Kacie Phipps

Week of January 25-29, 2010

8th Graders: This week, 8th graders began the Civil War unit, where we discussed and took notes on the strategies and strengths of each side. We also talked about the 4 Ss, which are the causes of the war. Also, we finished watching Gone With the Wind, as a historical fiction account of the Antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction periods of Georgia. The Civil War project was discussed, it will be due on 2/12.

6th Graders: This week, students began working on the Environmental Problems of Latin America IRA. This is due on Tuesday, 2/2. Also, we discussed the countries of Mexico and Venezuela and began analyzing how they are similar and different, particularly in relation to their exports. Additionally, students presented their ABCs of Latin America projects and their book assessment projects.

7th Graders: This week, students took their final Book Assessment quiz on Africa. Also, students began locating and memorizing the locations of East Asian countries. Additionally, students discussed and took notes on major waterways in East Asia. Students also labeled geographic features in East Asia.

Week of January 18-22, 2010

8th Grade: We finished discussing the Antebellum Georgia unit and students took a test on Antebellum Georgia on Thursday.  Next week, we will begin the unit on the Civil War. We will discuss the causes, major battles, effects, strategies and strengths of each side of the war.  Also, students have been enjoying observing Gone With The Wind. Some of them are learning that an oldie can be a goodie! :)Students will be evaluating the fictional and factual events of the story. They will determine whether or not the fictional events enhance and/or help to explain the factual events of the war. In early February, we will begin our historical fiction novel, "Across Five Aprils" to enhance the their understanding of life during the Civil War.

7th Grade: We finished discussing the Government, Economy, and History of Africa this week. Students took a test on Tuesday and presented the Culminating Africa project---Window to Africa---on Thursday. Select students' work was placed on the exemplary work wall outside the classroom. Next week, we will begin the Geography of East Asia unit. Next Wednesday night (1/27), the students should be able to locate and identify all of the East Asian countries. We will be going over the locations in class next week. Also, by Wednesday, students should have read the "Journey to Jo'Burg" book, which is a final novel study of South Africa. There will be a quiz on Wednesday, 1/27.  

 6th Grade: We are in the middle of Geography of Latin America unit. Students learned about the Environmental Problems of Latin America this week and also presented their ABCs of Latin America project.  Additionally, students took the first book assessment of the quarter. Next week, students will begin the Environmental Problems of LA IRA. Also, students will continue to work on identifying various Latin American countries. Lastly, students will receive the first Latin American historical fiction novel next week.