The Online Textbook

Some students prefer using the online version of the Social Studies 8 Textbook. If you look to the column on the right you will see a heading. The Online Textbook. Under that heading click on the American Nation. Then Enter both Username and Password.

The Online Textbook and Text Tour

Today we will be reviewing how to use our Online Textbook, America: The History of Our Nation. If you take a look to the right of this Blog page you will see the link to the online textbook. Also included is a username and password students can use throughout the school year.

Today's Computer Lab Assignment
1) Complete the Text Tour Worksheet

2) Watch Video:  Causes of the Civil War

3) Watch the Brainpop Video: The Civil War
Brainpop Link
Click... Social Studies
Click... American History
Click... Civil War

America to the Rescue!!!!

Today we are looking at American involvement in WW1. In a way our arrival could be looked at as returning the favor to the nation of France. If you remember from 7th grade social studies, France gave the Colonists much needed naval support in our war for independence.

The Lost Battalion

Over the next three classes we will be watching the TV Movie The Lost Battalion. It is the famous story of the 550 brave Americans that were surrounded in the Argonne Forest by hundreds of Germans for 6 days.

Students need to keep up with the readings and homework for this unit. I will be giving a major exam next Tuesday covering Chapter 21. Since the movie is taking up 3 classes, you will be responsible fot covering some of the material on your own. There will be a review sheet we will start on Friday and a review class the following Monday.

The Spark that Started WW1

Today we reviewed the causes of WW1 and today we are lookin at the "spark" that ingnited the TNT! The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 started a chain reaction of events that ended up drawing most of the world into the conflict. Many countries tried to remain neutral, but eventually had to choose a side. Back in America we had to do our best to stay out of the conflict.

The Start of World War 1

Today we are moving fast into the 20th Century and looking at one of the world's worst wars. Known as "The War to End all Wars" the first world war claimed close to 20 million lives with twice as many injured and millons starving, homeless and without hope.

We are focusing on the 4 Main Causes of World War 1 using Stick Figure Theater. We also look at the "spark" that set it all off!

Militarism
Alliances
Nationalism
Imperialism
Assassination

American Expansion and Sp-Am War

Today we are finishing up the Spanish American War and looking at the results. We aquired several of Spains possession and had to decide what to do about a newly freed Cuba.

Tomorrow for periods 1,2,4,5 will have an open map quiz. Students need to bring a completed map to class to use directly on the quiz