DECK THE WALLS!

It's time to get some decorations up in the halls and my classroom, so for our next extra credit project we'll be getting a little creative...

Create a representation of the state of Texas created from recycled material that can be hung on the wall or from the ceiling. When choosing materials make sure they are durable and light enough that they won't rip tape off or the ceiling tiles down. Use items like cardboard, tissue paper, old pictures, recycled cans, or whatever else you can find. This will earn you two free homework passes or one replacement daily grade redeemable in my class at any time.

Texas with Recycled License Plates.

• It must be in the shape of the state of Texas.
• Materials must be recycled; do not buy new materials.
• It must be able to be hung with tape or string (light).
• It must be at least the size of a sheet of paper.

Projects are due no later than Friday, September 9th.

Don't forget important upcoming dates:

• Monday, September 5th- Labor Day, no school.
• Wednesday, September 7th- Maps and Reports due for Regions project.
• Friday, September 9th- Advertisements due for Regions project; extra credit due.

Week One, Done...

We're one week in to what is already shaping up to be a terrific year. I have already been impressed with the quality of work and level of questioning displayed on our assignments so far. I already am feeling the challenge to be more challenging. That is really exciting as a teacher, and extremely rewarding for the students.

Did someone say extra credit?
For a replacement 100 you need to create a list of universities found in the cities on our map from Thursday. You can use the Internet, your brain, your friends...whomever. Here's and example:
1. Austin- The University of Texas at Austin
2. Waco-....
Remember, it's due Monday.

We'll start our next project on Monday over t four regions of Texas. If you'd like to get a head start you can do some searches on them in your spare time. They are:

• Coastal Plains.
• North Central Plains.
• Great Plains.
• Mountains and Basins.

Remember to include "Texas" in any search. Or you could search "Texas Geographic Regions".

To get to Evernote for board notes and resources, click here.

See you Monday!

Mr.H

New Year, New Subject

Welcome to 2011-12 Texas History!

I am very excited to be teaching Texas History this year and following many of my students from 6th to 7th grade. It will be a year full of changes for us all, but many things will be familiar.

PBL- My class will still be based in Project Based Learning, incorporating traditional teaching methods and student collaboration to create and synthesize information. There will be more of a focus on historical figures and events, but this works very well within the PBL format.

Cross-Curriculum- While we won't have our A and B teams in 7th grade, teachers will still be collaborating to emphasize themes throughout the day. More of an emphasis will be placed on writing skills as you will be producing two different writing samples for the STAAR testing program.

Positive Incentives- Rewards are an important part of doing the right thing and we will continue to supply you with fun activities and privileges for living up to our expectations. Look out for some fun trips at the end of each semester for those students that earn it.

I'm looking forward to a great 2011-12 school year!