Holiday Excitement!

Holiday excitement has started to seep into LMS!

Please be sure to check Infinite Campus for your child's grades.  I posted the Chapter 3 test grades yesterday, so please take a minute to see your child's progress.  I have had a couple of kids come to me and tell me that the grade in Infinite Campus is wrong; I put in a +25 grade when it was really supposed to be a +35 grade!!  I told the kids to check from time to time and make sure I'm posting  the right numbers for the assignments; speed and accuracy are not always compatible.

I also told the kids that the test grade was out of a total of 34, not 35, because many kids missed the same question.  This tells me we either didn't spend enough time on the concept, or the question was not well written.  Either way, I tossed one question.  So.....if your child had +35 on the test, their score is now 102.94%.

When we return from winter break, we will be starting a unit on economics.  It sounds boring, but it is actually rather interesting and offers opportunities for hands-on activities.

I predict that tomorrow will be a crazy day, so let me take this opportunity to wish you a safe and happy Holiday.  Drive carefully.

Cathy

Test Wednesday, December 18! Study! Study!

Greetings!

The natives are restless, but there is work to be done this week.  We will be taking the test on Chapter 3, The World's People, on Wednesday, December 18.  We corrected the last two pages of review work today, and tomorrow we will go over the pre-test the kids took in November.

I did have one girl ask me last Friday to tell her how to study.  I pondered her request all weekend; it was a great question.  I explained to the kids that reading, and re-reading, the chapter would be a great way to study, and all I heard was a loud, collective groan!  I also explained that ALL the work we have been doing is building toward the test, and I mentioned that those who had missing assignments were really putting themselves in danger of not being able to pass the test.

I also made a quiz on Quizlet.  Several kids in each class indicated that they have used Quizlet, so they have a passing familiarity with the web site.  I have added a link that will get you close to our quiz.  I told the kids that using Quizlet is the perfect combination of studying and technology!!


http://quizlet.com/subject/Chapter-3-The-World's-People/

After you click on this link, look for the quiz made by me - MrsCWood.  There is a small picture of me, too, so hopefully the quiz will be easy to find.  There are several ways to use quizlet, so please encourage your child to take the quiz more than once.

Thanks,
Cathy

The Horizon extends to Wednesday! Weekend Homework(possible)

Greetings,

Once again, there is a change in plans!  Although I really  wanted to have the kids take the test over Chapter Three, The World's People, on Monday, I am forced to change the date.  The date is being changed for several reasons, not the least of which is the fact that the BMX Assembly really generated a lot of excitement. That excitement has spilled into the classroom, so attention spans are short today.

The new, improved test date will be Wednesday, December 18.  Please keep in mind that a test grade goes into the "60% of your grade" column, so this test will have a big impact on grades.  We have looked at the chapter from every angle, now it will be the responsibility of your child to review information on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Today's assignment was the "Chapter Review" from the "The World's People" booklet.  These are the last two pages in the booklet, and the assignment is broken into Sections.  Page numbers are required for Section 1 and Section 3.  Although there is no NEW information, the wording on a couple of the questions is throwing the kids.  I don't give answers, but I do direct them to the correct page, so I encourage you to do the same.  This assignment is due Monday, December 16.

Thanks,
Cathy

Test on the Horizon

Greetings,

The test over Chapter 3, The World's People,  will be given on Monday, December 16.  I am hoping the kids will be able to take the test on a computer, but if not, we will do it "the old fashioned" way, with a pencil.  If we take it on the computer, the kids will see one question at a time, choose their (correct) answer, and move on to the next question.  They will be able to go back and check/change answers, and when they are done they will submit their answers and immediately get their grade.  It is "instant" feedback.

We have been doing multiple activities to get into the book and really "know" the information.  Today's assignment is "The World's People" booklet page 18-Section 3 Daily Quiz and the Vocabulary Activity on page 7(which is immediately after page 18; don't ask!). Page numbers are required with each page, to once again get the kids to read/re-read the information. This work is due Friday, December 13.

It is heartening to hear the kids say that they know the answer without looking in the book, however, I still want page numbers with answers so I know they are once again using the learning tools available to them.  We will correct these pages tomorrow, which will give the kids a "study guide" for the test.

So, once again, the following assignments are due Friday, December 13:
Page 18-Daily Quiz Section 3 
Page 7- Vocabulary Activity(covers entire chapter)
Both assignments are in the "The World's People" booklet

Thanks,
Cathy

Change In Plans!

I had planned on having the kids take the test over Chapter 3, "The World's People" on Thursday, December 12.  As they say, however, "the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry", and such is the case for us.

The date is being changed because there will be a Band Concert on Thursday, and on Friday we will be going to a BMX program.  It's hard to make Sixth Graders concentrate with such excitement, and I do want them to concentrate.

