Greetings!
It's been a while, but things are rolling here in class. I am trying to get a good idea of the success of this new use of technology so if you could please comment on this post with anything I can get a good idea of how many people actually read this blog. If it is not being successful I will use more traditional means of sending out information and extra credit assignments.

Thanks for your help, and I hope everyone has a great holiday season!

Mr. Hanson

Greetings,

I've been away for a while, but I am back with another extra credit assignment.

We have just studied the basics of economy and I want the students to look a little more at what is going on with the current economic crisis in the United States.

Students will conduct three interviews about the cause and effect of the current economic conditions in the United States. Topics may include (though are not limited to) the stock market, the housing bubble, unemployment, government bailouts, and corporations vs. ordinary citizens. Students may use any adult for their interviews (family members, etc.).

Students should write a 1-2 page report and include different viewpoints about the economic crises. They may use resources for aid or reference when explaining the topic. Students must also include any interview notes collected.

The report will be due 11/18. I will accept rough drafts for review starting 11/9.

Thanks,

Mr. Hanson

Hurricane Season

As we continue our hurricane project my students are becoming more and more comfortable with longitude and latitude. We have gone back in the history books to revisit the positioning of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ike, two of the most recent, most destructive hurricanes to come on shore in the USA.

This week students will continuing their tracking data as they begin a hurricane project in Language Arts. Though it is not required, students can research coordinates of their famous hurricane and provide a tracking map. I do have extra maps in class and will help students find the data. You can find information about famous hurricanes by visiting: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastall.shtml

Want some extra credit?!? I have extended the deadline on the globe project until this Friday and have boosted the credit to a major grade (see post below). Take advantage of these opportunities to get your grade up.

School pictures will be taken next Monday in my class. You should receive information about it soon through school handouts.

Thursday students will be asked to go home and interview a family member about an experience they have had during a famous hurricane. The student should have a list of questions they will ask and have to ask. If you or any other family member can't remember an experience with a hurricane you can use any major disaster to complete the interview. Here are some examples:

• Tornadoes


• Earthquakes


• 9/11


• Exxon Valdez


• Home Fire


• Car Accident

Mr. Hanson

Progress Reports

Greetings!!! Progress reports will be passed out this week and I will be passing out 'current' grades on Wednesday. Please check your students planner for an up-to-date grade this Wednesday.
Open House is Wednesday. Come by my room and sign in to get your student some extra credit. I will be out to a cross country meet and apologize that I will be late to meet you, but I will have some information available by my door.
This week we will begin plotting hurricanes of the past using the latitude and longitude skills we've been working on. The theme of hurricanes will be across the 6th grade B team, so take some time to share any stories or experiences you have about past hurricanes.

Thanks,
Mr. Hanson

September 8, 2009

Full Speed Ahead...

We are well underway with the 2009-10 school year and I am seeing some very positive traits in my students. Thank you for all the hard work at home as homework assignments are being turned in at very impressive rates.

This week we will discuss latitude and longitude and begin to plot hurricanes of the past. Other subjects will also touch on hurricanes, which will be our theme for a couple of weeks. Maybe we can even track a current one should it brew...

Friday we will have a test over map vocabulary and latitude/longitude. Students will have vocabulary manipulatives, or 'flippers' as I like to call them, to study with.



Extra Credit Assignment

Students have the option of creating a globe for the classroom. The globe should be at least the size of a grapefruit and light enough to be hung from the ceiling. Students may use any materials they wish, but the globe must be constructed, not store bought. All globes must be colored and labeled with the continents and oceans. Some ideas for materials include foam, paper mache, or ballons.

Assignments must be turned in by Friday, September 18th. Completed assignments will give the student a free 100 that will replace their lowest daily score, or 10 points added to their lowest test average. Here are some links to help:

http://www.dltk-kids.com/type/how_to_paper_mache.htm

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/papermache/a/pmglobecraft.htm

http://pbskidssprout.org/arthur/parentsteachers/lesson/world/pdf/Balloon_Globe.pdf

The first week went really well as we went over procedures, continents and oceans. Many of my students need a little extra help with the continents and oceans. Check out the following websites for some more practice:

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/World_Continents.htm
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Games/GeographyGames/Copycat

This week we are covering map skills. My students will need to create their own map starting on Wednesday. We will have a quiz over our map skills this Friday.

Thanks!
Mr. Hanson

Welcome to the Sixth Grade!!!

If you are accessing this email then you are either a new student of mine or a parent of one of my new students. First of all, welcome to Manor Middle School. We are very excited to have you as part of our team.

This blog will provide access for parents, and students, for current major assignments and a list of focus topics for upcoming tests. It is also a great way to contact me with questions by posting to the blog, or you can email me at chris.hanson@manorisd.net.

I will be outlining some important points in the next few weeks about the 6th grade in general and this class so please stay tuned for more information.For now, please make sure that your student sends back their signed acceptance form in back of the procedures packet. Please make sure that you have gone through and understand all of my procedures before sending it back. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Your student will recieve a grade for turning this back in.

Interested in extra credit? Every year I encourage students to bring supplies that will be used by all of my classes. I will give a free 100 daily grade for the following items:
-scissors
-markers (8 pack)
-construction paper (1 pack)
-kleenex (1 box, though most important)
-ruler
Once your child hands this item to me I will mark them down for the extra credit. Please focus on my required materials first. The extra credit is limited to five items, so they are able to get 5 100's for extra credit. (ex: If they bring 5 boxes of kleenex, they will get 5 100's. If then they bring a pair of scissors they will not receive further extra credit).

Thanks for following this blog, and I look forward to a great school year.

Mr. Hanson