Problems of American Democracy (Period 5th and 6th) Assignments
- Instructor
- Mrs Stephanie Thompson
- Term
- 26-27 School Year
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 event • | ||||||
Upcoming Assignments
Due:
2nd Nine Weeks, Week 4
Monday, Nov 2, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #43: 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 prepared to share 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 are NOT allowed to work in groups for this activity. 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. Students will also be given their new list of vocabulary today, Topic 4, List 3. This list of vocabulary will be due next Tuesday, Nov 10th!
Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #44: 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? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. 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. Coach Hanna will assign these randomly! (Amendments 1-26!) 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 18, 2026. We will spend the 18th,19th, and 20th, 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, November 4, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #45: 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 prepared to share 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: Remind students not to forget about their vocab that is due next Tuesday, Nov 10th, Topic 4 List 3. Students will also need to finish the packet of worksheets that was given in class today for homework if they were not completed today.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #46: 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, November 6, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #47: 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 for today, students will use the remainder of the day to work on their Topic 4, List 3 Vocabulary that is due on Tuesday or work on their Amendment Project. Homework: Continue to work on Topic 4 List 3 Vocabulary and Amendment Project!
Past Assignments
Due:
2nd Nine Weeks, Week 3
Tuesday, Oct 27, 2026: Bell Ringer #40: Bellringers will be turned in today! (31-40) 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 prepared to share 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, October 28, 2026: Bell Ringer #41: Students will start a new paper for bellwork today! 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 prepared to share with the class. 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. Students will have a vocab test tomorrow on Topic 4, List 2 Vocabulary! Homework: Study for the vocab test tomorrow! Finish the Government Game Show: Who Am I? Worksheet for homework if it was not completed in class.
Thursday, October 29, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer: No bellringer! 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 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 Roles 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. Topic 4 List 2 Vocab Test today. Homework: Complete the NewsELA article, The Roles of State and Local Government, for homework if not finished in class today.
Friday, Oct 30, 2026: Bell Ringer #42: 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 prepared to share 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 the Lesson Check was not completed in class today, please finish it for homework tonight.
Due:
2nd Nine Weeks, Week 2
Monday, Oct 19, 2026: Introduction/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 prepared to share 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) Students will also be given a map of the 13 colonies today. We will have a map test this Friday!! 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. Assessment: Topic 4 List 1 Vocab test tomorrow!! Homework: Finish the Lesson Check questions on page 215 for homework if they were not completed in class. Study for the vocab test that will be given tomorrow on Topic 4, List 1 Vocabulary.
Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026: Introduction/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. This test will be located on Pear Assessments. After completing the vocab test today, students will be given their next list of words, Topic 4, List 2 Vocabulary. These words will be due on Monday, Oct. 26th. Assessment: Topic 4 List 1 Vocab Test today. Homework: Students will continue to work on their vocabulary that was given today, Topic 4 List 2; this vocabulary is due on Monday Oct. 26th.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Introduction/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 prepared to share with the class. Classwork: Today will be an ELA day in History. Students will be given a NewsELA article to complete, Primary Sources: The Constitutional Convention. Students will be placed into groups of 3 to read and 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) This will be classwork today and will be turned in for a grade at the end of the period. When each group finishes their article and questions, they will be given a grammar worksheet on common and proper nouns. They may continue to work in their groups to complete this worksheet as well. If this paper is not completed by the end of the class, they will need to complete it for homework. Homework: Finish the grammar worksheet on common and proper nouns if it was not completed in class.
Thursday, October 22, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #38: Students will answer the following question: What is the Magna Carta and what are some of the significant ideas found in it? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share 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. Assessment: Map test tomorrow on the 13 Colonies! Homework: Study for your map test tomorrow on the 13 Colonies!! Also, if the quiz was not completed in class today, finish it for homework!
