8th Grade: Byzantine and Charlemagne Quiz Review Questions (+ Answers)

Hey 8th graders:

I hope you enjoyed the Mimio-inspired review game today! I know I did! :)

Here are a few things for you to study for tomorrow's quiz. Remember that you may bring one page of notes, front side only, for use on the quiz!

You will need to know the political, economic, and social reasons why the Byzantine Empire fell (political=Ottoman Turks attacked and sacked Constantinople, the Byzantine rulers were weak and argued amongst themselves, etc; economic=the Venetians took over the trade routes; social=the Great Schism and the Muslims coming into the area, both dividing the loyalty of the people)

Speaking of the Great Schism, there were 7 reasons (that we talked about in class) why it occurred in 1054 (Geography, Iconography, Linguistic, Holidays, Nicene Creed (they couldn't agree which version to use), Charlemagne's crowning, Leadership)

Speaking of Charlemagne, he was a tall, handsome, blonde Frankish prince who liked to fight and was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the Pope for services rendered. Once Emperor he made 5 changes in his Empire that (depending who you were) either made him "Great" or not (Trials, Money, Education, Government (think Domini Micci), Preservation)

Speaking of preservation, the Byzantines used, preserved, and spread Greek and Roman ideas (used: Navy, literature, aqueduct, public baths, streets, religion, language; preserved: Kept books from being destroyed during the dark ages, Justinian's Code; spread: via missionaries/ conquering people, and spread the alphabet, onion domes, religion)

The Emperor (not King) of the Byzantine Empire was Justinian, who collected ancient Roman, Greek, and other laws together into his own code of laws (aptly named Justinian's code). Justinian had a lovely wife Theodora who liked to influence (some would say meddle in) her husband's politics.

Geography really affected their empire, including the mountains, the seas, and their (nearly) perfect location.

These things came in handy when it came to defending their empire, especially against the Arabs. They also had an excellent navy with fleets of Dromon and Pamphylos, and fortified their empire with walled cities and blockades built of ships. The weapons they used were long (3 meters!) spears and swords, Greek Fire, chain mail, battle axes, etc).

Be sure to go back over your assignments to make sure you have lots of really great information for tomorrow's quiz!

Let me know if you have questions!

KF

9th and 7th Grade Homework

Hello:

Why yes, that random eventuality has actually occurred in my classroom...two of my classes have homework!

Granted, 7th grade's was what I had planned to do in class today (because only ONE student had all their work completed, grrr), but they still have homework. Please remember that the pros and cons boxes on page 43 of the packet MUST be done for class tomorrow! (Also remember that you will be with me both 1st and 2nd periods tomorrow!)

9th grade, you also have homework, and since you will be coming to my class for the first 5+ minutes of class tomorrow you will need to have it completed. Remember that you need to read the primary source document and fill in the "how" section of your 5W's chart from this morning.

Questions? Send them my way!

See you (and your homework) tomorrow!
KF

A Short Week...Week of January 17-20

Hello again:

I hope you have all enjoyed your nice long weekend, and are looking forward to the (short) week ahead!

Please remember these notes from the Administration:

• Parent Workshop: Our school counselor, Ms. Ivonne Casco, will host a workshop for parents on Friday, January 20, at 1:30 p.m. Information will be posted on her blog.
• Professional Development Wednesday: Our third Staff Development Wednesday will take place on Wednesday, January 18. Please note that we are meeting on the 18^th instead of the last Wednesday of the month. This is an early dismissal day (PM Schedule) for students.
• DPTO Fun Run: Our annual school Fun Run will take place on Saturday, January 28, beginning at 8:30 a.m. There will be the traditional run, games, and a complimentary pancake and fruit breakfast to follow. The pledge forms were sent before the Winter Holiday, however, if you would like an additional copy, please download it from the Area Administrators’ blogs
• ROMEO TO GO - Discovery's first drama performance will take place on Friday, January 27 at 7:00 p.m. Get your tickets now! For more information, please contact Mr. Fenn at kfenn@discoveryschool.edu.hn.
• MAP testing will begin this week. The official schedule will be posted soon.
  

Here's the details for this week:
6th grade: You will be continuing your Explorers Unit on Tuesday with the final country we're going to study: The Netherlands. You will also begin work on your Timeline Project on Tuesday and Wednesday! You will also have another fun project that you will begin during class on Friday and will be due the following Monday, January 23.
--

7th grade: This week you will examine and question something that's come up a lot in class this year: Why are Europe and Asia two different continents instead of just one? There are also three country projects scheduled to be presented on Friday, January 20. (Don't forget you will not have class on Wednesday due to the PM schedule early release.)
--

8th grade: Surprise! You have a quiz on Friday! I apologize for the somewhat short notice (although we will have the entire class on Thursday to review) but I just realized that it was time for a quiz. So...be ready! On Tuesday we will discuss the answers to your Byzantine Empire Questions project from last week (some of you will need this more than others...I was not entirely impressed with your answers...), and on Wednesday you will learn about the Great Schism and the "Fall" of the Byzantine Empire. Thursday you will have a review game, and Friday, January 20, will be your Byzantine Empire and Charlemagne Quiz. Also, please remember your Letter to Charlemagne is due tomorrow!
--

9th grade: You will be moving on to Imperialism in India this week...Tuesday we will spend time discussing the historical background/events that led to Imperialism, the countries who wanted India, etc. You will not have class with me on Wednesday due to the half day, and Thursday you will finish learning the background of Indian Imperialism. Friday will be a fun day...you will be learning the basics of the game of cricket in order to prepare for the next week's film! :)
--

There you have it...another week almost gone! This year is really clipping along. :)
KF

9th Grade: Self-Strengthening Question

Hey 9th Graders:

Remember that your assignment from class today was:

1) Read both documents
2) Answer all 5 questions
3) Write a 1-paragraph (5+ sentences) reflection answering the following question:

Do you think "self-strengthening" (especially the learning from the West part) was good for China? Explain why or why not using specifics from the documents.

Happy long weekend!
KF

6th Grade: French Explorer Weblinks

Hey 6th grade:

Here are some links you can use to do your French Explorers packet!

http://library.thinkquest.org/J002678F/french_explorers.htm (lists a lot)

http://www.mce.k12tn.net/explorers/frenchexplorers.htm (lists a lot)

http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/giovanni-da-verrazzano.htm (Verrazzano)

http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/jacques-cartier.htm (Cartier)

http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/jacques-marquette.htm (Marquette)

http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/louis-joliet.htm (Joliet)

http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/samuel-de-champlain.htm (Champlain)

http://library.thinkquest.org/10320/DuSable.htm (du Sable)

http://www.kreyol.com/xhistory/1history.html (du Sable)

http://library.thinkquest.org/4034/lasalle.html (la Salle)

Happy researching!
KF