Gifted Social Studies Weekly Update
Week of 11/4-11/8
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
Mr. Heisel, our Technology Specialist, taught a mini-lesson on “Organizing and Editing Video Clips” on Tuesday. Students are preparing to create a Hixson NHD Documentary, and to complete very practical video tasks using WeVideo or iMovie to edit their video footage.
All eighth graders enjoyed a live or videotaped presentation from Dr. Karen I. Hall, Superintendent of Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District. She shared the oral history of North Webster which includes her family’s rich heritage.
Students continue their NHD research by analyzing primary and secondary sources.
7th Grade Classes
Students continued researching.for NHD. We hope to have the core of our research done in the next 2 weeks so we can begin working on the projects and deal with their research in a new and interesting way. This week, the classes began using current events articles in print and video from a variety of sources.
Next week the students will have 2 checkpoints on the schedule: Thesis Statement and Project. Students will conference with me and get feedback from classmates and partners before they turn the assignments in. Students are also encouraged to talk to people at home for feedback about what types of projects they choose.
National History Day project requirements, guidelines, etc can all be found at NHD.org.
Upcoming Due Dates
7th Grade Due Dates
Tuesday, 11/13 - Revised Thesis Statement is due after teacher and peer feedback (updated due date from last week)
Friday, 11/15 - Final project proposal due
8th Grade Due Dates
Monday, 11/11- Ten Sources (4 Primary and 6 Secondary) due in MLA format
Wednesday, 11/13- Process Paper and Final Thesis Statement Due
Friday, 11/15- Final Product Proposal due
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
Thank you for the supplies that have been sent in. It has helped so much!
We can still use some disinfectant wipes and paper towels for wiping germs from computers, desks, doorknobs, etc throughout the day.
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