Hello everyone in Los Angeles! It has been a long time. I miss you all and hope it won't be long until I am back there. I know that some of you all still visit here, so I wanted to pass along my current website that I use for my students in Houston. It has some math challenges as well as a better organized One Love Club site in case you want to hear some good music! I hope you are all well and hope to hear from you soon!
Hi everyone! I hope this finds you all well and that you are enjoying your summer. I thought of you all today since I am doing a summer program and have created a website for it. we are doing some of the art that we did when I had you in 6th grade and then I also have some math games. Here is a link to the website with some great links. Some of the links are ones that are not new to you, but there are some new ones that might be fun for you. Congrats on being 8th graders!!!
Summer Program Website
Hi everyone! I just wanted to give a quick hello as I know several of you still check this site. Thank you to all of you who have sent emails my way. Sorry if if I have taken so long to reply. I promise I will get to them. I hope the year has been great for you and you are learning a lot. I miss everyone there and will do my best to visit before the end of the year. Talk to you soon!
Thank you!
I am not sure if anyone actually still checks this, but I wanted to say thank you to all my students and parents. I have had an amazing time this year. It was very difficult to say goodbye because you all mean so much to me. Know that I will be back to visit and hope you enjoy your summer. Keep in touch!
Ancient Rome Websites
We don't have much time to explore Ancient Rome in a lot of depth, but here are some great websites to explore this fascinating civilization.
Explore Roman Society and Test Your Knowledge with Quizzes
Dress a Roman Soldier
What Belongs on a Roman Street
The Roman Calendar
Make a Roman Mosaic Online
Dress a Roman Gladiator for Battle
Read about Crazy Nero
Take a 3D tour through Ancient Roman architecture
GPardy Ancient Greece
Here is the link to the GPardy which should help you study for the Social Studies test on Monday. have fun with it!
One Love Club: Latin Music
Our last month of One Love Club is Latin music. This is a great mix of Latin music that I am hopeful you can get into. Enjoy!
1. Buena Vista Social Club - Candela {Cuba}
2. Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz - La Zafra {Puerto Rico}
3. Ozomatli - Cumbia De Los Muertos {Mexican-American}
4. Selena - Amor Prohibido {Mexican-American}
5. Juan Gabriel - Si Dios Me Ayuda {Mexico}
6. Mana - No Ha Parado de Llover {Mexico}
LACMA: Field Trip
Take a tour through the Broad Contemporary Art Museum that we are going to see. You can read about the art on each of the three floors.
Tour through each floor
Broad Contemporary Art Museum
Ancient Greece
Here are some great links for our new Social Studies chapter. Ancient Greece is very interesting so explore the sites and play the games because you can learn a lot and have fun.
Ancient Greece for Kids
Design a Greek Pot
Ancient Greece: Olympics & Theater
The Delphi Oracle
Greek Gods and Goddesses
Ancient Greece Test
Ancient Greece Millionaire Game
Mythological Figures
Hokusai
Here is the presentation about Hokusai. I have also provided links to some websites where you can learn more about him and see all of the 36 views of Mt. Fuji. Enjoy!
Hokusai Presentation: Part I
Hokusai Presentation: Part II
36 Views of Mt. Fuji
More about Hokusai
Website about Mt. Fuji
Geography: Africa
Our last continent is Africa. It is tough but simply requires repetition and familiarity with the country names. There are several geography games out there, but I found that the first one is the best since you have the option to break the continent up into sections.
Geography Game #1
Geography Game #2
Geography Game #3
GPardy: Buddhism & Hinduism
Here is the GPardy for Buddhism and Hinduism. Use this as a study guide. Enjoy!
Buddhism Powerpoint
Use this powerpoint to help you study for our test on Thursday.
Powerpoint: Buddhism
Hinduism Powerpoint
Here is a link to see the Hinduism Powerpoint. Don't forget that our test is on Thursday so this will help you study.
