Classroom Update (9/21/26)

 

Monday, September 21, 2026

World History

Essential Questions (EQ)

- How do the works of Renaissance artists and architects reflect Renaissance ideas?

Topic: Writers and Values of the Italian Renaissance

• Daily Jumble (DJ)- What were the differences between medieval and Renaissance attitudes toward worldly pleasures?
• Current Events
• Writers and Values of the Italian Renaissance WS
• Writers and Values of the Italian Renaissance Notes
• Assign: Renaissance (Module 14) - Part 1 Vocabulary
• Assignments: 
• The Italian Renaissance (Module 14) - Part 1 Assessment - 9/25
• What is History? Reassessment must be completed by 9/25
• Renaissance Italy, c. 1494 Map Reassessment - Due by 9/30
• Map of the Major Italian City-States During the Renaissance
• WH Enrichment:
• Google Arts and Culture: 
• Italian Renaissance
• Supplemental Video: 
• Florence and the Renaissance: Crash Course European History #2
• Interesting Article: 
• A Rare First-Edition Copy of Machiavelli’s Notorious Political Treatise ‘The Prince’ Heads to Auction

Sociology

Essential Question (EQ) -

- What is culture?

- What are the characteristics of culture?

Topic: What is culture?

• Daily Jumble (DJ) - Is the game of baseball part of the material or nonmaterial culture of the United States?
• Go over Defining Culture and Culture at Walmart
• Content Analysis: “A House Divided” - Formal and Informal Norms
• Assign: Textbook Reading: pp. 64-76 (Elements of Culture)
• Assignments: 
• Textbook Reading: pp. 64-76 (Elements of Culture)
• Sociology Enrichment:
• Supplemental Video: 
• Symbols, Values & Norms: Crash Course Sociology #10
• Cultures, Subcultures, and Countercultures: Crash Course Sociology
• Interesting Article: The Roots of U.S. Work Culture—and Why the American Dream Is So Difficult to Achieve Today

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

Alligator sighting at Alabama park raises safety concerns

Classroom Update (9/18/26)

 

Friday, September 18, 2026

World History

Essential Questions (EQ)

- How do the works of Renaissance artists and architects reflect Renaissance ideas?

Topic: The Renaissance Spirit

• Daily Jumble (DJ)- How were the Western Europeans able to access ancient Greek texts again?
• Whiteboard Notes - Medieval vs. Renaissance Thinkers
• Map of the Crusades
• Current Events
• Assign: Read and complete Module 14 Lesson 2 Reading Document 
• Assignments: 
• Renaissance Italy, c. 1494 Map Assessment - Due Today!
• Map of the Major Italian City-States During the Renaissance
• What is History? Reassessment must be completed by 9/25
• WH Enrichment:
• Google Arts and Culture: 
• Italian Renaissance
• Supplemental Video: 
• Florence and the Renaissance: Crash Course European History #2
• Interesting Article: 
• Leonardo da Vinci Studied the Science of Smell
• A Rare First-Edition Copy of Machiavelli’s Notorious Political Treatise ‘The Prince’ Heads to Auction

Sociology

Topic: Unit 1 Assessment

• Daily Jumble (DJ) - None
• Soc. in the News
• Complete the Unit 1 Assessment
• Assign: Textbook Reading: pp. 58-63 (Defining Culture) and Culture at Walmart
• Assignments: 
• Textbook Reading: pp. 58-63 (Defining Culture) and Culture at Walmart
• Sociology Enrichment:
• Supplemental Video: Symbols, Values & Norms: Crash Course Sociology #10
• Interesting Article: The Roots of U.S. Work Culture—and Why the American Dream Is So Difficult to Achieve Today

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

The Quietest Time to See Alligators in America's National Parks

Classroom Update (9/17/26)

 

Thursday, September 17, 2026

World History

Essential Questions (EQ)

- How do the works of Renaissance artists and architects reflect Renaissance ideas?

