Week 19: Politics & Silver Prices 

www.studiesweekly.com 

Objective - Students will understand the events of the rise of silver & gold in Colorado and the role of politics as a new state. 

Monday - Vocabulary 

Students should review & write down the vocabulary words & definitions for the week.  Afterwards, students will create a Frayer Model for each vocabulary word. Please go to Social Studies, then click on the “Vocabulary” Channel on the left-hand side.  Next, click files at the top.  There is a PDF entitled “SS Vocab. Week 19”.  Students should complete the Frayer Model.  There is also a PDF entitled “Vocabulary Frayer Model” to which students may refer.   

Tuesday – Students should join zoom at 12:45pm 

We will discuss Horace Tabor’s influence on Colorado & mining.  We will read the following articles together: 

• Horace Tabor 

• Real Mint of a Field Trip 

 

Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Wednesday – Students should join zoom at 12:45pm 

We will discuss the mining industry in early Colorado statehood and how politics played a role..  We will read the following articles together: 

• Politics and Silver Prices 
• Leadville 
• Civic Responsibility and You 
• Language Arts Connection 

Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Thursday – Students should join zoom at 12:45pm 

We will continue to discuss the railroad and how it affected Colorado & the USA.  We will read and discuss the following articles together: 

• How does lead keep out X-Rays? 

• Silver 
• Let’s Write 

Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Friday – (graded assignment) Complete the Week 19 Social Studies Quiz on www.studiesweekly.com. Students are permitted to go back to the articles to reread in case they have forgotten something!   

Week 18: Centennial Statehood 

www.studiesweekly.com 

Objective - Students will understand the events that led to Colorado statehood 

Monday - Vocabulary 

Students should review & write down the vocabulary words & definitions for the week.  Afterwards, students will create a Frayer Model for each vocabulary word. Please go to Social Studies, then click on the “Vocabulary” Channel on the left-hand side.  Next, click files at the top.  There is a PDF entitled “SS Vocab. Week 18”.  Students should complete the Frayer Model.  There is also a PDF entitled “Vocabulary Frayer Model” to which students may refer.   

Tuesday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am 

We will discuss reasons why people began settling in Colorado in the mid 1800s.  We will read the following articles together: 

• Come to Colorado for Your Health! 

• Research Shows Madagascar Was Founded by Women 

 

Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Wednesday – Articles 

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled: 

• Exchanging Goods and Services 
• Rocky Mountain Columbine 
• Resources: Renewable and Nonrenewable 

Thursday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am 

We will continue to discuss the railroad and how it affected Colorado & the USA.  We will read and discuss the following articles together: 

• Colorado Becomes a State 
• Why is Colorado called the Centennial State? 
• Let’s Write 

Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Friday – (graded assignment) Complete the Week 18 Social Studies Quiz on www.studiesweekly.com. Students are permitted to go back to the articles to reread in case they have forgotten something!   

 

Week 17: Land Claims & Conflict 

www.studiesweekly.com 

Objective - Students will understand how the white settlers in the Colorado region caused confrontations with the Native Americans. 

Monday – No School – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 

Tuesday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am 

We will discuss William Bent and the role his fort played in establishing Colorado as we know it today.  We will read and discuss the following articles together: 

• William Bent  

• Fake or Real News? 
• Chipmunk 
• How to Read a Map 

 

Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Wednesday – Vocabulary 

• Students should review & write down the vocabulary words & definitions for the week.  Afterwards, students will create a Frayer Model for each vocabulary word. Please go to Social Studies, then click on the “Vocabulary” Channel on the left-hand side.  Next, click files at the top.  There is a PDF entitled “SS Vocab. Week 17”.  Students should complete the Frayer Model.  There is also a PDF entitled “Vocabulary Frayer Model” to which students may refer.    

Thursday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am 

We will discuss major land claims and disputes between the white settlers and the Native Americans.  We will also discuss the Sand Creek Massacre.  This may be a difficult topic for many students.  Please reach out if you have any concerns.  We will read and discuss the following articles together: 

• Land Claims and Conflicts 
• Becoming a U.S. Citizen 
• What Chemical is Naturally in the Water in Colorado Springs and Helps to Strengthen Your Teeth? 

If time allows, we may watch the Wounded Knee Massacre video on BrainPop.  While this is not the same as the Sand Creek Massacre, there are many similarities as to the reasons why they both occurred.  Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Friday – (graded assignment) Complete the Week 17 Social Studies Quiz on www.studiesweekly.com. Students are permitted to go back to the articles to reread in case they have forgotten something!   

