Gifted Social Studies Weekly Update
Week of 10/28-10/31
Classroom Happenings
- Students continued their research for NHD, and wrote working thesis statements this week
- Students are seriously considering their 5 choices for NHD: presentation, paper, website, documentary or exhibit.
- National History Day is Monday, December 16, 2019 at Hixson Middle School from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
8th Grade Classes
Students learned how to differentiate between oral history and expert interviews. This week, students enjoyed two special guest presenters.
Mr. Heisel, our Technology Specialist, taught a mini-lesson on “Capturing and Downloading Video” on Tuesday. Students are preparing to create a Hixson NHD Documentary, and some students may use the skills they learn to create their own documentaries.
On Wednesday, Dr. Karen I. Hall, Superintendent of Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District, shared the oral history of North Webster which includes her family’s rich heritage.
Students participated in Destination Imagination’s STEAM Challenge: Candy Cauldron. They were excited to design and build structures in collaboration with their team members.
7th Grade Classes
This week our focus was on researching for NHD, especially organizing our information. (“Back in the day” we used notecards, but with technology there are so many more alternatives!) Researchers cite the sources for the sources for their facts so the readers can trust their work.
Students showed their progress with 2 checkpoints: 5 “notecards” (formatted as they choose) and a notebook page of questions to drive their research.
Upcoming Due Dates
7th Grade Due Dates
Wednesday 11/6: Source Check -Total of 10 sources that will be evaluated for variety and reliability.Friday, 11/8: Final Thesis is due after teacher and peer feedback
8th Grade Due Dates
Wednesday, 10/30: Outline for NHD Research
Tuesday, November 5: Capture 40 seconds of video and download it to the NHD Google Drive folder.
Other Learning Opportunities
”What Does the Freedom of Speech Mean to Me” Contest essays must be submitted to the Elks Lodge no later than Sunday, December 15, 2019. Click on the following link for more information-
Things to Remember
Request for Class Supplies
It’s that time of year when we have a lot of sneezing, coughing, and runny noses in the classroom. We could use some paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and tissues so the kids don’t spread germs.
GSS Webpage
If you would like to review a past weekly update, please go to our webpage to catch up on the archived updates.
Contact Us
Mrs. Woodard: woodard.alka@wgmail.org