Today in World History students were given instructions on how to complete the optional extra credit report that can be completed over the holiday break. Wednesday students watched a video of the ancient Inca and were asked to answer questions. These questions were:

—1. What is remarkable about the way the Inca stone masons built the cities of Machu Picchu and Cuzco?

—2. Explain why the Inca road system was the key to controlling the empire.

—3. Describe the “coming of age” ceremony for Inca boys and girls.

—4. Why was the Inca leadership in a vulnerable position when the Spanish arrived? What disease further weakened the Incas?

—5. What advantages did the Spanish have over the indigenous people of the Americas?

—6. What traditions have survived among the Inca today?

These questions should be included in the Americas binder. The binder on the Americas will be due the week we get back from break. Students should have the binder organized and ready for grading on Tuesday the 13th.

Dec. 15th - Dec. 19th

This week in World History we will finish our study of the Americas. Monday students were asked to read in pairs from the text and answer questions on the geography of Mesoamerica - which was important in determining the lifestyle of the people who lived there. Any students who did not finish the questions in class must complete them for homework due on Tuesday. The questions were:

1. What effect have volcanoes had on the landscape of Mesoamerica?
2. How does the temperature in the mountains of Mesoamerica differ from the temperature at sea level?
3. Why do you think Mesoamerican farmers abandoned their fields after a few years?
4. How did Mesoamericans prepare the rain forest for farming?


On Tuesday students will watch a short video on the ancient Inca.

Today in World History students worked on vocabulary for the geography of Mesoamerica. If the vocabulary was not finished in class - it is due on Monday and should be done for homework over the weekend. Yesterday, students worked on the cover to their new unit on the Americas. Students were asked to draw and color at least 4 pictures that are related to the area and/or era of this subject. They were then asked to write at least 5 lines about what they know, think they know, or want to know about the Americas.

The class made it through its first state test this week and most seemed to feel good about their performance. Next week we will be studying the cultures of the Americas and I will be offering the students an extra credit assignment that they may complete during the holiday break. This extra credit assignment is optional and will be due the week we return from the break.

One quick reminder - 15 week progress reports will be sent out in the next few days, so keep an eye out for them.

Today in World History we reviewed information that we covered this semester in preparation for our state test tomorrow. Students should use their study guides to review for tomorrow's test. On Thursday we will be studying the geography of the Americas. For the assessment tomorrow, please try to get a good night sleep and eat a good breakfast in the morning - good luck and I will see you tomorrow.

Dec. 8th - Dec. 12th

This week in World History students will be introduced to the Americas. On Monday students took notes on a short overview of the major empires of mesoamerica. On Tuesday, students will review all the units we have studied so far this semester (Rome, Islam, and Africa). Homework for Tuesday will be to review for the assessment on Wednesday. On Wednesday, students will take their first state test for History. It will cover the subjects that we have learned about so far this year. When we return on Thursday, students will continue their study of mesoamerica - including the geography and agriculture that allowed empires to prosper and grow. Students should also have their history binders organized, finished, and ready for grading by Thursday. The assignments and table of contents for the binder are as follows:

1. Vocabulary/Summary - Words included were clan, griot, kinship, labor specialization and summary of the text book reading (pgs. 151- 154)
2. Map of Africa - colored and labeled
3. Video Questions "Ancient Africa"
4. Ghana PowerPoint notes
5. Ghana notes question and summary
6. Vocabulary sheet - all boxes filled and pictures colored
7. Compare/Contrast sheet - the 3 empires of Western Africa
8. Mali/Songhai PowerPoint notes

Today in World History we continued our study of Mali and Songhai - two important empires of Western Africa. Due to short periods the last two days, we will conclude our study of Africa tomorrow by finishing a PowerPoint presentation and conducting a "Gallery Walk" through the classroom that highlights important information on the empires, lifestyle, and leaders of Africa. Friday our weekly assignment of a compare and contrast sheet is due. Students will compare and contrast the three main empires of Western Africa- Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. They may use their Cornell notes and the text book pages 164 to 169 to complete the assignment. On Friday students will play a short review quiz game on Africa. Starting Monday students will learn about Mesoamerica and the Olmec civilization.

One important notice - the 1st periodic state assessment for this class will take place on Wednesday of next week. It will cover all subjects that we have covered so far in class. We will use Tuesday as a review day for these subjects. On Thursday of next week we will continue with our study of Mesoamerica - including units on the Aztec, Maya, and Inca.

