What Does Confucius Say?

Chinese philosopher Confucius

Warm Up  Read about the life and work Confucius, of one of the world's most famous philosophers, here.  Then, head over to our Padlet wall and share one thing you learned about his life and one thing you learned about his ideas.  Period 3 visit here and Period visit here.    

EDpuzzle Video:  Confucius  Put your developing understanding of Confucius to a test by interacting with an EDpuzzle video about the famous Chinese philosopher.  Watch the video "Confucius" carefully and answer the five questions.  You should have already set up an account.  However, if you haven't or need to do so again, the class code for 3rd period is dLzL4a and the class code for 6th period is dJN5og.

Confucius: Guided Reading and Question and Answer  If time remains, we will reread together about the life and teachings of Confucius and answer questions using the document here.  If we don't finish in class, please complete for homework.  

Homework  (1.) Complete you Confucius EDpuzzle video.  (2.) Complete your Confucius questions.  

The Zhou Dynasty and the Era of the Warring States

Ancient China during the Warring States Period 

Warm Up  First, go to School Loop and check your Shang Dynasty quiz score and updated Social Studies grade.  Next, make sure you have submitted all required Social Studies work for the week to your name folders.  Finally, if you If you have headphones and want to, go ahead and start the video below.  It features a group of high school students made a pretty informative video about today's topic of study:  the Zhou Dynasty and the Era of the Warring States. If you don't have headphones, wait for Mr. McGinty to play it on the big screen  

Cause and Effect:  The Zhou Dynasty and the Era Of the Warring States  'Cause' is what makes something happen.  'Effect' is what happens as a result.  Practice identifying cause and effect while reading about the Zhou Dynasty and the Era of the Warring States using the activity here.  

Homework  Complete the 'Cause and Effect' assignment.  

The Mandate of Heaven

Warm Up  Show me what you learned about the Shang Dynasty by taking the quiz here.  

Crash Course Video:  Ancient China  Let the team at Crash Course review and introduce some key ideas related to Ancient China.  Watch the video below.  

The Mandate of Heaven  Learn about this important belief held by many in Ancient China regarding how the right to rule was determined.  You can read about it here and here.  Can you synthesize the information from the three written sources (and the Crash Course Video) and describe in your own words what the Mandate of Heaven was and how it worked?  Try doing so here.  

Homework  (1.) Complete your description of the Mandate of Heaven.  (2.) Deadline: All Social Studies assignments from the past week must be completed and in your name folder within your Social Studies folder by the start of class tomorrow, Friday, March 28, if you want to receive full credit.  A list of these assignments can be found here.     

Ancestor Worship and Oracle Bones

Warm Up  What's the most important thing you learned about the Shang Dynasty during your Webquest? Explain here.  

Key Concepts: Ancestor Worship and Oracle Bones  Today we are learning about two key concepts related to the history and culture of Ancient China.  Read about 'Ancestor Worship' and 'Oracle Bones' at the website here.  Next, read about Chinese writing as it relates to oracle bones here.  Finally, complete the study guide assignment here.    

It's a New Day and New Quarter!

Warm Up  Welcome to the first day of 4th Quarter!  Let's spend a few minutes organizing our Google Drive folders.  We're going to separate the work we did last quarter from the work we're doing this quarter.  Go into your name folder for both Language Arts and Social Studies and create a folder entitled "3rd Quarter Assignments" within that folder.  Move all graded assignments into that newly created folder.  Leave all current assignments visible in your name folders.  

Shang Dynasty Webquest (Continued)  Continue your Shang Dynasty Webquest with you partner.   Make sure you are working collaboratively and equitably to complete the assignment, which can still be found here.  Additional resources on the Shang Dynasty can be still be found here, here, and here.  

Homework  Complete your Shang Dynasty Webquest.  Deadline: Friday, March 28 (before the start of class).   

