Another Historical Investigation

Another busy week was had by all! Student in my U.S. history classes spent some time studying Abolitionism and slavery. They participated in a 2nd Historical Investigation with an essay coming next week. The question they grappled with was this: What was most effective way to free slaves, moral persuasion (non-violence) or a more aggressive approach? Students analyzed a famous speech from Henry Highland Garnet and one from William Whipper each on opposite sides of the question. This is another investigation from the book "Reading, Writing and Thinking About History" with another Webinar to follow in January. It was very interesting, and I can't wait to see the essays!

Henry Highland Garnet

William Whipper

On Tuesday we were honored to once again have Attorney James Lawley visit my Ethics class. Mr. Lawley spoke about his work with Death Penalty clients during his time in Alabama. The students were very inquisitive asking great questions about the Scott Panetti case and other issues around the use of the Death Penalty. It was all very interesting as usual. I am so fortunate to have Mr. Lawley willing to come in and speak to my students!

In History v. Hollywood we are preparing to watch the film "JFK", so we must analyze the JFK Assassination first. This topic is one of my favorites in history, as it is still a mystery in some ways. Did Oswald act alone? If he did, why do so many people question it? Either way you go, the exploration is fascinating. We used a couple of different websites and the film series "The Men Who Killed Kennedy". The website The Kennedy Assassination is one we used and JFK Lancer is the other. The students are always amazed and intrigued by this topic, so I really enjoy discussing it with them.

On Friday was our annual Kids Who Care day. On this day we work with our advisees to do something to give back to the community. This year we visited a 2nd grade classroom at a nearby elementary school. My 10th grade advisees ran 4 different craft activities for 2nd graders who got to take them home. We also had a bingo game for them with some prizes. It was very tiring, but it was a lot of fun! Luckily my wife is an elementary teacher at the school and so she did a great deal of the planning and organization which I really appreciate!

Five days of school left before a 2 week vacation for the Holidays. This is the week when the students start to get a little stir crazy. Vacation is starting a little earlier this year and so I hope that may keep them a little calmer than usual for the last days of school of 2014. Next week is also the annual Maine Council for the Social Studies dinner and business review for the year.