AMERICAN HISTORY RULES!

Tuesday morning fun

2011-05-10T09:31:00.001-05:00

A real quick post - a beautiful morning at the White House for pics and a presentation at Ford's Theater. Now heading to the Capitol ... Historical fun!

WWII Review 3

2011-05-01T15:33:00.003-05:00

WWII Review 3

WWII Review 2

2011-05-01T15:33:00.002-05:00

WWII Review 2

WWII Review 1

2011-05-01T15:31:00.000-05:00

WWII Review 1

Imperialism and WWI Test Review 3

2011-03-14T13:11:00.003-05:00

Imperialism and WWI Test Review 3

Imperialism and WWI Test Review 2

2011-03-14T13:11:00.001-05:00

Imperialism and WWI Test Review 2

Imperialism and WWI Test Review 1

2011-03-14T08:11:00.002-05:00

Imperialism and WWI Test Review 1

Milwaukee and WWI

2011-03-10T13:54:00.002-06:00

Milwaukee and WWI

The years 1914-1918 were a time of unusual tension in Wisconsin (and especially Milwaukee). As the nations in Europe squared off against one another in a bloody conflict, many of the residents of the Badger State and Brew City identified with wither side … and at the beginning of the war, Badger sentiment leaned heavily toward the Central Powers. As the war progressed, Wisconsin and Milwaukee moved toward the side of the Allies, especially when the US entered the war in 1917. World War I had a profound impact on the home front in Milwaukee.

The Civil War Soldier

2010-12-09T16:21:00.000-06:00

The Civil War Soldier

Young recruit, you will be called out for roll Monday as you take your place as a member of the Iron Brigade – the most celebrated, well known, and respected brigade of the entire conflict … and the one with the highest percentage of casualties. You will all be members of the Union in tomorrow’s day at camp.

Listen to the following description of life as a soldier in the Union army during the war between the states. Your task will be to use this information as you annotate your Civil War Sensory Figure. Some comparisons will be made to your counterparts in the South as well. You should get a good idea about your daily existence, which was described as “99% boredom, 1% sheer terror”. You can get an idea of the boredom in this podcast ... the terror may come Monday.

The Story of Joshua Glover

2010-12-02T08:00:00.002-06:00

The Story of Joshua Glover

If you ever head to downtown Milwaukee on I 43 and take the McKinley Road exit, you will cross under Fond Du Lac Avenue overpass. On the wall of the bridge is a beautiful mural chronicling the story of a runaway slave who was arrested in Milwaukee the 1850s. What happened, and why should it be remembered? Listen on for the story of Joshua Glover.

Jusifling slavery podcast

2010-11-18T12:22:00.001-06:00

Justifying Slavery

Bar Exam Reviewcast 4 - The Bill of Rights

2010-10-12T16:35:00.000-05:00

Bar Exam Reviewcast 4 - The Bill of Rights

Bar Exam Reviewcast 3 - Lawmaking, Amendment Process, Checks and Balances

2010-10-12T16:32:00.003-05:00

Bar Exam Reviewcast 3 - Lawmaking, Checks and Balances, Amendment Process

Bar Exam Reviewcast 2 - The Three Branches

2010-10-12T16:32:00.001-05:00

Bar Exam Reviewcast 2 - The Three Branches

Bar Exam Reviewcast 1 - Structure and Basic Principles

2010-10-12T16:29:00.001-05:00

Bar Exam Reviewcast 1 - Structure and Basic Principles

Creating the Constitution Test Review 3

2010-09-20T08:05:00.008-05:00

Creating the Constitution Test Review 3

Creating the Constitution Test Review 2

2010-09-20T08:05:00.007-05:00

Creating the Constitution Test Review 2

Creating the Constitution Test Review 1

2010-09-20T08:04:00.000-05:00

Creating the Constitution Test Review 1

AHR! Cast 1 - Welcome

2010-08-24T19:29:00.000-05:00

AHR! Cast 1 - Welcome to American History Rules!

The Grand Finale

2010-04-23T18:00:00.000-05:00

We ended the trip with a great visit to Mount Vernon, home of George Washington – you know, the dollar bill guy. We toured the grounds of his massive estate, and some historical tourists checked out the mansion … and others laid out in his back yard. We enjoyed the visitors center, with a great interactive movie (it snowed) and a glimpse of Washington’s teeth.

After a great lunch (those 12 letters …), we toured the FDR and Jefferson Memorials. We ended our stay in DC with a very quick visit to one of two Smithsonian Museums. After a tearful goodbye to tow of the best guys in the world, our drivers Tyrone and Joe, we made it to the airport for the final leg of the trip. See everyone at Mitchell!