Friday, Oct 23, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer: No bellringer! Classwork: Students will be given a few minutes to look over their maps and get ready for the 13 Colonies map test today! Students will take their map test on paper, labeling each area for the correct colony. Students may use the remainder of the class period today do work on any assignments they did not complete from the week (lesson checks, worksheets, quiz, vocab). List 2 vocabulary is also due on Monday, so they may use this time to complete their vocab. Homework: Make sure Topic 2 List 2 Vocab is completed by Monday.
Due:
2nd Nine Weeks, Week 1
Monday, Oct 12, 2026: Introduction/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 prepared to share 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 19th. Homework: Work on your vocabulary for homework tonight!
Tuesday, Oct 13, 2026: Introduction/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?? Ans: The legislature makes laws, and the executive carries out the laws. 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. Homework: Finish the Lesson Check questions on page 203 for homework if they were not completed in class.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #33: Students will answer the following question: Identify the key causes and effects of Shay’s Rebellion. Ans: Causes - A depression following the war meant farmers could not repay their debts. Effects - Leaders decided that the national government had to be stronger and the Articles of Confederation had to be revised. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share 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, October 15, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #34: Students will answer the following question: What was the essential difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan? Ans: The Virginia Plan proposed a legislature made up of two houses with representation based on population, while the New Jersey Plan provided for a legislature that had only one house, with one representative per state. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share 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, Oct 16, 2026: Introduction/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? Ans: The increased populations would give some southern states more representatives in Congress, even though enslaved people would be unable to vote for those representatives. 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. Topic 4 List 1 Vocabulary is also due Monday!
Due:
1st Nine Weeks, Week 9
Due:
1st Nine Weeks, Week 8
Monday, Sept 21, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #28: Students will answer the following question: Using three examples, describe how European colonization impacted the lives of Native Americans. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. Classwork: We will continue today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lessons 1-7 in our textbook. Students will continue to work on their study guide that was given on Friday, using their textbook or notes to help them answer the questions correctly. For the last 15 minutes of class we will go over the study guide and make sure each student has the correct answers to study. Assessment: Topic 2 Unit Test will be given tomorrow as an open book test (this was a very lengthy chapter)! Homework: Study for the Unit 2 Test tomorrow!!
Tuesday, Sept 22, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer: No bell ringer today! Classwork: Students will have an open book 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. This will be an open book test. Students will take this test on Pear. After completing their test, students will be given a copy of their nine weeks test project, Early American 13 Colonies Project. This project is a 20-slide presentation on the 13 Colonies and important facts about these different areas that made up the beginning of the United States. Homework: No additional homework, students may begin to work on their Nine Weeks Project by researching and beginning their presentations on Google Slides. This project will be due next Thursday, October 1st by the end of their class period.
Wednesday, Sept 23, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #29: 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. Classwork: 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 be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the first two sections of this unit. Students will cover sections in Lessons 1 and 2 today (slides 1 - 32). When we finish the lecture for today, students may work on their Nine Weeks Test Project that is due next Thursday, October 1st. Homework: No additional homework, students may continue to work on their Nine Weeks Project. This project will be due next Thursday, October 1st by the end of their class period.
Thursday, Sept 24, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #30: 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. Classwork: We will begin on Topic 3: The Revolutionary Era (1750 - 1783) Lesson 3: Taking Up Arms on page 154 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 Lessons 3 and 4 today. (slides 33 - 76). When we finish the lecture for today, students may work on their Nine Weeks Test Project that is due next Thursday, October 1st. Homework: No additional homework, students may continue to work on their Nine Weeks Project. This project will be due next Thursday, October 1st by the end of their class period.
Friday, Sept 25th, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer: No bellringer today! Classwork: We will begin on Topic 3: The Revolutionary Era (1750 - 1783) Lesson 5: Winning Independence on page 178 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 Lesson5 today. (slides 77 - 107). When we finish the lecture for today, students may work on their Nine Weeks Test Project that is due next Thursday, October 1st. Homework: No additional homework, students may continue to work on their Nine Weeks Project. This project will be due next Thursday, October 1st by the end of their class period.
