6th Grade Ongoing Homework:
6th Grade Ongoing Homework:
~ Activate and use your online textbook accounts!
~ Recopy any messy class notes!
~ Keep your binder organized!
~ Study your notes and flippies! Completing homework is not studying!
~ Keep track of your assignments and grades on Power Grade.
~ If you have a question, see your teacher.
~ Read, READ, and READ some more!
Smiles, Mrs. Denues & Mrs. Worden
Current Social Studies Unit
Current Social Studies Unit
We have just taken our first test of the year for social studies. We will begin Chapter 2, The Stone Ages and Early Cultures this week. Be sure to read the nightly reading assignments carefully, so you are ready to take notes in class!
Weekly Sketch by Rena Carr
Weekly Sketch by Rena Carr
No new updates. I'll try and think of something to put on here. :D
~Rena =^_^=
Santa Clara County Poetry Winner!
Santa Clara County Poetry Winner!
This year's poetry contest is happening NOW! Click on the link below, to see all the details...
2008 Middle School Winner:
A SLAM poem about SLAM poetry
by Ren Norris
What is SLAM poetry?
Some words that have to rhyme in a sing-songy way? No.
Slam Poetry is you expressing yourself
About anything in any way.
FREESTYLE
Get out on the street,
You can lay down a beat,
Get up and tap your feet.
And write whatever inspires you.
A rat-tat-tat on the door,
An eagle that soars,
Doing an everyday chore,
Or how English class is such a bore! (sarcastically)
It doesn't matter; pick anything and WRITE.
A mountain that's high
Planes reaching to the sky
Just let go and listen to that inner voice
Pour out your soul
And eat it for lunch.
Get out there
The ring ring ring ring ring ring ring on the phone
Being all alone;
In your mental zone
Let your voice be heard.
Write about music-singing from your heart
It's all art and
It's all a start
Be inspired
Be you and
Put the SLAM in poetry.
Extra Practice... Extra Learning... Extra Fun!
Teen Games, Puzzles, & News
Teen Games, Puzzles, & News
Click below to play some fun games. Note: These games work better when you use the Firefox server. Enjoy! :D
World's Coolest Skyscraper Humans have built some unbelievable structures, including the pyramids in Egypt, the Great Wall of China and the Roman Coliseum. National Geographic Kids travels to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, where engineers are planning a first-of-its-kind super-structure: the Dynamic Tower, a shape-shifting mega-skyscraper that is in constant motion. Each floor will rotate independently at different speeds, resulting in an amazing building that will always look different. Plus: Learn remarkable facts about six of the world's skyscrapers. Page 14.
Wacky America National Geographic Kids takes a road trip around the United States to see six of the wackiest roadside attractions, from a giant penguin statue in Montana to an entire alley covered in wads of chewed gum in California. Plus: Go online to kids.nationalgeographic.com to see more wacky roadside attractions. Page 24.
Guardians of the Tomb For thousands of years a massive army of mysterious clay soldiers lay hidden underground near Xi'an, China. It is believed that China's first emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, had these life-size terra cotta warriors built to protect him in the afterlife. But you don't have to go to China to see these ancient wonders. A new National Geographic Museum exhibit, "Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor," will display a collection of the figures in Washington, D.C., from Nov. 19, 2009, to March 31, 2010. Page 26.
"Fantastic Mr. Fox" National Geographic Kids goes behind the scenes of the new movie "Fantastic Mr. Fox," based on the book by Roald Dahl, to find out if the characters in the film act anything like the real animals they depict. Do rabbits really prepare delicious food? Would a fox and rat wrestle in real life? Get the scoop on every character. Page 16.
Rhino Rescue National Geographic Kids heads to Kenya to meet Maalim, a baby rhinoceros abandoned by his mother. Saved by a group of government rangers and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Maalim one day may be released back into the wild. Learn the precautions Maalim's keepers must take in order to not disrupt his natural development and what the keepers must do to ensure Maalim's survival in the wild. Page 28.