Imperialism and WWI Test Review 2

2010-03-08T14:28:00.002-06:00

Imperialism and WWI Test Review 2 - origins of WWI, American involvement in WWI

Imperialism and WWI Test Review 1

2010-03-08T14:25:00.004-06:00

Imperialsim and WWI Test Review 1 - all about imperialism , the causes of imperialism, the Spanish American War, and other examples of Americna getting involved around the world

Civil War Battles

2009-12-10T13:33:00.002-06:00

The Civil War battles you need to know

Civil War Soldier Podcast

2009-12-10T13:31:00.000-06:00

The Civil War Soldier

Unit 4 Intro Cast

2009-12-01T08:22:00.000-06:00

Unit 4 Introduction

Justifications for Slavery

2009-11-19T20:09:00.000-06:00

Justifications for Slavery podcast

Creating the Constitution Test Reviewcast 2

2009-09-18T15:05:00.003-05:00

Creating the Constitution Test Reviewcast 2

Creating the Constitution Reviewcast 1

2009-09-18T15:03:00.001-05:00

The first reviewcast for the Creating the Constitution Test

Welcome Podcast

2009-08-26T16:16:00.000-05:00

Welcome podcast 2009

DC Video Update

2009-04-28T21:45:00.003-05:00

Alas, Milwaukee and nether regions, we tried to broadcast this evening, but the wireless connection in the good ol' Courtyard Marriot wasn't very helpful. We will try to do it the old fashioned way ... and post a video summation of the day.

WWII Review 1

2009-04-23T15:05:00.002-05:00

The Path to War

WWII Review 2

2009-04-23T15:05:00.001-05:00

The Home Front

WWII Review 3

2009-04-23T15:04:00.000-05:00

European and Pacific Theaters

Imperialism and WWI Test

2009-03-11T21:32:00.001-05:00

Reviewcast 3 for the TEST on Imperialism and WWI

Imperialism and WWI Test

2009-03-11T21:31:00.000-05:00

Reviewcast 2 for the TEST on Imperialism and WWI

Imperialsm and WWI Test Review

2009-03-11T21:29:00.001-05:00

Reviewcast 1 for the TEST on Imperialism and WWI

Imperialism - Period 1

2009-03-03T13:48:00.004-06:00

Should the U.S. have been an imperial nation? That's a great question! We have discussed and debated the expansion of the US during the turn of the century, and now you get to register your opinion. Post one of the two paragraphs that you prepared for Wednesday, followed by your first name and last initial. Make sure you have both ready to turn in at the beginning of class tomorrow.

Imperialism - Period 2

2009-03-03T13:48:00.001-06:00

Imperialism - Period 3

2009-03-03T13:47:00.002-06:00

Imperialism - Period 6

2009-03-03T13:46:00.001-06:00

Why shoul we study the Civil War?

2009-01-13T10:08:00.000-06:00

Why should we study the Civil War? It's an essential question, and since we spent five weeks on the conflict, I'd love to hear what you think. Please post your reflection responses here and sign them with your first name. Make sure you also include the response in your Unit 4 ISN. Please post with your first name and last initial.

Bar Exam Reviewcast 3

2008-10-06T13:41:00.002-05:00

Bar Exam Reviewcast 3

The third of three reviewcasts covers the Bill of Rights.

Bar Exam Reviewcast 1

2008-10-06T13:38:00.003-05:00

Bar Exam Reviewcast 1

The first of three Bar Exam reviewcasts covers the basics of the Consitution, including the structure, basic principles, and federalism.

I am looking forward to ...

2008-08-27T18:58:00.002-05:00

Hey young historians - what are you you looking forward to studying or doing in 8th grade American history this year? Help me out and post a comment describing your anticpated favorite topics or activites. I always love to see what excites all of my new historians!

Podcasting - AHR! style

2008-08-25T13:37:00.001-05:00

Podcast#1 - Welcome!

Hi my young historians! Welcome to the first American History Rules! Podcast of the 08-09 school year, hosted by Mr. Taft at University School of Milwaukee. Podcasting is a great way to share information and updates about class, provide content for class assignments and activities, present review materials for tests and quizzes, showcase some student work, and teach about the positive uses of technology in and out of the classroom. I hope to use the podcast more frequently as the year progresses. The target audiences are my 8th grade young historians and their parents, but there may be additional listeners who find some of the material interesting or helpful … or simply enjoy the melodic sound of my voice. Please stay tuned!

