WEEK NINE: February 9th - 13th
I don’t wait for the calendar to figure out when I should live life. - Gene Simmons
Monday - I will complete my EuroTrip website experience…I KNOW the “Ins & Outs” of my European city and ready to share my knowledge with my classmates.
1) EuroVid of the Day - How Lamborghini Began: A Story of Vehicular Vengeance
2) EuroTrip Segment #4 Work Day (Last Day to Work on Project)
3) Weblink - EuroTrip Project
Tuesday - I get to tour Europe via my classmates EuroTrip Websites…”opening up my eyes” to the landscapes and opportunities of European travel.
1) EuroVid of the Day - Germany’s Real-Life Disney Castle
2) What’s Up in the World - CNN10
3) EuroTrip Projects Due (ALL SEGEMENTS)
4) Peer Review Adventure Time “Europe Tour Tour” (Schoology Assignment)
FYI - Schoology Europe Tour Tour Due Midnight Wednesday
5) Weblink - EuroTrip Project
Wednesday - I am able to explain the basic “Population Equation” on how populations change over time.
1) EuroVid of the Day - The Hungarian City Built Over 80 Underwater Caves
2) “Demography & Population Change” Classroom Discussion/Activity
3) FYI - Europe Activity packet has a Demography page for Notes/Activity
4) IF TIME - Why Populations Change: A Crash Course (10min)
5) REMINDER “Europe Tour Tour” Schoology Assignment Due Midnight
Helpful Weblinks for Demography…
1. Demographic Textbook Page
2. Worldometer Population Counter
3. Demography Slideshow (the notes page we use for classroom activity)
Thursday - I can use a population pyramid to project future growth/decline of a countries population.
1) Euro Vid of the Day - Battle of the Alpine Horns (Swiss)
2) Population Pyramids Notes & Discussions
3) Complete Population Pyramid Page in Activity Packet w/ Partner
4) IF TIME - Human Population Change Over Time - Amer Museum of Natural History
Helpful Weblinks for Population Pyramids/Change…
1. Intro Population Pyramids Video by “Learn or Die” (3min 40sec)
2. Intro to Population Pyramids - TedTalk
3. Population Pyramid Web Link (to be used with Act Pack)
Friday - I can describe why countries of Europe join economic alliances.
1) Alps Imax Film w/ Video Worksheet in Activity Packet
2) Correct Europe Physical Map Test
3) Mr. Gilbert’s Valentine to Students!!
WEEK TEN: February 16th - 20th
"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort." - FDR
Monday - NO SCHOOL “President’s Day”
Tuesday - Classroom Swap (one day with Gilbert & one day with Culver)
European Adventure - “The Walkers Haute Route” w/ Mr. Gilbert
Slideshow - Haute Route
Trip Website - Haute Route
Gilbert Trip Photo Link
Wednesday - Classroom Swap (one day with Gilbert & one day with Culver)
European Adventure - “Living in Europe - How to & What to expect” w/ Mrs. Culver
Thursday - I can describe why countries of Europe join economic alliances.
1) Greatest Places Test
EuroVid of the Day - The European Union Explained
2) Intro European Union Discussion Slideshow
3) EU Neighborhood Classroom Activity
4) Complete EU Map in Activity Packet
5) EU Textbook Chapter
6) Click for UPDATED European Union Map
7) Europe Activity Packet Due Tomorrow (as you walk into class)
Friday
1) Europe Activity Packets Due
2) TBD
WEEK Eleven: February 23rd - 27th
“It's hard to beat a person who never gives up.”- George Herman Ruth
Monday -
Medieval Video Clip of Day - The Black Knight (in Shining Armor)
1) Intro to Medieval Europe Unit
2) Medieval Intro Notes & Discussion (Guided Notes)
3) Work on Medieval Vocabulary Sheet
CLICK HERE for Medieval Unit Webpage Link
Tuesday - 8th Grade Ski Trip - NO Geo Classes
Wednesday - Early Release Day
Medieval Video Clip of Day - Who Goes There?
