For your reading pleasure.

I found this article thought-provoking.  I offer it to you as something to ponder and enjoy, not something that will show up on a future test, even though it mentions our friend Socrates.  Feel free to comment if you like.

I hope you are enjoying your break!  I know I am...

Heading into the break

Well, it was going to be a short week anyway, but the snow shortened it even more.  Having yesterday off necessitates postponing the test on Alexander and the Hellenistic Era.

Please try to hide your disappointment.

We will test on Al and the HE when we return.  I think we should be able to review in the first half of class on Monday, April 8, then take a short test in the second half of class on the same day.  So be ready!

the end of Q3

The third quarter is officially over, and the grades will be submitted tomorrow morning. Feel free to check PowerSchool to see how you did.

Those of you who are familiar with track-and-field events, especially middle distance events such as the mile, may know of something called the "bell lap."  When the runners reach the very last lap of the race, a bell will sound to signal the runners to go all out to the finish line.

It's the fourth quarter.

This is the bell lap.

Time to go for it!

Tomorrow we see your spectacular presentations.  Next Wednesday we test on Chapter Five.  In the meantime... 

This Spartan cat is not impressed by the words of Phillip II

YOU tell Alexander's story

As we discussed in class, you are doing a mini-research project on the great Alexander.  Click on the link at the right for details.  To recap: 

Build a Google Presentation (PowerPoint) to tell the story of Alexander’s life and career.  

Share your project with bobschick13@gmail.com.  

Each group is responsible for thoroughly covering one Roman numeral only.  

Put full names of all group members and your section on the title slide.

Use of photos, maps, and other visuals is highly recommended.  

Don’t overdo the words on each slide.  

Give your project a descriptive title.

Cite your sources on each slide.  

Due at the start of class Friday, March 22.  

Worth 50 points, included in Q3 grade.

Hellenistic

Our studies of the Hellenistic Era begin.  How does Greece move on after the Peloponnesian War?  What's the big deal with Macedonia?  And what made Alexander so great, anyway?

These questions, and more, will be answered this chapter.  Brace yourself.

on to Chapter 5...

After you finish the test, you should begin reading p. 78-82 in the text - Greater Greece: The Hellenistic Era, 400 - 30 BC.  

In today's blog, do the following:

• define Hellenistic
• paste a map into your blog that includes Macedonia
• in 150 - 300 words, describe why the Athenians lost the Peloponnesian War
• describe what happened in 359 BC

a few items

All assignments, blogs, tests, and quizzes have been graded, and your PowerSchool is up to date.  See me this week if you have any questions or problems with your grades, as the end of the third quarter is this Friday, March 22.

Reminder - you have a test tomorrow, which will be included in your third quarter grade.  See yesterday's blog for more information on how to prepare for this test.

How to study for Monday's test

Want to ace Monday's test?  It's easy: everything you need to know is on your study guide, which you have been working on for the last two weeks, and which we went over in class yesterday.  There is also lots of helpful info here, the PBS website that accompanies The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization.  The video itself may be viewed here.

Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions.

The legacy of Socrates - part II

This time it was Section 3's turn to come through with flying colors.  The open exchange of ideas, going back to the time of Socrates, is alive and well in the United States and in our classroom.  Thank you all so much for your candor, and for your respect for those whose opinions differ from yours. 

Another artist, the Italian Giambettino Cignaroli, painted his version of Death of Socrates in the mid-1700s.  Note the differences:  in Cignaroli's version, Socrates is already dead, and not as heroic looking as in David's painting.  Two different approaches to the same tragic event.  

Socrates would be proud.

Section 1 stepped up today, proving that the examined life IS worth living.  Socrates spent a lot of time with the youth of Athens, compelling them not just to question authority, but to examine their own beliefs.  I think we saw that in room 124 today.

The Death of Socrates, painted by Jacques-Louis David in 1787 - almost 2200 years after Socrates died.

Intro to Socrates

Section 1 - the only section meeting today - gets their first look at Socrates.

"The unexamined life is not worth living."

Back in business

Happy Monday, everybody!

Section 1 started the day with a review of the video they watched on Friday: Pericles, Aspasia, Oedipus and the origins of the Greek theater were covered.  For the curious, a brief synopsis of the story of Oedipus, the mythical Greek king, and subject of the classic tragedy by Sophocles, is here. 

Section 3 reviewed the last test, as did Section 2, who also received a free bonus pep talk.

Please note: the next test has been rescheduled for next Monday, March 18.

Amazing retreat

I hope everything went well in West Civ classes while I was away yesterday on Senior Retreat.  (Boy, do you guys have something to look forward to in three years!  LOVE retreat!)  If you like, drop me an email or post to your blog about how things went in class on Friday.

And, don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour tonight.  It's too bad we miss out on an hour of sleep this weekend, but the sun will be setting after 7:00 pm starting tomorrow.  Spring is right around the corner!

See you Monday!

News flash.

Remember Hugo Chavez?  The Venezuelan leader who referred to President George W. Bush as the devil?  He had been battling cancer for some time, and passed away yesterday.  If you're interested, you can read a news story about his death here, a collection of his most memorable moments here (including his "devil" speech to the United Nations), and an analysis of his impact here.

Don't worry, this isn't "testable" material.  I know some of you seemed genuinely interested in Chavez, and on an off-day like this, you have a chance to read some top-notch writing about this unusual historical leader.

Fearless prognostication

School, or no school?  That is the question.

We'll find out early tomorrow morning, as a winter storm (finally!) appears to be bearing down on us.  First rain, then snow, then more snow.  Possibly 5 to 8 inches of very wet, heavy snow.  What would this mean?  Well, consider this map:

A big fat snow like this brings down branches onto power lines.  Many of us could lose power over the next day or two.

Mr. Schick's prediction?  Probably no school tomorrow, and a two-hour late schedule for Thursday.  This is only my prediction; go to the John Carroll website for the official word.

If we don't have school, check in with my blog for updates.