Welcome to the American History Rules! Blog!

2008-08-23T13:14:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the American History Rules blog! I hope to use this as a medium for posting class information, posing essential questions, assisting with review for tests and quizzes, and discussing important topics concerning class material. The blog will also serve as the feed for the American History Rules! Podcasts, which will be available on iTunes as well. Please let me know if there is anything else that can be added to may American history class more enjoyable!

2008-03-10T20:45:00.001-05:00

IMPERIALISM AND WWI REVIEWCAST 1

2008-03-10T20:43:00.004-05:00

IMPERIALISM AND WWI REVIEWCAST 2

2008-03-10T20:43:00.003-05:00

IMPERIALISM AND WWI REVIEWCAST 2

2008-03-10T20:43:00.002-05:00

IMPERIALISM AND WWI REVIEWCAST 2

2008-03-10T20:43:00.001-05:00

IMPERIALISM AND WWI REVIEWCAST 3

2008-02-28T14:09:00.003-06:00

Should the U.S. have been an imperial nation?
Period 1

That's a great question! We have discussed and debated the expansion of the US during the turn of the century, and now you get to register your opinion. Post one of the two paragraphs that you prepared for Monday, followed by your first name and last initial!

2008-02-28T14:08:00.005-06:00

Should the U.S. have been an imperial nation?
Period 4

That's a great question! We have discussed and debated the expansion of the US during the turn of the century, and now you get to register your opinion. Post one of the two paragraphs that you prepared for Monday, followed by your first name and last initial!

2008-02-28T14:08:00.004-06:00

Should the U.S. have been an imperial nation?
Period 2

That's a great question! We have discussed and debated the expansion of the US during the turn of the century, and now you get to register your opinion. Post one of the two paragraphs that you prepared for Monday, followed by your first name and last initial!

2008-02-28T14:08:00.003-06:00

Should the U.S. have been an imperial nation?
Period 3

That's a great question! We have discussed and debated the expansion of the US during the turn of the century, and now you get to register your opinion. Post one of the two paragraphs that you prepared for Monday, followed by your first name and last initial!

2008-02-28T14:06:00.002-06:00

Should the U.S. have been an imperial nation?
Period 6

That's a great question! We have discussed and debated the expansion of the US during the turn of the century, and now you get to register your opinion. Post one of the two paragraphs that you prepared for Monday, followed by your first name and last initial!

2008-01-08T20:28:00.000-06:00

Why should we study the Civil War?

It's an essential question, and since we spent five weeks on the conflict, I'd love to hear what you think! Please post your reflection responses here and sign them with your first name. Make sure you also include the response in your Unit 4 ISN!

2007-12-01T12:21:00.000-06:00

Civil War Blog Posting #2

Why the Civil War?

You have been presented with various opinions on the causes of the Civil War in the "Why the Civil War?" online assignment. So ... which one do you beleive the most? What would your argument be as an 8th grade young historian? Post your response by leaving a comment.

2007-11-28T09:05:00.000-06:00

Civil War Blog Posting #1

The Civil War Unit begins today -are you looking forward to it? What do you want to learn?
Respond in a paragraph or so - and earn some Civil War Points!

2007-11-14T18:54:00.001-06:00

Period 1 - Was Manifest Destiny right or wrong?

You read about and we discussed it - so what do you think? Post your paragraph response to this essential question. Make sure you have a topic sentence with a thesis and supporting evidence from your classwork and homework.

2007-11-14T18:53:00.001-06:00

Period 2 - Was Manifest Destiny right or wrong?

2007-11-14T18:52:00.002-06:00

Period 3 - Was Manifest Destiny right or wrong?

2007-11-14T18:52:00.001-06:00

Period 4 - Was Manifest Destiny right or wrong?

2007-11-14T18:49:00.000-06:00

Period 6 - Was Manifest Destiny right or wrong?

2007-11-06T20:12:00.001-06:00

Period 1 - Should Andrew Jackson still be on the $20 bill?

What do you think, my young historians? Post your response here, making sure you follow the paragraph paramters from your class handout and signing your name with your first name and last initial. Make sure you have a copy printed in your Unit 3 ISN!

2007-11-06T20:11:00.001-06:00

Period 2 - Should Andrew Jackson still be on the $20 bill?

2007-11-06T20:09:00.002-06:00

Period 3 - Should Andrew Jackson still be on the $20 bill?

2007-11-06T20:09:00.001-06:00

Period 4 - Should Andrew Jackson still be on the $20 bill?