Topic: Da Vinci's World

• Daily Jumble (DJ)- How did Renaissance architects, such as Brunelleschi, use past styles in their design?
• Current Events
• Finish Engineering an Empire: Da Vinci’s World Video and Notes
• Engineering An Empire - E14 Da Vinci's World Video Link
• Assignments: 
• Renaissance Italy, c. 1494 Map Assessment - Due 9/18
• Map of the Major Italian City-States During the Renaissance
• What is History? Reassessment must be completed by 9/25
• WH Enrichment:
• Google Arts and Culture: 
• Robin Hood
• Supplemental Video: 
• Florence and the Renaissance: Crash Course European History #2
• Interesting Article: 
• Leonardo da Vinci Studied the Science of Smell

Sociology

Topic: Review Day

• Daily Jumble (DJ) - Sociologists often study concepts that are not directly seen. How do researchers go about studying these concepts?
• Discuss The Case for Value-Free Sociology - Article Line
• Review for Unit 1 Assessment
• Assignments: 
• Term 1 Project (Book Review) - 1/3 Paper Due by 9/17/26
• Sociology Enrichment:
• Supplemental Video: Major Sociological Paradigms: Crash Course Sociology #2
• Interesting Article: W.E.B. Du Bois’ Visionary Infographics Come Together for the First Time in Full Color

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

8-foot alligator keeping Florida deputies busy until trapper arrives, removes it from backyard

Classroom Update (9/16/26)

 

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Early Release Today!

World History

Essential Questions (EQ)

- What were the conditions in Italy that gave rise to the Renaissance?

Topic: The Crusades

• Daily Jumble (DJ)- Why did banking develop in the Italian city-states?
• Whiteboard Notes- Shifts in Society
• Map of Medieval Europe, c. 950 - 1300
• Map of the Crusades
• Current Events 
• Assignments: 
• Renaissance Italy, c. 1494 Map Assessment - Due 9/18
• Map of the Major Italian City-States During the Renaissance
• Reassessment Materials Handed Out - Completed by 9/25
• WH Enrichment:
• Google Arts and Culture: 
• The Plague (Black Death)
• Robin Hood
• Supplemental Video: 
• Medieval Europe: Crash Course European History #1
• Florence and the Renaissance: Crash Course European History #2
• Interesting Article: 
• The Many Myths of the Term ‘Crusader’

Sociology

Essential Questions (EQ)

- What are the ethical practices sociologists follow?

Topic: Guest Speaker - The Field of Social Work

• Daily Jumble (DJ) - In 1959, The Sociological Imagination argued that we needed to look beyond the individual for the causes that shape our society. This concept was the work of which sociologist?
• Guest Speaker - The Field of Social Work
• Read and discuss The Case for Value-Free Sociology - Article Line
• Assignments: 
• Term 1 Project (Book Review) - 1/3 Paper Due by 9/17/26
• Sociology Enrichment:
• Supplemental Video: Major Sociological Paradigms: Crash Course Sociology #2
• Interesting Article: These Early Infographics Illustrated the Plight of America’s Poor

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

Alligator on a leash found at Georgia school

Classroom Update (9/15/26)

 

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

World History

Essential Questions (EQ)

- What were the conditions in Italy that gave rise to the Renaissance?

Topic: The Rise of Italian City-States

• Daily Jumble (DJ)- How was Italy unlike the other countries in Europe?
• Begin Engineering an Empire: Da Vinci’s World Video and Notes
• Map of Medieval Europe, c. 950 - 1300
• Map of the Major Italian City-States During the Renaissance
• Reassessment Materials Handed Out - Completed by 9/25
• Assign: Renaissance Italy, c. 1494 Map Assessment - Due 9/18
• Assignments: 
• Renaissance Italy, c. 1494 Map Assessment - Due 9/18
• Reassessment Materials Handed Out - Completed by 9/25
• WH Enrichment:
• Google Arts and Culture: 
• The Plague (Black Death)
• Supplemental Video: 
• Medieval Europe: Crash Course European History #1
• Interesting Article: 
• The Many Myths of the Term ‘Crusader’

Sociology

Essential Questions (EQ)

- What are the ethical practices sociologists follow?

