Saturday, February 25, 2017

March Journeyman: Constitution Bee 2

Constitution Bee 2

We will be holding a Vanguard Constitution Bee (say that in your head like I say "Constitution Quest", it's much more fun that way!)  at the end of April.  We have 3 months to prepare, so I've broken up the material into 3 pieces.  We will study one piece each month.

Please watch the videos provided, but DO NOT do the quizzes for each lesson, we will be going over those in class.    We will also be playing the games he suggests in class.

Use your pocket Constitution that I gave you and mark it up as instructed in the videos.  This will help in your understanding of the Constitution.

I SUGGEST DOING ONE CLAUSE PER DAY SO THAT YOU DON'T GET THEM JUMBLED IN YOUR HEAD.  WATCH THE VIDEO AND DO THE CROSSWORD AND THEN LET YOUR BRAIN REST UNTIL THE NEXT DAY.  THIS MAKES IT EASIER TO KEEP THEM STRAIGHT.

Let the games begin!

Please watch the following videos:

1 - Part 3: General Welfare Clause

2 - Part 4: The Necessary and Proper Clause

And do the following crossword puzzles:

1 - General Welfare

2 - Necessary and Proper 

March Master Class

March Master Class


 "Have good hope, my friend from Europe, your best days are yet to come. Born again. Risen from the ashes. So many good things are in store."
                                                                                    7 Tipping Points That Saved The World

Study/Learn

1 -  Read chapter 6 of the 7 Tipping Points that Saved the World

2 - Go to this site. biography.com Christopher Columbus Watch the video, and read the article.



3. Write these Note cards:
         Ottoman Empire
         Christopher Columbus
         Ferdinand and Isabella
         New World                                                                                            
4. Watch both of these studio c sketches. Just for fun.
              1.  couchville

              2.  Ottoman Empire Strikes back

5. take this quiz It's 5 questions. 

6. Build a boat. We will be racing them, so make sure you wear something warm. 


Know/Understand
Image result for signing the declaration of independence

For our signers this week, I'd like you to go to:

Read the google doc to come familiar with who the signers are and all their names.  Then, come take the test below. (EVEN IF YOU DID IT LAST TIME!) 

Test: Take it TWICE! The first time you can look up the names, but DON'T on the second! It doesn't matter if you win or not, just do you best... and try to win. :) 



Become/Serve 
Do either one or do both:

1. Journal about one or more of these quotes from the book for 10 minutes:

               a.  "Out of the smallest things the greatest things may be."
             
               b.   "Have good hope my friend from Europe, your best days are yet to come. Born again. Risen from the ashes. So many good things are in store."
             
               c.  "I can feel it. Can you feel it? There is something in the air. A new beginning. A new door. It is as if the sky has opened and the hand of God has been seen."


2.  Make a list of things that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does, and a list of things the Christian church was doing during the 14th and 15th centuries.  Compare them.

           Was the Christian church doing the right things? Were they really following God, and being like Jesus? What is different about our church, and the christian church during those centuries? Why is it important to know that our prophet will never lead us astray? The fact that our leaders are called of God? That our bishop can't start an army and force everyone to be in it, just 'cause he is the bishop? What promises do we get in our church about our leaders? 

Friday, February 24, 2017

Biography of Confucius

(found at this website)

Synopsis

Kong Qui, better known as Confucius, was born in 551 B.C. in the Lu state of China (near present-day Qufu). His teachings, preserved in the Analects, focused on creating ethical models of family and public interaction, and setting educational standards. He died in 479 B.C. Confucianism later became the official imperial philosophy of China, and was extremely influential during the Han, Tang and Song dynasties.

Early Life

Confucius, also known as Kong Qui or K’ung Fu-tzu, was born probably in 551 B.C. (lunar calendar) in present-day Qufu, Shandong Province, China. Little is known of his childhood. Records of the Historian, written by Ssu-ma Chi’en (born 145 B.C.; died 86 B.C.) offers the most detailed account of Confucius’ life. However, some contemporary historians are skeptical as to the record’s accuracy, regarding it as myth, not fact. According to Records of the Historian, Confucius was born into a royal family of the Chou Dynasty. Other accounts describe him as being born into poverty. What is undisputed about Confucius’ life is that he existed during a time of ideological crisis in China.

