Monday, November 29, 2010

November 28 - December 2 Schedule

Universal American School, Middle School
Weekly Assignment Schedule

from November 28, 2010 to December 2, 2010

Holmes Social Studies

Sunday,

11/28
• Receive weekly schedule
• Review for test: Power Point
• Receive Graded Quizes which need to be signed and returned

Homework:
- Study for test using power point, graphic organizers, and foldable
- Copy missing notes for Sec. 2 by going to the website
- Get quizzes signed and be ready to turn-in tomorrow

Monday,

11/29
• Select/Volunteer 5 new students for Wednesday’s Current Event Workshop
• Review for test using mini dry erase boards and markers
• Receive graded homeworks

Homework:
- Study for test using power point, graphic organizers, and foldable

Tuesday,

11/30
• Chapter 4 Test: Indus River Valley Civilizations

Homework:
- Organize all materials from Chp. 4, place in plastic protective envelope, and be ready to turn in at the beginning of Wednesday’s class

Wednesday,

12/01
• Current Event Workshop
• Begin creating Chp. 5 foldable if there is time

Homework:
- Read Chp. 5, Sec. 1 – pp. 146-149 and answer Q’s

Thursday,

12/02
• Review Sec. 1 in class
• Begin creating Chp. 5 foldable

Homework:
- No Homework!!!


The Key to Success and Doing Well on Tests:
1. Come to Class and Participate
2. Spend Time Each Night Going over the homework. This is called studying. You shouldn’t need to spend that much time doing so. The point is to do it and do it consistently.
3. Get Your Parents Involved – Have Them Quiz You.
4. Come to class confident and come prepared to demonstrate that you understand the content on test day.

NOTE TO PARENTS/STUDENTS:

IF AT ANYTIME YOU FEEL LIKE YOU CANNOT GET THE HOMEWORK DONE BECAUSE OF OTHER COURSE RESPONSIBILITIES, PUT THE SOCIAL STUDIES ASSIGNMENTS ON HOLD, AND CONCENTRATE ON WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT OR TAKE A BREAK. HOMEWORK IS DESIGNED FOR YOU TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE MATERIAL BEFORE WE REVIEW IT IN CLASS. IT ALSO GIVES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO EARN SOME POINTS.

Email: uas6holmes@hotmail.com
Website: http://uassocialstudies.blogspot.com/

Standards:

[6]SSH-1.4 Compare the geographic, political, economic and social characteristics of the river civilizations in the Huang He River Valley before 1,000 B.C.
- Location
- Government
- Religion
- Agriculture
- Cultural and Scientific Contributions

[6]SSPS-2.1 Compare the cultural practices and products of the societies studied including:
- Class Structure
- Gender Roles
- Beliefs
- Customs and Traditions

The Huang He Valley: From its beginning, over 6,000 years ago in the Huang He Valley, Chinese culture influenced much of Asia. Over the centuries its culture has also influenced cultures in other parts of the world. In this chapter, you will learn about China’s beginnings. It is a story of soldiers, scholars, emperors, and farmers. Read on to learn more about Chinese history and culture.

Objectives:

Section 1 – The Huang He Valley
• Locate and describe the features of the Huang He
• Analyze the effects of the Huang He on the development of the Huang He valley culture
• Identify the geographical regions of China


Assessment (Tests/Quizzes): The following will be assessed:


Tuesday, November 30, 2010 Chapter 4 Test

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Section 2 Notes (all of them for you guys in 6-4) - Sorry for posting this so late

Most of you have two remaining bubbles that need notes for Section 2. Here they go

Lost Cities of the Indus #1

- Harappa was discovered in 1921. This name (Harappa) is used to refer to ancient civilizations of India
- Harappan civilization lasted for 1,000 years
- Large cities existed (40,000 people)
- Cities had large avenues (paved streets) and tall buildings
- City was surrounded by fortress called a "citadel"
- Grain houses existed, religious pools, canals, gates

