Open Book Test, Day Two

Last Friday, March 23, the kids started taking an open-book test over Chapter 11-Atlantic South America.  I had warned them that there would be a test on Friday. 

The test is, indeed, open-book, but many students have needed two class periods to complete the test.  Those who have not completed the test by the end of class today, and those who were absent last Friday, will be bringing the test home to complete as homework this evening.  It is important that the test be returned, completed, tomorrow so it can be corrected.  We are going to move on to a new chapter tomorrow, and I'd like everyone to be done with Chapter 11 so we can enjoy a couple of days with the Inca.

Thanks,
Cathy

Open Book Test Friday, March 23

Tomorrow, March 23, we will be taking an open-book test over Chapter 11, Atlantic South America.  If your student doesn't complete the test during class time on Friday, there will be additional time on Monday to complete the test.  A good way to prepare for the test would be to re-read the chapter.  It is only 15 pages long, and each page of text is actually about 2/3s of the page.

Today, we finished the chapter by reading the section about Uruguay and Paraguay.  Today's assignment is to answer questions 10-19 on page 252.  These questions cover the entire chapter and will serve as a review for the test. 


Cathy

Argentina and possible homework

Today the assignment was to read pages 245-248, the section on Argentina, and answer questions 1-5 in the Section Review.  I have requested that all answers be written using complete sentences.  An easy way to make sure one is using complete sentences is by restating the question as the first part of the answer.

The weather is exceptional, but we still have several weeks of school left in the school year.  Please be sure to keep up with your assignments; you wouldn't want to spend a lovely lunch time in the "Zap Zone".

Thanks,
Cathy

Back to the Book, Potential Homework

We started using our textbook again today; it's been a while and sometimes the structure of the book is easier for students to handle.  We are attempting to complete the chapter on the Atlantic South American countries to prepare for an open-book test on Friday.

Today, the assignment was to read/re-read pages 234-244 and answer the "Reading Check" questions on those pages.  There are six (6) questions, and the questions need to be answered using complete sentences.  Time was given in class to work on the assignment, and those who used their time wisely completed the assignment before class ended.

So, potential homework would be the Reading Check questions on pages 234-244.

Make sure you get outside this evening and enjoy the great weather.  I think one still might be able to see the two prominent planets in the western sky, too, once the sun sets. 

Cathy

Making Connections

Today we attempted to "make connections" between the per capita GDPs of Brazil's states and their location in Brazil.  It was an exercise in thinking, trying to find correlations, and "working without a net".  There were no wrong answers as long as the answers were thought out and reasonable.

This is the kind of work that will be asked of the kids for the rest of the year.  Although we will continue to work from our Social Studies book, assessments will be, actually, more difficult because they will require the kids to apply their knowledge rather than memorize facts to get through the test.  This is exciting for me because I love to see the "light bulbs" go off!  It will be fun for the kids,too, once they relax and understand that they know more than they think they know!!

There is no homework today; go out and play!!

Thanks,
Cathy

Amazon Rainforest

Today, after the majority of students turned in their Brazil GDP choropleth maps, we started looking at rainforest deforestation.

Most classes answered five questions prior to watching the video; we then discussed those answers before watching the video.  I asked most classes to record three to five facts from the video as they watched.

For those students who did not turn in their maps their homework is to get the assignment to me tomorrow.  It will be a "Late" assignment, but no points will be taken off the earned grade.  However, keep in mind that completing the map was a two day, in-class assignment.

Make sure you go outside and play this evening.  I guess the moderate temperatures make up for "springing ahead"!  We are supposed to be outside enjoying this great weather :-)

Cathy

Choropleth Map, Part 2

Today, we used the data that were ordered yesterday to color the map of Brazil.  The assignment was to divide the data into classes; I told them the easiest way would be to make groups of five states, with a sixth group of two states.  The kids then needed to assign a color to each group, find the states on the map, and color them accordingly.  The map also needs a key and a title.

