Shaun Owen TeacherWeb Homework & Updates

Shaun Owen

Weekly Update for May 19th through May 22nd.

The end is near! Students are excited! Teachers are excited! Parents are.......excited? :-)
This week students are preparing for their final exam which will be first period on the last day
of school (Thursday).
The final exam counts for 15% of students’ grade, so they need to be prepared to do well on the
exam.
Grades have been updated. Grade printouts were sent home with students today.
This is the last week of school, so there are a number of housekeeping items which need to be
tended to as we wrap up the year.
Please make sure your child has turned in all of their textbooks. I still have 20 students who
have not returned their textbooks. This means either calling 20 parents or writing 20 “hold
report card slips”, both of which are way too time consuming during this busy period. The books
were due Thursday and cost $43.50 to replace.
Please make sure your child has paid all fines- damaged textbooks, lunch charges, media center
late fees, etc. Failure to do so will result in report cards being held.
If you would like the report card mailed, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope in with
your child.
If your child is in danger of failing, please contact our guidance counselors, Mr. Inman or Mrs.
Netherton, about the possibility of attending summer school.
Students do not need to bring bookbags or slingback bags as they no longer have textbooks or a
locker.
A number of students are coming to class without supplies (paper, pen, pencil, study guides,
etc.) and are borrowing supplies from other students and teachers. Please remind your child to
come to school prepared each day and ready to work.
On a personal note- This has been a wonderful school year. I could not imagine a better group
of students to end my eight years at GMS as I head to Stallings Island Middle School next year.
Parents are to be commended for your dedication, constantly checking the school website and
IParent, asking your child a million times if they had homework (“No” is the answer 90% of
the time) and then going back and checking the teachers’ websites again…..just to be sure.
Thank you for cleaning out bookbags, organizing notebooks (a thousand times over), keeping up
with deadlines and paperwork required by the school, studying with your child (Do you know where
most countries throughout the world are located?) and keeping up with projects, current events,
reading logs, etc., etc., etc. Your hard work shows, your child’s hard work shows, and we, the
teachers, are eternally grateful.
Here’s to a fantastic ending of another great school year.
Shaun Owen

Final Exam Study Guide

Students received their study guides today in class. The study guide questions are listed
below. The file will not upload to the website, so it cannot be printed as a word document
unless you copy and paste the text into a word file.
Please remind your child to bring their social studies textbook to school tomorrow.
The replacement cost for the textbook is $43.50.
The final exam will be during first period on the last day of school.

Final Exam-Fourth Nine Weeks-Social Studies
(Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.)

1. He wrote and stapled the 95 Theses to the Castle Church door challenging Indulgences and
sparking a revolution.
2. After stapling the 95 Theses to the door, this person was excommunicated. What does this
mean?
3. Which two inventions were key to the academic discoveries during the Scientific Revolution?
4. Which two inventions were key to reducing illiteracy by making books faster and cheaper.
This led to people challenging established Church doctrines?
5. French word meaning “rebirth” and referring to a new era of learning that began in Europe in
the 1300s.
6. Painter of The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Name the artist.
7. Match the person to their accomplishment: Alexander Graham Bell, Jethro Tull, Johannes
Gutenberg, Samuel Morse, James Watt-------Printing Press, Telegraph, Steam Engine, Seed Drill,
Telephone.
8. When King Henry VIII split from the Catholic Church he formed a separate church called…
9. During the Industrial Revolution, the practice of manufacturing goods in large quantities,
often using interchangeable parts and assembly-line techniques.
10. The change from making items by hand to making them with machines in large factories was
called the…
11. Period that lasted through the 1700s and 1800s when advances in manufacturing, business,
transportation, and communications changed people’s lives in almost every way.
12. Which powerful empire, that once encompassed the Mediterranean Sea, collapsed, leaving no
strong central government (anarchy).
13. When this strong empire collapsed, it led to a period where very little learning took place
and intolerance reigned supreme. This period of time was referred to as…
14. What two ancient cultures were most admired during the Renaissance?
15. A 16th-century movement in Western Europe that aimed at changing some doctrines and
practices of the Roman Catholic Church.
16. Sculptor of David and artist of the Sistine Chapel. Name the artist.
17. The period during the 1500s and 1600s when mathematics and scientific instruments were used
to learn more about the natural world.
18. Due to religious differences, a group split from the Catholic Church and formed a separate
religion. Name the religion.
19. The Industrial Revolution began in which country?
20. The Renaissance began in which country?
21. Why did Henry VIII want to separate from the Catholic Church?
22. Until the 1520s there was only one religion in Western Europe (for 1,600 years) and you did
not oppose this religion. Name the religion.
23. Explain the saying, “The sun never sets on the British Empire.”
24. Name the western mountain range that runs along most of South America?
25. Explain the accomplishments of Simon Bolivar.
26. Explain the accomplishments of Jose de San Martin.
27. Explain the accomplishments of Toussaint L’Overture.
28. Explain the accomplishments of Miguel Hidalgo.
29. Which Spanish conquistador conquered the Incas?
30. Which Spanish conquistador conquered the Aztecs?
31. Who was ruler of the Aztecs when they were conquered by the Spanish and what mistakes did
this person make that helped lead to the demise of his people?
32. Who was ruler of the Incas when they were conquered by the Spanish and what mistakes did
this person make that helped lead to the demise of his people?
33. What were the main reasons calendars were so important in the ancient Latin American
cultures?
34. In 1520 what tragic event began? This event was unknowingly brought upon the Aztecs by the
Spanish.
35. How did the Incans transfer information from one person to another? (2 methods)
36. Why did the Incas make human sacrifices?
37. The Mayas and Aztecs studied the stars and planets to help them design accurate…
38. What two accomplishments did the Romans and Incas share?
39. Why did the Aztecs have so many enemies (be specific) and how did this help lead to their
demise?
40. How have most civilizations in history, including the Incas, been able to expand their
empires?
41. Who were the indigenous people of Canada and what ended up happening to these people?
42. Who were the indigenous people of Australia and what ended up happening to these people?
43. What conflicts arose when Europeans arrived in Canada? Which two European countries were
fighting one another for land in Canada, what war did this lead to, and which side eventually
won?
44. What conflicts arose when Europeans colonized Australia? Which group of people were
brought over and why?
45. Explain Triangular Trade and the impact it had on Africans.
46. Explain why Latin America has had so much conflict since the uprising against European
rule. What role have dictators and revolutions played in Latin American history?
47. Who are Baby Doc, Papa Doc, Batista, Castro, and the Perons? What role have they played in
Latin American history?