Topic: Research Ethics

• Daily Jumble (DJ) - Max Weber argued that society has three basic, interrelated dimensions. The dimensions are political, economic, and cultural. Weber's work was a direct response to which scholar’s perspective?
• Read and discuss The Case for Value-Free Sociology - Article Line
• Assign: Unit 1 Study Guide
• Assignments: 
• Textbook Reading: pp. 48 - 55 (Prediction, Sampling, and Statistical Analysis)
• Term 1 Project (Book Review) - 1/3 Paper Due by 9/17/26
• Sociology Enrichment:
• Supplemental Video: Major Sociological Paradigms: Crash Course Sociology #2
• Interesting Article: These Early Infographics Illustrated the Plight of America’s Poor

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

Alligator too feisty for Manatee County deputies

Classroom Update (9/14/26)

 

Monday, September 14, 2026

World History

Essential Questions (EQ)

- During the fourteenth century, how did the bubonic plague shake Europe socially, politically, and economically?

Topic: Life in Europe Before 1350

• Daily Jumble (DJ)- What do you think daily life was like in Medieval Europe?
• Whiteboard Notes - The Middle Ages Timeline
• Current Events
• Medieval Europe - Life Before 1350 Notes
• The Black Death Explained: Global History Review
• Cluster Diagram Video Worksheet
• Assignments: 
• Read and complete the Module 14 Lesson 1 Lesson Document - if not done
• WH Enrichment:
• Google Arts and Culture: 
• The Plague (Black Death)
• Supplemental Video: 
• Medieval Europe: Crash Course European History #1
• Interesting Article: 
• Could You Survive the Black Death, the Sack of Rome and Other Historical Catastrophes?
• Medieval Skeletons Reveal How the Bubonic Plague Influenced Human DNA

Sociology

Essential Questions (EQ)

- How do sociologists conduct social research?

Topic: Doing Sociological Research

• Daily Jumble (DJ) - According to a Functionalist, what is dysfunction?
• Sociology Research Methods: Crash Course Sociology #4
• Assignments: 
• Textbook Reading: pp. 48 - 55 (Prediction, Sampling, and Statistical Analysis)
• Term 1 Project (Book Review) - 1/3 Paper Due by 9/17/26
• Sociology Enrichment:
• Supplemental Video: Major Sociological Paradigms: Crash Course Sociology #2
• Interesting Article: These Early Infographics Illustrated the Plight of America’s Poor

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

Clueless Mom Has Her Kids Pose Just Feet From a Wild Alligator

Classroom Update (9/11/26)

 

Friday, September 11, 2026

World History

Essential Questions (EQ)

- During the fourteenth century, how did the bubonic plague shake Europe socially, politically, and economically?

- How is 9/11 being remembered 25 years after the attack?

Topic: The Middle Ages

• Daily Jumble (DJ)- What comes to mind when you hear the word “Renaissance”?
• Whiteboard Notes - The Middle Ages Timeline
• Current Events - 25th Anniversary of 9/11
• Assignments: 
• Read and complete the Module 14 Lesson 1 Lesson Document - 9/14
• WH Enrichment:
• Google Arts and Culture: 
• The Plague (Black Death)
• Supplemental Video: 
• Medieval Europe: Crash Course European History #1
• Interesting Article: 
• Could You Survive the Black Death, the Sack of Rome and Other Historical Catastrophes?

Sociology

Essential Questions (EQ)

- How do sociologists apply the major perspectives?

Topic: Theoretical Frameworks in Sociology

• Daily Jumble (DJ) - What are the manifest and latent functions of grades in school?
• Discuss the Sports and the Four Theoretical Perspectives Article
• Handout: Core Questions
• Current Events - 25th Anniversary of 9/11
• Work Time
• Assignments: 
• Textbook Reading: pp. 32 - 48 (The Research Process and Tools)
• Term 1 Project (Book Review) - 1/3 Paper Due by 9/17/26
• Sociology Enrichment:
• Supplemental Video: Major Sociological Paradigms: Crash Course Sociology #2
• Interesting Article: These Early Infographics Illustrated the Plight of America’s Poor

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

Massive gator caught in unusual spot on Georgia lake

Classroom Update (9/10/26)

 

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Tennis Club Today!