This map is due tomorrow, March 14.  The majority of class time today was dedicated to completing the map; work not done, as indicated on the board, is HOMEWORK.

I hope everyone has time to go outside this evening and run!!

Cathy

Data Ordering

Today we started a two day process of creating a choropleth map in which we will map the poverty and wealth of Brazil.  The kids had to put the per capita GDP of  26 states and the Federal District of Brazil in ascending order.  On Tuesday, the kids will use this ordered data to complete their maps.

As we look at the per capita GDP of a particular state in Brazil, or Brazil as a whole, I try to remind the kids that it is expensive to live in the United States; our standard of living is higher than that of many countries.  What looks like a small per capita GDP to us may actually be a comfortable amount in a South American country.  One of the kids pointed out that the data is old, too, so it's nice that they know this needs to be taken into consideration.

Today began our last marking period!
 I told the kids I see them all with an "A" as the marking period begins, and it is their responsibility to maintain that "A" :-)  I know they all have the ability!

Cathy

The Lorax!

Everyone who attended the movie today seemed to have a good time.  I thought the kids were VERY well behaved; they did a great job representing Lowell Middle School.

We also have an assembly today; Chinese Acrobats demonstrated skills that still make me wonder.  It's hard to believe a person could be that flexible!!

There is no homework today, so enjoy the three day weekend :-)

Cathy

Core Democratic Values Test

The test is done, save for 21 kids who were either absent today or returning from vacation. The testing MUST be completed by Wednesday, March 7.  The marking period ends March 8, but that is our "Reward Day", so there won't be anything close to a "normal schedule". 

We are once again working on the "big maps" so there is no homework today.

Thanks,
Cathy

Core Democratic Values Test Monday!!

Dear Parents,
The test over Core Democratic Values will be given on Monday, March 5, 2012.
We have re-written definitions, made posters, used CDVs in our "Question of the Day", and made a crossword puzzle using the CDVs.  If you want more information, please check the Documents section of my web page for definitions and a "practice test".

I also posted the definitions yesterday :-)


Thanks,
Cathy

Core Democratic Values definitions

Core Democratic Values

Definitions

Common Good: when all people work for the good of all; the government makes laws that are good for everyone.

Diversity:  Difference in language, dress, food, where ones’ ancestors were born, one’s religion and race are accepted as important.

Equality: Everyone should be treated the same regardless of where their parents or grandparents were born, their race, religion, or wealth.

Justice: The idea that all people should be treated fairly, that no one person or group should be favored.

Patriotism: Devotion to one’s country and its core democratic values in words and deeds.

Popular Sovereignty: The idea that government comes from the people.

Pursuit of Happiness: The right to find happiness in your own way as long as it does not impact on the rights of another.

Life: Each person has the right to the protection of his or her life.

Liberty: The freedom to believe what you want, to choose your own friends, to have your own ideas and opinions, and to be able to express those ideas in public.

Truth: Citizens can demand that the government refrain from lying and offer full disclosure.

Crossword Puzzle and CDV test Monday, March 5

Yesterday, I was at a meeting regarding the new Common Core Social Studies Standards, but Ms Lytle was my sub.  She assigned, at my request, a crossword puzzle to be created by each student using 8 to 10 of the Core Democratic Values.

The kids were given graph paper to make the crossword grid, and a list of CDV definitions.  The crossword was due today, but since so many kids had trouble making the crossword, I've given them an extra day.  It's fine with me if your child wants to make a crossword on the computer.  I did show one class how to find Crossword Puzzle Makers on line by simply "Googling" Crossword Puzzle Maker.  The kids still have to type in the CDV definitions, so they have to read the definitions at least one more time.  Then, on Friday (3/2/12) they will exchange puzzles and solve a puzzle created by a classmate.  And...they will have to read the definitions again:-)

http://worksheets.theteacherscorner.net/make-your-own/crossword/crossword-puzzle-maker.php

The link above will take you to a nice crossword puzzle builder!

Thanks,
Cathy