National Geographic Kids, a multitopic, photo-driven magazine for 6- to 14-year-olds, empowers its readers by making it fun to learn about the world. Its numerous industry awards include Periodical of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from the Association of Educational Publishers. Published 10 times a year, National Geographic Kids has a circulation of 1.2 million and is available by subscription for $19.95 a year and on newsstands for $4.99 a copy. Its Web site is at kids.nationalgeographic.com.</>
National Geographic Kids Indonesia will be published by PT Penerbitan Sarana Bobo, the children's publishing arm of Kompas-Gramedia Group, the largest media corporation in Indonesia. Each issue will be completely bilingual in English and Bahasa Indonesia.
Content for the magazine will be drawn primarily from the award-winning U.S. magazine National Geographic Kids and also will include local Indonesian content related to the environment, animal life and other topics that will excite kids about exploring their world. There will be 12 issues a year, and the magazine will be available by subscription, on newsstands and in Gramedia bookstores throughout Indonesia.
Local editions of National Geographic's children's magazine also are available in Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Latin America, The Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa (two editions), Turkey and the United Kingdom. This growth mirrors the global expansion of the famous yellow-bordered National Geographic magazine, now available in 32 local-language editions and read by more than 35 million people each month. The children's magazines, which accept advertising, also sport the familiar yellow border.
"The growth spurt of our children's publications allows National Geographic and the local-language publishers to reach an untapped youth market with this best-loved brand," said Society President John Fahey. "Giving young people in Indonesia a window to the world in their own language through National Geographic's incomparable photographs and storytelling is a compelling way to spread geographic knowledge and to extend the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet."
Founded in 1973, PT Penerbitan Sarana Bobo is the largest publishing company and market leader for children's magazines in Indonesia, with publications for children of all ages from toddlers to secondary school students. With a focus on information, communication and education, the Kompas-Gramedia Group has in the past four decades diversified its media business to include regional newspapers, books, magazines, a television channel, radio, bookstores, hotels, real estate development, travel bureaus and tissue paper production.
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.
"Operation: Infinite Potential" is the third unit in JASON's new line of science curricula, following the award-winning ecology and weather units. Each unit fully integrates digital and print content into inquiry-based instruction. Using "Operation: Infinite Potential"'s research articles, hands-on labs, field assignments, videos, computer games and other multimedia, students work side-by-side with leading scientists to investigate and analyze emerging technologies designed to meet the needs of an energy-hungry planet.
For the first time, JASON is offering users the flexibility of free downloading and printing of all online Student and Teacher Editions in the new curriculum line. Individual chapters of PDF-formatted pages or the entire books may be printed in color or black and white. JASON is continuing to offer complete curriculum units, with all interactives and multimedia, free online. Print editions, including a DVD with up to two hours of video, are available for purchase.
"Teachers are faced with the need to become even more innovative, especially in these economic times, and JASON is helping them keep pace by providing world-class resources free online," said Caleb M. Schutz, president of The JASON Project. "This is important to educators, administrators and parents as well as our partners. Now every student, regardless of circumstances, has access to free science curriculum that is nationally recognized for excellence."
"Operation: Infinite Potential" was developed in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Shell, the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), and the National Geographic Society. The unit provides five to nine weeks of classroom material with suggested lesson plans, extensions, interdisciplinary connections and teacher resources.
"NOAA is pleased to be partnering with The JASON Project to introduce students and teachers to real-world examples of the science taught in this new science curriculum," said Louisa Koch, director of education for NOAA. "Space weather and tsunamis are exciting ways to learn about energy. NOAA's vision is 'an informed society that uses a comprehensive understanding of the role of the ocean, coasts and atmosphere in the global ecosystem to make the best social and economic decisions.' Our ongoing partnership with The JASON Project helps us make progress toward achieving that vision."
"Shell is very excited to partner with The JASON Project to provide such a powerful tool to teachers and students," said Serge Giacomo, head of Shell International Corporate Identity. "Today we are challenged with diminishing conventional oil and gas supplies, increasing demand for energy and growing levels of CO2. Shell recognizes that the 'Operation: Infinite Potential' project exemplifies the types of critical technologies that teachers and students must rely upon to help transition to a new energy future."
