daily blog 12/23

We took a quest today and I felt really prepared for it. I'm hoping to get an 100 because I feel like I studied the material really well and I read and reread my answers! It was a little bit frustrating that a movie was playing loud next door but thats okay.

daily blog 12/21

We talked about the trail of tears again and some people told the stories that they read about online. Because of this sad historical event, we got onto the topic of how history repeats itself. Then that led to airport security and how national security is going to far? I felt like it was a good discussion. It made me think about how safe do we have to be really because since everything we do is potentially dangerous, will we end up securing everything? How far can it go?

daily blog 12/16

We talked about the differences between elections between the 12 years of 1824-1836. And also how those   differed from elections today. There were a lot of differences but also a lot of similarities

daily blog 12/15

 We watched some campaign ads from the past and talked about how politics can be manipulated by the different parties. The whole system has gotten ridiculous and it doesn't even keep the same though process that founding fathers came up with. People just spread lies about the other candidates. It makes me so angry but I guess all I can do is vote when I turn 18!

daily blog 12/14

We took notes and discussed the election! I voted for Henery Clay but he cam 4th out of 4

daily blog 12/10

We basically did the same thing as yesterday. We discussed the issue with McCulloch and Maryland I just wish we could look back at the Constitution to know what they're talking about when they bring up articles.

daily blog 12/08

We watched a little VTV then we talked about what enumerated and reserved governments own. Also whether or not a national bank was constitutional.

daily blog 12/06

We talked about our chapters in the story again with a small group. We discussed the significance of Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison ( who's hometown was Newburyport!) and abolitionists and such.

daily blog 12/03

In class we talked about the chapters we read and such but mostly on the essays we wrote. There was a small debate about whether plantations or factories were more difficult to work in. We also told all the Mrs Jones tales from the day before! A fun day to say the least

daily blog 12/02

Mr Boyle was out today and we had the helpful Mrs Jones as a substitute teacher. We worked quietly on factory/plantation essays. I feel confident that I did well on mine!

daily blog 12/01

THE FIRST DAY OF DECEMBER! which is kind of sad to think about but at least history class was knowledge enhancing.
We talked about the way factories were and how the people working were treated (which was poorly) then we did an exercise where we used math and ratios to determine how many machines were needed and such. 
It was peculiar for me to do math in history because then I went and did math in chemistry and also I did a little bit of math in math. So that was my day.

daily blog 11/29

We took notes about the industrial revolution that made its way to America and how that affected people. especially young girls were set out to work. I don't think I'd like that very much!

daily blog 11/23

we finally recorded our voice thread on the history of the construction of the Erie canal. We had to pretend to be news reporters and it went pretty smoothly. Although it took us three tries to get it done with no messups... the end result was very good I think! We also sang a song!

I thought the idea of  newsreport was a good way for us to add some humor and different characters into the project! I liked that part. I think if anything were to be done differently maybe assigning parts because I feel like some people had to work harder than others. Overall it was a good project that was easy to carry out

daily blog 11/22

Today we went to the media lab to finish up on our projects. It went well and we finished ours. Tomorrow we will record the voicethread.

daily blog 11/19

In class we went to the computer lab which is always fun. We worked with our groups on google docs, which is again, always fun. We worked on our Erie Canal project and got a lot done. Most of the script is done and we will record voice threads on Tuesday. I'm a little nervous though because we only have about 2 pages or so of script and some other groups have like 4 pages! But I'm not worried because the project is going really well 

daily blog 11/16

We were supposed to have a quest today but because of an assembly we are going to have it on thursday. I felt prepared so I kind of wanted to get it over with but at least I have another few days to study! Before the assembly we did some more research in the computer lab on our history project. Ours is looking good!

daily blog 11/15

WE took notes today on the war of 1812 and all that jazz. In my opinion it was the dumbest war in US history. Why would we start a war over problems we had already had a revolution about in a time where our economy is struggling and we were barely making it as a country? In the end all we had to show for it was another enemy and a document saying things were going to be exactly like how they had been. It's just ridiculous! Gotta go study for my quest now 

daily blog 11/10

In class we took notes at first but then Mr. Boyle brought us a to a Lewis and Clark expedition recreation website. We read stories about their travels as if we were there and had to help make decisions. It was a fun activity but it made me think of how hard it was for them to travel through the unknown like that! I wouldn't be able to do it

daily blog 11/9

We talked again about the eletion of Thomas Jefferson in 1800 and how that affected other people. Thomas was very sneaky, he didn't send out commision forms to all the members of the judiciary branch. a certain Marlbury never got his and planned on suing and he went to the supreme court on it. He lost though because it it not stated in the constitution that he must be given his. It stinks though because he could've won it if he had started out at a smaller court.

