Resources

Below, I will link items that you will need for class. Other items you might find helpful will be added throughout the course of the year. If there is a resource you think other students may find especially helpful, please let me know so we may share with your classmates.

Classroom Tools and Info
All written assignments in class will be graded based upon the following six point rubric, developed from the work of Vikki Spandel. The expectations for writing are clearly outlined and we went over the rubric during the first week of school. If at any time you are unsure of what is expected from your written work, please refer to the rubric first. If you still have questions, you may ask me in person during worktime in class or before or after school. Parents and students may reach my by email with questions regarding grading and assignments.

[[file:AIMS Six Point Writing Rubric.doc]]
Graphic Organizers- At this link you will find a variety of graphic organizers that you may wish to use to organize your thinking. On occasion, you may be required to complete an organizer for an assignment. They are always an option if they are of assistance to you, but are not required to be turned in unless specified in the assignment. Common Core State Standards- The common core is an attempt to create a standard national curriculum for all subjects, especially with respect to literacy and mathematics. You will find the standards for this course at this link, as well as more information regarding the purpose of the common core. National Center for History in Schools- These standards guide our practice in historical thinking. National Council for the Social Studies Standards- If you are looking for more detailed information regarding the content and purpose of social studies, feel free to refer to this document. Pennsylvania Department of Education Content Standards- Here you will find the PDE content standards addressed by this course.

Roots, suuffixes, and prefixes
Here are a few lists of common roots, prefixes, and suffixes used in different content areas. PrefixSuffix.com- This link will take you to a more extensive list of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. The website which hosts the chart also contains a wide variety of information about making words, and a search feature for roots with certain meanings. There is also a fun game where you can play with your own understanding of meaning. Merriam-Webster.com- A good online dictionary that also provides etymology.

Tools of the Trade
Timeglider Timeglider is a useful tool for creating free, online, interactive timelines. Prezi Prezi is popular for making visually pleasing presentations, as opposed to using PowerPoint. Philly History- Phillyhistory.org is a collection of photographs from Philadelphia's City Archives, the Athanaeum, and the Philadelphia Water Department dating back to the 1800s. Bethlehem Digital History Project- This site contains primary source data about Bethlehem from 1741 - 1844. Contained within these documents is fascinating information about how Bethlehem was founded, the original Moravian settlers here, and how the area evolved over that period in time. From first person memoirs, to art and music, this is a very useful resource for early local history. Lackawanna Valley Digital Archives - More extensive that Bethlehem's undertaking, you can see more local historical work on display from Lackawanna county. Their digital archives cover work and play in pictures and documents. This site is fascinating because the primary source materials are presented largely without interpretation.

Fascinating Stuff
If you ever have down time in your life, or even free time after completing in class assignments, you may be interested in the following sites. Listing these links does not mean that I agree with every opinion expressed therein, but that does not mean people don't have a right to share their ideas. If you disagree with one of the things here, feel free to approach me if you'd like to discuss why.

TED: Ideas worth Spreading

[|Big Think]

PBS Video