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  1. Problems of American Democracy (Period 5th, 6th, and 7th)
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Problems of American Democracy (Period 5th, 6th, and 7th) Assignments

Instructor
Mrs Stephanie Thompson
Term
2025-2026 School Year
Description
The class on Problems of American Democracy is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the challenges and issues facing the United States today. It focuses on various aspects such as geography, politics, society, and science and technology. The course emphasizes the analysis of issues and situations to foster positive appreciation and desired resolution. Students will engage in skill development, including the interpretation and application of maps, graphs, charts, political cartoons, primary documents, and other social studies tools.

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Past Assignments

Due:

2nd Nine Weeks, Week 9

This week is Benchmark and Nine Weeks Test Week!  Christmas break is almost here! Homework and assignments for the week are as follows: 
 
Monday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer today. Students will spend the morning taking their ELA Benchmark test. Classwork: Students will work on their Nine Weeks Test Project today. It is due on Wednesday. Homework: Work on Nine Weeks Test Project!
 
Tuesday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer! Students will spend the morning taking their Math Benchmark test. Classwork: Students will work on their Nine Weeks Test Project today. It is due on Wednesday. Homework: Work on Nine Weeks Test Project!
 
Wednesday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer! Students will spend the morning taking their Science Benchmark test. Classwork: Students will work on their Nine Weeks Test Project today. It is due today.
 
Thursday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer! Students will spend the day taking a Nine Week test for the subjects they are not exempt for. Merry Christmas!
 
Friday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer today! Students will spend the day taking a Nine Week test for the subjects they are not exempt for.  Merry Christmas!!

Due:

2nd Nine Weeks, Week 8

This week in Problems of American Democracy we will be finishing up our chapter 5 on the Early Republic and preparing for our final unit test this Friday. Students will also be given their Nine Weeks Project so they can begin working on that. Homework and assignments for the week are as follows:
 
Monday: Bell Ringer #58: Students will answer the following question: Recall what Jefferson asked Lewis and Clark to do regarding the American Indians they met. Did they fulfill that request?  Support your answer from the text. Students will use the text on page 303 of the textbook to help answer this question. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: Students will continue to work in Topic 5 to prepare for a unit test next Friday, Dec 12th. Students will complete the Topic 5 Quiz 1 and 2. This will be turned in at the end of the class period for a daily grade. If the students do not complete this in class, they will need to finish them for homework. If the students complete the Topic 5 Quiz 1 and 2, they can work on their List 2 Vocab that is due on Thursday. Homework: Make sure Quiz 1 and 2 are completed and also work on Vocab List 2.
 
Tuesday: Bell Ringer #59: Students will answer the following question: Identify the effects of Lewis, Clarke, and Pike’s expeditions on the early republic. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will begin today on Topic 5: The Early Republic (1789 - 1825) Lesson 5: Madison and the War of 1812 on page 304 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 5 today: What Caused Conflict in Ohio?, What Were the Causes of the War of 1812?, Early Events in the War of 1812, How Did the War Affect Canada?, The End of the War, and What Were the Consequences of the War of 1812?. (slides 71 - 92). After completing the lecture for today the students will complete the Lesson Check for Lesson 5 on page 315 of the textbook. Students will write the question and an answer for questions 1-5 and write a paragraph response for question 6. Here the students will talk about transition words that can be used to show the relationship between facts in a complete paragraph. Homework: If they do not finish the questions in class they will need to finish them for homework. Students will also be given their Nine Weeks Test Project today to begin working on. This 20-slide presentation will be due next Wednesday, Dec 17th. List 2 Vocabulary is due on Thursday!!
 
Wednesday: Bell Ringer #60: Students will answer the following question: What did Britain do that angered the War Hawks? How did the War Hawks respond? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will begin today on Topic 5: The Early Republic (1789 - 1825) Lesson 6: Monroe’s Presidency and Everyday Life on page 317 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 6 today: How Did Sectionalism Affect the Early Republic?, How was a Stable Economy Created After the War?, How Did Supreme Court Decisions Expand Federal Power?, Independence in Latin America, How Did the United States Gain Florida?, What Did the Monroe Doctrine State?, and What Was Daily Life Like in the Early Republic?, . (slides 93 - 110). After completing the lecture for today the students will complete the Lesson Check for Lesson 6 on page 328 of the textbook. Students will write the question and an answer for questions 1-5 and write a paragraph response for question 6. Here the students will discuss what graphics you can use to illustrate your info in a research paper in a complete paragraph. If they do not finish the questions in class, they will need to finish them for homework. List 2 Vocabulary is due tomorrow!
 
Thursday: Bell Ringer: No Bellringer today! Classwork: We will continue to work in Topic 5 today to prepare for a unit test that will be given tomorrow. Students will be given a study guide today on Topic 5: The Early Republic. Students will read through the chapter to find the answers to each of the questions to study for their test tonight. Complete the study guide for homework and study for the Topic 5 test. Homework: Study!!
 
Friday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer today! Classwork: Students will be given a few minutes to look over their study guides to prepare for their Topic 5 test today. Students will take a Topic 5: The Early Republic test today. After completing their Topic 5 test, students will work on their Nine Weeks Test Project that is due Wednesday, Dec. 17th. Homework: Work on Nine Weeks Test Project!

Due:

2nd Nine Weeks, Week 7

Welcome back!!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break with your families and had a much-needed week off!  This week in Problems of American Democracy we will be digging in to finish our last chapter before the Christmas holidays. Assignments and homework for the week are as follows: 
 
Monday: Bell Ringer #53: Students will answer the following question: What is a protective tariff? Who or what does a protective tariff protect and how? Why did people from the south oppose the protective tariff? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will continue today on Topic 5: The Early Republic (1789 - 1825) Lesson 1: Washington’s Presidency on page 266 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 1 today: A New Tax Leads to Rebellion, How Did Americans React to the French Revolution? And Washington Defends Neutrality. (slides 11 - 23). After completing the lecture for today the students will complete the Lesson Check for Lesson 1 on page 272 of the textbook. Students will write the question and an answer for questions 1-5 and write a paragraph response for question 6. Here the students will work on writing questions about the country’s physical landscapes, political divisions, and territorial expansion during the early republic in a complete paragraph. Homework: If they do not finish the questions in class they will need to finish them for homework. Topic 5 List 1 Vocabulary is also due tomorrow!
 
Tuesday: Bell Ringer #54: Students will answer the following question: Why were there protests about Jay’s Treaty? How did people protest? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will begin today on Topic 5: The Early Republic (1789 - 1825) Lesson 2: A Two-Party System Develops on page 273 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 2 today: How Did Politics Divide Americans?, What Issues Divided Hamilton and Jefferson?, and Political Parties Take Shape. (slides 24 - 32). After completing the lecture for today the students will complete the Lesson Check for Lesson 2 on page 279 of the textbook. Students will write the question and an answer for questions 1-5 and write a paragraph response for question 6. Here the students will talk about reliable print and Internet sources and list a few in a complete paragraph. Homework:  If they do not finish the questions in class they will need to finish them for homework.
 