The Shang Dynasty

ALERT!  ALERT!  ALERT!  The following students received zeroes for their China map project because the assignment was not turned in to their folder:  Gustavo, Stephanie, Sandra, Vidal, Brandon, Adrian, and Paloma.  If you would like to receive credit for this assignment and have it count towards your 3rd quarter Social Studies grade, please move it to your name folder immediately!  

Shang Dynasty Oracle Bone

Warm Up  Watch the video below and then write a response explaining the significance of the Shang Dynasty here.  

Shang Dynasty Webquest  Some say the Shang Dyansty was one of the most important time periods of Ancient China.  Enjoy your journey to this exciting dynasty which begins with the Webquest here.  However, today you will not be traveling alone; you will be bringing along the person sitting next to you and together you will be expected to collaboratively complete the Webquest assignment found here.  Have one person make a copy of the assignment and share it with the other, and then decide who will be responsible for the various sections.  Some of the Webquest links are broken, so additional resources on the Shang Dynasty can be found here, here, and here.  

The Dynasties of Ancient China

Warm Up  Welcome to the amazing world of Ancient Chinese Dynasties!  Watch the entertaining and informative video below and share your response here.   

Ancient China Dynasty Timeline  Create a digital timeline featuring the earliest dynasties of Ancient China: the Neolithic Era (Xia Dynasty), Shang Dynasty, Chou (Zhou) Dynasty, Ch'in (Qin) Dynasty, and Han Dynasty. In addition to labeling each dynasty, your timeline should include the years of their reign and an image representing each dynasty.  Make a copy of the Ancient China timeline template here, which includes an example of how to complete your timeline.  You can find images and information about ancient Chinese dynasties here and here.  You may also Google each dynasty for images and dates. 


Video of the Week:  Los Angeles High School Students Build Robots  If you have time, check out the video below about a group of Los Angeles high school students who have been working together to design and build robots and compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition, a nationwide program that challenges students to build and program machines. "We taught kids how to code and how to build robots — some of these kids went from not attending school to getting straight As,” said Will.i.am, who is helping to sponsor the team. To learn more about the program visit this link.  

    

What is a Dynasty?

Warm Up  It's time to show what you've learned about the 'Geography of China.'  Take the quiz here.   

Introduction to Chinese Dynasties  Read about two of the earliest Chinese dynasties here.  What features or characteristics do dynasties seem to have?  What do you think it mean to be a dynasty?  

Dynasty Concept Map  In order to fully understand what it means to be a 'dynasty,' let's create a concept map, which you can find here.  Make a copy and be prepared to take some notes and even incorporate some images.  First, based on the text we read previously what characteristics or features do dynasties seem to share?  Next, considering these characteristics, what are some 'non-examples' of a dynasty?  Who are what does not qualify as a dynasty?  If you have time you can even include some images of such non-examples. Thirdly, now that we better understand what a dynasty is not, what are some legitimate examples of dynasties.  Shall we Google "examples of ruling dynasties" and see what we can find? Once again, feel free to add some visuals to your concept map.  Finally, what is the actual definition of a dynasty.  Check our what your Social Studies textbook says here. Additionally, Google "definition of dynasty" and see what you come up with.  Which definition are you going to include on your concept map and why?  Maybe you could consider combining the definitions of several sources or using your newly developed understand to create your own.  

Homework  (1.) Complete your Dynasty Concept Map.  (2.) Final Deadline Reminder: If you want your China Map to be included as part of this quarter's final Social Studies grade, it must be turned in to your name folder within your Social Studies folder before the start of class tomorrow, Friday, March 21.  

Last Class Day to Map China

Ancient China Map Project  Today is the last class day to work on your digital map of China. Directions for the assignment can still be found here.  If you still need one, a blank map template can be found here.  You can find an additional map resource here -   it's map that includes the location of the Great Wall of China. Final Deadline: I would like this assignment completed and turned in to your name folder within your Social Studies folder on Friday, March 21.  

