Mr. Ippolito takes a quick trip to Las Vegas - December 22-23, 2007

There's really not too much in Las Vegas that relates to eighth grade history, but the holiday display at the Bellagio was pretty cool. Mr. Ippolito is not too much of a gambler, so Vegas was really just a chance to relax and unwind with Mrs. Ippolito before the busyness of Christmas!

Above is the penguin display at the Bellagio Hotel. Just like the Rose Parade here in Southern California, all the characters in the Bellagio holiday display are covered in real plants and flowers.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Yukon families, and keep watching this blog for updates on Mr. Ippolito's family trip to historic Philadelphia and Boston in two weeks!

RVI

Happy Winter Break - December 21, 2007

Dear Yukon students,

I know some of you may be checking the blog over Winter Break, so I just want to wish you and your family a very happy holiday.

My family and I will be traveling to Philadelphia and Boston right after the New Year, and I'll post photos to my blog to keep you updated on my historical tour!

Finally, thanks to everyone who participated in our National Treasure night at the movies. I had lots of fun, and thought the movie was great! So, what do you think is on Page 47?

RVI

December 17-20, 2007 - End of the quarter

As we approach the end of the grading period, here are some questions you should be asking yourself:

• Have I turned in all my absent work (if you've been absent)?
• Have I submitted my end-of-quarter project?
• Have I taken the benchmark exam?
• Have I turned in my history INB?
• Have I checked my final grade in the class?

Once everything has been turned in, you can see your final grade posted in the window of B-7. If you haven't completed all of the above, then what are you waiting for? Mr. Ippolito is submitting his grades on Friday morning, December 21. If you're not happy with the grade you have, you can still recite all 43 Presidents of the United States for extra credit. You must do this in class on Wednesday/Thursday, December 19-20. See Mr. Ippolito in person for more details.

RVI

Team Yukon History Soundtrack - Winter 2007

Here are the tracks I put on the Team Yukon History Soundtrack. I hope you enjoy, and I hope that you and your family have a wonderful holiday. All the best, Mr. Ippolito

1. Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
This was the song that I played on the very first day of school. I wanted to get the point across that the beginning of your eighth grade year is an opportunity to be your best, and that your future is still wide open ahead of you. Little did I realize that many of you sang this for your sixth grade promotion song! Oops! Well, it still conveys the same message that I want to get across to you--you're still young and you have so much promise and opportunity ahead of you.

2. No More Kings - Schoolhouse Rock
This was the first of three Schoolhouse Rock songs that I shared with you. Schoolhouse Rock first came out on ABC on Saturday mornings when I was a kid, so it's fun to share this series with you.

3. National Treasure Suite - Trevor Rabin
What movie could make the Declaration of Independence and American history cooler than National Treasure? I didn't mind taking a class-and-a-half to share this movie with all my Team Yukon students. I think it was well worth it, and I am SUPER excited about watching the sequel this Thursday night!

4. The Preamble - Schoolhouse Rock
Hopefully this helped you memorize the Preamble to the Constitution!

5. I'm Just a Bill - Schoolhouse Rock
Did this song help you with the benchmark exam? This is another catchy Schoolhouse Rock tune!

6. Ichabod Crane - Bing Crosby
One of the first truly American authors, Washington Irving wrote "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" about the village of Tarrytown about 40 miles north of New York City along the Hudson River. We learned about this right before Halloween, which made it perfect timing to watch the Disney version of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

7. Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
This song goes along with the showdown between Jefferson and Hamilton, the first big political rivals in American history!

8. Home - Daughtry
I played this song to accompany the George Washington farewell slideshow as we gave him an American Idol-style send-off. I still get a little teary-eyed thinking about our first President.

9. Louisiana Purchase - Carol Bruce
I never played this in class, but I heard this song on one of the video projects that I saw in class last week. I thought it was a cool song so I put it on the CD!

10. To Anacreon in Heaven - Colonial and Revolution Songs
You never heard this song in class, and it's too bad, too. This is the original British drinking song that became the tune for our National Anthem. Just because I put this song on your CD does NOT mean I am promoting the underage consumption of alcohol, so please enjoy this historical song responsibly.

11. The Battle of New Orleans - Johnny Horton
We heard this song on a couple of the video project presentations that we saw in a couple classes. It's a classic from 1959.

12. Dry Your Tears, Afrika - John Williams
This is my favorite song from the movie, Amistad. You will have the opportunity to watch this Steven Spielberg movie after school. It is a powerful film that shows what the slave trade was like, as well as American life in the 1830s.

