Wednesday, December 21

This is the last day of the semester.  All grades are finalized for World History I and Government.  Official grades will be mailed out after the break.  Have a great break!

Friday, December 16

World History I - We watched CNN Student News one final time for the semester.  Then, the students were given a review worksheet to help them study for the final that is either Monday or Tuesday of next week, which covers chapters 13-16.  Students in 1st and 5th period were given the option of taking a book home with them to study for the weekend if they wanted.  The book must be brought back Monday morning so that students in 2nd and 4th period can take them home to study for the night.

Government - Nearly identical here.  Watched CNN Student News for the final time of the semester.  Students were then given a study guide to help them study for their test on Monday.  The final for government will cover chapters 5-12 and chapter 15. 

In other news:
-Boy's basketball team is on the road tonight in a big TEC match up against Winchester.  JV game starts at 6:00 at Winchester.  Go Patriots!

-There is a wrestling meet tomorrow at New Palestine beginning at 9:00.  Good luck wrestlers!

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, December 15

World History I - In world history today, we started with CNN Student News.  Then we went on to finish the last section out of chapter sixteen.  This section dealt with the monarchy in Russia.  The focal point was Peter the Great, and his rule during the late 1600's and early 1700's. 

Government - In government class today, we also started with CNN Student News.  Then we went on to talk about chapter fifteen, which deals with sources of law.  This chapter deals with the differences between criminal and civil cases, where our legal history is derived from, and the types of cases for either a criminal or civil charge. 

In other news:
- This evening we are hosting a home wrestling meet against Winchester.  The match starts at 6:30.  Let's go Patriots!

Wednesday, December 14

World History I - We started with CNN Student News.  Then we finished section four from chapter sixteen which was about the monarchies of Austria and Prussia.  Tomorrow we will go through section five on Russia, which is the last section for the semester.

Government - We watched CNN Students News in here as well.  Then had our last presentation over the freedom of speech.  Then we quickly went through information about state governments from chapter twenty three. 

In other news:
-Girls basketball is on the road tonight at Winchester.  JV game starts at 6:00.  Go Patriots!

Tuesday, December 13

World History I - Yesterday in World History, we finished chapter sixteen section one about Spain's growing monarchy.  Students then were given a worksheet to guide them through sections two and three about England and France, and the changes to their governments.  Today, we finished the worksheet and it was checked, then we watched CNN Student News, and finally we started notes on section four about Austria and Prussia.  Ask them about the Defenestration of Prague.

Government - In government class, we have continued to hear presentations on various topics including freedom of the press, affirmative action and searches and seizures.  We are down to one last presentation which will happen tomorrow about the freedom of speech. 

In other news:
-Finals are next Monday and Tuesday.  Students will take finals in bells 1,3 and 5 on Monday.  Tuesday's finals are scheduled for bells 2,4 and 6. 

Friday, December 9

World History I - In the past two days, we had watched CNN Student News to get class started.  Yesterday, we discussed the last section out of chapter fifteen, which dealt with the effects of exploration.  We covered things like the Columbian Exchange, the changes in European economies, and mercantilism.  Students also had a worksheet on the Columbian Exchange, and had to create a menu based on items that were a part of the Exchange.  Today, we began chapter sixteen, which deals with absolute rulers.  The first section dealt with Spain.

Government - In the past two days in Government class, we had been presenting our Supreme Court Issues projects.  Yesterday, a group presented on Cruel and Unusual Punishment.  Today, groups presented on the 5th Amendment, and a group began with Search and Seizure, but were unable to finish so they will complete theirs on Monday. 

In other news:
- Home boys basketball game tonight against Hagerstown.  JV games begins at 6:30. 
-Saturday events include Wrestling @ New Castle, Girls Basketball @ Shenandoah, and Boys Basketball at home vs. Oldenburg.

Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, December 7

World History I - Yesterday, we watch CNN Student News and talked our way through chapter fifteen section two, which was about the Spanish and Portuguese colonies set up in the Americas after exploration.  Today, we quickly finished section two, and then moved on to a worksheet for sections three and four.  Section three dealt with the struggle between England and France for the new territory in North America.  Section four dealt with the Atlantic slave trade and its impact. 

Government - In the past two days of government class, we have been in the library so that students could research and put together a presentation about an issue that had been dealt with by the Supreme Court.  They all should be ready to go, and we will begin presentations tomorrow. 

In other news:
Home girls basketball game tonight against Hagerstown.  JV game starts at 6:00.  Go Patriots!

Monday, December 5

World History I - We watched CNN Student News for starters today.  Then we finished our notes from chapter fifteen section one on conquest in the Americas.  We finished talking about Cortes and his conquest of the Aztecs, Francisco Pizarro taking over the Inca Empire, and about the effects of the conquistadors.  At the end of class, notes were checked.

Government - In government today we were in the library the length of the period so that students could begin researching their topics that they chose on Friday for our Supreme Court Issues research project.  We will be in the library the next couple of days for students to research, and put together a presentation. 

In other news:
Freshman boys' basketball team plays tonight at 6:30 at Hagerstown.  Good Luck!

Friday, December 2

World History I - In world history classes today, we started with CNN Student News.  Then we started chapter fifteen.  Chapter fifteen is about European Conquest in the Americas.  We discussed Christopher Columbus and his encounters, the reasons why the Europeans were able to overtake the Native Americans, and started talking about Hernan Cortes.  We will finish this up on Monday.

Government - We started with CNN Student News here as well.  We had to finish the notes from yesterday about the Supreme Court focusing mainly on the opinions the court has to write.  Then directions were passed out for next week's research project.  Students were given a topic and figured out groups, and will begin research on Monday in the library.

In other news:
There is a boys basketball game tonight at home against Knightstown.  JV game starts at 6:30. 

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, December 1

World History I - Today in world history classes, students finished working out of the book in chapter fourteen.  Students were reading material dealing with exploration and its affects on places like Africa and Asia.  Students work was checked at the end of the class period.

Government - We started government with CNN Student News.  Then we talked about chapter twelve section one, which was about the Supreme Court and its procedures.  Students learned what the Solicitor General is as well as what a writ of certiorari is, among other things.  We will finish this section tomorrow.

In other news:
-Girls basketball team is at home tonight against Batesville.  JV game starts at 6:00. 

Tuesday, November 29

World History I - We started class today with CNN Student News.  Then we went through chapter fourteen section one, which deals with exploration and the search for spices.  We established why spices were such a valuable commodity, and discussed different routes European countries took to get it.  We discussed several explorers and their exploits during this time from Christopher Columbus to Ferdinand Magellan.  At the end of class, students were given a map activity about the routes of different explorers.  We will finish that activity tomorrow in class.

Government - We watched CNN Student News in here as well.  Then I collected the worksheet from chapter eleven section two.  Next, we talked about chapter eleven section three, which deals with the Supreme Court, the justices, and the roles that the justices play. 

Monday, November 28

World History I - Welcome back from Thanksgiving break!  In all four world history classes, we finished presentations of their projects.  We will be moving into chapter fourteen starting tomorrow which deals with exploration and individuals like Christopher Columbus.

Government - We watched CNN Student News to kick off class.  Then we began chapter eleven by introducing the court system.  Students heard about jurisdiction and the difference between the Federal and State court systems.  We also summarized Marbury v. Madison, which gives the Supreme Court the power of Judicial Review.  Finally, students were given a handout for section two of chapter eleven that was homework if they did not finish in the last few minutes of class. 

Tuesday, November 22

World History I - Today was dedicated to presenting the projects we had been working on the past few days.  We will continue with these tomorrow, hopefully getting everyone's done before we leave for break!

Government - Students took a quiz over the Executive Branch in class today.  It covered chapters eight through ten. 

In other news:
-Girls basketball game tonight at Home against Tri, good luck girls!