Weekly Update for May 12th through May 16th.
Students do not have any homework this week.
All work should be completed in class.
Tuesday, students completed pages 522 and 523 in class. If they have several questions
remaining, they should complete these at home.
Tuesday, May 13th, students received all graded papers and a grade printout. Students have
until Friday to complete any missing work (M) in my classroom from 7:00-7:25.
I will collect social studies textbooks Thursday during class.
Final exam study guides for social studies will go home Thursday and we will spend the week
reviewing. The final exam will be first period on the last day of school.
As we reflect on Mother’s Day, I would like to say a special thank you to all of our dedicated,
hard-working, involved parents. The world is a much better place because of your love and
support. Most importantly, our children reap the benefits of all your sacrifices. I would also
like to convey a special thank you to my own Mother who raised three successful, driven,
independent daughters as a single parent. She continues to amaze me as she returned to school
at age 61 to complete her college education! Way to go Mom!
Have a great week.
Only 7 days remaining!
Shaun Owen

Reminders...
Please return pictures or pay for the picture packet that was handed out two weeks ago.
Please make sure that your child has returned all library books and paid all library fines.
Please make sure that your child has paid all lunch charges.
Monday, May 19 through Thursday, May 22, 2008- Final Exam Week
Thursday, May 22, 2008- Last Day of School.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008- Report Cards.

Weekly Update for May 5th through May 9th.
Students do not have any homework this week in my class.
All work will be completed in class.
CRCT extra credit points will be recorded by the end of today.
Grades have been recorded.
WARNING-The grades will seem really low because most students have not fully completed all of
their worksheets. They have had numerous days to complete the assignments in class, but some
students have several questions left on each worksheet. Many students are not focusing and not
working hard now that the CRCT is finished. The idea for many is that school is over and we are
no longer taking grades. Typically I do not enter an assignment until everyone is finished, but
I have done so in this case to help students see what an M (zero) does to their overall average
as they are taking way too long to complete simple crossword, map & globe, geography
activities. Now that students have seen their averages, they are working much more vigorously
today and staying much more focused than last week. I am giving two additional class days to
complete the work, though a number of students finished all assignments last week. Averages
will go up dramatically over the next several days as students complete these activities.
Grade printouts went home Friday, May 2nd and Monday, May 5th.
Have a great week.
Only 14 days remaining...but who is counting!
Shaun Owen

Reminders...
Please return pictures of pay for the picture packet that was handed out last week.
Monday, May 19 through Thursday, May 22, 2008- Final Exam Week
Thursday, May 22, 2008- Last Day of School.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008- Report Cards.

Weekly Update for April 28th through May 2nd.
Students do not have any homework this week in my class.
All work will be completed in class.
CRCT extra credit points will be recorded within a week.
Thank you to all of the students who took advantage of the opportunity to improve their grade.
Reminders...
Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 6pm- Career Connections Orientation for Rising Sixth Grade Students
(Location-GMS Commons Area)
Monday, May 19 through Thursday, May 22, 2008- Final Exam Week
Thursday, May 22, 2008- Last Day of School.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008- Report Cards.

LAST CHANCE-EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY
Students have until Friday, 4/25/08 at 3:00 to complete the online extra credit CRCT practice
quizzes.
Students earn 5 points for every perfect score on a CRCT quiz. They must get all 10 questions
correct to earn the extra credit. Students may take the quizzes as many times as necessary to
earn a perfect score. There are 17 quizzes for a total of 85 extra credit points.

1. Owen-Geography-1 (Owen-2008-Geography-1)
2. Owen-Geography-2 (Owen-2008-Geography-2)
3. Owen-Geography-3 (Owen-2008-Geography-3)
4. Owen-Geography-4 (Owen-2008-Geography-4)
5. Owen-Geography-5 (Owen-2008-Geography-5)
6. Owen-History-1 (Owen-2008-History-1)
7. Owen-History-2 (Owen-2008-History-2)
8. Owen-History-3 (Owen-2008-History-3)
9. Owen-History-4 (Owen-2008-History-4)
10.Owen-History-5 (Owen-2008-History-5)
11.Owen-History-6 (Owen-2008-History-6)
12.Owen-Economics-1 (Owen-2008-Economics-1)
13.Owen-Economics-2 (Owen-2008-Economics-2)
14.Owen-Economics-3 (Owen-2008-Economics-3)
15.Owen-Civics-1 (Owen-2008-Civics-1)
16.Owen-Civics-2 (Owen-2008-Civics-2)
17.Owen-History and Economics-1 (Owen-2008-HistoryandEcon1)

Students should keep up with the names of the quizzes they earn extra credit on (via getting all
10 questions correct) and I will verify the final results using the online assessment system.

Taking the Test
1. Go to www.georgiaoas.org
2. Enter your login and password (students have the information in their planner from Mrs. Brown
and Ms. Hamrick when they took Language Arts and Math Benchmark tests)
3. Hold down the CRTL and the ALT keys and click on Login.
4. Select one of the 17 quizzes listed above.

Good Luck! This is the only extra credit I offer all year so please take advantage of this
opportunity. We have been working on these questions all week in class, so students should be
able to take many of the quizzes relatively quickly to earn their extra credit. Students have
no homework this week due to CRCT testing.
Have a great week.
Shaun Owen

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY
Students have until next Friday to complete the online extra credit CRCT practice quizzes.
Students earn 5 points for every perfect score on a CRCT quiz. They must get all 10 questions
correct to earn the extra credit. Students may take the quizzes as many times as necessary to
earn a perfect score. I will post additional tests all weekend. Currently there are 4 quizzes
available.
1. Owen-Geography-1 (Owen-2008-Geography -1)
2. Owen-History-1 (Owen-2008-History-1)
3. Owen-Civics-1 (Owen-2008-Civics-1)
4. Owen-Economics-1 (Owen-2008-Economics-1)

Students should keep up with the names of the quizzes they earn extra credit on (via getting all
10 questions correct) and I will verify the final results using the online assessment system.

Good Luck! This is the only extra credit I offer all year so please take advantage of this
opportunity. Have a great weekend.

Weekly Update for April 14th through April 18th.
World Geography Quiz # 27 will be this Thursday- Australia and Oceania. Download additional
copies of the practice quiz and answer sheet under the World Geography link. Now that we have
been around the world, we will be reviewing Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Australia and
Oceania.
We will be learning about Australia and Oceania this week and then review for the CRCT next
week.
I will not be giving any tests until after CRCT. We will still have quizzes, class grades,
etc., but unit tests will not resume until after April 25th.
Extra Credit will be available Wednesday, April 16th through April 25th. Students will be able
to take the CRCT online quizzes for additional points.
Please remind your child to come in promptly to make up any missing work from absences.
Students have two days for each day they are absent (excused absences) to make up their work.
Make-up work is to be completed in homeroom from 7:00-7:25.
Please check with your child to make sure they have paid all lunch charges, overdue media fines,
and can locate all of their textbooks.