13. No More Auction Block for Me - Sweet Honey In The Rock
This is one of the slave spirituals we will learn about when we get to our slavery unit next quarter.

14. Bonnie Blue Flag - Songs of the Civil War
The Confederate flag (the Stars and Bars) has been a source of controversy for over 100 years now, as it has represented everything from states' rights to national pride to racial hatred. The Stars and Bars was not the original flag of the Confederacy, though. The first flag was the Bonnie Blue Flag, a single white star on a royal blue field. You'll see a copy of the Bonnie Blue Flag, and we'll listen to the song in class, when we study the Civil War.

15. Lorena - John Hartford
You may be able to tell that I love music, and especially the music of the Civil War. This song was popular among soldiers in the field during the war. They missed their wives and girlfriends and wished the war would end soon so they could return home to them. The woman mentioned in the title of the song, "Lorena," represents the "girl he left behind."

16. Vacant Chair - Kathy Mattea
Here is another sad song of the Civil War. A family would gather at Thanksgiving or at Christmas time, and when they lost a son, a brother, or a husband in the war, they would leave a "vacant chair" at the dinner table to represent their fallen family member.

17. Goober Peas - Songs of the Civil War
We had a couple of sad Civil War songs, so we'll end on a high point--"Goober Peas"! This is my favorite Civil War song of all. Goober peas is what they call peanuts in the South. Peanuts are very portable, and an excellent source of protein, which made them the perfect on-the-go food for soldiers, both North and South. Beware! This song gets stuck in your head, making it the perfect song to end with!

RVI

Benchmark Review Podcasts!

Very exciting news!

Mr. Ippolito has created his very first BENCHMARK REVIEW PODCASTS! Now you can download the benchmark review and play it over and over again on your iPod!!

They are broken up into three segments, downloadable right here (to save to your hard drive, right mouse-click on each link below and choose "Save as"):
Q2 Benchmark Review - Part 1 Download
Q2 Benchmark Review - Part 2 Download
Q2 Benchmark Review - Part 3 Download

If these are helpful, I will prepare more in the future. I would love your feedback, and happy studying!

RVI

December 14, 2007 - INB Grading

Today in class we graded our history Interactive Notebooks (INBs). If you were absent, please bring your INB in to Mr. Ippolito as soon as possible. It's worth 100 points.

Speaking of 100 points, the benchmark exam will take place Monday/Tuesday, December 17-18, 2007. Think of it not so much as an exam, but as a celebration of learning! :)

Good luck studying, and feel free to post study questions to the blog (others may have your same question), or e-mail Mr. Ippolito at rvi@hartdistrict.org.

Finally, we have 51 National Treasure tickets left out of the original 80. The show is Thursday night, December 20, at 11:59 p.m. Tickets are only $8, and more info is available by downloading the order form here.

Happy studying!

RVI

December 12-13, 2007 - Presentations and National Treasure: Book of Secrets!

VIDEO AND PPT PRESENTATIONS
Today, students presented their Quarter Two video and PowerPoint presentations. We saw projects on the Battle of New Orleans, Hamilton vs. Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, freedom of the press, the Whiskey Rebellion, and other fun topics. Final grades will be issued on Friday, December 14.

NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS
Mr. Ippolito has purchased tickets for the midnight show of National Treasure: Book of Secrets, playing at the Edwards Valencia theater at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, December 20. All Team Yukon students, their families and friends are welcome to buy tickets. This is not like a traditional field trip, so parents are responsible for transportation to and from the theater. Group tickets are only $8.00, and parents and other family members are encouraged to attend. The movie will end at approximately 2:00 a.m. To purchase tickets, please get a flyer from Mr. Ippolito, or download it here:
http://staff.hartdistrict.org/rvi/treasuremovie.pdf

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail Mr. Ippolito.

RVI

Operation US at Tesoro tomorrow

Hey Operation US team!

I'm looking forward to our presentation at Tesoro Elementary tomorrow. Don't forget your script and t-shirt!

Cheers,
Mr. Ippolito

December 10-11, 2007 - End of quarter review

Agenda:
1. Check homework/finish "Memorable Presidential Moments"
2. Finish Andrew Jackson PPT
3. Jeopardy! Review Game
4. Hand out INB Grade Sheets (INB grading will be on Friday)
HW: Finish video/PPT project (due next class)

We are nearing the end of the quarter, and today we just wrapped up some loose ends. I'm almost done with your benchmark review, and I will post it on this blog as soon as I finish up (hopefully later this evening). I will give you a paper copy of the benchmark review in our next class.