2007-11-06T20:03:00.001-06:00

Period 6 - Should Andrew Jackson still be on the $20 bill?

2007-10-23T15:50:00.000-05:00

Unit 2 Quiz Review 3

It's the last quiz of the quarter, young historians, and I hope this reviewcast helps!

2007-10-10T20:54:00.000-05:00

Bar Exam Review 3

All good things must come to an end - so here it is, the third of three reviewcasts. The Bill of Rights is the main topic, along with some additional pearls of wisdom. Maybe I will sing a few bars on the next one ... or let you crazy historical cats make them yourselves.

2007-10-10T20:53:00.000-05:00

Bar Exam Review 2

The second of three reviewcasts, this baby highlights the Executive and Judicial Branch and the Lawmaking Process. The word on the street is that it's more fun than an action adventure movie.

2007-10-10T20:49:00.000-05:00

Bar Exam Review 1

The first of three reviewcasts, this enlightening discussions covers the introduction to the Consitution, the basic principles, federalism, and the superexciting Legislative Branch. Following along with your notes may help. DO NOT listen to this while operating heavy machinery, as it may lead to drowsiness.

2007-09-19T17:33:00.000-05:00

Creating the Constitution Test Review 2

Part 2 of the reviewcast for the first test - An Introduction to Government and Creating the Constitution. I hope this helps - but don't let it replace some traditional studying!

2007-09-19T17:31:00.000-05:00

Creating the Constitution Test Review 1

Part 1 of the reviewcast for the first test - An Introduction to Government and Creating the Constitution. I hope this helps - but don't let it replace some traditional studying!

2007-09-14T17:28:00.000-05:00

Week of September 10-14

It was all about the first American government this week, as we tackled the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation on Monday and Tuesday. As we realized the first American government wasn't all that successful, it leads us into our class Constitutional Convention! Our historians will be delegates next week to the momentous meeting in Philadelphia - will they create a "miracle" like the Framers did in 1787?

2007-09-10T17:13:00.000-05:00

Week of September 4-7

We had a great four day week in American History! We examined primnary sources about the Boston Massacre, checking for reliability and bias. We learned all about the very cool National History Day projects and competition - let's get thinking about those topics! finally, we began Unit 1 - We the People, with an introduction to government and a look at the idea of the social contract. AMERICAN HISTORY RULES!

2007-08-30T07:19:00.000-05:00

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO ...

Now that you know a bit about what we will be studying this year, young historians, what topics are you excited to examine in 8th grade American history? Leave a comment with your thoughts!

2007-08-29T12:29:00.000-05:00

Welcome to American History!

How about a little intro to AMERICAN HISTORY RULES?!

2007-05-16T13:24:00.000-05:00

AMERICAN HISTORY UPDATE – We finished our study of the Civil Rights Movement this week by analyzing the main sections of Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Students groups created illustrated slide shows to summarize the ideas of the speech, and all slide shows are available on the student wikis for this unit. We also looked at some statistics to determine to what degree MLK’s dream has been realized. I think many students’ eyes were opened by some of the alarming numbers concerning income and employment!

We are now using the rest of our class meetings to take a look at a survey of the Cold War. We discussed the origins of the Cold War in class, had an experiential exercise concerning the Korean War, and discussed how life in the 50s wasn’t always “Happy Days”. Duck and cover! Quick!

We will continue with the Cold War on Monday by advising JFK during the Cuban Missile Crisis. From there, we will spend the rest of the unit on the Vietnam War, examining the causes of the conflict, the life of soldiers in country, the protests on the home front, and the end and legacy of the war.

I would love for all parents to try to discuss some of their Cold War memories with their young historians over the next few weeks. I have related some of my experiences (Rocky IV, for example), and I think the kids will be quite interested in linking the past to their parents!

We are continuing our experimentation with the “digital notebook”, as most of our notes, study guides, and information have been transmitted or presented electronically. You can check out your historian’s work so far on their Unit 8 Student wiki or Unit 8 Student Blog. We have had some ups and downs with the technology, but I think everyone is becoming much more comfortable with the concept!

With and comments, questions, or examples of Cold War memorabilia, please contact Mr. Taft at 414-540-3257 or mtaft@usmk12.org. AMERICAN HISTORY RULES!

