American History - Laufenberg Public Feed
What if Project: Attack of Pearl Harbor
For this project we had to take an event in history and pick a certain point in that event and change it and see what other events that would change because that one event was different. For my project I chose to do it on The Attack of Pearl Harbor, the POD(point of divergence) I chose was that the radio system was working, because it wasn't, and they were able to warn the naval base in time for them to be prepared for the attack.
I really liked how we got to choose our own topic for the project, though at times it was a bit difficult finding exactly what to do, it was still nice knowing there wasn't really a boundary you could do whatever you wanted with it. The most challenging part I think was trying to figure out the different events that would change because of the moment I changed. So like the outcome of it all was kind of difficult to determine, because you really had to research what really happened, what was the outcome of that and even what was happening before. Because you had to change it all, depending on if that moment would change it.
The most interesting fact that I investigated and found out was actually two things. The first one was actually the moment I changed which was that the whole reason Pearl Harbor didn't get the warning from Washington D.C in time was because the radio wasn't working so they had to find a different way to reach the men at Pearl Harbor, which I didn't know. The second thing I found interesting was one of the reason Japan attacked the naval base, maybe the biggest reason, which was because the U.S cut Japan off from the oil resource, which I wasn't aware about either. So those two things I thought were really cool because they clarified a lot of what happened for me and actually became the main points of my project.
It still amazes me that one moment in and event can flip around so much. From one decision in battle to a radio not working, it effects a lot of events after it. I remember one of my classmates saying this in class and it really stuck in my head. They said it was almost like dominoes falling, like a chain reaction, you knock one down which then knocks another down and then another and so on. One little moment in history changes one thing which can change another and this whole chain reaction starts.
I think the project itself was good, but maybe when explaining what to do for the project having an example of work that a previous student had done. That way the students can build off that with ideas and fully understand what the teachers are looking for in the project.
If I had to do this project over I would defiantly ask for more help with the research portion, I feel like even though I research a lot, I got stuck at certain parts with deciding what the different outcomes are going to be like or what moment would be good to focus on. Maybe organize my time better and defiantly no facebook while doing homework.
To see my finish product:
1) Just click the picture at the bottom (download)
2) Or go to this LINK
English/History Changing History BM
English and History decides once again to collide benchmarks to make the season easier for us. Our assignment was to identify a point in American History in which we are interested in and change it which would include a point of divergence and 3 new events that proceeds it. I actually enjoyed working on this project. Although it required much research and thinking, the process of it, after knowing the actual history, wasn't as bad. While researching, one of the most interesting events or facts that I've found was William Wilberforce who wanted to abolish slavery because the section in the Declaration of Independence that mentioned slavery was not accepted by southerners who've attended the congress meeting. I believe I made it harder on myself choosing an event in history that the Declaration of Independence was not accepted. When I thought about it, it was simple-minded ideas but you had to make sure your new events would actually fit with history. That being said, for future references, I would not choose the Declaration of Independence to not be written which had a big impact on history and 2011 today.
Bach Q4 final product
Click here for the final product
Click here for the bibliography
Click here for the bibliography
My project was focused on the social changes that would result from Great Society plan of Johnson in the scenario of JFK was still alive. The point of divergence focused on the "what if" of JFK's signing of the Foreign Assistance act of 1962.
The project was enjoyable toward the end, not as same as it was irritating and mysterious in the beginning. The most challenging part was when I began to think about events that would be emerging as result of the POD. I had a hard time to find event that would logically fit with that point in history. Beside that, making the primary source was quite an amusing journey. I was able to be the history writer, where I could decide history and talk bad about people while still can be viewed as a valuable primary source. It was interesting how sometimes however I modified the event, it almost impossible to not let it happened. If I had to do it over, I would love to start it earlier, and create more primary sources.
The project was enjoyable toward the end, not as same as it was irritating and mysterious in the beginning. The most challenging part was when I began to think about events that would be emerging as result of the POD. I had a hard time to find event that would logically fit with that point in history. Beside that, making the primary source was quite an amusing journey. I was able to be the history writer, where I could decide history and talk bad about people while still can be viewed as a valuable primary source. It was interesting how sometimes however I modified the event, it almost impossible to not let it happened. If I had to do it over, I would love to start it earlier, and create more primary sources.
What If Project: DDT
For our fourth quarter benchmark for English and History, we each chose a decision – mundane, famous, or anything in between – from all of American history. We researched that decision, finding at least three primary source documents from just before the decision point. We then figured out a plausible way to change that decision. We followed the effects of the change through history, making up three events and describing an alternate 2011. For each of our three events, we fabricated two primary source documents. We chose a method for telling the whole story, and put it all together into a final product. I looked at the decision to ban DDT, and made a fake class project from the alternate 2011.
Although I originally had a lot of trouble finding my decision point, I ended up enjoying this project a lot. I researched the government decision to ban the chemical pesticide DDT – and other pesticides. I was fascinated to find that one book, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, started a huge movement against pesticides. Carson succeeded in publishing a book that truly spoke to the public. The Chemical Industries, of course, fought back hard against Carson's message. They were not as adept at squashing opposition then (in the 60s) as they are now. In my alternate history, the Chemical Industries decided to bribe a few key figures, and managed to keep Carson's book from getting any publicity. I loved researching the whole thing – it really seemed like one person, Rachel Carson, had made a huge difference in the course of the world. She was a biologist and writer, and that fortunate combination allowed her to write a convincing, beautiful, and readable book about the effects of the toxic pesticides on the environment and on human health. With that single action, she was able to, indirectly, pass a law through Congress.
My favorite part of the actual creating of the project was definitely fabricating primary source documents. I felt so cool, like some kind of all-powerful, primary-source-creating being. I like formatting everything, too. I found specific examples of various types of primary source documents and then made my own versions look as accurate as possible. I definitely also had fun with my invention of a history project, although I think that I could probably improve the actual writing on the pages. I didn't spend as much time on creating the website as I did on creating my primary source documents. I also wish I'd been able to make my cartoon more readable, but I think that it's clear enough to make its point. One of the things I'm most proud of in this project is how well I managed my time. Although I was stressed out and a bit behind at the beginning of the project because of my trouble choosing a topic, I worked diligently during the first week of the assignment and was able to relax during the second week.
Take a look at my project!
-- Luna Sofia Frank-Fischer
Although I originally had a lot of trouble finding my decision point, I ended up enjoying this project a lot. I researched the government decision to ban the chemical pesticide DDT – and other pesticides. I was fascinated to find that one book, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, started a huge movement against pesticides. Carson succeeded in publishing a book that truly spoke to the public. The Chemical Industries, of course, fought back hard against Carson's message. They were not as adept at squashing opposition then (in the 60s) as they are now. In my alternate history, the Chemical Industries decided to bribe a few key figures, and managed to keep Carson's book from getting any publicity. I loved researching the whole thing – it really seemed like one person, Rachel Carson, had made a huge difference in the course of the world. She was a biologist and writer, and that fortunate combination allowed her to write a convincing, beautiful, and readable book about the effects of the toxic pesticides on the environment and on human health. With that single action, she was able to, indirectly, pass a law through Congress.
My favorite part of the actual creating of the project was definitely fabricating primary source documents. I felt so cool, like some kind of all-powerful, primary-source-creating being. I like formatting everything, too. I found specific examples of various types of primary source documents and then made my own versions look as accurate as possible. I definitely also had fun with my invention of a history project, although I think that I could probably improve the actual writing on the pages. I didn't spend as much time on creating the website as I did on creating my primary source documents. I also wish I'd been able to make my cartoon more readable, but I think that it's clear enough to make its point. One of the things I'm most proud of in this project is how well I managed my time. Although I was stressed out and a bit behind at the beginning of the project because of my trouble choosing a topic, I worked diligently during the first week of the assignment and was able to relax during the second week.
Take a look at my project!