RVI

The end of the quarter is fast approaching!

The quarter is quickly coming to an end. Here are some important dates you want to consider:

Wednesday, 12/12 - A-Block history project DVD/PPT presentations due (100 points)
Thursday, 12/13 - B-Block history project DVD/PPT presentations due (100 points)

Friday, 12/14 - INB due (100 points)

Monday, 12/17 - Benchmark Exam - A-Block
Tuesday, 12/18 - Benchmark Exam - B-Block

If you plan to be absent on the day of the benchmark, it is your responsibility to come in on your own time to take the exam by Thursday, 12/20. The benchmark exam is 50 questions and worth 100 points.

E-mail Mr. Ippolito at rvi@hartdistrict.org if you have any further questions.

RVI

Parents' guide to the blog

Dear parents,

The number in parentheses next to each assignment indicates the page number where you should find the work in the INB (Interactive Notebook). For example:

HW: Andrew Jackson: Hero or Villain (92)

means that this homework assignment goes on page 92 in the INB. If you are ever wondering what your kiddo is up to in history, how much work you should see in the INB, or you think an assignment just sounds cool and you want to check it out, refer to that particular page number.

E-mail me at rvi@hartdistrict.org if you have any questions, and of course feel free to post a comment, too!

RVI

The National Bank and the Trail of Tears - December 6-7, 2007

Agenda:
1. Trail of Tears video and questions (top of 90)
2. Trail of Tears reading (bottom of 90)
3. Second National Bank (91)
4. Andrew Jackson PPT conclusion (88)
HW: Andrew Jackson: Hero or Villain? (92)

Andrew Jackson was one of the most influential presidents in US history. He is also a very controversial figure. He drank heavily, smoked, gambled, and died carrying at least one bullet in his body (some historians think even more) from dueling.

He wanted the US government to represent the "common man" and ushered in a political era where both rich and poor could participate in government. That vision of America still excluded other Americans from participation in such as women, African-Americans (Jackson himself was a slave-owner), and Native Americans.

He was a fierce fighter, and brought pride and prestige to the US in his overwhelming victory against the British the Battle of New Orleans. He was also an Indian fighter, and slaughtered Native Americans in the Indian campaigns in Florida and Georgia.

He fought to preserve the union and the Constitution during the tariff war in the 1820 and 1830s. He also defied the Supreme Court and his Constitutional duties by refusing to enforce the ruling in favor of the Cherokee nation.

Is Andrew Jackson a hero or a villain? This is the question you will answer this evening in your homework.

On a completely unrelated note, are you a Simpsons fan like Mr. Ippolito? If so, you may enjoy an exhibit in Santa Monica called "The Art of the Simpsons." More information is available here:
http://www.everypicture.com/events

RVI

The Youth of Andrew Jackson - December 4-5, 2007

Agenda:
1. Andrew Jackson video
2. Youth of Jackson reading and textbook pg. 212
3. Journal - Young Jackson (85)
4. Andrew Jackson PPT (86-88)
HW: Native American Removal in the Age of Jackson (89)

Andrew Jackson lived a hard life growing up. His experiences as a young man helped shape the type of adult that he would become. An orphan at 14, Jackson survived being a teenage prisoner during the Revolutionary War, and grew up to be a self-made man.

Today we learned about Jackson's upbringing and his early life. Next time, we'll learn more about Andrew Jackson, the President. Was Andrew Jackson a hero or a villain? This is the question you will answer . . . next time.

RVI

NCSS Conference in San Diego

OK, well it's been a while since my last blog, but I've been inspired to start anew. I'm currently in San Diego at the National Council for the Social Studies national conference. I have never been so surrounded by people who not only love history, but love teaching history as well. It is very exciting!

Even more exciting is the opportunity to listen to some amazing speakers from around the nation, and hear about different teaching methods. I'm restarting my blog because my favorite presenter of the conference, Eric Langhorst, says he has great success using a blog for his students.

Besides getting all jazzed about using technology in my classroom was meeting one of my former history professors, Dr. Robert Dallek. He is an expert in 20th century American history, particularly the history of the modern Presidency. I went up to him after the presentation and got a photo with him--a real life history rock star! He has published several books on 20th century Presidents, has appeared on National Public Radio, on CNN, and even on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.You can see a clip of that here:

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=90528&title=robert-dallek

Well, kiddos, be prepared to have access to the Yukon history blog, and who knows? I might even start my own podcast if I get really ambitious!!