Reminders...........
Friday, April 18th- School Dance- 6:30-9:00
Monday, April 21st- Progress Reports go home.
CRCT NEXT WEEK…..
Monday, April 21st, READING CRCT
Tuesday, April 22nd, LANGUAGE ARTS CRCT
Wednesday, April 23rd, MATH CRCT
Thursday, April 24th, SCIENCE CRCT
Friday, April 25th, SOCIAL STUDIES CRCT

Have a great week.
Shaun Owen

Weekly Update for March 31st through April 4th.
World Geography Quiz # 26 will be this Thursday- Australia and Oceania. Download additional
copies of the practice quiz and answer sheet under the World Geography link. Now that we have
been around the world, we will be reviewing Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Australia and
Oceania.
I will not be giving any tests until after CRCT. We will still have quizzes, class grades,
etc., but unit tests will not resume until after April 25th.
We will finish the Canada unit, move to Australia and Oceania and review the years’ curriculum
prior to the CRCT.
Extra Credit will be available starting next week until April 25th. Students will be able to
take the CRCT online quizzes for additional points.
Students will receive a grade printout Tuesday, April 1st, which will have all of their updated
grades. Please remind your child to come in promptly to make up any missing work from
absences. Students have two days for each day they are absent (excused absences) to make up
their work. Make-up work is to be completed in homeroom from 7:00-7:25.
Please remind your child to turn in their school registration forms for next year. The forms
should have been returned to homeroom teachers two weeks ago. Please check with your child to
make sure they have paid all lunch charges, overdue media fines, and can locate all of their
textbooks.
Reminders...........
April 3rd- Honor’s Night at 6:30pm. Eligible students received invitations last week. This is
a very big honor for students and reflects their diligence and hard work throughout the school
year. The dress for this event is church/dress type clothes.
Thank you parents for all that you do throughout the school year to encourage your child’s
academic success. I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching and getting to know these wonderful
students. They are polite, energetic, and full of life. Sixth graders are truly unique,
challenging, and extremely rewarding to teach.
Have a great week.
Ms. Shaun Owen

Weekly Update for March 24th through March 28th.
World Geography Quiz # 25 will be this Thursday.
Students are to study their notes over Canada for an upcoming test.
Reminders...........
This Thursday- Eighth Grade Musical at 6:30. (3-27-08)
This Friday- Field Trip for 6-2 students and Spring Pictures. (3-28-08)
April 3rd- Honor’s Night at 6:30pm.
Have a great week.
Ms. Owen

Weekly Update for March 17th through March 21st.
Only four weeks remaining until CRCT. I will be combining several units of Canada into one unit
and then move to Australia/Oceania. I hope to have time to review Europe and Russia again
before the CRCT as students have forgotten some of the information. We only have one short
chapter in the textbook pertaining to Canada. As usual, I will give students the information
they need using a multitude of sources. Since much of the information is not in the textbook,
it is imperative that students take good notes in class during the PowerPoint
presentations/competitions. Each slide typically only contains 10-20 words. However, it is
like pulling teeth to get many students to write down even the smallest portion of notes. I am
often heard begging, pleading, and cajoling students to get them to take notes from the slides.
I tell students that I have done the hard part…. staying up until 2:00 am to develop
engaging and informative presentations. All students have to do is write down the information
and study over their notes throughout the unit. Typically, students who do not do well in my
class are the very students who either take no notes, very few notes, or partial notes. Some
students can retain an acceptable amount of information through osmosis, but the units are
typically so large, that retention of information without notes to refer back to results in less
than stellar grades.
Thank you for all that you do to help make your child successful. I know students don’t like
for parents to check behind them, just as they don’t like for me to tell them to write down the
information, but as adults, we see the big picture and long for our children (students) to
achieve to their fullest potential.
Thank you again.
Ms. Owen

This week- Study over class notes.
World Geography Quiz # 24 is this Thursday.

Weekly Update for March 10th through March 14th.
I am very pleased with the Final Exam grades. I have entered the grades for the scantron
section of the test and will read the 250 essays today and tomorrow. Students should have done
well on both sections of the final exam (scantron and essay) because they had a very detailed
study guide, we spent a week in class reviewing the material and practicing good essay
responses, and the largest part of the exam was multiple choice.
The results are as follows….Scantron section
100s- 18 students made 100s on their final exam.
As - 55 students made an A on their final exam.
Bs - 27 students made a B on their final exam.
Cs - 9 students made a C on their final exam.
Ds - 5 students made a D on their final exam.
Fs - 13 students made an F on their final exam.

Thank you to students for being on task in class, taking notes, doing your homework, studying,
and taking pride in your work. Your effort shows.
Thank you to parents for all of your hard work with your child. Studying and quizzing your
child is a great way to gauge their level of comprehension, develop good study habits,
demonstrate the value of education, and bond over, say….. geography or history. :-)

Homework this week-
We are starting Canada.
Students should read, take notes, and study Chapter 6.
World Geography Quiz # 23 will be Thursday (over Canada).
You may print extra copies from the World Geography link.

For struggling students, it is imperative that you buckle down and invest a great deal of time
into your studies. We are entering the final nine weeks. The weather is changing, sports are
starting up, the curriculum is cumulative and in some cases getting more difficult. We want
every child to succeed, so please try your hardest each and every day, ask your teachers
questions when you do not understand the content, and put forth effort at home to reinforce
skills and knowledge taught at school. If you do this consistently, you WILL be successful in
school….and in LIFE.
Have a great week.
Ms. Owen

Essay Topics For The Final Exam.
Social Studies Final Exam- Friday, March 7th.

Haiti's History
Cuban Revolution
Slave Trade

Select two of the three topics above and write an essay for each.

Students spent the entire class period today writing on two of the topics below. They read
their answers, received feedback and worked to improve their essay responses.
If students have been studying their study guide they should not have to do any additional work
as all of the key elements to address the essay topics were in the study guide. Some
students had great essay responses and others only wrote one or two sentences in 15 minutes
time. The goal is to address the topics in great detail without leaving out relevant
information.

Haiti’s History (from the study guide)

43. Touissant L’Ouverture- On August 24, 1791, the night sky over Saint-Domingue glowed red and
gold. The French Caribbean colony was on fire. The slaves were sick of being mistreated by
their white masters. They finally had rebelled. Now they were burning every piece of white
owned property they could find. This Night of Fire was the beginning of the first great fight
for freedom in Latin America. Toussaint L’Ouverture, a former slave, led the people of Saint-
Dominque in this fight for more than 10 years. Eventually they won. They founded the
independent country of Haiti in 1804. Touissant was captured by the French, taken to France and
imprisoned after leading the slave rebellion. Toussaint was given the nickname L’Ouverture,
which means “opening” in French, because he always found an opening in enemy lines. His success
in leading the rebellion is staggering when one realizes that his army of former slaves, mostly
uneducated, defeated, in turn, the French, the British, and the Spanish. The flame of liberty
lit in Haiti soon spread across Latin America. By 1825, most of the region was independent.
Latin Americans would no longer be ruled by Europe.
44. Haiti- In the 1790s, slave revolts began. A Haitian leader named Toussaint L’Ouverture
helped banish slavery from Haiti in 1801. He also offered Haitians a new way of life, based on
the idea that all people could live as equals. In the years that followed, Toussaint
L’Ouverture’s goal of freedom and equality was never fully realized in Haiti. Most of Haiti’s
presidents became dictators once they got into power. One of the worst was Francois Duvalier,
who took power in 1957. Because Duvalier had been a country doctor, Haitians called him “Papa
Doc.” Papa Doc died in 1971. He was followed by his son, Jean-Claude Duvalier, or “Baby Doc.”
Both Papa Doc and Baby Doc were cruel leaders. They stole government funds and used violence
to keep power. During their rule, Haiti became the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
In 1986, rebels forced Baby Doc to leave the country. Many Haitians thought a period of freedom
and prosperity was about to begin. But this was not to be. Haiti was ruled by one military
leader after another. And most Haitians still made a living trying to farm small plots of
land.

