Link to Latin America Capitals Song

Enjoy!

click here

The First Big Test - October 3

If it was on the Maps and Globes Quiz and/or the Cultures and North America Quiz, it will most likely be on the test.  The big exception is that I am not TESTING anything from North America specifically - it might be used as examples, but not as what you need to know.

So...study your graded quizzes and quiz review sheets!  You will also get a test review for practice on Friday.

Pages in the ISN worth looking at again: 1-14!  I am not trying to trick you in any way.  If you "got it" on the quizzes, you are going to do well on the test.  If you "missed it" on the quizzes, study what you missed so you can get it on the test!

The test has about 35 matching, multiple choice, and fill-in-the-blank questions covering: PERSIA, TODALSIGS, landforms, latitude and longitude, time zones, continents and oceans, "Who Rules" - types of governments,. cultural vocabulary. You're going to do great!

Culture and North America Quiz - 9/28/18

What should I study for the North America and Culture Quiz?  You could re-read pages 96-101, 155-160, 182-187 in the textbook. You’ll want to look over pages 1, 8, 11-12, 14, 15, 16-18 in the ISN – especially page 17. And, the stuff below (which is from those pages):

1. What is a cultural value?____________________________________________________________________________

2. What is a cultural trait?_____________________________________________________________________________

3. What are the six broad categories of cultural traits we will study this year?

P___________________                            S___________________

E___________________                            I____________________

R___________________                            A___________________

4. A cultural region is an area of the world in which many people share similar _______________________,

________________________, and ____________________________.

For 5-14, identify the following elements common to all cultures:  (Page 8 in your ISN might be helpful, hint, hint.)

5. _____________________ instruments used to do work

6. _____________________ organized collection of beliefs that relate to the meaning of life

7. _____________________ moving people, goods, and materials from one place to another

8. _____________________ leaders/courts/laws

9. _____________________ producing, distributing, and consuming goods

10. ____________________ the process of imparting knowledge, skills and cultural values

11. ____________________ sports, games, and other play activities

12. ____________________ the exchange of ideas and information

13. ____________________ a group of persons, usually related, living in one household

14. ____________________ an outlet of human expression presented so that anyone can view, hear or experience it

For 15-19,   identify the type of government. (Pages 11-12 in your ISN might be helpful, hint, hint.)

15.___________________________ The world’s smallest country, Vatican City, is ruled by the Pope – who is both the governmental and spiritual leader of the country.

16. ___________________________ This type of government was the most common in human history until modern times.  One person ruled with complete authority.  Power was usually passed down through families.

17. ___________________________ For almost 50 years Anastasio Somoza (and his sons after his death) treated Nicaragua as if it was their own playground.  They took money from the government treasury, land and buildings from the people,  and gave all the powerful jobs to their friends and family. They were never elected into power, but had complete control of the military and country.

18. ___________________________ From the mid 1500s to the late 1700s, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was governed by a group of wealthy landowners from both regions.  They took power away from the former king.

19. _____________________________ Both modern day countries in the North American Cultural Region enjoy this type of elected government.

20. List four reasons that the Canadian/U.S. border is undefended. 

21. Which two countries have had the greatest impact CULTURALLY on the North American cultural region?

22. What is the Continental Divide? 

23. Which physical feature of North American has had the greatest impact on the financial success of the continent?

24. Do more North Americans live in big cities (urban) or in the country (rural)? Why do you think that is?

25. When it comes to entertainment like movies, music and television shows, it is often difficult to tell if they were made in the U.S. or Canada.  Why is that? 

26. Why did the American founding fathers created THREE branches of government? 

27. In both the U.S. and Canada, there are still cultural conflicts based on decisions made hundreds of years ago. In American, the decision not to address slavery in order to pass the U.S. Constitution into law lead to what in the mid-1800s and still causes social strife in our culture today? __________________ In Canada, the decision to allow Quebec to keep French cultural, language and religious traditions in British held Canada has led to modern social strife between provinces and a Quebec voting on whether or not to become its own country in the 1980s and 1990s.  Based on these examples, we see how closely what areas of PERSIA can be related? 

               

28. Be able to identify physical features as political borders in North America.  Give some examples.

              

DAVs Homework - Due Monday, Sept. 24

Dominant American Values Homework

Cultural values are the behaviors and standards a society expects of its members.  The following is a list of some of the Dominant American Values – beliefs that are widely admired and held in modern American society.  While there will always be exceptions, these are valued by the majority Americans.

1. Achievement and Success – In our competitive society, stress is placed on personal achievement. This is measured in accomplishments, such as economic ones.  Success lays emphasis on rewards.  Success is involved with activity; failure is often assigned to character defects.  Success is often equated with bigness and newness.