daily blog 11/8

Today we talked about the 1796 and 1800 elections and the duel between Arron burr and alexander hamilton. Quite a wild story if you ask me. I'm starting to like John adams less and less based on his choices. Thomas Jefferson is the way to go. Good job alexander hamilton for making that happen! even you did die in a duel...

daily blog 11/3

WE discussed how international affairs effect the united states in class today. Things got a little heated. We talked about how Bastille Day represented the French starting to revolt in a way similar to the US. Admittedly, it was a little crazier than the American revolution but the US felt a bond with the French for this want of independence. Americans wanted to help the French in their revolution but at the same time were reluctant because of the problems it could cause if it ended badly. The US was on shaky grounds and hadn't become too strong of a country yet so it would have been hard to help France out. The discussion got a little bit fiery when we started talking about the war on Iraq and how that was similar to the situation in 1793. All in all we decided that basically we were a strong country when we went to Iraq and we were weak when the French needed help so we wouldn't be very helpful. 

daily blog 11/2

We discussed what was on the packet we read last night. It was about how people's opinions were different and how America would deal with money. 

daily blog 11/1

We discussed and planned the groups for the News Report project due monday. I have some good ideas for our project; the building of the erie canal. I'm excited to plan what my group will do. We also talked about the responsibilities of the government. 

daily blog 10/26

Today we took some notes on the bill of rights. Then we played a really fun but informational game that had to do with the bill of rights. You ran a law firm and had to help people with their laws by defending their rights with the amendments in the bill of rights. It was one of the funnest games I've ever played but it still helped me remember the different amendments. We should do more things like that

daily blog 10/25

So we watched a PowerPoint in class, courtesy of mr b, and took notes on it which is one of my fave ways to learn. For some reason it just processes tobme and then I can go back and study from my notes and remember what mr Boyle said which is super.we talked about the federalist and anti Feds and about how people took different opinions on the constitution. It's quite a long process.

Which Founding Father Are You?

daily blog 10/22

We reviewed the articles 1-3 today and took notes on 3-6. They were all about the legislative, judicial, and executive branches and how the system of checks and balances works. We also watched somemore school house rock which is always good because it simplifies the whole system so that even a little kid could understand it... or a high schooler. I learned a lot about the three branches

daily blog 10/21

Today in class we discussed the homework from last night which talked about how the president should be elected. The four options are; by the people, by congress, by electoral college, or by the states. A lot of the problems with most of them are that people can be bribed and peer pressured into voting for someone. Thats what's wrong with the system is that people are manipulative and shady! It was a good class.

daily blog 10/20

So we discussed the homework we did last night in class today. I did not really get any questions right... but I feel confident about tonight's homework. I already finished it at the end of spanish class and it didn't seem too hard but the way the people talk in the document is hard to understand. 

daily blog 10/19

In class we had some French exchange students come in and participate. That was super fun because foreigners are always awesome and French people dress nice. I also enjoyed the school house rock video. It really brings me back... I can still sing all the songs. And we did some flow charts to show the path of the bill which was quite exhilarating . I never realized all that goes into the process of a law. It's extraordinary. So all in all it was a good class but I've got to go do my worksheet on different plans for the US. catch ya later BLOG

daily blog 9/15

In class we worked on a document with our groups from yesterday. Only it was more like a thousand documents that we had to analyze. When there are more things like that going through my head it's harder to understand everything. I may have just been having a bad day but I could barely comprehend a word written on that packet. Hopefully we'll go over it on Monday.

daily blog 10/13

In class we took the preamble quiz. The song helped a lot I was basically humming it during the quiz! Also  we worked with groups on document things. I really don't like doing those documents and having to analyze them pretty much. My group got into and argument over what it actually meant which wasn't fun.  I liked taking the notes though that way of learning really processes through my brain. More so than the article things 

daily blog 10/13

I did not go to class today. I wasn't skipping; I was actually taking the PSATs for the majority of the day. It was pretty rough. The kind of test you feel pretty good about but somewhere in the back of your mind you know you bombed. After that I came back to school and took a math test. woohoo. It was a testful day!

daily blog 10/12

Today we reviewed the google docs and put it into a class timeline. I thought the google docs worked really well for this assignment although I didn't really like having to summarize the document because it wasn't very clear. I admit I didn't read other people's summaries so I'm glad we reviewed them in class.

daily blog 10/8: Test Day!

