The Roaring 20's and Prohibition

Today in class we discussed the 18th Amendment and began to examine Prohibition.  Students are working in class on a document-based question (DBQ) in preparation for a writing assignment next week.  You can click here for a copy of the DBQ.

Boom!

Today in class we watched a video about the U.S. during the early 20th century.  As we shift away from war we are going to begin to look at the economic decisions that made us both prosperous and that led us to a depression.  We answered these questions in class while we watched the video below.

Here are all the notes in order for you to use to complete your review.

   

Peace!

Today in class we talked about the peace that settled WWI.  You can see what we discussed below:

Students need to complete the second set of true/false questions on World War I for tomorrow.  Additionally, I will be showing students this study tool to get ready for the test.  Take a look at how everything fits together:

WWI Comes to an End

Today we talked about the fighting that the United States was a part of during WWI.  We also learned about a few of the major battles that took place in World War I prior to the U.S. getting involved.  You can see what we discussed below:

A reminder that trench projects are due in 1 week and rough drafts on March 1!

Trench Simulation

Today in class we participated in a trench simulation.  Students got to get a little crazy throwing paper balls at each other.  Little did they know they had to journal after each "day" of fighting.  They had to choose a paper ball, uncrumple it, and write about the situation they found.  I was amazed with some of the creativity (albeit gross) about how tough trench life could be.  Be sure to ask your child about it in the near future!

The U.S. Enters WWI

Today we talked about the U.S. entering WWI.  You can see what we discussed below:

Students were assigned questions to answer to that are due on Friday.  Students need to make sure to explain why their answer is correct for each question.

How Russia Became the Soviet Union

Today in class we did an activity with candy that helped us to understand capitalism, socialism, and communism.  Students were given Tootsie Rolls are were able to "compete" by playing Rock, Paper, Scissors for candy.  As time went on we had the rich, the poor, and the middle class.  Some went bankrupt, took out loans from friends, and even resulted to crime to get some candy.  Others enjoyed the fruits of their labor, their good fortune, or the fact that they were just "born into money."

I then socialized the students by evening out how much candy each person had.  Some were thrilled at their change in fortunes while others were upset that their hard work or their savings were now gone.  I, as the government showed them all the candy I had acquired, which made some of the students even more upset.

But something interesting happened.  When I asked who would compete again, fewer students wanted to.  While they weren't happy about it, many of them realized now that there was less reason to compete.  Eventually when I wouldn't have to make things even I pointed out how the class could have slipped into Communism.

We talked about all three economic systems and how they work in vary broad terms.  I pointed out why as Americans we dislike and at times have even feared Communism as it clashes with our principles of private ownership, private property, and the American dream.  We also discussed how Russia took this route and became the Soviet Union, prompting them to leave the Allies during WWI.  You can see below what we discussed:

Students either need to read 244-250 in the big packet or read the entire new packet if they  got the new one for tomorrow.

Past Trench Projects

Here are some pictures of former trench projects that may help give you some inspiration!

Trench Project

Today in class we discussed our trench project.  It will be due on February 21.  Below are some links to help keep you organized.

Trench Project Rubric

Trench Reading Assignment

Pictures of trench examples will becoming soon!

WWI Begins

Today in class we began to talk about the triggers that causes WWI.  You can see below what we discussed.

Students will be completing their map assignment for tonight.  It is due tomorrow!