Philosophy and Teachings

During the sixth century B.C., competing Chinese states undermined the authority of the Chou Empire, which had held supreme rule for over 500 years. Traditional Chinese principles began to deteriorate, resulting in a period of moral decline. Confucius recognized an opportunity—and an obligation—to reinforce the societal values of compassion and tradition. His social philosophy was based primarily on the principle of "ren" or "loving others" while exercising self-discipline. He believed that ren could be put into action using the Golden Rule, "What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others." (Lunyu 12.2, 6.30).

Confucius’ political beliefs were likewise based on the concept of self-discipline. He believed that a leader needed to exercise self-discipline in order to remain humble and treat his followers with compassion. In doing so, he would lead by positive example. According to Confucius, leaders could motivate their subjects to follow the law by teaching them virtue and the unifying force of ritual propriety.

His philosophy of education focused on the "Six Arts": archery, calligraphy, computation, music, chariot-driving and ritual. To Confucius, the main objective of being an educator was to teach people to live with integrity. Through his teachings, he strove to resurrect the traditional values of benevolence, propriety and ritual in Chinese society.

Major Works

Confucius is credited with writing and editing some of the most influential traditional Chinese classics. These include a rearrangement of the Book of Odes as well as a revision of the historical Book of Documents. He also compiled a historical account of the 12 dukes of Lu, called the Spring and Autumn Annals. Lunyu, which sets forth Confucius’ philosophical and political beliefs, is thought to be compiled by his disciples. It is one of the "Four Books" of Confucianism that Chinese philosopher Zhu Xi, a self-proclaimed Neo-Confucian, published as Sishu in 1190. Far-reaching in its influence, Lunyu was later translated into English under the title The Analects of Confucius.

Death and Legacy

Convinced that his teachings had not made a significant impact on Chinese culture, Confucius died on November 21, 479 B.C. in Qufu, China, a year after losing his son, Tzu-lu, in battle. His followers held a funeral and established a mourning period in his honor. As of the fourth century B.C., Confucius was regarded as a sage who had deserved greater recognition in his time. By the second century B.C., during China’s first Han Dynasty, his ideas became the foundation of the state ideology. Today he is widely considered one of the most influential teachers in Chinese history.

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Feb Apprentice

February Apprentice: Medieval Europe 

Study/Learn


1 - Write the following on note cards from the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy:
  • Seven Deadly Sins
  • Chivalry
  • Lady Godiva
  • Homage
  • Magna Carta
  • Nicene Creed
2 - Read the chapter, "All Creatures of our God and King": St. Francis of Assisi from the book, 10 Great Souls I Want to Meet in Heaven by S. Michael Wilcox

3 - Listen to the song "All Creatures of our God and Kingfound here as you read the words (found here)

4 - Watch this video (7 min) on St. Francis

5 - Watch one of the following videos on Magna Carta
6 - Read Chapter 5: Shaping the Vessel in the book "In the Hands of the Potter" by Camille Fronk

7 - Read the Nicene Creed found here don't forget to read the box on the right, "background"

8 - Add the following to your timeline:

  • Magna Carta (1215)
  • St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)
  • Nicene Creed (325)


Know/Understand

CHOOSE 1 OF THE FOLLOWING:

- St. Francis is a great example of the nature and power of personal submission. His life and writings exemplify submission beautifully. As you listen to his hymns, read his prayers and learn about his life consider why he submitted, who or what he submitted to and what the result was. Compare this to submission in your own life and ponder what you submit to and why. Strive to find the governing principles of submission that you can apply to your life. Look for ways that deeper or more extensive submission might bless your life.  Bring your list of principle to class and prepare to teach them to us in a fun, interesting way.

- Read the Magna Carta, found here.  Look for principles as you read and come prepared with a fun and interesting way to teach them to the class.

- Choose one of the following St. Francis quotes and using your creativity, create a poster of the quote to hang in your room.  Bring it to display in class and be prepared to tell us why you chose that particular quote.

  • “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” 
  • “Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”  
  • “The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”  
  • “For it is in giving that we receive.”  
  • “I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, He can work through anyone.”  
  • “While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.”  
  • “True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice.”  
  • “A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.”  
  • “Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society.”  
  • “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.”  
  • “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.” 

