2.5 Million Years Ago. . .

Long, long ago, human beings made several amazing advancements - and I do not mean Xboxes, Computers, Cars or iPods. Although those items are wonderful, inventions during the Paleolithic Age allowed for humans to advance past their caveman lives. Fire, tools and weapons were invented. I know this does not sound like much, but we would not be here this today without invention of these "basic" things. How these people lived and how they compare to our lives today is the focus of this post. #Learnforever

Guide to Latitude/Longitude

We are well on our way to becoming experts of Location. Using 'Absolute' and 'Relative' locations can help people find places/things. This raises the issue of 'coordinates' when using absolute location. Until you fully understand how coordinates work, this process can be frustrating - but you all stuck w/ it and had confidence in yourself to understand. This video can serve as a reminder for coordinates. (We only use degrees, so don't worry about the 'minutes' and 'seconds' they talk about!) Have a good rest of your weekend.

Ӧtzi Mania!

Day 1 of uncovering the life, death and discovery of Otzi the Iceman complete. Yet there is much more to come. We still need to tackle big questions regarding his purpose for being alone, how he was killed, where he was going and why it was "lucky" that anyone found him. While we search for clues to unlock answers to these questions, I also encourage you to imagine the world Otzi lived in - a world much different than ours. What did he do for fun? Was he married? Did he have children? If he did they surely were sad when father didn't return. . How did he and his people communicate - was their language? You see, although much has changed, and our lives are far different, in some ways there just may be some similarities between 'us' and 'them'. . .

Meet my Old Friend - Ӧtzi

Have you ever met someone really old? I bet you have. Maybe this person has told you stories about what life was like when they were younger - usualy their world was far different than ours, making it hard to even imagine what it could have been like long ago. Well, meet my oldest friend, Ӧtzi. He was your age about 5,300 years ago. How different was life for him, you ask? Let's find out. Use the resources listed below this post to find out. Take your first step into history!

"Lino It" - http://linoit.com/users/jjklumper/canvases/Otzi%20the%20Iceman

What's your hiSTORY?

You are unique. You are special. You are the only you - the only you that has ever been and the only you that ever will be. Tell me your story. History is an endless collection of stories. You are one in the collection. Who are you? Where did you and your family come from? How will you impact the world? This assignment is due Monday (Aug 27). To say I am excited to learn more about each and every one of you is an understatement. Ok, you have the instruction, details and are ready to begin. What is your hiSTORY?

As a new school year begins, what kind of student and person are you going to be? I want you all to think about that question, and think hard. School is one of few things that has a start and end - most jobs are done all year long, never ending. But YOU have a chance to make a new beginning for yourself. I don't know the fifth grade you. The chance to start over is very exciting. There are a lot of things I want to get better at as a teacher so you can learn. I have a new beginning; and so do you. Maybe you got into a little trouble, or missed some homework, or didn't give your best effort last year. I am here to tell you that's ok! But we do not make excuses, and past mistake are only 'ok' if you learn from them and make yourself better NOW. Turn in all of your homework, study harder for tests, stay out trouble, be a better friend, be a better son or daughter. The things you can get better at are endless! Make the most of your new beginning. 9:00, August 20th - your new beginning is near. What are you going to do with it. . .

The GATE

Our Gates will take us from ancient China into today's modern China - much has changed while much has also stayed the same. It is our goal to discover and explain the transformation that has taken place in China. Your assignment is to comment on this post with two (2) aspects of China that have stayed the same, two (2) aspects that have changed, and one (1) fact about modern China you find MOST interesting!

Post is worth 15 points and should be done during class. Gather valuable information for your Gates - Good Luck.

Sites to get you started. . .

Religion in modern China:

http://religionnewsblog.blogspot.com/2008/05/chinese-religion-today.html

Culture in Modern China:

http://factsanddetails.com/china.php?itemid=153&catid=11&subcatid=71

Other suggested topics,

- Environment issues
- Government
- What do most people do for jobs?
- Technology
- Entertainment
- Sports
- Foods

Weapons of the Ancient Chinese Warrior from Dan Klumper on Vimeo.

The UNTOUCHABLES

Get a Voki now!

Link to video which follows this message from an untouchable:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD3HrIRPVhw

The Caste System is a very unfair way to order society. People had no chance at improving their life - a priveledge we sometimes take for granted in our lives today.

We've done it!! Successul filming of DIASPORA is complete. Post your thoughts on this activity? What made you like it? Why did it help you learn? What did you not like about it? Any comments related to the activity are welcome. I hope you enjoyed it, I sure did. You students are great.

- Mr. Klumper

Learn how to draw cartoons, comics, and anime at Sketchfu!

I know this is short notice, but we will finally be doing our filming of "DIASPORA" on Thursday. Stay tuned and check jksocialstudies often for the finished product!