Harappan Culture #2

- Archeologists have been unable to understand symbols (language) found on artifacts
- Used precise measurements to make bricks, as well as molds to form shape
- Houses had toilets which shows understanding for engineering
- Organization of cities was led by powerful governments

Specialized Skills #3

- Specialized craft workers (jewelers) used gold, shells, gems
- Beautiful "Seals" marked possessions and goods
- Weavers, metal workers, pottery makers, and tailors
- Traded with Mesopotamian people
- Traveled by boat, foot, and animal

The Aryans #4

- In 1500 B.C. group of people crossed Hindu Kush mountain range
- Came from central Asia on horses and with their animals (sheep, cattle, horses)
- Traveled west into Europe and then south to Indian subcontinent
- Brought "Sanskrit" language and new religion

Friday, November 26, 2010

Foldable/Graphic Organizer Announcement

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. You can now add the questions, answers, and vocabulary to your foldable in a neat and organized fashion since Sections 1-5 are posted. Remember, this is a project, not just a drill in copying information. You MUST also include draw pictures that connect to the information from Chp. 4. I want you to do this on the back of your foldable. When I grade your foldable I will be looking for your cover to have the map of India. It must be colored, neat, labeled and include a large heading up top. On the inside of your foldable you need to have all the vocabulary, questions, and answers from Chp. 4. This needs to be done neat and organized. Remember, your foldable is one of 3 tools (graphic organizers, foldable, power point notes) that you can use to study for the test. On the back of your foldable I am looking for at least 5 pictures. They need to once again be neat and colored and labeled.

As for the graphic organizer notes for Chp. 4, Sec. 2, I will post those on Sunday; left them at school. To prepare for the test, you need to look over your foldable, and all the notes that you have taken in class (graphic organizers). If you do this you will have no problem writing your essays. There will be 5 essays: One for each section. Similar to Chapter 3, I will write the first sentence for you. I will also list key vocabulary words/concepts that need to be used and highlighted in your essay. I will also include a couple pictures/maps to help you put your thoughts in together. It is not enough to just use the vocabulary words/concepts in a sentence ("There were tributes in India.") for example. You have to explain and provide examples ("In order for the regional kings to stay in power, they had to pay tributes to Chandragupta"). When you take the test on Tuesday, I will give you the test, and you will need to get right to work. You need all the time possible to complete 5 quality short essays. On Wednesday you will turn in your foldable, graphic organizers, and homework. I want you to organize everything at home, put it into a plastic envelope in order like in the past, and be ready to hand it in on Wednesday. I don't want us to take up important time in class on on Wednesday searching for things.

See you Sunday!!!

Mr. Holmes

Have a great weekend!!!

Sec. 5 - Indian Empires Questions/Answers

2. Who was the founder of the Gupta Empire?

Chandragupta I

3. How did the Maurya and Gupta empires shape Indian culture?

The Maurya introduced Buddhism and encouraged nonviolence and religious tolerance, the Gupta fostered the arts and sciences.

4. Why was the invention of the Arabic numerals significant?

It made possible complicated arithmetic calculations.

5. What generalization can you make about the golden age of India?

It was an age of peace and prosperity, as well as of artistic and scientific achievements.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Chp. 4, Sec. 3 & 4 Questions and Answers for Foldable

Chp. 4, Sec. 3 - The Birth of Hinduism

2. What is the importance of dharma to Hindus?
Dharma contains hundreds of rules that tell each caste how to live in society.

3. What Indian customs come from the teachings of Hinduism?

Indian customs include the caste system, festivals, special exercises, and not eating certain foods.

4. Some Hindus do not eat fish, meat, poultry, or eggs. How might this custom affect India's farm economy?

India's farm economy might produce more vegetarian products than other farm economies.

5. Why did the government of India make the decision to end the caste system?

The caste system was unfair and limited the opportunities of the citizens of modern India.

Chp. 4, Sec. 4 - The Birth of Buddhism

2. Why did Siddhartha leave the life of a prince and become a monk?

To find peace and a solution to end suffering and find the meaning of life.

