Unit 1-Think Like A Historian

DAILY BUSINESS

DIGITAL AGENDA

CALENDAR

Basic Survival Guide:

Class begins the minute you walk in the door.
Materials must always be ready, and Do Now started immediately
All work must be completed, either in class or on your own time
Follow all written and verbal rules and directions
Be RESPECTFUL.

Discipline Matrix:

SECRET AGENTS ONLY!

"I am convinced of the uncertainty of history, of the possibility of surprise, of the importance of human action in changing what looks unchangeable." - Howard Zinn

Welcome to eighth grade U.S. History! In this first unit, you will learn how to use your mind in many ways. Why? The motto of our class is to Seek Truth. Demand Justice, and Question Everything. How does this motto help us use our minds? It reminds us why we put in so much effort to analyze and synthesize so many different sources. Why is this our motto? You will find out why throughout the year as you learn more and more about our history, but I imagine many of you already know why this motto is important to us.

Ways of using your mind to think about geography, economics, government and politics (power), philosophy or ideas, society and culture, as well as to think about big ideas such as freedom, equality, liberty and change over time, are easy to master if you just put in the time and effort.

Your reward will be ownership of a mind that has the power to investigate people, places and events accurately and honestly, a mind that has the power to understand, and communicate, many big ideas and issues, and a mind that has the power to make your life, your communities, your country, and your world wonderful.