2.  Activity and Work – Americans also value busy-ness, speed, bustle, action.  The frontier idea of work for survival is still with us, as is the Puritan ethic of work before play.  Work becomes an end in itself.  A person’s worth is measured by his performance.

3.  Moral Orientation – Americans think in terms of good and bad, right and wrong – not just in practical terms. Early Puritan ideals of working hard, leading and orderly life, having a reputation for integrity and fair dealing, avoiding reckless display, and carrying out one’s purposes still holds weight.

4. Humanitarianism – Much emphasis is placed on disinterested concern, helpfulness, personal kindness, aid and comfort, spontaneous aid in mass disasters, as well as impersonal philanthropy. 

5. Efficiency and Practicality – Germans refer to our “Fordismus” or belief in standardization, mass production, and stream lined industrialism.  We like innovation, modernity, expediency, getting things done.  We value technique and discipline in science. We enjoy it when things work out well.

6. Progress – Americans look forward more than backwards.  We resent the old-fashioned, the outmoded. We seek the best yet through change. Progress is often identified with the Darwinian idea of survival of the fittest and with the free private enterprise system.

7. Material Comfort – Americans enjoy passive gratification – drink this, chew that, take a vacation.  We prefer happy endings in movies.  We enjoy consumption, and heroes before 1920 were more from social, commercial, and cultural worlds of production; but after 1920 the heroes came more from the leisure-time activities of sports and entertainment. Yet, Americans also enjoy culture and “work” at do-it-yourself hobbies and vacations.

8. Equality – Our history has stressed the quality of opportunity, especially economic opportunity.  We feel guilt, shame, or ego deflation when in-equalitarianism appears.  While discrimination exists, there is much lip service to formal rights, legal rights. Equality is not a pure concept, but largely two-sided: social rights and equality of opportunity.

9. Freedom – American also seek freedom from some restraint, having confidence in the individual. Freedom enters into free enterprise, progress, individual choice and equality.  It has not meant the absence of social control.

10.  External Conformity – Americans also believe in adherence to group patterns, especially for success. Economic, political, and social dependence and interdependence call for some conformity.  The thinking is: if all men are equal, each has a right to judge the other and regulate conduct to accepted standards.

11. Individual Personality – We protect our individualism by laws and by the beliefs in one’s own worth.

12. Science – Americans have faith in science and its tools. Science is rational, functional, and active. Science is morally neutral. It adds to our material comfort and progress.

13. Nationalism-Patriotism – Americans feel some sense of loyalty to their country, its national symbols and its history.  Foreigners observe how we value our flag and our national anthem; how we believe that America is the greatest country in the world.

14. Democracy – Americans have grown to accept majority rule, representative institutions, and to reject monarchies and aristocracies.  We accept law, equality and freedom (as long as we have a say in the laws).

 Reminder: IMDB.com will help you figure out if it's made in the USA or Disney.  Star Wars fans, yes, you may use a Star Wars movie that was PRODUCED by Disney, but not one that was made before they bought the franchise.

Homework: Select ONE of the following activities to do and bring to class on ____________:

a. Clip ads from newspapers and magazines (print or online) that represent at least 5 of the D.A.V.s – label with values they represent and explain (in detail) how they represent those values. These must be current advertisements.

b. Watch a domestically produced (made in the USA) children’s cartoon.  Tell the name of the show, the time it aired and the channel it was on or when it was produced and how you accessed it.  Write a one page analysis of the D.A.V.s being transmitted or reinforced in that show (You must identify and discuss at least 5 D.A.V.s.)

c. Watch one local news program. Keep track of how long each story is and what it was about.  Write a one page analysis on how the D.A.V.s are reflected in the program i.e. the order of presentation, the time given to each story, the use of graphics, the use of on-the-spot reporting.  Be sure to tell the time it aired and the channel it was on.  (You must identify and discuss at least 3 D.A.V.s.)

d. Some cultural observers claim that Walt Disney has created our American Dream, our mythology.  Watch any Disney movie or show and write a one page analysis of the D.A.V.s being transmitted or reinforced in that show.  Be sure to tell the name of the movie/show and the year it was produced. (You must identify and discuss at least 5 D.A.V.s.)

e. The faces of heroes and heroines are often found on the covers of popular national magazines.  Read any cover story from a national magazine (like Time, People, Sports Illustrated, Reader’s Digest, Entertainment Weekly, Newsweek) and analyze (at least one page) the hero in terms of the D.A.V.s.  Which values do they seem to have/represent?  How do you know?  Be sure to give the: title of the magazine and article, author or the article, and publication date. (You must identify and discuss at least 4 D.A.V.s.)

