Textbooks

Hey Guys,

I was thinking that it might help some of you study if you had the ability to write, highlight, underline, etc. in your textbook.  I e-mailed my department head and she said that if you guys would like, you can write in the books and then just purchase them at the end of the year.  The book costs $75.  Another option would be to buy the book on-line.  I would try ebay or half.com  Hope this helps.

Mr. B

Socratic Seminar on Halloween!

On Friday we did our second Socratic Seminar.  The category this time was "Patterns in World History."  The students brought up topics like the spread of religion, the dynastic cycle of China and the development of empires.  As with our first seminar, students were offered the opportunity to dress up for extra credit (this time as any historical figure).  Here are a few pictures taken in 5th period:

Jenna and Debbie.  I love the hat.

Erin and Claire in character.

All 11 who dressed up! A Spartan, Moses, Hillary Clinton and more!

And it wouldn't be fair if I didn't dress up too.  Any guesses parents?  I'll give you a clue, we've been studying the Aztecs.

Guided Readings

Here are the next few guided readings in case you'd like to get ahead:

Chapter 12 Guided Reading

Chapter 13 Guided Reading

Chapter 14 Guided Reading

Just a Reminder

A few important dates everyone needs to be aware of:

* Monday, November 3rd = Chapter 11 Quiz (in-class)

- Understand the basic narratives of each civilization (Maya, Inca, Atzec)

- Be able to tell between the different characteristics of each civilization

- Understand the significance of Teotihaucan

- Use the information in your textbook to clarify

* Wednesday, November 5th = "Women in History" review (7:15 am)

* Thursday, November 6th = Unit 2 Quiz 2 review (7:15 am)

* Friday, November 7th = Unit 2 Quiz 2 (in-class)

- You will be responsible for the information covered in chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 of your textbook (you may exclude information on the Mesoamerican tribes not mentioned in class such as the Toltec, the Mississippian Culture and the Moche)

See you guys Monday!

Mayan Cosmos

On Tuesday, in class we studied classic Mesoamerican cultures like the Maya. Interestingly, the Maya viewed the cosmos as being "divided into three layers connected along a vertical axis that traced the course of the sun. The earthly arena of human existence held an intermediate position between the heavens, conceptualized by the Maya as a sky-monster, and a dark underworld. A sacred tree rose through the three layers; its roots were in the underworld, and its branched reached into the heavens." Here are a few of the student's personal interpretations:

Homecoming

The kids had a great time this past week at homecoming!  It's great to see them all dressed up.  Here we all are at the dance!  From left to right (Rachel, Claire, Jenna, Myself, Debbie, Erin and Andrew... and of course the girl in the inappropriately short red dress who jumped in the picture).  AP World out on the town (or in the commons).

Summer Trip

Parents,

Many of you have expressed interest in helping to plan the summer trip.  I polled the kids today and the overwhelming majority of them said that they'd like to visit Italy, but of course I'd still like to look into all of our options.  So, let's make this happen!  If you think you might be available next Monday morning (November 3rd) to meet in my classroom (E-205) @ 7am we could continue this planning process and maybe finalize a few things.  If this time doesn't work for you please let me know and we can reschedule.  Please let me know if you plan on attending (benschinef@fultonschools.org).  Thank you parents for all you do!

Mr. Benschine

P.S. Thank you to Mrs. Stegall & Mrs. Sandhage for helping to get the ball rolling!