The kids are beginning to notice that the same question is being asked in several different ways as we work through the chapter, which is good.  Learning to use the book is almost as important, at this point, as knowing the information, and I think we are making progress.  It is interesting to listen to them discuss the questions and possible answers, especially when they use the book to prove their point.  I love this type of learning!

The new, improved date for the Chapter Three Social Studies test will be Monday, December 16, 2013.  I will make sure kids bring home any assignment that may be of help for a quick study session over the weekend.

Thanks,
Cathy

Link to Chapter 3 Booklet, Chapter 3 Test date

Greetings,

We are working out of the "The World's People" booklet, and the kids will need this booklet until December 12.  Sadly, many kids have told me that they lost their booklet, and my cupboard is bare. By the time replacements arrive, it will be too late; we are taking a test over Chapter 3 on December 12.   I told the kids today that losing the booklet is really equivalent to losing a textbook.

 So, if  your child is one whose booklet has disappeared, you are free to print the necessary pages.  Below is the link to the booklet, but if the link doesn't work, go to the LMS Homework Page, click on my "Document" link, and look for the document entitled "Chapter 3 work".

Thanks,
Cathy



http://www.lowellschools.com/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=14736&fileitem=5414&catfilter=1922

Questions to be answered :)

Today we started reading Chapter 3, Section 2, which is entitled "Economic and Population".  We discussed the meaning of "gross" as it relates to "gross domestic product" and "gross national product".  I also assigned the following questions, which need to be answered and ready to correct on Wednesday, December 4.  Time was given in class to work on this assignment, and the majority of kids did complete the assignment.  Those who are not done need to complete this tonight, or they may come to my room during Academic Focus tomorrow.

Thanks,
Cathy

List three (3) characteristics of an Industrialized Country.

List three (3) characteristics of a Developing Country.

What does “Literacy Rate” mean?

What is “GDP”?

What is the importance of “per capita “GDP”?  

New Marking Period, New Grades

Greetings,

Welcome to the Second Trimester!  Although it started last Monday, today I will be putting in the first grades of the marking period.  I'm a little disappointed, but  I think this will be a "wake up call" for those students who dragged their feet on this assignment. The assignment was pages 2,8, and 16 in the "The World's People" booklet.

We started this assignment on November 21, and worked on it, for the entire  class period, on November 25 and 26. Originally, it was due November 26; the the two hour delay threw a monkey wrench into the works.  So, I told the kids last week that if they weren't done it would be homework over Thanksgiving break.  Today, there were several kids in the hall completing the work.

This was a fairly straight-forward assignment, but I did require them to provide a page number with each answer for the Page 16 assignment.  I want the kids to get used to using the book as a source of information; I don't expect them to memorize all this information.  Much of it is abstract, so it would be difficult to memorize.  What I do want them to learn is how to use a book, or a website, to gather information.

Today, as we corrected the work in class, I explained how this publisher approaches work.  Each assignment is very linear; the publisher starts at the beginning of a section and works through the section page-by-page.  Every question follows a "right to left, top to bottom" pattern.  Several of the kids caught on to this pattern right away, and others are beginning to discover the pattern.

If you see a missing grade or a failing grade, please encourage your child to complete the work and turn it in tomorrow.  I told everyone at the beginning of the new marking period that everyone had an "A", but it would be their responsibility to maintain that grade.  I'd like to see everyone back at that level.

Thanks,
Cathy

Culture! Culture! Culture!

This week we have been exploring culture through books and videos the past few days, and have finished this by creating "Culture Diagrams" comparing and contrasting China, Afghanistan, and the United States.  It's interesting to watch Sixth Graders process this information, and it leads to so great questions.

We have also been watching the documentary "God Grew Tired of Us" which is about the Lost Boys of Sudan.  We are watching this to observe the culture of Sudan, and to watch the process of acculturation.  We are also seeing glimpses of ethnocentrism as the young men from Sudan struggle to become American.

When we are doing this kind of work, work that is long-term, there is not homework.  Next Monday, however, we will return to the textbook, and there will be questions that need to be answered base on the reading,  so there is the potential for homework.

Have a safe weekend!

Cathy

Homework Alert!

There is a possibility that your child will have homework this evening.  We have been working on an assignment for three days, and it is due tomorrow, Friday, November 8. The information about this assignment has been on the board for three days, along with the due date, so there should be no surprise.

The assignment is this:
Vocabulary Illustration
Illustrate the vocabulary words found on pages 47, 48, and 49 in the Social Studies textbook. Each illustration needs the following:
1. the vocab word
2. a pictorial representation of the word
3. color

This assignment is being done on a sheet of printer paper, folded into nine squares, so the pictures are pretty small.  The vocabulary words to be illustrated are:
1.culture
2. culture trait
3. culture region
4. ethnic groups
5. multicultural
6. race
7. acculturation
8. symbol
9. ethnocentrism

Thanks,
Cathy

QUIZ! Tomorrow, October 31

Just a reminder that the Oceans, Seas, and Continents quiz is tomorrow, Thursday, October 31.