3. What did the Buddha teach about the proper way of life?

The Buddha taught people to end suffering by following the Eightfold Path and by following a Middle Way of living. Karma and the cycle of life, death, and reincarnation, or rebirth, are also part of his teachings.

4. How might Buddhism have changed the culture of the areas of India that accepted the Buddha's teaching?

It might have ended the caste system

5. Compare and contrast the life of Prince Siddhartha Gautama with his life as the Buddha

The prince had power, wealth, and the best worldly things. The Buddha had no possessions and had given up worldly things, but through was free of suffering.

Monday, November 22, 2010

November 21-25 Schedule

Universal American School, Middle School
Weekly Assignment Schedule

from November 21, 2010 to November 25, 2010

Holmes Social Studies 6th

Sunday,

11/21
• Receive new weekly schedule
• Review Geography Quiz from before the Eid vacation
• Watch film highlighting Hinduism
• Student generated notes to follow film

Homework:
- Read pp. 124-129 and answer questions on pg. 129

Monday,

11/22
• Review Sec. 3 using Graphic Organizer
• Return graded HW from Sec. 1 & 2
• Introduce Current Event instructions and look for volunteers to present on Wednesday

Homework:
- Read pp. 130-135 and answer questions on pg. 135
- Make corrections to returned homework from Sec. 1 & 2 before recording in foldable
- Go to website for instructions on how to begin placing information in foldable

Tuesday,

11/23
• Review Sec. 4 using Graphic Organizer

Homework:
- None if you have already updated your foldable for sections 1 & 2

Wednesday,

11/24
• Compare and Contrast Hinduism and Buddhism using reader
• Analyze differences in class and present
• Current Event Workshop

Homework:
- Read pp. 136-139 and answer questions on pg. 139

Thursday,

11/25
• Review Sec. 5 using Graphic Organizer
• Take Chp. 4 Quiz

Homework:
- No Homework!!!

The Key to Success and Doing Well on Tests:
1. Come to Class and Participate
2. Spend Time Each Night Going over the homework. This is called studying. You shouldn’t need to spend that much time doing so. The point is to do it and do it consistently.
3. Get Your Parents Involved – Have Them Quiz You.
4. Come to class confident and come prepared to demonstrate that you understand the content on test day.

NOTE TO PARENTS/STUDENTS:

IF AT ANYTIME YOU FEEL LIKE YOU CANNOT GET THE HOMEWORK DONE BECAUSE OF OTHER COURSE RESPONSIBILITIES, PUT THE SOCIAL STUDIES ASSIGNMENTS ON HOLD, AND CONCENTRATE ON WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT OR TAKE A BREAK. YOU CAN ALWAYS CATCH UP ON WORK ASSIGNED BEFORE THE TWO WEEK STUDY OF THE CHAPTER ENDS, AT WHICH TIME I WILL COLLECT GRADED AS WELL AS LATE WORK. WORK THAT IS TURNED IN ON TIME WILL EARN YOU 100%. LATE WORK WILL EARN YOU A 75%, AND IF YOU DON’T TURN YOUR WORK IN AT ALL YOU WILL RECEIVE A 50%

Email: uas6holmes@hotmail.com
Website: http://uassocialstudies.blogspot.com/

Standards:

[6]SSPS-2.2 Compare world religions and belief systems focusing on geographic origins, founding leaders, and teachings:
 Hinduism
 Buddhism

[6]SSH-1.4 Compare the geographic, political, economic and social characteristics of the river civilizations in the Indus River Valley before 1,000 B.C.
 Location
 Government
 Religion
 Agriculture
 Cultural and Scientific Contributions

Chapter 4 Objectives: The Indus Valley – A river valley civilization began in the Indian subcontinent about 8,000 years ago, around the same time Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt developed. Much of the heritage of modern India has its roots in this ancient culture. Two of the world’s great spiritual traditions, Hinduism and Buddhism, also trace their beginnings to ancient India.