World History

Topic: Historical Methodology Assessment

• Daily Jumble (DJ)- None Today - Test!
• Current Events
• Middle East Map
• Seating Chart
• Historical Methodology Assessment
• Assign: Read and complete the Module 14 Lesson 1 Lesson Document
• Textbook PDF is Located in Schoology!
• Assignments: 
• Read and complete the Module 14 Lesson 1 Lesson Document - 9/14
• WH Enrichment:
• Google Arts and Culture: 
• The Manufacture of Early Printed Books in Europe
• The Plague (Black Death)
• Supplemental Video: 
• Medieval Europe: Crash Course European History #1
• Interesting Article: 
• Could You Survive the Black Death, the Sack of Rome and Other Historical Catastrophes?

Sociology

Essential Questions (EQ)

- How was the development of sociology in America unique?

Topic: The Development of American Sociology

• Daily Jumble (DJ) - How was the development of sociology in America unique?
• How to Apply the Theoretical Perspectives / Research? Notes
• Assign: Sports and the Four Theoretical Perspectives
• Work Time
• Assignments: 
• Textbook Reading: pp. 24 - 29 (Theoretical Frameworks in Sociology)
• Assign: Soc. in the News - Perception vs Perspective - Due Today!
• Term 1 Project (Book Review) - 1/3 Paper Due by 9/17/26
• Sociology Enrichment:
• Supplemental Video: Major Sociological Paradigms: Crash Course Sociology #2
• Interesting Article: These Early Infographics Illustrated the Plight of America’s Poor

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

Dead alligator raises questions about conditions in Lochloosa Lake

Classroom Update (9/9/26)

 

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Early Release Today!

World History

Essential Questions (EQ)

- What can you do with a History Degree?

Topic: Assessment Prep

• Daily Jumble (DJ)- What is a Living Wage?
• Current Events
• Middle East Map
• Go over What Can You Do with That History Degree? Exploring the Data WS
• Hand out the What is History? Assessment Checklist for tomorrow!
• Assignments: 
• Historical Methodology Assessment - 9/10
• WH Enrichment:
• Google Arts and Culture: 
• The Manufacture of Early Printed Books in Europe
• Supplemental Video: 
• What History Was, Is, and Will Be: Crash Course European History #50
• Interesting Article: 
• Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III Announces Retirement as Head of the Smithsonian After 38 Years of Service to the Institution

Sociology

Essential Questions (EQ)

- How were the key contributors to the sociological field in both the European and American schools of sociology?

- How did they shape the development of sociology?

Topic: Debunking

• Daily Jumble (DJ) - What is the process of “debunking” in sociology?
• Peter Berger Article - Invitation to Sociology
• The Development of Sociology - Slide Deck
• Assign: pp. 24 - 29 (Theoretical Frameworks in Sociology)
• Assignments: 
• Textbook Reading: pp. 24 - 29 (Theoretical Frameworks in Sociology)
• Assign: Soc. in the News - Perception vs Perspective - Due Today!
• Term 1 Project (Book Review) - 1/3 Paper Due by 9/17/26
• Sociology Enrichment:
• Supplemental Video: Crash Course Sociology Preview
• Interesting Article: Gloria Steinem, defining symbol of women’s movement and eloquent advocate for equality, dies at 92

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

10-foot, 300-pound alligator turns up at Florida high school days before classes resume

Classroom Update (9/8/26)

 

Tuesday, September 5, 2026

World History

Essential Questions (EQ)

- How do historians categorize and study the past?