Week 16:  

www.studiesweekly.com 

Objective - Students will understand the cause and effect of technologies, such as trains and telegraphs, on Colorado’s development. 

Monday - Vocabulary 

Students should review & write down the vocabulary words & definitions for the week.  Afterwards, students will create a Frayer Model for each vocabulary word. Please go to Social Studies, then click on the “Vocabulary” Channel on the left-hand side.  Next, click files at the top.  There is a PDF entitled “SS Vocab. Week 16”.  Students should complete the Frayer Model.  There is also a PDF entitled “Vocabulary Frayer Model” to which students may refer.   

Tuesday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am 

We will discuss the railroad and how it affected Colorado & the USA.  We will read and discuss the following articles together: 

• Battle of the Rails 
• Move over, Sponge Bob, It’s Sponge Venus 

 

We will also watch a BrainPop video related to the railroad.  Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Wednesday – Articles 

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled: 

• Have you ever heard of a caboose? 
• Horsetail Grass 

• Why Should I Follow Directions? 
• President John Adams and the XYZ Affair 

Thursday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am 

We will continue to discuss the railroad and how it affected Colorado & the USA.  We will read and discuss the following articles together: 

• The Railroad and Communication 
• The Durango/Silverton Railroad—La Plata and San Juan Counties 

Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Friday – (graded assignment) Complete the Week 16 Social Studies Quiz on www.studiesweekly.com. Students are permitted to go back to the articles to reread in case they have forgotten something!   

Week 15: The Gold Rush: Miners and Merchants

www.studiesweekly.com

Objective - Students will understand the causes and effects of the Gold Rush within the context of Colorado and the USA.

Monday - Vocabulary

Students should review & write down the vocabulary words & definitions for the week.  Afterwards, students will create a Frayer Model for each vocabulary word. Please go to Social Studies, then click on the “Vocabulary” Channel on the left-hand side.  Next, click files at the top.  There is a PDF entitled “SS Vocab. Week 15”.  Students should complete the Frayer Model.  There is also a PDF entitled “Vocabulary Frayer Model” to which students may refer. 

Tuesday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am

We will discuss the Gold Rush and it’s effect on Colorado and the USA.  We will read and discuss the following articles together:

• Gold Miners
• Gold Miners and Merchants
• What is so great about gold?

Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article. 

 

Wednesday – Articles

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled:

• What is Hydraulic Fracturing?
• Cripple Creek, Teller County
• American Dipper
• What are Homophones and Homographs?
• Haym Salomon, Financial Hero

Students should complete the Weekly Quiz in their account at www.Studiesweekly.com  

Thursday – Winter Break: No assignments!

Friday – Winter Break: No assignments!

Week 14: Famous Colorado Pioneers 

www.studiesweekly.com 

Objective - Students will study some famous pioneers of the Colorado region, including Clara Brown, Frances Wisebart Jacobs and Chief Ouray. 

Monday - Vocabulary 

Students should review & write down the vocabulary words & definitions for the week.  Afterwards, students will create a Frayer Model for each vocabulary word. Please go to Social Studies, then click on the “Vocabulary” Channel on the left-hand side.  Next, click files at the top.  There is a PDF entitled “SS Vocab. Week 14”.  Students should complete the Frayer Model.  There is also a PDF entitled “Vocabulary Frayer Model” to which students may refer.   

Tuesday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am 

We will discuss Clara Brown’s life and her impact on Colorado & the United States.  We will read and discuss the following articles together: 

• Clara Brown: First Official Pioneer Woman of Colorado! 
• Saving Pompeii 

 

Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Wednesday – Articles 

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled: 

• Clarity of Expression: Father Junípero Serra and the California Missions 
• Golden Eagles 

• How Do I Listen to an Oral Presentation? 

Thursday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am 

We will continue to discuss early Coloradan Pioneers and their effect on Colorado and the United States.  We will also read and discuss the following articles together: 

• Early Pioneers of Colorado 

• Royal Gorge, Fremont County 

Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Friday – (graded assignment) Complete the Week 14 Social Studies Quiz on www.studiesweekly.com. Students are permitted to go back to the articles to reread in case they have forgotten something!   

 

Week 13:   

www.studiesweekly.com 

Objective - Students will learn what life was like on the Colorado frontier. 

Monday - Vocabulary 

Students should review & write down the vocabulary words & definitions for the week.  Afterwards, students will create a Frayer Model for each vocabulary word. Please go to Social Studies, then click on the “Vocabulary” Channel on the left-hand side.  Next, click files at the top.  There is a PDF entitled “SS Vocab. Week 13”.  Students should complete the Frayer Model.  There is also a PDF entitled “Vocabulary Frayer Model” to which students may refer.   

