Was George Washington a Hero?

Since the American Revolution, George Washington has served as a national symbol of the United States. Elementary school students learn of George Washington as the hero of the American Revolution, and the unanimous choice as our young nation's first President. The nation's capitol bears his name and the one dollar bill bears his face. He is as symbolic of the United States as is our flag and national anthem.

Over the next week, we will be exploring George Washington's role in the French and Indian War. It was his exploits during that pre-revolutionary conflict which created the respect necessary to subsequently install him as the Commander-in-chief of the American forces fighting against the British.

But before we get started – let's explore the myths of George Washington. On your blog, I would like you tell me what it is that you already know about George. No detail is too small! Do you have questions about George? Blog them! (Did he really have wooden teeth?)

We will use these myths, facts, and questions to begin a fascinating exploration of George Washington "the man" versus George Washington "the myth". What you will learn may just surprise you!

Please remember that a Blog is a public forum: the world can read your work. Remember to write in complete sentences; use proper punctuation, spelling, grammar; and always publish appropriate material on the Internet!

Proofread BEFORE you Publish !!

Save a copy to your Jumpdrive BEFORE you Publish!

Thank you!

Are You Blogging Yet?

8th graders in MzMac's West Virginia Studies class began registering their blogs today!
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WHY ARE WE BLOGGING?

Teachers are required by the West Virginia state content standards for 21st Century Learning (21C.O.5-8.1.TT.9) to have students use telecommunication tools, such as Blogs, in order to learn academic content and to gather, share and publish information to various audiences.

According to CSO 21C.O.5-8.3.TT.4: Students are required to comply with county acceptable use policy. Students will discuss legal and ethical behaviors related to acceptable use of information and communication technology (e.g., privacy, security, copyright, file-sharing, plagiarism) and predict the possible effects of unethical use of technology (e.g., consumer fraud, intrusion, spamming, virus setting, hacking) on the individual and society, as well as identify methods for addressing these risks.

What is the Acceptable Use Policy?

Please click on this link to read West Virginia Board of Education Policy 2460 which governs the acceptable use of the Internet in the classroom.
http://wvde.state.wv.us/policies/p2460.html

"The use of the Internet as part of an educational program is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate or unauthorized use or safety violations could result in revocation or suspension of that privilege."

I am a soldier in the French and Indian War

As the French and Indian War began, both sides had distinct advantages as well as disadvantages.

The FRENCH advantages included a larger land claim, an already existing system of forts in the Ohio Valley, a majority of the American Indian tribes as allies, and superior military officers and army.

The FRENCH disadvantages included sparse population, soldiers with no personal interest in the land, and poor lines of supply.

The BRITISH advantages included a larger population, powerful Iroquois Indian allies, control of the oceans, a population concentrated in a relatively small area, and the desire to protect their own property (militia men).

The BRITISH disadvantages were a poorly organized military – including poorly trained officers and militia soldiers; and no experience using war tactics such as those used by the American Indians (guerilla warfare).

Pretend that you are a French or British soldier. Write a letter home to your mother during the French and Indian War. Title your blog entry: "I am a French soldier in the French and Indian War" OR "I am a British solder in the French and Indian War". Using the information listed above about the advantages and disadvantages of each side - describe your life as a soldier in EITHER the French army OR British army. Where do you live? What have you been doing?

Here are some ideas to consider: Do you believe that your country will win the war? Why or why not? What kind of hardships are you having to endure? Do you have enough to eat? What are you eating? Do you have enough ammunition? Would you consider staying in the Ohio Valley if your country wins the war – or do you want to return home? What is life like living in a fort? What do you think about Indians? Do you like them? Do you trust them?

Use your imagination. USE YOUR BRAIN and THINK! Be creative – but be realistic. Your letter must be at least 8 sentences long and you must use the Kansas Writing System you have been practicing in Reading/Language Arts class.

Who was Morgan Morgan

Do you know who Morgan Morgan was?

He is considered the 1st European settler of West Virginia! A native of Wales (part of England) he moved to the frontier with his wife and 5 children from Delaware.

We also had a fun role-play discussion of indentured servitude in the New World. While it surely wasn't fun to sell yourself into "slavery" for 7 years - that is how many of our ancestors were able to pay for their passage to the colonies.

Want to learn more about indentured servants in Appalachia? Click on the link below!

http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/faculty_archives/appalachian_women/indentur.htm

Digital Storytelling

Welcome to a 21st century classroom!

8th graders in MzMac's West Virginia studies class are crossing the digital divide! Classes were held in the computer lab today where the students took a traditional historical timeline and transformed it into a digital story! How did they do it? Students transcribed the text material into a PowerPoint program and downloaded graphics and images to illustrate each event on the timeline. The results were awesome!

And what was the topic of these digital stories? We are currently working on a unit which begins with the settlement of Jamestown in 1607 and covers all of the early exploration of the Ohio River Valley by the English and the French.

Trouble is brewing between the French and the English. Stay tuned...