As we conclude Trimester 1 with finals on Friday, I want to take a moment to reflect on our journey so far and share what’s ahead. Students are required to take two trimesters of Modern World History, covering both Modern World History 1 and 2. This past trimester, I had the pleasure of teaching three classes of Modern World History 1. Looking ahead to Trimester 2, I will be teaching two classes of Modern World History 1 and two classes of Modern World History 2.

Exciting Simulations Coming Up!

Trimester 2 is particularly thrilling because we’ll be diving into History simulations! On Monday, we will kick off the trimester with the introduction and explanation of the Imperialism Simulation. This engaging activity will involve eight countries, grouped into teams, competing to achieve the largest income per capita within the simulation. The focus will be on understanding the motivations behind imperialism.

What to Expect:

• Imperialism Student Orientation: We’ll begin with an orientation session to set the stage for the simulation.
• Round 1: In this initial round, each country will allocate all their income to research and development in an effort to enhance their technology. This increase in technology is crucial, as it directly affects their industrial production—the capacity to produce goods.

How It Works:

• For example, if a country has a starting income of 24 credits, they will need to strategically decide on their dice rolls based on their risk tolerance.
  • A strategy could involve rolling all 24 dice at a low number (e.g., rolling for a 1), which offers many chances to succeed but with a lower probability.
  • Alternatively, rolling fewer dice with a higher target (like a 3) can yield a moderate chance of success, as they would need to roll a 1, 2, or 3.

The variety of strategies and possibilities creates a dynamic environment for students to explore!

• Round 2: In this round, countries will use their income to conquer nations in Africa and Asia, gaining access to valuable resources and opening new markets for their goods. It’s fascinating to observe students initially feeling lost as they navigate the simulation, only to gradually find their footing and develop effective strategies as they see their countries ranked on the online platform.

Modern World History 1 Curriculum

In our Modern World History 1 classes, we will start by reviewing class rules and procedures, followed by a brief lesson on the Religions of the World, including Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. Our first unit will delve into Islam, exploring its rise, expansion, and rich cultural contributions.

I am excited to embark on this educational journey with the students and can’t wait to see their engagement and enthusiasm as we explore these important historical topics through simulation and discussion.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to share your experiences with simulations in the classroom!