My first history test of the year is completed! It's such a  relief to have the off my chest now I'll I have to do is wait to see if I passed... 
I feel pretty confident I studied for a while the night before but then I fell asleep. My essay was a little iffy. Im terrible at writing essays so hopefully if my writing wasn't too good, my historical accuracy was. The study guide really helped because it was basically what was on the test so I liked that. Nervous to recieve my grade!!

daily blog 10/7

We started to work on timelines that we will be making on google docs with a  group of ten people. Each person has a different event. I'm glad to use google docs again. Tomorrow we have a test on the entire american revolution. I'm pretty nervous but I think I know everything alright. I'm going to go study though. BYE BLOG!

daily blog 10/5

So today in class we talked about how we are going to have a big test on everything we've learned so far on Friday. Yipee. Frankly, I'm pretty nervous looking at that review sheet. I thought I knew the stuff that would be on the test I listen in class and I read all the papers he gives us but apparently I don't know anything. There are some people on the list that I had no idea even existed. I'm going to have to study hard for this one but hopefully I'll get a good grade!

daily blog 10/4

In class we basically had the same discussion we had the other day about battles in the north, only with battles in the south. It's interesting to see who thinks what battle is important. I feel like we have covered the information pretty well and I feel pretty prepared for the test we are going to have. Speaking of tests, I'm wondering when were going to get our Declaration of Independence quizzes back...

daily blog 9/30

Today Mr. Boyle really went into the importance of learning with technology. I totally agree with him that technology is taking over and when we're in college our most important tool will be out laptops. It's a good thing to be learning all this technology stuff. But I don't really like having to learn everything from the computer because there is always something that could go wrong. Sometime I prefer just learning the old fashioned way by taking notes. Or mix the two! Taking notes from a powerpoint!

Timline of Battles 1775-1778

<a href="http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/77159"></a>

Wouldn't embed. Sorry!

daily blog 9/29

Today we took the quiz on the portion of the Declaration of Independence that we had to memorize. I didnt really enjoy memorizing that becasue I felt like I was just memorizing it and not really understanding or learning it. I think I did well on the quiz though. We also talked about all the battles we had to make a timeline for and that really helped me understand them. I liked that interactive website.

daily blog 9/24

In class we had to the Declaration of Independence debate. It was interesting but I'm not going to lie, I didn't really understand what was going on and it was more reading a paper than actually debating the points. I got the jist of it though. I'm pretty relieved about the quiz being on wednesday because that way I have all weekend to memorize that paragraph in the Declaration. I still don't really understand the purpose though...

daily blog 9/23

Today we had as study for class with Mr. Dube. It was a silent study. It kind of stunk... I wish he had had the Declaration of Independence debate instead.

daily blog 9/22

In class we had a "discussion" on the four different points of view on the American revolution. It turned into more of a debate, however. The four different groups were the american concilliationists, the british conciliationists, the american radicals, and the british hard liners. I must say I got quite into it ( maybe a little too much!) defending the radicals and fighting the hard liners.  It was a fun discussion! I like debates like that. Tomorrow we are going to have a mock congress where each person got a historic figure ( I got William Ellery) I'm looking forward to it!

daily blog 9/21

In class we talked about the battle of bunker hill and the British retreat. We took notes on what happened with the second continental congress and how Boston colonist successfully gained independence from the British who suffered so many casualties in those battles. Then we split into groups and read articles on different points of view on the situation (unfortunately I think my group had the longest article). I was glad to have the article about someone who was completely against British rule and would do anything to stop it because I feel I would have that opinion if I were in that time period. 

daily blog 9/20

Today in class we discussed what happened after the midnight ride. When the british came and "the shot heard round the world" were what started the fighting. The british must have been so stupid because they dug trenches but didn't stay there so the colonists basically got free trenches to attack the british from in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Also I find it so incredible the amount of walking they did in those times because it was the only means of transportation. I can't even fathom walking 16 miles in one day-- twice! 

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere: Elise Style

The True Story of April 18th, 1775

Here is the story of the three that rode

From town to town “The Regulars are coming out” they told

To warn Hancock and Adams was originally the goal

An unknown man tried but was caught and patrolled.

