I Teach History

The web site is back online

2009-03-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, after several weeks of the site being unavailable -- well, it was online but we couldn't update it -- it is now back up and running. I hope to get everything put back together ASAP.

Constitution Test this Wednesday and Thursday...

2009-02-09T23:08:00.001-08:00

Hi All!

As you all know, the Constitution Test is finally upon us! The test is on Wednesday 2/11 and Thursday 2/12. Please use your Amendment Flash Cards and the copies of the tests you've taken as study tools.

Let me know if you need any help getting ready for this thing! :)

Thanks!

Mr. Griffith

Learning the 50 States...

2009-02-09T23:04:00.000-08:00

And here's a video to learn the countries of the world:

And here's a video for learning the Presidents:

End of Trimester 1 is Upon Us!

2008-11-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys,

We're coming to the end of Trimester 1! Get all missing work turned in by this Friday! Get er' done!!

Also, I balanced the grade book and adjusted the category weights. I also went through assignments that could not be made up and excused many of them. This seems to have helped the grade balance and makes a passing grade more within reach [for some of you]. :)

Let me know if you need any last-minute help!

Mr. Griffith

TMS 8th Grade 2008 Election Results

2008-11-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

Election results have been tallied and calculated by our amazing election staff [thanks Megan!] and they are as follows:

IF TERRACE MIDDLE SCHOOL 8TH GRADERS WERE TO DECIDE THE 2008 ELECTION:

President:

Barack Obama: 76 (59%)
John McCain: 37 (29%)
Cynthia McKinney: 10 (8%)
Ralph Nader: 4 (3%)
Alan Keyes: 2 (2%)
Barr: 0 (0%)

Proposition 1A: High-Speed Train Bond

Yes: 100 (70%)
No: 43 (30%)

Proposition 2: Treatment of Farm Animals

Yes: 85 (66%)
No: 44 (34%)

Proposition 3: Child Hospitals Bond

Yes: 95 (75%)
No: 31 (25%)

Proposition 4: Minor's Pregnancy

Yes: 62 (49%)
No: 64 (51%)

Proposition 5: Nonviolent Offender's

Yes: 60 (48%)
No: 64 (52%)

Proposition 6: Law Enforcement Funding

Yes: 54 (45%)
No: 65 (55%)

Proposition 7: Renewable Energy

Yes: 82 (69%)
No: 36 (31%)

Proposition 8: Same-Sex Marriage

Yes: 61 (47%)
No: 69 (53%)

Proposition 9: Victims' Rights, Parole

Yes: 66 (55%)
No: 54 (45%)

Proposition 10: Energy Bonds

Yes: 85 (70%)
No: 36 (30%)

Proposition 11: Redistricting

Yes: 46 (41%)
No: 67 (59%)

Proposition 12: Veteran's Bond

Yes: 48 (52%)
No: 45 (48%)

Progress Reports Coming!

2008-10-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys,

As we've been discussing in class, progress reports are getting ready to be sent home. I will submit all grades to the office on Monday (tomorrow). I have a small pile of homework to grade and then I will be updating the online grades.

I have done my best to give as many opportunities to build a solid foundation for your grades as possible. Some of these include:

I have updated grades [and posted them online] several times a week.
I keep an updated online schedule of all homework and class projects
I have accepted lated work for full credit for the first 6 weeks
Two weeks ago we only had 2 homework assignments -- which we did in class.
Last week we had only 1 homework assignment.
I graded the test on a curve -- for each class.
I excused your Chapter 1-3 Test grade [if you chose to have it excused]
I gave points just for watching the movie in class.
I accepted "no name" papers for 6 weeks
I have given several "extra credit" assignments
I have stayed after school to let students work on homework in class

I hope everybody is doing as well as they hope!

Thanks!

Mr. Griffith

For those stressed about your presentation...

2008-10-11T00:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys! I have heard from a few of you that you were "so embarassed at how bad" you did in your presentation. As I said, DON'T WORRY! Here's an example of when someone REALLY bombs their presentation:

I don't mean to pick on the poor girl, but clearly you could have done worse! :)

Preamble videos...

2008-10-10T23:42:00.000-07:00

Only a real Constitution Nerd collects "Preamble videos". :) Anyway, here are some clips that I enjoyed.

Of course the CLASSIC Preamble video -- Schoolhouse Rock.

This is from the 1960's "Star Trek" series. As always it is way overacted and corny, but that's why it is so cool. :)

Here's one from the old "Andy Griffith Show" [no relation]. See, you guys already know more than Barney!

I will be adding more videos as I find them!

Interesting Presidential Race Clips

2008-10-10T23:29:00.000-07:00

It's interesting to watch one Presidental candidate saying something nice about the other -- especially when it's something that can cost him/her votes. It's kind of refreshing.

Welcome to 8th Grade History!

2008-08-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

My name is Robert Griffith. I am new to Terrace Middle School this year as I am taking over the 8th Grade History class that Mr. Laven taught for many years. I am excited about being back in the classroom and about being able to teach history again. I am very grateful for this opportunity.

I think it will be an exciting year for me, and I hope it will be an enjoyable year for you as well.

Good luck!

Mr. Griffith