Section 3 – The Birth of Hinduism
• Explain the origins of Hinduism
• Identify the important beliefs of Hinduism
• Analyze how Hinduism has changed

Section 4 – The Birth of Buddhism
• Explain how Buddhism developed
• Identify its core beliefs
• Describe how Buddhism has spread and changed

Section 5 – Indian Empires
• Identify the Maurya Empire and its major achievements
• Describe the Gupta Empire and its major achievements

Assessment (Tests/Quizzes) dates can be changed at any point and pop quizzes will be given without notice if necessary

The following will be assessed:

Thursday, November 25, 2010 Chapter 4 Chapter Quiz
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 Chapter 4 Test

Instructions and Q's/Answers for Chp. 4 Foldable

As I explained to you in class today you must now neatly record the important information from Chp. 4, Sec. 1 and 2 into your foldable - vocabulary and Q's/Answers from Sec. 1 and 2. You need to record the vocabulary/definitions for Sec. 1 and 2 on one flap. This is easy because the Sec. 1 and 2 vocabulary are only "subcontinent" and "citadel."

You also need to write the questions and answers for section 1 and 2 on the same square. We didn't talk about this in class, but I decided that it is the best way to get all of the information for Chp. 4. Use the extra space you will have on the vocab flap for section 1 & 2 since you only have to define two words. If you are having a difficult time understanding these instructions know that I am looking for vocab to be defined, Q's and answers to be complete, and for it all to be done neatly.

Last, on the very back you need to draw something that connects to Sec. 1 and
Sec. 2. Use colors if you have colors, and do the best job you can. I know that not all of you feel strongly about art, but know that I am just asking you to try your best.

Chp. 4, Sec. 1 - The Indus River Valley

2. Why is India called a subcontinent?
It is a large landmass that is geographically separated from the rest of the continent of Asia.

3. In what ways did the Indus River help the farmers of its river valley?
By providing silt and water.

4. Why did Indus Valley farmers plant different crops at different times of the year?

Because different crops grew better during different times of the year.

5. Make a generalization about the importance of the Indus River to the people of the Indus River valley.
The river helped people to have surplus harvests and allowed them to specialize and become skilled workers.


Chp. 4, Sec. 2 - Indus Valley Civilization

2. How was the Aryan was of life different from that of the Harappan civilization?The Aryans wer animal herders and had a different language and religion.

3. What was life like in the early Indus Valley cities?

People lived comfortably in cities that were planned with paved streets and sanitation systems. These cities also had apartment buildings, citadels for protection, large grain storehouses, and pool sized baths.

4. How do you think the Harappans were able to make bricks that were exactly the same?
They probably used molds.

5. Make a generalization about the role trade played in the life of the people of the Indus River valley.

Trade made it possible for people to obtain goods they would not have otherwise had access to. It allowed for more specialization and greater wealth.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

November 7-11 Schedule

Universal American School, Middle School
Weekly Assignment Schedule

from November 7, 2010 to November 11, 2010

Holmes Social Studies 6th

Sunday,

11/07
• Receive new weekly schedule
• Turn in globes for on the spot grading
• Read/Review pp. 116-117 (Longitude/Latitude)
- Complete activity using maps

Homework:
- Read pp. 112-115 (Sec. 1) and answer Q’s on pg. 115
- Answer map skills questions on pg. 113, Q’s 1 & 2

Monday,

11/08
• Turn in Sec. 1 HW for grading
• Complete Sec. 1 Graphic Organizer

Homework:
- Read pp. 118-123 (Sec. 2) and answer Q’s on pg. 123
- Answer map and diagram questions on pp. 119, 120, 122

Tuesday,

11/09
• Turn in Sec. 2 HW for grading
• Complete Sec. 2 Graphic Organizer

Homework:
- Read pp. 124-129 (Sec. 3) and answer Q’s on pg. 129

Wednesday,

11/10
• Turn in Sec. 3 HW for grading
• Review instructions for Current Event Workshop and sign up for next week’s presentations
• Complete Sec. 3 Graphic Organizer

Homework:
- Transfer HW Q’s & Answers into foldable. Same goes for vocab and graphic organizer notes

Thursday,

11/11
• In Class Assignment
- Geography of Indus River Valley
- Clay Seals
- Building Mohenjo Daro

Homework:
- No Homework!!!

