Iron Jawed Angels/19th Amendment

Quiz Thursday!

Studying for the Quiz:To be successful on the quiz tomorrow you will need to look at the follopwing worksheets and handouts.

Stick Figure Theater: American Reformers
Chart: Presidential Reformers
Homework Sheet: 19 Sect 1
Textbook: Chart on Page 647

Pure Foods and Drugs

Today we learned about the horrible conditions in American meat packing plants around the turn of the century. We also discussed the dangerous levels of alcohol and narcotics in American medicines. The Muckrakers, investigative reporters, helped to bring these problem to the American people. Upton Sinclair, the author of The Jungle, becomes very famous with his book about Meat Packinghouses in America.

The Jungle becomes an important book in history because it reveals these horrible working conditions and disgusting things that happened in preparing food for American consumers. Stories of unsanitary conditions, rat and feces in sausage and the use of dead or diseased animals for food permeate The Jungle.

Homework: Read in Text 649-653

Links of Interest:
The Muckrakers (What and Who were they??)
Biography of Upton Sinclair
The Jungle: The Complete Novel

Corruption in Government: "The Spoils System"

Today we are looking at problems and reforms in government during the Gilded Age. The "Spoils System" was a serious problem and President Garfield was assassinated because of hie refusal to give a campaign supported a government job after he won.

American Reformers

Homework for tonight: None

The Stairs of Separation

Today we continued our discussions on Immigration and Ellis Island. Students looked at more primary source information like photographs and documentary video. We also discussed The Push and Pull Factors that were reasons so many immigrants arrived on our shores 100 years ago.

Homework: Read in Text 627-629

Links:
Ellis Island HISTORY CHANNEL Site
Ellis Islands/Port of New York Records Dept
Ellis Island National Park Service

How the Other Half Lives

Hot Links:
The Tenement Museum
How the Other Half Lives (Full Text)

Immigration and City Life

For the next week we will be looking at both the huge wave of immigration in the early 1900's and how America's cities were transformed to accommodate all the urbanization taking place at that time.

For tonight's homework students are to read pages 620-624 and answer questions on the first worksheet in the new packet "Cities Grow and Change"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sorry about being a little behind on the blog...crazy Week!!!

Today I returned quizzes and gave the students their current averages for Social Studies 8. Assignments not turned in, or completed, may be turned in Monday after the Holiday. I proved each student with the assignments missed and a chance to make them up.

The Political Cartoon project is due on Wednesday when we return. This is an original full page political cartoon coloed or shaded. There is a video option as well and those are also due on Wednesday. Students received directions and suggestions in class on a sheet for them to keep.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mr. G.

The Triangle Fire of 1911

Triangle Fire Links:
The Triangle Factory Fire
Audio Clips from National Public Radio
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Trial
Summary of the Events

Quiz Friday: Study the following...
Stick Figure Theater
Double Bubble Chart" Labor and Managemnet
Textbook 617-619

The Rise of Labor Unions!

Today in class we are continuing the discussion started yesterday on the origins of Labor Unions. Going further today we are looking at what a union provides and what they mean to their members. Using a "Double Bubble" compare and contrast chart we are examining the division between management and labor, and the similarities and difference between them in the workplace. Terms like "blue collar and white collar" are explained along with the way the workers are paid.

Homework: Re-read 617 "Dangerous Conditions"

Quiz Friday: Study Handouts and Readings from the week.

Child Labor Era... Part 2

As we continue our discussion on Child Labor we will be looking at a few more areas where children made up a large part of the work force around the turn of the 20th century. I will also be showing a music video montage I created with Pictures from Louis Hine's Gallery (See video above).

The Child Labor Era

Today we discussed the issue of child labor in early industrial America. Putting together what we talked about with the "Really Rich Guys" we looked at one reason they became so rich. They treated their workers poorly, spent little on safety, and also hired children, some as young as 5! Showing some photos of children at work is where we left off.

Tonight's Homework: Read the 3 page story "Will Goes to Work" and answer the 10 questions that follow.

Tomorrow: Mr Gibbons' Child Labor Music Video and clips from the Child Labor Era

4 Really, Really Rich Guys!

Today we are discussing both the good and bad qualities of 4 of the most influential and wealthy Americans of the early 1900's They are Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, John Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan. Were the Captains of Industry or Robber Barons? Were they maybe a little bit of both.

Looking at the top 30 wealthiest Americans Website it stands out that almost all on the list lived over 100 years ago. We examined the tax system (or lack of income tax) as one reason for this finding. Thursday we will look at other possible reasons....Wages and Hours for the American Worker, The Rise of Child Labor and the lack of regulations for factory safety.

Interactive Link: The Wealthiest Americans Ever

Quiz Tomorrow

There will be a vocabulary quiz tomorrow in class. The topic is the Rise of Big business. It will also include some information from 18 sect 1 and 18 sect 2 worksheets that we reviewed and corrected in class. My advice would be to review the notes a few times before bed and then again in homeroom. Do the same with the worksheets. I may give a few minutes before class to review.

