Ancient China Moviemaking (Day 3)

Ancient China Final Video Project  Everyone should have created their list of things they learned about Ancient China by now and downloaded the accompanying pictures. If you haven't, please let me know so I can help you.  The rest of you should be in video creation mode.  If you need help uploaded images, editing, adding text, changing themes, adding music, or just getting started, please ask.  That's what I'm here for!  I want you to create a project that your both proud of and that reflects all you've learned during this unit! Deadline: Your Ancient China WeVideo will be due after Spring Break on Wednesday, April 23.     

Ancient China Moviemaking (Day 2)

Ancient China Final Video Project  Once again, before you can start making your video you need to finish your compilation of 10 things you've learned about Ancient China and find and download the accompanying images.  If you need help, please ask.  Once you've completed these tasks, you're ready to start making your movie.  Today I would like give a brief tutorial on how to upload images into WeVideo, how to add text, how to edit the length of your segments, and how to change the background music and video theme. If you already understand how to put your video together, you are welcome to sit at the back table and continue creating movie magic.  To repeat: If you need help, you've got to ask!  There is no reason to sit and suffer in silence.  I'm here to support you!  Deadline: Your Ancient China WeVideo will be due after Spring Break on Wednesday, April 23.     

Ancient China Moviemaking

Ancient China Final Video Project  Before you get to start making your WeVideo, you need to finish your compilation of 10 things you've learned about Ancient China and find and download the accompanying images.  Once you've completed these tasks, you're ready to start making your movie.  Watch a brief overview of WeVideo below to get oriented.  

  

Next, check out this short tutorial on how to add photos in WeVideo.  

Next steps: make sure WeVideo is connected to your Google Drive, create a new video project, upload your images, add your text, choose a theme and music, and you are on your way. Please ask if you need help. I can't wait to see your creations!  Be creative and have fun! 

Looking Back on Ancient China

Warm Up: Padlet Reflection  As our time studying Ancient China comes to close, it's time to reflect on what we've learned.  Head on over to Padlet (Period 3 and Period 6) and write at least one statement about what you've learned about a particular aspect of Ancient China.  You statement should begin:  "I learned . . . "

Ancient China Final Video Project  This project will count as your final Ancient China assessment grade and will allow you to demonstrate the most important ideas and concepts that you have learned about Ancient China.  You will be designing a WeVideo!  I will show a small sample of what a WeVideo looks like and then lead you through a series of steps to help you create your own.  We will work on this project all week in class and it will not be due until your return from Spring Break.  

Task 1:  Review the big ideas and concepts you've learned about Ancient China.  I have made a partial list of some of the general areas we've studied related to Ancient China here. You may also review your completed Ancient China assignments, excepts from your Social Studies textbook, our Padlet wall, and previous blog entries and links.  

Task 2:  Create a list of the 10 most important things you learned about Ancient China using the document here.  Write a statement about what you learned beginning with the phrase "I learned . . ."  Be specific!  Don't just say:  "I learned about China's geography."  Explain what you learned about China's geography.  Don't just say:  "I learned about oracle bones." Explain what you learned about oracle bones.  Vary your focus!  Don't just write 10 things your learned about Shi Huangdi, but rather make sure your list reflects the various topics we've studied.  

Task 3: Find an image or picture to accompany each of your 10 statements.  First, create a folder on your Drive to host your images named "Ancient China Pictures."  Then, search for images related to your learning statements using Google. When you locate an image you like, save it using the 'save as' feature; name the pic and choose your Google Drive as the location to save it to.  Finally, go to your drive and organize your images by moving them into your 'Ancient China Pictures' folder.     

Task 4:  If time remains, you may begin to explore the WeVideo software.  If it's not already installed, let's make sure it is before you leave today.  Mr. McGinty will show you how. Tomorrow we will begin making our actual Ancient China videos.  

Homework  Please try to complete tasks 1-3 before the start of class tomorrow.  

The Han Dynasty and the Silk Road

Warm Up: Ancient China Quiz  Show me what you've learned this past week about the Zhou Dynasty, the Warring States Period, Confucius, and Shi Huangdi and the Qin Dyansty by taking the online quiz here.  

The Han Dynasty: Jigsaw Reading Activity  Today we will be learning about the achievements of the Han, the dynasty that ends up replacing the Qin.  However, due to limited time we are going to do a "jigsaw reading" of the passage about the Jigsaw Dynasty. Each group will be assigned one passage from the text, become experts on one particular topic, and then report out to the class about what they learned.  You can find the Han Dynasty passage here.  Please wait for your assignment before beginning to read.  

The Silk Road: EDpuzzle Video  One of the greatest achievements of the Han Dynasty was the innovation of the "Silk Road."  Learn more about it by interacting with an EDpuzzle video today.  After you log in, locate the video entitled "The Silk Road and Ancient Trade."  Watch the video carefully and answer the five questions.  What you don't finish in class becomes homework.   

Homework  (1.) Finish your "Silk Road" EDpuzzle video and answer the questions.  (2.) All work related to Ancient China that you've done over the course of the past week must be turned in to your name folder within your Social Studies folder.  If you want to create a separate folder in your name folder entitled "March 28 - April 2," which covers the calendar window that we did the assignments, that would would be helpful for my grading.  You can find a list of the assignments due here.  Deadline: Before the start of class, tomorrow, Friday, April 4.   

The Tomb of the First Emperor Meets Main Idea and Details

The First Emperor: Main Idea and Details  Today you will be reading about the tomb of Shi Huangdi ("The First Emperor") from an excerpt in your Language of Literature textbooks. Yes, you will be reading from a book today with actual pages.  No groaning!  "The First Emperor" is an example of informative nonfiction as it provides factual information about a historical figure-the first emperor of China.  

Your objective as you read today will be to identify the main idea and details of selected passages (as well as learn more amazing information about Mr. Shi Huangdi).  If you need a refresher on main idea and supporting details, check out the image below.  

The passage "The First Emperor" begins on page 729 of your Language of Literature textbook.  Use the document here to record the main idea and details of selected passages.  

Homework  Complete the "First Emperor - Main Idea and Details" assignment.   

The Incredibly True and Sometimes Strange Story of Shi Huangdi

Shi Huangdi, "First Emperor" 

Warm Up  Read about the life, achievements, and 'dark side' of Ancient China's "First Emperor" Shi Huangdi here.  Next, answer questions about what your read here.  

Video: 'First Emperor of China'  Today we will watch a short film about Shi Huangdi and his impact on China.  Pay attention to several of the film's areas of focus: the dragon motif, Qin Dynasty warfare, Chinese writing, Qin's Code of Law, and the Great Wall of China.  Take notes on how each of these subjects are depicted using the document here.  If for some reason you would like to pay $2.99 you can access the film below.  Otherwise, I'll be showing the video on the big screen for free in class.   

Homework  Finish your video notes and Shi Huandi 'Warm Up' questions.