Jack E. Fryar, Jr.
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Welcome to Jack Fryar's
Social Studies class! There are those who will tell you that the past is the past, that it bears no impact on the events of today or for the future. I do not share that opinion. I believe that who we were is a big part of who we are. I believe that to study the past is to study the story of mankind, and that the lessons of the past can help us shape a better future for those who come after us.
I hope I can introduce you to the people and events that have made our world what it is. I hope in doing so you will come to appreciate the past as much as I do. History is our DNA as a people. Civics is our user's manual for the system of government that our social contract obligates us to obey in a civilized society. It also provides us the means to change that government if it ever forgets from where its powers derive. Economics govern the money markets of our nation and planet, and therefore have a very real impact on the comfort and stability of our own lives. By studying these things, we all become better informed citizens, armed with the tools we need to function as stewards of our democracy. And let's have a little fun with it too! |
American History
For over four hundred years, America has been a fascinating experiment in the history of humanity. From the days of exploration, to Jamestown, to revolution, civil war, and civil rights, Americans have struggled to be something better than we were. Sometimes we have stumbled along the way. Often the definition of what "something better" is has meant different things to different people, and settling the question has required much hard work and spilled blood. But through it all, the words of the Founding Fathers in our cherished national documents reminded us that "...all men are created equal," and that we are all born with "...unalienable rights" to life, liberty, and at least the chance at happiness. Those ideas have formed our North Star despite us occasionally finding ourselves temporarily lost, wandering in the wilderness until we find our way to the right path again. We have forged a nation out of a melting pot, saved the freedom of the Western World (twice), and put a man on the Moon. In these courses, American History I and American History II, we will examine our story, good and bad, and try to use our shared past to give us perspective on the present and the future.
World History
In World History the world is literally our oyster. From the beginnings of civilization in the Fertile Crescent, to Ancient Greece and Rome, to the Middle Ages and our own modern times, we'll explore the rich tapestry of humankind's journey to become the people we are today. We'll read Hammurabi's Law, and explore Babylon. We'll see Mongol hordes force China to build a Great Wall, and learn how India became a force in southwest Asia. Japan will teach us about the samurai, and Europe will reform and enlighten us. In Russia we'll study Czars and commissars, and learn of kings and queens in London and Versailles. It's an old story, and a long one, too - but it's filled with great tales and riveting events that will capture your imagination!
Fun Stuff and Odds & Ends you may be interested in...
Look to this space for notices about fun upcoming historical events that you can participate in. Events marked with an asterisk (*) can earn you extra points if you attend! Just take a selfie of yourself at the event, and write me a good paragraph about what was going on there (good=10 sentences).
An American History I student poses next to Civil War re-enactors and their cannon as proof of attendance at Fort Fisher's 2019 anniversary event in January. By attending and submitting the photo above, plus a one-page write up about what she saw, she earned extra credit!
Fall 2019 American History I Semester Projects!
Fall 2018 American History I Semester Projects!
American History I students chose some aspect from our shared past to develop and present to their classmates. Here are some examples:
The Salem Witch Trials were a popular topic in the fall of 2018.
Attention to detail was key for a good grade, as demonstrated by the model of the battle at Moores Creek Bridge.
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These students created a children's book about the Salem Witch Trials, as well as built a gallows to represent the execution of more than a dozen innocent women during the hysteria of the trials.
Two proud students display their work on presentation day.
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Team work led to success for many student teams.
Utilizing her costuming skills, this student's clothing set the tone for a reading of her journal recounting the voyage to Plymouth by the Pilgrims.
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Spring 2018 World History Semester Projects!
World History students did a largely outstanding job producing semester projects that combined scholarship with creativity resulting in great grades. Here are some examples: