I try to be up front with you all. That's part of the reason I keep this blog - so you all know what's going on in my classroom.
So, the Emperor - Qin - unified China. He conquered the the warring states, and brought them together. He spied on those he conquered to ensure there would be no rebellions. He also confiscated all the weapons, melted them down, and turned them into statues or bells.
Many of my more astute students picked up on the significance of this. We didn't have time to get into a deep discussion about the 2nd amendment, but I broke down the argument as fairly as I could:
One side - The U.S. should put more restrictions on guns. When it comes to gun-related deaths in the developed world, we are very near the top - if not at the the top. Mass shootings appear to be increasing. We want to protect people. Something needs to be done.
One side - The 2nd amendment was put into place to protect Americans - and it does just that. Every restriction put into place takes away from the freedom of the people. Most importantly the right to bare arms is a "bulwark against tyranny." Qin proves this - even though his "guns" were swords.
At any rate, I thought you should know that the topic came up. I feel like any time potentially polarizing topics come up, it's good for you to be aware. Obviously, this discussion begins at home.
Look... the bell just rang, and I need to get some other stuff done. So if it seems like this transition is rather shoddy, it's probably because it is.
We discussed King Tut's tomb. Part of the reason they haven't opened Qin's is because they don't want to risk losing what's inside.
We also started a map of China.
At any rate, if you want extra credit, you're supposed to read and discuss the blog with an adult. If you did this, find a scrap of paper, and write down two thoughts from your conversation. Have the adult you read with sign the paper. Turn it in tomorrow.
Also, all the presentations are in the gradebook. I'll try to get the notes entered today.
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