2007-05-11T11:16:00.000-05:00

AMERICAN HISTORY UPDATE – After an amazing trip to Phily and DC, our young historians have returned to the classroom for the final stretch of American history. In our final unit of the year, “turning Points”, students will be taking a look at the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, and the Vietnam conflict. Hopefully students have shared that the traditional notebook will not be used for this last unit. Instead, we are crating digital notebooks using a variety of internet and software based programs. Students have created their digital notebooks in the form of a wiki, and each has also developed a bog for the unit. We took some digital notes this week and also collaborated to create “We Were There” videos detailing specific events in the Civil Rights Movement. You can check out the unit so far and student samples at http://turningpoints.wikispaces.com/. Student pages are linked by their class periods!

Next week, we will illustrate Martin Luther King’s “dream”, examine the status of African American equality today, and then turn our attention to the Cold War. There will not be a test for this unit, as students will be preparing for exams in other classes!

If you are still interested in viewing the phots from our DC trip, you can access them at http://picasaweb.google.com/mjmontagne, and also listen to the DC podcasts on the American History Rules! Blog at http://americanhistoryrules.blogspot.com/ or on iTunes.

With any questions, comments, of offers of World Series tickets for the Brewers – Tigers Fall Classic, please contact Mr. Taft at 414-540-3257 or mtaft@usmk12.org. AMERICAN HISTORY RULES!

2007-04-27T16:01:00.001-05:00

AMERICAN HISTORY UPDATE – We fought the big one this week – World War II. We began the week with an overview of the flow of the war in the European Theater, followed by the events of the war in the Pacific – but don’t worry, we all know they happened at the same time. We discussed and debated the use of atomic weapons on Japan at the end of the war, using our ethical dilemma skills to analyze Truman’s momentous decision. We discussed the impact of the legacy of the war, looked at examples of how the war is memorialized around the world, and ended the week with a fun test on World War II!

Instead of having regular classes next week, I have decided to surprise all of the students by taking them to Philadelphia and Washington D.C.! Please stay tuned (on email or on the portal) for links on reports and pictures from Washington D.C. We will try to send updates on our travels, attempt some long distance podcasts, and post images of all of the fun from our trip. Please look for reminders on picking up your historical tourist at Mitchell Airport on Friday, May 4!

Once we return to classes in May, American history class will look a little different – in school and at home. Mr. Montagne and I will be trying to utilize the incredible tools and platforms available in the Web 2.0 to create an entirely digital unit. Students will be using wikis, creating blogs, creating a podcast of an event in the Civil Rights movement, working on collaborative online documents, recording interviews, using chatrooms to give presidential advice, producing poetry, and more! It should be a new, different, creative, and hopefully fun way to end the year.

With any questions, comments, of suggestions of the best D.C. dance clubs for the combo of Schwieters and Taft, please contact Mr. Taft at 414-962-9620 or mtaft@usmk12.org. AMERICAN HISTORY RULES!

2007-04-20T15:59:00.000-05:00

AMERICAN HISTORY UPDATE – We began our study of the defining event of the 20th century – World War II. We began the week with some world history by looking at the origins of the war, the rise of dictators, and the path to war in Europe. Through the use of video and some primary and secondary documents, we saw the United States move from isolationism to intervention. We witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor from documentary and Hollywood sources and discussed the impact of the day of infamy. Historians played the role of a family member on the home front, learning about the sacrifices made by Americans during the war, and we also looked at the controversial decision of the American government to limit the civil rights of some Americans based on their race. We ended the week hearing from men and women who served in World War II and examined some artifacts from the war era. This weekend would be a great one for some extra credit movies on WWII!

Next week will allow us to examine the events of the war in Europe and the Pacific. Our young historians will also look at the various perspectives concerning the use of the atomic bomb in 1945 and apply our ethical analysis tools that we have been developing in advising. Wee will end the week with a look at the impact of the war and a World War II test on Friday, April 27. The review guide is now available online, and extra help will be given in study halls on Wednesday and Thursday and after school on Thursday.

I hope everyone received the Washington D.C. trip mailing last week. If you did not, please contact me! Our student travelers were given the “rules and regulations” spiel concerning the DC trip today, and they should be able to tell you the four basic rules of the trip that will ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone. Please have your student bring in his or her over-the-counter medicine forms by Wednesday, and also all prescription medicine must be turned in to Kathleen Roebber by Wednesday as well.

With any questions, comments, or wagers on which students will have the most luggage, please contact Mr. Taft at 414-540-3257 or mtaft@usmk12.org. AMERICAN HISTORY RULES!

