6th Grade - St. Raymond

2010-08-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

2010-01-14T19:57:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-06-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-11-23T21:36:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-06-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-31T11:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-16T21:17:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-15T18:30:00.001-07:00

Here is the GPardy for Buddhism and Hinduism. Use this as a study guide. Enjoy!

Buddhism Powerpoint

2008-04-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

Use this powerpoint to help you study for our test on Thursday.

Powerpoint: Buddhism

Hinduism Powerpoint

2008-04-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-09T18:42:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-30T16:44:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-03T19:15:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-24T14:47:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-24T14:46:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-19T18:44:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

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

Funny Moses Scene

2008-02-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

Here is the clip of Moses as requested. Enjoy!

One Love Club: Country/Bluegrass

2008-02-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-01-21T15:06:00.000-08:00

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!!

2008-01-17T18:47:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-16T19:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-02T10:53:00.001-08:00

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

2008-01-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-10T19:23:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-01T13:33:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-26T19:10:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-19T19:04:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-13T20:23:00.000-08:00

Here is another great Geography game. It is very challenging, but is very fun.

Geospy Game

Mesopotamia Online Activity

2007-11-12T12:53:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-08T19:15:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-06T18:24:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-02T22:44:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

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:

More Dali Paintings

2007-10-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

Many of you wanted a link to more Salvador Dali pictures. There are 1,029 paintings on this website so it might take a while to view them all. Let me know which ones are your favorite. Enjoy!

Dali Paintings

Preparation for Social Studies Geo-Quiz and Test

2007-10-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that we have a Geo-Quiz on Thursday. This website is one of the best ways to help you review:

Additionally, we will be having the Chapter 2 Social Studies Test in about two weeks. Here are some online links that can help you review the information:
Section 1: Self Test
Section 2: Self Test
Section 3: Self Test
Chapter Self Test

Bringing Hope to African Children

2007-10-20T21:35:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to an article written by my brother about what he is doing in Lesotho. I know that you have already heard about it quite a bit in the recent month, but it is nice to read about it from his perspective. Don't forget, we still have the rest of the month to continue raising money for the Thato Orphanage. Bring in your recycling!

Bringing Hope to African Children

Salvador Dalí Exhibit at LACMA

2007-10-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

Dalí: Painting & Film
October 14–January 6

You can see Dalí's work in person! There is an exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum starting this weekend. Tickets are free for anyone under 17 years old. You will receive $150 in Bonus Money if you go to this exhibit. Just bring your ticket stub to show Mr. Garcia-Prats. Visit the websites below or talk to Mr. Garcia-Prats for more information.

You can learn more about the exhibit at these websites.

LACMA: Los Angeles County Museum - Dalí Exhibit

Dalí Ticket Information

Watch the Dalí presentation from class:
Salvador Dalí Powerpoint

Pablo Picasso at the Norton Simon Museum of Art

The Norton Simon Museum of Art in Pasadena also has a great collection of artwork, particularly a permanent collection of Picasso's work. I will also give $150 of Bonus Money if you bring me a ticket stub. Tickets are free for anyone under 18 years old. Just follow the links if you have any questions.

Norton Simon Museum of Art

Ticket and Direction Information

Watch the Picasso presentation from class:
Pablo Picasso Powerpoint

Helping the Environment

2007-10-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Download this free program onto your computer and it will help to save energy which will reduce your carbon footprint: CO2 Saver

October Service Project - Thato Orphanage

2007-10-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

This month, we are going to raise money for the Thato Orphanage in Lesotho, Africa. Please bring your donation to mass on October the 11th. You can also help raise money by bringing in plastic bottles or aluminum cans to be recycled.

To learn more about Dr. Garcia-Prats in Lesotho, follow the link to watch a video on his work in Lesotho: "Making a House Call"

Thank you for your support!

Here are some recommended links for you to enjoy

2007-10-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

Click on the pictures to follow the link

Middle East Geography Game:

South America Geography Game:

Watch the national news online for free every night:
(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

Play Sudoku online:

Extra information and activities from our social studies book:

Extra information and activities from our math book:

Here are some logic puzzles that you can play online:

The list of movies in our Film Club: