Greetings and Happy Summer to all! I've deposited a few more books in the Civil War section of our library, and the librarians have also added a few in the "YA Reference" section, along the wall by the reference desk. I've noticed several books have been checked out already, but I have requested the library to put a "Reference" tag on several books, so they can't leave the library, so be prepared to make copies, or take notes. Meanwhile, I'm planning a camping trip up to the Adirondacks the week prior to July 4, so I won't be responding to emails till after the holiday. Blessings to all...Mr. Cooper

SEVENTH & EIGHTH GRADE

2011/2012 HISTORY PROJECT:

THE CIVIL WAR: 150^TH ANNIVERSARY

The Civil War (1861-1865) was the greatest armed struggle on United States soil. Over five generations have now passed since the war, and we are still trying to measure its influence. Beginning this year, our nation will witness an extraordinary focus on the war through books, articles, websites, videos, programs, and more, and hopefully our project will be our way of participating in this historic celebration.

“So what am I supposed to do this summer?”

On the last day of this school year, each student will have been assigned an important individual, battle, or particular feature of the war. S/he is expected to become an “expert” on his/her assigned topic this summer. This will be done through researching both the Internet and books to gather background information on that subject. Please note: In our past history projects, students who limited their searches to Internet sites only turned in incomplete work.

“How am I supposed to organize my information and data?”

Students are encouraged to get a folder, and begin collecting a wide variety of information about his/her subject. As mentioned above, websites are helpful in general, but they rarely tell the whole story of a subject as well as a book can. Thus each student in encouraged to glean and secure important and vital information by taking notes from books and websites, and, if copies are reproduced, highlighting critical information. These are skills we have been working on in Social Studies classes regularly. Photos, illustrations, documents, quotes, descriptions, maps, explanations, and backgrounds are some of the information that should be gathered in a student’s folder.

“So what am I supposed to do with my folder?”

Bring your bulging folder to school on the first day we return in September. Be prepared to hand in your folders and I will judge the completeness and thoroughness of your effort. You will then be led step by step toward the completion of your project. Together, we will present and display our completed work the week before Thanksgiving.

“Where can I go for help?”

There is a list of excellent Civil War websites at the bottom of these instructions. Further, the staff at the Albert Wisner Public Library is aware of our project and most willing to offer assistance. You have to ask for help! They have several excellent books on the Civil War in their collection. Also, there have been many documentaries on various aspects of the war. Ken Burns’ PBS Civil War is the most famous, and still the best, while History Channel and other cable networks have produced some excellent videos and documentaries. Lastly, you can send an email to me through the St. Stephen website, and I will answer you back promptly. I will also have a copy of this sheet on my blog, which may be accessed through the school website (see instructions on the back.)

RECOMMENDED WEBSTIES:

CAUTION: As always, when perusing websites, be careful where your curiosity may take you. The sites below offer several very good links , and I have reviewed the basic homepages of them all, but I cannot vouch for each and every link, so please use common sense. Open Google and type these names into the browser bar, that will bring up these websites and other useful sites.

Great American History

Civil War.org

American Civil War Homepage

Civil War.com

The Civil War Homepage

Civil War 150.org

PBS Civil War

History Channel Civil War

Spartacus Educational: American Civil War

INSTRUCTIONS FOR EMAILING ME AND READING MY BLOG:

1. Go to school website: http://ststephen-stedward.org/

2. Selected “Faculty” from menu bar at top of the page.

3. Browse down to my name (Timothy Cooper) and click on it.

4. To email me, click my name, and a separate box will open for you to use)

5. To read my blog, click on the blog next to my name.