Group Projects

This is the first blog of your Grade 8 History year--Enjoy.  There will be many more:) Please respond to this question:

We will be doing many group projects this year, in history classes as well as other classes.  Please clearly articulate why group projects are important to your education.  As you respond, please incorporate your thoughts on the following:

• What is the strongest skill you offer to your group?
• What needs to happen in order for the group to achieve success together?
• What is the most frustrating part of group projects?
• What would make group projects more enjoyable and fun for you?

Students and the First Amendment

Can you make a case that dress codes violate the First Amendment?  How would you argue that?

Freedom of the Press

Should the press be limited in reporting information if it interferes with national security?  Whose interest is more important--the citizen's right to know, or the government's interest in protecting society?

First Amendment Limitations

Why is it necessary for the government to put limitations on individual rights?   Do you think these limitations are required, or do you believe that the freedoms outlined in the First Amendment should be absolute?  Please explain your response in full detail.

Money For War

The war effort of World War II stimulated the United States economy and helped the nation out of the Great Depression.  

• Why do you think war has this effect?  
• Do you think President Roosevelt should have brought the U.S. into war earlier, to help the economy sooner?

PUNISHMENT!!!

Based on our discussion in class, do you believe Germany was punished too severely following WWI?  Or should they have been punished even more harshly, due to their aggressive and brutal actions during the war (unrestricted submarine warfare; Zimmermann Telegram)?

Research Process

Hopefully everyone can take something from the research process you learned during the course of completing your 5-6 page history paper--and it will help you on future writing assignments.  What is the most important thing you learned during this process about writing a paper?  Would you change anything about the way the process was presented to you?

American Neutrality

You are an American--do you believe there was good reason for the U.S. to consider entering the war in 1914, and not follow President Wilson's policy of neutrality?  What possible reasons could there be for entering the war at this time?  Be specific, and really think about this.  I want a complete, supported response!!  Not a one sentence answer......

Research Project

What is the most difficult challenge you have faced during the process of working on your research paper?  Be specific, and explain why it was a challenge........

WAR!!!!! Can It Be Justified?

Make a case that war can NEVER be justifiable!  We should never go to war........Why?

Thesis Statement For Research Paper

Please write your APPROVED thesis statement on the blog--Thanks!!

History Research Project

You have all been introduced to your major assignment for this trimester, a history research project which will analyze the effects of a specified Presidential decision during wartime.  Please share with the class an important fact you have learned now that you have begun the research phase of the project.  Be specific, and make sure it was a piece of information you did not already know.

The Harlem Experience

This week we were treated to a wonderful historic experience, visiting Harlem.  Our tour guides Neil, Andy and Billy Mitchell (Apollo) provided a rich and engaging history of an area that represents the centerpiece for African American culture and history in our country.  Consider what you learned during this experience, and share some reflections about your understanding of why Harlem was so important to the African American community in the past and now in the present.

Was Segregation Good?

How would you respond to the following:  that segregation was actually good for African Americans because it created more opportunities for blacks than integration.  For instance, separate black institutions employed more principals and teachers, in schools set aside for blacks, than did racially mixed schools?

Would this be a good argument in favor of segregation?  Why or why not?

Video Project

What one fact have you learned about the study of history, during the process of doing your project, that you never knew before.  Expand on your response.......

Separate But Equal

One of the major issues following Plessy v. Ferguson was the idea that "separate but equal" facilities was socially acceptable.  The problem was that there was really no way possible to ensure that facilities could be equal, and in fact the white facilities were always better.  Do you think if the accommodations were "truly equal" that laws like these could be valid or acceptable?  Think about schools, hospitals, restaurants, movie theaters--even water fountains!!!!

The Strength To Speak Out

Opposition to Jim Crow treatments (segregation) and voting restrictions was not necessarily only in the North, and not confined to black people either.  Many white southerners hated segregation and restricting the rights of African Americans but did not speak out, yet tried in private to treat all people with dignity.  It is not easy to fight injustice, especially when it goes against what your friends and family may believe.  

Think about this, and write a thorough reflection which incorporates responses to the following: Do you think it would have been difficult as a southerner to help African Americans during this time?  Why?  Are there circumstances in your life which keep you from protesting injustice?  What do you think can to be done in order to make it easier for people to fight injustices such as what happened to African Americans following the Civil War?

The 14th Amendment

The 14th Amendment was passed shortly following the Civil War--it stated the following: 

Section 1.  All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Provide a short reflection about this amendment in which you include the following--

• Your understanding about the significance of the amendment at this time (right after the Civil War).
• What is important about the language of this amendment?  
• What democratic values are reflected?  

Going off to War

Imagine that you are a young man who has just volunteered to fight as a Union soldier in the Civil War (sorry girls--they did not allow women to fight as soldiers in this war).  Write a letter to your parents explaining why you are going, and what YOU BELIEVE you are fighting for.

The Second Revolution?

The American revolution has been called the War for American Independence.  Could the Civil War be called the War for Southern Independence?  Explain why.