RVI

March 22, 2007 - Benchmark Exam Q3

Today we took the Benchmark Exam. Please note that the quarter ends tomorrow, so any absent work must be turned in by tomorrow. Next week, we have an in-class project and then we're off for spring break!

RVI

March 20, 2007 - INB Grading

Today we graded INBs and reviewed for the benchmark. Good luck!

March 16, 2007 - On the Edge of War, Part II

Today's agenda:
1. On the Edge of Civil War (pg 45)
2. Benchmark Review (pg 48-49)
HW: Benchmark Review and Prepare INB
REMINDER: INB Check on Tuesday, 3/20; Benchmark Exam on Thursday, 3/22

Today we finished our discussion as America is "On the Edge of Civil War." Our discussion focused on four different events that led us up to the Civil War: the Lincoln-Douglas Debates, John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, the Election of 1860, and the firing on Fort Sumter.

Two of these events, the John Brown raid and Lincoln's victory in 1860, were the two events that just sent the South over the edge. The Harpers Ferry incident created a fear within white Southerners that one day a slave revolt might come to their own hometown. Lincoln's Presidential victory demonstrated that a Northerner no longer needed the electoral votes of the South to get elected to the most powerful position in the United States. By December 1860, Southerners felt both fearful and politically powerless. South Carolina had had enough, and voted for secession on December 20.

By the time Lincoln was inaugurated on March 4, 1861, seven slave states had left the Union. Lincoln faced the first challenge to his Constitutional authority at Fort Sumter. With less than 100 troops at the fort facing starvation, he knew he had to resupply his men. He also saw his opportunity to draw the South into a conflict without looking like the aggressor. The rest is Civil War history.

RVI

March 14, 2007 - On the Edge of Civil War

Today's agenda:

1. Assemble puzzle pieces
2. Go over puzzle pieces
3. Ken Burns' Civil War (pg 46-47)
4. On the Edge of Civil War (pg 45)

Today we move closer to war between North and South. We reviewed five events that led the nation closer to war: the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, the Fugitive Slave Law (1850), the Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854), and the Dred Scott decision (1857).

We then viewed 20 minutes of Ken Burns' ten-hour documentary, The Civil War. This was an opportunity for us to review the origins of slavery, the Underground Railroad, and prominent abolitionists. Of these abolitionists, the focus of the last part of the video was John Brown. This radical abolitionist was involved in the violence of Bleeding Kansas, and then decided to take it a step further. In 1859, Brown and his followers planned a massive slave revolt, beginning in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, and sweeping all through the Cotton Kingdom.

Brown's revolt failed, and he was tried and convicted of treason against the state of Virginia. This is ONE of the TWO events in the final years leading up to the Civil War that would convince the South that it was time to leave the Union.

Next time, we learn about the OTHER event that will be the final straw for the South . . . find out next time!

RVI

Homework instructions - "Putting It Together"

Some students were a bit confused about the "Putting It Together" puzzle piece homework. Here are the instructions you will need for tonight:

On your puzzle piece you need to:
a. Draw a Title
b. Describe the law or Supreme Court case
c. Analyze the result and/or the impact on the Civil War
d. Draw and color a picture that represents your law

Good luck!

RVI

March 12, 2007 - The Crisis Turns Violent

Today's agenda:
1. Review homework
2. Putting It Together (pg 44)
HW: Putting It Together puzzle piece (this does NOT go in the INB)

Today in history, we began "putting it all together." Specifically, we began putting together all the factors, both North and South, that will lead to the outbreak of the Civil War. We took a lot of time today to carefully review last night's homework, titled "The Crisis Turns Violent." After the Compromise of 1850, the war of words between North and South turned hot, and certain events led to violent behavior.

The publishing of Uncle Tom's Cabin in 1852 sparked outrage among Southerners and Northerners alike. Readers in the North were deeply moved, and the issue of slavery became not merely a political issue, but a moral issue for the first time. Critics in the South charged that Harriet Beecher Stowe never spent any time in the South, and used sweeping generalizations to paint the White South as a cruel and amoral society.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 sent shockwaves through the North as the promises of the Missouri Compromise were broken. John Brown was so enraged that he and his followers hacked five pro-slavery men to death with broadswords at Pottawatomie Creek in Kansas. After a highly irregular vote for the Kansas legislature, the territory exploded in violence. Pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces each created their own legislatures in two separate capitals. Chaos ensued.

