Extra Credit Due 2/3

We're moving right through Texas' History and will begin discussing the Civil War next week. This war is the bloodiest in our history, and some battles were even fought right here in Texas. With Americans fighting Americans, this was definitly a dark time in our history, but also an important one to learn about.

For extra credit this week create a brochure about the Civil War. Instructions for each section are below, and this assignment will be worth two replacement grades or 30 extra points on a major grade. This is a great opportunity to bring up your grade.

Brochure Instructions

Front Cover: Title page

Inside First Page: The Two Sides: The Union and The Confederacy

Inside Left: How the War Began

Inside Middle: Major Battles

Inside Right: America Reunited (how it ended)

Back: Name, Period, Date

*The brochure must have color and illustrations on every page! You may do it by hand or create it on the computer, your choice. You can email it to me if you do it on the computer.

If you need clarification let me know. I can draw up a quick example for you. Again, this is due next Friday, February 3rd.

Mr. H

Happy New Year!

We've started back with our discussions about the new Texas Republic and will soon discuss the annexation of Texas to the US and the issues that came with that.

Today we talked about the philosophy of nonviolence and your take on the issue. We'll finish up our writings Tuesday and discuss good composition habits again.

For extra credit, research one of the following important people of the Civil Rights Movement in the US. Write a short report (100-150 words) on their life and philosophies for extra credit. It will be due next Friday (1/20).

- Martin Luther King, jr.
- Malcolm X
- Rosa Parks
- W. E. B. Du Bois

Let me know if you have any questions.

Mr. H

Remember the Alamo!!!

One of the more famous battles in Texas history, if not American history, the Alamo was a courageous battle of a few Texans versus a vast Mexican army. With little hope of success, the men battled until every one of them died with honor.

Or was it simply pride? Could all those lives have been spared if they simply would have retreated from the Alamo? Would they have been better served joining up with Sam Houston's army up North?

Questions like these plague all events in history. In a 200 word essay, explore the following hypothetical situations of the Battle of the Alamo.

• What if the men at the Alamo would have abandoned the mission?
• What if Fannin's reinforcements would have made it to the Alamo?
• What if Santa Anna would have avoided the Alamo, therefore keeping his massive army at full strength?

Papers are due Wednesday, December 14th. Let me know if you have any questions.

Here are some cool links about battles during the Texas Revolution. These will also help with the booklet we are making next week.

The Battle of Gonzales
Alamo 360 degree picture
The Alamo Official Website
The Alamo (movie)- Final Battle
The Goliad Massacre
The Battle of San Jacinto(youtube)

Happy Thanksgiving!

For the most part we had a very successful Thanksgiving culture day. Thank you, and your parents, for making that happen.

I've received countless compliments on your Road to Revolution posters and can't tell you how proud I am of the job y'all did. My students continue to go above and beyond my expectations and it makes me very proud as a teacher. Keep up the good work.

Enjoy the break, but if you get the itch, feel free to complete the last extra credit assignment based on the Republic of Fredonia. I had zero turned in, but I know many of y'all want extra credit. So, get it done.

See you in 10 days!

Mr. H

Extra Credit- due by Friday 11/18!

After several requests for extra credit I decided to put some on before Thanksgiving Break. I'll put another assignment on for during the break for those interested.

For this week:
Research the Republic of Fredonia and do a 200 word essay on it. Include a hand drawn/constructed flag of Fredonia on the back.

This small, short lived republic is a launching point for what will become the Republic of Texas. It illustrates the lack of understanding between the Mexican government and the Anglo settlers at the time.

Essays WITH flags need to be turned in on Friday by 3:30.

Mr. Hanson

Halloween Extra Credit

Happy Halloween! But you wouldn't say that in every country or culture. Right below the border in Mexico they are about to celebrate Dia de los Muertos with carnivals, offerings and incredible art.

For extra credit this week design a Dia de los Muertos skull or other art and include a short description on the back. You can use paper or anything else you can get you hands on, as long as it is light enough to hang on the wall with tape. Here are some guidelines:

• It must accurately depict Dia de los Muertos Art.
• A short description of Dia de los Muertos must be on the back.
• It must be larger than 6 inches by 6 inches.
• It must include at least two other colors than black and white.

Here are some links to get the information and for examples of art.

http://www.dayofthedead.com/
http://www.palomar.edu/multicultural/DiadelosMuertos/

All art is due by Monday, November 7th. Have fun!

Mr. H

Weekend Extra Credit

As talked about in class, you have an extra credit opportunity this weekend that will get you ahead for the new 9 weeks. This Sunday marks the final game of the rugby world cup. As y'all know, I not only play rugby, but actively promote the sport and it's growth in America. It's truly a fun and exciting sport and has great potential for popularity here in America.

NBC will be airing the game at 2:00pm this Sunday. For extra credit, supply me with a 150 word report on the game Monday. Include who played, what happened, the score at half time and full time (end), important players and your opinion of the game of rugby.

Have a great weekend, and I'll see you Monday.

Mr. Hanson