The Textbook
The history course is based upon the TCI textbook History Alive!: The United States Through Industrialism. Most topics and assignments are centered around each lesson in the textbook. To find work, click on the current lesson link in the left column. Note: Do not download any forms for class until the teacher verifies they are updated. Some modifications to assignments will occur as the year progresses. There are some assignments that are independent of the textbook. Information for those assignments, as well as other resources, are listed below.
Students will be issued one printed copy of the history textbook to use in the classroom and at home. There is an online textbook but it was updated by the publisher and no longer matches the printed textbook version the school uses. Therefore, students should only use the printed textbook, not the online textbook.
The History Notebook
The history notebook is the backbone of the course. Throughout the school year, students will be completing assignments based upon the textbook History Alive! The text will determine and be the source of information for most of the topics studied during the school year. For more information on what the notebook is, please see the video slideshow below.
Argumentative Paragraph
- Argumentative Paragraph
The argumentative paragraph requires the student to take a position on a topic and then defend it using facts, examples, and quotes to support that position. It is an exercise in critical thinking and gives the student a greater understanding of the complexities of past events. This exercise will be assigned from time to time as subject matter allows.
Reading and Public Speaking
Reading is an important part of a good education as it provides detailed information and it fosters brain growth. People who read develop better concentration, vocabulary, writing skills, and thinking ability in general. A book is to the mind what a gym is to the body. Therefore, each quarter students will read a book on U.S. history from different time periods and take notes on the Reader's Notes worksheet. At the end of each quarter, students will give a formal speech about the book they read.
