Welcome to History!
As you study the ancient world in History class this year, I want you to see a world beyond the borders of our town, state, and country - to see the world as it was before our time. I also want you to appreciate how much we owe the ancient civilizations we study. Even more importantly, I’d love for you to begin to see how you are connected to history - the history you'll study this year, as well as the history that happens all around us every day.
While you are separated from the civilizations you will study by time, I think you will see that the places you go in History class this year are, incredibly, a lot like the world you live in. The ancient world was filled with great scientists and artists who discovered new ways of doing things and created works of beauty that continue to inspire us today. More, the ancients seem to have held values that we also find dear. They loved their heroes because heroic acts defined the possibilities of human endeavor. They took pride in their communities and worked together to make them better places to live. They valued education because it improved their station in life and better equipped them to care for those they loved. And, yes, they loved their families and their friends, just like you.
Our history curriculum is based upon the most influential ancient civilizations. While you examine civilizations of the past, each history lesson this year will also help you develop skills that are important for success this year, as well as for the rest of your educational career. Those skills include:
Research Skills - Reading for the BIG idea, asking good questions, and using appropriate resources to find good answers all play a part in becoming a research expert.
Informational Writing Skills - You will focus your energy this year on developing a well-organized, well-supported, strong paragraph.
Historical Knowledge in Context - All year long, you will concentrate on how the themes of history influence historical outcomes.
Current Events - How do you connect to the world around you and to history through current events?
Student Professionalism - Learning is something that I hope all of you will make a lifelong pursuit. Becoming a good student, however, is a process and it takes practice. You will get lots and lots of practice this year. If I had to summarize this skill it would go something like this - “Be kind toward others and work hard.” If you do those two things, you will add value to the classroom for everybody.
While this website is designed with you the student in mind, it is a work in progress. Because we have limited time during the school year, we can’t explore all of the great ancient civilizations. Due to that, I hope you will find lots of resources here to help you learn more about how exciting the ancient world can be. I also hope that you will help me make the site better for you.
While you are separated from the civilizations you will study by time, I think you will see that the places you go in History class this year are, incredibly, a lot like the world you live in. The ancient world was filled with great scientists and artists who discovered new ways of doing things and created works of beauty that continue to inspire us today. More, the ancients seem to have held values that we also find dear. They loved their heroes because heroic acts defined the possibilities of human endeavor. They took pride in their communities and worked together to make them better places to live. They valued education because it improved their station in life and better equipped them to care for those they loved. And, yes, they loved their families and their friends, just like you.
Our history curriculum is based upon the most influential ancient civilizations. While you examine civilizations of the past, each history lesson this year will also help you develop skills that are important for success this year, as well as for the rest of your educational career. Those skills include:
Research Skills - Reading for the BIG idea, asking good questions, and using appropriate resources to find good answers all play a part in becoming a research expert.
Informational Writing Skills - You will focus your energy this year on developing a well-organized, well-supported, strong paragraph.
Historical Knowledge in Context - All year long, you will concentrate on how the themes of history influence historical outcomes.
Current Events - How do you connect to the world around you and to history through current events?
Student Professionalism - Learning is something that I hope all of you will make a lifelong pursuit. Becoming a good student, however, is a process and it takes practice. You will get lots and lots of practice this year. If I had to summarize this skill it would go something like this - “Be kind toward others and work hard.” If you do those two things, you will add value to the classroom for everybody.
While this website is designed with you the student in mind, it is a work in progress. Because we have limited time during the school year, we can’t explore all of the great ancient civilizations. Due to that, I hope you will find lots of resources here to help you learn more about how exciting the ancient world can be. I also hope that you will help me make the site better for you.
Important StuffHere are your guides to classroom success. This is where you will find information about skill development, History class expectations, and coursework. These resources will keep you on track all year long.
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Unit LessonsThis is your portal to the ancient world. In a typical year we'll only have the chance to examine a few of the great ancient civilizations you'll find here. Feel free, however, to explore whatever interests you.
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