Wednesday: Bell Ringer #55: Students will answer the following question: What did Hamilton think was the federal government’s main responsibility regarding economic development? Why did Jefferson fear a strong federal government? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will begin today on Topic 5: The Early Republic (1789 - 1825) Lesson 3: Presidents Adams and Jefferson on page 281 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 3 today: Conflict with France, What Were the Alien and Sedition Acts?, Why Was the Presidential Election of 1800 Important?, How did President Jefferson Redefine Government?, and Landmark Supreme Court Cases. (slides 33 - 53). After completing the lecture for today the students will complete the Lesson Check for Lesson 3 on page 290 of the textbook. Students will write the question and an answer for questions 1-5 and write a paragraph response for question 6. Here the students will discuss effective methods of organizing information in a complete paragraph. Homework: If they do not finish the questions in class they will need to finish them for homework.
 
Thursday: Bell Ringer #56: Students will answer the following question: Who was William Marbury and how was he caught in a dispute between the Democratic Republicans and Federalists? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will begin today on Topic 5: The Early Republic (1789 - 1825) Lesson 4: A Changing Nation on page 292 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 4 today: The Louisiana Purchase, How Did Americans Explore These New Lands?, (slides 54 - 63). Students will be given Topic 5: The Early Republic Vocab List 2 today. This list of vocab will be due on Thursday, Dec. 11th. Homework: Work on the Topic 5 List 2 Vocab, due Thursday, Dec 11th. 
 
Friday: Bell Ringer #57: Students will answer the following question: During Washington’s presidency, Spain threatened to close the port of New Orleans to American ships. How and when was this problem resolved? What threatened the agreement in 1800? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will continue today on Topic 5: The Early Republic (1789 - 1825) Lesson 4: A Changing Nation on page 298 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 4 today: continue with Reaching the Pacific on page 298, Challenges to American Shipping, and A Ban on Trade. (slides 64 - 70). After completing the lecture for today the students will complete the Lesson Check for Lesson 4 on page 302 of the textbook. Students will write the question and an answer for questions 1-5 and write a paragraph response for question 6. Here the students will work on gathering and including specific details to use in the research paper for the end of this unit. Homework:  If they do not finish the questions in class they will need to finish them for homework. 

Due:

2nd Nine Weeks, Week 6

This week in Problems of American Democracy we will be busy presenting projects and working on extra credit essays. Homework and assignments for the week are as follows:
 
Monday: Bell Ringer #51: Students will answer the following question: What is the main message or argument that the cartoonist is trying to convey? "Describe what is happening in the cartoon and identify the historical event or issue it is about. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. (Image can be found on Canvas.) Classwork: We will begin today on Topic 5: The Early Republic (1789 - 1825) Lesson 1: Washington’s Presidency on page 261 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 1 today: How Did Washington Shape the American Presidency?, How Did Alexander Hamilton Deal with the National Debt?, and How Did Hamilton Create a Stable Economy?. (slides 1 - 10). After completing the lecture for today the students will work on their Amendment Projects that are due on Wednesday, the 19th. Presentations will be made on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Students can also work on their Extra Credit essays, an argumentative essay on how much power the federal government should have, that is due on Friday, Nov 21st. Homework:  Work on your Amendment Projects and Extra Credit Essays!!
 
Tuesday: Bell Ringer #52: Students will answer the following question: What is the main message or argument that the cartoonist is trying to convey? "Describe what is happening in the cartoon and identify the historical event or issue it is about. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. (Image can be found on Canvas.) Classwork: We will begin our presentations today for our Amendment Projects. 5th and 7th periods will be given time to continue to work on the project or the extra credit essay as they do not have as many students as 6th period class. Each student will present their creative component to the class, using one of the creative methods discussed in class. Students will also turn in their 2-page papers on their assigned amendment. This will be a test grade. Each student will write down all classmates' names, amendments, and what type of creative component was used to illustrate the amendment, as well as a short description of what right the amendment gives. Homework: No homework other than working on the Extra Credit Essay that is due on Friday. 
 
Wednesday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer today. We will go straight into our presentations. Classwork: All classes will continue presentations today for our Amendment Projects. Each student will present their creative component to the class, using one of the creative methods discussed in class. Students will also turn in their 2-page papers on their assigned amendment. This will be a test grade. Each student will write down all classmates' names, amendments, and what type of creative component was used to illustrate the amendment, as well as a short description of what right the amendment gives. Homework: No homework other than working on the Extra Credit Essay that is due on Friday, or the Topic 5 vocab that is due after Thanksgiving on Dec 2nd.
 
Thursday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer today. We will go straight into our presentations. Classwork: All classes will continue presentations today for our Amendment Projects. Each student will present their creative component to the class, using one of the creative methods discussed in class. Students will also turn in their 2-page papers on their assigned amendment. This will be a test grade. Each student will write down all classmates' names, amendments, and what type of creative component was used to illustrate the amendment, as well as a short description of what right the amendment gives. Homework: No homework other than working on the Extra Credit Essay that is due on Friday, or the Topic 5 vocab that is due after Thanksgiving on Dec 2nd.
 
Friday: Fun day!!!  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Due:

2nd Nine Weeks, Week 5

This week in Problems of American Democracy we will be finishing up Topic 4 and having a unit test on Friday. Students will also need to be working on their Amendment Projects and Extra Credit Essay if they choose to turn it in. Homework and assignments for the week are as follows:
 
Monday: Bell Ringer #47: Students will answer the following question: What are the three ways to become a citizen of the United States? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will continue today on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 7: Citizens’ Rights and Responsibilities on page 250 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 7 today: beginning with Patriotism at the top of page 250 and Responsible Citizenship. (slides 101 - 104). After completing the lecture for today the students will complete the Lesson Check for Lesson 7 on page 252 of the textbook. Students will write the question and an answer for questions 1-4 and write a paragraph response for question 5. Here the students will continue to work on their essays where they will write a conclusion on how much power the government should have. Students will turn these questions in if they finish them.

Homework:  If they do not finish the questions in class they will need to finish them for homework. 

Tuesday: Bell Ringer #48: Students will answer the following question: Identify at least 5 examples of responsibilities of citizens that are described in your text. Explain how you fulfill at least one of these responsibilities. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will continue on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lessons 1- 7 by reviewing material today for a unit test on Friday. Students will complete the Review and Assessment questions located on page 255 of the textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1 - 18, skipping #13, the essay. Students will use their textbooks to answer the questions and review material for the upcoming test. Students will complete these questions in class and turn them in for a daily grade. Homework: If these questions are not completed by the end of the class period, students will finish them for homework. 

Wednesday: Bell Ringer #49: Students will answer the following question: What is civic virtue? Recall the life and career of George Washington. In what ways did he show civic virtue? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: Students will continue to review and prepare for the upcoming unit test for Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States. Students will be given a worksheet to complete in class today, Topic 4 Study Guide. Students will use their textbook to answer the questions and review the material for an upcoming test on Friday. We will work on this study guide today and tomorrow!  Students will also be given an “Extra Credit Essay” today! This essay, Argumentative Essay Assignment: The Power and Purpose of the Federal Government, is for extra credit only and is not mandatory. It is up to the student's discretion on whether they want to complete it or not. Students have been working on material for this essay at every Lesson Check for this unit, therefore they should have some idea about what to put in the essay. Students will have the opportunity to change a low-test grade score to a 100 with this essay! This essay will be due next Friday, November 21st. Homework: Students need to be working on their Amendment Projects that are due Wednesday, November 19th, or their essay project, which is due Friday, November 21st.