Cuban Revolution (from the study guide)

27. Cuban Revolution- Cuba has had many harsh leaders who ruled as dictators. In the 1950s,
Fulgencio Batista was Cuba’s leader. During his rule, some people formed rebel groups to remove
Batista and change the country. A young lawyer named Fidel Castro led one of these small rebel
groups. He tried three times to overthrow the government during the 1950s. By his third
attempt, he had gained many supporters. Finally, Batista gave up and left the country in 1959.
When Batista left, Fidel Castro took control of Cuba. He held power for almost fifty years,
until he resigned in Feb. 2008. Cuba’s government is communist. In a communist country, the
government owns all large businesses and most of the country’s land. Under Castro, the Cuban
government took over private businesses and land. Further, Castro said that newspapers and
books could print only information supporting his government (propaganda). Anyone who disagreed
with government policy was put in jail. Huge numbers of Cubans fled the island. Many settled
in Miami, Florida.
Cuba became a communist country in the early 1960s. At the same time, it became friendly with
the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was then the most powerful communist nation in the world.
It sent money and supplies to Cuba. The United States and the Soviet Union, however, were not
friendly. As a result, Cuba’s relationship with the United States became tense. Relations grew
worse when the United States openly welcomed the people who fled Cuba.
28. Cuba- In the summer of 1994, 35,000 Cubans took to the ocean attempting to flee Cuba for the
U.S. They sailed on anything that would float- rubber tires, old boats, and home-made rafts.
They planned to enter the U.S. as immigrants. People left Cuba for two main reasons. The first
reason was that Cuba’s economy was in bad shape. People often did not have enough food to eat.
Clothing, medicine, and other basic necessities were hard to get. A desire for freedom was the
second reason. Cuba’s leader, Fidel Castro, did not allow Cubans to speak out against
government policies they disagree with.

Slave Trade (from the study guide)

55. The Slave Trade- A tragic result of colonization was the spread of slavery. During the
1500s Europeans began to use enslaved Africans to work in their colonies overseas. In exchange
for slaves, European merchants shipped cotton goods, weapons, and liquor to Africa. These
slaves were sent across the Atlantic to the Americas, where they were traded for goods such as
sugar and cotton. These goods were then sent to Europe in exchange for manufactured products to
be sold in the Americas. Conditions aboard the slave ships were horrific, and slaves were
treated brutally. Many died crossing the Atlantic. From the late 1400s to the early 1800s,
Europeans set up trading posts along the West African coast. From these posts, they traded with
Africans for gold, ivory, and enslaved people. Many African states had sold people as slaves
long before Europeans reached Africa. Most of these slaves were prisoners of war captured in
local battles. After the development of European sailing ships, however, the slave trade became
a major source of income for the kings of West African states. Europeans enslaved millions of
Africans and forced them to work on plantations and in mines in the Americas. This trade in
human beings was a disaster for West Africa. The removal of so many young and skilled people
devastated West African families, villages, and economies.
56. Triangular Trade- A historical term indicating trade between three ports or regions. The
most famous triangular trade in human history was the 18th century trade between West Africa,
the West Indies, and Europe. The West Indies sent sugar, tobacco, and cotton to Europe. Europe
would send textiles, rum and manufactured goods to Africa. Africa would send slaves to the West
Indies.
45. Colombian Exchange- The Columbian Exchange has been described as one of the most significant
events in the history of world ecology, agriculture, and culture. The term is used to describe
the enormous widespread exchange of plants, animals, foods, human populations (including
slaves), communicable diseases, and ideas between the Eastern and Western hemispheres that
occurred after 1492. Many new and different goods were exchanged between the two hemispheres of
the Earth, and it began a new revolution in the Americas and in Europe. In 1492, Christopher
Columbus' first voyage launched an era of large-scale contact between the Old and the New World
that resulted in this ecological revolution: hence the name "Columbian" Exchange.

The Final Exam Study Guide for the Third Nine Weeks has been uploaded to the Study Guide link.

Weekly Update for March 3rd through March 7th.
There will be no world geography quiz this week as students need to prepare for their end of the
nine weeks final exam. Students received 4 pages of the study guide today in class and spent
the entire class period reviewing the information. The study guide will probably be about 6
pages total as I have listed all of the relevant information that students need to review rather
than just providing topics or terms for the exam. The information was compiled from a multitude
of textbooks and internet research sites. Many students lose their notes or accidentally throw
papers away. This should save a lot of time and effort since students will not have to locate
information and can focus on studying the sheets provided. This will also serve as a helpful
tool for CRCT review. The final exam will be this Friday. The end of the nine weeks will be
next Wednesday, March 12th. Students need to have all make up work completed by this Friday.
The final exam study guide will be uploaded later this evening.
Have a great week.
Ms. Owen

Weekly Update for February 25th through February 29th.
Students received a grade printout today which contained grades 1-17 for this nine weeks. They
also received World Geography Quiz # 22 (Canada).
World Geography Quiz # 21 counted for 125 points since there were 18 locations.
Students need to study over the Unit 8 Standards and Elements worksheet that they received at
the beginning of this unit.
I wanted to share, because I have been approached by a number of parents, that this will be my
last year at GMS. I have ABSOLUTELY LOVED teaching at Greenbrier and consider it a true honor
and privilege to have been able to teach so many wonderful students. Parent support has always
been tremendous. I could not have asked for a better place to spend the last eight years. I
will miss seeing so many familiar faces (parents, students, and teachers). I will miss teaching
entire generations of students. It is a unique experience to have taught every child in a
family… and a true honor.
I will be teaching at Stallings Island next year. I look forward to this new challenge and did
not make this decision lightly.
The last several weeks we have been tackling some tough, intense subject matter (economics,
environmental policies, trade agreements). This is not the most exciting content on the planet
for sixth graders (or many grown adults). :-) I plan on making my last few years at GMS fun,
engaging, and full of educational knowledge.
Thank you parents for all that you do. Your investment in your child’s education is invaluable
and greatly appreciated.
Ms. Shaun Owen

