Welcome Back!

Welcome back from Spring Break!



History Alive is a new curriculum that I am introducing into my class for the next two 6-week periods. We will be using it for our studies of Medieval Europe and The Renaissance. Students will learn using a variety of methods including experimental exercises, problem solving group work, and visual discoveries. Hopefully this will appeal to some of those students who have previously struggled with interest in Social Studies:)

Hiroshima and Nagasaki

We are viewing a video describing the use of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This leads into the discussion about Japan's role in banning nuclear weapons. It also opens up the discussion of the moral issues in using nuclear weapons. Interesting issues to be discussed at home when students are doing their News H.W. and reading about continued nuclear research.

Japan Project

Requirements: You and a partner will present a three (3) minute presentation on an aspect of Japanese history, culture and life, or the changing Japan.
You will need:
-6 slide PowerPoint or Smart Notebook presentation (include bibliography!)
-Some sort of prop (ie. Skit, dance, poster, dress, model, etc….)
-3 questions to ask students at the end of your presentation
Two tips in making this the best presentation EVER!
1) Remember to practice your presentation ahead of time so that you can follow Ms. Weis’ speaking guide!
2.) Slides in presentation must include plenty of information and images. Cover and bibliography count into the 6 slide minimum



Good Luck!

China Project

This project can be done in place of the test that we will be taking on January 28th. Students aren't responsible for doing both the test and the project.

China Board Game Design Project

The mission: Create an instructional board game. You are required to produce a game with pieces, cards, rules, and a board. Use one of your favorite games to help you design a template for playing your game.

You will need to include the following information:

-The name of the game
-Educational objective (what you want the players to get from the game)
-Time required to play game
-If similar to another game, which game?
-Appropriate age levels
-The rules
-The board
-Fifteen different concepts learned from our ‘China in the Middle Ages’ unit (ex. reuniting of China, printing process, China’s trade and conquest, etc…)

You can find materials for making your game around your house (with parent’s permission), at a craft store, out in the community, and from Ms. Weis. Many pizza stores will donate a box, which you can use for both the board, and the container to put all your pieces in!


Reminder: This is to be an instructional game that shows your knowledge of the ‘China in the Middle Ages’ unit from our JAT book.

Due dates: All projects will be due on Thursday, January 28th.

Show Mercy

My classes were treated to a presentation by Show Mercy. A local organization founded by Mike and Lori Salley, Show Mercy spreads awareness about their orphanages around the world. Thank you Mike and Lori for your expertise!

On another note...We have a test on Wednesday! Students have all of their notes to study from. These test results will show on this week's progress reports.

Africa Studies...

December 3rd, 2009

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are in the middle of our unit on Africa in our 7th grade Social Studies class. Throughout this unit, we have been studying events in African history that have led to its current status. In order to truly explore what is happening in Africa, I feel I need to address issues such as civil wars and genocides. We will be covering the atrocities that have occurred in countries like Rwanda, and the Congo. We will also being looking at apartheid in South Africa, and the AIDS crisis. I wanted to let you know that if you have any questions or concerns about the curriculum I will be teaching, to please let me know.

I have been careful in choosing books, videos, and other information that are not too graphic and that are age appropriate. Even so, I feel it is nearly impossible to convey reality and seriousness of the events without some disturbing images and concepts. I strongly believe that we must learn from our history in order to prevent ourselves from repeating it.

I assure you that I will create a safe learning environment and encourage students to discuss their feelings and concerns. No students will be required to view or participate in any lesson that they do not feel comfortable with. I would encourage you to discuss with your child what they are learning about in class. This will help them process such mature concepts.

Thank you for your support. It has been a treat teaching your students this year.


Sincerely,


Cathleen Weis
cathleen.weis@albany.k12.or.us
541.967.4541

Nov. 30th-Dec. 4th Homework

Students have been asked to choose an endangered African animal and write a short report on its habitat, population, preservation, etc... This will be due on Friday(4th), as usual.

Happy homeworking!