1) What’s Up in the World - BiWeekly Current Events Discussion
2) Complete Medieval Vocab Sheet (check with teacher upon completion)
3) Medieval Time in Europe “Read & Write” (homework if not completed)
CLICK HERE for Medieval Unit Webpage Link
Thursday -
1) Daily Life in Medieval Europe Activity
2) Main Ideas (5) and Pictures (Sketches)
3) Page is “Homework” if not completed in class
CLICK HERE for Medieval Unit Webpage Link
Friday -
1) What’s Up in the World - BiWeekly Current Events Discussion
2) Intro to Castle Life
3) Complete “Parts of a Castle” Diagram (back of Castle Video Worksheet)
4) Castle Video (Part One) …video worksheet on Castle Activities Worksheet
CLICK HERE for Medieval Unit Webpage Link
WEEK Twelve: March 2nd - 6th
“A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.” - Ghandi
Monday -
1) Castle Video (Part Two) …video worksheet on Castle Activities Worksheet
2) Castle Activity Worksheet DUE (Please Turn In prior to leaving class)
Tuesday -
1) What’s Up in the World - BiWeekly Current Events Discussion
2) Mapping Medieval Europe
CLICK HERE for Mapping Medieval Europe Activity Sheet
Wednesday -
1) ALL “Beyond the Walls” Projects Due in Class
2) Knights in Shining Armor Activities
3) Knight Shield Design/Knight Uniform Diagram
CLICK HERE for The Knight Life Activity Sheet
4) The Black Plague
CLICK HERE for Black Plague in Europe Activity Sheet
Thursday -
1) LAST CALL - ALL Late/Missing Work Due for Tri #2
2) ALL Medieval Unit Materials Due in Class (Create Packet and Hand In)
3) End of Medieval Unit “Fun Movie” A NIGHTS TALE *(no worksheet)
Friday - NO School Day - END OF TRI #2
Waconia Schools Spring Break - March 6th to March 15th
a look back…
WEEK ONE: December 1st - 5th
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great. - Mark Twain
Monday - I can show my prior knowledge of Latin America and build upon it with new knowledge.
1) Welcome to Tri #2 and your NEW CLASS (Create Seating Charts Tomorrow)
2) Latin America Unit Pretest (Google Form link) *NOT Graded
3) Latin America Intro Notes & Discussion (Guided Notes in Activity Packet)
4) IF TIME…switch out Student File Folders to NEW Periods
Note: REMINDER - River Terms Quiz Wednesday (Terms in Activity Packet)
Tuesday - I can locate the Greatest Places of Latin America and understand their impact.
1) What’s Up in the World - CNN10 Newscast
2) Latin America Greatest Places Slideshow & Mapping (in Act Packet)
3) My Greatest Places: LA Edition Lottery Choice & Work Time
Note: My Greatest Place LA Rough Draft Due Fri Dec 5th
Wednesday - I can demonstrate my knowledge of River Geoterms.
1) Latin America GeoTerms - River Terms Quiz
2) My Greatest Place LA Edition Work Time (Rough Draft/Small Copy)
Note: My Greatest Place LA Rough Draft Due Fri Dec 5th
3) The Five Themes of Geography Refresher (Slideshow to review the 5 Themes)
4) CLICK HERE to download and print extra My Greatest Place Rough Draft Sheets
Sentence Starters for “My Greatest Place” Activity…
Top Sentence…
It's hard to beat _________________ for it's...., which makes it a Greatest Places for Latin America.
I believe that the _____________ is a Greatest Place for Latin America because...
Few places can match the ___________ as a Greatest Place because...
It's hard to beat _________________ for it's...., which makes it the Greatest Place for Latin America.
The moment you arrive in/at ____________ (Place), you see its......, which makes it the Greatest Place
for Latin America.
Bottom Sentence…
If I could travel to the Latin American Greatest Place of my choice is would be ________ (Place name) because…
I would love to visit ____________ (Place Name) because…
_______________ (Place Name) would be an amazing place to visit because…
Thursday - I can learn more about Latin America through different thematic maps, interpret the information provided to aid my understanding about the culture of specific countries.
