Friday, May 26, 2006

Extra Credit Opportunities

To my students: Reminder---as with all previous extra credit opportunities, the work you do MUST be original, written in your own words. Please do not simply cut and paste information. If I suspect and/or confirm you have done this, it will result in no credit for the assignment. Additionally, please cite your sources (books, internet site/address, etc...). The amount of points you earn on the assignments will be based on your effort.

1. Kaiser Shipyards of California during World War II. Research where all of the Kaiser Shipyards were located in California during World War II. Find out what types of ships were built at each site, how many workers were employed, and any other information you can find about this employer during the war.

2. California-built ships used during World War II. Find out which ships were built at any of the shipyards in California, then write a report about any or all of the ships. Include: ship name, purpose, how many built, how and when was it used, what theatre of war was it used in, was it effective, how important was it to winning the war.

3. Japanese internment in California---write a research report about the other internment camp in California, Tule Lake. Include all of the basic information: when was it open, how many internees did it accomodate, recreation, security, work, and any other information you could find about Tule Lake Internment Camp, California.

4. Japanese Internment---Norman H. Mineta, Secretary of Transportation, and San Jose native. Mr. Mineta is a San Jose native and was also interned with his family in Wyoming. Write a research report about Mr. Mineta, finding out all you can about his life, especially his and his family's experience in a Japanese internment camp. You may also include recent information about him, including all of the political positions he has held, education, etc...

5. Japanese-Americans in World War II----the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was made up entirely of Japanese-American soldiers. Research and write a report about the 442nd, finding all you can about them, their accomplishments and their legacy, and their importance to World War II and for Japanese-Americans.

6. California-built aircraft of World War II---You have all learned that several aircraft companies in California built many different aircraft that was used in the war. Refer to your notes taken from the presentation that included the aircraft companies of California and some of the planes that each company built that was used in the war. Write a report about as many planes as you wish. Include all of the basics--name of the plane, who built it, how many were built, how was it used in the war, how important was it's use in the war, it's effectiveness, and anything else you can find about the planes. Remember, the planes must be built by a company in California.

***The following opportunities require travel; therefore, I will accept the following until the last day of school. See me if you need help or have questions for any of the following.

7. Visit the liberty ship SS Jeremiah O'Brien, which is docked at Pier 45 at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. Write a brief report about what you learned about the ship. This requires proof of attendance. Visit the website
www.ssjeremiahobrien.org/

8. Visit the USS Pampinito, a World War II submarine that is docked at Pier 45 at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. Write a brief report about what you learned about the submarine. This requires proof of attendance. Visit the website
www.maritime.org/pamphome/htm

9. Visit the Alameda Naval Air Museum in Alameda, CA. Check the website www.alamedanavalairmuseum.org
This will require proof of attendance. Write a report about what you learned at the museum.


10. Visit the Moffett Field Naval Air Base in Mountain View between Wednesday, May 31 and Monday, June 5. There will be 3 vintage World War II bombers on display for you to look at and even climb aboard. The planes include the B-25 Mitchell Bomber, the B-24 Liberator Bomber, and the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress. While here you can write a brief report on each plane, detailing what you have learned about each. There will also be WWII veterans to speak with and others who are familiar with the planes and their use during the war. This is an incredible experience that I have personally done for the past 3 years. It is rare that one can see and board a WWII plane. There is a small entry fee (about $5 per person----I think it may be cheaper for students). Moffett Naval Air Station is located just off highway 101 in Mountain View. The planes will be parked at the main gate near the control tower. Just ask at the gate; the people will direct you if you get lost. They always sell souvenirs as well. Please see me if you have any questions. Visit the website www.collingsfoundation.org. Click on the Wings of Freedom tour. Also, you can see pictures of the planes and view information about them as well.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

SOME EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES OVER SPRING BREAK

The extra credit opportunities below continue with the Hollywood theme that we have recently studies in California History. Note: all of the assignments require writing a report. You may use the internet, books, or other sources. However, you must cite all of the sources you use. Also, computer-generate your report or write it neatly in ink. For all reports: do not cut and paste information. Write the report in your own words. If I suspect you have cut and pasted information, you will not get any credit.

1. Research Thomas Edison's invention of the movie camera. When did he invent it? How did it work? What was it made of? How did he invent it? Basically, write a research report gathering all of the information you can find regarding this historic invention.

2. Research Thomas Edison's Motion Picture Patent Company. This is the company that owned the patents to his camera, and that eventually helped to motivate moviemakers from the east coast to move to Southern California. Find out what you can about this company, Edison's patent laws and his patent enforcemenet.

3. Research an early Hollywood film studio. Find out all you can about the studio, including who owned it, where it was built, famous movies produced there, and famous film stars who worked for the studio, plus any other relevant information to the operation/history of the studio.

You may research any or all of the following early Hollywood film studios:

*Nestor Studios (Hollywood's 1st studio)

*20th Century Fox
*Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
*Paramount Pictures
*Radio-Keith-Orpheum (RKO)
*Warner Brothers

The above 5 studios were collectively known as the "Big 5 studios of Hollywood"

Other studios that came later:

*Universal
*Columbia
*United Artists

4. Research Cecil B. DeMille, who was an early Hollywood producer and who many consider the early "King of Hollywood." Include his biographical information, how he got started in movies, and his impact on Hollywood. What did he do? What were his accomplishments? You can be thorough in your report of DeMille and include all relevant information about his impact on Hollywood and the film industry.

