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!

By popular demand, I am posting the links to some videos we have watched lately!

First, the Curse of Tut's Tomb video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV4-Nrrhslk

Second, the TimeWatch video explaining a new theory - the ramps used to move stones up the pyramid was INSIDE the pyramid!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6xjcKaTSW8

Third, how Ancient Egyptians mummified their Kings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6xjcKaTSW8

Fourth, Moses parts the Red Sea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRDiCGcGtAc&feature=fvsr

Fifth, David beats the Philistine giant, Goliath!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRDiCGcGtAc&feature=fvsr

If you get a chance, watch these again. Or if you want to do one better, search some videos about Mesopotamia, Egypt or Israel on your own and share!

Proverbs

    DON'T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THEY HATCH


Proverbs have long been used to state a general truth or give advice. Most cultures around the world use proverbs to teach lessons. For two days we will be studying proverbs (as we learned yesterday, Solomon was known for his wise proverbs), discovering their meaning, and creating an illustration to represent our proverb.

2 pt extra credit opportunity: Find another proverb from any culture of the world. Share it with the class by commenting to this post. Comment should include 1. state the proverb 2. explain the meaning and 3. explain when or why this proverb would be used or told by someone.

Enjoy!