Due:
1st Nine Weeks, Week 7
Monday, Sept 14, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #24: 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. Classwork: 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 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: Education in the Colonies and How Did New Ideas Influence the Colonies? 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. Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. Topic 2 List 3 vocabulary is also due on Thursday!
Tuesday, Sept 15, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #25: 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. Classwork: 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 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: 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. Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish it for homework. Topic 2 List 3 vocabulary is also due on Thursday!
Wednesday, Sept 16, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #26: 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. Classwork: We will continue today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lessons 1-7. Students will complete the Review and Assessment questions located on page 127 of the textbook (excluding #13 which asks them to write an entire essay). 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. Assessment: We will have a vocabulary test on Friday on Topic 2, List 3! Homework: Complete the Review and Assessment questions on page 127 if they were not completed in class, and Topic 2 List 3 vocabulary is due tomorrow!
Thursday, Sept 17, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #27: Students will answer the following question: How did the English Bill of Rights promote freedom? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. Classwork: 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 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) After completing this article and their 6 questions, students will work on missed assignments from the week, including Lesson Checks, vocabulary, and the review and assessment that was completed yesterday as class work. Assessment: Students will have a vocab test tomorrow on Topic 2 List 3 words. Homework: No additional homework given tonight, study for the vocab test tomorrow!
Friday, Sept 18th, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer: No bellringer today! Classwork: Students will be given 10 minutes to look over their vocab before the test begins. Students will take their final vocabulary test for Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500-1750), List 3 today. Students can use the entire class period if needed for this test. After completing the test today students will be given a study guide to begin working on for a unit test on Topic 2. Students will use their textbooks, Lessons 1-7 to find the answers and complete their study guides. The Topic 2 test is planned for next week on Tuesday and will be an open book test, as this was a very lengthy chapter. Homework: None. We will continue working on our study guides on Monday in class and go over to make sure all students have the correct answers for studying!
Due:
1st Nine Weeks, Week 6
Monday, Sept 7, 2026: No School! Happy Labor Day!!
Tuesday, Sept 8, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #21: 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. Classwork: 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 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: 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). Students will not have any additional homework tonight, but they may use this time to make up any assignment that has not been completed or that they have a 0 for. They may also start studying for a vocab test on Thursday on Topic 2, List 2 Vocabulary. We will have a vocabulary test on Thursday on Topic 2, List 2! Homework: Make up a 0 and start studying for the vocabulary test on Thursday!
Wednesday, Sept 9, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #22: 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. Classwork: 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 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: 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. Assessment: We will have a vocabulary test tomorrow on Topic 2, List 2! Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. Study for the vocab test that will be given tomorrow on Topic 2, List 2.
Thursday, Sept 10, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer: No bellringer today! Classwork: Students will be given a few minutes before the test to look over their vocabulary and review their words. Then they will take their vocab test on Topic 2, List 2 words located on Pear (Edulastic) After finishing their vocab test for today, students will receive a new list of vocabulary, Topic 2, List 3 to begin defining. This new list of vocabulary will be due on Wednesday, Sept. 16th. Homework: No additional homework given tonight, work on the list of vocabulary that was given today, Topic 2, List 3.
Friday, Sept 11th, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #23: 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. Classwork: 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 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: 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. Homework: If the article is not completed in class students may finish it for homework.
Due:
1st Nine Weeks, Week 5
Monday, August 31, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #17: 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. Classwork: 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 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: 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. Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework.
Tuesday, Sept 1, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #18: 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. Classwork: 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 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: 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). After completing the lesson for today, 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. Homework: If the article is not completed in class students may finish them for homework. Topic 2 List 2 Vocabulary is also due tomorrow!!
Wednesday, Sept 2, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #19: 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. Classwork: 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 be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the last sections of this lesson. 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. Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework.
Thursday, Sept 3, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #20: 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. Classwork: We will continue today on Topic 2: European Colonization of North America (1500 - 1750) Lessons 1-3. 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 any missing assignments they may have a 0 for. We will plan for a vocab test on Wednesday for Topic 2 List 2 Vocab. Homework: If the quiz is not completed in class students may finish it for homework.