Thursday: Bell Ringer #50: Students will answer the following question: How many delegates were selected to attend the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia? Of those men, how many eventually chose not to sign the U.S. Constitution? Why did some delegates refuse to sign the Constitution? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: Students will continue to review and prepare for the upcoming unit test for Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States. Students will complete the worksheet that was given in class yesterday, Topic 4 Study Guide. Students will use their textbook to answer the questions and review the material for an upcoming test tomorrow. We will complete this worksheet and turn it in for a grade today. After completing their study guides today, students may use the remainder of the class time to work on their Amendment Projects or their Essay Projects that are both due next week. Homework: Study for the Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States unit test tomorrow!!

Friday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer today! Classwork: Students will be given a few minutes to look over their notes before the test today on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States. Students will complete the 50-question test today on paper for Topic 4. After completing the test, the students will be given a list of vocabulary for Topic 5: The Early Republic (1789 - 1825) List 1. Students will begin to define this list of terms. Vocab will be due on Tuesday, December 2nd. Homework: Students may need to work on several things over the weekend, your vocab, essay, or Amendment Project.

Due:

2nd Nine Weeks, Week 4

This week in Problems of American Democracy we will be continuing our Topic on the Constitution. Progress reports will be issued on Thursday of this week. Homework and assignments for the week are as follows:
 
Monday: Bell Ringer #42: Students will answer the following question: How does the Constitution reflect the principle of separation of powers? Give at least 2 examples of how the system of checks and balances reflect the principles of limited government. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: Today we will complete an activity on the Bill of Right, or the first Ten Amendments to the Constitution. Students will read in their textbooks on pages 238 - 240 What Fundamental Liberties Does the Bill of Rights Ensure? To understand what these amendments do and what rights and liberties they give to us as American citizens. Students will then be given a worksheet to complete, Creating A School Bill of Rights. Students will need to come up with ten amendments that they feel are necessary for our school to be successful. Students will make a list of ten amendments and then take their top 5 and explain why you chose these as absolute necessities for the rights of a student here at Lake Middle School. Students should use the Bill of Rights listed in the American Constitution as a guide for what they should look for in an amendment. Homework: Students will need to complete this worksheet, Creating a School Bill of Rights, for homework if it was not finished in class.
 
Tuesday: Bell Ringer #43: Students will answer the following question: Imagine your school tried to stop students from forming a club to discuss a local environmental issue. Which two specific rights from the 1st Amendment would this action likely violate? Classwork: We will begin on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 6: Federalism and Amendments on page 237 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 6 today: Constitutional Amendment and What Fundamental Liberties Does the Bill of Rights Ensure?  (slides 86 - 90) After completing the lecture for today the students will be given a project where they will each be assigned an amendment to the Constitution. They will complete their project for their one amendment only. This project will consist of a 2-page paper to be written and a creative component that is used to explain their amendment even further. This project will be due on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. We will spend the 19th, 20th, and 21st presenting the creative components to our classes. Homework: Begin your project!!  Do some research and get started on what type of creative component you want to make!!
 
Wednesday: Bell Ringer #44: Students will answer the following question: Why do you think the Framers devoted four amendments to protecting the rights of the accused? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: Students will take a small break today from covering content in the textbook to working on some skills that will assist them in ELA, Writing, and other areas that require reading, map and chart skills, and other important standards. Students will be given a packet of worksheets to complete in class today where they will work on skills such as analyzing political cartoons, predicting consequences, distinguishing fact from opinion, reading a table, understanding what you read, recognizing cause and effect, drawing conclusions, reading circle graphs, and reading timelines. If the students complete the packet of worksheets in class, they may use the remainder of the class time to work on their Amendment Project. Homework: Finish the packet of worksheets that was given in class today for homework if they were not completed today. 
 
Thursday: Bell Ringer #45: Students will answer the following question: If a public school can punish a student for something they post online from home that is highly critical of the principal, are their First Amendment rights violated? Why or why not?" Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will continue today on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 6: Federalism and Amendments on page 241 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 6 today: Why Have Additional Amendments Been Created?, State Government, and What Responsibilities Do Local Governments Have? (slides 91 - 96). After completing the lecture for today the students will complete the Lesson Check for Lesson 6 on page 245 of the textbook. Students will write the question and an answer for questions 1-4 and write a paragraph response for question 5. Here the students will continue to work on their essays where they will use tone and personal feelings to enhance their writings on whether or not the government should have more or less power over the people. Students will turn these questions in if they finish them. Homework:  If they do not finish the questions in class they will need to finish them for homework.
 
Friday: Bell Ringer #46: Students will answer the following question: In what ways are most state constitutions similar to the U. S. Constitution? In what ways are the state constitutions often different from the U.S. Constitution? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will begin today on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 7: Citizens’ Rights and Responsibilities on page 247 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 7 today: American Citizenship and Civic Virtue, Citizenship, and Democratic Values. (slides 97 - 100). After completing the lecture today students will be given a NewsELA article to complete, Famous Speeches: Theodore Roosevelt’s “The Duties of American Citizenship,” excerpt. Students will answer the 4 multiple choice questions, as well as the two writing prompts. They will also need to show their annotations for this article for whichever method they choose to annotate. (per Ms. Gaylord) If they do not finish this article in class, they will need to complete it for homework. Homework: Complete the NewsELA article, Famous Speeches: Theodore Roosevelt’s “The Duties of American Citizenship,” excerpt by Monday. 

Due:

2nd Nine Weeks, Week 3

This week in Problems of American Democracy we will be continuing our lessons in Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776 - Present). A vocab test will be given on Friday for List 2. Homework and assignments for the week are as follows:
 
Monday: Bell Ringer #38: Students will answer the following question: Analyze the arguments of the Federalists and Antifederalists for and against ratification of the Constitution. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will continue on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 4: Federalists, Antifederalists, and the Bill of Rights on page 219 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 4 today: The Ratification Process and New Amendments. (slides 46 - 53). After completing the lecture for today the students will complete the Lesson Check on page 222 for Lesson 4. They will write the questions and answers for questions 1-4, and a paragraph response for question #5. Here they will come up with a list of sources they might use to support or oppose claims regarding how much power the government should have and what should its responsibilities include? This will help the students with ELA writing standards and persuasive arguments. If the students do not complete these questions in class, they will finish them for homework. Homework:  Finish the Lesson Check questions on page 222 for homework if they were not completed in class. Topic 4 List 2 Vocab is also due tomorrow!