Create A Culture - Major Grade - Due Monday, 9/17

Create a Culture

This is your chance to create a completely new and unique culture.  You need to work cooperatively with your group to complete this assignment.  FIRST, work together for the group assignment.  Second, complete the individual assignments WHILE consulting with each other.  Third, work cooperatively to assemble the poster, plan and practice your presentation. Last, present your culture with enthusiasm, flair, and hats!

Group Assignment

Decide on a location on the globe for the country where your culture is found.  It must be located where there is no land.  Write up a brief description of the weather and major geographical features.

Create the culture of your country.  Fill out a P.E.R.S.I.A. sheet for your country – be detailed and specific.  Under the S in P.E.R.S.I.A include 2 or 3 dominate cultural values. You must do these two things together before beginning the Individual Assignments.

Individual Assignments

Each individual in your group will complete one of the following individual assignments.  As a group, decide who will be responsible for each assignment.  Consider the strengths and talents of you and your members as you decide who should be responsible for each assignment.  Each group must have a person responsible for numbers 1-3.  Select from the remaining choices based on the number of people in your group. Remember, cooperate.

1. Physical map

     Draw a physical map of your country.  Name and correctly label at least 15 landforms that are illustrated on pages RA36 and RA37 in your social studies book or are on the LANDFORMS sheet in your ISN.  Also include:

·       Lines of latitude and longitude to locate your country on the globe

·       Compass rose

·       Scale

·       The name of surrounding ocean(s) and country or countries

·       Your national capital city

·       Natural points of interest (For instance in Texas I might highlight: beaches, lakes, hiking trails, rivers, forests.)

2. Political map and thematic map (2 maps)

     The political map will show state borders or other governmental borders.  Locate capital city for your country and other major cities.  Include TODAL elements.

     The thematic map should cover any theme, such as roads, waterways, or tourist sites, other than natural resources, that is important to your country.  Include TOAL elements.

3. Symbols of your country

     All group members should decide on the following elements of your country’s culture, but one of your members should create them.  This will definitely require compromise.

·       Flag of your country

·       Traditional hat of your country for each group member

·       National anthem (All group members will sing the anthem in your presentation.)

·       National motto

·       Currency of your country

4. Newspaper or magazine article with map

     Create a newspaper or magazine article that describes natural resources in your country.  Be sure to include the 5W’s and H in the first paragraph of your article (who, what, when, where, how).  Include information on how these resources can be used and how they can aid the economic development of your country.  Draw a thematic map showing the location of the natural resources.

5. Travel brochure

     Create a travel brochure that showcases your country’s highlights for potential tourists from other parts of the world.  Include pictures and illustrations of major holiday and/or religious celebrations, typical dress (including traditional headdress), homes, towns, and cities, recreation, and other cultural aspects of your country.  Be sure to include captions or write-ups for each picture.

6. News article

     Write a news article that reports on one of the following events that happened recently in your country.  Remember to include the 5W’s and H (who, what, when, where, how) in the first paragraph of your article.  The rest of the article provides details and additional information about the event.  Possible events are:   religious holiday, political election, major art exhibit, reorganization of the country’s school system, and any other important event to your country

Group Presentation

Arrange the completed assignments above on a poster board.  Add a title (the name of your country) and the names of your group members on the front of the poster.  Present your country by sharing the information on the individual assignments as well as interesting cultural traits you developed in the planning. Don’t forget to include the hats and anthem and other requirements of #3. Your group’s presentation of your country should be about 10 minutes. 

Evaluation

Each person in the group can potentially earn a different grade for this project.  It is a major grade.

_____(20)  worked cooperatively with your group, focused/on-task, respectful, contributed to the general success, daily participation

_____(50)  individual assignment meets all requirements as listed on this sheet, matches other components in the presentation and on the poster, shows depth and thoroughness of thought and planning, legible/neat

_____(30)  poster is neat and coordinated (shows planning); presentation is smooth and logical in order (shows planning); contents of poster and presentation show depth and thoroughness of thought and coordination in your planning; poster and presentation meet all requirements as listed on this sheet.

Major Dates for the First Nine Weeks

This post will be a regularly updated list of major grades and events for the first nine weeks.  You will notice some dates are not set yet, so I gave a window.  I will revise the list as dates firm up. 😀


8/30 - Decorated ISN due BOC
9/3 - Labor Day Holiday
9/5 - Maps and Globes Quiz
9/17 - Create a Culture Project Due
9/24-28 - Book Fair
9/26 - 9/28 Culture and North America Quiz
9/27 - Open House
10/3 - Maps and Globes & Culture Test
10/8 - no school for kids
10/12 - Last day of the 1st Nine Weeks

Welcome to the 18-19 School Year!

Welcome to MMS!  I am glad we have class together!