Friday, Sept 4th, 2026: No School!!
Due:
1st Nine Weeks, Week 4
Monday, August 24, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #14: 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. Classwork: 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 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 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. Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. Vocabulary for Topic 2, List 1 is also due tomorrow! We will have a vocab test on these words on Friday.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #15: 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. Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. Classwork: 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 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: 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. Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #16: 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. Classwork: 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 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: 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. Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework.
Thursday, August 27, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #17: 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. Classwork: Today is going to be a make a zero day!! Almost every student has at least 1 zero in the grade book and we are going to spend the day working on these assignments! For those few students that may not have any zeros, they may work on anything they like, future assignments, other teachers' assignments, or read an AR book. Homework: Study for the vocab test!!
Friday, August 28, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer: No bell ringer today due to the vocab test! Classwork: 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 the vocab test students will be given their next list of vocabulary, Topic 2, List 2 to begin defining and completing. This list of vocabulary will be due on Wednesday, Sept. 2nd. Homework: No additional homework given today, students will need to continue to work on their new list of vocab, List 2, that will be due on Wednesday, Sept 2nd.
Due:
1st Nine Weeks, Week 3
Monday, Aug 17th: Introduction/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. Classwork: Students will spend the class period today working in groups of 2 completing a Topic 1 study guide. Students will work together to complete the 36-question study guide by using any notes they have taken in class or their textbook. Students can divide up the questions or work together to find answers for each question together. Students are preparing for a unit test on Wednesday, Aug 19th. Homework: If the study guide is not finished in class today students may complete it for homework.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #11: Students will answer the following question: What was the Columbian Exchange? What were the positive and negative effects that it had on the people and areas around the globe? Students will write a one paragraph response to the prompt and be prepared to share with the class. Classwork: Today we will continue to review and prepare for our unit test tomorrow on Topic 1: The Early Americas and European Exploration, Lessons 1-4.Today we will spend time going over the study guide that was worked on in class yesterday to ensure that everyone has the correct answers to study for the test tomorrow. If time allows today, we will play a review game on Kahoot. Topic 1 test tomorrow! Homework: Study study study!!
Wednesday, August 19, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer: No bellringer today! Classwork: 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 Wednesday, August 26th. Homework: No additional homework, work on vocab!
Thursday, August 20, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #12: 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. Classwork: 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 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 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 be given a NewsELA Article to read and answer the questions on. Students must also show how they are annotating the information (according to how they are doing it in their ELA classrooms) If the students finish this before the end of the class period they may turn it in today. Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework.
Friday, August 21, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer #13: 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. Classwork: 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. Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework.
Due:
1st Nine Weeks, Week 2
Monday, August 10, 2026: Introduction/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 (slides 32 - 38). 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. Homework: If the worksheet is not finished in class today students may complete it for homework tonight.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026: Introduction/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 (slides 39 - 45). 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. Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026: Introduction/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 (slides 46 - 52). 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. Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework.
Thursday, August 13, 2026: Introduction/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 be prepared to take notes from the board as we go through and discuss the last sections of this lesson. 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 (slides 53 - 57). 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. Students will be preparing for a vocabulary test on Friday of the Topic 1 Vocab list. Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. Study for a vocab test!!
Friday, August 14, 2026: Introduction/Bell Ringer: 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 turning in last week. This test is located on Pear Assessment in their Clever app. 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. Homework: If the article and questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework.
Due:
1st Nine Weeks, Week 1
Tuesday, August 4, 2026: Introduction/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 (slides 13-18). 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. Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. Vocab is also due on Friday!
Thursday, August 6, 2026: Introduction/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 (slides 26 - 31). 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. Homework: If the questions are not completed in class students may finish them for homework. Also, vocabulary that was given last Friday is due tomorrow.
Friday, August 7, 2026: Introduction/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 (slides 32 - 38). 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. Homework: If the worksheet is not finished in class today students may complete it for homework tonight.