University of Chicago Lab School- Ms. Jacobs' Page

Salem Witch Trials Colonial Project Blog Post Assignment

2010-11-28T09:28:00.002-09:00

Choose ONE of the online newspapers created by Mr. Nekrosius's project groups and spend fifteen minutes browsing through the various pages (you can find links to the two newspapers here). When have finished reading the newspaper, create a post that contains three things you learned from your reading and one question you have for the authors. If you were in Mr. Nekrosius's project groups, you should post on the other class's newspaper.

Remember:

You should include ONLY your first name, teacher's last name, and your class period (NO LAST NAMES) at the end of your blog post.

Also, remember to be positive and detailed in your responses! Your posts are due Thursday, December 2nd.

Image Source: http://www.libertyparkusafd.org/lp/bradford/Pictures/images/Salem%20Witch%20Trials%20--%20image001.jpg

7th Grade Relays!

2010-10-24T17:38:00.017-09:00

This past September my advisory competed against the eight other 7th grade advisories in the 4th annual 7th Grade Relays. Students participated in events such as:

leap frogging...

the three-legged race...

crab walking...

hula hooping...

jump roping...

and the challenging paper airplane toss!

Our advisory put forth an admirable amount of effort, but Mrs. Bixby's advisory prevailed and won the trophy of the Yellow Duck.

That being said, if there were a prize for "most spirited advisory", we surely would have won!

Meet my 2010-11 Advisory!

2010-10-24T17:26:00.006-09:00

Each school year brings a new group of students who I get to work with and learn from! Here's a photo of my advisory for the 2010-11 school year. Welcome to the 7th grade!

A "crazy" photo of the advisory

Working through the "Human Knot"

Here's to a great year!

Themes in American Born Chinese

2010-09-26T06:17:00.002-09:00

Now that you have read over half of American Born Chinese, you should now be able to see certain themes emerging that appear in all three different story lines within the graphic novel. Your assignment is to describe one of those emerging themes and explain, using specific examples from the text, how you see each of the three story lines embodying or developing that theme. Your post should be at least six sentences long. You may choose to write your answer in paragraph form if you wish. If you are unsure on what the definition of "theme" is, consult your literary term glossary at the back of your Humanities reader. Your comment is due by the start of class on Wednesday.

Image Source: http://bookdweeb.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/amchin.jpg?w=510

American Born Chinese: An Identity Journey

2010-09-20T15:50:00.005-09:00

Now that we have begun reading the graphic narrative American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang, feel free to use this blogpost to post comments/questions/connections as you read!

Image Source: http://www.nassaulibrary.org/YABookLog/American%20Born%20Chinese%20Jacket%20Cover.jpg

Identity and Escaping "The Box"

2010-09-13T05:09:00.002-09:00

One metaphor that we have discussed in relation to identity is the idea of the box---- the forces and obstacles that stand in the way of a person truly being able to be him or herself in some way. What are the forces that keep people inside of their boxes? What forces push them to escape?Think over the readings and discussions that we have had in class so far ("Theme for English B", "High Yellow White Trash", "Sylvia's Story","The Phone Booth on the Corner" and "Crickets") and think about the similarities and differences between each person or character's experience.In your post, write three to four sentences about a connection that you have found between at least TWO of the experiences that we have discussed/read/listened to in class.

Some questions you may want to consider as you write your post are:
What boxes do some of these people find themselves in? Are the forces keeping them in the box external or internal? Do you think they will be successful in escaping their boxes? How are some people's boxes similar? How are they different?

In addition, you can also throw out relevant questions or observations to which other students can respond.

*** Remember to use your first name, teacher's name, and class period when you sign your post. (Example: Bill, Jacobs 3-4) Also, if you choose to respond to what another classmate wrote, please do so in a respectful manner.

**** This assignment is due by Friday, September 17th*****

Image Source: http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/images/uploads/worldofboxes.jpg

Welcome to Ms. Jacobs' class blog!

2010-09-13T05:05:00.002-09:00

Hello and welcome to my class blog for 7th grade Humanities! This blog will be a place where you can share your thoughts, observations, questions, and comments about topics and readings we discuss in class throughout the year. During the year, I will also post links to articles and websites that may be of interest to you. Sometimes I will also use the space for updates about events in school or in my advisory.

