Animal Farm- An Allegory?

Recently many students read the book Animal Farm by George Orwell in Ms. Pollard's class. While this is a great piece of literary history few students made the historical connection. The book was actually written as a response to the Russian Revolution after World War II and the beliefs that Orwell had about the social implications of the economic theory of Socialism being put into practice.

While this is not part of our curriculum (World History- 10th Grade) I would love for students to make those connections on their own and will reward their efforts with an extra credit major grade. Students that did not read the book for class may check it out from Ms. Pollard or the library and complete the assignment.

Assignment Description
Compare the book Animal Farm with the Russian Revolution of the mid 20th century. 
Comparisons should be made between the actual events AND characters (real and fiction).
Essays should be 500-600 words, typed, single spaced, indented paragraphs.
Research should be cited on a bibliography page at the end of the essay.
Academic dishonesty (cheating, copying internet resources) will be turned over to administration and held to the same standards as any other assignment.

Email me directly for help with internet resources or to check rough drafts.
Assignments are due on February 26th. 
chris.hanson@manorisd.net

WInter Break Extra Credit

As we head in to our much needed break I'd like to offer some extra credit for my students. When the days get slow and you start to miss social studies, please consider completing one of these projects. Each assignment will be worth an additional daily grade. They will be due by Wednesday, January 8th.

Assignment 1- Early 1800's Inventions
As we begin to cover advancements due to the Industrial Revolution we will be discussing some inventions and processes that helped along the boom. Students may develop a poster that illustrates one of the following inventions or processes.

Cotton Gin

Steam Engine

Railroads

Interchangable Parts

Canal Locks

Posters should identify:

1) Who created it?

2) How did it work?

3) How did it improve society?

Assignment 2- Historical Movies
There are many good movies about American History that we have been unable to view due to ratings or just time issues. If you're parents will let you see one of the following movies you may complete a 400 word report on it. While characters make a good story be more concerned with the content and historical implications. Each movie is linked to the IMDb page showing ratings and a brief synopsis.
The Patriot
Glory
Lincoln
John Adams (mini-series)
Gettysburg

Have a great break and Happy Holidays!

Hip Hop History- Due November 1st!

With a majority of my students liking some type of music it is beneficial for us to encourage the use of music or rhyming when memorizing events and dates. For extra credit you may create a short song or rap about some of the dates and events we have covered in class. There are three opportunities for extra credit:

Two Homework Replacement Grades= Create a rap about the following dates (include the important event): 1492, 1607, 1776, 1787

Two Daily Replacement Grades= Create a rap or song about the Causes of the American Revolution. Include all of them from the timeline activity in class (10/21).

Test/Project Replacement Grade= Create a rap or song about the American Revolution including the important battles, treaty of Paris, and the following individuals: General George Washington, Lord Cornwallis, and Paul Revere.

Raps or songs must be completed in front of the class OR can be recorded using technology*. Voice or video files can be sent to chris.hanson@manorisd.net or youtube links can be shared via email or online. Students may also use music apps to record their creations such as AutoRap.

*Videos and voice files will become the property of Mr. Hanson and can be used or shared in any way I see fit. Credit will be given to the creator when shared but last names will be left off for privacy reasons.

Extra Credit- Due 10/2

As we take a look at the US Constitution and Bill of Rights it's important to make connections to the present. Today one of the most debated amendments is the 2nd Amendment, which gives US Citizens the right to bear arms (have guns).

The debate has several branches, one of those being concealed handguns. The link below shows the Pros and Cons of the debate. Review the material and then move to the activity.
http://concealedguns.procon.org/

Write a 200 word report on the pros and cons of the concealed handgun debate (summarize the site) and then give your personal opinion with examples to back up that opinion. If you need assistance or want me to proof read your rough draft see me during tutorials at lunch.

Welcome!

Welcome to the extra credit blog for my class. Please bookmark or follow to see updates for extra credit opportunities and helpful links. Feel free to leave questions and/or comments in the comment area below each blog. 

As I've used this site for a few years please pay attention to the date of the blog posts for the most up to date opportunities. 

Thanks!

Hanson

Comparing World Religions

Recently we have been discussing the major world religions that originated from the Middle East- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Combined they are followed by approximately half the world's population and continue to grow in numbers.

In class our stated objective for this unit was as follows:
"Compare and contrast the three major religions of the Middle East region- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam."

For extra credit, complete a 200 word essay comparing and contrasting the three religions.
Use your graphic organizers (chart and triagram) from class to complete the essay. Essays should be neatly written or typed and have minimal grammar and spelling mistakes to receive credit.

Credit will be given in the form of two replacement daily grades. Essays are due no later than Wednesday, March 6th.

*Students that were not part of the Religious Celebrations project are not eligible to complete the extra credit. They were required to do the essay as a replacement grade for the project.

Cultural Differences- Extra Credit

As we learn more about the Middle East region and the cultures that inhabit it we may find many differences between our lives, beliefs, and traditions. As I've encouraged in class, go in with an open mind and try not to let bias get in the way. From time to time, however, you may feel opinionated about an event or custom we discuss.

Read the following article. It is about a young girl in Pakistan attempting to go to school and speak up for her right to an education. Some people did not agree with her and caused her harm.

An Attack in Pakistan

What is your reaction to the article? Write a 100 word editorial describing your opinion of the matter. Site specific information from the article including the girls name, the country this happened, and the situation that occurred. Your editorial will be worth 20 points added to your lowest test grade. The editorial is due no later than Friday, February 22nd.

*An editorial is an opinionated article, usually a response to an event.