-One more day til Thanksgiving Break!

Monday, November 21

World History I - Students in all four world history classes were putting the finishing touches on their Renaissance projects.  We were in the library for the first half of class to accomplish this.  Students will be presenting tomorrow.  When we returned we talked about the news, and watched CNN Student News.

Government - We watched the first story of CNN Student News as it discussed the debt super committee created by Congress.  After watching that, homework from last week was collected.  Then a new worksheet was passed out to be completed in class on chapter ten, which deals with the Bureaucracy of the Executive Branch.  Most students finished in class, if they did not it was homework.  Also for homework, students should study their executive branch notes as we will be taking a quiz in class tomorrow over chapters eight through ten.

Friday, November 18

World History I - Students were again in the library to continue working on their projects.  They will get about half the class on Monday to finish putting their projects together before presenting them.

Government - We watched CNN Student news.  Then, we moved through chapter nine, which talks about the powers of the president, roles of the president, and the styles of leadership presidents have employed.  Students were given a worksheet the covers section three that is due on Monday.

In other news:
Good luck to the girls basketball team as they take on Randolph Southern tonight at home!

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, November 17

World History I - Students in class today went almost immediately to the library to begin working on the project we discussed yesterday.  They are expected to become the expert on their given individual.  In the library today, students were researching their assigned person, as well as a few beginning to lay out their visuals.

Government - We started with CNN Student News.  Then students were put into small groups and were responsible for a small portion of chapter eight section four, which dealt with the Executive Office of the President.  Students were given a specific office to read about and describe for the rest of the class.  Offices included the Office of Management and Budget, the National Security Council, and the White House Office, among others. 

Wednesday, November 16

World History I - Today in World History, we started with CNN Student News.  We then went on to finish chapter thirteen by talking about section five.  Section five dealt with The Scientific Revolution and the advancements made in the early 1600's.  At the end of class, guidelines for the project we will begin work on tomorrow were handed out.  Students were assigned an individual to research.

Government - We also started government by watching CNN Student News.  Then, we continued talking about the Executive Branch by covering the Executive Departments.  Students were introduced to the President's Cabinet, and learned about its role and responsibilities. 

Tuesday, November 15

World History I - We have started the past two days by watching CNN Student News.  Then we have covered section four out of chapter thirteen.  This section deals with the English Reformation and the Catholic Reformation.  Students learned about Henry VIII and all of his marriages and how those lead to major changes in the Church of England.  They also learned about the Catholic Reformation as a response to the Protestant Reformation.  Students in periods 1,2 and 4 were also introduced to Mrs. Cartwright, who is a student teacher from IU East who will be with us the rest of the semester.

Government - Yesterday in government, we discussed chapter eight section two, which deals with the process to elect the President.  Students learned all about the electoral college, its potential flaws, and about the possible fixes to those flaws.  Students in this class were also introduced to our student teacher, Mrs. Cartwright.  Today in class, we went to the library to research about the President's Cabinet. 

Friday, Novermber 11

World History I - Students today watched CNN Students News which gave them a bit of information on Veterans Day.  From there, they finished working on the worksheet that was handed out yesterday.  While they were working, papers were passed back, and they got the chance to check their grades.

Government - Students worked on two assignments in class today.  One involved reading an article about Presidential Succession and answering questions on the back about possible issues with the current model of succession and fixes to those issues.  The second assignment requires the students to make a Help Wanted ad advertising the office of the President.  This is a creative writing assignment incorporating the information on the President we have already covered.  The article was finished in class.  The help wanted ad will be collected Monday.  Students also got to check their grades while they worked.  At the end of class, we were called down to our Veteran's Day program in the gym.

In other news:

-Happy Veteran's Day!  Thanks to all who serve!

-Good luck to the girl's basketball teams as it is opening weekend!  The season opener is tonight at North Decatur, followed by a game tomorrow at home against Richmond.