The caning and Senator Charles Sumner by Representative Preston Brooks and the Dred Scott decision also pushed sectional conflict further to the brink of war. By 1858, the North had several reasons to be up in arms. It will ultimately be two events, one in 1859 and one in 1860, that will drive the South to secede from the Union.

What two events could lead a people to want to break away from their own nation? Find out in our next class!

RVI

March 8, 2007 - Slavery compromises

Today's agenda:
1. Check homework
2. ENSLAVEMENT Acrostic (pg 39)
3. Slavery Compromises (pg 41)
4. Slavery Compromises Map (pg 42)
HW: The Crisis Turns Violent (pg 43)

Today in history we finished up our study of slavery by working on an acrostic using the word "Enslavement," and then shared a couple of our Brer Rabbit stories from last night's homework. We then went back to the beginning of our unit, reviewed some of the differences between North and South between 1800 and 1850, then focused specifically on how slavery affected African-Americans as individuals and as a community.

>From the effect on African-Americans, we shift today to how slavery as an institution affected the politics of the 1800s. Since the creation of the Constitution, American lawmakers from North and South have argued and compromised over the issue of slavery. Beginning with the gradual termination of the international slave trade and the 3/5 Compromise, and continuing with the balance of Northern and Southern states being admitted to the Union, American politicians have been able to maintain the equilibrium between North and South.

The two biggest political compromises were the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the Compromise of 1850. In both these compromises, neither side got exactly what they wanted, but both sides were satisfied long enough to at least make the other side feel like his opponents didn't get too much.

The peace created by the Compromise of 1850 wouldn't last long though. In your homework tonight, you will explore how the sectional crisis in the United States turned violent, even resulting in bloodshed on the floor of the Senate!

RVI

February 6, 2007 - African-Americans Resist and Adapt to Slavery

Today's agenda:
1. Resist and Adapt to Slavery (pg 38)
2. Enslavement Acrostic (pg 39--did not get to in class)
3. Brer Rabbit (pg 40)

Today in history we learned about the amazing ways in which African-Americans were able to cope with the harsh conditions they faced while enslaved in the American South during the 17- and 1800s. We learned about family life, passive resistance, the field slaves, the house slaves, religion, and culture.

We ended with storytime as students listened to a story about Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Bear. We discussed how the oral tradition of slave families passed these stories down from one generation to the next, and what they were designed to teach the younger generation. You can read the story we heard in class today by clicking the link below:

http://www.americanfolklore.net/folktales/ga7.html

Your homework is to reflect on this Brer Rabbit story, and then come up with one of your own. Decide what lessons you'd like to teach in your own Brer Rabbit story, and you'll have a chance to share your story when we meet in our next class.

RVI

Daylight Saving Time changed by Congress

To all Team Yukon families, you may not know that Congress recently changed Daylight Saving Time.  We now "spring ahead" three weeks earlier than before, and "fall back" one week later.  Please make sure to move your clock ahead one hour this Sunday, March 11.

 

I wonder who will be an hour late to school on Monday?  It happens every year . . . but hopefully not to you!  For more information on the history of Daylight Saving Time, check out the feature sponsored by the California Department of Energy.

 

http://www.energy.ca.gov/daylightsaving.html

 

RVI

Friday, March 2, 2007 - The Abolitionists

Today's agenda:
1. Warm-Up: The Origins of Slavery in America (pg 36)
2. Talkers, Writers, and Do-ers of Abolitionism (pg 34-35)
3. The Abolitionist Scrapbook Page (pg 37)

Today in history we continued our study of slavery. We began by reading an excerpt from Howard Zinn's People's History of the United States. This sparked a discussion about how slavery began in the United States, why Native Americans were not used as slaves, and why the colonists felt as though they "needed" slavery in order to survive in the New World.

We then fast-forwarded to the 1800s, and the people in the United States working to end slavery in America. These reformers were called "abolitionists," since they fought to abolish slavery. There were "talkers," those who gave stirring speeches against slavery; there were "writers," those who used the printed word; and finally there were "do-ers," those who felt the best way to end slavery was through action.

Who was most effective at working to end slavery? The talkers? The writers? The do-ers? That is the topic of your homework tonight. Create an Abolitionist Scrapbook Page to demonstrate whom you believe to be the most influential in the fight against slavery.

