Homework Video 2

Conquest Update and Class Stuff

The second full week of school is upon us and in full swing!  We've had Verso discussions and dove into some primary sources to help us with our learning about the English Settlements.  Here's what the rest of the week is going to look like:

Wednesday Thursday:

Look closely at a letter from Jamestown settler Sebastian Brandt.  Little is known about Brandt, but his account tells us how dangerous a place this "new world" could still be, even 10 years after settlement.  Since Brandt's letter is full of misspellings and words we no longer use, we will transcribe it so that your every day, modern person will be able to easily read it.

Also on these days, we will look at selections from 2 of John Smith's famous writings, "General History" and "True Relation."  They both mention the same event of meeting Pocahontas, but man, they tell totally different stories.  Which one is true?  Neither?  Maybe both?  We will let you decide.  Before we do, I'm going to try to get the real things read and let you know if there is anything else you need to know to help you make up your mind.

Also, Video Number 3 will be assigned.  It will focus on the Plymouth Colony, plus talk about the Puritans and Pilgrims, the Mayflower, and the First Thanksgiving.  Pretty interesting stuff.

I guess we will move into what you really want to read about...the Conquest Updates.  

White 1: In talks with the neighboring Native Civilization, the "Tlaxmecs."  Their emperor demanded 2 cannons, and men to train his warriors on how to use them to even begin talks.  He also threatened to annihilate White 1's colony if they did not give those items.  They may talk of a trade deal.  Will be posted soon.  

White 3: Bolstered their military capabilities with the addition of 300 of King Lindow's Royal Marines.  Also in talks with the Olmexaya's on a possible alliance to destroy a neighboring French colony.

White 4: Added 400 of King Lindow's Marines and purchased some specialized jobs.  They are in a terrific place for a colony. 

If you were just assigned a specialized job by your colony and need help on what to do, please come see me.  I will help you through what you need to do to help your colony succeed.  

Jamestown....Starvation, Cannibalism, and Assassination Attempts!

Welcome to the informative post about Jamestown and the other nearby settlements that helped England get a permanent foothold in the Virginia area.  All of this info will also help you out immensely with the Colony Competition.  Those with specific jobs or on specific committees should be very diligent in making sure you know as much about these settlements as possible to make sure your colony succeeds and is not destroyed by disease, Native or Spanish attacks, or a lack of money.  I King Lindow reward the colonies that make every effort to succeed for the glory of Lindowvaria.

Now, here are some things to help you out.  I've added links to websites that have tons of helpful articles, as well as some videos that can help.

History of Jamestown Secondary Source  Clink on the link to go to a short history of Jamestown.  While you are there, click up on "History" to go to some other sub sections about specific people and events.  If you look for it, you can take a virtual tour of the place as well.

Henricus Colony  This link will take you to information about Jamestown's neighbor, Henricus.  These settlements had very different beginnings and endings, but both made huge mistakes.  This link will also show you about the different types of buildings (architects take note), Very cool things.  Also a load of videos to help out.

This short video gives a brief history of the colony of Henricus with plenty of reenactors to really give you a feel of what the colony was like.

How were the settlers and militia armed?  Check out the above video to find out.  Militia Commanders take note!

And what happens when these rounds hit a target?  Check this one out too!

Interview with an English colonist at Henricus-If you watch any of them, check out this one.  It is an interview with a settler named Proctor and his wife on why they chose to live where they do and the dangers they face every day.  They also discuss tobacco and how important it was.

And how did they harvest tobacco?  Have you ever done it before?  I bet if you watch this you will see just how different it was in the 1600's.

Perspective Videos-These videos give you the perspective of Jamestown from King James all the way to the Powhatan and slaves.

Video 1...Exploration Review Part 1

Exploration Review Part 1

The first video of the year is up and ready to view! Please feel free to ask questions if you are having trouble figuring anything out.  This is our first video, so I don't expect it to go smooth 100%.  If you cannot get the video to work, your computer stops working, or if you don't have a good enough internet connection, please come to ESS or Panther Prep!  I will be on bus duty this week, so you can also ask me while I am in the gym.  Plenty of stuff in here to help your colony get started on the right foot!

Here. We. Go.

The first day of school has officially arrived!  I am so excited to be able to get to know each and every one of you this school year.  I guarantee you that you will not ever have a class like this!  You are going to be learning so much and having a blast at the same time.  How can history be fun you ask?  Well for one, it is the most awesome, amazing subject out there!  I am a bit biased though being a history teacher.  Why will you like it?  How about being out of your seat, working with your peers, acting things out, using technology in cool ways, and pretending like we are the people we are studying?  Also, we are starting something new this year called "The Conquest of Lindownia."  I won't give many details here, but let's just say it's like the show Survivor and will quickly have you and your classmates working closely together. You. Will. Love. This. These are only a FEW of the cool things we will do in class this year and will make this class a fond memory for you when you are in high school.  Say good bye (At least for this year) of mind numbing lectures that last an entire class period and writing mountains of notes until your hand is about to fall off.  This will be different for you and you will never forget it.  I'm pretty sure our Battle of Yorktown reenactment was something that last years student's won't ever forget! I hope you enjoy this school year as much as I will, and I'm pretty sure you will.  8th grade is a great year

PARENTS! Use this blog/site to keep up to date with what your student is doing in US History.  Feel free to subscribe to get email notifications when there is an update to the site, which will hopefully be every 2 days.  The blog/site will inform you and your students about what we are doing in class, and what their assignments are.  All assignments (If possible) will be attached and accessible here.  On the right hand side of the page, there is a section where everything your student gets in class is located.  This is also where you will find the homework videos that will sometimes be assigned.  You will also notice there is a section for the class Instagram and Twitter (Both are @DCMSHistory1776).  These accounts do not follow back, but these too will be great tools to keep you and your students up to date with what is going on in the classroom.  This generation is the most tech savvy generation the world has ever seen.  Why not harness some of that power for good and improve their education?  I am looking forward to working with you and your student this school year!  As always, feel free to contact me via e-mail at derrick.lindow@daviess.kyschools.us.