2007-04-12T21:21:00.001-05:00

AMERICAN HISTORY UPDATE – After an introduction to the Great Depression last week, our young historians focused on the FDR and the New Deal during our class sessions this week. After a presentation about the 32nd president and his plan to help Americans in the turbulent 30s, students examined statistics concerning the success of the New Deal, analyzed editorial cartoons concerning FDR and his programs and ideas, and looked at the impact of the New Deal on minorities and women. The week ended with a congressional hearing on the New Deal as we looked to answer the essential question “Was the New Deal a positive step for America?”

World War II will consume our historians over the next two weeks. We will examine the causes of the war in Europe and the Pacific, follow America’s path to involvement in the second global conflict of the century, and discuss life on the home front. We will then examine the flow of the war in Europe and the Pacific, argue over the ethical dilemma of the atomic bomb, and see the war come to a close. We will our WWII study with a test, planned for either Thursday, April 26 or Friday, April 27.

The topics we are currently covering are going to come in handy for our historyfest to Philly and DC in less than three weeks. We will visit the FDR Memorial and the World War II Memorial, each of which will have greater significance due to our studies in Unit 7! The Unit 7 ISN will be due after we return from Washington.

I hope all parents received the DC mailing this past week and have a chance to fill out the over the counter medicine form. We will need those forms, along with all prescription medicine, no lather than Wednesday, April 25. Students were presented with the itinerary in advising this Thursday, and the excitement is really becoming palpable! We will discuss rules and regulations for the trip in our next advising session on Friday.

With any questions, comments, or methods to end winter until December, please contact Mr. Taft at 414-540-3257 or mtaft@usmk12.org. AMERICAN HISTORY RULES!

2007-04-06T21:20:00.000-05:00

AMERICAN HISTORY UPDATE – Our young historians hit the books hard upon our return from Spring Break as we ended the 1920s and began our investigation of the Great Depression. After a thrilling stock market game, students submitted essays reflecting on the 1920s – were they the best of times or the worst of times? We segued to the Depression by looking at the interrelated causes of the economic crisis. Thursday’s class was a meeting of various people who were directly affected by the Depression, as they students role-played and shared their travails with each other. We will examine the government’s response to the Depression next week, and finish the week by putting the New Deal on trial!

We are less than four weeks away from the big trip, and everyone is getting excited. All parents should receive a D.C. mailing by the weekend. The packet will include a parent timeline, another medical form (sorry), flight and hotel information, and clothing guidelines. Please look for this in your mailbox!

With any questions, comments, or advanced tickets for the imminent Brewers – Tigers World Series, please contact Mr. Taft at 540-3257 or mtaft@usmk12.org. AMERICAN HISTORY RULES!

2007-03-17T21:19:00.000-05:00

AMERICAN HISTORY UPDATE – Was it the war to end all wars? As your young historian this question, since they should have a solid foundation in World War I. We finished our study of “the Great War” this week with a look at the home front, an investigation of the peace proceedings in Paris in 1919, and everybody’s favorite activity – a big test. The week ended with an introduction to Unit 7 – Problems at Home, Problems Abroad. We will examine the Roaring 20s, the Great Depression, and World War II during this unit, leading up to our trip to Washington D.C.!

I hope everyone has a relaxing and rejuvenating spring break. We will hit the ground running when we return, and April and May fly by pretty quickly! There are a lot of extra credit book and movie opportunities for Unit 7, so young historians can take advantage of these over the break. If you are traveling, don’t forget those History Rules! pictures!

With any comments, questions, or wishes of good luck for Miami University as they make their way to the Final four, please contact Mr. Taft at mtaft@usmk12.org or 414-540-3257. AMERICAN HISTORY RULES!

2007-03-12T14:40:00.001-05:00

IMPERIALISM AND WWI REVIEWCAST 1

2007-03-12T14:39:00.000-05:00

IMPERIALISM AND WWI REVIEWCAST 2

2007-03-12T14:37:00.000-05:00

IMPERIALISM AND WWI REVIEWCAST 3

2007-03-11T22:33:00.000-05:00

Imperialism and WWI Test

What a way to spend the week before Spring Break - getting ready for a test! Hopefully, the TEST - Imperialism and WWI Review guide will help, and if you want to help yourself, try to fill in the Test Review Wikis for your class period. Maybe the reviewcasts will help as well! Extra help is available on Monday and Tuesday during study halls, and Tuesday after school.

2007-03-11T22:24:00.000-05:00

Week of March 5

It was a short week ... but a great one! The week began with an awesome trip to Madison. We checked out the awesome Wisconsin Veterans Museum, thanks to Jennifer Dahl and her friends! Students reviewed the Civil War, examined America and Wisconsin in World War I, and previewed World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. From there, we walked over to the state capitol and had an awesome tour of the building. The highlight of the day was hearing the 7th and 8th grade choirs perform in the rotunda of the capital - way to go, Ms. Altman! The food court stop was great, and the lessons up and back were fun as well. Overall, it was an awesome trip!