I sent links to a couple of map sites yesterday, but if you "google" World Map a number of options will pop up.

Today, we explored the culture of China by watching a video.  The kids were amazed by the schools in China.

Also, although tomorrow is Halloween, please do not allow your child to wear a costume.  There are NO Halloween parties at LMS.

Don't forget to study!

Quiz! Quiz! Quiz!

Guess what?  On Thursday, October 31, we will be having a GRADED Quiz on the Oceans, Seas, and Continents.  We have worked in the atlas, drawn and labeled a world map, and done other activities that required identifying the oceans, seas, and continents.

This is a good link for a clear world map with the seas labeled.  The only problem is this; what is labeled as the South China Sea on our map is labeled as the Philippine Sea on this map.
http://www.mapsofworld.com/physical-map/world-large.html


This map also has the oceans and seas labeled.  ALL the seas are labeled, however, so have your child check the list below       .http://www.freeworldmaps.net/ocean/map.html

Africa

Antarctica

Atlantic Ocean

Arabian Sea

Arctic Ocean

Asia

Australia

Bering Sea

Caribbean Sea

 Coral Sea

Europe

Indian Ocean

Mediterranean Sea

North America

North Sea

Pacific Ocean

Sea of Japan

South America

South China Sea

Southern Ocean

A New Adventure

Almost everyone turned in their World Map on time!!  Great job!  Aside from the obvious skills of drawing and labeling, the World Map also required kids to think and plan their drawing, plan the use of their time, and problem-solve.  The World Map is a great assignment, and way more complicated than it looks.

Today we took a pre-test over Chapter 3, which will be our next destination.  Chapter 3 is entitled "The World's People" and we will be looking at culture, economics, and global issues.  I have several assignments that go with this chapter, so I think the kids will have a good time while learning.

There is no homework tonight.

Thanks,
Cathy

World Map! !

Today we began the process of drawing and labeling a World Map.  This is a "long term" project; the kids will have this entire week to complete this assignment.  Since this is the only expectation for this week is to work on the map, there will be no homework.  If the map won't be completed by the end of class on Friday, October 25, I will send it home to be completed over the weekend.

Below are the required items and the scoring rubric.  I have suggested to the kids that they use the "Required Items" lists as a checklist; if they cross off items as they are added to the map, then everything should be on the map.  The final due date for the map is Monday, October 28, 2013.

Thanks,
Cathy

 Required Items for your World Map:

All the continents;

North America

South America

Africa

Europe

Asia

Antarctica

Australia

These Oceans need to be on your map:

Atlantic Ocean

Pacific Ocean

Southern Ocean

Indian Ocean

Arctic Ocean

These Seas need to be on your map:

Arabian Sea

Bering Sea

Caribbean Sea

Coral Sea

Mediterranean Sea

North Sea

Sea of Japan

South China Sea

You also need to:

Give your map a Title

Label the 4 hemispheres

Draw and label the Equator

Draw and label the Prime Meridian

Draw and label the Tropic of Cancer

Draw, label the Tropic of Capricorn

Make a Compass Rose

Your map also needs to be colored/painted

World Map

Scoring Rubric

Name: ___________________________

____/2 Title

____/2 Equator

____/2 Prime Meridian

____/2 Tropic of Cancer

____/2 Tropic of Capricorn

____/5 Compass Rose

____/4 Hemispheres

____/5 Oceans (placement)

____/8 Seas (placement)

____/2 Placement- Africa

____/2 Placement-Asia

____/2 Placement-North America

____/2 Placement-South America

____/2 Placement-Antarctica

____/2 Placement- Europe

____/2 Placement- Australia

____/7 Continents Labeled

____/5 Oceans labeled

____/8 Seas labeled

____/14 Colored

_________/80 points

_________ Letter Grade

MEAP Testing

Greetings,

As promised, LMS was busy with MEAP testing today.  I told my kids that every 6th grade student in the state would be doing the same test today, but I think it brought them little comfort :)

We will also be taking the MEAP test tomorrow, so once again we will have shortened classes.  We will, however, be correcting pages 9 and 10 on Wednesday.  Many kids are working ahead, which is fine with me; being able to read directions and work independently are great skills.

Have your child get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and be ready to take the MEAP reading test tomorrow!

Thanks,
Cathy

MEAP Testing

Wow; we have been so busy with in-class work that I haven't posted anything in a while.

