utah company, to the tragedy of Utah's "downwinders" who were exposed to nuclear radiation due to government nuclear bomb tests in the 1950's and 1960's. DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you want to turn in some learning centers.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Utah Studies-Friday, May 2, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 students began reading the final third of the book and answering questions on Ch. 13-17.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing, unless you want to turn in learning centers.

Today in Period 5 students read 3 current news articles about the state of the economy.  We compared this to the Great Depression to see if there were any similarities or not.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing, unless you want to turn in learning centers.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Utah Studies-Thursday, May 1, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 students finished their reading comprehension questions for Ch 7-12.  DUE TOMORROW: Learning Center Check #2 (15 points)!!!!  Also, any other late work you may have.

Today in Period 5, students took a test on mining in Utah, World Wars I and II, and the Great Depression.  DUE TOMORROW: Learning Center Check #2 (10 points)!!!!  Also, any other late work you may have.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Utah Studies-Wednesday, April 30, 2008


The photo to the left shows a common, although not universal, sentiment amongst Americans after the Pearl Harbor attack. Taken from jahmp.org/history. php?t=Wartime

Today in Periods 1-4, 6, after finishing the presentation of their hypotheses, students had some brilliant discussions about the causes of the Japanese-American internment during World War II! Then students continued to read the novel.  DUE TOMORROW: Students will need to finish up their Ch. 7-12 worksheets from Journey to Topaz.  Also, Learning Center Check #2 (15 points) is this Friday!!!  Finally, if students have late work they must have those in by Friday as well!!!

Today in Period 5 students played the review game in preparation for the test tomorrow.  This test will deal with mining in Utah, World War I and II, and the Great Depression.  DUE TOMORROW: Test tomorrow!!!!!!!Also, Learning Center Check #2 (10 points) is this Friday!!!  Finally, if students have late work they must have those in by Friday as well!!!

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Utah Studies-Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we continued our committee investigations of the Japanese-American internment.  Students created a hypothesis that they then began to present to "Congress" (also know as "our class!").  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but there is a learning center check for 15 points scheduled for Friday!! Also, if you have a late assignment to turn in (not counting learning centers) it MUST be turned in by Friday or else it won't be accepted!!

Today in Period 5 we learned about how World War II affected Utah and Utahns.  We discussed such intriguing chapters in history as the economic effect of the war on Utah, the new role of women during the war, and the unique role of the Navajo code talkers.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but there is a learning center check for 10 points scheduled for Friday!! Also, if you have a late assignment to turn in (not counting learning centers) it MUST be turned in by Friday or else it won't be accepted!!

Utah Studies-Monday, April 28, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we began a thorough investigation into the events that lead to the decision to imprison virtually all Japanese-Americans during World War II.  Students were "hired" by the US government to work on "committees" that were to conduct their investigations by looking at primary source documents and by interviewing key witnesses to the events.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but there is a learning center check for 15 points scheduled for Friday! Also, if you have a late assignment to turn in (not counting learning centers) it MUST be turned in by Friday or else it won't be accepted!

Today in Period 5 we began to examine how Utahns ended up fighting in World War II.  We looked into the root causes that lead to Pearl Harbor.  Then students also learned about how Utah contributed to the US war effort.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but there is a learning center check for 10 points scheduled for Friday! Also, if you have a late assignment to turn in (not counting learning centers) it MUST be turned in by Friday or else it won't be accepted!

Friday, April 25, 2008

Utah Studies-Friday, April 25, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 students read out of Journey to Topaz again.  DUE MONDAY:  Nothing, unless you want to get some learning centers done this weekend!

Today in Period 5, we finished watching the Utah World War II veterans documentary.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing, unless you want to get some learning centers done this weekend!

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Utah Studies-Thursday, April 24, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 students turned in their Chapter 1-6 questions.  Then they either read silently or with a partners.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing unless you want to turn in learning centers.

Today in Period 5 we continued the Utah World War II Stories documentary.  We saw some powerful interviews with Utah veterans.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing unless you want to turn in learning centers.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Utah Studies-Wednesday, April 22, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 most students have finished reading through chapter 6 in the novel.  I passed out questions for chapters 7-12.  DUE TOMORROW: Chapter 1-6 questions.  If you have been absent, I will extend the deadline.  But come talk to me about that.