Your comments will be viewed by students in your own class as well as other 7th grade Humanities students at Lab. Please remember to show the utmost respect for other's ideas when making your posts. You may not always agree with what someone says in his/her post, but there is a way to challenge the ideas of others without disrespecting them.

Also, please be sure that when you make your posts you sign them with your FIRST NAME ONLY and with your HUMANITIES TEACHER'S LAST NAME and CLASS PERIOD (ex.- Patrick, Jacobs 3-4 or Sheila, Jacobs 8-9).

Remember, you don't have to wait for me to give you an assignment to post on the blog. If there is something related to our Humanities units of study on your mind, feel free to post!

See you in class and on the blog,
Ms. Jacobs

Image Source: http://ocfr.rice.edu/uploadedImages/News/RFPs/icon_humanities.gif

Salem Witch Trials Blog Post Assignment

2010-01-04T05:44:00.002-09:00

Image Source: http://www.salemweb.com/guide/images/wtrial2a.jpg

For THURSDAY, choose ONE of the online newspapers created by Mr. Nekrosius's project groups and spend fifteen minutes browsing through the various pages (you can find links to the two newspapers here). When have finished reading the newspaper, create a post that contains three things you learned from your reading and one question you have for the authors.

Remember:

You should include ONLY your first name and your class period (NO LAST NAMES) at the end of your blog post. All of Ms. Jacobs' students should post their responses to the Salem Witch Trials projects on THIS blog to receive credit.

Also, remember to be positive and detailed in your responses!

Our Little Buddies

2009-12-11T06:45:00.011-09:00

Our advisory is excited to be buddies with Stacey Hamburg's Woodlawn nursery school class this year! The buddies program provides a mutual benefit for the 7th grade students and nursery school class by giving them the opportunity to learn from one another through songs, reading, and play. We look forward to a great year!

Happy Halloween!!

2009-11-06T16:47:00.016-09:00

Happy Halloween from Ms. Jacobs' Advisory!

And the Lab School!

American Born Chinese: Beyond the Book

2009-09-28T04:31:00.004-09:00

Below are a few links to other resources related to American Born Chinese that may be of interest to you. Feel free to post a thoughtful and appropriate comment about what you've learned after you've explored these sites.

1. NPR: "Growing Up Chinese American, Graphically":

Here is an NPR interview with Gene Luen Yang, author of American Born Chinese. In the interview Yang discusses his process for writing the graphic novel and how some of the stories presented are semi-autobiographical. There is also an accompanying audio slideshow that presents excerpts from the book.

2. Gene Luen Yang's Blog: Yang explains the origins of American Born Chinese and looks back to some of his sketches from his childhood.

3. American Born Chinese YouTube Video: Yang discusses the theme of the search for identity in American Born Chinese.

Image Source: http://rgr-static1.tangentlabs.co.uk/media/9781596431522/american-born-chinese.jpg

Identity and "The Box"

2009-09-15T16:30:00.008-09:00

One metaphor that we have discussed in relation to identity is the idea of the box---- the forces and obstacles that stand in the way of a person truly being able to be him or herself in some way. What are the forces that keep people inside of their boxes? What forces push them to escape?Think over the readings and discussions that we have had in class so far ("Theme for English B", "High Yellow White Trash", "Sylvia's Story", "American History", and "Crickets") and think about the similarities and differences between each person or character's experience.In your post, write three to four sentences about a connection that you have found between at least TWO of the experiences that we have discussed/read/listened to in class.

Image source: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/cm/goodhousekeeping/images/kY/7-WoodContactPaperBoxes-fb.jpg

A Follow-Up to "Escaping the Box: An American Girl Turns 18"

2009-09-15T16:22:00.004-09:00

If you are interested in hearing an update about Sylvia's life after her 1998 radio show interview, here is a link to an interview three years later: American Limbo: Act Three. It's Julie Andrews World, Sylvia Just Lives In It.

Meet my advisory!

2009-09-12T14:10:00.013-09:00

The 2009-10 school year has begun! I am so excited that I get to know and work with yet another group of students. I have fourteen new students in my advisory and we will spend the year discussing topics of interest, completing service projects, and undertaking different community building activities. Check out the photos below to see what we've been up to so far.

The Human Knot was challenging at first...

But by working together...