Dec. 1st - Dec. 5th

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a restful Thanksgiving weekend. This week in World History we are concluding our study of Africa. On Monday, students finished notes on the empire of Ghana and answered summarizing questions. These questions were completed during class - or must be finished as homework. The questions were:

1. What difficulties did people encounter when moving goods across the desert?

2. How did the region of Ghana come to be known as Ghana?

3. How did Ghana’s king help the empire become wealthy and powerful?

4. How did trade affect West Africa’s religion and culture?

5. What advantage did Muslims have that helped them gain influence in Ghana?

6. How did Ghana’s wealth and power lead to its downfall?

In addition to these questions, students were given a vocabulary homework sheet for their binders that is due tomorrow.

Tomorrow - Tuesday the 2nd, students will be learning about the empires of Mali and Songhai - the empires that followed Ghana. On Wednesday we will conclude our study of these empires and conduct a "gallery walk" of the important leaders and subjects. On Thursday students will participate in a team review game in preparation for a short quiz to end our unit on Africa.

Our weekly assignment, due Friday, is a compare and contrast sheet on the empires of West Africa.

On Friday students will be introduced to Mesoamerica and the Olmec culture.

And finally, a few quick notes

- the Turkey Bowl will be played on Wednesday the 3rd.
- 15 week progress reports will be sent out in the next week or so
- State assessments in History will take place sometime next week, I will give more information when it becomes available to me.

Nov. 24th - Nov. 28th

This week in World History students are continuing their study of Africa. On Monday, students took Cornell style notes on a PowerPoint presentation of the empire of Ghana - an area of trans-Saharan trade. Tuesday students were broken up in to "caravan" groups and were asked to trade with other caravans in order to get neccessary goods - and of course they had to pay a tribute tax to the king of Ghana (Mr. Sheridan) as well! Students were able to see the importance of the salt and gold trade and learned about the trading of slaves for goods as well. Wednesday is a minimum day and we will take a small break from Africa - students will learn a short history of the true story of Thanksgiving and then be excused to the field to watch this years Turkey Bowl - GO GOLD!!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend - there is no school on Thursday the 27th or Friday the 28th. When students return on Monday, we will continue our study of Africa, focusing on the emergence of the empire of Mali.

Today in World History students became more familiar with the specific areas of Africa. Students then watched a video on the kingdoms of east Africa. While watching the video students were asked to answer the following questions:

- Explain two reasons why Africa's history is hard to figure out.
- What are some regions in Africa where early civilizations developed?
- What does "Swahili" mean and how does the meaning relate to the location of the Swahili civilization?
- Why did Archaeologists originally believe that the Swahili were not African?
- Give two theories (guesses) for the mysterious decline of Great Zimbabwe.

Tomorrow our weekly assignment is due. It is a map of the continent of Africa - refer to yesterdays post for specific information on how to complete the assignment. Also tomorrow is "casual Friday' students may be out of uniform, but must conform to the dress code found in their agenda binders.

Nov. 17th - Nov. 21st

Hello everyone - sorry for the lack of posts. I could not get online on campus last week, but we are back in business. This week in World History we are studying the continent and kingdoms of Africa. On Monday, students discussed the importance of cultural myths and their transmission from person to person orally. Oral tradition and history are very important in the study of Africa. On Tuesday students did vocabulary and summarized text passages in pairs. Wednesday students were given history binders and were asked to label and color specific areas of a map of the continent of Africa. This map is the weekly assignment and must be completed by Friday. The areas of the map that must be colored and labeled are:

- Ocean bordering Africa to the west
- Ocean bordering Africa to the east
- Sea bordering Africa to the north
- The vegetation zones of Africa
- Egypt, Ghana, Songhai, the Nile River, the Senegal River, and the Sahara Desert

Use the maps on pages A28 and 158 to help you find this information.

One quick reminder: This week is Spirit Week - Wednesday is twin day, Thursday is crazy hair day, Friday is casual Friday (dress code will be enforced).

Welcome back. I hope everyone had a restful Veterans Day holiday. Today in World History students filled out a part of their study guide for Fridays quiz. Tomorrow we will finish our study guides - focusing on the 5 pillars of Islam and the lasting contributions of the Muslim world. We will then play a short review game. Students are to study for the quiz - which will be on Friday.

Next week is Spirit Week - starting on Wednesday students will participate in "theme days" including twin day, crazy hair day, casual Friday, mix-match shoe day, and jersey day. I will post more information on these days as they get closer.