 

Tuesday: Bell Ringer #39: Students will answer the following question: What are two individual rights protected by the First Amendment? Why are these rights important in a democracy? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will begin on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 5: Understanding the Constitution on page 225 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 5 today: First Comes the Preamble and Seven Basic Principles. (slides 54 - 68). After completing the lecture for today the students will be given a short quiz for Topic 4, Lessons 3 and 4 for review. Students will use their textbooks to assist them in answering the 13 multiple choice questions and the 3 discussion questions. If the students do not complete these questions in class, they will finish them for homework. Homework: Complete the Topic 4, Lessons 3 and 4 quiz for homework if it was not completed in class. 

Wednesday: Bell Ringer #40: Students will answer the following question: What caused the Framers to create a constitution that reflected the principle of limited government? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Students will turn in bellwork 31-40 today for a daily grade. Classwork: We will continue today on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 5: Understanding the Constitution on page 229 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 5 today: The Legislative Branch - Congress and the Executive Branch - The President. (slides 69 - 80) After completing the lecture for today the students will be given a worksheet to complete, The Government Game Show: "Who Am I?" to complete. Here students will answer questions and different scenarios to determine the powers or duties of each branch of government. If the students do not complete this worksheet in class, they will finish them for homework. Homework: Finish the Government Game Show: Who Am I? Worksheet for homework if it was not completed in class. 

Thursday: Bell Ringer #41: Students will answer the following question: What is the elastic clause? Why is this an issue over which political parties have differing points of view to this day? With which side of the debate do you agree, and why? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will continue Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 5: Understanding the Constitution on page 233 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 5 today: The Judicial Branch - The Supreme Court and What System Exists to Prevent the Abuse of Power? (slides 81 - 85). After completing the lecture for today the students will complete the Lesson Check for Lesson 5 on page 236 of the textbook. Students will write the question and an answer for questions 1-4 and write a paragraph response for question 5. Here the students will continue to work on their essays where they will use transition words and phrases to enhance their writings on whether or not the government should have more or less power over the people. Students will turn these questions in if they finish them. Homework:  If they do not finish this quiz in class they will need to finish it for homework. Students will have a vocabulary test tomorrow on the Topic 4: List 2 Vocabulary!  Study!!

Friday: Bell Ringer: No Bellringer today!! Students will be given a few minutes to look over their vocab and get ready for the vocab test today! Classwork: Students will take a vocabulary test today on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) List 2. This test will be located on Pear Assessments. After completing the vocab test today students will be given a NewsELA article to complete, The powers of state and local government. Students will answer the 4 multiple choice questions, as well as the two writing prompts. They will also need to show their annotations for this article for whichever method they choose to annotate. (per Ms. Gaylord) If they do not finish this article in class, they will need to complete it for homework. Homework: Complete the NewsELA article, Primary Sources: The Articles of Confederation by Monday. 

 

Due:

2nd Nine Weeks, Week 2

This week in Problems of American Democracy we will be continuing with Topic 4 and learning all about the Constitution and how it came to be. We will also be having TWO tests this week, a map test on Tuesday and a vocab test on Friday. Homework and assignments are as follows:
 
Monday: Bell Ringer #35: Students will answer the following question: Why did many of the northern states object to including enslaved people in population counts??  Is this ethical? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will begin on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 3: Ideas That Influenced the Constitution on page 210 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 3 today: What Did Americans Learn from the Roman Republic? And How Did English Documents Influence the Framers? (slides 31 - 35). After completing the lecture for today students will be given a NewsELA article to complete, Primary Sources: The Articles of Confederation. Students will answer the 8 multiple choice questions, as well as the two writing prompts. They will also need to show their annotations for this article for whichever method they choose to annotate. (per Ms. Gaylord) If they do not finish this article in class, they will need to complete it for homework. Homework: Complete the NewsELA article, Primary Sources: The Articles of Confederation for homework if it was not completed in class. Students will have their 13 Colonies Map test tomorrow!!  Study!!
 

Tuesday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer today! Classwork: Students will be given a few minutes to look over their maps for the 13 Colonies Map test today. Students will label a map of the 13 original colonies for their first test grade today. After completing the map test today, students will be given their new list of vocabulary words for Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Vocab List 2. They will use the remainder of the class period today to work on this vocabulary, it is due on Tuesday, Oct 28. Homework: Work on your vocab List 2 for homework tonight!

Wednesday: Bell Ringer #36: Students will answer the following question: How did the weaknesses of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation impact the economy of the new nation? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will continue today on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 3: Ideas that Influenced the Constitution on page 213 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 3 today: What American Traditions Did the Framers Draw On? And The Influence of the Enlightenment.  (slides 36 - 40) After completing the lecture for today the students will complete the Lesson Check on page 215 for Lesson 3. They will write the questions and answers for questions 1-4, and a paragraph response for question #5. Here they will work on their claims and opposing claims for their essay. This will help the students with ELA writing standards and persuasive arguments. If the students do not complete these questions in class, they will finish them for homework. Homework: Finish the Lesson Check questions on page 215 for homework if they were not completed in class. 

Thursday: Bell Ringer #37: Students will answer the following question: What ideas from Baron de Montesqauieu influenced the American government? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class. Classwork: We will begin Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 4: Federalists, Antifederalists, and the Bill of Rights on page 217 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 4 today: The Federalists and the Antifederalists Debate and Why Did Antifederalists Demand a Bill of Rights?. (slides 41 - 45). After completing the lecture for today the students will be given a short quiz for Topic 4, Lessons 1 and 2 Quiz. Students may use their textbook to help them with this quiz. When they finish the quiz, they will turn it in for a grade. Homework:  If they do not finish this quiz in class they will need to finish it for homework. Students will have a vocabulary test tomorrow on the Topic 4: List 1 Vocabulary!  Study!!

Friday: Bell Ringer: No Bellringer today!! Classwork: Students will be given a few minutes to look over their vocab and get ready for the vocab test today! Students will take a vocabulary test today on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) List 1. After completing the vocab test today students will be given a NewsELA article to complete, PRO/CON: Should the Bill of Rights be updated? Students will answer the 4 multiple choice questions, as well as the two writing prompts. They will also need to show their annotations for this article for whichever method they choose to annotate. (per Ms. Gaylord) If they do not finish this article in class, they will need to complete it for homework. Homework: Complete the NewsELA article, Primary Sources: The Articles of Confederation by Monday. 

Due:

Week 1, 2nd Nine Weeks

Welcome back students!  I hope everyone had a fabulous Fall Break and had a much-needed rest! This week in Problems of American Democracy we will begin with Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present). Assignments and homework for the week are as follows:
 
Monday: Bell Ringer #31: Students will answer the following question: What were the Articles of Confederation and what did they do?? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class.
Classwork: We will begin today on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 1: A Weak Confederation on page 197 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 1 today: How Were State Constitutions Similar?, The Articles of Confederation, and Weaknesses of the Confederation (slides 1 - 7).  After completing the lecture for today students will be given a list of vocabulary words for this topic. Students are to define each word, or tell of the importance of each person, place, or time within this topic of our textbook. Vocabulary words will be due on Monday, October 20th. Homework: Work on your vocabulary for homework tonight!
 
Tuesday: Bell Ringer #32: Students will answer the following question: How do the roles of the legislature and executive differ??  Who or what offices are included in each branch?? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class.