Alternative China Activity - Explore the Shang Dynasty  If you are finished with your Map of China, feel free to preview our upcoming topic of study, the Shang Dynasty, here.  After you finish reading, you can test your knowledge by taking an online quiz here.   

Cartographers (Map Makers) in Action

Ancient China Map Project  Cartographers are map makers. Today you will continue making your maps of China and its surroundings.  Directions for the assignment can still be found here.  If you still need one, a blank map template can be found here.  You can find additional map resources here and here.  This will be your last day of class time to work on this project.  Deadline: I would like this assignment completed and turned in to your name folder within your Social Studies folder on Friday, March 21.  

Mapping China

Warm Up  Get oriented with China's geography by watching the guided Google Earth tour of China below.  What observations can you make?  

Ancient China Map Project  Today you will begin creating an informative digital map of China and labeling it with essential components of its geography.  Directions for the assignment can be found here.  A blank map template can be found here (make sure you make a copy and put it in your name folder with in your Social Studies folder).  There are many different resources you can use to help in labeling your map.  An online student atlas can be found here.  A physical map of China can be found here.  And a political map of China can be found here.  We will work on this in class today and tomorrow.          

The Geography of China with Edpuzzle

Warm Up  It's time to sign-up for an exciting new online interactive video program:  EDpuzzle. Once you get there, click on "I'm a new student."  Fill out the information in the box (but do not enter an Email).  Make sure you select a username and password that you can remember (such as your district username and password).  Next, you will be asked to "Add a class."  Copy and paste your class code. 3rd period students your code is dLzL4a.  6th period your code is dJN5og.  Once enrolled, please wait for the rest of your classmates.  

Geography of China - Edpuzzle Video  Today you will be watching a video and answering a series of questions about the Geography of China.  The video will stop periodically and you'll be required to answer a question before being allowed to continue.  To be successful, you must pay close attention to the content of the video.  If you have your own headphones, please use them. Otherwise, you must listen to your video as quietly as possible.  You can watch the video and answer the questions at your own pace.  If you don't finish in class today, please finish for homework.  

Ancient China Free Exploration

Free Ancient China Exploration Time  If you have finished your Ancient China Text Quest, you may enjoy some free time to explore various topics related to Ancient China.  Check out Mr. Donn's Ancient China page here and shared what your learned here.  You may also use Google to search for other awesome Ancient China websites that you think the class may enjoy.  Share what you find here.    

Homework  Deadline: In order to receive full credit, make sure your 'Ancient China Text Quest' is submitted to you name folder within your Social Studies folder before the start of class on Friday, March 14.   

Ancient China Web Surfing

Ancient China Text Quest (Continued)  Continue your Ancient China Text Quest from yesterday.  Follow the links, research the questions, and record your answers using the document here.  This will be your last class day in to work on this.  

Free Ancient China Exploration Time  If you finish your Text Quest early, you may enjoy some free time to explore various topics related to Ancient China.  Check out Mr. Donn's Ancient China page here.  If you learn or discover something amazing share it here.  

Welcome to Ancient China

Warm-Up  Welcome to Ancient China!  Watch the China introductory video below and make observations about the geography and culture of China.  Share your observations here.  

Ancient China Text Quest  Get oriented with some of the things you'll be learning by checking out Mr. O's awesome Ancient China Text Quest.  Follow the links, research the questions, and record your answers using the document here.  We will work on this today and tomorrow.    

Emperor Ashoka and the Last Day of Buddhism

Warm-Up Read about one of ancient India's most famous rulers, Emperor Ashoka, here.  Be prepared to share what you learned with the class.  

Ashoka's Rule of Tolerance  Read along with Mr. McGinty as he reads from an example of a primary source document - an excerpt of the speech that Ashoka delivered after the Battle of Kalinga. You can find the speech here and here.  Guiding questions:  How did Buddha's teachings change Ashoka as a leader?  What modern day leaders does Ashoka remind you of?  Would you recommend that all leaders study the teachings of Buddhism?  Why or why not?       