Today in Period 5 students began watching a powerful documentary entitled "Utah World War II Stories."  This film interviews veterans of that war who are from Utah.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you want to turn in some learning centers.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Utah Studies-Tuesday, April 22, 2008


Today in Periods 1-4, 6 students continued reading the novel.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but students should be finishing up chapter 6 in class tomorrow.

Today in Period 5 students continued examining life in the Great Depression, this time by listening to some of Woody Guthrie's depression-era songs.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless students want to turn in learning centers.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Utah Studies-Monday, April 21, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 students continued reading Journey to Topaz.  Then we discussed the psychological effects of war on a nation and why humans tend to de-humanize their enemy in times of war.  This tied in to how many Americans justified imprisoning the Japanese, but not Germans or Italians in the US during the war.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you want to turn in more learning centers.

Today in Period 5, we discussed the Great Depression in Utah and focused on the work that the Works Progress Administration did to help end the depression.  We also examined artwork created by the WPA during the 1930's.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you want to turn in more learning centers.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Utah Studies-Friday April 18, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we discussed the 4th amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure in relation to the Japanese in America after Pearl Harbor.  Then we continued reading Journey to Topaz.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing unless you want to turn in more learning centers.

Today in Period 5 we compared President Hoover's plan for ending the Great Depression to President Roosevelt's plan.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing unless you want to turn in more learning centers.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Utah Studies-Thursday, April 17, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we began reading the novel Journey to Topaz by Yoshiko Uchida.  This historical fiction portrays the experiences of Japanese-Americans imprisoned in the deserts near Delta, Utah at a camp called Topaz.  Although the characters are fictional, the story is largely based on the author's own experiences at Topaz.  Students began filling out a KWL assignment about the event and also worked on answering questions from the book.  DUE TOMORROW:  There is a learning center check for 20 points!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today in Period 5, students examined the effects of the Great Depression on Utah by analyzing statistics from that time period.  DUE TOMORROW:  There is a learning center check for 10 points!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Utah Studies-Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we finished discussing the effects that World War II had on Utah. We considered how a whole team effort (of the military, industries, women, immigrants, etc.) helped the US to win World War II. We also learned a bit about Navajo Code Talkers from Utah and how Japanese-Americans in the West were imprisoned during the war. DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you wanted to turn in learning centers!!!!

Today in Period 5 we finished discussing the role of mining in Utah's history and we began discussing how the Great Depression began. DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you wanted to turn in learning centers!!!!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Utah Studies-Tuesday, April 15, 2008




Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we began learning about how Utah affected the war effort, and how the war effected Utah. Particularly important was the cause and effect chain of events that lead kids from Utah to participate (and sometimes die) in the biggest war in world history. It reminds students of why understanding the world around you is so important. We also examined the role of places such as Hill Field and Geneva Steel in aiding the US war effort. DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but Learning Center check #1 is Friday (for 20 points)!!!!!!!!!!!

Today in Period 5, we continued learning about the fascinating history of mining and labor in Utah. Students read articles about two major mine disasters (Scofield and Castle Gate) and about a man named Joe Hill who was executed for murder in Utah in 1915 and was also a songwriter for the controversial Industrial Workers of the World. DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, but Learning Center check #1 is Friday (for 10 points)!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, April 14, 2008

Utah Studies-Monday, April 14, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we examined some current news articles about the US (and Utah) economy currently. We compared and contrasted how the current situation in light of what we studied about the Great Depression. Students discussed openly and tried to make up their own minds. DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you want to turn in the learning centers before the check on Friday (20 points).

Today in Period 5 we began studying the history of mining in Utah. We read "Click, Clack, Moo" as a fun way to explain how a strike works. Then we worked on a handout relating the history of mining in Utah. We will finish that in class tomorrow. DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you want to turn in the learning centers before the check on Friday (10 points).