Classwork: We will continue today on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 1: A Weak Confederation on page 201 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson.  Students will cover sections in Lesson 1 today: An Orderly Expansion and How Did Economic Problems Lead to Change? (slides 8 - 16). After completing the lecture for today the students will complete the Lesson Check on page 203 for Lesson 1. They will write the questions and answers for questions 1-6, and a paragraph response for question #7. Here they will introduce two sides of an argument on how much power the government should have. This will help the students with ELA writing standards and persuasive arguments. If the students do not complete these questions in class, they will finish them for homework. Students will also be given a map today of the 13 original colonies. They will label these colonies on a blank map next Tuesday for their first test grade. Homework: Finish the Lesson Check questions on page 203 for homework if they were not completed in class. 

Wednesday: Bell Ringer #33: Students will answer the following question: Identify the key causes and effects of Shay’s Rebellion. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class.

Classwork: We will begin today on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 2: Drafting a Constitution on page 204 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 2 today: Who Led the Convention?, Disagreements Over a New Government, and The Great Compromise. (slides 17 -25). After completing the lecture for today students will complete a worksheet of review questions on the Declaration of Independence. (5 questions). If this worksheet is completed before the end of the period it may be turned in. Homework: Finish the “Declaration of Independence” Questions Worksheet that was given in class if it was not completed in class. 

Thursday: Bell Ringer #34: Students will answer the following question: What was the essential difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class.
Classwork: We will continue on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 2: Drafting a Constitution on page 207 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 2 today: The Three-Fifths Compromise and The Convention Comes to a Conclusion. (slides 26 - 30). After completing the lecture for today the students will complete the Lesson Check on page 209 for Lesson 2. They will write the questions and answers for questions 1-4, and a paragraph response for question #5. Here they will list some supporting claims concerning how much power the government should have. This will help the students with ELA writing standards and persuasive arguments. If the students do not complete these questions in class, they will finish them for homework. Homework: Finish the Lesson Check questions on page 209 for homework if they were not completed in class. 
 
Friday: Bell Ringer #35: Students will answer the following question: Why did many of the northern states object to including enslaved people in population counts??  Is this ethical? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be ready to discuss with the class.
Classwork: We will begin on Topic 4: A Constitution for the United States (1776-Present) Lesson 3: Ideas That Influenced the Constitution on page 210 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 3 today: What Did Americans Learn from the Roman Republic? And How Did English Documents Influence the Framers? (slides 31 - 35). After completing the lecture for today students will be given a NewsELA article to complete, Primary Sources: The Articles of Confederation. Students will answer the 8 multiple choice questions, as well as the two writing prompts. They will also need to show their annotations for this article for whichever method they choose to annotate. (per Ms. Gaylord) If they do not finish this article in class, they will need to complete it for homework. Homework: Complete the NewsELA article, Primary Sources: The Articles of Confederation by Monday. 

Due:

Week 8, 1st Nine Weeks

This week in Problems of American Democracy we will be finishing up Topic 3 for the 1st Nine Weeks. We will also be working on our Nine Weeks Test Project that was assigned on Friday of last week a little bit every day. This week is also Benchmark week, so there will be no additional homework for this week. Homework and assignments for the week are as follows:
 
Monday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer today! We will continue on Topic 3: The Revolutionary Era (1750 - 1783) Lesson 3: Taking Up Arms on page 159 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 3 today: The Battles of Lexington and Concord, The Fighting Continues, and Opposing Sides at War. (slides 40 - 52). After completing the lecture for today students will work on their Nine Weeks Test Project that is due on Friday.
 
Tuesday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer today! We will begin today on Topic 3: The Revolutionary Era (1750 - 1783) Lesson 4: The Move Toward Independence on page 165 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 4 today: The War Comes to Boston, What Did Thomas Paine Say in Common Sense?, and What Steps Did Colonial Leaders Take Toward Independence? (slides 53 - 63). After completing the lecture for today students will work on their Nine Weeks Test Project that is due on Friday. 
 
Wednesday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer today! We will continue today on Topic 3: The Revolutionary Era (1750 - 1783) Lesson 4: The Move Toward Independence on page 171 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 4 today: What Challenges Faced the Continental Army?, A Surprise Attack Leads to Victory, and How Did the Tide Turn for the Americans? (slides 64 - 76).  After completing the lecture for today students will work on their Nine Weeks Test Project that is due on Friday. 
 
Thursday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer today! We will begin on Topic 3: The Revolutionary Era (1750 - 1783) Lesson 5: Winning Independence on page 178 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 5 today: Europeans Aid the Colonies, Winter at Valley Forge, How Did Women Contribute to the War Effect?, How Did African Americans Serve in the War?, and American Indians Choose Sides.  (slides 77 - 95). After completing the lecture for today students will work on their Nine Weeks Test Project that is due on Friday. 

Friday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer today! We will continue on Topic 3: The Revolutionary Era (1750 - 1783) Lesson 5: Winning Independence on page 183 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 5 today: Fighting for Independence at Sea and in the South, A Decisive Win Brings the War to a Close, and Explaining the American Victory.   (slides 96 - 107). After completing the lecture for today students will work on their Nine Weeks Test Project that is due today!!. 

Due:

Week 7, 1st Nine Weeks

This week in Problems of American Democracy we will begin Topic 3: The Revolutionary Era. This topic will finish out the 1st Nine Weeks for us. Homework and assignments for the week are as follows: 
 
Monday: Bell Ringer #26: Students will answer the following question: In Chapter 2 we saw the colonies form in North America in the late 1700’s. A new country is about to take birth and become one of the most powerful empires in the world. What issues might cause citizens to rebel against their government and what qualities must successful revolutionary leaders have? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will begin today on Topic 3: The Revolutionary Era (1750 - 1783) Lesson 1: The French and Indian War on page 133 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 1 today: Why Did Europeans Fight Over North American Land? and Where Did the French and Indian War Begin? (slides 1 - 9). After completing the lecture for today students will work on their vocab that was assigned on Friday, Topic 3 List 1 Vocab. This vocab is due this Friday, Sept. 26th.  Students will also be given an essay today for extra credit. This essay will be due on Wednesday, October 1st. Students have the opportunity to earn up to 30 points added to any test grade. Students need to work on vocab that is due on Friday!
 
Tuesday: Bell Ringer #27: Students will answer the following question: What circumstances led to the shot that started the French and Indian War?  Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will continue today on Topic 3: The Revolutionary Era (1750 - 1783) Lesson 1: The French and Indian War on page 136 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 1 today: The Colonies Meet in Albany, British Defeats in the Ohio Valley, and Quebec and New France Fall. (slides 10 - 18).  After completing the lecture for today students will complete the Lesson Check located on page 140 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-5, and a one paragraph response to question #6, the writing workshop. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish it for homework. 
 
Wednesday: Bell Ringer #28: Students will answer the following question: Who was William Pitt and what was his plan for the war? How did he pursue his plan? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will begin today on Topic 3: The Revolutionary Era (1750 - 1783) Lesson 2: Growing Resentment Against Britain on page 142 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 2 today: Conflict Over Land, How Did the Proclamation of 1763 Fuel Resentment?, How Did Mercantilism Affect Taxation and Cause Resentment? And Why Did the Stamp Act Anger Colonists? (slides 19 - 27). After completing the lecture for today students will be given a worksheet to complete, French and Indian War Discussion Questions. Students will answer the 6 discussion questions with full sentences and turn them in. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish it for homework.
 