1) What’s Up in the World - BiWeekly Current Events Discussion
2) LA Thematic Mapping Lab (LA Packet Supplement #1)
Note: Mapping Lab Completed with a Partner IN class
3) Extra Time? - My Greatest Place LA Rough Draft Work Time
Friday - I can continue to learn more about my chosen Greatest Place and continue to learn more about the location of countries in Latin America.
1) My Greatest Place LA Edition Rough Draft Due (Homework Check)
2) Latin America Political Maps Due
3) LA Political Map Test (Power Countries and Capitals)
4) My Greatest Place: LA Edition Final Draft Work Time
WEEK TWO: DECEMBER 8th - 12th
A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers. - Helen Keller
Monday - I can create a poster that explains my Greatest Place through the 5 themes of Geography.
1) My Greatest Place: LA Edition Due (as you walk in)
2) Latin America Physical Mapping
3) Online LA Atlas Link
Note: LA Physical Maps Due & Test Fri Dec 19th
Tuesday - I will begin my journey to a deeper understanding of the Amazon Rainforest region of Latin Amerian and it’s impact on world. (Environmental, Economic and Social Impacts)
1) What’s Up in the World - CNN10
2) Intro Tropical Rainforest Notes (Part One) & Discussion (Rainforest Packet)
3) Latin America Regions Mapping (in Activity Packet)
Wednesday - I can define “Biodiversity” and explain why this scientific concept is important to the existence to all plants and animals on our planet.
1) Intro Tropical Rainforest Notes (Part Two) & Discussion (Rainforest Packet)
2) Amazon Film Journey (Short Film Festival LINK) =
Thursday - I can understand the perspective of different stakeholders involved with the Amazon Rainforest and how their impacts affect each group.
1) Intro Tropical Rainforest Notes (Part Three) & Discussion (Rainforest Packet)
2) Amazon Rainforest Stakeholders Activity w/ textbook
3) Complete Stakeholders and Conflict Resolution Sheets in Rainforest Packet
4) Textbook Chapter 12 PDF File Link (to help complete Stakeholders Activity)
Friday - I can learn more about the Amazon Rainforest and it’s importance to different South American regions.
1) Amazon Imax Film w/ Video Worksheet
2) Next Week…Latin America Physical Maps Due & Test Friday 19th
3) Latin America People of Power - LA Activity Packet
4) Rainforest Packet Due at end of Period (Hand in to Gilbert)
WEEK Three: DECEMBER 15th - 19th
Monday - I will explore (and further develop) my abilities to understand and interact effectively with people from other cultures.
1) Latin America Field Trip - CLICK HERE TO ENTER
FYI - Responses Due my MIDNIGHT Tuesday! (graded assignment)
2) Reminder - LA Physical Maps Due Friday!! (& Test)
3) Did you Know? (LA has a Physical Power Feature list?)
4) LA Power Features List (might want to take a peak)
Tuesday - I can use maps & graphs (visual media) to explore a foreign country for deeper understanding of place.
1) What’s Up in the World - BiWeekly Current Events Discussion
2) Interpreting Maps & Graphs Mapping Lab w/ Partner
Note: Map Lab is LA Activity Packet Supplement #2
3) Extra Time - Finish Up Latin America Field Trip! (Due Tonight at Midnight)
Wednesday - FUN DAY (NO Make-Up work for Band Kids!)
1) Band Kids at MOA (No Make-UP…Have Fun!)
2) Trivia Crack Classroom Game “Holiday Edition)
Thursday - I will explore the local, national and world news and pick out the featured stories that best tell the story of “what’s up in the world today”.
1) What’s Up in the World - IN THE NEWS: Current Events Survey
*Students filling out written form for New Headlines*
2) My Greatest Place: LA Edition Gallery Walk & “Best of” Vote
3) Latin America Physical Maps Due & Test Tomorrow (You Ready?)
4) LA Physical Features Quizlet Link
Friday - I can locate and identify the major physical features found in Latin America.