We succeeded in untying the knot!

Welcome to Ms. Jacobs' class blog!

2009-09-12T13:55:00.002-09:00

* Image from: http://asunews.asu.edu/files/images/humanities.jpg

Flirting vs. Crossing the Line-- But where do hugs fit in?

2009-05-29T03:23:00.003-09:00

In preparation for moving on to the 8th grade and being at the "top" of the school, we have begun to discuss the theme of leadership and its different forms in advisory. Our recent advisory meetings have addressed the topic flirting vs. sexual harassment in the context of appropriate behavior that they as older students will want to model for younger students in the school. Last week, students categorized and discussed different behaviors that would fall into the "flirting" category, the "sexual harassment" category, and the "it depends" category. A recent New York Times article titled "For Teenagers, Hello Means 'How About a Hug'" is a good read for both students and parents about a growing trend amongst adolescents.

Fostering Literacy among Youth Book Drive

2009-03-23T07:50:00.013-09:00

Our advisory recently sponsored a school-wide book drive in partnership with the middle school Black Student Association to support the program Fostering Literacy among Youth (F.L.Y.). This is an organization that brings books to children ages 10-18 at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, located in Chicago, IL.

We spent two weeks making flyers, creating book drop sites, collecting and counting the books, and then packing them for transport. The various ways students chose to spread the word was impressive: one student wrote an announcement for the school bulletin, another put an announcement in her bulletin at her church, and yet another approached teachers who were carrying out "spring cleaning" in their rooms. Our collective efforts made the book drive a huge success--we collected a final total of 929 books!

Collecting books...

and more books...

counting and packing the books for transport!

UCLS Middle School Diversity Day

2009-03-08T10:54:00.019-09:00

On January 26th, 7th and 8th grade students participated in a day-long workshop that addressed issues of equity and diversity in both the school community and larger society. Students participated in whole group activities as well as small group discussions surrounding aspects of diversity. These activities and discussions were facilitated by Lab School faculty members, current lead facilitators from the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), and U-High students who have attended SDLC in the past.

The 8th grade workshop focused on questions of identity: How do I identify myself? How am I identified by others? How can we work to make this school more accepting of the various identities in our school?

8th grade students displaying their poster from the Creating Empowerment and Change activity

The 7th grade workshop explored issues of inclusion and exclusion: Who is included/excluded in our school and why? How does language promote/hinder inclusion and exclusion? What can we do to make this school a more inclusive place?

7th grade students writing responses to the question "How can my teachers and peers make this school environment more comfortable and inclusive for me?"

7th grade students taking time to journal during small group discussions

Please feel free to share your reflections, comments, or experiences about this day.

LeAlan & Lloyd: An Update

2009-03-03T06:37:00.005-09:00

Many of you may have questions about what happened to LeAlan and Lloyd after Our America and what they're up to today. Here is a link to an interview (The Changing World: Out of the Ghetto) that LeAlan gave in 2008 where he reflects on the Our America experience and shares his current interests and projects.

Listen to the interview and post a response with your comments, reactions, and questions to LeAlan's story.

Be sure to put your first name, teacher's name, and class period on your post.

Exploring the Color Line: Chicago's South Side

2009-03-01T19:22:00.003-09:00

Read the essay and view the attached photo essay in Mother Jones Magazine. Then write a paragraph response in which you connect issues discussed in this article to many of the issues of racial boundaries that we read about and discussed in class in the past few weeks.

You many want to write about A Raisin in the Sun, Our America, or any of the articles and poems we read. You might also consider the images we discussed such as The Great Migration series from Jacob Lawrence or the photographs in 12 Million Black Voices.

Please sign your post with your first name and class period.

Colonial Project Blog Post Assignment

2009-01-05T06:41:00.003-09:00

You can choose to write a post on one of the documentaries on Anne Hutchinson produced by Ms. Doyle's project groups. To do so, first view one of the two documentaries, and then write a post containing three things you learned and one question you have for the producers. You can view the documentaries on Ms. Doyle's blog.

Remember:

You should include ONLY your first name and your class period (NO LAST NAMES) at the end of your blog post. All of Ms. Jacobs' students should post their responses on the Colonial projects on THIS blog to receive credit.

Also, remember to be positive and detailed in your responses!

