Mike Poore

The Constitution

As we continue our unit on political processes this week,  we wil be creating a new constitution from scratch in the same manner our forefathers did. We will be using the Decisions, Decisions computer simulations once again.

Decisions, Decisions

This week we will be using computer simulations from our Decisions, Decisions programs concerning dealing with predjudices, both political and social. The first assignment is a pretest of five questions to be answered on Monday and signed by a parent or guardian to be returned on Tuesday. 

Where do we go from here?

                                                 Now that we have completed our CRCT testing, we're ready to apply the information we have learned to pratical situations in the world today. We will be using a study of political cartoons and how they are used to influence public opinion in a variety of ways. After gathering information in our assigned areas of study, each student will create his or her own cartoon to support an opinion on a topic of study. These cartoons will be due on Monday, May 5.

The following link may be useful in gathering samples. I also suggest magazines and newspapers.

http://www.gocomics.com/

Where do we go from here?

                                                 Now that we have completed our CRCT testing, we're ready to apply the information we have learned to pratical situations in the world today. We will be using a study of political cartoons and how they are used to influence public opinion in a variety of ways. After gathering information in our assigned areas of study, each student will create his or her own cartoon to support an opinion on a topic of study. These cartoons will be due on Monday, May 5.

The following link may be useful in gathering samples. I also suggest magazines and newspapers.

http://www.gocomics.com/

CRCT Preparations

As we approach our CRCT testing beginning Wednesday, April 23, we are reviewing our "world tour" in games focusing on the five elements of geography to reinforce what we have learned about this world we live in. There will be no homework this week during the testing period. Be sure to get a good night's sleep and eat a nutricious breakfast. BE ON TIME! BRING TWO # 2 PENCILS! BRING A GOOD BOOK TO READ FOR TIME BETWEEN TESTS!

Canadian Art Project

Totem Poles - Social Studies

Use the following websites to get information about the creation and meaning of totem poles in the British Columbia region of Canada. You are to create your own totem pole using a paper towel tube or other cylindrical object. You should include animals of the region and use symbolism. After creating your own totel pole, you will use it to tell your class the story your totem represents. We will view these projects in class on April 2.

http://www.nativeonline.com/totem_poles.htm

http://www.native-languages.org/totem.htm

http://members.aol.com/Art1234567/Totemart.html

http://www.stemnet.nf.ca/CITE/totem_poles.htm

Use the following websites to get information about the creation and meaning of totem poles in the British Columbia region of Canada. You are to create your own totem pole using a paper towel tube or other cylindrical object. You should include animals of the region and use symbolism. After creating your own totel pole, you will use it to tell your class the story your totem represents. We will view these projects in class on April 2.

http://www.nativeonline.com/totem_poles.htm

http://www.native-languages.org/totem.htm

http://members.aol.com/Art1234567/Totemart.html

http://www.stemnet.nf.ca/CITE/totem_poles.htm

Home work assignments for the week of February 25:

Just as we were completing our study of Cuba we received news that, after 50 years of rule,  Fidel Castro has removed himself from office and been replaced by his brother, Raul. To tie in with our government unit dealing with our own routine transition of presidents, I am requiring students to bring in news articles from newspapers, magazines, or thier own summaries of TV, radio, and internet news dealing with the changing  government situatiion in Cuba. We will require one article per week until the transition in the Cuban government has been resolved.

Decisions, Decisions

This week we will follow up on our mock election from earlier this month with a group activity in the classroom called "On the Campaign Trail".  We will practice the democratic process of nominating a candidate for president in this country as well as comparing it to the processes used in other countries we have studied. Do you think we can find some current events in the news to bring to class for discussion?

Latin American Art

We are beginning a unit on Latin American art and culture with an artistic drawing of an animal or in some cases a mixture of animals that tells a story. Using some examples we viewed in class and in the text, we wil create a drawing that must be very colorful, contain various textures and shapes, and has a name. To accompany the artwork, each student must write a legend or folk tale that explains the particular nature of his or her creation.

Welcome Back!

Happy new year and congratulations on reaching the half-way point of your sixth grade year. We are beginning our new unit in social studies on Central and North America with a study of continental expansion and migration.

Parents please mark your calendars for Parent/Teacher Conference Week beginning January 22 and ending January 28. Letters for scheduling these appointments have been sent home with your students, so please read and return the bottom portion of the letter to confirm your appointment with your conferencing teacher.