We looked at American involvement in World War I on Tuesday, seeing ho the US went from "neutral in fact as well as in name" to entering the war in order to "make the world safe for democracy". Wednesday began with a review of the creation and training of the American Expeditionary Force. From there, we hit the trenches of the Western Front in France, where we sang "Over There", saw the modern weapons of the war, worried about being ordered over the top, and learning about the daily challenges soldiers faced in the Great War.

We will look at the home front on Monday (and find out why USM is NOT GEA), and then we will end the war on Tuesday. Test time Wednesday!

2007-03-04T16:56:00.000-06:00

USM HISTORIANS RULE REGIONAL NATIONAL HISTORY DAY COMPETITION

For the second consecutive year, University School historians were incredibly successful at the regional National History Day competition at UWM! 37 students presented their research projects on Saturday, March 3, and all received glowing comments from the judges of the competition. When the results were announced, USM historians led the entire competition by having 16 projects selected to compete in the state finals in Madison!

In the very competitive categories of individual and group exhibits, USM 8th grade scholars swept each section by claiming the three finalist positions. In the group exhibits, the winners included Ethan Ardern, Nick Martino, and Tommy Fang for “Say It Ain’t So, Joe”; Dror Liebenthal, Paul Martinez, and David Rosenberg for “One Giant Leap for Mankind”; and Alana Allen and Kim Zwicke for “Little Rock - Operation Integration”. The individual finalists were Wil Gibb for ”Polio in America”, Marjorie Moore for “A Perfect Sea of Leaping Flames”, and Taylor Schaefer for “When the Snow Ran Red”. Also receiving high scores from the judges were Carol Walker for “The Triumph Can’t Be Had Without The Struggle”, Taylor Humphrey for “Beatlemania”, Kira Patterson and Nicole Ransom for “Ain’t Gonna Let Segregation Turn Us Around”, and Megan Cullinane, Mahin Khan, and Natalie Rotheray for “4 Little Girls”.

USM 8th graders also dominated the group documentary category as well. All four submitted documentaries qualified for the second round of judging, and when the top three were announced, only USM students were selected! The finalists in this category were Sahitya Raja and Jordon Stoffel for “Sparks at the Factory”, Nick Bechthold, Jack Minahan, and Sam Walker for “Do You Believe in Miracles?”; and Jason Pickart and Nick Segel for “Magic in the White City”. Bennett Gelly and Henry Prown also received acclaim for their documentary on “The Rise and Fall of Kurt Cobain”. In addition to being selected as finalists, Sahitya and Jordan were also awarded a cash prize from the Wisconsin Labor History Society!

8th grade dramatic thespian Ian Cooley impressed the judges with his performance of “King of the Hill – A Soldier’s Story of Iwo Jima”, advancing to the finals in April. Two 8th grader web designers will join him in Madison for their historical websites - Ryan Murphy for “A Giant Awakened, A Nation Divided” and Wil Gehl for “Apollo 13 – A Successful Failure”. Erin Harvey was selected as an alternate for her excellent paper on Wilma Rudolph. What an incredibly triumphant competition for the 8th graders!

The success was not limited to the 8th grade, however. Five senior projects were submitted by Upper School historians. Each project was created outside of the normal classwork by the Upper Schoolers, and all were recognized for their work. Chelsea King was selected as a finalist for her exhibit “100 Days of Genocide”. Three senior documentaries were also selected for the state competition - Sengyeon Lee and Katie Weber for “Las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo”; Nora Hagerman for “Emmeline Pankhurst: Visionary”; and Anna Patel for “Alexander the Great, Empires Destroyed and Legends Made”. Anna Shimshak was selected as an alternate for her fine paper “On My Knees; the Lord's Resistance Army through a Child's Eyes”.

The state competition is on Saturday, April 28, at the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison. Each of the finalists will be able to make adjustments and additions to the projects before the finals. If you get the chance, please congratulate these young historians for their amazing success!

2007-03-02T21:00:00.001-06:00

AMERICAN HISTORY UPDATE – Imperialism was the catch word of the week as your young historians examined the expansion of American influence at the turn of the 19th century. We discussed the reasons behind American imperialism, closely examined the Spanish American War, and had a rousing debate about the merits of American imperialism. Students will be explaining their opinions on imperialism in the form of two paragraphs, one of which they will post on the American History Rules! blog.