Colonial Projects: Colonial Museum

2009-01-04T14:37:00.014-09:00

As part of a three-week unit on the Puritans, all 7th grade humanities students were involved in one of three Puritan projects. For the Colonial Museum project, students researched various topics about colonial life and explored different examples of online museum exhibits. Students then created and presented their own museum exhibits to their peers.

8-9 Conflict Group

8-9 Daily Life Group

8-9 Religion Group

8-9 Women Group

8-9 Transportation Group

3-4 Conflict Group

3-4 Architecture Group

3-4 Harvard Group

3-4 Women Group

3-4 Daily Life: An example of a pillory used to punish children during Colonial times.

3-4 Daily Life Group

Letters to Santa Project

2009-01-03T15:06:00.014-09:00

This year my advisory (in addition to Ms. Moy's, Ms. Storm's, Ms. Doyle's, and Mr. Nekrosius's advisories) participated in the annual Chicago Sun-Times "Letters to Santa" Project. As part of this project, students from low-income Chicago neighborhoods write letters to Santa with their Christmas requests. The Chicago Sun-Times then gives the letters to interested families and students who buy items on the lists. The gifts are later delivered to the students in time for the holidays. You can request more information about the program and request a letter at cstelves@suntimes.com.

Students in my advisory received letters from students who were mostly in the first and third grades. Items on the Christmas lists ranged from Power Rangers toys to Hannah Montana dolls to mittens and school supplies. All students in the advisory participated, and some sponsored more than one student. Some students even opted to write letters as "santa's elves" to the students they sponsored.

Though we encountered some wrapping challenges (how does one wrap a four-square ball?), overall this project was a positive experience and worked to remind all of us about the message of peace and joy during the holiday season.

The Chief Comes Back

2008-11-13T09:23:00.005-09:00

The Chicago Tribune reports that Chief Illiniwek, the former University of Illinois mascot, has been resurrected by a group of students who have elected a new mascot to perform for students and the University community this year.

Please read the story and respond. Write your first name and class period in your post.

What do you think of this new manifestation of Native American mascots? Should the students be allowed to do this? Is the University responsible? Are they condoning the practice and how does this fit with the NCAA ruling that no teams that host tournament play are allowed to have Native American mascots?

Your post will count as extra credit!

The Pocahontas Story

2008-11-12T09:21:00.003-09:00

For the past few weeks we have discussed the settlement of Jamestown in terms of location, people, and the challenges and successes of the colony. This week you watched Disney's Pocahontas, which offers yet another viewpoint on the settlement of Jamestown and the relationship between John Smith and Pocahontas.

Your assignment is to write an essay that discusses about the accuracy or inaccuracy of the Disney movie. You can use the following sources to help you plan and defend your argument:

- Readings from the Jamestown/Pocahontas unit in the green Social Justice humanities reader
- Notes you took while watching Disney's Pocahontas
- Quotations from Disney's Pocahontas

If you want, you can use this blog as a place to trade ideas for your papers or share some of your reactions about the movie. How does watching it now compare to what you got out of it when you were younger?

*Be sure to be respectful when making your post.

American Indian WebQuest-- We were there first!

2008-11-09T09:21:00.007-09:00

Each 7th grade humanities class now has a set of web pages answering specific questions about the American Indian culture they studied. You will need to read/explore at least one web page from each class (one from Ms. Doyle's class and one from Mr. Nekrosius's class). Post a response to the webpages on my blog, including information about the following:
1. Write three things you discovered about the cultures explained in BOTH of the web pages.

2. Note at least one similarity or difference from the culture you studied for BOTH web pages.

3. Ask at least one question that you think should be answered about the TWO cultures you read about.

4. Make one comment about the design and layout of the TWO web pages you visited. Be sure your comments are constructive/helpful. Be polite but truthful.

* Be sure to sign your post with your first name, Humanities teacher's name and class period.

Presidential Election 2008

2008-11-05T11:49:00.004-09:00

You are living in a moment of history. What you have experienced these past few months and yesterday is something that you will be able to share for years to come. Here is a place where you can share your experiences of the 2008 presidential election.

You can share part of what you wrote in your journal reflection or you can discuss the notes you took as you watched President-Elect Obama's victory speech from Grant Park.

As always, please be respectful when responding to the comments of others. Sign your post using your first name, Humanities teacher, and class period.