I have put in grades for the Places Everyone assignment that we worked on September 23-25, in the computer lab.  Unfortunately, there are a few kids who are still missing this assignment.  It's now going to be completely a homework assignment.  It is also a "big" assignment - 90 points, so it really impacts your child's grade.

We have been working out of the atlas this week, and once again, I can not send home an atlas. I only have 30 copies, and most of my classes have 30 students.  I need every atlas, every day, so kids can complete assignments.  I have asked kids to come to my room during lunch to complete work, but not everyone accepts my invitation.

Next week, on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 8 and 9, all LMS students will be taking the MEAP test. It's important that your child be to school, on time, every day, but especially on MEAP days.  We start testing at 7:50; the schedule is re-configured to allow time for MEAP testing, so it will be confusing (for everyone!).
 We will also be MEAPing on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 15 and 16.


Have a great weekend.

 Go Red Arrows, beat East!!

Final Day in Computer Lab

Today was our final day in the Computer Lab to work on the "Places Everyone" assignment.  This assignment sent kids all over the world to record absolute locations.  I also required the kids to list the continent on which each site is located.

This assignment is due Thursday, September 26 at the beginning of class. We will not be going back to the computer lab, so unfinished work will need to be completed at home tonight.  We have dedicated three class periods to this assignment.

Below is the link to the Sixth Grade Homework page.  This assignment can be found in my "Documents" under the heading "Places Everyone".

http://lowellmiddleschool.weebly.com/6th.html


Thanks,
Cathy

Missing Work?

Several kids are still missing an assignment that was due on September 19.  When you check Infinite Campus, it will be easy to tell if your child has turned in the assignment; there will be a grade of 18 to 20.  The assignment was worth 20 points.

If you see an "M", that means the assignment is missing. It is important that your child complete this assignment and turn it in as soon as possible.  We corrected it in class, going over the answers on screen, so everyone has been exposed to the correct answers.  If your child needs to make up this assignment, you are free to print a copy by going to my "Documents" sections and printing the worksheet entitled :
  Absolute Relative Location from SS book". 

This is the link to the LMS Homework Page, just in case.


http://lowellmiddleschool.weebly.com/6th.html

Thanks,
Cathy

Link to "Places Everyone"

The assignment we will be working on the next three days is entitled "Places Everyone"; I"m not sure I included that in the previous post.  I have added that assignment to my "Documents", so if you want to take a look at it, feel free.

The documents are listed in alphabetical order, so you will need to look for "Places Everyone" with the added dated of today, September 23, 2013.

Thanks,
Cathy


The link:  http://www.lowellschools.com/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=14736&

Absolute Location

Greetings,

For the next three days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) we will be working with absolute location, which is expressed using latitude and longitude coordinates.  It's a fun activity which allows the kids to "travel" to specific sites around the world and visit many via Google Earth.

We will be in the computer lab to complete this assignment, and I am encouraging the kids to look at every site where pictures are available.  Today, I heard lots of talk about the Colosseum in  Rome and the pyramid at Chichen Itza.  I also told the kids they could find their house, and I may have them record that pair of coordinates, too.

An additional part of the assignment is the requirement that the continent on which each site is located be recorded, too.  When we took a pretest over Continents, Oceans, and Seas, I was surprised to learn that only 41% of the kids could correctly identify all seven continents.  So, this is a great way to learn about continents.

This is NOT homework.  It will become homework on Wednesday if the assignment is not complete :)  I can't see why anyone would not have it completed, but.......   So, the due date is Thursday, September 26, at the beginning of class.


Thanks,
Cathy

Lots of Missing Homework :(

There were several kids who did not complete the assignment given yesterday, which is too bad, because it was a relatively easy assignment.  We did correct the assignment in class today, and grades will be posted by  noon tomorrow.  If your child received a "M", or Missing, grade, they will be with me Friday during lunch.  The assignment is not difficult, but it does take a few minutes to complete.  It is a "self-contained" assignment, no extra books were needed, unless one needed to look up the names of the continents.

I am usually at school by 7:20 every morning, and kids are welcome to come down and ask me questions about work.  They may also come during Academic Focus or lunch; I'm almost always in my room during lunch.  I actually invited a student to come to my room this morning before school to complete the assignment, but my invitation was not accepted.

Please remind your child that they are responsible to complete assignments.  There is not a "recess time" at the Middle School, so work not completed during class is automatically HOMEWORK.  Coming to my class before school, during Academic Focus, and/or lunch is the only time there is "extra time" during the day.  I am here, take advantage of me :)

Thanks,
Cathy

Link to "Absolute & Relative Location" Assignment

Below is a link (I hope) to today's assignment, just in case your child didn't complete it, but left it at school :) The assignment is due Thursday, September 19.

If the link doesn't work, check in my "Documents" file on the LMS Homework Page.  It was loaded today, but the school year date is still 2011-2012.  Look for the words Absolute Location.

