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!!!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!!

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)!!!!!!!!!!!

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).

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.