Homework 4, Due September 4, 2009

The last couple of weeks the assignments have required you to do some outside reasearch and investigation. This week is a reflective assignment, and I hope that you will put some serious thought into your answers.

As president, George Washington created a group of advisors called a "cabinet." Since Washington is considered such an icon, the name has become a permanent part of our political system. The first cabinet had only three members: Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, and Secretary of War. Today the cabinet consists of many more departments, and the Department of War has a warmer, friendlier name: the Department of Defense. If you were president, what kind of individuals would you seek to fill cabinet posts? Today, which three cabinet secretaries have the most important responsibilities and why do you think so?

Historical setting: George Washington served as president from 1789 to 1797. His Secretary of State was Thomas Jefferson; his Secretary of the Treasury was Alexander Hamilton; his Secretary of War was General Henry Knox.

Be sure your essay is at least 200 words, and you must repsond to at least two of your classmates' submissions (total of 150 words). Keep your essays on topic (answer the actual questions that are posed in the assignment!) and read your classmates' responses carefully before providing feedback.

Thanks for your hard work, guys - you're doing a great job!

More bonus…Please read carefully!

The answers to these questions can be written on your upcoming test for an additional point each. DO NOT POST THE ANSWERS HERE!!!

1) What American city was first named Terminus because a railroad line ended there, then renamed Marthasville, and now bears another name?

2) What two presidents served their terms of office bearing different names than the ones they were born with? (No, Ulysses S. Grant doesn’t count, even though his real first name was Hiram. He just chose to ignore it – wouldn’t you?).

Homework 3, Due August 28

As we study the founding of our nation, consider what it must have been like to be a delegate to the Constitutional Convention during the hot summer months of 1787. This week's assignment requires you to follow the link http://teachingamericanhistory.org/convention/themes/ and research the major themes addressed by the delegates. Give a report (200 word minimum) that addresses two of the issues - one of which you agree with the decision reached by the delegates, and one of which you disagree. Explain why you agree or disagree. For example, on July 26 the convention voted that a president should serve a seven year term of office, but then would be ineligible for reelection. Later this decision was changed, of course, but do you agree with the original plan? How would it affect politics in the U.S. today?

I am so impressed with your posts from the previous two weeks! Great job guys - keep it up!

Bonus Opportunity!

The first student to post a correct response to this question will receive two extra-credit points added to the upcoming test: What member of the Constitutional Convention called for "prayers imploring the assistance of heaven"? Answer who, when (exact date), and why – and provide a reference citation.

Homework 2, Due August 21, 2009

Great job on assignment #1 guys! You put your best foot forward to start the new year, and I'm proud of you! No doubt this will take some getting used to, but you are off to a fantastic start. This week's assignment includes a research requirement. Go to the website www.kidinfo.com/American_History/Colonization_Colonial_Life.html and view the available links. Choose a topic to read about and then report back with your findings. Your topic should focus on a fairly narrow aspect of colonial life and your essay should answer the "W" questions: who, what, when, where, and (especially) why. Example topics include: the story of a particular settler or family; the life of blacks in the colonies; common professions in the colonies, etc. Be creative and choose a topic that interests you. Your essay must be at least 200 words and is due by midnight, August 21. As you did last week, respond to the posts of at least two others with valuable reactions, questions, or (respectfully stated) disagreements with the conclusions drawn.

Remember that the point of the lesson is to practice research, writing, and communication with others while learning more about our American ancestors. You all are fantastic students and I'm excited to see what you come up with! God bless!

U.S. History, Homework 1, Due 8/14/2009

Hello everyone! This is your first assignment. In order to sign in you must have a Google account (it's free and you can sign up directly from this page by clicking on "Comments" and then choosing Google ID. You'll create an account and then be able to leave your feedback. Answer the following question then check in to respond to two other comments left by others. Your initial response is due by midnight, August 14. Your responses are due by midnight, August 16 (Sunday night). Here's the question:

What does it mean to be an American? Without relying on cliches or shallow self-congratulating nonsense, what makes America unique in the world?

(Make sure your answers are in accordance with the class rubric).

Ok, good luck, guys! I can't wait to hear what you have to say!