So the three that pursued (their names are all clear)

The brave and heroic Prescott, Dawes, and Revere

Who went to tell people the game plan they had

To get rid of the British before they got mad

Revere and Dawes rode out on different ways

Both arrived in Lexington without too many delays

Prescott then followed until they were caught

Paul had to stay but the others did not

When the minutemen heard of militia nearby

They let Paul go free and they probably cried

For the patriots had been warned by the trio,

As well as 2 more Prescotts, B. Tidd, and Monroe

Voice thread: revolutionary replica

Voice thread on Molly Hays McCauley:

http://voicethread.com/share/1327136/

When Revolution Happened: 50 Words

The Intolerable Acts; the revolution began. Parliament was being ridiculous with all their restrictions and being complete control freaks. Colonists were ticked off so when the Boston Massacre took place, all the action started. The Revolutionary actions by the colonists escalated to the point where the Boston Tea Party happened.

daily blog 9/15 (Event Profile Things)

Today we did the gallery walk and listened to voice-threads on events in the american revolution and took notes. This project was fun doing but id rather not listen to voice-threads. It would be so much easier to take notes on what someone has written because people talked so fast about the events and sometimes incomprehensible. Also, the whole downloading onto the iPod thing was not working out so well. But it was a fun project to complete.


Royal Proclamations is when the colonists wanted to move by the mountains but the British Parliament said no. They didn’t care so the Parliament made a proclamation stating that they were going to enhance border security which just made the colonists more upset and didn’t even stop them.


In the Stamp act the British taxed the colonists because they had debt. The colonists boycotted the British and tax collectors stopped showing up because they were afraid.


The Boston Massacre was when people basically just started getting really annoyed with parliament and they're completely dumb taxes and such. Some colonists, mostly sailors, started to snowball the soldiers. The soldiers got annoyed and someone shot with out orders so others started shooting. 11 colonists were killed.


The British were charging a lot for tea taxes which led to the Boston Tea Party. The British gave them crappy tea so about 150 men boarded a ship and dumped the tea overboard. Another ship was burned so I think it can be said that the colonists won that one.


The Intolerable Acts was when Parliament tried to end colonists freedom because of what they did at the Boston Tea Party. When Paul Revere went for his famous "ride" people were united instead of split up which the Brits were hoping for. 


The First Continental Congress met to try and overrule Parliament cause they couldn't get a spot in it. 

daily blog 9/14

In class we presented the replica project that I finished last week. I think I may have misinterpreted the directions because I wrote paragraphs and a few lame facts. So MR BOYLE IF YOU ARE READING THIS: the reason my presentation wasn't really to amazing was because I didn't read what I actually wrote. If you read the paragraphs on the back of my replica, you'll see that I did follow the guidelines and spent time on it! All in all though it was a pretty good presentation but now I have to go download some voice threads to my ipod.

daily blog 9/13

Today we went to the computer lab yet again. Most of the time groups were working on their event projects but us, being the fantastics team we are, had already finished. So we spent the class just reviewing the google doc ( fooling around with it a little bit I admit) and printing it out to read. It then came time for our group to the read the document on voice-thread so it can be put in the museum thing we are going to have. It was so nerve wracking and I don't know why because it's not like it was in front of people but its just a scary experience. I probably sounded like a fool. I also learned today that you have to be quiet in a library. hmm....

daily blog 9/10

Today in class we talked about how things were with the French and the British colonies alongside each other in america. (Also the Amerindians) They weren't exactly friendly to each other because people are greedy and want more land all the time. thats just the way it is and its stupid cause then they got into a battle. George Washington's little army defeated the French and the Amerindians but England didn't even care cause they're lame.

daily blog 9/9

Today we talked about our projects and when they're due which reminded me that I have gone nowhere with my event project. It is going to be impossible to check my email and mr Boyles blog and my blog and nice-net EVERY night. Im going to freak out. Especially if my internet stops working which it occasionally does. But the rest of class we did a little quiz thing on the colonies and how they were in respect to religion and agriculture and stuff. I got the majority of the answers I gave wrong but its no big deal

daily blog 9/8

Today in history we started a google document on certain events in the american revolution. My group had the boston tea party. Everyone of us is going to write a paragraph about each section of the boston tea party. Mine takes place during the boston tea party. The google docs is a clever idea especially for this project. That way we can all write at the same time but its just like a word document. You can see people write as they are typing which is interesting. Also, we talked about the historical person project which made me think about how I need to do the voice thread for mine.

GOALS

• To focus more on what I have to do to get ready for college like what classes to start taking
• Start preparing for SATs
• Stay on track and not goof around. Focus on what's important