Topic: Time Review

• Daily Jumble (DJ)- What are the benefits of taking a history class?
• Current Events
• Finish discussing The Study of World History Reading Packet, and It's About Time WS
• Assing: What Can You Do with That History Degree? Exploring the Data WS
• Assignments: 
• Historical Methodology Assessment - 9/10
• WH Enrichment:
• Google Arts and Culture: 
• The Manufacture of Early Printed Books in Europe
• Supplemental Video: 
• What History Was, Is, and Will Be: Crash Course European History #50
• Interesting Article: 
• How Did the Nation Get Its Name? Other Suggestions Included the United Colonies, Columbia and the United States of Alleghania

Sociology

Essential Questions (EQ)

- How were the key contributors to the sociological field in both the European and American schools of sociology?

- How did they shape the development of sociology?

Topic: The Development of Sociology

• Daily Jumble (DJ) - Why can sociology be an uncomfortable subject to study?
• Soc. in the News
• Current Events Discussion
• Discuss the How to Write a Book Review Handout
• Work Time (Textbook Readings and Term Project)
• Assignments: 
• Textbook Reading: pp.18 - 24 (The Development of Sociology)
• Assign: Soc. in the News - Perception vs Perspective
• Term 1 Project (Book Review) - 1/3 Paper Due by 9/17/26
• Sociology Enrichment:
• Supplemental Video: Crash Course Sociology Preview
• Interesting Article: Gloria Steinem, defining symbol of women’s movement and eloquent advocate for equality, dies at 92

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

Child hospitalized after alligator attack at Weeki Wachee Preserve: HCSO

Classroom Update (9/7/26) Labor Day

 

Monday, September 7, 2026

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

Where are the most alligators in Mississippi? World Atlas names hotspots

Classroom Update (9/4/26)

 

Friday, September 4, 2026

World History

Essential Questions (EQ)

- How do historians categorize and study the past?

Topic: Thinking Like a Historian

• Daily Jumble (DJ)- Why do we need to know history?
• Labor Day's Roots
• History of the Holidays: Labor Day | History
• Current Events
• Finish discussing The Study of World History Reading Packet
• Assign: It's About Time WS
• Assignments: 
• It's about time WS Fall 2025
• Historical Methodology Assessment - 9/10
• WH Enrichment:
• Google Arts and Culture: 
• The Manufacture of Early Printed Books in Europe
• Supplemental Video: 
• What History Was, Is, and Will Be: Crash Course European History #50
• Interesting Article: 
• Archaeologists Discover a 4,000-Year-Old Tomb With a False Door at Egypt’s Ancient Saqqara Necropolis

Sociology

Essential Questions (EQ)

- Why is developing a sociological imagination important in the study of sociology, and how does gaining this perspective better help us understand our society?

Topic: Perception vs. Perspective

• Daily Jumble (DJ) - What do sociologists mean by diversity? Name and know the Big 3!
• Why is Sociology Important?
• What is Sociology? Notes
• Work Time (Textbook Readings and Term Project)
• Assignments: 
• Textbook Reading: pp.18 - 24 (The Development of Sociology)
• Assign: Soc. in the News - Perception vs Perspective
• Term 1 Project (Book Review) - 1/3 Paper Due by 9/17/26
• Sociology Enrichment:
• Supplemental Video: Crash Course Sociology Preview
• Interesting Article: Gloria Steinem, defining symbol of women’s movement and eloquent advocate for equality, dies at 92

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

Zoo Knoxville welcomes rare albino American alligator

Classroom Update (9/3/26)

 

Thursday, September 3, 2026

World History

Essential Questions (EQ)

- What is the difference between prehistory and history?

Topic: The Study of History

• Daily Jumble (DJ)- When does history begin?
• Whiteboard Notes: Prehistory vs. History, Physical vs. Political Geography
• Current Events
• Go over The Study of World History Reading Packet
• Wisconsin Map
• Assignments: 
• The Study of World History Reading Packet - if not completed
• Historical Methodology Assessment - 9/10
• WH Enrichment:
• Google Arts and Culture: 
• The Manufacture of Early Printed Books in Europe
• Supplemental Video: 
• What History Was, Is, and Will Be: Crash Course European History #50
• Interesting Article: 
• Archaeologists Discover a 4,000-Year-Old Tomb With a False Door at Egypt’s Ancient Saqqara Necropolis

Sociology

Essential Questions (EQ)

- How does sociology differ from the other social sciences?

