8th Grade/ From Republic to Empire!

The expansion of Roman power took place over approximately five hundred years, from 509 B.C.E. to 14 C.E. At the start of this period, Rome was a tiny republic in central Italy. Five hundred years later, it was the thriving center of a vast empire. At its height, the Roman Empire included most of Europe, together with North Africa, Egypt, much of the present-day Middle East, and Asia Minor.

The growth of Rome’s power happened gradually, and it came at a price. Romans had to fight countless wars to defend their growing territory and to conquer new lands. Along the way, Rome itself changed. The Romans had once been proud to be governed under a republic of elected leaders. Their heroes were men who had helped to preserve the republic. By 14 C.E., the republic was just a memory. Power was in the hands of a single supreme ruler, the emperor. Romans even worshiped the emperor as a god.

In the class periods to come, you’ll see how this dramatic change occurred. You’ll trace the gradual expansion of Roman power. You will also explore the costs of this expansion, both for Romans and for the people they conquered.

Homework Discussion Post [Due by Friday, Feb. 27, 2015]:

Did the benefits of Roman Expansion outweigh the costs? Explain, and respond to your classmates posts. 

6th Grade/ Pyramid Design Challenge #1

It is 2580 B.C. You and your team have been hired by Pharaoh Khufu as one of several teams of royal engineers who will potentially build his pyramid. To test your engineering skills, Khufu has designed a challenge where your team will have to build a mini pyramid out of every-day materials. After your team has been provided the materials, and the time to build your pyramid you will answer a series of discussion questions. After you have answered these questions, please complete the following homework discussion question: 

Homework Discussion Post [Due by Friday, Feb. 27, 2015]:

What was the biggest challenge your group faced? Were you able to overcome it? If yes, how did you overcome it? Make sure to read and respond to each others posts.

7th Grade/ Written Account!

Using your written observations, write an account of the Boston Massacre using only what you see in the image.

8th Grade/ Etruscan and Greek Culture-- Rome!

Homework Discussion Post [Due by Friday, 1/23/2015]:

Which aspects of Etruscan and Greek culture do you think had the most important influence on Rome?

7th Grade/ Toward Independence!

Homework Discussion Post [Due by Friday 1/23]:
When is it necessary for citizens to rebel against their government? Explain in detail!

6th Grade/ Hammurabi's Code

 Homework Discussion Post [Due by Friday, 1/23/2015]:
In your opinion, was Hammurabi's Code a fair way to rule the people of Ancient Mesopotamia?

8th Grade/ Ship Building!

Homework Discussion Post [Due by Friday, 1/16]:
Based upon the planning and building of your ship, what factor do you think is the most difficult to plan for? How did your team overcome this difficulty? Explain in detail!

7th Grade/ Creating a Colony Assessment!

Homework Discussion Post [Due by Friday, January 16th]:
Based upon your planning of your colony, what factor do you think is the most difficult to plan for? How did your team compensate for this difficulty? Explain your thoughts with specific details!

6th Grade/ Hammurabi's Code

Homework Discussion Post [Due by Friday, January 16th]:
Do you feel that those working in government positions should receive equal, harsher, or less punishment than common people for the same crime? Explain your thoughts!

8th Grade/ Greek Sea Travel and Trade!

      You are a Greek merchant on the colony of Cyprus.  You need to ship your cargo of timber and wool across the Mediterranean Sea to the mainland of Greece.  The people on the mainland are willing to pay top dollar for your goods and the more quickly you ship them, the more money you will make because there will be less competition.  You need to build a ship to be fast, carry the maximum cargo, and cost the least to build.

6th Grade/ Development of Communication!

Cave paintings quickly transformed into pictographs, and finally into cuneiform, the world’s first writing system. Our investigation today involved the use of the Papyrus plant. The papyrus plant grew in abundance along the Nile River in the marshy areas. Egyptians were able to use the papyrus plant to create a paper writing surface for scribes to record important information using a style known as hieroglyphics. Next, we will focus our attention on the development of this process into modern paper manufacturing. We will continue to study this process hands-on. As we complete these investigations, continue to evaluate the advantages of these new methods compared to past and present communication methods in order to explain how communication developed overtime.