Buddhism Assessment  Our time learning about Buddhism is almost over.  Show me some of what you've learned by taking the test here. 

Homework  (1.) Deadline Reminder:  In order to receive full credit, please make sure your Eightfold Path Google Presentation project is completed and turned into your name folder within your Social Studies folder before the start of class on Tuesday.  (2.) Just because our class time devoted to the study of Buddhism is over, that doesn't mean that you have to stop learning and exploring independently.  Remember that many of Buddha's teachings and ideas can be embraced by people of all faiths and backgrounds.  Meditation, especially, is a tool that you can use throughout your life.  Below is a guided meditation that you may want to check out.  

      

The Beliefs of Buddhism - Meditation and the Eightfold Path

Today's Learning Objective  Know the life and moral teachings of the Buddha.

Warm-Up  Meditation is an essential part of Buddhist practice, but how exactly does it work? Read about it here and watch the video below.  Then, if you choose, participate in a short meditation session with the class.  

The Eightfold Path - Google Presentation  The rest of the day is yours to work on your Eightfold Path Google Presentation.  Feel free to read previous blog entires to get a refresher on the activity and/or click previous links to gather additional information.  You should have access to your Google Drive from home (regardless of whether you have WiFi), so you if you must work on this project from home please do so.  Deadline:  Please have this project completed and turned into your name folder within your Social Studies folder before the start of class on Tuesday.  Note that part of this project will be applied towards your Social Studies assessment grade.  

The Beliefs of Buddhism - Nirvana and the Eightfold Path

Today's Learning Objective  Know the life and moral teachings of the Buddha.

Warm-Up  Read about the Buddhist concept of nirvana here.  Answer questions here.  

The Eightfold Path - Google Research and Presentation Activity  Continue reading about the Eightfold Path here, here, and here.  Take notes on what you learn by using the Google Doc here. Next, synthesize the information you've collected by adding text to each slide on the Google Presentation you started yesterday.  Make sure to explain in your own words what each step is about and try to provide examples for each.  Let's aim to finish this project by the end of class on Friday.  This assignment will count towards your assessment grade. Show me what you've learned!    

The Beliefs of Buddhism - The Eightfold Path

Today's Learning Objective  Know the life and moral teachings of the Buddha.

Warm-Up  Study the image above representing the main tenants of the Buddha's Eightfold Path.  What do you imagine the world would be like if more people followed this path?  What might our community be like?  Explain here.

The Eightfold Path - Video  Watch the video below.  Reflect on how you might be able to incorporate some of these ideas into your daily life.  What specific things are you willing to do personally that align (match up) with the Buddha's teachings?  Explain here.  

Homework: Google Images  Using your textbook's interpretation of the Eightfold Path as a guide here, search Google Images here, and select one picture to represent each law of the Eightfold Path. Add your photos to a Google Presentations document; a template can be found here.  Make a copy of the template so you can add to and change it.  Make sure to submit your final document to your Social Studies folder.  

The Beliefs of Buddhism - The Four Noble Truths

Today's Learning Objective  Know the life and moral teachings of the Buddha. 

Warm-Up  What lessons about life have your learned through your study of the life of Buddha?  What can all people learn by studying his example? Submit your response here.   

The Four Noble Truths  Visit the following site:  Mr. Donn's Buddhism Page and read the section on "The Four Noble Truths."  Next, read the excerpt on this topic form your textbook here. Synthesize (combine) the information from the two sources you've studied.  What are the Four Noble Truths? What are examples of things that bring suffering?  What sorts of desires (wants) cause suffering?   Provide an example of a selfish desire.  Submit your responses here.       

Homework: Preview The Eightfold Path  For homework, preview the Eightfold Path.  Look over Mr. Donn's interpretation of it here.  Which law would you consider the most challenging to follow? Which would be the easiest for you?  Explain here.