Thanks,
Cathy



http://www.lowellschools.com/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=14736&fileitem=5243&catfilter=ALL

Possible Homework!

Today, we did an Map Activity finding absolute and relative location.  It is a self-contained assignment, no book required, and many kids finished before the end of class.  Those who did not finish need to bring it home and complete the assignment.  This assignment is due Thursday, September 19.



Thanks,
Cathy

Grading Information and Assignment Due Tuesday

Along with letter grades for academic classes, your child will also receive a numerical rating for "Employ-ability" skills.  I talked about this with each class last Friday, September 13.  I'm attaching that information to this posting.


Our first assignment is due Tuesday, September 17. This assignment is pages 1,2,3, and 4 in the "Getting to Know Your Atlas" workbook.  We have been working on these four pages since September 11, and that is more than enough time to get the work completed.  However, those who struggle to work during "work time" are finding themselves "behind".  I had kids come in during lunch, their choice, to complete the assignment, and that offer stands for tomorrow, too.  I can not allow an atlas to be taken home because I have NO extra copies; if someone forgets to bring an atlas back, I won't have enough for everyone in class.

Thanks,
Cathy

Work Habits

• Comes to class on time and prepared to work
• Works independently
• Completes assignments on time
• Follows directions
• Listens and participates in class discussions

Social Habits

·        Respects School Rules

·        Respects School Property

·        Thoughtful of others

·        Demonstrates Self control

·        Cooperates with teacher and group

Scoring

1        Student consistently demonstrates without reminders

2        Student consistently demonstrates with some reminders

3        Student needs frequent reminders

4        Student rarely demonstrates

Pretests!

Greetings,

Today the kids took a pretest on Oceans, Seas, and Continents.  This is a PRETEST, and although it will be corrected, and the score will be recorded, this is not an assignment that will be put in the grade book.  I explained to the kids that a pretest is basically for my information, providing a starting point for instruction.  It seemed to help lower the anxiety level!

There will be a pretest on Tuesday and Wednesday, too.  Sixth Grade Social Studies has three SMART Goals, one per trimester, so I want the "starting point" information as soon as possible.

We also started working in the atlas today.  We didn't get far, but that is okay.  It will continue to move along in the atlas for the next few day.

Thanks,
Cathy

Welcome Back!

Well, the first week of school is under our belts!!  The kids seem to be getting the hang of lockers, locating classrooms, and getting to lunch on time :)

This week I assigned three "easy" assignments, but the assignments will be graded.  These will be graded mainly for completion and having the work turned in on time.  There was PLENTY of time to complete assignments in class.

Next week we will be taking pretest; the scores are NOT recorded as grades, but provide me with information.  We will also begin working with the atlas and the textbook.  I told the kids I would not be assigning individual textbooks this year.  We will have books available in the classroom, and if needed, I will have books that can be checked out for homework completion.

Have a great weekend.  Go PINK ARROWS!

Cathy

Collecting Books

Today I collected the Social Studies books.  I started early to give kids a chance to find their books because in each class there are two or three kids who have no idea where their book may be located.  I did issue "Book Fine" slips to those kids who didn't have their books today, but I will not turn them in to the office until the end of the day Thursday, June 6. The fine for a missing Social Studies book is $36.00; a damaged book fine is $9.00.  If a book  has a cover almost completely torn off, I consider that damage.  Our books are old, but I did not issue a book with a "hanging" cover this year.

Thanks,
Cathy

Core Democratic Values Test Wednesday, May 29

Tomorrow, May 29, we will be having a test over the Core Democratic Values.  It will be a "fill-in-the-blank" test, and it will be recorded as a test.  I am adding the list of definitions to this post; the test will be over the CDV terms.

Also, due tomorrow, May 29, is the CDV presentation.  The majority of kids have chosen to create a power point, which can be turned in electronically.  Ask your student to show you their presentation.  It will be a good way to review for the test :-)

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.

Social Studies; The Next Six Days

These are our task for the coming days:

May 21-23: Create a Core Democratic Values (CDV)power point presentation -OR- booklet - we will have Chrome books in the classroom, students will be given a list of the CDV definitions today to begin the process.  The presentation/booklet MUST include the following information:
1. Copy of the "book" definition of each CDV
2. The definition "in your own words"
3. A real-life example of the CDV
4. A picture of the CDV with rational (why does this picutre represent the CDV?)

May 24: Latin American Market Trade and Barter Day;  Information about this "assignment" was sent home May 17, and is posted on the blog :)

May 28:  Complete CDV power point/booklet, this is due May 29, and there WILL NOT be computers in the classroom on May 29, so electronic assignments will need to be submitted BEFORE class.

May 29: Test  over CDVs

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.