Hints...
Can you tell me 1 example for a network that you can see? 1 you can't?
Why would a person buy stock instead of putting their money in a bank?
Who invented the telephone?

Stock Market Madness!

Today we discussing the stock market. Specifically we are looking at its purpose (money for corporations and a way to invest your money). Starting the with the basic idea of corporations, investments and stock we looked at real world examples of why a company would need money "capital" and why a person would want to invest their money in the stock market as opposed to banks.

Guides to the Stock Market
BrainPop
User name:oncoma
Password: ocmsls
"Click under social studies, then economics to see the list of animations!"

Extra Credit Questions is still available.. see yesterday's blog Deadline is Thursday

"The Business of America is Business"

Today and tomorrow we'll be looking at essential vocabulary needed for our unit on the "Rise of American Big Business". We will use the 6 step vocabulary process to gather a common definition, show some examples and draw a sketch of the word in action. I need the students to read (or listen to in the interactive text) pages 614-616. New for today include Network, Consolidate, Rebate and Pool.

Homework: 18 Sect 2 Outline worksheet in Big Business Packet

Extra Credit- On a piece of paper tell me the name of the person who said the quote at the top of the blog "The Business of America is Business" Make sure your name is on the paper.

Happy Halloween

Lots of great costumes and disguises today. I swear I saw Michael Jackson in the D-Wing. See some fun and historical links below about Halloween!!!

Back to Business!

Today we are shifting focus from the West and back to the Eastern United States. The next chapter is about our Industrial Revolution in the late 1800's. Webegin by looking at the importance of 3 specific items to help with our growth, The Steel Industry, Oil Development and Inventions. The 2nd half of our lesson was devoted to the Wright brother's and the first gas powered flight in history at Kitty Hawk, NC.

Homework: Students are recieving new packets and are to complete the first section quiz assignment for homework.

Cool Links:
Wright Brothers (Official Site)
The 1903 Wright Flyer "Interactve Site"
The Smithsonian Museum's Exhibit

Important Announcements

Field Trip Money: "Amelia" Movie on November 6th
If it is not turned in by Thursday 10/29 you may still be able to go, but we will have to purchase a ticket for you the day of the show. I will hold your money, BUT can not take personal checks after 10/29.

West Test: Cancelled
This week we have had too many absences!!! To be fair we have had several quizzes on the Unit already. I feel we need to move on!

Class Today: We participated in a simulation where 4 Groups (Farmers, Ranchers, Miners and Ex-Slaves) all developed proposals for their local representatives to congress. The proposals were to come up with ideas on how to allocate 100,000 acres of Federal Land and 500,000 dollars of Federal money toward Western development. The groups had some heated discussions as to which groups "deserved" the funds and also which of the groups contributions were most important to the growth of America.

Great Job Classes!!!

Amelia Earhart Links of Interest:
The Offical Site
Official Movie Site
Remembering Amelia

The Oklahoma Land Rush

Today we are studying on of the last major events in Western Settlement, The Oklahoma Land Rush. By looking at photographs and maps of the event we see how the contest was set up. Americans seem to love competitions like American Idol, The World Series and Even The Biggest Loser. This contest is basically a race for land, kinda like TV's Amazing Race. Its first come first serve, so the competitors are looking for the edge. Some even cheat and sneak into the restricted boundaries of the competition ahead of time. Better not get caught by the Army! It could be very bad for your health!

Clip: Far and Away (Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman)

Summary Test Thursday: We will review past quizzes and have a review session in class Wednesday.

REMINDER: Permission Slips and Money ($%8.00) due Wednesday for Amelia

Field Trips, Fall, and Finishing,Farmers Frantically!

The 8th Grade social studies teachers are pleased to announce the field trip to Amelia on Friday Nov 6th at Shoppingtown Theater. Cost is 8 dollars and both money and signed permission slips are due by this Wednesday at the very latest. Though we are still the in the late 1800's in class, this look toward where we are going is a great opportunity we didn't want to pass up.

Plains Farmers

Today we are discussing the farmers of the Great Plains during the late 1800's. Reasons for farmers heading west were very much influenced by the growth of railroads and the Homestead Act. This act gave farmers a chance to earn free land up to 160 if they could successfully farm it for 5 years.

We also looked the the early dwellings of the Plains farmers, "The Soddie". As Eskimos used snow and Sioux used tipis the farmers used the resources around them which was sod.

Film Clip Constructing a Sod House:from the History Channel

By Request: Follow the links!
City Slickers
City Slickers II "The Legend of Curly's Gold"
Tombstone
Wyatt Earp

The Myth of the West

TOMBSTONE

Tonight's lesson will be to preview the section on Plains farmers in the Textbook. Complete Sect 4 Quiz Worksheet as your homework assignment.

Cool Link:
Haunted Tombstone Videos

Cowboys and Ranchers

Today we are studying the lives, experiences and jobs of cowboys and ranchers in the late 1800's. We started this yesterday with an introduction of the origins of the cowboys, daily jobs and responsibilities, and cattle driving to the railroads. Life and dangers on the trail were looked at as well as the duties performed by the cowhands.