RVI

February 28, 2007 - Imagining the Horrors of Slavery

Today's agenda:
1. 6/8 Quiz - "North and South"
2. The Southern Class System (pg 31)
3. Imagining the Horrors of Slavery (pg 32)
HW: Slavery Sensory Figure (pg 33)

Today in history, we began by taking a quiz on the North and South. We continued by learning about the Southern Class System by filling in a pyramid-style graphic organizer. We learned that only 16% of the Southern population owned slaves, that 50% of the population consisted of poor whites, and that 1 out of 3 Americans in the South was owned by another American.

The next half of class was devoted to the simulation called "Imagining the Horrors of Slavery." With the lights of the classroom dimmed, students listened to excerpts from Alex Haley's novel, Roots, the story of Kunta Kinte and his forced journey from Africa to North America. Students listened quietly as they heard about capture in Africa, awaiting departure on the West African coast, the horrible conditions of a slave ship, and the ultimate selling of Kunta and other slaves upon landing in America.

The homework for tonight is a Slavery Sensory Figure, where students are asked to put themselves in the position of a slave being brought across the Middle Passage. What do you feel? What do you see? What do you hear? Reflections are due at our next class.

RVI

February 25, 2007 - The South

Today's agenda:
1. The South PPT (pg 28)
2. The North/South T-Chart (pg 29)
HW. Textbook Reading Notes - Pages 270-274 (pg 30)

Today, to contrast last week's study of the North, we begin our study of the economy, culture, technology, transportation, and geography of the South. We began with the South PowerPoint, then created a North/South comparison t-chart.

Some students had difficulty finding some vocabulary terms. If you can't find them in the textbook, then feel free to consult the Internet or a dictionary for help. The terms you may need a little extra help on are:
- sectionalism
- agrarian economy
- industrial economy
- martyr
We also discussed these definitions in class.

Our homework tonight is to read the textbook (pages 270-274) and take reading notes. The notes may be in whatever format you prefer (outline, bullet points, Cornell, etc.). Take the notes on page 30 of the INB, and be prepared to be quizzed on the material at our next class.

RVI

February 22, 2007 - Reform Movements of the North

Today's agenda:
1. Reform Movements in the North (pg 25)
2. Seneca Falls Convention (pg 26)
HW: Letter to Elizabeth (pg 27)
Don't forget! - Vocab also due on Monday, 2/26

Today in history we studied the many reform movements begun in the North between 1800 and 1850. These movements were inspired by the religious revival of the Second Great Awakening. American Christians in the North were inspired to improve themselves, and the world around them.

Reformers sought change in the areas of:
- Treatment of prisoners
- Treatment of the mentally ill
- Education
- Abolition of slavery
- Temperance (ban on alcohol)
- Women's rights

One of the most interesting figures in the temperance movement was Carrie Nation. She actually appeared a little bit later in the 19th century, but she was quite a character. With her trademark axe, she went from tavern to tavern smashing containers of alcohol. Want to find out more about this fascinating individual? Check out these sites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrie_Nation
http://www.kshs.org/exhibits/carry/carry1.htm

They even have a Carry (it can be spelled either way) Nation festival in Michigan! I doubt they serve wine or beer there! :-) Check it out here:
http://www.carrynation.org/

Next class, we'll begin our study of the South.

RVI

February 20, 2007 - Beginning Antebellum America

Today's agenda:
1. A new unit: Antebellum America
2. Cover Page - "Antebellum America" (pg 21)
3. "The North" PPT Interactive lecture (pg 22)
HW: Roads, Canals, and Turnpikes (pg 23)
HW: Vocabulary (pg 24--due next Monday, 2/26)

We began the new Antebellum America unit. The word "antebellum" comes from the Latin. Ante means "before," and bellum means "war or conflict." This unit is a study of the time period leading up the American Civil War.

Today we focused on the North. We learned about the unique geography, population, culture, transportation, technology and economy that set the North apart from the South. To continue our study of the North, we focused specifically on the "Roads, Canals, and Turnpikes" that helped the people of the North to move goods from one place to another. We learned that the diversified economy and exploding population will give the North a distinct advantage when they find themselves at war with the South beginning in 1861.

"Roads, Canals, and Turnpikes" was the homework for this evening. I also encourage you to begin on your vocabulary assignment. Although vocab is not due until next week, there are 18 terms in this unit, so you may want to get an early start.