(State video- Saturday-March 8th- 8am to 4pm.)
(WGQ # 22- additional copies under the World Geography link)
(Unit 8 Standards and Elements- additional copies under the Study Guide link)

Absent/Make-Up Work
Thank you to the 22 students who made up work this week from days they were absent (tests,
quizzes, world geography/map skills, etc.) I will have all of these grades recorded by Saturday
evening. Any student who still has one or more M's (missing) on their grade report may make up
any missing work next week. Please have all work completed by next Friday. You may have a
parent write you a note to come in before homeroom 7:00-7:25 to complete your work. Have a
wonderful and safe holiday break.
Ms. Owen

Weekly Update for February 11th- February 15th
Monday- Unit 7: Environmental and Economic Impacts on Latin America Unit Test
Monday- No homework on Monday due to the Unit Test.
Tuesday-Thursday- Read chapter 9- Central America and the Caribbean Islands. (pages 204-219)
World Geography Quiz # 21 will be given this Thursday.
World Geography Quiz # 20 and the Unit 7 Test will be recorded and handed back to students
tomorrow, Tuesday, February 12th.
Tuesday we will begin Unit 8: Latin America in the Twentieth Century.
The Standards/Elements/Enduring Understandings/Essential Questions are listed below.

Unit 8: Latin America in the Twentieth Century
•In this unit students will work toward an understanding of the countries of modern Latin
America, including their locations, their cultures, their governance, and how they produce,
distribute and consume goods in their economic systems.
Time Frame: 2 weeks

Standards Taught:
SS6H3 The student will analyze important 20th century issues in Latin America
and the Caribbean and in Canada.
a. Describe the development of nationalism and the role of leaders such as Juan and Eva Peron.
b. Explain the role of the Organization of American States.
c. Analyze the impact of the Cuban Revolution.
e. Analyze the impact and political outcomes of guerrilla movements in Latin America,
such as Shining Path in Peru, the FARC in Colombia, and the Zapatistas in Mexico.
SS6G1 The student will be able to describe and locate the important physical and human
characteristics of Latin America and the Caribbean and Canada.
a. Describe and locate major physical features; include the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of
Alaska, Hudson Bay, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, Panama Canal, Amazon River,
Andes Mountains, Rocky Mountains, Sierra Madre Mountains, St. Lawrence River, Patagonia, Atacama
Desert, and Rio de la Plata.
b. Describe and locate Canada and the nations of Latin America; include Cuba, Mexico,
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador,
Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Haiti, and Jamaica.
SS6G3 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, physical characteristics,
natural resources, and population size on Latin America and the Caribbean and Canada.
b. Describe how the location, climate, and natural resources of Mexico, Brazil, Chile,
and Bolivia have affected where people live, where agricultural and industrial regions are
located, and their impact on trade, especially the importance of the Amazon River, the Rio de la
Plata, the rain forest, the Mexican Plateau, and the Andes Mountains.
SS6G4 The student will describe the cultural characteristics of Latin America and the Caribbean
and Canada.
c. Identify the major ethnic groups of Latin America; include indigenous groups such as
mestizos, mulattos, and peoples of European and African descent, where they live, their major
religions, customs, and traditions.
e. Explain the major literary, artistic, and music forms of people in Latin America and
the Caribbean.
SS6CG1 The student will explain the structure of national governments in Latin America and the
Caribbean and Canada.
a. Explain the basic structure of the national governments of Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, and
Mexico; include the type of government, form of leadership, type of legislature, and role of the
citizen.
SS6E1 The student will describe different economic systems (traditional, command, market, mixed)
and how they answer the basic economic questions (What to produce? How to produce? For whom to
produce?) and explain the basic types of economic systems found in Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and
Argentina.
SS6E2 The student will give examples of how voluntary trade benefits buyers and sellers in Latin
America and the Caribbean and
Canada.
b. Define types of trade barriers, both physical barriers, such as Bolivia as a
landlocked country, and economic barriers, such as tariffs.

Enduring Understandings:
•Modern Latin American countries share common elements, but each country has unique
aspects due to cultural history, location, governmental organization, and economic factors.
•When there is conflict between or within societies, change is the result.
•The culture of a society is the product of the religion, beliefs, customs, traditions,
and government of that society.
•As a society increases in complexity and interacts with other societies, the complexity
of the government also increases.
•Location affects a society’s economy, culture, and development.
•The production, distribution, and consumption of goods/services produced by the society
are affected by location, customs, beliefs, and laws of the society.

Essential Questions:
•How did nationalistic leaders such as Juan and Eva Peron in Argentina and Fidel Castro
in Cuba change the social structures and economies of their countries?
•What is the role of the Organization of American States?
•How have guerilla movements in Latin American countries affected their governments and
economies?
•How have major ethnic groups influenced the history, culture, religions, customs, and
traditions of Latin America?
•How do governments in Latin America operate?
•How have the major physical features and climate of Latin America contributed to
migration, cultural identity, and economic development in this region?
• How do major physical features and the cultures of Latin America nations affect the
boundaries of Latin American countries?
•How do traditional, command, market, and mixed economic systems as used in Mexico, Cuba,
and Argentina differ from each other in deciding what to produce, how to produce, and for whom
to produce?
•How do economic barriers affect trade between Latin American countries?
•How will Latin Americans resolve important issues in the twenty-first century?

Unit 7: Environmental and Economic Impacts on Latin America Study Guide
Students will receive the three page study guide today. I have copied and pasted the study
guide below and will attach a word document copy under the Study Guide link. Students will
have all day today and all class period tomorrow to review the information. I compiled the
information via a multitude of resources, particularly online information/economic/geography
sites. Students should already have most of this information in their notes from class
presentations and the textbook.