Our Mural
Here is a picture of our mural inspired by Diego Rivera. Make sure you show your parents since you all worked very hard together to make sure it looked so great. Click the picture for better quality.
Here is the original.
One Love Club: African Music
April's One Love Club is African music. This is a very different musical experience and takes even an even greater openness. I think you will enjoy it though. Renting Power of One from our Film Club will help to give you a greater appreciation for the style. Enjoy!
1. Orchestra Baobab - Bul Ma Min {Senegal}
The clip is very short and low quality
2. Lion King - Rafiki Mourns
3. Ali Farka Toure - Ai Du {Mali}
4. Vusi Mahlesela - When You Come Back {South Africa}
5. Masibemunye Bulawayo Choir - The Rainmaker {South Africa}
6. Paul Simon - Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes {South African Influence}
7. Ben Harper - Picture of Jesus - BONUS TRACK {South African Influence}
Geography: Asia
We are going to continue our Geography by trying to finish Asia. I have listed a plethora of games to choose from. Try the different types of games to really test your knowledge of this part of the world. Enjoy!
Geography Game #1
Geography Game #2
Geography Game #3
Geography Game #4
Geography Game #5
Geography Game #6
One Love Club: Jazz
The One Love Club music is Jazz for this month. This might be the toughest one to get into thus far. The music is a lot slower than our previous months and there are several songs that don't have any words. Try listening to the songs while studying and see if they have a relaxing feel to them. As always, be open to things that are new to us!
1. Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong - Summertime
2. Charlie Parker - Take five
3. Miles Davis - So What
4. John Coltrane - After The Rain
5. George Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue
6. Billie Holiday - Autumn in New York
Matisyahu - Chop 'em Down
Upon request, I have uploaded a video of Chop 'em Down so that you can watch it and follow along with the lyrics. Remember, Matisyahu is retelling the story of the Jewish people by talking about Joseph and Moses. Enjoy it and as usual, be open to things that are new and different to you.
Geography: Europe
Here are the Geography websites to help you prepare for Thursday in which we finish off all of the countries in Europe. See if you can get them all right on the first try.
Europe Geo Game #1
Europe Geo Game #2 (start with Level 1)
Create your own website
Here is the link to the website we used today in computer class to create our own website using HTML code. Just follow the directions. You can get ahead and work on this at home. It is easy to get the hang of it, just be patient. Have fun!
Make Your Own HTML Website
The Western Wall
Here are some videos and some links to learn more about the Western Wall. Read the information from the first link as it provides some great information on why it is still standing today. Let me know if you have any questions regarding anything you see or read.
The Western Wall Explained
Video: People Praying at the Western Wall
Video: Explanation and Overview of the Western Wall
Black History Month Project
Here are some links to help you get started on your black history projects. You might have to try a couple of them to find information on your topic, but you should be able to find something. Additionally, I have a Google search engine at the top of the page which you can use to continue your research. Start with these links first though. Good luck!
Black History Biographies
Time For Kids: Black History Month
Info Please: Black History
African American Biographies
Great African American Icons
Links to Black History Topics
Black History A-Z
Here is my BASIC example as well as pictures of other picture collages. You may be as creative as you want so please do so.
MLK Collage Close-up 1
MLK Collage Close-up 2
Picture Frame Collage 1
Picture Frame Collage 2
Joseph and His Brothers
I have given you links to short videos about the story of Joseph. We don't have time to do this in class, but this gives you a basic understanding of the story. Let me know if you have any questions.
Joseph and His Brothers: Part I
Joseph and His Brothers: Part II
Joseph and His Brothers: Part III
Diego Rivera
Here is a wonderful site of Diego Rivera. It has a great biography, a small little video as well as a great gallery of his paintings and mural. Click the picture to take you there.
Diego Rivera Presentation: Part I
Diego Rivera Presentation: Part II
Diego Rivera Presentation: Part III
Video of Diego with Frida Kahlo
Diego Rivera Murals Website
One Love Club: Country/Bluegrass
Here are the new songs for One Love Club. As always, give the songs a chance. They are all going to be very different than what you are probably used to listening to. Listen to them several times before you judge them though. You will be surprised how catchy they can be. Enjoy!
1. Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson - Ghost Riders in the Sky
2. Soggy Bottom Boys - A Man of Constant Sorrow
3. George Strait - Heartland
4. Dolly Parton - Jolene
5. Overthrow Boys - Uncle Pen
6. Jerry Garcia - Shady Grove
I Have a Dream - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We had a day off from school because it is a day to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. We will discuss him in class, but I wanted to let you have a chance to see the video of his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. I provided both the full version and the shortened version which most of us are more familiar with.
"I Have a Dream" - Full Speech
"I Have a Dream" - Shortened Version
"I Have a Dream" - Text Version
"I've Been to the Mountaintop" Speech (my favorite of all of his speeches)
Reduce, Reuse, Recylce - Re,Re,Re!!
Here is the link to the 888 Clean LA website that they talked about in the presentation from today. There are some great links there including where you can recycle your e-waste, Christmas tree, and motor oil.
888 Clean LA
In case you couldn't get enough of that music, click here to listen to the song!
8th Graders - Base Five Lesson
This post is for my 8th grade math students regarding Base Five. It can be a difficult concept but these websites might help you explore this at a little more length. Let me know if you have questions.
Base Five
Andy Warhol
I hope the introduction to Warhol causes you to think about what makes art what it is. Can a Campbell soup label be considered art or does it have to be of a beautiful landscape? You are going to get to try your own image for yourself next week and find out. Here is a website where you can adjust the color of Warhol's Marilyn Monroe print which is pretty famous. It shows how the use of color conveys different emotions. You can play around with it and can see the possibilities. There is also a short audio clip of Warhol discussing his use of color. Have fun!
Warhol Website
Andy Warhol Powerpoint
Here is the power point from today about Andy Warhol. I had to break the presentation into three parts. Enjoy!
Warhol Powerpoint - Part I
Warhol Powerpoint - Part II
Warhol Powerpoint - Part III
One Love Club: Singer-Songwriters
The One Love Club for January is Singer-Songwriters. As always, you have to be very open to the music. Give them a couple of listens before you judge it. I have provided some video links so that you can watch them online. They are also updated on the mediamax website. Enjoy!
1. Bob Dylan - Blowin' in the Wind
2. Joni Mitchell - California
3. James Taylor - Fire and Rain
4. John Denver - Take Me Home Country Road
5. Nick Drake - One of These Things First
6. Cat Stevens - Wild World
Geography: Europe
Our next Geography section is Europe. Try these games to help you familiarize yourself with these countries. Just like the other ones, it is difficult at first but just takes repetition to learn it. Study these now to make your life easier for your upcoming Geo-Quizzes and to help earn your team some extra bonus money. Have fun!
Europe Geo Game #1
Europe Geo Game #2 (start with Level 1)
New Article About Lesotho
Here is an article about Lesotho that appeared in the Houston Chronicle when I was home on vacation. My brother Tony is in a couple of the pictures from the slideshow.
Houston Chronicle Lesotho Article
Ancient Egypt Online
Here are some links to some great sites about Ancient Egypt. Just follow the links and browse around. You can find some great information.
Ancient Egypt For Students
Ancient Egypt: British Museum
Egyptian Mummification
Watch the News Every Night
You can watch the news every night online in case you miss the news on TV. It is available every day after 7pm. Scroll down about half way down the page, look for this image, and click the abbreviation for the correct day of the week in order to watch the news from that night.
NBC Nightly News
One Love Club: The Beatles
The new songs have been uploaded to the website so be sure to check them out. I hope you will give the Beatles a chance if you don't already enjoy their music. I wanted to expose you to some songs that you may not have heard before. The links on the right will take you to some videos of each song. Questions will be due to me by Tuesday the 18th. Enjoy!