Thursday, November 10

World History I - We watched CNN Student News today.  Among the topics in their news report was the situation regarding Penn State University.  Several students had questions about that news story, and their questions were answered and discussed accordingly.  From there, we started working through chapter thirteen sections two and three.  These sections cover how the Renaissance occurred in Northern Europe, and also discussed the Protestant Reformation and the split from the Catholic Church and its effect on Europe.

Government - We watched a video on the power of the President.  This video focused on historical examples of presidential elections and the results.  It tried to explain the idea of a presidential mandate, which many presidents claim after an election victory.  Students filled out a worksheet as the video progressed, and ended by explaining who they thought should represent the will of the people, Congress or the President. 

Wednesday, November 9

World History I - We watched CNN Student News to begin the class.  The writing assignments were collected following the news.  Then we began chapter thirteen.  The chapter covers the Renaissance.  Students learned about the differences between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, what humanism was, and learned some details about famous Renaissance individuals. 

Government - We finished up information from yesterday about the role of the Vice President in the Executive Branch.  Then we discussed situations where Presidential Succession, the topic discussed yesterday, has been utilized.

Tuesday, November 8

World History I - We watched CNN Student News today to catch up on news first.  Then, students were given a writing prompt to address which dealt with the research they had done in the previous two days.  Students were to compare the ways in which people lived around the world during the Middle Ages with the way that people lived in Europe during the Middle Ages.  Students needed to have a three paragraph essay with at least 3 specific comparisons.  If they did not finish it in class, it is homework.  They will be turned in tomorrow.

Government - We started today by watching a piece of CNN Student News that covered the President's campaign strategy.  We also watched the report on the debt issues of Italy, and how it will affect the European Union.  Students heard about the specifications of the Presidential Limousine, appropriately called The Beast.  We also watched a short video that gave a tour of Air Force One.  Then we continued through section one of chapter eight by talking about Presidential Succession, and what should happen if there were to be a vacancy. 

Link to the Air Force One video

Monday, November 7

World History I - We were in the library again today continuing the work we began on Friday.  Students were working in groups gathering information about the Middle Ages and parts of the world other than Europe.  Students will be given a very brief quiz tomorrow in the form of a written response addressing the information they have looked up.

Government - We started class with CNN Student News.  Then we began talking about the President and the Executive Branch of government.  Focus for today was the Presidency.  Students learned the qualifications, formal and informal, to become president.  We also discussed the many perks of being the President. 

Friday, November 4

Apologies for not updating in the past couple of days.  Yesterday I was out of the building at the Indiana Council for the Social Studies yearly conference.  Wednesday, I had to use my prep time to get things settled for the sub yesterday.

World History I - We are still talking about the Middle Ages.  So far our focus for the Middle Ages has been Europe, which is where most of the Middle Age related material comes from.  The next four chapters cover areas around the world and examines what is happening there while Europe is going through this time frame.  We are going to go through these four chapters very briefly.  We will be working through these four chapters on Monday as well.  Students will be discussing the information they found on Tuesday.

Government - Students took a test today on the Legislative Branch, which was chapters five, six, and seven.  Beginning on Monday, we will start discussing the Executive Branch and the President.

Have a good weekend, remember to set your clocks back!

Tuesday, November 1

World History I - Students were given the first half of class to finish the work from yesterday's class.  That work was checked and then we moved on to talk about section four from chapter eight.  Section four's notes dealt with the improvements in education and culture during the High Middle Ages. 

Government - Started class with CNN Student News.  Then went on to finish the Bill into Law process by discussing what takes place in the Senate after the bill has been through the House of Representatives.  After finishing discussing the process, students were given a handout in which they had to reorder the steps in the bill into law process.  Students were also instructed to read through section two from chapter seven to get more detail on specific types of bills.  

Monday, October 31

World History I - We watched CNN Student News, and discussed a separate news story dealing with the world population.  The world population climbed over seven billion today, and we talked about some of the implications of that.  Then students grabbed a textbook, and worked out of that.  They were reading through the first few sections of chapter eight and filling in a guided note worksheet.  Topics included how royal power grew, conflicts with the Pope, and the crusades.  This will be finished tomorrow.  Students were informed that they will have a test on Thursday of this week over chapter seven and eight.

