Happy Monday to ALL:
Today was a very busy day in the Mac Lab.  Students were given the entire class period to work on his/her country extension projects.  Ms. Myers went over the project in detail as well as possible project choices. Remember: We have added the post to the Africa link at the TOP of the blog page. Just look for the black bar at the top of the blog and click on Africa for important information, graphic organizers, and links for your project.  Some students will be able to work on their projects this Wednesday, 2/10 due to the Stars & Strikes field trip. Lucky YOU! All students will have another Mac Lab day on February 19th.
An early reminder: Country extension projects are due Friday, February 26th.

Important News & Notes:
All Chapter 17: Section 4, The Road to Independence, Power/STAR/Cornell were collected.

Due Tuesday: Power/STAR/Cornell notes over Chapter 19: Section 3, South Africa Today.  Notes are due tomorrow- Tuesday, February 9th.

Greetings to all S.T.A.R.s!
Classes enjoyed the beginning of the Disney movie, The Color of Friendship. This is a perfect connection to this week’s discussion on apartheid in South Africa.  Classes will finish the movie on Friday:)

Attention, Attention!!…
Don’t forget to be working on your Chapter 17: Section 4, The Road to Independence, Power/STAR/Cornell notes. Notes are due tomorrow- Friday, February 5, 2010.

Looking Ahead: In preparation for South Africa today, please complete Power/STAR/Cornell notes over Chapter 19: Section 3, South Africa Today.
Your set of notes are due Tuesday, February 9th.

Get ready for a safari of learning!…
As we begin our quest for an up close and personal look at the diverse continent of Africa, students will be given an opportunity to conduct research on one of the following countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Sudan. The Africa Extensions project will require students to work with a partner to create a presentation which they will share with the class on Friday, February 26th.  All students will receive a specific graphic organizer to use as a guide for the research.  Student groups will choose one of the following methods to present their research:
1. Design a web page
2. Three (3) sided presentation display board
3. PowerPoint- 9 slide minimum
4. Country storyboard (poster size)
5. Design a NEW country pavilion for Epcot’s World Showcase

Listed below are items and websites that you will find helpful during your quest:
Country graphic organizer research guides:
(Click on the one for your country)
Democratic Republic of Congo
Egypt
Kenya
Nigeria
South Africa
Sudan

Helpful websites/links:
CIA Factbook: Africa

Lonely Planet: Africa

Important Note to Parents & Students:
Students will have limited class time to complete the extensions project (2 research days) and the majority of work for this assignment is to be done at home.  Students have signed a partner contract, and I am requesting that you review this information with your child, sign, and return it with your student. Click here for a copy of the partner contract.

Cultural arts night is all about learning about different cultures.  The event will be held on February 11th at 7:00 pm.  If you would like to help with the event there are two different ways for you to contribute.  You can set up and “man” a table about your own culture or you can help with one of the nine culture tables from our Olympic nations.  Please e-mail Patty Reinhardt if you would like more information or would like to help. Thank you in advance for your help and support.

Click here for an informational flyer: Cultural Arts Family Flyer 2010

I am speechless (imagine that)! I must say that I was completely amazed by the talent that was showcased today. From the speeches and “talk shows” to the persuasive posters…TODAY was one of my most favorite days of the year. Your carefully crafted words were heartfelt and articulately described the European colonization of Africa. I am so proud of all of you! My only regret is that we did not invite parents and other audience members. 

A Message to Parents: I must apologize to YOU. YOU really missed a fabulous treat today! Please congratulate your child on a job well done!   BRAVO!

Weekend Homework:
Get excited about your upcoming learning adventure! Decide on a partner (must be in your same class) that you would like to work with on the country extensions project. More details coming next week!

What a busy Thursday! Below is a list of events that we accomplished in class today:

1. Students reviewed their findings at the Bunce Island exhibit. We also went over the answers to the scavenger hunt. What a great learning experience and opportunity!

2. Students read, The Age of Imperialism, and worked with a partner to complete comprehension questions.

3. Students were given an opportunity to work on their colonialism performance task.

Important Reminder:
1. Colonialism performance tasks are due tomorrow, Friday- 1/29.
**Students will present their performance tasks in class tomorrow

Bunce Island is an island off of Sierra Leone in western Africa. It is a slave castle, one of about 40 large commercial forts that Europeans built on the coast of West Africa to facilitate the Atlantic slave trade.  More that 30,000 men, women, and children began their horrific journey to the United states from Bunce Island, many landing here in Georgia and neighboring states.

Additional information about the exhibit can be found at: http://www.bunce-island.org/.

Students had the special opportunity to tour the Bunce Island exhibit that is on tour in our media center. I hope that you enjoyed your special trip, and I can’t wait to hear about your findings tomorrow.

Homework for tonight:
1. Work on your colonialism performance task that is due Friday, 1/29.