We ended the week with an introduction into the causes of the Great War. Ask your young historian about the spark of the war - it’s quite a story. We will see American get involved in the war next week, and students will also be crawling through the trenches on the Western Front next Wednesday. Look out for the rats! The timing is perfect for our visit to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum on Monday, as we will look at Wisconsin’s role in many foreign conflicts, including World War I.

Our next test is scheduled for Wednesday, March 14 (pi day – not the Ides of March!) Extra help will be provided on Tuesday after school, and also in available study halls on Monday and Tuesday. I will be working on a review podcast as well, and I am going to encourage students to use the online review guide and also contribute to an online review wiki for the test.

I will be joining about 30 young historians this week at the regional competition of National History Day. Stay tuned to the American History Rules! blog and next week’s Friday Footnotes for results!

With any comments, questions, or ticket offers for the upcoming Brewers / Tigers World Series in October, please contact Mr. Taft at 414-540-3257 or mtaft@usmk12.org. AMERICAN HISTORY RULES!

2007-03-02T16:18:00.005-06:00

Should the US have been an imperial nation?
Period 1

What do you think about this essential question? Post your response here!

2007-03-02T16:18:00.003-06:00

Should the US have been an imperial nation?
Period 2

What do you think about this essential question? Post your response here!

2007-03-02T16:18:00.001-06:00

Should the US have been an imperial nation?
Period 3

What do you think about this essential question? Post your response here!

2007-03-02T16:17:00.001-06:00

Should the US have been an imperial nation?
Period 6

What do you think about this essential question? Post your response here!

2007-03-02T16:11:00.000-06:00

Should the US have been an imperial nation?
Period 8

What do you think about this essential questions? Post your response here!

2007-02-22T20:59:00.000-06:00

AMERICAN HISTORY UPDATE – We have been getting very progressive in American history as our young historians explore the exciting Progressive Era at the turn of the century. We have examined the problems in society caused by the rise of industry and big business, and then we looked at the solutions proposed by the Progressives. If you want to learn about the problems and solutions, check out the awesome Progressive Era wikis that the young historians constructed! We also began to look at the Progressive Presidents, with a presentation on Teddy Roosevelt. We will meet Big Bill Taft and Woodrow Wilson and finish the Progressive Era on Monday, and students will have an online, open note quiz Monday evening.

Expansion will be on our minds next week as we look at America’s role in the Age of Imperialism. We will learn about the annexation of Hawaii, a big ditch in Panama, and “a splendid little war”. Our historians will debate if America should have been an imperial nation on Thursday. From there, we will see America enter the first global conflict – The Great War.

Thanks to all parents for submitting the DC medical release forms and behavior contracts. I have much more than half turned in, with three weeks left to collect!

With any questions, comments, or ideas for the plot of the next great American children’s novel on the Progressive Era, please contact Mr. Taft at mtaft@usmk12.org or 414-540-3257. AMERICAN HISTORY RULES!

2007-02-16T20:58:00.000-06:00

AMERICAN HISTORY UPDATE – We really started off the week with a huge bang as our young historians shared their National History Day projects with the USM community at our Science and History Exposition on Monday evening. We had an incredible turnout! Thanks to everyone for their support during the projects and also to all of the families who supplied those yummy sweets! Selected projects will be competing at the NHD regional competition at UWM on March 3rd. A more detailed listing of these projects will come in the next edition of Friday Footnotes!

In class, we finished our study of the industrial era this week by looking briefly at the rise of labor unions, the growth of cities, and the rising tide of immigration. Students had a very quick quiz on Thursday before the long weekend. Their Unit 5 notebooks are due on Wednesday, February 21.

Next week, we will begin our 6th unit of study – Reform, Expansion, and War. We will be creating progressive movement wikis, examining the impact of the Progressive presidents (including a somewhat overweight one with a four letter last name), debating the imperialistic policies of the United States, and experiencing the causes, events, and effects of American involvement in the Great War. There are a few decent extra credit movies for this unit, and, as always, some awesome books to read as well!

Our Washington D.C. trip is only 73 days away! Students made roommate choices this week, but they will not find out their roommates until a few weeks before the trip. Once the rooms are submitted to World Strides, we will have more information on hotels and flights. Thanks to everyone who has turned in the behavior contracts and medical release forms. If you still need one, please let me know!

With any questions, comments, or suggestions for fun podcasts, please contact Mr. Taft at 414-540-3257 or mtaft@usmk12.org. AMERICAN HISTORY RULES!