Government - Started with CNN Student News, and also discussed the world's population.  Then we began the Bill into Law process, focusing on a bill's route through the House of Representatives.  We will finish the process in the Senate tomorrow.  We also watched the School House Rocks "I'm Just a Bill" cartoon to reinforce the process.  Government will also have a test at the end of the week on the Legislative Branch, which is chapters five through seven. 

In other news:
-Congratulations to T.J. Schienbein for placing 11th in the State Cross Country Finals this past Saturday!

-Congratulations to the girls volleyball team for a successful season, and for advancing to Semi-State!

Happy Halloween!

Tuesday, October 25

World History I - Homework was collected first.  Then we watched CNN Student News.  The majority of the class was spent talking about the role of the church during the Middle Ages.  Students learned about the power of the church during this time, how that power grew, punishments for going against the church, and then attempted reforms.  We also briefly mentioned some economic improvements. 

Government - We spent third period in the library.  Students were researching committees and their specific role within Congress.  Each student was to look up information on 5 different standing committees in the House and the Senate.  They needed to give a brief description of the purpose of that committee, as well as listing a piece of legislation they have recently reviewed.  That work, if not finished, was homework, and is due tomorrow.

In other news:

-Big home volleyball game tonight as the girls will take on Park Tudor in the regionals.  Game starts at 7:00.   Hope to see a big crowd in blue this evening.  Go Patriots!
Pal-Item's story on tonight's game

Monday, October 24

World History I - We began the week with Carl Azuz and CNN Student News.  Next, we finished up the notes from last week.  Today's info involved describing the life of nobles versus that of peasants during the Middle Ages.  We discussed knights, the role of women, chivalry, and the difficult life of the peasants.  Finally, we ended with a primary source reading about the feudal agreement, and apprenticeships.  Primary Source questions are due tomorrow.

Government - We also watched CNN Student News in government.  We then discussed the role of committees in Congress.  We discussed the purpose and types of committees, and then talked about how committees assign their members and leadership.  Finished class with a guided reading worksheet for chapter five section five, which deals with Congress' support staff and agencies.  Guided Reading worksheets are due tomorrow. 

In other news:
-Congratulations to the volleyball team as they won the sectional this past weekend!  The girls move on to play in the regional, which is tomorrow here at UCHS. 

-Congratulations to T.J. Schienbein for advancing in the semi-state meet this past weekend at Carmel.  He moves on to compete in the State Cross Country Finals next weekend in Terre Haute. 

Friday, October 21

World History I - We started Friday with CNN Student News.  Then we continued our look at the Middle Ages by talking a bit more about Charlemagne and then explaining Feudalism.  Finished class by passing back, and going over their tests from chapters 4 and 5. 

Government - Briefly discussed topics in the news before looking into the similarities and differences in the House of Representatives and the Senate.  Students were given a handout to fill out and help guide them through section two (House of Representatives) and section three (Senate).  Finished up talking about the use of the filibuster in the Senate.  All-time record filibuster = 24 hours and 18 minutes. 

Other news and events:
- Congratulations to the volleyball team winning their opening round game against Centerville!  Good luck this weekend as they continue in the sectional tournament.
Pal-Item story on UC's opening round sectional victory

-Good luck to the football team as they play in the first round of the sectional tonight also against Centerville!

-Good luck to T.J. Schienbein and Jake Goecke as they run in the Cross Coutry Semi-State tomorrow!

Enjoy the weekend!

Thursday, October 20

World History I - All classes except 5th period started with CNN Student News.  Then, we finished presenting the research that students had done on Native American Tribes.  There were a couple groups per class that still needed to present their info.  Following presentations, we discussed similarities and differences between Native American Civilizations and the Greeks and Romans, which we just finished studying.  Last, we began chapter seven, which deals with Europe at the beginning of the Middle Ages.