In Whose Honor?

2008-10-10T06:28:00.002-09:00

Write a paragraph response to the movie In Whose Honor? Respond to the following statement: Native American mascots are always a sign of disrespect toward native groups of people. If you agree, give supporting statements from the movie to illustrate your point. If you disagree, use specific examples to show your point. Be sure to follow the "paragraph burger" method of paragraph writing. Think carefully about your topic sentence and your conclusion. You may also reply to other students, but be careful to be respectful even if you disagree. REMINDER: SIGN YOUR POST WITH YOUR FIRST NAME ONLY, NO LAST NAMES. WRITE YOUR CLASS PERIOD AND TEACHER'S NAME ON YOUR POST AS WELL.

"The Box" and Identity

2008-09-14T10:54:00.005-09:00

In humanities class we have discussed the different ways in which people choose to identify themselves and the challenges, decisions, and frustrations that go into creating one's "identity." You have made your personal identity collages and have explored various experiences that people have had coming to terms with their own identity.

One metaphor that we have discussed in relation to identity is the idea of the box---- the forces and obstacles that stand in the way of a person truly being able to be him or herself in some way. What are the forces that keep people inside of their boxes? What forces push them to escape?

Think over the readings and discussions that we have had in class so far ("Theme for English B", "High Yellow White Trash", "Black, White, and Jewish", "Sylvia's Story", "Alone and All Together", and "Two Kinds") and think about the similarities and differences between each person or character's experience.

In your post, write three to four sentences about a connection that you have found between at least TWO of the experiences that we have discussed/read/listened to in class.

Some questions you may want to consider as you write your post are:
What boxes do some of these people find themselves in? Are the forces keeping them in the box external or internal? Do you think they will be successful in escaping their boxes? How are some people's boxes similar? How are they different?

In addition, you can also throw out relevant questions or observations to which other students can respond.

*** Remember to use your first name, teacher's name, and class period when you sign your post. Also, if you choose to respond to what another classmate wrote, please do so in a respectful manner.

Box image from: http://img.alibaba.com/photo/11288903/Glass_Mosaic_Gift_Jewelry_Box_Hexagon.jpg

Welcome to 7th Grade Humanities!

2008-08-30T10:11:00.002-09:00

Hello and welcome to my class blog for 7th grade Humanities. This blog will be a place where you can share your thoughts, observations, questions, and comments about topics and readings we discuss in class throughout the year. During the year, I will also post links to articles and websites that may be of interest to you.

Your comments will be viewed by students in your own class as well as other 7th grade Humanities students at Lab. Please remember to show the utmost respect for other's ideas when making your posts. You may not always agree with what someone says in his/her post, but there is a way to challenge the ideas of others without disrespecting them.

Also, please be sure that when you make your posts you sign them with your FIRST NAME ONLY and with your HUMANITIES TEACHER'S LAST NAME and CLASS PERIOD (ex.- Patrick, Jacobs 3-4 or Sheila, Jacobs 8-9).

Remember, you don't have to wait for me to give you an assignment to post on the blog. If there is something related to our Humanities units of study on your mind, feel free to post!

See you in class and on the blog,
Ms. Jacobs

* Image from: http://www.orielhigh.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/image/MainIcons/Subject_Humanities.jpg

Salem Witch Trials Newspapers

2008-01-03T13:15:00.001-09:00

Now that we have finished our Colonial projects, it's time to see what your peers have accomplished! You have visited the Colonial Museum and now you can check out the Salem Witch Trials online newspaper.

Your task:
1) Go to the Salem Witch Trials Newspaper webpage and choose either the 3/4 or 8/9 period newspaper to read.
2) Browse through the different articles and choose three articles that you want to read all the way through.
3) Once you have read those three articles, make a post in which you discuss two things that you learned in each article, and one comment/question you have for the authors of each article (Remember to make helpful and constructive comments/questions).

* Be sure to write your first name and class period at the end of your post.