1) Latin America Physical Maps Due
2) LA Physical Map Quiz
3) Major Cleaning/Organization of ALL Student File Folders
4) LA Activitiy Packet…ALL PAGES DONE (except Galapagos Islands)
Holiday Break December 20th to January 5th, 2026
WEEK FOUR: JANUARY 5th - 9th
“If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do.” - Warren Miller
Monday - NO SCHOOL “Holiday Break” Continues…lucky kids!
Tuesday - I can locate the Galapagos Islands and explain the significance of it’s isolation from humans/mainland continent throughout history.
1) Welcome Back…HAPPY NEW YEAR
2) What’s Up in the World - CNN10
3) Galapagos Islands Mini-Unit (in LA Act Packet)
4) Galapagos Intro Notes & Discussion (includes Islands ID & Coloring Examples)
5) Complete Galapagos Island Map (Label & Color)
6) Galapagos Islands Video (Part One) w/ Video Worksheet
Wednesday - I can identify 6 animals that are unique (or famous) to the Galapagos archipelago.
1) Color Galapagos Island Animals (6 in Act Packet)
Note: Animals must be folly colored in their natural colors
2) Galapagos Islands Video (Part Two)
Thursday - I can name the 3 major ethnice groups of Latin America and identify the region where each one existed.
1) What’s Up in the World - Current Events Discussion
2) Latin America Activity Packets Due
3) Maya-Aztec-Inca Packet Handed Out
4) QUICK Intro Notes & Discussion
4) Maya-Aztec-Inca Mini Unit Activities Website
Friday - I can explain the basic timeline of when the Inca, Aztec and Mayan civilizations thrived.
1) Latin America Greatest Places Test
2) Maya-Aztec-Inca Mini Unit Activities Website
3) Maya-Aztec-Inca Packet Due Monday (All work not completed in Class = Homework)
WEEK FIVE: JANUARY 12th - 16th
If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress. - Barack Obama
Monday -I can demonstrate my knowledge of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations using my own notes.
1) Maya-Aztec-Inca OPEN NOTE Test (can use your packet)
2) Maya-Aztec-Inca Activities Packet Due (as you walk in)
3) Correct Latin America Greatest Places Test from Friday
4) Interpreting Maps & Graphs Lab w/ a Partner
5) Mapping Lab Weblink (use link to complete Lab)
Tuesday - I can begin my journey to learn about the European continent by mapping the countries on a political map.
1) EuroVid of the Day -
Welcome to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyllllantysiliogogogoch
2) What’s Up in the World - CNN10
3) New Unit - Europe (Unit Activity Packet Handed Out)
4) Europe Intro Notes & Discussion
Wednesday - I can begin my journey to learn about the European continent by mapping the countries on a political map.
1) Euro Vid of the Day - No Roads No Cars Just Boats
2) Europe Political Mapping Workday
3) Europe Map Central Online Atlas Link (to help with Mapping)
Reminder = Capitalize ALL Proper Nouns, Compass Rose, Scale and Black Ink!!
Thursday - I can learn about the location of the Greatest Places in Europe, and map their location.
1) EuroVid of the Day - UK…Great Britain…England?
2) Correct Maya Inca Aztec Test
3) Europe Greatest Places Slideshow & Discussion (Map Locations in Act Packet)
4) Europe Greatest Places Link
Friday - I will begin my “Euro Trip” website and learn about the expectations and details that are included in the project.
1) EuroVid of the Day - Holland vs. the Netherlands
2) What’s Up in the World - Current Events Discussion
3) Intro “EuroTrip” (Website Travel Project) Weblink - EuroTrip Project
4) City Lottery for EuroTrip & Choose Project Partner
5) EuroTrip has 4 Segments…we will have separate “due dates” throughout
Note: ALL students have a choice to either work WITH a partner or alone for EuroTrip
WEEK SIX: JANUARY 19th - 23rd
The goal is not to be better than the other man/woman, but your previous self. - Dalai Lama
Monday - NO SCHOOL MLK DAY
Tuesday - I will work with my partner on Segment One of our Euro Trip website, using the resources procided.
