Civic Values in Massachusetts

Justice in Massachusetts by allisonm

Vigilance in Massachusetts by allisonm

Class Update: 9-27-12 and 9-28-12

Yesterday in class we had our first ever Quest! Overall, it wasn't too bad. The next day, we went back to things as usual. We focused on the differences between the northern, middle, and southern colonies. When you think about it, the U.S. varies so much. Most countries are so much smaller with cultural history to connect them. In the U.S. we have and had varying religions, languages, nationalities, professions, and climates. In groups, we wrote about what the life of a typical colonist would be like using voki.com. It was a really fun class!

Timeline of the Constitution

Class Update: 9-26-12

Today in class we tried the Ed-Cafe for the first time. I really liked it! It was interesting to hear other people's point of view on our basic freedoms. At first, when Mr. Boyle said that we should discuss what was bad about them, I didn't think there could be anything to say! But, listening to what others had to say about really made me think otherwise. We debated over how free the press really should be. With they way some magazines go overboard on stalking celebrities, it really doesn't seem right. If you are going to print an article on someone's life, it makes sense that you would need their approval to do so. Also, the right to peacefully assemble can sometimes get out of hand. It's easy for assemblies to become violent, and also what is peaceful and what is not can sometimes be blurry. There should be a stronger definition on that particular right. Overall, I really liked doing the Ed Cafe. It was very different and I would like to do it again.

Class Update: 9-21-12 and 9-24-12

Today in class we received information on the federalist and democratic-republic parties. It was interesting to see their different view points and the fact that after only about 20 years, the parties died out. Basically, the parties were built around going against each other. After one had near complete control, it was clear that the parties didn't even need to exist anymore. Also, it seemed strange that there would be two differing Federalist groups, though after the Constitution was ratified one didn't even exist anymore. We took all of our notes and put them up on the projector. I liked highlighting the notes, it was very helpful to pull the best information out of the papers we were given. On Friday, we had a half day and didn't attend class. 

Class Update: 9-18-12 and 9-19-12

Yesterday in History class we talked about the roles of the three branches of government. We also completed worksheets on what each branch does and how they balance each other out. We then had to create an info-graph on this topic (scroll down to see the finished product!). The next day we read about Federalists and Anti-federalists. Federalists were the group of people who believed the Constitution should be ratified while the Anti-federalists disagreed. We read about the points each group made for their side. We then had to create fake "magazines" showing the opinion of one group. My partner and I created an Anti-federalist magazine.  

Civic Values in My Friends

I'm very lucky to have great friends who display many values. Here are two of my friends and the values they demonstrate.

Info-graph

In history class today, each group was asked to create an info-graph showing the three branches of government. My group's info-graph can be found here.

Class Update- 9-14-12 and 9-17-12

On Friday, we took most of the time to discuss the many on-going projects we have right now. Also, we addressed any technological issues people may have had. We had a lot assigned these fist two weeks so it was definitely good to be able to step back and regroup. On Monday we each had a piece of paper describing different plans that were considered while the Constitution was being created. We then took down notes of the different plans. All of the plans included information on what powers the president should have, how many presidents there should be, and how they are elected and impeached. It's strange to think that we could have ended up with two or three presidents, or even a president who serves for life. I wonder how these things would have effected history.

Class Update: 9-12-12 and 9-13-12

Yesterday in class we were put into groups, each of us with a copy of James Madison's notes on a particular topic. My group had notes on the debate over whether states should equal or proportional representation. We were able to read multiple opinions, and why they felt the way they did. Some argued that proportional representation would destroy smaller states, for they would hold no weight during voting. Others said that the small states don't represent as much of the population should they shouldn't have as many votes as the larger states. We wrote down the different thoughts of four men who attended the Philadelphia Convention (Brear, Patterson, Madison, and Wilson). The next day we started class by writing down the preamble to the Constitution which we memorized. I listened to the School House Rock song a lot the night before! After that, we were again separated into groups, this time with people who took different notes than us yesterday. Then we shared our findings amongst our group, and later on the projector with the whole class.

Family- Photo Essay

My photo essay shows how my grandparents represent courage and resourcefulness.

http://private.rewindy.com/story/Jj65X7gi/view/1

Three Artifacts

If an archaeologist were to discover artifacts left by me, he would most likely find my camera. I'm not much of a serious photographer but I still love taking pictures. They can so easily capture a moment of joy and fun. I definitely prefer candid, unpredicted shots because they show real life and real emotion. Also, looking back in photo albums takes you right back into that time. Photography is such an incredible invention, and the archaeologist would even be able to see exactly what my life was like.

An archaeologist also might discover my tennis racket. It was only about two years ago when I started playing, but I loved it right away. Already, my abilities have grown. When  I first started playing, I couldn't even get my serve over the net. It was very frustrating and took a lot of work to fix it. I would beg my parents to take me to the courts so I could practice. I've never felt that way about any other sport I've played. Playing tennis taught me determination and perseverance. It's also a sport you can enjoy with friends and play for your entire life.It has also connected to an awesome team. We have so much fun at games and practices, I love going everyday in the spring. My racket is a definitely a great representation of the fun and hard work of tennis.

Another item that may be found would be my kindle.I love to read and the kindle  was a great gift to receive. Reading takes you to a whole new time, place, and world an I really love that. You can read about anything from any point of view. And with a kindle you can get basically book at anytime just by pushing a button. Also, it's so easy to carry and use. You can even get games and different activities on it which I also love. The kindle really is an incredible invention which I thoroughly enjoy.