-- Luna Sofia Frank-Fischer
Alsardary English/History BM Quarter 4
Reflection
I really liked this project because it truly was a great experience for me. I learned SO much that I didn't know about the United States government before what it actually is known to be today. It was a very great learning experience and I honestly got to test my skills and see how I could change history to make my own history and decide how changing one point in history will change all of history as a whole. It was fun to make my own magazine as well. The most interesting fact/thing that I investigated was the Articles of Confederation. I honestly never knew about how bad our government was before the Constitution and even that we actually had a government. The actions of individuals impact the historical record in a huge way because that one action my have prevented something terrible from happening or that one thing could have been the reason something happened the way it did. If those actions weren't there, the historical record could change completely. Systematic changes impact the historical record in many ways. For example, the constitution made a HUGE impact on the historical record by keeping the United States whole and dependent, and also making us the great power we are today. If that wasnt there, we would honestly be a whole different nation in general, controlled by others and weak. One decision can be extremely influential to the historical record because that decision can decide the outcome of the following events. For example, if James Madison was not there to encourage the Constitution, then we would have become an independent 13 colonies and we would have completely different laws, currencies, and much more. This project can be improved by maybe being a bit more descriptive and maybe a little more time to reflect and get feedback from others. If I had to do this project over, I would have not procastinated so much. I would have finished the project SO much faster. Overall, I had a great time with this project and it was very interesting and influential to me.
To view my project and learn more about what I did: Click Here!
I really liked this project because it truly was a great experience for me. I learned SO much that I didn't know about the United States government before what it actually is known to be today. It was a very great learning experience and I honestly got to test my skills and see how I could change history to make my own history and decide how changing one point in history will change all of history as a whole. It was fun to make my own magazine as well. The most interesting fact/thing that I investigated was the Articles of Confederation. I honestly never knew about how bad our government was before the Constitution and even that we actually had a government. The actions of individuals impact the historical record in a huge way because that one action my have prevented something terrible from happening or that one thing could have been the reason something happened the way it did. If those actions weren't there, the historical record could change completely. Systematic changes impact the historical record in many ways. For example, the constitution made a HUGE impact on the historical record by keeping the United States whole and dependent, and also making us the great power we are today. If that wasnt there, we would honestly be a whole different nation in general, controlled by others and weak. One decision can be extremely influential to the historical record because that decision can decide the outcome of the following events. For example, if James Madison was not there to encourage the Constitution, then we would have become an independent 13 colonies and we would have completely different laws, currencies, and much more. This project can be improved by maybe being a bit more descriptive and maybe a little more time to reflect and get feedback from others. If I had to do this project over, I would have not procastinated so much. I would have finished the project SO much faster. Overall, I had a great time with this project and it was very interesting and influential to me.
To view my project and learn more about what I did: Click Here!
Dennis Mawson quarter 4 History Benchmark
Here is my project
The thing that i found most fun about this project, was coincidentally the same thing i thought was the most difficult, and that was the fact that there were so many different possibilities. It was very fun to see how different events related to one another, and how changing one could set off this long domino effect about all of history.
The most interesting fact that i faced was that there was this man, and his name was Aaron Burr, and he liked to go around challenging presidents to duels and things of that nature. He was a really cool guy, and he wasn't afraid of anything.
It was fun to see how just the action of Aaron Burr doing something, granted shooting someone, but still, it was interesting to be able to explain how it could push events forward or backward, or change the whole focus of an area. These systematic changes allowed a whole new system to rise up, and everything to change in ways that today we think would be absurd, but in another world, could be normal. Just one decision can completely change the way that history takes it's course, and can allow many things to change.
This project could be improved if i added more documents, and spent more time looking into the details of what happened between the point of divergence and now. I feel like it had to be rushed at some points in order to meet restraints such as time. If i had to do the project over, i would probably spend more time creating my primary sources, and make them look more realistic, and not just like copy pastes or direct words of it, but make it look like the actual resource.
The thing that i found most fun about this project, was coincidentally the same thing i thought was the most difficult, and that was the fact that there were so many different possibilities. It was very fun to see how different events related to one another, and how changing one could set off this long domino effect about all of history.
The most interesting fact that i faced was that there was this man, and his name was Aaron Burr, and he liked to go around challenging presidents to duels and things of that nature. He was a really cool guy, and he wasn't afraid of anything.
It was fun to see how just the action of Aaron Burr doing something, granted shooting someone, but still, it was interesting to be able to explain how it could push events forward or backward, or change the whole focus of an area. These systematic changes allowed a whole new system to rise up, and everything to change in ways that today we think would be absurd, but in another world, could be normal. Just one decision can completely change the way that history takes it's course, and can allow many things to change.
This project could be improved if i added more documents, and spent more time looking into the details of what happened between the point of divergence and now. I feel like it had to be rushed at some points in order to meet restraints such as time. If i had to do the project over, i would probably spend more time creating my primary sources, and make them look more realistic, and not just like copy pastes or direct words of it, but make it look like the actual resource.