Tuesday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am 

We will discuss Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show and its impact on Colorado & the United States.  We will read and discuss the following articles together: 

• Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show 
• Buffalo Bill - The Legend Lives On! 

 

Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Wednesday – Articles 

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled: 

• Friendliness 
• Elk 
• How Do I Give an Oral Presentation? 
• Language Arts Connection 

Thursday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am 

We will discuss what daily life was like on the frontier and the roles people in a family and community had.  We will also read and discuss the following articles together: 

• On the Frontier 
• Visit a Blacksmith in El Paso County 

Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Friday – (graded assignment) Complete the Week 13 Social Studies Quiz on www.studiesweekly.com. Students are permitted to go back to the articles to reread in case they have forgotten something!   

I wish all of you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving 

 

There are no assignments for the week of Nov. 23rd-Nov. 29th

 

Please join me on zoom for Advocacy at 8:30 on Monday Nov. 30th

 

Students please read a few minutes every day and if possible work on MobyMax Math as well.

 

Have a great week!

Week 12:  Explorers of the Land 

www.studiesweekly.com 

Objective - Students will study the life and expeditions of Colorado’s first scientific explorer, John Wesley Powell 

Monday - Vocabulary 

Students should review & write down the vocabulary words & definitions for the week.  Afterwards, students will create a Frayer Model for each vocabulary word. Please go to Social Studies, then click on the “Vocabulary” Channel on the left-hand side.  Next, click files at the top.  There is a PDF entitled “SS Vocab. Week 12”.  Students should complete the Frayer Model.  There is also a PDF entitled “Vocabulary Frayer Model” to which students may refer.   

Tuesday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am 

We will discuss modern day explorers and different types of scientists that exist today. We will watch a few introductory videos related to these explorers and scientists. We will read and discuss the following articles together: 

• Explorers of the 21st Century 
• Celebrating a Hero's Trip Around the Earth 

 

Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Wednesday – Articles 

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled: 

• When scientists go on field trips, they usually gather specimens. (A botanist, for example, picks all kinds of plants.) Do you know why? 
• Christmas Bird Count 
• Fact vs. Opinion 
• Language Arts Connection 

Thursday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am 

We will read about and discuss the life and impact of John Wesley Powell.  We will also read and discuss the following articles together: 

• John Wesley Powell, Colorado’s First Scientific Explorer 
• Hot Sulphur Springs, Grand County 

 

Students should answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.   

 

Friday – (graded assignment) Complete the Week 12 Social Studies Quiz on www.studiesweekly.com. Students are permitted to go back to the articles to reread in case they have forgotten something!   

Week 10: Spanish & French Explorers  

www.studiesweekly.com 

Please note that Studies Weekly may provide students with a project and/or activity that involves materials.  These activities are optional and can be done at home with parent support if you and your child are interested.  They are not required. 

Objective - Students will study the French and Spanish exploration of the Colorado region. They will also consider what the Europeans gained from the American Indians. 

Monday - Vocabulary 

Students should review & write down the vocabulary words & definitions for the week.  Afterwards, students will create a Frayer Model for each vocabulary word.  The Frayer Model has been explained & students will have an example to view.  The PDF of these words has been posted into Teams.  Please go to Social Studies, then click on the “Vocabulary” Channel on the left-hand side.  Next, click files at the top.  There is a PDF entitled “SS Vocab. Week 5”.  Students should write these definitions in their notebook, then complete the Frayer Model.  There is also a PDF entitled “Vocabulary Frayer Model” to which students may refer.   

Tuesday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am 

We will discuss the Columbian Exchange and its effects on Europe, Africa, & the Americas.  We will also discuss French, English, & Spanish explorers.  We will read and discuss the following articles together: 

• How the American Indians Changed Europe 
• Saying “Gracias” with Photography 

 

Wednesday – Articles 

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled: 

• This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land 
• Rattlesnake 

• Commanche National Grassland 

Thursday – Live lesson via Zoom at 9:30am 

We will continue to review & discuss the Columbian Exchange, and early explorers.  We will also watch a video about the Columbian Exchange.  We will also read and discuss the following articles together: 

• How Do I Use a Dictionary? 
• This Week’s Question 

• Sharing Public Space: Vitus Bering and Russian Colonies in Alaska 

Friday – (graded assignment) Complete the Week 9 Social Studies Quiz on www.studiesweekly.com. Students are permitted to go back to the articles to reread in case they have forgotten something!   