Next time, we focus on the reform movements of the early to mid-1800s. Social reform inspired by the Second Great Awakening will drive the temperance movement, the women's rights movement, and reforms for education, the prison system, and the mentally ill.

RVI

My Baby Is One Month Old!

From Libi - 4 weeks

For my photos of my very cute baby, Libi, check out our website at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/rippolito

February 15, 2007 - INB Check

Today was a 7-period day, so we only had 45 minutes to finish up our Manifest Destiny unit. We began by briefly reviewing unit exam scores, and then spent the majority of our time grading Interactive Notebooks (INBs).

I'm very excited to begin our Antebellum America unit on Tuesday!

NO homework for this Presidents Day weekend! Enjoy!

RVI

February 13, 2007 - Unit Exam

Today in history we took our Manifest Destiny Unit Exam and received our INB grade sheets. INBs are due at our next class session. The progress reporting period ends this week, so please make sure to get those INBs complete!

RVI

February 9, 2007 - The Conflict in Mexico and the Rush West

Today in history we finished discussing "Conflict in Mexico," a textbook jigsaw assignment we began in class during our last class time.  We then took the Texas and Mexican War PowerPoint quiz (sorry, no 6-8 Quiz this time).  We then finished up with "A Rush West," where we learned about both the Mormons and the Forty-Niners in their travels to the western frontier for religious freedom and fortune (respectively).  The homework for tonight was the complete the Unit Exam review.

 

In our next class, we will first review for, and then take the Manifest Destiny Unit Exam.  Be prepared and good luck!  In the following class, we will grade Interactive Notebooks and then conclude our grades for the third quarter progress report.  Please make sure you have all absent work submitted to me before the end of this week.

 

PBS has a great site on the Mexican War here:

http://www.pbs.org/kera/usmexicanwar/

 

Social Studies for Kids has a great, easy-to-read summary of the war here:

http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/mexicanamericanwar1.htm

 

A essay from a Mexican perspective on the war can be found here:

http://www.azteca.net/aztec/war/Mexican-American-War.html

 

Again, please review all the material in your INB since the beginning of the new quarter so you can be prepared for the Unit Exam in our next class.

 

RVI

 

February 7, 2007 - Conflict with Mexico

Today in history we concluded our study of the War for Texan Independence.  Were the Texan settlers pioneering freedom fighters struggling for their independence, or simply illegal immigrants who were exploiting their great numbers to overthrow a government they never had any intention to honor?

Discussions were vigorous in history today as we tackled this question.  Following our wrap-up of the Texas question, we transitioned to our study of the Mexican War.  We did a jigsaw activity where we broke up into groups to get a great deal of information from the textbook very quickly.  We didn't finish sharing our responses in class today, so we'll wrap that up on Friday, February 9.

Finally, the homework for tonight is Important People of Manifest Destiny.  Your job is to determine the significance of these individuals, then create a graphic representation that will help you remember each of these people.  Friday, we take the Mexican War head-on!

RVI

February 5, 2007 - The War for Texan Independence

We wrap up our three days of study of the War for Texan Independence by finishing the Disney film, The Alamo.  We began last week with the Texan Independence PowerPoint presentation.  We learned about the Texans' struggle for freedom from Mexico, and the homework was to make an Alamo monument.  The homework for the movie was to write a three-paragraph essay explaining whether you believe the Texans were justified in rebelling against Mexico.

Over the past two days, we've been watching The Alamo.  If you'd like to see trivia on the film, you can check out the IMDB entry here:
http://imdb.com/title/tt0318974/

There's a good Wikipedia article on the Texan Revolution here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Revolution

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas have a great site for study of the Alamo here:
http://www.drtl.org/History/index.asp

Next time, the Mexican War!
RVI

January 26, 2007 - Oregon Country

Today in history we learned more about the Oregon Country.  We discussed the geography of the territory, and the countries that all had claims on the region in the early 1800s (the US, Britain, Spain, and Russia).  We took a 6-8 Quiz on the Oregon Country and then finished class by reading about "One Family's Journey," the story of Caddy Appleton and her family as they traveled from Independence, MO, to Oregon City, OR.

The homework for tonight is to finish the Appleton's story.  What happened to Ma, Pa, Caddy, Jem, and Baby Sarah?  Did they ever see Grammy again?  What about Tall Grass Waving?  Write 3/4 of a page to 1 page telling us your version of the "rest of the story."

RVI

January 24, 2007 - The Oregon Trail

Today Yukon history departed for the Oregon Trail! We began by watching a DVD clip that gave us a general idea of the westward movement for many families during the early 1800s.