President Bruce Lee
Changing History
Project here
Reflection
What i liked most about this project was the use of information I had foreknowledge of to create a future i wanted and believed to be possible if my point of divergence actually happened. The most challenging aspect was finding the original primary source documents as bruce Lee the man it centered on was only in the main stream stop light for a very limited time before his death. A lot of information pertaining to him was secondary accounts or stated after his death. The most interesting event I investigated was the effect of implementing cash incentives to entice people to do what was for their own good which delved a bit into making people do what is good for them and a bit of a moral debate of whether it is justified to do so. My project had an extreme impact on the historical record which is quite impressive. The changes one person can make influence the entire world especially the actions of some one who is a great motivator. Systematic change impacts the historical record because the historical record is nothing more then a list of the systematic change that occurred and the reasons why they did. Ones decisions can drastically effect the historical landscape because people in great positions of power set up the goings on for there time which can set president for the future and also become a part of the historical record. This project might be able to be improved with a bit of intricate photoshopping to add my dead protagonist into scenarios past when he died in the real historic time line. I would start working on the primary source docs sooner if i had to start over again.
Project here
Reflection
What i liked most about this project was the use of information I had foreknowledge of to create a future i wanted and believed to be possible if my point of divergence actually happened. The most challenging aspect was finding the original primary source documents as bruce Lee the man it centered on was only in the main stream stop light for a very limited time before his death. A lot of information pertaining to him was secondary accounts or stated after his death. The most interesting event I investigated was the effect of implementing cash incentives to entice people to do what was for their own good which delved a bit into making people do what is good for them and a bit of a moral debate of whether it is justified to do so. My project had an extreme impact on the historical record which is quite impressive. The changes one person can make influence the entire world especially the actions of some one who is a great motivator. Systematic change impacts the historical record because the historical record is nothing more then a list of the systematic change that occurred and the reasons why they did. Ones decisions can drastically effect the historical landscape because people in great positions of power set up the goings on for there time which can set president for the future and also become a part of the historical record. This project might be able to be improved with a bit of intricate photoshopping to add my dead protagonist into scenarios past when he died in the real historic time line. I would start working on the primary source docs sooner if i had to start over again.
History/English BM Quarter 4 "What if?"
For our forth quarter benchmark in english and history classes, we had to pick a point of divergence and change history through that one point. I focused on when President Truman dropped the atomic bomb on Japan during World War II. My change is that he decides not to drop the bomb. Below are links to the magazine that I created in attempt to show this event through a 2011 lens and show how it changed our history.
I really enjoyed the freeness of this project. We had a completely open range of topics and presentation ideas. It made it very interesting and also fun to be able to choose what we want to focus on. The most challenging part was definitely created primary sources and predicting what history would be like with this big change. Although this was also sometimes fun, it was also very difficult. The most interesting information I found was around the World War II and Vietnam War which I had to research extensively for my history changes.
The actions of individuals impacts the historical record through the smallest change. In my project, I changed one specific decision in Truman's long life. Because of this one decision, history could play out entirely differently. One human, interestingly enough, can have an immense affect on historical record. Systemic changes impact the historical record in the same way. I focused a lot on how Japans community and economy change drastically because of this event. This then changes historical record to no end. This same important decision of Truman dropping the atomic bomb also affected the entire landscape of Japan. Had it been dropped, (which it really did) Japans environment would be entirely destroyed. They would have to rebuild up their entire community based on this one decision.
My project could be improved by adding more editorials about each event and decision within my magazine. This would improve the debate aspect of my magazine and also help tell the story that I created from multiple views in more depth. If I could do this project over, I would have started my primary sources earlier. I spent over a week creating them because I felt the need for them to be super detailed and in depth. Obviously, I spent too long on them and then felt rushed in the last 5 days to create my magazine and editorials. However, I do not have any regrets. I worked hard and am proud of my final product.
Here is my Magazine
Here is a document with the primary sources I created which are also displayed in the magazine
I really enjoyed the freeness of this project. We had a completely open range of topics and presentation ideas. It made it very interesting and also fun to be able to choose what we want to focus on. The most challenging part was definitely created primary sources and predicting what history would be like with this big change. Although this was also sometimes fun, it was also very difficult. The most interesting information I found was around the World War II and Vietnam War which I had to research extensively for my history changes.