Coming Soon!!

Latin American Trade and Barter Day

Who: 6^th grade students

What: Bring in items to trade and barter with their classmates. * Items must fit into one grocery bag.  Students should also bring in a colorful beach towel which will help to organize the merchandise.

When: Friday, May 24 2013

Where: Media center

Why: Markets are essential in Latin American countries. This activity gives students the opportunity to experience a market setting where they can trade and barter.

* Items to consider for trade: CD’s DVD’s, computer games, old toys, jewelry, crafts, if it’s handmade it probably is OK to trade. All items to trade should pass parental inspection and approval. Items not permitted: food, old clothing, lotions, makeup, body spray, candles, or anything flammable. Use good judgement.

Mapping Wealth and Poverty in Brazil

Today, we started working on an assignment in which the kids will create a chloropleth map.  The first step is to order the per captia GDP data, which provided, of the states of Brazil.  The next step is to develop classes, or ranges of per capita GDP, and assign a color to each range.  Finally, the map of Brazil needs to be colored based on the color/range scheme each child has developed.

The kids will have all hour tomorow, May 16, to work on this assignment.  It is due Friday, May 17.  Friday, we will resume Country presentations.

Thanks,
Cathy

Begin the Presentations :-)

All Central and South America country reports will be due by tomorrow, May 10.

Third Hour started presenting their Central/South American country reports today.  Most have done a nice job, and the rest of the class seems interested in the information being presented.

Presentations in 4th , 5th, and 6th hours will begin tomorrow, May 10. Reports not turned in by tomorrow will be considered LATE, and will be graded as late work.  We have been working on this research/presentation since April 29; every class period for the past eight days has been dedicated to this project.  Work that is not completed will have to be finished at home, or in my room during lunch.  I have returned the Chrome book cart, other teachers are waiting to use the computers, too, so kids will not be able to work on their presentations during classtime.  Their job now is to listen as their classmates educate them about these countries.

Thanks,
Cathy

The End (of the project) is Near

Today, Third Hour should have had ALL its facts for the Central/South America country project.  That's a total of 25 facts if your child opted to "go for an A".

Tomorrow, May 8, Third Hour will put the finishing touches on their projects, because they are due Thursday, May 9. We will actually be doing presentations beginning Thursday; the computers will be gone, and it will be expected that students listen to, and learn from, the presentations that will be given during class.


Today, 4th , 5th, and 6th hours did their last day of research, so by the time class begins tomorrow, they should have 25 facts, too.  Their final project will be due Friday,May 10. These classes will be able to put finishing touches on their projects tomorrow and Thursday, although some kids will really need to hustle to be done on time. 

Each class has had the same number of days to complete their projects.  Last Tuesday the computers all "died" after Third hour, which is why their deadline was extended.  I should actually have Third hour watch the movie  everyone else watched when the computers were without power!

For ALL CLASSES, the Central America map is due Wednesday, May 8. This due date has been on the board since Monday, May 6.  The map was assigned May 3, and all class period on May 3 was dedicated to working on the map.

Thanks,
Cathy

Central, South America Country Project

Greetings,

We are still conducting research on Central and South American countries, but we are drawing to a close on this project.  The completed  project  is due Thursday, May 9 for Third Hour.

The completed project is due Friday,May 10, for 4th, 5th, and 6th hours.

Tomorrow, May 7, five facts about the Culture of your student's country are due for Third Hour.

Tomorrow, May 7, five facts about the Geography/Physical Features are due for 4th, 5th, and 6th hours.

A few students have already completed their projects and submitted them electronically to me!  I am encouraging kids to have a classmate watch their presentation first, to check for clarity.  The beauty of an electronic presentation is that it can be edited very quickly and easily, and submitted several times!  I ask that kids "tag" their final copy.


Also, due for ALL CLASSES Wednesday, May 8 is the map of Central America that was assigned on Friday, May 3.  The entire class period on May 3 was dedicated to working on this assignment.

Thanks,
Cathy

Central/South America Country Project

We started the Central/South American Country project yesterday, but were thwarted today by lack of battery power! Instead of doing research, 4th, 5th, and 6th hours watched a movie about Haiti and the Dominican Republic. 

Tomorrow,  May 3, 3rd hour needs to have their  five facts about the Government/Economy of their countries.  Examples of potential information were given today, and 3rd Hour was able to work on the Chrome books.

Tomorrow, we will continue with research.  I have explained to the kids that their facts need to have a reference point.
 For example, a fact such as :  20-25 degrees (C) has NO meaning!  I don't know if this is the best temperature for drying fruit, the best temperature for swimming......... You get the point. 


 Instead, the facts should be written like this:

The average daily temperature of Germany in 20-25 degress (C).

