Thursday, October 22, 2009

October Newsletter

Have you checked out the 7th Grade October Newsletter? It is located on the 7th Grade Team webpage.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

CYK Quiz- Shang Dynasty

The CYK quiz for the Shang Dynasty is on Thursday, October 22nd. If you have any questions about the quiz, please post them.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Shang

The Shang Dynasty

The Shang Dynasty was the the first complex civilization of China. To find out about the Shang, the students “excavate” a Shang tomb to learn about their government, social structure, religion, writing, art, and technology. The students examined the "artifacts" and used a decoder to reveal information about the artifact. After interpreting“artifacts” from the tomb, they read about the characteristics of this civilization. The students then explored the Shang's belief in ancestral worship by watching a clip of Mulan and recreated a Shang scene of ancestral worship. We wrapped up our study of the Shang by trying our hand at predicting the future by creating our own oracle bones. Oracle bones were used by the Shang to seek advice from the ancestors. The king would ask a question, and the priest would crave the question into an animal bone or turtle shell. The priest would then hold a bronze pin to the bone causing it to form cracks. The priest would then study the cracks to find the answer.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

CYK Quiz- Geography of China

Are you ready for the history quiz on the geography of China? Did you use the CYK Study guide to help you study? Remember to study each of the 5 regions and the physical features of each. Also know what they did in each region.... Were they nomadic and herders or did they stay in one spot and farm? Any questions? Post them.

Ohio Renaissance Festival

Today, the 7th graders spent the day at the Ohio Renaissance Festival. The weather was beautiful and the students seemed to have a good time. I saw them training to be a warrior, watching the jousting match, and enjoying the mud show. How do you think the day went? Share your thoughts.

Welcome

Welcome to MMS 7th Grade Social Studies blog. I hope to use this blog to discussion/answer any questions students and parents might have about my history class.

This is my first time blogging so please be patient as I muddle my way through this process.