Mrs. Rostas - Assignments

Click here to download and print a copy of the Zimmerman Telegram Activity

The Zimmerman Telegram (sent from Germany to Mexico, but intercepted and decoded by the British) could have meant disaster for the United States during World War I.  Try your hand at code-breaking to see if you would have been able to stop Germany from attacking the United States.

The first code on the worksheet (you can download a copy by clicking on the link above) is an alphabet shift code.  This means that the alphabet stays in the same order, it is just shifted a few spaces to the left or right.  In this case, N on the code = T.  Find the pattern, fill in the cipher, and decode the message.

The second code on the worksheet is a frequency code.  This means that you will need to count how often the coded paragraphs use each letter in the alphabet.  Once you have counted all of the letters, rank them from greatest to least.  The most commonly used letter in the code (the one that you counted the most of) will be the first letter of the cipher given to you (an E).  The second most commonly used letter in the code will be the second letter in the cipher (a T).

You may complete the Civil War WebQuest to earn up to 20 extra credit points on your Chapter 4 test.  In order to earn the extra credit, you must complete the WebQuest and turn in all of the required documents (instructions on the WebQuest) within two days of taking the Chapter 4 test (test will be given approximately the last week in January), although you are welcome to turn it in early.

To complete the WebQuest mission, go to: https://www.taskstream.com/TS/rostas/CivilWarEraWebQuest.html  and enter the password: extracredit.

Have fun and see me if you need any help!

Please click here for a printable copy of the Civil War Character Analysis project sheet (option 1).
Please click here for a printable copy of the Civil War Games project sheet (option 2).
**The project sheets have been updated, I accidently posted the old version with the incorrect dates.  Sorry!


You were able to choose your project format and can find both of the project sheets above.  Please note that each project has a due date on Thursday/Friday of the next three weeks.  You will need to bring in that portion of your project as well as your project sheet to be stamped in order to earn credit for having your project components completed on time.  Please see the individual project sheet for the option you selected in December for due dates and details.

As always, feel free to come in or email me with any questions.

Extra credit opportunity!

Memorize the preamble of the Constitution and recite it to me before school the week we come back from Fall break to earn 10 bonus points on your Constitution test.  You can not use a note card or read it, you must have it memorized and say it out loud to earn the extra credit points.

"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."


To hear this in a catchy song to help you remember it, click here or go to youtube.com and search for: school house rock preamble.

You must recite it to me before school on anyday of the first week back from Fall break (10/17-10/21) to earn the points!

Click here for a printable copy of the Personality Bag project sheet.
Click here for a printable copy of the Personality Bag Score Card.

Welcome to a new school year!  You will use the paper lunch bag provided in class to bring items that show off your unique personality.  Project details are on the project sheet and score card available above.  Presentations will be Monday, August 22nd for A day classes and Tuesday, August 23rd for B day classes.

I look forward to your presentation!

Click here for a printable copy of the Current Event Worksheet.


You have a current event due by FRIDAY EACH WEEK, whether you have my class on Friday or not.  Remember to attach your article to your worksheet and answer all questions in complete sentences.