Once again, the 10 week progress report will be arriving soon - keep an eye out for it. Any students or parents who are concerned about grades earned in the class, can feel free to contact me to discuss what is required to improve.

Nov. 10th - Nov. 14th

On Friday we continued our study of the rise of Islam. Students listened to a reading of the life of the prophet Muhammad while taking notes on a PowerPoint presentation. On Monday, we will finish up the story of Muhammad and learn about the spread of Islam after his death. Tuesday is Veterans Day, there is no school. On Wednesday, we will conclude our study of Islam by looking at the lasting contributions of Islam in the areas of medicine, language, math, and the sciences. Thursday we will finish the unit with a small assessment and on Friday we will begin to look at the cultures and civilizations of Africa.

One quick reminder that the 10 week progress report will be sent out in the next few days - keep an eye out for it.

Once again, Tuesday the 11th is Veterans Day - there is no school. If you enjoy your rights and freedoms, thank the people who fought to keep them safe, thank a Veteran!

Nov. 3rd - Nov. 7th

This week in World History we will continue our study on the rise of Islam. On Monday students were asked to write a journal on morality and its effects on behavior. Students then read together in whole group and answered questions based on the reading. Here were the questions:

- What are some ways that Muslim's beliefs effect their daily lives?
- Why did Muhammad spread Islam?
- How did Muhammad show leadership?
- Why would acceptance of non-Muslims be important to the expansion of the Muslim Empire?
- What do Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have in common?
- What is the importance of the Sunnah to the Muslims?

Today in World History we studied the geography, economy, people and religious beliefs of the Arabian peninsula. Student groups worked together to find information for a graphic organizer using notes and the text. There is no homework for tonight. On Monday we will continue our study of Islam, discussing how Muslims live and act, and the history of Muhammad and his followers.

Tomorrow is Halloween - it is also a minimum day; students will be released from school at 12:12pm. Please remember that tomorrow is not a free dress day - if you are not in a costume, you must still be in uniform! Also, no costumes with full masks will be permitted. Students must be recognizable in their costumes. In class tomorrow, we will go over a brief history of Halloween, and then we will play a quiz game with prizes for correct answers. Have a safe and happy All Hallows Eve!!

Today in World History the class watched an introductory video on the history and practices of Islam. Students answered questions while watching. The questions were:

- Where was Muhammad born?
- What are the five pillars of Islam?
- What is the Hadith?
- What is the Ka'bah?
- What does an Imam do?
- What are the two sects of Muslims?
- What do Muslims do during Ramadan?

Tomorrow students will work in groups to learn about the terrain and culture of the Arabian peninsula - the place where Muhammad was born and Islam began.
There is no homework for tonight.

Today in World History we discussed what we knew about Islam. We then went over general information of the prophet Muhammad and the origins of Islam. The class then defined vocabulary for the unit - as usual students were to alphabetize, define, and include an illustration with at least 4 colors for each word. The words for this section are:

- Islam
- Muslim
- Qur'an
- Sunnah
- Mosque
- Allah
- Arabia
- Mecca
- Hijrah

Arabia and Mecca are not in the textbook - you will get the definitions in class tomorrow during a short video presentation.

Oct. 27th - Oct. 31st

This week in World History we will begin to study the rise of Islam. Tomorrow is Tuesday and we will be following the shorter schedule. Parent conferences will take place tomorrow as well, during two different time periods - 1:30pm - 3:30pm and 5:00 to 7:00. I look forward to meeting with as many of you as possible. Today in World History we came to the end of our unit on Rome. Student groups presented posters depicting one of four legacies of Rome, discussing the lasting effects of the Romans on our modern world. Tomorrow we will begin our unit on the rise of Islam. There is no homework for tonight.

Today in World History students finished up notes on the introduction to the Byzantine Empire. Students then worked in groups to complete a Venn diagram on the similarities and differences between the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox religions. Tomorrow we will finish our study of Rome by focusing on the lasting legacy of the Roman culture. Monday we will have a short quiz and then we will begin our lesson on the rise of Islam.

For the classes that did not finish the Venn diagram, it must be completed for homework tonight and is due when you enter class tomorrow. Use your notes and pages 60-63 to help you answer.

One final reminder - our weekly homework is due tomorrow - a current event report on a newsworthy event that is at least 300 words in length and includes the country in which the story takes place, countries that border the country where the story takes place, and the date of the story. The report should summarize the story in the student's own words and include why they found the story newsworthy and why the world should care.

