January 31st and February 1st

Journal: What do you think of China's 1 child policy? Will it help control the population? Should other countries adopt this same policy?

Current Event

One Child Movie and Discussion

China Notes and Note Guide

Great Wall Movie

Confucius meets Lao Tzu Skit

Remember:

1. China settled along a river, like all the other early civilizations. It settled on the Yellow River.

2. Dynasty= Passing Political power down in a family. China has many dynasties.

3. The Mandate of Heaven is when a leader says that Heaven has given them the right to rule.

4. Family, ancestors, and honor are very important to Chinese civilization.

Foot Binding

Current Event- Inside a Syrian Protest

January 27th and 30th

Journal: If you could visit any country what country would it be and why?

Current Event: Troop withdrawals from Iraq (anti-gov demonstrations)

Finished Indus River Civilization Packets

Comic Strips on how the civilization ended

Monsoon Video

Intro to China

Mulan Movie clip--- what is expected from women?

Foot binding

What is beauty?

Things to remember:

1. The Indus River Society is in India

2. The society disappeared... we're not sure why, but it could be because the river changed course, they overused their resources (like trees and soil), or they were attacked and couldn't fight back.

3. Family and honor is very important in the Chinese society. Men are treated better than women.

4. There are different standards of beauty throughout the world.

State of the Union Current Event

January 25th and 26th

Journal: What is an invention you could not live without and why?

Current Events: President Obama's State of the Union address

Festival of Holi Video

Indus River Stations

Today we divided into 3 different stations with Ms. Riley, Ms. Schmoldt, and Ms. Bowers teaching one part about the Indus River Civilization. Meanwhile, you filled out a packet of information. We didn't quite finish, so we will talk more about it next time.

*If you missed today you'll need to pick up the packet and check out a book and fill out the packet on your own. Come in at lunch or after school and we'll help you.

Remember:

1. Indus River Valley Civilization is in India.

2. It had a strong central government, traded with far away places, and was peaceful.

3. We don't know exactly why the civilization ended, but it could do with the river changing course or invaders.

January 23rd and 24th

Journal: Should countries still be allowed to have nuclear weapons?

Current Event: Pressures on Iran to disband nuclear programs.

Mesopotamian PowerPoint and Guided Notes

Play-Dough Cuneiform

Map of the Middle East

HW: Syllabus was due today.

Middle East map labeled and colored due Jan 27th (odd) and Jan 30th (even)

Remember:

1. Mesopotamia is one of the first civilizations and is in the Middle East.

2. The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers make for rich farm land. Civilizations build cities around rivers.

3. Mesopotamia developed writing systems, inventions, a social hierarchy, and a government.

January 19th and 20th, 2012

Journal: What makes something civilized?

Current event: Syrian economy

Prehistoric Notes on early humans (Prehistory PowerPoint)

Chart on the Agricultural Revolution

Web Chart on the 5 parts of Civilization: See book pages 18-19 (red) or 20-21 (blue)

HW: Syllabus due on Monday 1/23 (odd) or Tuesday 1/24 (even)

Remember:

1. Walking upright, fire, stone tools, and language allowed humans to develop.

2. The agricultural revolution is the shift from hunting and gathering to farming which allowed for a population increase.

3. The five characteristics of civilization are: Advanced cities, specialized workers, complex institutions, record keeping, and advanced technology.

January 17-18th

Today was the first day of the new semester! Welcome to World Civilizations! Ms. Schmoldt and Mrs. Riley will be teaching this class until Spring Break. Let us know if you have any questions: katie.schmoldt@gmail.com and brynnriley89@gmail.com.

Journal: If you could go back in time and witness/be part of any event in history what would it be and why?

Current Event: Sinking Italian cruise ship

Syllabus

Inference Lesson

Homework: Syllabus is to be signed by a parent and returned to class Monday 1/23 (odd) or Tuesday 1/24 (even).