Three-Day Weekend! (for you guys, anyway)

Today Sections 2 and 3 were treated to the beginning of the astonishing video The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization.  Smart students will take what they learned from the video, and use it to update their Study Guide.  For example, you could enter information about the year 508 BC, Homer, and Pisistratus.

Be sure to post a blog for today, enjoy your time off, and don't forget to be awesome!

Transition time

A recap of recent events in our WestCiv classes:

Monday:  While I was in Washington, DC with the seniors at Arlington National Cemetery and the Holocaust Museum, you took a test on Chapter 3.  (BTW, I am looking forward to three years from now, when you guys are seniors, and I can accompany you on this moving and meaningful trip.)

Tuesday: Section 1 meets.  Students who were absent make up the test; students who needed more time to complete the test do so in class.  The rest of you begin work on the Study Guide to Chapter Four, posted on this blog.

Today:  Section 2 and 3 do the same thing that Section 1 did yesterday.  Now everyone has taken the test, and we are all caught up.  I will get the tests graded over the coming weekend.  Section 1 began watching The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization, an astonishing experience. 

deets on tomorrow's test

As you know, the test is on Chapter 3, from barbarians to the M&M's (Mycenaeans and Minoans), through the four kinds of government and Sparta & Athens.

There are 30 multiple choice questions worth 2 points each, 4 fill-in-the-blanks worth 5 points each, and one essay worth 20 points.

Keep track of the clock and allow yourself enough time to write a good essay.  

You are allowed to use your textbook as a resource during the test.  You are NOT allowed to use any other written notes.  Please do the right thing, observe the honor code, and do not abuse the privilege I am granting you.  

Thanks, and good luck!

Critical thinking!

Hooray for great class discussions!  Section 1 wanted to know if the Spartans were brainwashed.  Section 3 wanted to know if the US was the greatest country in the world.  And Section 2 recreated the Greek agora, debating whether to allow international students to use their translators on Monday's test.  (The white pebbles won.)  Terrific work, everybody!

Reminder:   Open book test Monday, on Chapter 3.  Be ready!

Have a great weekend!

Open book test

I have decided that Monday's test on Chapter 3 will be an open BOOK test. I considered allowing you to use your blogs, or your PowerPoints.  But this would put the responsibility of monitoring your computer use on a sub, and that didn't seem fair.  However, I didn't want to leave you out in the cold, either, so I have compromised by letting you use your textbook.  Please plan accordingly, and prep yourself and your book for Monday!

Greece - the early days

Today all three sections covered the information (available in the outline) having to do with the events leading up to the establishment of Greece as a genuine civilization.  Special thanks to Ben for lending his enthusiasm to the class.

Don't forget: test Monday!

turning the tables

It's nice to see you guys rise to the occasion!  I asked all three of my sections to teach the class today, based on the material you read and the PowerPoints you prepared.  And, for the most part, you met the challenge!

I'll be back in front of the room tomorrow, where we will continue with our studies of the lead-in to Greece.  Nice work, you guys!