Topic: The Sociological Perspective

• Daily Jumble (DJ) - If you earn a degree in Sociology, what are some possible careers?
• Introduce the Term 1 Project
• Sociology and You: Term 1 Book Review Project 2026
• Assignments: 
• Textbook Reading: pp.18 - 24 (The Development of Sociology)
• Term 1 Project (Book Review) - 1/3 Paper Due by 9/17/26
• Sociology Enrichment:
• Supplemental Video: Crash Course Sociology Preview
• Interesting Article: Stephen Curry earns sociology degree from Davidson College

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

Gator Act': Deadly alligator attack in Florida sparks federal wildlife study proposal

Classroom Update (9/02/26)

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

No Early Release Today!

World History

Essential Questions (EQ)

- What are the policies and procedures of this course?

- What is History?

Topic: The Western Heritage

• Daily Jumble (DJ)- We will be studying the development of Western Civilization (Western Culture). What are some characteristics of Western Culture?
• World Map
• Current Events
• Finish discussing classroom policies and procedures
• coachmolitor.com
• World History Course Syllabus
• Assignments: 
• The Study of World History Reading Packet
• WH Enrichment:
• Google Arts and Culture: 
• The Manufacture of Early Printed Books in Europe
• Supplemental Video: 
• What History Was, Is, and Will Be: Crash Course European History #50
• Interesting Article: 
• A Man Noticed a Strange Shape on Satellite Images. It Turned Out to Be a 138-Year-Old Shipwreck in Lake Michigan

Sociology

Essential Questions (EQ)

- What are the policies and procedures of this course?

- What is Sociology?

- How does sociology differ from the other social sciences?

Topic: What is Sociology?

• Daily Jumble (DJ) - Should sociology be a required course for students in high school (colleges)? Provide a rationale for your answer.
• Finish Classroom Policies and Procedures
• Mr. Molitor's Classroom Blog
• Class Syllabus
• Class Discussion
• What is Sociology?
• Article: Why Major in Sociology?
• Assignments: 
• Textbook Reading: pp.6 - 18 (The Sociological Imagination)
• Sociology Enrichment:
• Supplemental Video: Crash Course Sociology Preview
• Interesting Article: Stephen Curry earns sociology degree from Davidson College

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

8 most dangerous, deadliest animals in Florida's Everglades

Classroom Update (09/1/26) - Welcome Back!

 

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Today we have a Special First Day of School Schedule!

World History (Skinny) - 32 Minutes

Essential Question (EQ)

- What are the policies and procedures of this course?

Topic: Class Introduction

• Daily Jumble (DJ)- Why did we start school on September 1st this year?
• Go over the Classroom policies and procedures
• Complete the Getting to Know You Survey
• How to get to Mr. Molitor's Classroom Blog?
• coachmolitor.com
• World History Course Syllabus
• Current Events
• Assignments: 
• Get any missing school supplies for Wednesday!
• WH Enrichment:
• Google Arts and Culture: 
• The Manufacture of Early Printed Books in Europe
• Supplemental Video: 
• What History Was, Is, and Will Be: Crash Course European History #50
• Interesting Article: 
• A Man Noticed a Strange Shape on Satellite Images. It Turned Out to Be a 138-Year-Old Shipwreck in Lake Michigan

Sociology (Block) - 67 Minutes

Essential Question (EQ)

- What are the policies and procedures of this course?

Topic: Class Introduction

• Sociology Course Assessment - Pretest
• How to get to Mr. Molitor's Classroom Blog?
• Class Syllabus
• Assignments: 
• Textbook Reading: Ch. 1 Preface - P.5
• Article: Why Major in Sociology?
• Sociology Enrichment:
• Supplemental Video: Crash Course Sociology Preview
• Interesting Article: Stephen Curry earns sociology degree from Davidson College

coachmolitor.com

___________________________________________________

Daily Gator

Alligator on Central Florida highway causes chain-reaction crash, leaving woman dead