1. Beatles – I'm Only Sleeping
2. Beatles – Revolution
3. Beatles – Here Comes the Sun
4. Beatles – Eight Days a Week
5. Beatles – Feel Fine
6. Beatles – You've Got to Hide Your Love Away
Bonus 1: Beatles - You're Mother Should Know
Bonus 2: Beatles - All You Need is Love
Geography: North & Central America
We have our quiz for the last four countries of the Middle East this Thursday so make sure you brush up on those by following the Middle East link several posts below.
North & Central America is our next geographical region. Start learning them now and you will not only make your life easier when our next Geo-Quiz comes, but you will be able to help your team in the Geo-Game.
Here is one game just with Central America:
Geography Game #1
This will help you brush up on South America and learn Central America. Challenge yourself to see if you can make it all of the way to advanced. This game will truly show that you know where the countries are located.
Geography Game #2
This game incorporates the Caribbean (which you are not responsible for at this point yet) and Central America:
Geography Game #3
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Click the picture to watch the presentation that we saw today. Give it a little bit of time and follow the links to learn more about Basquiat. He has a very unique style which is what makes him so special. Continue to view his paintings and you will gain an appreciation for his work and style. Let me know if you have any questions.
View Presentation Online
Click the "View published presentation in a new window" link rather than having to set up a Google account to see the powerpoint.
A Great Interactive Website All About Basquiat
What the Symbols Mean
Here are some quotes from Basquiat that I thought were great in response to some of our criticisms about his art being very "childlike."
"Every single line means something."
-Jean-Michel Basquiat
"Believe it or not, I can actually draw."
-Jean-Michel Basquiat
Geospy Game
Here is another great Geography game. It is very challenging, but is very fun.
Geospy Game
Mesopotamia Online Activity
Click on the picture which will link you to a document. Copy and paste all of this into an Open Office document. Follow the directions and type your answers below each question in your Open Office document. If you finish early, practice for your Geo-Quiz which is Thursday.
Mesopotamia Online Activity
Play Chess Online
Since I am starting the Chess Elective, I am providing some links so that you can learn chess and play chess online. Have fun and let me know if you have any questions.
Rules of Chess
Play Against the Computer Online
Maya Civilization Presentation
Here is a great presentation created by Marissa. I was very impressed and wanted to share this great work with the rest of the class. Click the picture to watch it. Enjoy!
Build Your Own Compost Pile
We talked about building a compost pile to put our waste to good use. There are a bunch of links here that should help you get started if you are interested. Let me know if you decide to build one!
Compost Information
Frequently Asked Questions About Composts
Create Your Own Compost Pile
Different Kinds of Compost Piles
Ancient Mesopotamia
We are going to begin our new Social Studies unit which is about Mesopotamia ("The Land Between Two Rivers"). Here are some great interactive websites that provide great visuals and great information about Mesopotamia. Just click on the links below and enjoy!
Ancient Mesopotamia for Students
Mesopotamia - The British Museum
One Love Club: The Blues
The new songs have been uploaded to the website so be sure to check them out. Give them a couple of listens and you may be pleasantly surprised. I will try to add some links in the coming days to give you some more information about the blues which is one of my favorite musical genres. You can click the picture or the links on the right for more information and for videos. Enjoy!
1. John Lee Hooker – Dimples
2. Skip James – Washington D.C. Hospital Blues
3. Robert Johnson – Sweet Home Chicago
4. Albert King/Stevie Ray Vaughn – Call It
Stormy Monday
5. B.B. King – How Blue Can You Get
6. Son House – Grinnin’ In Your Face
G-Pardy! Chapter 2 - The Beginnings of Civilization
Here is the G-Pardy that we played this week. It doesn't work in quite the same way where you can press the buttons to go back to the main screen, but it should help you review for the test. Enjoy!
G-Pardy: Social Studies - Chapter 2
Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Here are some links, pictures, and videos that may help to clarify our discussion of Earth's orbit and how eclipses occur. The third video explains why we have seasons. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Solar Eclipse Information
Links to videos on youtube that might help you understand:
