Apparently, it is Skyler that has the whole world in his hands!

Age of Exploration paper

DUE FRIDAY 10/21/2011

Type a double spaced ( 12 font) paper discussing the life and accomplishment of a Spanish conquistador or European explorer.


Minimum of 2 typed pages. If you don't have access to a printer,  papers may be emailed, or brought to school on flash drive or blank disk.


Students: Double spaced does NOT mean two spaces between words. If you need help, I will show  you how to adjust  your settings in Microsoft Word.

ALSO, don't forgot to refer back to your rubric. This is what I will use to grade your paper. This assignment is worth 75 points.

Bonus Points & Fun Facts!

Fun Fact ( bonus points go to Amanda, who emailed me the correct answer @ 3:16 Friday afternoon!)


How the oceans were named:


PACIFIC: Seeking a quicker route to the Spice Islands, Ferninand Magellan braved perilous seas and rough waters.
His small fleet then entered an unfamiliar ocean in Nov. 1520. He called this body of water the Pacific, due to the calmness of the water at the time ('pacific'  peaceful).

ATLANTIC:  The Atlantic ocean was named after the mythical city of Atlantis. Until the late 1500's, Europeans had not been across this ocean. They believed the lost city would be found somewhere in that ocean.

Another theory- The first part of its name refers to Atlas of Greek mythology, making the Atlantic the "Sea of Atlas".

BONUS POINTS OPPORTUNITY: Return your report card ( handed out Friday) with a parent signature for 5 bonus points

Important Reminders

Homework for night of 10-15-2011

1-4, and 6 on page 42 of textbook.

Use full and complete sentences with correct grammer and punctuation. As always, RESTATE!!!!!!!!!




PARENTS: Grade reports for first 9-weeks should come home with your child on Friday

We had the opportunity last Thursday to walk to a primitive camp set up just across the street. The students had a great time talking to the re-enactors about Daniel Boone's travels, living conditions, clothing, etc.

Although our textbook has a wealth of information about American History, there is nothing as educational as a field trip! The students LOVE getting out of the building for whatever reason, so I jumped at the chance to expose them to the educational aspect of the Daniel Boone Festival ( in addition to funnel cakes, The Gravitron, and Bingo!).

The students especially enjoyed learning about the type of weapons that men of those times used to hunt and defend themselves in battle.

Here are a few pictures and a video of our experience:

Reward Trip @ Dairy Queen!

Here are a few pics of some of our students enjoying their reward trip to Dairy Queen. The kids seemed to have a great time, and the teachers were very impressed with how well the students behaved! 

Clayton enjoying his Mocha Moolatte and large "soda".  Notice Mr. Merida in the background keeping an eye on everyone!

Kelsey, Justin, Megan, and Drew

Matthew, Kenzie, Bridgette, and Jacob

Katrina, Tessia, Dylan, Brianna, Shayla, Layla, and Bethany.



Abbe, Catie Beth, Frankie, and Makayla



Homework for Thursday Night & DQ Trip

For those that didn't complete it in class today, here was our assignment:

• Read the Time Magazine article on pages 20-21
• Complete numbers 1 AND 5 on page 19 
•  #1 Use each of the following words in a meaningful sentence ( archaeology, artifact, Ice Age, migration, culture)
• #5 Create a diagram explaining how early Americans depended on their environment and natural resources
• Complete the 5-Question Handout about section 1 ( restate, use full sentences, correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation!!!!!)

REMINDER:  Dairy Queen trip for eligible students on Friday!

 If you haven't done so already, return your permission slip to your HR teacher tomorrow.

Check back for some pics of our students with their Blizzards and Burgers!