The Key to Success and Doing Well on Tests:
1. Come to Class and Participate
2. Spend Time Each Night Going over the homework. This is called studying. You shouldn’t need to spend that much time doing so. The point is to do it and do it consistently.
3. Get Your Parents Involved – Have Them Quiz You.
4. Come to class confident and come prepared to demonstrate that you understand the content on test day.

NOTE TO PARENTS/STUDENTS:

IF AT ANYTIME YOU FEEL LIKE YOU CANNOT GET THE HOMEWORK DONE BECAUSE OF OTHER COURSE RESPONSIBILITIES, PUT THE SOCIAL STUDIES ASSIGNMENTS ON HOLD, AND CONCENTRATE ON WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT OR TAKE A BREAK. YOU CAN ALWAYS CATCH UP ON WORK ASSIGNED BEFORE THE TWO WEEK STUDY OF THE CHAPTER ENDS, AT WHICH TIME I WILL COLLECT GRADED AS WELL AS LATE WORK. WORK THAT IS TURNED IN ON TIME WILL EARN YOU 100%. LATE WORK WILL EARN YOU A 75%, AND IF YOU DON’T TURN YOUR WORK IN AT ALL YOU WILL RECEIVE A 50%.

Email: uas6holmes@hotmail.com
Website: http://uassocialstudies.blogspot.com/

Standards:

[6]SGG-3.2 Use the coordinates of latitude and longitude to locate points on a world map

[6]SSPS-2.2 Compare world religions and belief systems focusing on geographic origins, founding leaders, and teachings:
- Hinduism

[6]SSH-1.4 Compare the geographic, political, economic and social characteristics of the river civilizations in the Indus River Valley before 1,000 B.C.
- Location
- Government
- Religion
- Agriculture
- Cultural and Scientific Contributions

Chapter 4 Objectives: Using Latitude and Longitude

Section 1 – Geography Skills
1. Define latitude and longitude
2. Apply understanding of latitude and longitude
3. Review understanding of continents and bodies of water

Chapter 4 Objectives: The Indus Valley – A river valley civilization began in the Indian subcontinent about 8,000 years ago, around the same time Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt developed. Much of the heritage of modern India has its roots in this ancient culture. Two of the world’s great spiritual traditions, Hinduism and Buddhism, also trace their beginnings to ancient India.

Section 1 – The Indus River Valley
• Identify the location and course of the Indus River
• Describe the land through which the Indus River flows
• Explain how the river affected farming in the Indus River valley

Section 2 – Indus Valley Civilizations
• Identify the lost cities of the Indus
• Describe Harappan Civilization
• Analyze effects of the Aryan migration into the Indus Valley

Section 3 – The Birth of Hinduism
• Explain the origins of Hinduism
• Identify the important beliefs of Hinduism
• Analyze how Hinduism has changed

Assessment (Tests/Quizzes) dates can be changed at any point and pop quizzes will be given without notice if necessary

The following will be assessed: None Planned for This Week!!!

Globe Project Instructions

Globe Project!!! – Due Sunday, November 7

1. I think you can agree that drawing/labeling the world on paper is much easier than drawing/labeling it on a round surface!!!

2. I have given you instructions and time in class to understand this assignment. I would now like you to finish it at home this weekend, and bring it back to school on Sunday so that I can grade it. REMEMBER, YOU ARE THE ONE THAT NEEDS TO DO THE DRAWING AND LABELING, NOT MOM, DAD, BROTHER, SISTER, OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS, TUTORS, ETC.

3. Just a reminder of what needs to be shown on your globe: 7 Continents, 4 Oceans, an accurate compass, Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Sea, Yellow Sea (North China Sea), East China Sea, and South China Sea. This can all be found in your textbook using the maps at the end of the book.