"For the United States to remain technologically competitive in the 21st century, it is essential that scientists and engineers team with educators to inspire youth, provide tools and materials for K-12 science and math programs, and create a learning environment that prepares today's students to be tomorrow's researchers," said NETL director Carl Bauer. "NETL is delighted to work with The JASON Project to meet these important goals."
"Oak Ridge National Laboratory's participation in the JASON energy curriculum unit was a tremendous success for everyone involved," said Thomas Zacharia, ORNL deputy laboratory director for science and technology. "'Operation: Infinite Potential' offers students a valuable and innovative educational experience. We look forward to working again soon with JASON and the other partners on this project."
JASON's digital and print resources are designed for grades 5-8 and used by teachers throughout K-12 for differentiated instruction or individual learning plans. All student resources are aligned to state science standards and designed for use with JASON's online assessment tools. When combined with teacher resources for lesson planning and classroom management -- and comprehensive professional development -- JASON provides a complete instructional solution that couples the power of digital learning with the ease-of-use of textbooks.
JASON's theory of education is based on lighting the spark of inspiration through sustained connections with "great explorers and great events" in rigorous curricula. Its new curriculum line -- launched in 2007 -- brings compelling scientists and cutting-edge research to life, and has garnered multiple awards:
-CODiE Award: Best Science Instructional Solution (2009) for "Operation: Resilient Planet," JASON's ecology unit, presented by the Software & Information Industry Association
-CODiE Finalist: Best Education Solution and Best Online Instructional Solution (2009) for "Operation: Resilient Planet"
-Distinguished Achievement Award in the category of Best Educational Toys and Games (2009) for "Operation: Resilient Planet" video game from the Association of Educational Publishers
-Award of Excellence (2008) for "Operation: Monster Storms" weather curriculum from Tech & Learning magazine
-CODiE Award: Best Online Instructional Solution (2008) for "Operation: Monster Storms"
-CODiE Finalist: Best Science Instructional Solution (2008) for "Operation: Monster Storms"
Visit www.jason.org to access JASON's free online science curricula.
About The JASON Project
A nonprofit subsidiary of National Geographic Society, JASON works with NOAA, NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy and other leading organizations to develop inquiry-based science curricula and professional development. JASON was founded in 1989 by Dr. Robert Ballard, the oceanographer and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence best known for his discovery of RMS Titanic and who today serves as JASON's chairman and chief scientist.
The promotion, geared toward children ages 2-12 and their caregivers, will take place throughout October and will be directed toward World Animal Day on Sunday, Oct. 4. Three of the five zoo events will lead off with a hands-on workshop with National Geographic photographers, who will introduce the children to photography and send them "on assignment" to observe animals at the zoo. All five zoo events will include enrichment activities with the zoo animals and their keepers. Kids will be encouraged to visit the craft zone to make masks and other take-home projects, sit in on book readings and watch special screenings of "Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies" and "Toot & Puddle." The events will conclude with a parade and cupcake ceremony celebrating all of the zoo animal friends.
"We're excited to be back in the zoos this fall to celebrate our second annual World Animal Day promotion," said Darren Metzger, director, franchise marketing, NGKE. "It's the perfect partnership, as it fulfills our goal at National Geographic to excite kids to explore their world, while zoos can take advantage of the great National Geographic Kids Entertainment properties to promote their education and conservation efforts to their local communities. It's entertaining and educational and it encourages children to take a proactive role in caring for their world."
The scheduled events are:
-Oct. 3: Roger Williams Park Zoo (Providence, R.I.), with photographer Darlyne Murawski
-Oct. 3: Valley Zoo (Edmonton, Alberta), with photographer Ian Nichols
-Oct. 3-4: Calgary Zoo
-Oct 4 Toronto Zoo, with photographer Ian Nichols
-Oct. 25-26: Phoenix Zoo
"Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies" currently airs in the United States on PBS Kids! and in Canada on TVO, TFO and Knowledge Network. "Toot & Puddle" airs in the United States on Nick Jr. (formerly Noggin) and in Canada on TVO and TFO.
"Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies" stars Vanessa Williams ("Ugly Betty") as the voice of Mama Mirabelle. The weekly half-hour show introduces preschoolers to the animal kingdom through stunning wildlife footage from the National Geographic archive and helps kids learn about themselves and the world around them. Visit www.mamamirabelle.com for interactive games, videos, coloring pages and postcards. Episodes from season one are now available on DVD at stores where videos are sold and on iTunes. Series companion books are available online and at area bookstores. A new line of plush, figurines and puzzles are now available for the holiday season and available at www.shop.nationalgeographic.com.
"Toot & Puddle" encourages exploration and adventure, both at home and afar, by piquing kids' natural curiosity about the world around them. Based on the best-selling book series by author Holly Hobbie, "Toot & Puddle" is the heart-warming story of two best friends from Pocket Hollow, who find adventure wherever they go. Series companion books are available online and at area bookstores. For more about "Toot & Puddle," visit www.tootandpuddle.com.
NGKE is an independent production and U.S. distribution entity of National Geographic Ventures. Established in 2003, NGKE brings the renowned National Geographic brand to children's entertainment through the development, production and distribution of quality animated and live-action, entertainment-driven programming that excites kids to explore their world. NGKE will work with all major broadcast outlets in the United States and abroad. For more information about National Geographic, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.
Myths Busted Many urban myths, made-up tales told as fact, were started to scare people into behaving. But some urban myths have been told so many times that people start believing them. National Geographic Kids asks the experts for the real story behind five urban myths Swallowed chewing gum takes seven years to digest; turkeys are so dumb that they'll look up during a rainstorm and drown; tapping a soda can keeps it from spraying when you open it; if you don't wash your hair, spiders will live on your head; and fortune cookies come from China and busts them once and for all. Plus: How to spot an Internet hoax. Page 10.
Family Project: Pumpkin Carving National Geographic Kids cranks up the carving fun this Halloween. Check out some wildly creative ideas for decorating pumpkins this year, such as: Build a skeleton or snowman by stacking three pumpkins; turn a curvy stem into a funny nose; paint funny faces instead of carving; arrange your jack-o'-lanterns so they're "reacting" to each other; carve kooky Halloween messages to spook trick-or-treaters. Page 28.
Weird But True National Geographic Kids digs up 10 outrageous facts, including: Before toothpaste was invented, some people cleaned their teeth with charcoal; if humans came in as many sizes as dogs, people would range from 3 to 18 feet tall; in Italy, you can buy fresh pizza from a vending machine; all of today's pet hamsters can be traced back to one hamster family that lived in Syria in 1930. Check out all the Weird But True facts. Page 4.
"Where the Wild Things Are" National Geographic Kids goes behind the scenes of the new movie "Where the Wild Things Are," based on the book by Maurice Sendak, and discovers some very wild things about the film. Page 12.
City of Bones Beneath the streets of Paris lies one of the creepiest burial sites in the world. In 1785, centuries of death from the plague, smallpox, war and France's infamous guillotine left the city's cemeteries literally overflowing, putting people at risk of disease. The solution: bury people in the old limestone mines carved under the city. National Geographic Kids explores France's famous catacombs, a maze of shadowy tunnels that contains the bones of nearly 6 million people stacked and displayed in ghoulish, artistic patterns. Page 24.
National Geographic Kids, a multitopic, photo-driven magazine for 6- to 14-year-olds, empowers its readers by making it fun to learn about the world. Its numerous industry awards include Periodical of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from the Association of Educational Publishers. Published 10 times a year, National Geographic Kids has a circulation of 1.2 million and is available by subscription for $19.95 a year and on newsstands for $4.99 a copy. Its Web site is at kids.nationalgeographic.com.