Today in World History we finished our "History Frames" organizers on the fall of Rome. We then took notes on a PowerPoint presentation on the early Byzantine empire and began work on a Venn diagram comparing the religion of the western and eastern empires. Remember that this week's homework is a current event report of approximately 300 words that is due Friday the 24th. If you have any questions on what must be included in the report - please see Mr. Sheridan or refer to the weekly post on this site. Tomorrow and Friday we will continue with the Byzantine empire and the lasting legacy of Rome. Next week we will begin our study of Islam.

Oct. 20th - Oct. 24th

This week in History we will conclude our study of the Roman empire. Today students finished up taking notes on a PowerPoint presentation on the decline of the empire and answered two questions.
1. How did moving the capital from Rome to Constantinople weaken the western part of the empire?
2 Which of Rome's internal problems do you think hurt it the most? Why?

Tomorrow students will work on a history story frame on the fall of Rome and will be introduced to the Byzantine empire.

This week's homework, due on Friday the 24th, is a current event report. Students will choose a newsworthy event from any printed news source (newspaper, magazine, printed page from a website). Students will include the following information in their report:

-Name of the country in which the story takes place
-Names of two countries that border the country in which the story takes place
-Date of the story

In the report students will summarize the story in their own words and explain why it is important to their lives and to the world. The report should be at least one paragraph of approximately 300 words.

Today in World History we continued our work on a graphic organizer dealing with the internal problems that existed during the decline of the Roman empire. Groups were asked to determine problems in the areas of Economics, the Military, and Politics. We then practiced our note taking on a PowerPoint presentation that summarized the information covered. On Monday, we will finish our discussion on the decline of the empire and begin discussing the Byzantine empire. By the end of the week we will conclude our unit on Rome and begin our unit on the Rise of Islam. Have a safe weekend - see you on Monday.

Today in World History we created a journal entry on the importance of an educated society. As a class, we discussed the importance of having an educated citizenry, especially as it pertains to civic responsibility and voting. As the Roman empire began its decline, education became more difficult to acquire and as a result people were less informed and less involved in the government. The class then worked in groups to organize some of the internal factors for the fall of Rome including Social and Political, Military, and Economic issues. Finally, students took notes on a summarizing PowerPoint. There is no homework for tonight. Tommorrow we will discuss the Eastern Roman empire, known as the Byzantine Empire, and how it differed from the west.

Today in World History we reviewed answers to our quiz on the rise of the Roman empire. During class students were asked to alphabetize, define, and draw a corresponding picture for their vocabulary words of this unit. The vocabulary for this section is:

- Clovis
- Constantine
- Byzantine Empire
- Justinian I
- Justinian Code
- Schism
- Roman Catholic
- Orthodox

Classes who did not finish this work in class were asked to complete it for homework tonight. Tomorrow we will work in groups to determine the internal causes of the collapse of the empire.

Fire Day!

My apologies to all for not being able to make it in to school today. I travel from the Santa Clarita Valley and all freeways and side streets were closed due to fires this morning. Tomorrow we will get back on track with our study of the decline of Roman empire.

Oct. 13th - 17th

This week in World History we will be studying the decline and fall of the Roman Empire and the formation of the eastern and western capitals of the empire. Today, Monday, students took a quiz on the information and subjects dealing with the rise and expansion of Rome. There is no homework tonight. One quick note - with the wildfires burning in the area, please stay indoors as much as possible and avoid any long periods of activity outside where the air quality is so poor.

Today in World History we reviewed for our quiz with a short video summary of the information we learned this week, and a team quiz competition. The quiz on the rise and expansion of Rome will be on Monday the 13th. Students are to complete their study guides and turn them in prior to taking the quiz. The study guide and actually studying for the quiz are the only homework over the weekend. Be safe and we will see you on Monday.

Oct. 6th - Oct. 10th

This week in World History we continue our study of Rome. This week we focus on the expansion of Rome as it moved from a republic to an empire. Today we took Cornell style notes on a PowerPoint presentation of Rome's governmental history and then discussed and answered questions in small groups. This week's homework assignment is to design a bumper sticker, using at least 4 colors, that makes a statement that is either for or against Christians in early Rome. We will be learning about the beginnings of Christianity during the Roman era tomorrow. We hope to finish this lesson on the early Roman empire by Friday. If possible, we will have a review game on Friday to prepare for our quiz on this material early next week. The class with the highest overall score average on the quiz will win the "Donut Challenge". Two quick reminders - there is no school this Thursday the 9th and expect students 5 week progress reports in the next week.