Unit 7: Environmental and Economic Impacts on Latin America- Study Guide

Define types of trade barriers, both physical barriers, such as Bolivia as a landlocked country,
and economic barriers, such as tariffs.
1. Economic Trade Barriers- Any government policy or regulation that restricts international
trade- i.e.- import duties, tariffs, etc.
2. Physical Trade Barriers- Physical obstacles which inhibit trade such as remote locations
which increase transportation/distribution costs, mountain ranges (Andes), poor road systems,
lack of access to water (landlocked countries).
3. Landlocked countries- A landlocked country is commonly defined as one enclosed or nearly
enclosed by land. As of 2007, there were 43 landlocked countries in the world. Historically,
being landlocked was regarded as a disadvantageous position. It cuts the country off from sea
resources such as fishing, but more importantly cuts off access to seaborne trade which, even
today, makes up a large percentage of international trade. Around the world, coastal regions
tend to be wealthier and more heavily populated than inland ones. In South America- Bolivia
and Paraguay are landlocked countries.
4. Embargo- A prohibition by a government on certain or all trade with a foreign nation. The
U.S. embargo against Cuba began in the 1960s.
5. Tariff- A taxation imposed on goods and services imported into a country. Also known as a
duty tax.
6. Free Trade- Trade between nations without protective customs tariffs.
7. Customs- Duties or taxes imposed on imported and, less commonly, exported goods. The
governmental agency authorized to collect these duties. The procedure for inspecting goods and
baggage entering a country.
Analyze how Mexico, Venezuela, and Brazil benefit from trade.
8. Brazil- Continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its
interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's
leading economic power and a regional leader. Exports- transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans,
footwear, coffee, autos.
9. Mexico- Trade with the US and Canada has tripled since the implementation of NAFTA in 1994.
Mexico has 12 free trade agreements with over 40 countries including, Guatemala, Honduras, El
Salvador, the European Free Trade Area, and Japan, putting more than 90% of trade under free
trade agreements. Exports- manufactured goods, oil and oil products, silver, fruits,
vegetables, coffee, cotton.
10. Venezuela- Venezuela remains highly dependent on oil revenues, which account for roughly 90%
of export earnings. Overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and
irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.
Exports- petroleum, bauxite and aluminum, steel, chemicals, agricultural products, basic
manufactures
Analyze the development and impact of trade blocs such as the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA), the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR), and Free Trade Area of the
Americas (FTAA).
11. Trade bloc- A trade bloc is a large free trade area formed by one or more tax, tariff and
trade agreements.
12. NAFTA- A trade agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico that encourages free
trade between these North American countries. The agreement, implemented on January 1, 1994, is
based on the premise that removing as many tariffs as possible between these North American
countries will increase trade within the region and benefit each country's economy.
13. MERCOSUR- Regional Trade Agreement (RTA) among Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay,
founded in 1991. Its purpose is to promote free trade and the fluid movement of goods, people,
and currency.
14. FTAA- The Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) is an attempt to expand NAFTA to every
country in Central America, South America and the Caribbean, except Cuba. FTAA seeks to
eliminate barriers to trade and investment. Negotiations began right after the completion of
NAFTA in 1994 and were supposed to have been completed by January 1, 2005.
Describe why international trade requires a system for exchanging currency between and among
nations and name currencies from nations such as Mexico, Brazil, Chile; and explain why Ecuador,
El Salvador, and Panama chose to adopt the U.S. dollar as their currency.
15. Mexico- Mexican peso. Brazil- real. Chile- Chilean peso.
16. For Central American countries, the bulk of their trade is with the United States. Many
Latin American nations already rely on dollars, to one degree or another. At the checkout
counters of many supermarkets in Peru, for example, the bills given to shoppers are calculated
both in dollars and Peruvian soles. Customers pay in either currency. Using the U.S. dollar
could benefit countries in which wage-earners are used to seeing their purchasing power eroded
by high inflation and a weak currency.
The student will describe different economic systems (traditional, command, market, mixed) and
how they answer the basic economic questions (What to produce? How to produce? For whom to
produce?) and explain the basic types of economic systems found in Mexico, Cuba, and Argentina.
17. Traditional Economy- An underdeveloped economy in which communities use primitive tools and
methods to harvest and hunt for food, often resulting in little economic growth. Traditional
economies are often found in rural regions with high levels of subsistence farming. Countries
that evolve their economies past the traditional level often develop into market economies or
command economies.
18. Command Economy- An economy where supply and price are regulated by the government rather
than market forces. Government planners decide which goods and services are produced and how
they are distributed. The former Soviet Union was an example of a command economy. Also called a
centrally planned economy.
19. Market Economy- A system of allocating resources based only on the interaction of market
forces, such as supply and demand. A true market economy is free of governmental influence,
collusion and other external interference.
20. Mixed Economy- A mixed economy is an economic system that incorporates aspects of more than
one economic system. This usually means an economy that contains both private-owned and state-
owned enterprises or that combines elements of capitalism and socialism, or a mix of market
economy and planned economy characteristics.
Describe the approaches of Latin American countries in dealing with environmental issues;
include air pollution in Mexico City, Mexico, and Santiago, Chile; the destruction of the rain
forest in Brazil; and oil-related pollution in Venezuela, Mexico, and Ecuador.
Environmental Issues
21. Mexico- Perched at 7,000 feet in a mountain valley where the air is thin and fumes get
trapped, Mexico City is renowned for suffering air pollution. In 1992, the United Nations
described Mexico City’s air as the most polluted on the planet. Six years later, that air earned
Mexico the reputation of “the most dangerous city in the world for children” — a reputation
Mexico has been working hard to improve. But despite more than a decade of stringent pollution
control measures, a haze hangs over the city most days, obscuring the surrounding snow-capped
mountains and endangering the health of its inhabitants. Emergency measures cutting the number
of cars on the roads and slashing factory output meant lost sales and man hours of at least $8
million a day
22. Chile- Air pollution in Santiago is caused by industrial and vehicle emissions as well as
street dust blown from unpaved roads and eroded hillsides. Air pollution is aggravated by the
city's location (an enclosed valley with limited wind and little rain).
23. Brazil- Deforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and endangers a multitude of
plant and animal species indigenous to the area; land degradation and water pollution caused by
improper mining activities; wetland degradation; severe oil spills
24. Venezuela- Sewage pollution of Lago de Valencia; oil and urban pollution of Lago de
Maracaibo; deforestation; soil degradation; urban and industrial pollution, especially along the
Caribbean coast; threat to the rainforest ecosystem from irresponsible mining operations
25. Mexico- Scarcity of hazardous waste disposal facilities; rural to urban migration; natural
fresh water resources scarce and polluted in north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and
extreme southeast; raw sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in urban areas;
deforestation; widespread erosion; desertification; deteriorating agricultural lands; serious
air and water pollution in the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border; land
subsidence in Valley of Mexico caused by groundwater depletion
note: the government considers the lack of clean water and deforestation national security
issues
26. Ecuador- deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution; pollution from oil
production wastes in ecologically sensitive areas of the Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands
27. Environmental-International Agreements- Many of these countries are working to create
policies/international agreements which will help to curtail some of their environmental issue-
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
(signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements)
Describe how the location, climate, and natural resources of Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Bolivia
have affected where people live, where agricultural and industrial regions are located, and
their impact on trade, especially the importance of the Amazon River, the Rio de la Plata, the
rain forest, the Mexican Plateau, and the Andes Mountains.
28. Locate the following geographical features on a map- Amazon River, the Rio de la Plata, the
rain forest, the Mexican Plateau, Andes Mountains, and the Pampas.
29. Explain how these physical features impact trade.
30. Study the physical, political, climate, population and land use/resources map on pages 157-
161 of the textbook to draw conclusions about how the location, climate, and natural resources
of Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Bolivia have affected where people live and where agricultural and
industrial regions are located.
31. Explain how these factors (listed above) impact trade.
Know the countries that comprise Latin America- The Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and
French-speaking countries (except Canada) of North America, South America, Central America, and
the West Indies.
Life Expectancy- The number of years that an individual is expected to live as determined by
statistics.
This number varies from country to country and can even vary from region to region. Wealthier,
industrialized countries tend to have higher life expectancy due to access to effective health
care and proper nutrition.
Infant Mortality Rate- The number of deaths in the first year of life per 1000 children born.
In 2001, the Infant Mortality Rate for Less Developed Countries (91) was about 10 times as large
as it was for More Developed Countries (8). This again ties back to economics and the level of
health care, proper nutrition, education, and access to prenatal care.
Literacy Rate- Typically this is determined by the percentage of people age 15 and older who can
read and write. Industrialized countries tend to have much higher literacy rates than Less
Developed Countries (Third and Fourth World Countries) due to access to education. In many
agrarian societies, children are not afforded the privilege of attending school full-time (or in
some cases, kids have absolutely no access to schools).
Explain the impact of natural disasters (i.e., hurricanes, earthquakes, floods) on Latin
American and Caribbean countries.
Explain the impact of these natural disasters…
El Nino- A warming of the ocean surface off the western coast of South America that occurs every
4 to 12 years when upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water does not occur. It causes die-offs of
plankton and fish and affects Pacific jet stream winds, altering storm tracks and creating
unusual weather patterns in various parts of the world.
Haiti- lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to
October; occasional flooding and earthquakes; periodic droughts
Cuba- the east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to November (in general, the country
averages about one hurricane every other year); droughts are common
Chile- severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis
Costa Rica- occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of
lowlands at onset of rainy season and landslides; active volcanoes
Brazil- recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south.
Explain the distribution of natural resources and how that has affected the peoples of the
Caribbean.