Teacher:  Niki Pokladnik Connor                    Course:    6^th Grade GT Social Studies

Phone:  713-251-3993                                    Conference Period: 12:28 -1:15

Email: Jennifer.Connor@springbranchisd.com      (nota bene: [.com] not [.org], [Jennifer] not [Niki] )

6^th Grade Gifted and Talented Social Studies is a differentiated program focused on the study of world cultures and how the physical world impacts culture and history. The social studies textbook - along with many other resources are used such as stories, articles, poems, video clips, and non-fiction books. The curriculum is advanced and accelerated with an emphasis on higher level thinking skills.  Pre-AP skills are included in the GT SS program.

Students who like to read and write, who have an interest in the world around them, and who exhibit task commitment are successful in this class. Respectful, self-disciplined behavior of each student is necessary for achievement of his or her personal best – and expected as a member of a learning community.

You will need the following materials and supplies EVERY DAY for this class:

-       Binder section or folder to store work that is in progress

-       loose-leaf paper  (DO NOT take paper out of your ISN – you will run out of pages.)

-       agenda/planner

-       SS ISN (It will have a place to live in the room, but you may take it home overnight as you wish.)

-       pencils, black ink pens (No fancy colors for class work – your words should sparkle, not your ink! However, you may grade and take notes in any ink that makes you happy!)

-       scissors

-       map pencils

-       Scotch tape (I suggest you buy a big economy pack and bring them one at a time.)

Your Social Studies Textbook should live at home. There is a class set in my room for use in-class.

Tutorials:  During Activity and by appointment.  Please schedule non-Activity tutorials with me at least 24 hours in advance as I attend many meetings and appointments each week. 

Make-up Work:   Quizzes and tests may be made-up during Activity and by appointment.  Please schedule non-Activity make-ups with me at least 24 hours in advance.   If you are absent, check with me before or after class or during Activity for make-up work.  If you were absent on the day the assignment was handed out, you have as many days as you were out (excused) to make up the work.  If you were present on the day the assignment was handed out, but absent on the due date, it is due the day you return to school.

Semester Exams: You will take final exams in December and June.  The final exam will count as 14% of the semester grade; the remaining 86% is made up of the two nine week grades.

Late Work: Work that counts as a test grade or a daily grade* will be accepted one day late for a maximum of 75 and two days late for a maximum of a 50.

*Time-sensitive assignments such as homework will not be taken late.

Extra Credit:  Extra credit will always be an extension of the current unit and come DURING the unit. Please, do not ask for extra credit the last week of class; you will have had opportunities. If you believe you may need extra credit, please do it when it is offered.   Late extra credit will not be accepted.

9 Week Grades:                                                         

50%  Tests, Projects (Major Grades)             

30%  Quizzes, Mini-Projects

20%  Daily Work/Homework**               **The single lowest daily grade will be dropped each

                                                                      nine-week grading period.

Class Reading:  We are going to read many, many interesting and relevant texts this year.  If you are taking GT LA, you will read I Am Malala by Malala Yousef second semester.  If you are not taking GT LA, it would be a good idea to go ahead and read it.  We will be reading A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park and Three Wishes by Deborah Ellis in Social Studies. Class sets are available for students to read in class, but they may not be taken home.  If you think you will need to do some reading at home, you may want to purchase or borrow a copy.

General Information:

-       You are expected to record all homework, assignments and due dates in your Agenda each day.  I will post big dates and important information of my blog.  http://nikiconnor6thela.blogspot.com/

I suggest you bookmark it or sign up for email notifications.

-       Be sure that all written work has the proper heading and title. Any work without the proper heading may be returned, and therefore may be considered late. Or, lose points. Pencil or black ink only.

                       First Last                    Niki Connor

                       Date                           August 27, 2016

                       Period                        5

-       Phones and all other electronic devices:

o   Must be TURNED OFF and in a pocket at the front of the room unless I have given you express permission to have it out and on.

o   If you want to use your phone on the break, pick it up on your way out of the room and re-store it on your way in.

o   If I see or hear your phone during class and you have not been given permission to use it, I will send it to Mr. Roth, and you will have to get it back from her at the end of the day. L

o   All the rules you agreed to for school-based technology apply to your personal phone when you are using it on campus – including no picture taking unless you have express permission from an adult.

-       Please make sure your desk is empty, the floor around your desk is free of trash and your chair is pushed in or stacked at the end of class each day.  When this is accomplished, I will dismiss you by group or class.

-       We have rotating jobs in this class:

The Passer – passes out things.

The Supplier – makes sure the book shelves and the supplies are all returned and orderly at the end of class; deals with supplies during class.

The Runner – takes anything that needs to leave the room for me (no mazes or grieversJ).

The Tech-er – makes sure all technology devices have been shut down properly and plugged into the appropriate spot before anyone can leave the room. Turns on/off lights when needed.

I look forward to traveling the world with you this year!