Today in World History we reviewed our quiz answers on the Tools of History and continued our reading on the rise of Rome. Students answered questions and learned new vocabulary - tomorrow, Friday the 3rd, our weekly homework is due. This week's homework is an illustrated time-line of early Roman development (from 510 b.c. to 14 a.d.). Students are to document 4 specific events, with the year they occurred and a picture depicting the event. Vocabulary for today was:

-republic
- Augustus
- empire
- emperor
- Christianity

Tomorrow we will discuss the way that Rome turned from kings into a republic.

Today in World History we had a short quiz on the Tools of History from chapter one. Students then began to read chapter 2 on the rise of Rome. While reading students were asked to answer the following questions: What advantages did Rome have geographically? What made the early citizens of Rome change from a kingship to a republic? Who began the end of the republic? Classes who did not finish these questions in class were asked to finish them by tomorrow. Homework for this week is an illustrated time line dating from 510 b.c. to 14 a.d. with four events including a drawing for each. These events will come from the reading. Tomorrow we will continue our discussion of the rise of Rome, including the end of the republic and beginning of the empire. And one final reminder - 5 week progress reports will be submitted by next week. Keep an eye out for them.

Today in class we determined what the students already knew about life in the Rome - governmental style, architecture, religion, art, leaders, and entertainment and then discussed the lasting influences of Roman culture on our current world. We then watched a short video clip on chariot races at the Circus Maximus and discussed how the emperors of Rome used spectacle, games, and sporting events to keep citizens distracted and happy. Homework for tonight and Tuesday night, is to study for the Tools of History quiz on Wednesday. Have a safe day off - see you Wednesday!

Sept. 29th - Oct. 3rd

This week in World History we will be discussing The rise and expansion of the Roman Empire. Tuesday the 30th of September is a pupil free day, when we return on Wednesday the 1st we will have a short quiz on the Tools of History. For the quiz, know your vocabulary from the text and think about what new evidence can mean to historians, archaeologists, and anthropologists and their understanding of early civilizations. Additionally, what are the positives and negatives involved in using primary or secondary sources of history? Which do you think is more valuable and why?

It was great to see so many of you at Back-to-School Night last night. I hope you enjoyed your time in the class. As a reminder, on Monday we will begin studying the Rise and Expansion of the Roman Empire. For those ambitious students who want to read ahead in the text to refresh their memory about this subject - Chapter 2 begins on page 42! Today in class we learned about how historians work to interpret the past. This ends our unit on the Tools of History. We will have a small quiz on this unit on Wednesday the 1st. There is no homework over the weekend - enjoy it.

A Quick "heads up" for Coming Events

Hey everyone - just a reminder that tonight is Back-to-School night. I look forward to meeting as many parents as possible. And two additional reminders - tomorrow, the 26th is a minimum day - the last bell rings at 12:12. Additionally, next Tuesday, the 30th, is a pupil-free day. Do not come to school on this date. Next week we will begin to cover our state standards on the rise and expansion of the Roman empire.

Back-to-School Night - 9/25

Back to School Night is this Thursday, September 25th!! The evening will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a Bake Sale. Please feel free to come early for some delicious baked goods - the proceeds will benefit the school. First bell for all parents is at 5:24 p.m. and first period will begin at 5:30. I hope to see and meet as many parents as possible - and students can earn 10 class points by having their parents attend and sign in! During this evening I will go over classroom procedures, class syllabus, grading policy and any general classroom information. Students, be sure to give your parents your Back to School Night bell schedule. The evening will end when the last bell rings at 7:21 p.m. I look forward to meeting all of you.

Tools of History - 9/22 - 9/25

This week in World History we are learning about how archaeologists use artifacts from the past to better understand ancient cultures. Homework for this week was to bring in three artifacts from home that represent you as a person, and give us some insight on how our society functions.

Welcome to Mr. Sheridan's history blog.  I will spend the next few months fine tuning this site so that when I refer my history students to it during the year, they can view pertinent classroom information, leave comments, and discuss assignments with classmates.  Additionally, I hope that parents will use the site to keep up with their children's assignments, academic content and any important dates on the social calendar.  Thank you for visiting, and I will have more to view next time you come.