Become/Serve


Make a list of all of the things that St. Francis praises God for in the song, "All Creatures of our God and King".  Can you think of anything else to praise God for?  Add to the list and then pray a prayer of gratitude to Heavenly Father for all of the things in your life He has blessed you with.




Feb. Journeyman: Constitution Bee 1

Constitution Bee 1

We will be holding a Vanguard Constitution Bee (say that in your head like I say "Constitution Quest", it's much more fun that way!)  at the end of April.  We have 3 months to prepare, so I've broken up the material into 3 pieces.  We will study one piece each month.

Please watch the videos provided, but DO NOT do the quizzes for each lesson, we will be going over those in class.  We will also be playing the games he suggests in class.

Use your pocket Constitution that I gave you and mark it up as instructed in the videos.  This will help in your understanding of the Constitution.

Let the games begin!

Please watch the following videos:

1 - Welcome Video

2 - Part 1: Introduction

3 - Part 2: The Supremacy Clause

And do the following crossword puzzles:

1 - Introduction

2 - Supremacy Clause 


Friday, February 10, 2017

February Master


February Master Class

"Considering all these facts, it is impossible to believe that Europe, had it been ravaged and depleted by the Mongols, and the miserable survivors shackled with an obligation to pay tribute forever, would have found a way to enter the golden era known as the Renaissance."
                                                                            7 Tipping Points that Saved the World

Ok. It looks like a lot. BUT, It's really not! I promise! Wouldn't it be awesome if we had a Masters class with everyone at it??? :) Why don't you try? There will be candy!

Study/Learn

Do all of the following:

1 -  Read Chapter 5 of the 7 Tipping Points that saved the World, "The Mongol Horde turns back." It's 32 pages, and pretty fascinating.

2-  Go to http://www.history.com/topics/genghis-khan Watch the video about Genghis Khan, and if you'd like read the article. It was also good, and full of good information, so if you'd like to win in our game in class, you should read it! Just sayin'

3-  STUDY these 2 Cards (Just study, since you already have them! Try to study these two at least 5 times this week, so you for sure know them, and can ROCK at the game!
               
                   Genghis Khan
                   Magna Carta
                 
4- Mark Genghis Khan and any other info on your timeline. He was from 1162- 1227.

5 OPTIONAL- Go to http://www.biography.com/people/genghis-khan-9308634 Watch the video, or read the article, or both. :)

6 OPTIONAL-  Go to http://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanholiday/2012/05/07/9-lessons-on-leadership-from-genghis-khan-yes-genghis-khan/#5493c28f6aa0 and read it. The top part gives a bit more info on Genghis that was really cool, then once you scroll past the big ad, it has some of his famous quotes.


(Doing the optional stuff as well as the required stuff, will help you understand it all SO much better. Going the extra mile with your school work totally pays off, 'cause then you understand everything, know the history better, and it just becomes awesome! If you understand stuff, a whole world of possibilities opens up. Learning is such a cool mind blowing experience, and once you learn you'll be the smart one. Go the extra mile! This information is SO interesting! I can't wait to talk about it in class! :D)    




Know/Understand

For our signers this week, I'd like you to go to:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CP8SKnoDVWeBjUck0uLyHK9SkNvbBcWKUCcd9E1k-84/edit?usp=sharing  It's a google docs I made of all the signers. Whether you have cards, or just a notebook with the signers we've done so far, I'd like you to get the rest of the signers on them. Or JUST STUDY THEM. Whatever you'd like... Either just fill out the rest of the cards, if that has been what you've been doing, or write them in a notebook, just make sure each guy has at least three facts, and some information if thats what you've been doing, or just read about them, if thats how you've been doing them....  5 minutes or 5 hours on this. Your choice. (If there are any questions email me at bethedingledody@gmail.com) 

So, just STUDY them. I don't care whether you spend 5 minutes, or 5 hours. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A TEST ON THEM!!! You might want to at least familiarize yourself with the names of them all, at least. I really don't mind if you just look through them once, but make sure your at least familiar with them a little bit. *Remember the optional thing? If you go the extra mile, you'll do WAY better on the test, and you'll know the signers, which is the idea. :)     


Once you have done that, I want you to pick a signer on the list below. Take your signer, and go to this site: http://theforgottenfounders.com/  Search for your signer, and read the page about them. It's just a page, but gives lots of information, so you'll learn a lot, and know a bunch about that signer. I don't want you to present on him, but I do want you to learn about him. You might have to use the search bar at the top left of the site. 


Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Image result for signing the declaration of independenceThomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton
Edward Rutledge
William Ellery
Stephen Hopkins

* ANOTHER OPTIONAL: Learn about everyone in that list. Just another extra mile you can do if you'd like. You don't have to of course, you only have to do one person, but you know the person who knows the most wins right?

Ok. This part is half optional. Here we have 7 tests about the Declaration of Independence. They are all REALLY fun!!! It's half optional, 'cause you DON'T have to do all 7. I want you to do at least 3. Test number 1, and number 3 are mandatory in the three you must do. They are really simple, and really fun, if you studied though! :) I'm a little addicted. Some of them are timed tests, so mark your times down, and whoever comes with the most points, and the best time, there might be a treat. Hint hint!

1. https://www.sporcle.com/games/g/declarationindependencesigners

2. http://www.funtrivia.com/html5/index.cfm?qid=275221

3. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-us-history/period-3/apush-declaration-of-independence/e/aspen-us-declaration-of-independence-quiz

4. https://www.constitutionfacts.com/?page=declarationQuiz.cfm

5. http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz2752211f826e0.html

6. http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=declaration-independence-quiz

7. http://www.ducksters.com/history/declaration_of_independence_questions.php


Become/Serve:


Pick ONE or MORE of these quotes from the book, and journal about it. Come prepare to talk about them

1. "When the storm of the transition had subsided, the economic and political structure of Europe had been transformed. A flowing tide of industry and commerce washed away deep-rooted impediments to human development, and carried men onward from the scattered glory of the cathedrals to the universal frenzy of the renaissance."

What do you think the storm of transition means? What is the flowing tide? What kind of creativity and humility to God's will brought upon the renaissance? Do you think those same things work in your life? What carries you onward from your scattered glory, to a universal frenzy?

2. "Every Mongol soldier had to live his life as a warrior with the assumption that he was immortal, that no one could defeat him or harm him, that nothing could kill him."

So, this quote. Mmm. LOVE IT!!! Yes, the Mongol warriors weren't that great of people. They were brutal, horrific, and did some disturbing things, but I like this quote, and that part of the Mongol warriors life for a few reasons. How differently do you think our life would be if we thought ourselves immortal? If we remembered that we our children of God. He is our Heavenly Father. Life will be ok, because He is ALWAYS there. How often would temptations and sin enter our life, if we lived with the assumption that no one could defeat us, or harm us? If we knew Satan didn't stand a chance? If we were able to stand in holy places and BE NOT MOVED, because we knew that nothing, no temptation, no evil, no rude comments, no bad day, NOTHING could kill us? That even if the battle was hard, we would keep fighting, because our life was WORTH something.

3. "Illiterate."

Ok. I love this quote too! Now, before you think I'm crazy, here me out. This quote is found on page 196 in your book. It's one word, on the last line in the first paragraph. Illiterate. Mine's circled. Genghis Khan was an unimportant illiterate mongol. Genghis Khan became one of the worlds best generals. He revolutionized war, battle strategy, and the way people have an army! His horde of mongols conquered more land, in less time, than anyone thought possible! He accomplished AMAZING feats, and yet he was illiterate. Charles Martel (the Hammer) was an illegitimate son of a duke. Constantine the Great was the son of a lowly barmaid, and Leonidas lead a small band of spartan warriors against the overwhelming army of the Persians. And yet, the Hammer, Constantine the great, Leonidas, and Genghis Khan are all people who accomplished AMAZING things! But, they were the illiterate... What do you think it means "By small and simple things, are great things come to pass" or "God works in mysterious ways?" Do you ever look at yourself, and think your worthless, or not good enough? Illiterate?


4. "Indeed that fact would prove ... to be one of those seemingly small but critical tipping points that would change the future."

Do you think there are tipping points in your life? What are you doing now, that could critically change the future? Are you doing the right things? In the right place in life? Will it be a good tipping point in your life, or not? How are you being the vanguard?