APWH Chapter Review Options

Note: This page and all of the pages listed below are part of a curriculum that has been drastically modified by the College Board. The information here is still good (it is history, after all), but the new AP Curriculum has removed everything before 1200 CE. As I do not currently teach this course, the units and key concepts here have not been updated.

There are several ways to demonstrate that you have read and understand each chapter in class. Here are your options. You may do one type of review for every chapter, or a different one each time, it is entirely up to you. Choose what works best for you each week.

Below are the requirements for each of the options. Your review activities will be submitted on Google Classroom.

Note: Vocab is critical. No matter what option you choose, there is a vocab requirement, and you must ALWAYS do the vocab in your notes no matter what.

Stay organized! You're going to want to be able to look back through the review activities you've done, and having this many choices opens you up to having copies of things all over the place. I highly recommend keeping a Google Drive folder of APWH Review documents, with each file named for the chapter you're reviewing. That will keep them in order, and it will keep them neatly stored in one place that you can get to on the classroom Chromebooks.

Please remember: Everyone is expected to do notes on the reading.

If you produce an excellent example of numbers 2 - 5, your example might be shared with the class either here on my website or on Canvas. Maybe both.Your peers can use quality study materials!

Chapter Review Options

You must complete one of the following activities for each chapter of the book. Each one is worth 10 points in the gradebook.

1. Study Packets

Study Packet ExampleThis is what we've done so far. You can always find the copies of the study guide packet in the drawer in the classroom by the door. Complete all sections of the study guide for credit as accurately as possible. Focus on actually learning something from each of the activities in the packet, and don't just fill it in from someone else's answers. The entire purpose of the packet is to help you review your notes and make sure you got everything that you need to. 

Each of the pages is selected specifically because either that section of the chapter is important or that activity/graphic organizer is a good way to lay out the information. They aren't busy work, but if they don't work for you for some reason, try one of the other options below. That's why I have them.

2. Précis

This is a one to two page written analysis of what you've read. You will use the Google Docs Précis template provided for you. Go to file, choose make a copy, and then rename it with the chapter number.

Chapter Precis TemplateYou need to accomplish the following goals in your précis:

  • Discuss the major concepts and turning points in brief. The paper should not simply be a summary or collection of topic sentences from the text. Nor should it strictly follow the structure of the chapter. Instead, it should show that you are able to link together the major concepts in the chapter.
  • Analyze what you read. Link it back to something else you've read (establish a cause/effect relationship), posit a historical argument or ask and then answer a historical question, or make a historical observation.
  • Include at least ten major vocab terms.

3. Notes

Example NotesIf your notes are something that you spend a tremendous amount of time and energy on perfecting, this is the option for you. You can scan or photograph your notes for the chapter and submit them. Ensure that the photos and the handwriting are clear enough that I can read them.

EVERYONE IS EXPECTED TO TAKE NOTES. Thus, plain old notes are not good enough. If you turn them in here, they must be a step above your normal notes, and must be organized (e.g., include page number references, highlighted section headers, etc), legible (good handwriting), and have above and beyond features like illustrations or color coding. They must also be extra thorough. All vocab terms must be highlighted.

4. Audio or Video Recording

Screenshot of Audacity, a free sound editing program you could use.Record yourself discussing the main topics of the chapter. Don't just read a few sentences out of the book. This recording should be several minutes long and should demonstrate understanding of the entire chapter. You should talk about and link together something from each chapter. You can record this on your phone or a computer and then upload it to Google Classroom, or upload to Youtube and submit a link to your video to Classroom.

You may do this in any format you like. You can make your own podcast (here are some tips if you decide to do that), make a news desk, record cheesy historian documentaries (, or whatever else you'd like. You can even simply record just you talking for a few minutes about what was important in the chapter. Just ensure that you demonstrate understanding of the content.

Whichever you choose, you must include and discuss at least ten major vocab terms.

Note: The audio/video recordings require a bit of work and editing, and therefore do lend themselves to potential group assignments. You many do option four in groups of up to three if you choose to, but it must be readily apparent that every member of the group has read and understood the chapter. Each student is getting graded individually.

5. Make an Infographic

Infographic ExampleCreate an infographic that includes the main topics and concepts covered in the chapter. It has to look good; don't just throw together something lame. Use a graphic design program or app design for this task. Upload the final image to Google Classroom.

You may consider using Canva.com - a free design tool with infographic templates. There are a lot of free clipart/photo options here that you can use, and several that are paid. Fonts, backgrounds, designs, and everything else are either free or paid and are marked as such. Use only the free materials or you either have to spend money or end up with nasty watermarks on everything.

You must include and explain the significance of at least ten vocab terms.