Hello All! As we move through the school year, students are engaging in United States History while also learning new technological skills in the process. Since returning from the holiday break, students have been provided with numerous opportunities to engage in history topics, as well as hone 21st century skills in the process. Students were welcomed back by a visit from Mrs. Amy Hughes, and Mr. Shaun Hughes. Amy teaches Humanities (Language Arts and Social Studies) at the International School of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, while Shaun works as a humanitarian throughout Ethiopia and surrounding regions. Shaun has most recently been stationed in South Sudan. Students were introduced to numerous global topics, and opportunities through discussions with Amy and Shaun.
In addition to having access to the guest speakers, students have also been introduced to numerous U.S. History topics while learning new technology. Students in 7th grade completed a timeline entitled, "Road to the Revolution," using a timeline app on the classroom iPads. In addition, students have explored using Google Earth, and have practiced new concepts by playing the History Line app in groups on the iPads. Over the past week, students were introduced to QR codes and explored various resources by simply scanning QR codes that directed them to a variety of reputable sources of information.
Last week students in both 7th and 8th grade Social Studies classes were introduced to a new homework venue, Ted Ed (Ted Talks for Education). Students will now access video homework assignments online at Ted Ed. After watching the video assignment (giving students supplemental information related to in-class learning) students must "THINK" about the topic within Ted Ed and answer the "THINK" questions. A discussion forum on Ted Ed will be opened up for students each week with a new topic as well. Students are welcome to start a discussion, or comment on a topic in the "DISCUSS" area, and earn extra credit for thought-provoking discussions, questions, and comments.
As we proceed through the next week, 8th graders will be choosing a topic of interest to them related to late 19th century immigration and urban growth, to complete a presentation using an app entitled, "Flowboard." Students will share their completed Flowboards with the entire class via Edmodo at the end of the week. This in class project is self-paced; thus, students must learn to manage their time wisely in class. This week, the 7th grade classes will continue to learn about the beginning of the American Revolution. Students will learn about the Battle of Lexington and Concord, as well as the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Students will use a QR code app to be directed to numerous resources online. Students will also use an app entitled, "American Revolution" to access supplementary information regarding the American Revolution, primary sources, and battle information. Students will follow a lesson provided by Stanford History Education Group entitled, "Reading like a Historian," whereby students will try to figure out who fired the first shot of the American Revolution by reading differing accounts of the first battle.
Stay tuned for more information from Mrs. Hesseltine's U.S. History class!
Homework: All homework assignments this week are listed on Ted Ed. I will send students the link to the Ted Ed assignment in Edmodo on Tuesday, January 21st.
In addition to having access to the guest speakers, students have also been introduced to numerous U.S. History topics while learning new technology. Students in 7th grade completed a timeline entitled, "Road to the Revolution," using a timeline app on the classroom iPads. In addition, students have explored using Google Earth, and have practiced new concepts by playing the History Line app in groups on the iPads. Over the past week, students were introduced to QR codes and explored various resources by simply scanning QR codes that directed them to a variety of reputable sources of information.
Last week students in both 7th and 8th grade Social Studies classes were introduced to a new homework venue, Ted Ed (Ted Talks for Education). Students will now access video homework assignments online at Ted Ed. After watching the video assignment (giving students supplemental information related to in-class learning) students must "THINK" about the topic within Ted Ed and answer the "THINK" questions. A discussion forum on Ted Ed will be opened up for students each week with a new topic as well. Students are welcome to start a discussion, or comment on a topic in the "DISCUSS" area, and earn extra credit for thought-provoking discussions, questions, and comments.
As we proceed through the next week, 8th graders will be choosing a topic of interest to them related to late 19th century immigration and urban growth, to complete a presentation using an app entitled, "Flowboard." Students will share their completed Flowboards with the entire class via Edmodo at the end of the week. This in class project is self-paced; thus, students must learn to manage their time wisely in class. This week, the 7th grade classes will continue to learn about the beginning of the American Revolution. Students will learn about the Battle of Lexington and Concord, as well as the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Students will use a QR code app to be directed to numerous resources online. Students will also use an app entitled, "American Revolution" to access supplementary information regarding the American Revolution, primary sources, and battle information. Students will follow a lesson provided by Stanford History Education Group entitled, "Reading like a Historian," whereby students will try to figure out who fired the first shot of the American Revolution by reading differing accounts of the first battle.
Stay tuned for more information from Mrs. Hesseltine's U.S. History class!
Homework: All homework assignments this week are listed on Ted Ed. I will send students the link to the Ted Ed assignment in Edmodo on Tuesday, January 21st.
