Social Studies 8- History Journal

 

 

 

Purpose:

 

As we study our nation’s story, it is important to understand that history is not just about a slew of dates and a bunch of old people.  It is about our beginnings, struggles and achievements as we evolve into what defines America and its people today.  My goal is for you to live history and reflect upon it at that moment so that you can appreciate what so many have done for this great nation.

 

Task:

 

Through out this course, you will be transported back into time to experience what American life was like during that era.  During these experiences, you will write in your History Journal as if you were actually alive during that time.  In many instances, you will be put into situations that have had a profound effect on peoples lives and the direction of our nation as the story of our country was written. 

 

How to Begin:

 

1.     When you receive your topic, open up your history journal and label the unit of study, the writing prompt and the date.  This will be on the board for you.

2.     Imagine what life was like during the period of study.  Try to visualize in your mind the setting and conditions of that era.  Think of the video clips, descriptions from the readings and the historical visuals used in class.

3.     Consider the following questions as you begin to write in your journal:

Ø     What is the theme or main idea of the topic?

Ø     How would you react if you were placed in the same situation?

Ø     How do the solutions to problems require you to apply your moral values and come to a logical conclusion in making decisions?

 

4.     Write your response and just make sure you develop your thoughts fully.  There are no right or wrong answers but thoroughness is expected.

5.     You should have 2 paragraphs with a minimum of 6 to 8 sentences per paragraph.

6.   Include at least 5 vocabulary key terms/key people from the unit in your journal.  Please highlight them.

 

How your history journal will be graded:

 

All journals will be written in class with a set time limit.  They will be collected assignments and counted as a quiz grade.  All journal entries must be kept in a designated section in your binder.  

 

Awesome           (20)	Admirable (15)	Acceptable (10)	Amateur             (5)	Unacceptable (0)
Insightful and fully developed ideas	Communicates insightful ideas	Attempts to use insightful ideas	Attempts to communicate ideas	Undeveloped ideas
Provocative descriptions and excellent application of the guided questions	Vivid descriptions and thoughtful application of guided questions	Clear descriptions and adequate application of guided questions	Some descriptions and poor application of guided questions	Weak descriptions and no application of guided questions
Clear sentence sense; variety and transitions	Some sentence variety, few fragments and run-ons	Many simple sentences, some fragments and run-ons	All simple sentences, many fragments and run-ons	Unclear sentence structure