Thursday: Bell Ringer #29: Students will answer the following question: What did the Proclamation of 1763 declare that made the colonists angry?  What areas were designated for the colonists to settle? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will continue on Topic 3: The Revolutionary Era (1750 - 1783) Lesson 2: Growing Resentment Against Britain on page 147 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 2 today: How Did Colonists React to the Townsend Acts?, Leaders Emerge in the struggle with Britain, The Boston Massacre, and An American Identity Develops.   (slides 28 - 32). After completing the lecture for today students will complete the Lesson Check located on page 152 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-5, and a one paragraph response to question #6, the writing workshop. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish it for homework. 
 
Friday: Bell Ringer #30: Students will answer the following question: Name two causes and two effects of the Boston Massacre. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will begin on Topic 3: The Revolutionary Era (1750 - 1783) Lesson 3: Taking Up Arms on page 154 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 3 today: The Boston Tea Party and How Did King George III Strike Back at Boston?.   (slides 33 - 39). After completing the lecture for today students will be given an article, The Stamp Act of 1765 to complete. Students will answer the two writing prompts and the four multiple choice questions and also be responsible for annotating their article as they do in their ELA class, using whichever annotation technique they feel comfortable using. (per Ms. Gaylord). If the questions are not completed in class students may finish it for homework. 
 
 

Due:

Week 6, 1st Nine Weeks

This week in Problems of American Democracy we will be finishing up Topic 2 with a vocab test on Tuesday and a unit test on Friday. Homework and assignments for the week are as follows:
 
Monday: Bell Ringer #23: Students will answer the following question: What jobs might European American women living in cities perform? What jobs might European American men living in cities perform? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will continue today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lesson 6: Colonial Society on page 116 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 6 today: Education in the Colonies and How Did New Ideas Influence the Colonies? (slides 68 - 71). After completing the lecture for today students will complete the Lesson Check located on page 120 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-5, and a one paragraph response to question #6, the writing workshop. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework.

Students will have a vocabulary test tomorrow on Topic 2, List 2 Vocab!!

Tuesday: Bell Ringer: Students will not have a bellringer today. They will be given 5 minutes to look over their vocab before the test. Students will take their final vocabulary test for Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500-1750) today. Students will take their Topic 2 List 2 Vocab test today using Pear Assessment in their Canvas. Students can use the entire class period if needed for this test. After completing the vocab test today, students will be given a NewsELA article, The first legislative assembly took place in Jamestown, Virginia, 1619 to read and answer the questions for. Students will answer the 2 writing prompts with a paragraph of information and answer the multiple-choice questions as well. They will also need to show how they annotate the text and what method they are using. (per Ms. Gaylord) If the article is not completed in class students may finish it for homework.

Wednesday: Bell Ringer #24: Students will answer the following question: Why didn’t all children go to school in the colonial era? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will begin today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lesson 7: Colonial Trade and Government on page 121 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 7 today: Mercantilism and the English Colonies, Trading Across the Atlantis, What Were the Foundations of Representative Government?  (slides 72 - 76). After completing the lecture for today students will complete the Lesson Check located on page 125 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-5, and a one paragraph response to question #6, the writing workshop. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish it for homework. 

Thursday: Bell Ringer #25: Students will answer the following question: Identify an effect of the triangular trade on each group: colonial merchants, planters in the West Indies, and Africans. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will continue today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lessons 1-7. We will be finishing up this chapter for a chapter test on Friday.  Students will complete the Review and Assessment questions located on page 127 of the textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for each question. If the students do not complete the Review and Assessment questions on page 127, they will need to finish them for homework. Students will have a unit test on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500-1750).

Friday: Bell Ringer: No bell ringer today. Students will have a test today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500-1750). We will begin our test today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) as soon as we get in the classroom. Students will take this test on Savvas. After completing their test, students will be given a copy of the vocabulary tor Topic 3: The Revolutionary Era (1750-1783). This vocab will be due next Friday, Sept 26th.Students will begin defining when they submit their test. Work on vocab over the weekend!!

Due:

Week 5, 1st Nine Weeks

This week in Problems of American Democracy we will be continuing in Topic 2: Early Colonization of North America (1500-1750). We are planning for another vocabulary test next week on our List 2 terms. Homework and assignments for the week are as follows: 
 
Monday: Bell Ringer #18: Students will answer the following question: What were Quaker ideas about people and society? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will continue today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lesson 4: The Middle Colonies on page 96 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 4 today: continuing How Did Pennsylvania Become a Colony? And Daily Life in the Middle Colonies, as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook (slides 47 - 49). After completing the lecture for today students will complete the Lesson Check located on page 99 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-5, and a one paragraph response to question #6, the writing workshop. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. 
 
Tuesday: Bell Ringer #19: Students will answer the following question: Why did Pennsylvania develop such a diverse population? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will continue today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lessons 1-4. Today students will be given a quiz to complete in class open book. This quiz will cover Lessons 1, 2, 3, and 4. Students will be allowed to use their textbooks to complete the quiz and turn it in for a grade. If students finish the quiz before the period ends, they will need to work on their vocabulary that is due on Thursday. If the quiz is not completed in class students may finish it for homework. 
 
Wednesday: Bell Ringer #20: Students will answer the following question: How did the physical environment influence population distribution and settlement patterns in the Middle Colonies? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. Bellringers 11-20 will be turned in today for a daily grade. We will begin today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lesson 5: The Southern Colonies on page 100 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 5 today: Why Did Lord Baltimore start a Colony?, Who Settled the Carolinas and Georgia, and How Did Two Regions Develop Differently as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook (slides 50 - 56). After completing the lecture for today students will work on their Topic 2 List 2 Vocabulary that is due tomorrow!  Topic 2 List 2 Vocabulary is due tomorrow! 
 
Thursday: Bell Ringer #21: Students will answer the following question: How did Lord Baltimore, proprietor of Maryland, encourage immigrants to settle in the colony?  Why do you think he promoted these policies? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will continue today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lesson 5: The Southern Colonies on page 105 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 5 today: continue with How Did Two Regions Develop Differently and The Slave Trade Expands as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook (slides 57 - 60). After completing the lecture for today students will complete the Lesson Check located on page 109 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-5, and a one paragraph response to question #6, the writing workshop. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework.
 
Friday: Bell Ringer #22: Students will answer the following question: What are mutinies, and why did they occur aboard slave ships? How did racism contribute to the spread and acceptance of slavery? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will begin today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lesson 6: Colonial Society on page 110 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 6 today: Colonial Social Classes, How Did Colonial Art, Literature, and Music Affect Society?, and What Was the Impact of a New Religious Movement as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook (slides 61 - 67). After completing the lecture for today students will be given a NewsELA article, Enslavement in the New England Colonies. Students will read the article, annotate using the method of their choosing (per Ms. Gaylord), and answer the 2 writing questions and 4 multiple choice questions. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the article is not completed in class students may finish it for homework. We will plan for a vocabulary test on Topic 2, List 2 words on Tuesday of next week!!