1) EuroVid of the Day - The Town in Two Countries
2) What’s Up in the World - CNN10
3) EuroTrip Work Day - Segment One Focus
3) Weblink - EuroTrip Project
Tutorial Videos for EuroTrip:
#1 - Booking Flights on Orbitz.com
#2 - Copy/Paste your Flight info for your Project
#3 - Google Walking Directions
Wednesday - I will complete Segment One of my Euro Trip website using the resources provided.
DELAY THE DAY GEO $ Due 50, 100 & $200 Goals!! #BAM
1) Euro Vid of the Day - Vatican City Explained
2) EuroTrip Work Day - COMPLETE Segment One by end of Class
3) Weblink - EuroTrip Project
Tutorial Videos for EuroTrip:
#1 - Booking Flights on Orbitz.com
#2 - Copy/Paste your Flight info for your Project
#3 - Google Walking Directions
Thursday - I will complete a thematic map lab learning more about the natural resources, land use, and exports of different European countries with the help of various maps.
1) EuroVid of the Day - Roof Top Ski Avoriaz, France
2) What’s Up in the World - CNN10
3) Europe Geoterm - Mountain Terms Web Link
Complete Definitions & Sketches of Mountain Terms (Quiz Tues 27th)
4) Complete “Mountains of Europe” Worksheet in Activity Packet with a Friend
Friday - NO SCHOOL “Snow Day” (Cold)
WEEK SEVEN: JANUARY 26th - 30th
It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one. - George Washington
Monday - Onward with trip planning with Segment Two of my Euro Trip website using the provided resources.
1) EuroVid of the Day - Paraglide to Work in Switzerland
2) Europe Political Maps Due
3) Europe Political Map Test (Period 6 Only) Power Countries Link
4) EuroTrip Work Day - Segment Two Focus
5) Weblink - EuroTrip Project
Tuesday -I can demonstrate my understanding of the mountain Geoterms.
1) EuroVid of the Day - Exploring Swiss Alps by Cablecar
2) What’s Up in the World - CNN10
3) Mountain Terms Quiz (Europe GeoTerms)
4) Europe Thematic Mapping Lab w/ Partner
5) Lab Reports Due at end of Class Period (Prior to departure)
Wednesday - I will begin making my physical European map using a student atlas.
EARLY RELEASE DAY - Shortened Class Schedule
1) EuroVid of the Day - The Day Curious George Escaped Nazi Germany
2) EuroTrip Work Day - Segment Two Focus
3) Completed Segments #1 & #2 due MONDAY (Feb 2nd Peer Review)
4) Weblink - EuroTrip Project
Thursday - DELAY THE DAY?????? NO GEO - FREE DAY EARNED #BAM
Friday - I will begin making my physical European map using a student atlas.
FYI Gilbert Gone = BE NICE TO SUB DAY!!
1) EuroVid of the Day - No Video Today due to Sub…see you Monday!
2) Europe Physical Mapping Work Day
3) Europe Physical Maps Due & Test Next Wednesday!
4) Europe Map Central Link
WEEK Eight: February 2nd - 6th
“Education must not simply teach work, it must teach Life.” - W.E.B. Du Bois
Monday - I will provide authentic and helpful feedback to my peers on their Euro Trip Website.
1) Euro Vid of the Day - Ride a Wooden Sled down a Swiss Alp
2) ALL EuroTrip “Published” Website Links to Gilbert via Email (During Class)
3) EuroTrip Segment #3 Work Day
4) Weblink - EuroTrip Project
Tuesday
1) Euro Vid of the Day - Are Swedish Meatballs even Swedish?
2) What’s Up in the World - Current Events Discussion
3) Quick Peer Review for Segments #1 & 2
4) EuroTrip Segment #3 Work Day
5) Weblink - EuroTrip Project
Wednesday
1) Euro Vid of the Day - Banking on Cheese
2) Europe Physical Maps Due
3) Europe Physical Map Quiz (Power Features)
4) EuroTrip Segment #4 Work Time
Thursday - Guest Speaker
Friday - NO SCHOOL DAY YAAA!
Sunrise over Africa - Mt. Kilimanjaro Summit
“The Whole Universe depends on everything fitting together just right...if one piece busts, even the smallest piece...the whole universe gets busted.”