5. Watch any movie that includes any of the early Hollywood film stars that we as a class researched. Once you have watched the movie, write a brief report. First, tell me what the movie was about. What occurred and who were the main characters? What type of movie was it? Then, focus on the Hollywood film star in the movie. What was his/her role in the movie?

Some of the film stars we researched:

*William Powell
*Edward G. Robinson
*Douglas Fairbanks
*Lionel Barrymore
*John Barrymore
*Gregory Peck
*Lon Chaney (Jr. or Sr.)
*Basil Rathbone
*Humphrey Bogart
*Spencer Tracy
*Rudolph Valentino
*James (Jimmy) Cagney
*James (Jimmy) Stewart
*Robert Taylor
*The Marx Brothers
*Buster Keaton
*Charlie Chaplin
*Clark Gable
*Mickey Rooney
*Cary Grant
*W.C. Fields

*Lauren Bacall
*Mae West
*Judy Garland
*Greta Garbo
*Ida Lupino
*Katharine Hepburn
*Myrna Loy
*Clara Bow
*Bette Davis
*Veronica Lake
*Jean Harlow
*Norma Shearer
*Marie Dressler

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

California Grown Day!

California Grown Day is this Friday, April 7 and Monday, April 10

Students may bring to class any fruit, vegetable, nut, or anything else that is grown in California. Many fruits and vegetables will have a sticker that indicates that they are grown in California. You can always ask a supermarket clerk if you need assistance.

You may bring any amount of food you wish!

Have fun!

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Extra Credit Opportunity

This Sunday, March 19, on TLC (The Learning Channel) at 10:00PM is a special documentary called "Inside Supermax." This documentary goes inside the Kern Valley California State Prison, which is maximum security. If you watch the special and write a summary about what you learned (1-2 pages), I will extend extra credit points to you, with the amount of points based on the quality of summary you provide.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Homework for Tuesday, March 14

Periods 1, 3, and 6 only...

Homework: Assume that you are a newspaper writer in the 1930's. Write a HEADLINE and a brief article (about 4-6 sentences) that discusses the Hetch-Hetchy reservoir and aqueduct, which serves 4 bay area counties with water. (The students took some notes about Hetch-Hetchy today in class)

Due at the next class period!

Friday, February 17, 2006

Extra Credit Opportunities over the winter break

Some optional extra credit opportunities are listed below. Enjoy your winter break, relax, and have fun! See you soon!

1. Visit any of the following museums and write a 1-2 page summary describing your experience. What did you learn? What was your favorite part of the museum, and why? Your paper should detail what you have learned during your visit. Please include proof of your visit (receipt, ticket stub, brochure, etc...). Here are the museums:

*California History Museum---1020 O Street Sacramento, CA
*Harris-Lass Historic Museum---1889 Market Street, Santa Clara, CA
*Oakland Museum of California---1000 Oak Street, Oakland, CA
*Campbell Historical Museum---51 North Central Avenue, Campbell, CA
*Forbes Mill History Museum---75 Church Street, Los Gatos, CA
*History Park at Kelly Park---1650 Senter Road, San Jose, CA
*The California Historical Society---678 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
*Saratoga Historical Museum---20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Saratoga, CA
*San Juan Batista State Historic Park---Highway 156, San Juan Batista, CA
*Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum---21350 Almaden Road, San Jose, CA
*Museum of Local History---190 Anza Street in the old Mission Fire Station in Mission San Jose, Fremont
*Mexican Heritage Plaza---1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA
*Peralta Adobe & Fallon House---175 West St. John Street, San Jose, CA
*Monterey State Historic Park---20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA
*National Steinbeck Center---Central Avenue at Main Street, Salinas, CA

2. Research a California governor in the 20th century. You may use the internet or books, but you must cite your sources. Please do not cut and paste information. Research a California governor in the 20th century and write a 2 page report about that governor. You may include some biographical information about your governor, but I want the majority of your paper to discuss this governor's contributions to California. What did he do when in office? In what way did he have an effect on California? What is best known for? Whatever information you can provide about his impact as a California governor would be great. Written or computer-generated is acceptable.

3. Research a proposition that was passed in California. Write a one-two page paper that discusses this proposition, and include the arguments FOR and AGAINST this proposition. Don't forget to include the proposition number and the date it was passed. Include the web address or book title where you found your information. You may do this assignment for as many propositions that you wish.

Monday, February 13, 2006

California Government Test set for Friday, Feb. 17

Periods 1, 3, and 6 only...

There will be a test on Friday, February 17 on what you have studied thus far about California's government. Students should be familiar with the following:

1. California's State Constitution notes (amendments that we studied)

2. California's Executive Government (notes from Powerpoint)

3. California's Legislative Government (questions copied and answered from overhead)

4. How a Bill Becomes Law in California (notes taken in class)

5. California's Judicial Branch of Government (questions copied and answered from overhead)

6. Recall and Propostions as part of California's Government

Students need not bring anything special to class on Friday, other than a pencil or pen as always...

Good Luck!!!

Homework for Monday, February 13

Periods 1, 3, and 6 only...

Answer the following question:

For what reasons, in your opinion, should an elected member of California's Executive Government be REMOVED from office?

Please give explanations for your answers...convince the class and me of your responses!!!

Due the next class meeting...