Weekly Update for February 4th- February 8th
Thank you for all of the kind emails regarding my grandmother. She is still in the CICU in
Valdosta. Thank you again. This week we will have World Geography Quiz # 20 on Wednesday.
Thursday is Early Release/Parent Conference day. If you are interested in a conference, please
contact the front office secretaries to set up a day and time. Our Unit Test will be next
Monday, February 11th. This is a slightly more difficult section with a lot of Economic
information, which can be rather dry and more abstract. Since our students do not have to pay
bills, earn a paycheck, worry about competition in the marketplace, taxes, etc., students have
difficulty relating the information to their lives. In addition, I have noticed a large
reduction in the amount of time students are spending on homework. Many students are coming to
class unprepared for the lessons and less focused on academics as the weather changes and Spring
approaches. This is a very natural occurrence, but can have a very negative impact on grades.
Please encourage your child to prepare for class by studying over the Standards and Elements,
taking notes over the textbook readings and class discussions, and most importantly…. studying
over the information. Thank you for your investment in your child’s education. Ms. Owen
Reminder-Progress Reports go home Tuesday, February 5th.

Personal Update
I received news this evening that my grandmother had a heart attack and a stroke. My uncle told
me that the prognosis is not good and they are trying to keep her comfortable. My sister and I
are heading to Valdosta to be with our family. I am going to go to school in the morning
because several students had already planned to come to my class before homeroom to complete
make-up work to improve their grades for the progress reports. Grade printouts went home
Wednesday/Thursday.
I was scheduled to shoot a State Teaching Video at the school this Saturday, but I contacted the
state department tonight to postpone the shoot. Students involved with the project will not
need to show up to school Saturday. I will let students know when the new date is scheduled.
Have a blessed weekend.
Ms. Owen

Weekly Update for January 28th- February 1st
The WGQ # 19 was postponed last week because I had teachers who wanted to observe my teaching
method from Bremen County and Decatur City Schools. The WGQ # 19 will be tomorrow. This week
students are to review the worksheet for this unit and answer the questions based on classroom
lesson and textbook reading. (see questions below for the Latin America worksheet-standards and
elements) Thursday, February 7th is Early Release/Parent Conference Day (11:30). If you would
like to schedule a conference, please contact the front office at 706-650-6080. If you would
like for your child to go on the upcoming field trip, please have them return the permission
form (with a check) as soon a possible.
Thank you and have a wonderful week.
Ms. Owen
Worksheet for Monday, January 28th.
Standards Taught:
SS6G2 The student will discuss the impact of government policies and individual behaviors on
Latin American and the Caribbean and Canadian environments.
b. Describe the approaches of Latin American countries in dealing with environmental issues;
include air pollution in Mexico City, Mexico, and Santiago, Chile; the destruction of the rain
forest in Brazil; and oil-related pollution in Venezuela, Mexico, and Ecuador.
SS6E1 The student will describe different economic systems (traditional, command, market, mixed)
and how they answer the basic economic questions (What to produce? How to produce? For whom to
produce?) and explain the basic types of economic systems found in Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and
Argentina.
SS6G3 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, physical characteristics,
natural resources, and population size on Latin America and the Caribbean and Canada.
b. Describe how the location, climate, and natural resources of Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and
Bolivia have affected where people live, where agricultural and industrial regions are located,
and their impact on trade, especially the importance of the Amazon River, the Rio de la Plata,
the rain forest, the Mexican Plateau, and the Andes Mountains.
c. Explain the distribution of natural resources and how that has affected the peoples of the
Caribbean.
d. Explain the impact of natural disasters (i.e., hurricanes, earthquakes, floods) on Latin
American and Caribbean countries.
SS6E2 The student will give examples of how voluntary trade benefits buyers and sellers in Latin
America and the Caribbean and Canada.
a. Analyze how Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, and Brazil benefit from trade.
b. Define types of trade barriers, both physical barriers, such as Bolivia as a landlocked
country, and economic barriers, such as tariffs.
c. Analyze the development and impact of trade blocks such as the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA), the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR), and Free Trade Area of the
Americas (FTAA).

Weekly Update for January 22nd- January 25th
Monday- MLK Holiday.
Tuesday- Work with partners to complete the activity listed below.
Thursday- World Geography Quiz # 19-
Wednesday-Friday- Class lessons over Environmental and Economic Impacts on Latin America.
Homework- Read, take notes and study chapter 8- Mexico.
WGQ # 19- Thursday
Complete the overlay map of Mexico.
Tuesday-Partner Activity
Draw Mexico on a whole sheet of paper (p. 157-161, 187, 189)
Label the 9 places on page 202 (see 187 for help).
Draw the climates of Mexico and label a key if you use colors (p. 159)
Label the 7 most populated cities of Mexico and design a key. (p. 160)
Label all of the resources and land use of Mexico. Design a key (p.161)
What is Mexico’s most important energy resource? (p. 190)
Where is this energy resource located? (p. 190)
Circle the 3 energy resource symbols (from above) on your map (p. 161)
Where in the Earth is this resource located? Is it renewable or non-renewable? How do you
retrieve this energy resource from the Earth? (your own thoughts)
What type of things are mined in Mexico? (p. 190)
How long is a century?
What is Fresnillo and how long has it been in existence? (p. 190)
Draw a triangle (on your map) around the six bars that represent silver, gold and other mineral
resources from p. 161.
What is the most valuable part of Mexico’s mining industry? (p. 190)
Mexico also produces large amounts of what four things? (p. 190)
What is very scarce in parts of Mexico, particularly in the north? (p. 190)
How might this scarcity impact Mexico’s people, animals, agriculture, occupations and economy?
Outline the desert region of Mexico. What type of weather does a desert have? (p. 161)
For many years, what type of an economy did Mexico have? (p. 198)