Please ask to see your child's work; ask that they explain their facts to you.  Part of this project will be presenting the country information to the rest of the class, so it would be great for them to practice with a friendly audience.  It's a good way make sure that everything sounds "reasonable".

This project will be due on the following dates.  Students who are creating a powerpoint can just e-mail their work to me :)

Third Hour - due May 9
Fourth, Fifth, Sixth Hours - due May 10

If there are changes in due date, which could happen, I will post the adjusted dates. 

Thanks,
Cathy

Explorers are done!

We finished our Explorers simulation Thursday, and today we watched a movie about Cuba.  Next week we will begin the "Central/South America country project".  The kids did draw for countries today, so if your child was absent, there will be assigned a country on Monday.

We will spend the next week researching our countries.  I have reserved a cart of Chrome books, so everyone will have a computer.  This assignment will be graded as a "Test/Project/Quiz" assignment, so it will be going in to the 60% bucket.

I've attached the requirements, which I've gone over with each class.  The kids will receive a paper copy of this on Monday, but I'm making it public now :)  If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an e-mail!

Have a great weekend; I heard the sun is supposed to make an appearance!!

Thanks,
Cathy

Central/South America Project Assessment

Scoring Rubric

Label your book/slide with the following Headings (spelling COUNTS!)

Climate/Wild Life/Vegetation           Government and Economy        History            Geography/Physical Features        Culture

You will need three (3) illustrations (hand drawings), three (3) pictures, or a combination of both, in your flipbook.

For each of the Headings, you will need to list five (5/4/3) facts.  Your Headings may be in any order you choose. 

Consider including the following information for each Heading:

Climate:  types of climates and their locations, native plants, native animals

Geography/Physical Features: bodies of water and their locations, landforms and their locations, borders, Resources and their locations

Government and Economy:  Structure of Government, the type of work done by the people of your country, imports, exports

History:  Ancient Civilizations, European Conquest, Colonization

Culture: Food, Customs/Holidays, Dress, Sports, Music, dance

There is much more information that can be added to each Heading; these are just ideas.  As you do your research, you may find some aspect that is more interesting to you.

You MUST understand each fact you put in your project; DO NOT copy and paste!  That is considered PLAGERISM.  To earn a grade, you must have the number of facts listed, and the facts must be accurate.

Title Page – 1 point-required

Heading Labels –1 point-required

3 Pictures/Illustrations – 3 points-required

Geography -Five Facts, 5 points                         Four facts-4 points      3 facts-3 points

Climate- Five Facts, 5 points                              Four facts-4 points      3 facts-3 points

Culture – Five Facts, 5 points                             Four facts-4 points      3 facts-3 points

History – Five Facts, 5 points                             Four facts-4 points      3 facts-3 points

Government/Economy – Five Facts, 5 points     Four facts-4 points      3 facts-3 points

  30 points =A                                                                29- 25 points=B              24-20 points=C

                                                                               

Change in Plans!

Earlier I had posted information about the "Mexico Flipbook" assignment, but since that time, I've made a change in plans!!  When we get ready to start this assignment I will let you know!

We are currently doing an "Explorers" simulation, which the kids are loving.  This simulation involves group work, problem solving, listening, following directions, and dealing with "disappointment".  Every explorer will not live to see the New World, but that was the way things happened.

There is NO homework involved with this activity; it MUST be done in class, so it is imperative that kids listen.  I have had to tell one group that if they make the choice to not listen, they will be given an alternate assignment. 

This is fun, and I hate to have any group miss the action, but there are expectations that everyone listen and follow direction. Energy levels are high, which is great, but there needs to be a demonstration of self-control, too.

 It is great watching kids come in, go to the big world map, and try to determine the best route from Spain to the "New World".  It's more exciting than reading about explorers!

Thanks,
Cathy

Coming Soon; The Mexico Flipbook Assignment!

Below are the directions for an assignment that will be given on Monday, April 15.  You don't need to worry about this assignment yet!!  This is just to let you know what is coming up next.  This has been a Sixth Grade assignment for the past two years, so it may look familiar to some parents :)

Mexico “Flipbook” Assessment (Test)

Scoring Rubric

Label your book with the following Headings (spelling COUNTS!)

Climate/Wild Life/Vegetation           Government and Economy        History            Geography/Physical Features        Culture

You will need three (3) illustrations (hand drawings), three (3) pictures, or a combination of both, in your flipbook.

For each of the Headings, you will need to list five (5) facts.  You may use three (3) facts from your book, but at least two (2) facts must come from “research” you do in the Computer Lab.  If you want to do ALL your facts from your “research” that is perfectly acceptable. J  Your Headings may be in any order you choose. 