 

 I will stay on zoom for an additional 15 min after each Content Class to answer questions for students who need additional instruction.

Jeff Hepner is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting 

Topic: Mr. Hepner's Class 

Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime 

Join Zoom Meeting 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82266611605?pwd=dS8vN3JMMklTQURmeTlmRnVzdmdJdz09 

The zoom link is the same for all classes and is posted on the Teams pages as well

There are NO live zoom meetings 

Week 9: Fur Trappers and Mountain Men 

www.studiesweekly.com 

Objective:  Students will learn about mountain men, fur traders, and trappers and their interactions with American Indians of Colorado. 

Monday – Vocabulary  

Students should review & write down the vocabulary words & definitions for the week.  Afterwards, students will create a Frayer Model for each vocabulary word.  The Frayer Model has been explained & students will have an example to view.  The PDF of these words has been posted into Teams.  Please go to Social Studies, then click on the “Vocabulary” Channel on the left-hand side.  Next, click files at the top.  There is a PDF entitled “SS Vocab. Week 9”.  Students should write these definitions in their notebook, then complete the Frayer Model.  There is also a PDF entitled “Vocabulary Frayer Model” to which students may refer.   

Tuesday – Articles 

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled: 

• Kit Carson: Colorado’s Mountain Man 
• Mountain Men Mingle 

 

Wednesday – Articles 

 

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled: 

• The Trappers and Traders 
• Bent’s Fort, Otero County 

 

Thursday – Articles 

 

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled: 

• How did the coming of the mountain men and trading posts change the lives of the American Indians? 
• Beaver 
• What are Idioms? 

 

Friday – Quiz 

Complete the Week 9 Social Studies Quiz on www.studiesweekly.com. Students are permitted to go back to the articles to reread in case they have forgotten something! 

There are NO live zoom meetings 

Week 8: American Indians of the Mountains and Plateaus 

www.studiesweekly.com 

Objective:  Students will look further into the cultures of the tribes who inhabited Colorado’s mountains and plateaus. 

Monday – Vocabulary  

Students should review & write down the vocabulary words & definitions for the week.  Afterwards, students will create a Frayer Model for each vocabulary word.  The Frayer Model has been explained & students will have an example to view.  The PDF of these words has been posted into Teams.  Please go to Social Studies, then click on the “Vocabulary” Channel on the left-hand side.  Next, click files at the top.  There is a PDF entitled “SS Vocab. Week 8”.  Students should write these definitions in their notebook, then complete the Frayer Model.  There is also a PDF entitled “Vocabulary Frayer Model” to which students may refer.   

Tuesday – Articles 

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled: 

• Fleet Foot Goes Hunting 
• Making the World a Kinder Place 

 

Wednesday – Articles 

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled: 

• Colorado’s Mountain Tribes 
• Navajo Sand Paintings 

Thursday – Articles 

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled: 

• Do we say Native Americans or American Indians? 
• Horned Toad 
• People and Places 
• Language Arts Connection 

Friday – Quiz 

Complete the Week 8 Social Studies Quiz on www.studiesweekly.com. Students are permitted to go back to the articles to reread in case they have forgotten something! 

There are NO live zoom meetings 

Week 7: American Indians of the Great Plains 

www.studiesweekly.com 

Objective: Students study the American Indians of the Great Plains. 

Wednesday – Vocabulary & Articles 

Students should review & write down the vocabulary words & definitions for the week.  Afterwards, students will create a Frayer Model for each vocabulary word.  The Frayer Model has been explained & students will have an example to view.  The PDF of these words has been posted into Teams.  Please go to Social Studies, then click on the “Vocabulary” Channel on the left-hand side.  Next, click files at the top.  There is a PDF entitled “SS Vocab. Week 7”.  Students should write these definitions in their notebook, then complete the Frayer Model.  There is also a PDF entitled “Vocabulary Frayer Model” to which students may refer.   

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled: 

• Horses Bring Exciting Changes 
• Mind Your Manners 
• Colorado’s Plains Tribes 

 

Thursday – Articles 

Students should read the following articles on Studies Weekly and answer the comprehension questions at the bottom of each article.  The articles are titled: 

• Little Bookcliffs Wild Horse Range 
• Buffalo or Bison? 
• European Bison 
• American Indian Village 

 

Friday – Quiz 

Complete the Week 7 Social Studies Quiz on www.studiesweekly.com. Students are permitted to go back to the articles to reread in case they have forgotten something!