Due:

Week 4, 1st Nine Weeks

I hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day break and long weekend!  We are excited about our four-day week!  This week we will be continuing our lessons in Topic 2 and having a vocab test on Wednesday. Assignments and homework for the week are as follows:
 
Monday: No school!  Happy Labor Day!
 
Tuesday: Bell Ringer #16: Students will answer the following question: What reasons led the Separatists to establish a colony in North America? Explain how the Mayflower Compact and the Plymouth Colony contributed to the establishment of representative government in the colonies. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will continue today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lesson 3: The New England Colonies on page 84 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 3 today: Which New Colonies Formed Over Religious Differences, War Erupts Between Settlers and American Indians, and How Did People Live in the Towns of New England? as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook (slides 37 - 42). After completing the lecture for today students will complete the Lesson Check located on page 89 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-5, and a one paragraph response to question #6, the writing workshop. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. Students will have a vocab test tomorrow on Topic 2 List 1 Vocabulary!!
 
Wednesday: Bell Ringer: Students will not have a bellringer today due to the vocab test! Students will be given a few minutes at the beginning of the period to look over their vocab and get ready for their test. Students will take their vocab test today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) List 1 vocabulary. After completing their vocab test, students will be given a NewsELA Article, Early British Colonies in America, to complete. Students will annotate the article using the technique of their choosing (per Ms. Gaylord) to find answers and supporting facts within the article. The students will answer the 2 writing questions and the 8 multiple choice questions. If the article is not completed in class students may finish it for homework.
 
Thursday: Bell Ringer #17: Students will answer the following question: How might history be different if the colonists had respected American Indian land rights and treaties? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will begin today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lesson 4: The Middle Colonies on page 91 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 4 today: Why Did the Dutch Colony Become English?, New Jersey Forms Out of New York, and How Did Pennsylvania Become a Colony? as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook (slides 43 - 46). Students will be given a new list of vocabulary to complete for Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) List 2. This list of vocab is not due until next Thursday, Sept 11th. Students will work on their new list of vocabulary that they received in class today. 
 
Friday: Bell Ringer #18: Students will answer the following question: What were Quaker ideas about people and society? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will continue today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lesson 4: The Middle Colonies on page 96 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 4 today: continuing How Did Pennsylvania Become a Colony? And Daily Life in the Middle Colonies, as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook (slides 47 - 49). After completing the lecture for today students will complete the Lesson Check located on page 99 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-5, and a one paragraph response to question #6, the writing workshop. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. 

If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. 

Due:

1st Nine Weeks, Week 3

This week in Problems of American Democracy we will be beginning Topic 2 as we continue to work through our textbook. We will be working toward a vocab test on next Wednesday as we cover new material. Homework and assignments are as follows:
 

Monday: Bell Ringer #11: Students will answer the following question: Why did the Conquistadors come to America? What do you think the 3 G’s stood for? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will begin today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lesson 1: Spanish Colonization and New Spain on page 55 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 1 today: Who Were the Conquistadors?, Why Did the Spanish Explore Lands to the North?, and Colonizing New Spain as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook (slides 1 - 9). After completing the lecture for today students will have time to work on their vocabulary List 1 that is due Thursday. These words may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the vocab is not completed in class students may finish them for homework by Thursday.

Tuesday: Bell Ringer #12: Students will answer the following question: What advantages did the Spanish have that aided them in conquering two great empires with only a handful of soldiers? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will continue today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lesson 1: Spanish Colonization and New Spain on page 60 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 1 today: continue Colonizing New Spain, How Was Society Organized in New Spain?, and The Transatlantic Slave Trade as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook (slides 9 - 12). After completing the lecture for today students will complete the Lesson Check located on page 64 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-6, and a one paragraph response to question #7, the writing workshop. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. 

Wednesday: Bell Ringer #13: Students will answer the following question: To what does Bartolome de Las Cases compare the treatment of American Indians in Tears of the Indians? What point does the comparison make? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will begin today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lesson 2: The First French, Dutch, and English Colonies on page 66 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 2 today: How did European Rivalries Affect Exploration?, How Did New France Develop?, and Where Did The Dutch Establish New Netherlands? as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook (slides 13 - 18). After completing the lecture for today students will be given a NewsELA article to read and answer questions on, The First Settlements In Chicago. Students must answer the questions, including the writing prompts and utilize an annotation strategy to show how and where they found their answers. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. 

Thursday: Bell Ringer #14: Students will answer the following question: What were the main reasons the French established colonies in North America? How did the French colonization efforts differ from those of the Spanish?  Why??  Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. Bellringers will be turned in today for a grade!! We will continue today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lesson 2: The First French, Dutch, and English Colonies on page 72 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 2 today: Roanoke and Jamestown, How did Colonists Improve Government?, and Growth of the Jamestown Colony as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook (slides 19 - 26).  After completing the lecture for today students will complete the Lesson Check located on page 77 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-5, and a one paragraph response to question #6, the writing workshop. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. 

Friday: Bell Ringer #15: Students will answer the following question: How was indentured servitude different from American slavery? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. Bellringers will be turned in today for a grade!! We will begin today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lesson 3: The New England Colonies on page 78 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 3 today: Colonists Seek Religious Freedom, Founding the Plymouth Colony, What Hardships Did Colonists Face in Plymouth, and Forming Massachusetts Bay Colony as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook (slides 27 - 35).  After completing the lecture today students will be given a copy of the Mayflower Compact to read and a worksheet of 8 questions to answer. Students may use the compact of their textbook to help them answer the questions. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. We will plan for a vocabulary test on Wednesday for List 1!

Due:

Week 2, 1st Nine Weeks

This week in Problems of American Democracy we will be finishing up our first Topic, or Chapter and having our first unit test on Friday. We will also be having our first vocabulary test on Tuesday to help prepare for the unit test. Homework and assignments for the week are as follows: 
 
Monday: Bell Ringer #8: Students will answer the following question: What was the greatest thing to come out of the Renaissance? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will begin today on Lesson 4: European Exploration in the Americas on page 39 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 4 today: Contact with the Americas and the Voyages of Columbus as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook. After completing the lecture for today students will read the Primary Source: Christopher Columbus’s Diary on page 47 of the textbook. After reading, students will complete the worksheet and questions about this source.  This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework for Monday. Students will also have a vocabulary test tomorrow on the words from Chapter 1.
 
Tuesday:  No bell ringer today! Students will be given a few minutes to look over their vocab before they take a vocab test today. Students will take a vocabulary test today on all terms from Topic 1 Vocabulary that was turned in last week. After completing the vocab test students will pick up the NewsELA article, The Explorers, Christopher Columbus, to complete. If this is completed before the bell rings students may turn it in. If the article and questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. 
 
Wednesday: Bell Ringer #9: Students will answer the following question: American Indians’ contact with Columbus is considered a turning point for them. How did their lives change? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will continue today on Lesson 4: European Exploration in the Americas on page 43 of our textbook. Students will cover sections in Lesson 4 today: Spanish Exploration Continues and How did the Columbian Exchange Affect the Rest of the World? as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook. After completing the lecture for today students will complete the Lesson Check located on page 46 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-6, and a one paragraph response to question #7, the writing workshop. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. 
 
Thursday: Bell Ringer #10: Students will answer the following question: Imagine yourself sailing with Ferdinand Magellan's crew on the first circumnavigation of the Earth. What kinds of hardships do you think you would face during this daring journey, pushing the boundaries of known exploration in the early 16th century? Think about the challenges of life at sea, the unpredictable nature of the oceans, and the consequences of being far from home and familiar resources. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. Bellringers will be turned in today for a grade!! Students will spend the class period today preparing for a unit test tomorrow on Topic 1: The Early Americans and European Exploration. Students will complete the Review and Assessment assignments on pages 48 and 49 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-12 and the answer only for question 13. We will not write an entire research paper for question 13, but we will write a one paragraph response. Then they will continue with questions 14-17 writing questions and answers. Students will turn this in when they complete it. After completing the Review and Assessment students may use the remainder of the class period to read their chapter and study for their unit test tomorrow. Study study study for a Topic 1 test tomorrow!!
 
Friday: Bell Ringer: No bellringer today! Students will be given a few minutes to look back over their notes to prepare for the unit test today on Topic 1: The Early Americans and European Exploration. Students will take their unit test for Topic 1 today. After completing their unit test students will begin working on their vocabulary list for Topic 2: European Colonization of North America, List 1. This vocabulary will not be due until next Thursday, August 28th. No additional homework over the weekend, work on vocab!

Due:

1st Nine Weeks, Week 1

This week we will continue to make our way through Topic 1 in our textbook to prepare for our first unit test next week. Assignments and homework for the week are as follows: 
 
Monday: Bell Ringer #4: Students will answer the following question: Last week we discussed 4 of the major Native American tribes that helped form America. List one thing that stood out to you about each one of the following: the Olmec, Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will begin today on Lesson 2: Cultures of North America on page 14 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 2 today: Early North American Societies and What Were the Cultural and Physical Characteristics of North America? as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook. After completing the lecture for today students will be given a worksheet to complete labeling the physical features of the United States on a map. Students will be able to identify and label major physical features of the United States on a map and describe their characteristics. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the map is not finished in class today students may complete it for homework tonight.  
 
Tuesday: Bell Ringer #5: Students will answer the following question: Imagine you are traveling across the United States. Identify and describe at least three distinct physical characteristics you might encounter on your journey, considering features like landforms, waterways, and climate variations. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will continue today on Lesson 2: Cultures of North America on page 19 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 2 today: complete the section on What Were the Cultural and Physical Characteristics of North America?, Religious Beliefs, and The Iroquois League as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook. After completing the lecture for today students will complete the Lesson Check located on page 24 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-4, and a one paragraph response to question #5, the writing workshop. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. 
 
Wednesday: Bell Ringer #6: Students will answer the following question: How do Native American spiritual beliefs emphasize a deep connection and respect for the natural world, viewing land and its resources not as property but as sacred entities interwoven with human existence? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will begin today on Lesson 3: Early Europe, Africa, and Asia on page 27 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 3 today: What was Europe Like in the middle ages?, How was the Middle East a Crossroads of the World?, and African Trade and Cultures as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook. After completing the lecture for today students will be given a worksheet to complete on the Crusades. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the worksheet is not finished in class today students may complete it for homework tonight.  
 
Thursday: Bell Ringer #7: Students will answer the following question: Imagine yourself as a merchant traveling the Silk Road. What goods might you carry, what challenges might you face, and what impact could your journey have? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will continue today on Lesson 3: Early Europe, Africa, and Asia on page 33 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 3 today: continue African Trade and Cultures, Chinese Trade and Technology, and European Renaissance and Exploration as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook. After completing the lecture for today students will complete the Lesson Check located on page 38 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-7, and a one paragraph response to question #8, the writing workshop. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. 
 
Friday: Bell Ringer #8: Students will answer the following question: What was the greatest thing to come out of the Renaissance? Ans: The printing press was one of the most significant inventions of the Renaissance period, allowing for great advancements in communication to take place. It was German goldsmith Johannes Gutenberg who invented the first printing press in 1436.Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will begin today on Lesson 4: European Exploration in the Americas on page 39 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 4 today: Contact with the Americas and the Voyages of Columbus as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook. After completing the lecture for today students will read the Primary Source: Christopher Columbus’s Diary on page 47 of the textbook. After reading, students will complete the worksheet and questions about this source.  This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework for Monday. 

Due:

1st Nine Weeks, Week 0

Welcome back students to the 2025-2026 school year!!  I am excited this year to be able to teach the 7th grade history class Problems of American Democracy. Every week you will be able to find assignments and homework for the week here, as well as each students' Canvas that is available to them through Clever. I am looking forward to a fabulous year!!
 
Assignments and homework for the week are as follows: 
 
Tuesday: Students will be given their first homework assignment today, a list of vocabulary words that will need to be defined on notebook paper. Some may be people  or places that are important to remember for our first Lesson: The Early Americas. This homework will not be due until Friday, Aug 8th!
 
Wednesday: Bell Ringer #1: (to be written in your notebook and kept up with every week! Daily grades will be given for every 10 bellringers.) Students will answer the following question: What is history? Why do you think it’s important to learn about the history of the United States? List one question you have about U.S. history that you’re curious to learn about this year. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. Students will be given a U.S. history test today to see just how much they know about their country!  This is not for a grade and just a fun activity to get the kids engaged on topics we will cover throughout the year. Each student will take this test on their own and we will go over it together to discuss correct answers. If there is any time left at the end of the period students may use this time to work on their vocabulary that is due on Friday. 

Thursday: Bell Ringer #2: Students will answer the following question: How much does geography affect people's lives? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will begin today on Lesson 1: The Early Americas on page 7 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 1 today: Who Were the First Americans? The Olmec, and the Maya as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook. After completing the lecture for today students will be given a article to complete from NewsELA, Ancient Agrarian Societies: The Olmec and Chavín. Students will read the information, answer the questions, and complete the writing prompt as well. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. After completing the article, students may work on their vocabulary that is due tomorrow. If the article is not completed in class students may finish it for homework tonight. Students will also need to finish their vocabulary for homework tonight. Vocab is due tomorrow. 

Friday: Bell Ringer #3: Students will answer the following question: Compare the Olmec and the Mayan people, listing at least 2 similarities and 2 differences. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. We will continue today on Lesson 1: The Early Americas on page 11 of our textbook. Students will be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first sections of this lesson. Students will cover sections in Lesson 1 today: The Aztec and The Inca as we go through a slideshow on the board and also read from the textbook. After completing the lecture for today students will complete the Lesson Check located on page 13 of their textbook. Students will write the questions and answers for questions 1-5, and a one paragraph response to question #6, the writing workshop. This paper may be turned in if completed before the end of the class period. If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework for Monday.