The actions of individuals impacts the historical record through the smallest change. In my project, I changed one specific decision in Truman's long life. Because of this one decision, history could play out entirely differently. One human, interestingly enough, can have an immense affect on historical record. Systemic changes impact the historical record in the same way. I focused a lot on how Japans community and economy change drastically because of this event. This then changes historical record to no end. This same important decision of Truman dropping the atomic bomb also affected the entire landscape of Japan. Had it been dropped, (which it really did) Japans environment would be entirely destroyed. They would have to rebuild up their entire community based on this one decision.
My project could be improved by adding more editorials about each event and decision within my magazine. This would improve the debate aspect of my magazine and also help tell the story that I created from multiple views in more depth. If I could do this project over, I would have started my primary sources earlier. I spent over a week creating them because I felt the need for them to be super detailed and in depth. Obviously, I spent too long on them and then felt rushed in the last 5 days to create my magazine and editorials. However, I do not have any regrets. I worked hard and am proud of my final product.
Here is my Magazine
Here is a document with the primary sources I created which are also displayed in the magazine
English/History BM: Changing History
In History, 11th Grade has been thinking about how change impacts our world. To reflect on this question, the last benchmark project we are doing is to change a part of our past and thinking about how this would impact 2011.
My project on what would happen if Ohio had never ratified the 21st amendment can be viewed here.
To view my script for one of my Primary Sources, click HERE.
Reflection:
What I enjoyed about this project most was delving into the details of the history. However, I thought this was the most challenging. It required me to research, research, research. I found some wonderful sites, but I struggle with finding good primary sources among the secondary. I became an expert on pre and post-prohibition. I thought the way that gangsters turned Prohibition into a business opportunity was the most interesting.
Upon reflection, I think that individuals can impact history, but only if they have enough power to do so. If JFK had lived to lead our country, America would be very different today, because he was president and had power from the people. However, the changes he create would be much slower than a systemic change. I think that systemic changes impact the world much more than individually. Systems create respect, by acting to promote one side, the rest of the world feels the need to listen to them. With events like protests and rallies, things like the Prohibition get created.
I loved this project, I think it was an excellent way to end the year. I think it would be cool if there were other ways to present our information. I think a monologue or a kids book would be interesting and challenging. If I could do this project over again, I would pick a different medium to present my findings. As I said above, a monologue would be super cool!
My project on what would happen if Ohio had never ratified the 21st amendment can be viewed here.
To view my script for one of my Primary Sources, click HERE.
Reflection:
What I enjoyed about this project most was delving into the details of the history. However, I thought this was the most challenging. It required me to research, research, research. I found some wonderful sites, but I struggle with finding good primary sources among the secondary. I became an expert on pre and post-prohibition. I thought the way that gangsters turned Prohibition into a business opportunity was the most interesting.
Upon reflection, I think that individuals can impact history, but only if they have enough power to do so. If JFK had lived to lead our country, America would be very different today, because he was president and had power from the people. However, the changes he create would be much slower than a systemic change. I think that systemic changes impact the world much more than individually. Systems create respect, by acting to promote one side, the rest of the world feels the need to listen to them. With events like protests and rallies, things like the Prohibition get created.
I loved this project, I think it was an excellent way to end the year. I think it would be cool if there were other ways to present our information. I think a monologue or a kids book would be interesting and challenging. If I could do this project over again, I would pick a different medium to present my findings. As I said above, a monologue would be super cool!
Emancipation Proclamation Point of Divergence
- What did you like about this project? What was most challenging?
I liked that you had control over the outcome of the change that happened in America. - Describe the most interesting fact or event that you investigated.
It was interesting reviewing some Abraham Lincoln quotes about abolishing slavery. - How do the actions of individuals impact the historical record?
Choices that the president (President Lincoln) made affected America as a whole. And many slave owners disobeyed the law once it was a law to abolish slavery. - How do systemic changes impact the historical record?
Things in history occurred at a certain point in history for a reason. - How influential can one decision be in the historical landscape?
A leader can influence many brains of the American people and influence decisions that can effect America as a whole. - How could this project be improved?
I feel like I could have gone into more detail about the background to the project and the background history. - If you had it to do over, what would you change about your process for the project?
If I had more time I would've made a video.