4. Your globe needs to be colored. The continents should be green (you may want to color certain areas brown to show the major desert regions of the world), water should be blue. You need to also show the Prime Meridian (0 degrees from north to south) and Equator (0 degrees from East to West)


5. Your globe will be graded as follows:
a. Did you buy/bring materials to class like you were asked (4 pts.)
b. Did you work to the best of your abilities even though it was CHALLENGING and sometimes FRUSTRATING (4 pts.)
c. Is your globe more or less accurate, meaning, are things where they should be (4 pts.)
d. Is it done neatly and completely (4 pts.)
e. Did you bring it back to school on SUNDAY to be graded as instructed (4 pts.)
f. As you can see the project is worth a total of 20 points.

October 31-November 4 Schedule

Universal American School, Middle School
Weekly Assignment Schedule

from October 31, 2010 to November 4, 2010

Holmes Social Studies 6th

Sunday,

10/31
• Receive new weekly schedule and turn in last week’s
• Take Chapter 3 Test
*** Turn in all assignments related to Chp. 3 after completing test

Homework:
- Buy white volleyball with little to no writing on it for Longitude/Latitude, Continents, Bodies of Water project
- Buy or Bring fine tipped Green, Brown, Blue, Black, and Brown markers)
- Bring all of these materials to school by Tuesday!!!

Monday,

11/01
• Create Chapter 4 foldable in class (cut, label, draw) by following instructions

Homework:
- Buy and bring materials for Longitude/Latitude, Continents, Bodies of Water project by tomorrow

Tuesday,

11/02
• Longitude/Latitude Project

Homework:
- No Homework

Wednesday,

11/03
• Current Event Workshop!!!
• Try to Complete Longitude/Latitude Project in class

Homework:
- Complete Project at home if you didn’t finish at school

Thursday,

11/04
• Current Event Workshop for afternoon sections since it is a half day
Homework:
- Complete Globe at home and bring to school for grading

The Key to Success and Doing Well on Tests:
1. Come to Class and Participate
2. Spend Time Each Night Going over the homework. This is called studying. You shouldn’t need to spend that much time doing so. The point is to do it and do it consistently.
3. Get Your Parents Involved – Have Them Quiz You.
4. Come to class confident and come prepared to demonstrate that you understand the content on test day.

NOTE TO PARENTS/STUDENTS:

IF AT ANYTIME YOU FEEL LIKE YOU CANNOT GET THE HOMEWORK DONE BECAUSE OF OTHER COURSE RESPONSIBILITIES, PUT THE SOCIAL STUDIES ASSIGNMENTS ON HOLD, AND CONCENTRATE ON WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT OR TAKE A BREAK. YOU CAN ALWAYS CATCH UP ON WORK ASSIGNED BEFORE THE TWO WEEK STUDY OF THE CHAPTER ENDS, AT WHICH TIME I WILL COLLECT GRADED AS WELL AS LATE WORK. WORK THAT IS TURNED IN ON TIME WILL EARN YOU 100%. LATE WORK WILL EARN YOU A 75%, AND IF YOU DON’T TURN YOUR WORK IN AT ALL YOU WILL RECEIVE A 50%.

Email: uas6holmes@hotmail.com
Website: http://uassocialstudies.blogspot.com/

Standards:

[6]SGG-3.2 Use the coordinates of latitude and longitude to locate points on a world map

Chapter 4 Objectives: Using Latitude and Longitude

Section 1 – Geography Skills
1. Define latitude and longitude
2. Apply understanding of latitude and longitude
3. Review understanding of continents and bodies of water

Assessment (Tests/Quizzes) dates can be changed at any point and pop quizzes will be given without notice if necessary The following will be assessed:

1. Map Skills/Geography
2. Concepts from the Graphic Organizers (Class Notes)
3. Concepts from Homework/Independent Practice Activities
4. Films
5. Power Point Review of Chapter 3

Sunday, October 31 Chapter 3: Test