Friday, April 11, 2008

Utah Studies-Friday, April 11, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we finished the Utah World War II Stories video. Then I reminded students that the first learning center check is set for Friday, April 18 (one week from today). Students were allowed to use the last 10 minutes of class to collect and work on learning centers. DUE MONDAY: Nothing, BUT this weekend would be a great time to do some learning centers!

Today in Period 5 we did a current event day linking the past to the present. We read about possible signs of a slumping US and Utah economy and discussed if this was similar or different from what happened in 1929. DUE MONDAY: Nothing, BUT this weekend would be a great time to do some learning centers!

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Utah Studies-Thursday, April 10, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we continued the previous World War II documentary.  We will watch the last 15-20 minutes tomorrow.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you want to turn in some Learning Centers.  Remember the first Learning Center check is Friday, April 18 for 20 points.

Today in Period 5, we took a test on Utah mining, the Great Depression, and World Wars I and II.  If students failed, they will need to re-take the test next week before or after school.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you want to turn in some Learning Centers.  Remember the first Learning Center check is Friday, April 18 for 10 points.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Utah Studies-Wednesday, April 9, 2008


Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we began watching a documentary film that interviewed Utah World War II veterans.  Students answered questions about this powerful film as we watched.  We also discussed some of the key points of the film.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing unless you want to turn in Learning Centers!
Today in Period 5 we played the review game in order to prepare for the test tomorrow!  This review covered Utah mining, World Wars I and II, and the Great Depression.  DUE TOMORROW: Use the study guide to study for the test tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Utah Studies-April 8, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 we learned about a new oral interview learning center.  Then we watched people present their Great Depression skits/movies/commercials.  Finally, I allowed students to voluntarily share their music/posters/murals, etc.  I had some fantastic creations!  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing unless you want to do learning centers.  OVERDUE: If you haven't turned in you Great Depression artistic creation you need to as soon as possible!

Today in Period 5 we continued learning about Utah's role in World War II.  We learned about the many consequences of this war on Utah--such as the important role that women and immigrants played in helping the wartime economy, etc.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing unless you want to turn in learning centers.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Utah Studies-April 7, 2008

Today in Periods 1-4, 6 most of us were able to finish up our Great Depression artistic masterpieces!  We've had great examples of historical fiction, poetry and music, theater, posters and murals depicting life in 1930's Utah.  DUE TOMORROW:  Great Depression artistic masterpieces--worth 50 points!!!!!!!!!!! (For all classes except Period 3.  Period 3 will have about 15-30 minutes to finish their projects since they are behind due to an assembly on Friday.)

Today in Period 5 we read about and discussed two things: 1) how little old Utah got caught up in World War II and 2) how Utah and her citizens were useful to the US war effort.  DUE TOMORROW:  Nothing, unless you want to turn in some Learning Centers!

Friday, April 4, 2008

Utah Studies-April 4, 2008

Today in periods 1,2, 4, 6 we continued working on our Great Depression artistic creations.  A lot of them are looking very good.  We have some artistic people here!  We also looked at Mr. Shake's new blog.  Students were shocked, amused, and some were even annoyed. :) Period 3 had an Internet safety assembly.  For most students and classes, the Great Depression project will be due at the start of the period on Tuesday.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing unless you want to turn in learning centers.  PS-First learning center check is Friday April 18.

Period 5 finished watching the documentary about Utah World War II veterans.  It was really amazing and really sad.  We discussed the film and turned in our question sheet.  DUE MONDAY: Nothing unless you want to turn in learning centers.  PS-First learning center check is Friday April 18.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Utah Studies-April 3, 2008




Hey look everybody, Mr. Shake is trying to join the 21st century by creating a blog for his classroom.  Isn't it so pathetic?

Today in periods 1-4, 6 we continued working on our Utah Great Depression artistic masterpieces!  Our new jobs as Works Progress Administration artists have begun.  We had students writing stories, poetry and even music!  We also had students creating fantastic murals and posters too.  DUE TOMORROW: Nothing, unless you want to get some learning centers done.

In period 5, we continued watching a powerful documentary video called "Utah World War II Stories" that interviewed veterans of that war who are Utah natives.  DUE TOMORROW: The question sheet from the video will be due after we finish the last few minutes of the film.