Consider including the following information for each Heading:

Climate:  types of climates and their locations, native plants, native animals

Geography/Physical Features: bodies of water and their locations, landforms and their locations, borders, Resources and their locations

Government and Economy:  Structure of Government, the type of work done by the people of Mexico, Wages, Maquiladoras

History:  Ancient Civilizations, Spanish Conquest

Culture: Food, Customs/Holidays, Dress, Sports, Music, dance

There is much more information that can be added to each heading; these are just ideas.  As you do your research, you may find some aspect that is more interesting to you.

You will be graded thusly:

Title Page – 1 point

Heading Labels –1 point

3 Pictures/Illustrations – 3 points

Geography – Five Facts, 5 points

Climate- Five Facts, 5 points

Culture – Five Facts, 5 points

History – Five Facts, 5 points

Government and Economy – Five Facts, 5 points

Total = 30 points

Map of Mexico

We have been working on a map of Mexico, labeling cities, bodies of water, and mountain ranges.  The kids have had two class periods to complete this map, and it is due Thursday, April 11 at the start of class.  There will be no time to work on this assignment during class on Thursday.

Next week, we will be doing a "mini-research" project on Mexico.  I will post the requirements for that assignment tomorrow. 

Thanks,
Cathy

Welcome Back!!

Well, we are back at it; toiling away to learn about Mexico, exploreres, and Core Democratic Values.  Today, I gave the kids about 30 minutes to complete an assignment that was given before Spring Break.  Sadly, not everyone took advantage of the extra time; there were several "Zaps" given because the work was incomplete.

Today's assignment, which is due Tuesday, April 9, is pages 9 & 10 in the Chapter 7 booklet.

Thanks,
Cathy

The Week at a Glance

Social Studies

March 13-22

March 13-15:  Research, using Chrome books, on Aztec and Maya civilizations; “Google” Aztec Culture for Kids  and Maya Culture for Kids to find information that is easier to read and understand.  These google searches will take you to web-sites designed for middle school students.

March 18-20: Work on paper, which should be 15-20 sentences long, in class.  You will probably need to write, then edit and re-write, your paper.  This is a TEST grade, so you want it to be good J The final draft of the paper is due March 22, at the start of class.  You will not have time to work on the paper March 22, it should be done and ready to turn in when you enter the class.

March 20-22: Read Section 2, Chapter 7, do booklet pages 6,7,and 8. 

During the week of March 18-22, you will also have a four page “packet” of work to do, all of which is based on the Maya civilization.  You may work on this at anytime; if you finish your paragraph early, this is what you can be doing.  This packet is due at the end of class on March 22. 

Econ Re-Test Wednesday, March 13

The Econ re-test for those kids who scored 80% or lower will be tomorrow, Wednesday, March 13.  I invited the kids who need to re-take the test to come to my room today during lunch for a quick review.  The test will cover the same 20 terms, but the questions have been re-worked and re-ordered.  It is important that your child understand the meaning of each term; it will not be "good enough" to just memorize the old test.

I will have them take the test during regular classtime; we will be working on computers so it will be quiet in the classroom.

Thanks,
Cathy

Maya and Aztec

We are currently using chromebooks to reseach the Maya and Aztec civilizations.  We will spend three days conducting research, which can be difficult.  Everyone wants ME to answer their questions, but I am expecting them to "try" before they ask.  This research is fairly open-ended, but we will be writing a multi-paragraph paper next week, so it is important that the kids have enough information to write their paper.

We have also been working in the Chapter 7 booklet.  Chapter 7 is a brief history of Central America and South America, which is why we are focusing on the Maya and Aztec.  Your child should have completed pages 1,2,4, and 5 in the booklet.  Grades for these assignments have been posted.

When we have completed the paper on Maya/Aztec, we will be moving in to an Individual Project about a Central or South American country.  More information about this project will be coming next week.

Thanks,
Cathy

Possible Homework Tonight

Today, the task was to complete the Timeline which was started on Thursday, February 28.  It is due Tuesday, March 5.  The timeline serves as a look at Chapter 4 in the Social Studies book, which is the only chapter dedicated to history.  The time line is fairly easy, but requires the kids to read the chapter.  It does follow the chapter in order, too. 

I also gave everyone an Econ Quiz study guide.  This is also due tomorrow, March 5, so I can give the correct answers.  It does no good to study incorrect information.  The test of economic terms will be Wednesday, March 6.  This test WILL go in the grade book as a test, so it will be important for your child to be familiar with the terms.  We have spent an extended period of time with the terms, but it is still important to study.
 

Below are the Economic terms that will be on the test:

 command economy      demand       exports     free enterprise     good    GNP  GDP  

human resources     imports     market economy         natural resources 

opportunity cost      primary      quaternary   scarce     secondary   service  

shortage     supply   tertiary   tropical 

The timeline can be found on the LMS Homework web-site in my "Documents" section.

Thanks,
Cathy