We then moved into the Oregon Trail Interactive Slide Lecture. Here, we discussed all the different parts of the Oregon Trail, beginning with the trek across the Great Plains, through mountain passes, deserts, across raging rivers, and finishing in the lush, green Willamette Valley in Oregon.

Would you like to learn more about the pioneer families' daring 2,400 mile journey across North America? Here are some sites I recommend:
http://www.historyglobe.com/ot/otmap1.htm
http://www.oregontrailcenter.org/

Want your family to follow the Oregon Trail this summer? Here's a commercial site that can help you plan your family's driving vacation along this historic journey (probably a little easier in an air-conditioned car than in a covered wagon):
http://www.travelhero.com/destinations/main.cfm/type/OREGON_TRAIL/

Your homework for tonight is Pioneer Do's and Don'ts, which you will turn in separately (not in the INB).

Happy Trails!
RVI

January 22, 2007 - Lewis and Clark

Today in history we began by exploring the concept of Manifest Destiny in a journal assignment.  Were Americans really destined to spread across the continent?  Was it our destiny?

We continued to explore the theme of Manifest Destiny with an interactive PowerPoint slide presentation.  In it, we learned about the US in 1803 when President Jefferson made the Louisiana Purchase.  This purchase made it possible for explorers Merriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead their Corps of Discovery west from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean.

You can learn more about this amazing journey at some of these sites:
http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lewisandclark/

The character of Sacagawea was featured in the recent film (and now one of my favorite movies of all time) Night at the Museum .  Want to find out more about their Shoshone guide, Sacagawea, who served as navigator and translator, all while carrying her infant son on her back?  Learn more about this amazing woman here:
http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/inside/saca.html
http://www.nps.gov/archive/jeff/LewisClark2/CorpsOfDiscovery/TheOthers/Civilians/Sacagawea.htm

Homework for tonight was to write a one-page entry in the diary of William Clark.  Next time, we move on to the Oregon Trail!

RVI

January 18, 2007 - Land Ordinances

Before we get to land ordinances, Baby Liliana Ippolito is doing great!  Mr. and Mrs. Ippolito brought her home today and the whole family is doing well.

OK, now to history.  Today was a minimum day, but Ms. Vincent was still able to teach you about the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.  This was an important first step in establishing how new lands would be handled in the United States.

Here's an interesting website if you'd like to learn more about the Northwest Ordinance.
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/wwww/us/northwestordinancedef.htm

Homework was vocabulary, and it is due at our next class.  Have a great weekend!

RVI

--
Ron Ippolito
History Teacher/ASB Director
Rio Norte Junior High School
rvi@hartdistrict.org

Baby Ippolito is born!

Mr. Ippolito is the proud daddy of a baby girl, Liliana Ippolito, born on Wednesday, January 17, at 1:02 a.m. I will be out of school for the next couple weeks to take care of my wife and new baby. Learn lots and be good while I'm gone! Although I will not be in the classroom, I will continue to post my lessons to this blog.

RVI

Territorial Expansion - A new unit begins

Today in Team Yukon history, we began by discussing where we had come from as a nation. We began with just the land of the 13 original colonies, but by 1783 had quickly expanded west to the Mississippi River. Later, with the Louisiana Purchase, the Texas annexation, the Mexican War, and a few other treaties and purchases, by 1853, the continental United States was complete.

Today's in-class assignment was the Territorial Expansion Map. This will serve as your cover page for this unit. The homework was to finish the map. Make sure to follow all instructions, especially when drawing and labeling the rivers. To help you with the rivers, check out these sites:
http://graphicmaps.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/usstates/artwork/rivers/uslayout.htm
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/rivers/

A really cool downloadable, printable map of Westward Expansion is available here:
http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/pdf/territory/pagetacq3.pdf

If you want to show your parents some of what we did in class today, you can check out the Animated Atlas at:
http://animatedatlas.com/movie2.html

Happy Learning!
RVI

Team Yukon History blog begins!

Hello there, Yukon history fans!

Mr. Ippolito and Mrs. Painter are trying something new for '07--a Yukon history blog! Check this blog to find out what's happening in class, verify homework assignments, and find links to cool history stuff.

Some websites you can check out now to begin our new Manifest Destiny unit are listed below. Enjoy!

http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/westward.html
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/lewisandclark/lewisandclark.html
http://www.kidinfo.com/American_History/Pioneers.html

RVI





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