Government - We started here with CNN Student News.  We then had a question and answer session reviewing some of the facts from yesterday's notes.  We finished with a few more notes out of section one, today focusing on the privileges given to Representatives and Senators in Congress. 

In other news:
Good luck to the volleyball team tonight as they take on Centerville in the opening round of the sectional tournament.  Go Patriots!

Wednesday, October 19

World History I - It was World History's turn for presentations today.  All classes presented information on varying Native American civilizations that students had researched yesterday.  Students also turned in the worksheets from chapter six. 

Government - Started with CNN Student News.  Then took notes over chapter five section one, which is the beginning of a unit on the Legislative Branch.  This section focuses on Congressional Membership.  We discussed the House and Senate qualifications.  Also discussed elections, terms, and reapportionment.  We finished class talking about gerrymandering, and students completed a gerrymandering simulation. 

Tuesday, October 18

World History I - World History classes were in the library today.  After looking through chapter six yesterday, we continued studying about Native American Civilizations.  Students were put into groups of three, and given a specific Native American group to research.  Groups will present their information in class tomorrow.

Government - It was election day in third period government.  Students were in the auditorium presenting the Political Parties they had created over the last few days.  Every group made their case for why they should be elected Principal of the school in front of about 150 other students.  Each group did very well.  The votes were counted and the winner of the election was the Block Party. 

Monday, October 17

Welcome to a new week!

World History I - Started the week with CNN Student News.  Finished working on the worksheet from Chapter 6 on Native American Civilizations in the Americas, which was given out on Friday.  Grades are finalized and will be turned in to the office tomorrow, mailed out shortly thereafter.

Government - Last week was spent working on a Political Party Project.  In this project, students in groups of up to four were to create a political party on the school level.  They were running for the position of principal of the building, and were going to implement the changes their group agreed upon.  Those projects were presented by most groups today in front of our class.  Tomorrow we go to the auditorium to present in front of a "voting audience" of 7 other classes.  Presentations were well thought out, and entertaining!  Midterm grades are also finalized here, and turned in tomorrow.

Friday October, 14

World History I - In World History today, we watched CNN Student News to start.  Students then recieved a worksheet on Chapter 6, which covers Native American Civilizations in the Americas.  They got a start on that today, and will finish on Monday.  They also got the chance to check their grades as the Midterm Cut Off is today.

Government - In 3rd period, students finished working on their Political Party Projects.  They will be presenting these to the class on Monday, and to a larger voting audience in the Auditorium on Tuesday.

Everyone enjoy the weekend!

Thursday October, 13

All World History I classes (1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th bell) took a test over chapters four and five today.

3rd bell Government continued working on creating political parties which they will present Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Today's Agenda - October 12

Today is College and Career Day.  Students did not report to their regularly scheduled classes.  Instead, they were in their advisory class testing all morning (Explore, Plan or PSAT).  During fourth period, they answered a writing prompt.  In the afternoon, they went through a rotation including a college fair, a presentation in the auditorium, and advisory. 

Back to normal tomorrow. 

-World History has a test over chapter four and five, which is Greece and Rome.
-Government will continue to work on their Political Party Projects.

In other news:
-Congratulations go out to the Boys' and Girls' Cross Country teams for excellent performances in the sectional.
-Good luck tonight to the Volleyball team!  Big game against Centerville, winner is TEC champ.

Welcome to Schrank's Social Studies Classes - 10/12/11

Thanks for taking a moment to follow this blog.  The intended use of this blog is to allow my students and their parents to keep track of what is happening in Mr. Schrank's Social Studies classes.  Students and parents can check in here to see the daily happenings in either World History or Government class for first semester.  Check back for updates on class happenings and other important information.

If you need to contact me regarding classroom matters, you can find my email address at the Union County School's corporation website. 

Class Schedule is as follows for the remainder of First Semester:

1. World History I
2. World History I
3. Government
4. World History I
5. World History I
6. Prep