Will explored the leadership of several Austrian and Prussian leaders during the 18th century. We talked about how the struggle for land, resources, and power led the War of Austrian Succession, which in turn morphed into the Seven Years War, the first global conflict. We then discussed how the Seven Years War and the subsequent Treaty of Paris led to several important events in American history (including a reduced French presence around the world & the Louisiana Purchase), as well as the favorable consequences for the rise of the British empire worldwide.

We began by discussing the Triangle Midpoints Theorem. We then went on to construct a triangle in the XY-plane, used the Midpoint Theorem to find the midpoints of two of the sides and connected the midpoints with a segment. We used coordinates to find the slopes of the two segments and compared them (equal, ergo parallel!) and used the distance formula to find the lengths of the parallel segments. The shorter length was exactly one-half the longer length. QED!

We began by discussing the Triangle Midpoints Theorem. We then went on to construct a triangle in the XY-plane, used the Midpoint Theorem to find the midpoints of two of the sides and connected the midpoints with a segment. We used coordinates to find the slopes of the two segments and compared them (equal, ergo parallel!) and used the distance formula to find the lengths of the parallel segments. The shorter length was exactly one-half the longer length. QED!

We watched the episode titled "The Long Chain." It started with the development by the Dutch of their sail-powered freighter 400 years ago and compared it with the Boeing 747 cargo jet of today and followed up with a description of how both freighters revolutionized life.

* Grammar: Demonstrative (adjectives and pronouns) 2.
* Conjugation: Present 1.
* Vocabulary: Nationality.
* Reading: Voiturier.

Today Will and I began with a brief review of the previous section on the battles for power in England and the rise of Parliament. We then discussed and brainstormed how elements of the English Bill of Rights, which emerged in the 17th century impacted the United States legal system and our modern day rights. We made connections between significant ideas (habeas corpus, religious tolerance/separation of church and state, trial by jury, "power of the purse") and several historical and current events. We then discussed the causes and impact of the Thirty Years War, and began a study of the Hapsburgs in Austria. As a culminating activity, we reviewed the traits of each philosophy of rule/government: monarchy, oligarchy, theocracy, parliament, and democracy.

I administered the test.

Today's lesson focused on the ratification of the Constitution and the subsequent ratification of the first ten Amendments, commonly known as the Bill of Rights. Because of their unique importance, each of the ten Amendments was addressed. Will learned the specific rights and prohibitions on governmental action provided in each Amendment. Will said that he did the assigned reading for today, and he participated actively in discussion. A good day.

We completed the Chapter Four Test from the textbook as preparation for tomorrow's test.

prep for test

I subbed for Walt today and basically gave Will a study hall. He had to finish up some reading for history, and then spent the remainder of the time doing practice questions in preparation of his geometry test tomorrow.