American Indian Webquest Blogpost Assignment

2007-10-21T05:26:00.000-09:00

Each 7th grade humanities class now has a set of web pages answering specific questions about the American Indian culture they studied. You will need to read/explore at least one web page from each class (one from Ms. Mannering's class and one from Mr. Nekrosius' class). Post a response to the webpages on my blog, including information about the following:

1. Write three things you discovered about the cultures explained in the web pages.
2. Note at least one similarity or difference from the culture you studied.
3. Ask at least one question that you think should be answered about the cultures you read about.
4. Make one comment about the design and layout of the web page you visited. Be sure your comment is constructive/helpful. Be polite but truthful.

Escaping the Box

2007-09-18T08:30:00.000-09:00

So far in class we have discussed the different ways in which people choose to identify themselves, and what aspects go into creating one's "identity." You have made your personal collages and have listened and read about various experiences that people have had coming to terms with their identity.

One metaphor that we have discussed is the idea of the box---- the forces and obstacles that stand in the way of a person truly being able to be him or herself in some way. What are the forces that keep people inside of their boxes? What forces push them to escape?

Think over the readings and discussions that we have had in class so far ("Theme for English B", "High Yellow White Trash", "Black, White, and Jewish", "Sylvia's Story", "Alone and All Together", and "Two Kinds") and think about the similarities and differences between each person's experience.

In your post, write 3-4 sentences about a connection that you have found between at least TWO of the experiences that we have discussed/read/listened to in class. What boxes do some of these people find themselves in? Are the forces keeping them in the box external or internal? Do you think they will be successful in escaping their boxes? In addition, you can also throw out relevant questions to which other students can respond.

*** Remember to use your first name and last initial when you sign your post. Also, if you choose to respond to what another classmate wrote, please do so in a respectful manner.

Welcome to 7th Grade Humanities!

2007-09-17T17:31:00.000-09:00

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog! This will be a place for you to leave comments and questions about different topics discussed in class, or about interesting current events. From time to time I will also post links to various websites and articles that might be of interest to you.

Please remember to show respect for others' ideas when you make your posts. You may not always agree with what someone says in his/her posts, but there is a way to disagree without talking down someone's ideas.

Also, please be sure that when you make your posts that you sign them with your first name and then your last initial (for example, I would sign my name Charlotte J.).

I'll see you in class and on the blog!
-Ms. Jacobs

School's Out!!

2007-05-28T11:05:00.000-09:00

On June 7th, 2007 at 12:01 pm all you 7th graders will become 8th graders! Congratulations on surviving the seventh grade. I enjoyed getting to know all of you this year. Keep in touch with me (and your classmates) throughout the summer by posting about your experiences. Are you going anywhere? Are you doing anything fun and/or exciting? Did you unexpectedly run into someone from Lab? Any amusing stories to share? Have a fun summer!

"A Psalm of Life"- Life Advice to Take to Heart

2007-04-24T08:12:00.000-09:00

Today in class we read Longfellow's poem "A Psalm of Life- What The Heart of the Young Man Said to The Psalmist." Feel free to post your reactions to the poem, what you wrote about the different stanzas, or any connections that you see between the poem and other topics.

"Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time"

Univ. of Illinois says Goodbye to Chief Illiniwek

2007-02-16T09:38:00.000-09:00

The Univiersity of Illinois has decided to give up Chief Illiniwek as its mascot. Read the article below for more information.

U of I Ends Chief Illiniwek's Run

-What do you think about the university's decision? Do you agree/disagree that Chief Illiniwek should be retired?
-Do you think it's right for the two students to sue the university? Why/why not?
-What would you do if you were the judge who had to hear the case of the two students?

Two Views on Two Wars

2007-02-04T07:18:00.000-09:00

In class we read about Joseph Plumb Martin's experiences fighting in the Revolutionary War in A Young Patriot. We also read about Tim O'Brien's experiences fighting in the Vietnam War from his book The Things They Carried.

How are what Joseph Plumb Martin and Tim O'Brien saying about war similar? How are their comments and ideas different? Are there any other comments you want to make about either reading?

Feel free to look at the comments from your classmates and respond to their posts as well as the questions above.

Be sure to put your first name and last initial at the end of your post.

Colonial Projects

2007-01-16T10:19:00.000-09:00

Please go to 2006-2007 Student Work and Projects and review the Newspapers and Colonial Life Murals. Choose one mural and one newspaper article, and write thoughtful comments and questions about each. You should write about content and format. Please be considerate of the work invested in each of the projects, and make your comments constructive. You may also ask questions of the authors/artists.