Going further into the topic today, we looked at the Cow Towns at the end of the trail, wild west legends like Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley and shows, and the rise and fall of the cattle kingdom.

Quiz Today...Loose Ends

Today we are taking a quiz on the information we learned about the Plains Indians this week.



Recommendation:
Movie.. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
This is an HBO film that does an outstanding job telling the story of the Plains Indians and their relationship with the U.S. government. It is rated TV-14, due to violence occurring in battles and the Wounded Knee Massacre. I have copies of this if parents would like their son or daughter to view it, but I would need a parent signed note for permission.

Link to HBO Description of the Movie

End of the Indian Wars

We are finishing up the Plains Indian Wars by looking at the battle known as Little Big Horn, which is more commonly know as "Custer's Last Stand" We talk about how General George Custer's ego and desire for personal glory clouded his judgement and the whole 7th Calvary was wiped out.

We also are looking at the Dawes Act. The idea of helping the Plains Indians survive as a people by "Americanizing" them. We focused on both the farming aspect of the Act and the mandatory schooling required in the act. We also opine on whether this was the best way to help the Indians at that time.

Video Clips:
A Good Day to Die-The West
Carlyle Indian Academy- Into the West

Quiz Tomorrow
Study Corrected Worksheet Section 2 Quiz
The Dawes Act (In your Packet)
Re-read or listen to in text: 584-589

Plains Indians Events 1854-1890

Today we are further studying conflict between the Plains Indians and the Americans.

We are talking about the difference in Buffalo Hunting between whites and Indian Tribes and the near extinction of the creature. With the Buffalo decimated (nearly destroyed many Indian tribes went to the reservations while others refused. Conflict grew and both Indians soldiers attacked each other.

Your assignment is to read the Dawes Act (1 page reading)in your West packet. Use a highlighter to lighten important facts and information about the Act. We will discuss this in depth tomorrow during class.

Video Clips: Into the West: Episode 4, Scenes w Cheyenne/Chivington

Cool Sites:
Provisions of the Dawes Act

The Story of Chief Joseph

Sioux Indians and the Buffalo

Today we are examining the Sioux Indians and their relationship with the Buffalo. We are looking at how the buffalo was vital to their survival as it contains almost everything they need to survive on the Plains. We also look at the conflict Plains Indians had with white hunter

Clips from Into the West, and Dances with Wolves

Cool Link:
The Animated Buffalo

Intro to the Plains Indians

Today we are beginning a series of lessons on the Indian Tribes of the Great Plains. Specifically we are looking at their method of recording their history on the hides of Buffalo, or American Bison.

The assignment, which is due Tuesday, is to complete a buffalo hide and key that shows a combination of ten important events, interested or important people in the student's. We had class time to get started, but it needs to be finished over the weekend. A fun activity that family is encouraged to help with!!!

Great Resources
Tracking the Buffalo

Railroad Building and Native Americans

Quiz #2 Taken Today, Make Ups tomorrow

Class Video Clip: From Into the West

Today we're looking at the construction of the transcontinental railroad and the various problems encountered. Chinese contribution is highlighted along with the completion at Promontory Summit in Utah.

Homework for tonight: None :)


Cool Sites:
Meeting of the Rails Picture
Atlas of California... Read Directions, View Railroad Development

The Transcontinental Railroad

Today were are studying the building and effects the Transcontinental Railroad had on the Developement of the West.

QUIZ TOMORROW!!!
Homework: Study for a Quiz on Mining and Railroads
Review: 17 Section 1 Quiz, Notes from today's class, and text 578-581

Parent Night Tonight: 7pm Pine Grove

The Wild West

Today we are diving into the Western Unit with a look at mining, gold fever and life in "boomtowns". We watched a clip from the series Into the West about Gold and Greed.

Tonight's Homework Assignment is to finish reading, or listen to, Chapter 17 Sect 1 on Page 578

The Online Textbook

http://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
user name: gibbons
password: socialstudies


I also gave each student a copy of their grades up to this point. Assignments not turned in can be handed in late for partial credit. Each student should know the exact assignments

I look forward to seeing your parents on Parent Night this Wednesday Evening

G

Test Today

Today we are taking the Reconstruction Exam. Make-ups will be tomorrow during class. Though I did make the announcement of the Exam on the Progress Reports, they were delayed and didn't go out until Wed. Sorry!

I think I know the names of all my students by now, and I look forward to the adventures ahead in Social Studies. We start Western Expansion tomorrow with an introductory board game that introduces the students to terms, situations and topics we will encounter in the Unit.

I think we're off to a great start!!!

G

Test Info and Homework

We have a major test this Thursday on Reconstruction. Please complete your review packet which is due on Thursday right before I hand out the exam. I will also have an afterschool review session in the computer lab Wednesday afternoon.

Gibblog Open for Business

Well... here I am after school working on my new blog. Things look pretty good so far. I will be posting our daily agenda as well as homework assignments and other useful social studies material. More To Come!!!!

Getting Started

You are going to have to respond to the invitation I sent separately to become a blog author.

Gibbons!