Remember to use your first name (and last initial if necessary).

Animal Farm: What's really going on?

2007-01-15T13:45:00.000-09:00

In class we have been reading the novel Animal Farm written by George Orwell and have discussed several topics including methods of persuasion, allusion, and irony. Even though we have had a few class discussions, this is your chance to post any other reactions, comments, or questions that you might have as you continue reading. You can can also post in response to an idea that was discussed in class.

American History through Artwork

2006-11-27T17:39:00.000-09:00

Below are links to pieces of art in the U.S. Capitol building that depict major events that occurred in American History. As you look at these pieces of art what do you notice? Who is featured? Who is left out? Are these friezes biased toward a certain perspective?

- Landing of the Pilgrims

- Captain Smith and Pocahontas

- Pizarro Going to Peru

- Cortes and Montezuma at Mexican Temple

- Landing of Columbus

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-18T15:02:00.000-09:00

Thanksgiving is a holiday that is celebrated throughout the United States. Aside from being one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, it is a time for families to come together. Are there any special traditions or foods that you and your family have for Thanksgiving?

Will the Real Pocahontas Please Stand Up?

2006-11-18T14:56:00.000-09:00

After watching the Disney version of colonization, you'll write a review of Disney's version of the story of Jamestown, John Smith and Pocahontas.

Here is your chance to work out your ideas, ask questions, and consider the issue of historical accuracy in film.

Is is okay for artists and film makers to embellish, change, and even distor history? What is the message of Disney's version of Pocahontas?

Current News on American Indian Mascots in College Athletics

2006-11-13T06:48:00.000-09:00

* From Ms. Doyle's blog*

The NCAA has taken a stand on Native American mascots.

Read and listen to the NPR story that explains the latest news about mascots and NCAA tournament play.

Post a reaction here after you listen to and read the story.

NCAA Moves to Curb Indian Mascots in Sports

NCAA Backs Off Threat on 'Seminoles'

The Conquistadors- Was their success a stroke of luck?

2006-11-08T20:12:00.000-09:00

This week in class we discussed different explorers who came over from Spain to conquer indigenous people of the "New World." For this reason, they are called "the conquistadors." In the video "Guns, Germs, and Steel", Jared Diamond makes the argument that the success of the Spaniards was not due to strength or numbers, but to luck. Do you agree?

What about Cortés and La Malinche? Do you think Cortés could have conquered the Aztecs without the chance of meeting her? Do you think La Malinche is a traitor or a heroine for helping Cortés?

Christopher Columbus: A Hero?

2006-11-06T18:55:00.000-09:00

Today in class we had good discussions about Christopher Columbus and whether or not he should be considered a hero. We also discussed whether or not we should continue to have a day honoring him. Feel free to post any thoughts or ideas about these topics.

Native American Mascots--What do you think?

2006-11-06T17:41:00.000-09:00

In class we looked at images of Chief Wahoo, the mascot for the Cleveland Indians baseball team. We also watched the documentary "In Whose Honor?" about Native American activist Charlene Teeters and her fight against Chief Illiniwek at the University of Illinois. The big controversy is whether or not universities and professional sports teams should continue to use mascots that many Native Americans believe are offensive and dishonoring them. What are your thoughts/ideas on the subject?

It is okay to disagree with someone, but please be respectful of everyone's ideas.

Assignment for American Indian Research

2006-10-28T11:06:00.000-09:00

When you have finished this project, each 7th grade class will have a set of web pages answering specific questions about the American Indian culture they studied. You will need to read at least one web page from each class (one from Ms. Anderson's class and one from Ms. Doyle's class). Post a response to the blog, including information about the following:

1. Write three things you discovered about the cultures explained in the web sites.
2. Note at least one similarity or difference from the culture you studied.
3. Ask at least one question that you think should be answered about the cultures you read about.
4. Make one comment about the design and layout of the web page you visited. Be sure your comment is constructive/helpful. Be polite but truthful.

Responding to Native American Unit

2006-10-28T11:03:00.000-09:00

During the next weeks of class, we will be investigating the Wampanoags while students in Ms. Anderson's class and Ms.Doyle's class investigate about Pacific Northwest Native Americans and the Cahokians, respectively.

We'll provide questions for consideration and you should respond with questions, comments, or other issues you'd like us to address in class.