Weekly Update for January 14th- January 18th
Monday- Review for the unit 6 test- Latin American Cultural Legacy.
Tuesday- Take the unit 6 test- Latin American Cultural Legacy.
Wednesday- Begin unit 7- Environmental and Economic Impacts on Latin America
Thursday- World Geography Quiz # 18- Continue Environmental and Economic Impacts on Latin
America
Friday- Continue Environmental and Economic Impacts on Latin America
Homework- Answer the 4/5 questions on the following pages by Thursday.
Physical Map- p. 157
Political Map- p. 158
Climate Map- p. 159
Population Map- p. 160
Land Use and Resources- p. 161
Read, take notes and study chapter 10- Caribbean South America- pages 220-235.

Unit 7: Environmental and Economic Impacts on Latin America
•In this unit students will work toward an understanding of the environmental issues and
economic factors that affect the people of Latin America.
Time Frame: 2 weeks

Standards Taught:
SS6G2 The student will discuss the impact of government policies and individual behaviors on
Latin American and the Caribbean and Canadian environments.
b. Describe the approaches of Latin American countries in dealing with environmental issues;
include air pollution in Mexico City, Mexico, and Santiago, Chile; the destruction of the rain
forest in Brazil; and oil-related pollution in Venezuela, Mexico, and Ecuador.
SS6E1 The student will describe different economic systems (traditional, command, market, mixed)
and how they answer the basic economic questions (What to produce? How to produce? For whom to
produce?) and explain the basic types of economic systems found in Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and
Argentina.
SS6G3 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, physical characteristics,
natural resources, and population size on Latin America and the Caribbean and Canada.
b. Describe how the location, climate, and natural resources of Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and
Bolivia have affected where people live, where agricultural and industrial regions are located,
and their impact on trade, especially the importance of the Amazon River, the Rio de la Plata,
the rain forest, the Mexican Plateau, and the Andes Mountains.
c. Explain the distribution of natural resources and how that has affected the peoples of the
Caribbean.
d. Explain the impact of natural disasters (i.e., hurricanes, earthquakes, floods) on Latin
American and Caribbean countries.
SS6E2 The student will give examples of how voluntary trade benefits buyers and sellers in Latin
America and the Caribbean and Canada.
a. Analyze how Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, and Brazil benefit from trade.
b. Define types of trade barriers, both physical barriers, such as Bolivia as a landlocked
country, and economic barriers, such as tariffs.
c. Analyze the development and impact of trade blocks such as the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA), the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR), and Free Trade Area of the
Americas (FTAA).
d. Describe why international trade requires a system for exchanging currency between and among
nations and name currencies from nations such as Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile; and explain why
Ecuador, El Salvador, and Panama chose to adopt the U.S. dollar as their currency.

SS6E3 The student will describe the factors that influence economic growth and examine their
presence or absence in countries such as Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and
Argentina.
a. Describe investment in human capital; include the health, education and training of people,
and the impact of poverty on economic development.
b. Describe investment in capital goods; include factories, machinery, and new technology.
c. Describe the role of natural resources; include land, air, water, minerals, time, and other
gifts of nature.
d. Describe the role of entrepreneurs who take the risks of organizing productive resources.
SS6G4 The student will describe the cultural characteristics of Latin America and the Caribbean
and Canada.
d. Explain how the literacy rate in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Chile affects each nation’s
development in the modern world.

Enduring Understandings:
•Modern Latin American countries share common elements, but each country has unique aspects due
to cultural history, location, governmental organization, and economic factors.
•Rapid population growth and widespread poverty have created a desire for economic prosperity
which has led the people of Latin America to rapidly develop sensitive ecological areas creating
environmental problems like air pollution and destruction of the rain forests.
•Humans, their society, and the environment affect each other.
•The production, distribution, and consumption of goods/services produced by the society are
affected by location, customs, beliefs, and laws of the society.

Essential Questions:
•How have the people of Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Bolivia exploited their resources and how has
this affected their environment?
•What role do natural disasters play in the lives of Latin Americans and how have their
governments dealt with these problems?
•How have the Amazon River, Rio de Plata, rainforests, Mexican plateau, and the Andes Mountains
affected agriculture, industry, and regional trade?
•How has the distribution of natural resources affected the economies of different Latin
American countries?
•How are Latin American countries working through NAFTA, MERCOSUR, and FTAA to develop their
economies and promote global trade?
•Why do many Latin American countries use U.S. currency?
•How have the governments and people of Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina worked to eliminate
illiteracy and poverty and how are they using their natural resources, modern industry, and
technology to empower economic growth?

Weekly Update for January 7th- January 11th
Thank you so very much for the wonderful Christmas gifts and cards. I really appreciate your
kindness and generosity. I hope everyone had a fantastic and safe holiday season. Returning to
school after Christmas is very difficult for many students as far as studying and their grades.
They just returned from a long break, they have forgotten content information, they have gotten
out of the study/homework routine, and they are very busy with many extra activities. I can
tell they are having a hard time getting adjusted as I saw many blank looks today over
information that they have had weeks to read, take notes over and study. Please speak to your
child about the importance of taking notes in class (research shows this helps students to
retain the information longer) and the importance of developing consistent study habits.
Students have homework Monday through Thursday. “I did it at school” does not suffice as there
is not enough time to complete all homework at school. Thank you for all that you do to support
your child and I look forward to a wonderful remaining school year.

Students received their report cards today. These should be signed and brought back to the
homeroom teacher. We will give the report cards back to the student once we see the signature.
I will be at GPS training Tuesday so students will have a substitute tomorrow.
World Geography Quiz # 16 is on Wednesday.
World Geography Quiz # 17 is on Friday.
Students were told last week that they would have 2 world geography quizzes due to missing two
weeks of WGQ for final exams.
Thursday students will have a quiz over map and globe skills which include the following
questions….
1. Hemisphere means….
2. How many hemispheres do we have?
3. Name the hemispheres.
4. How many continents are there?
5. Name the continents.
6. What line divides the Earth into Eastern and Western hemispheres?
7. What is this line called on the opposite side of the globe?
8. What line divides the Earth into Northern and Southern hemispheres?
9. What is another name for lines of longitude?
10. What is another name for lines of latitude?

The unit test will be next Tuesday. Students have been reading over information from this unit
for several weeks. Dec 3- read 167-179, Dec 10- read 180-183 and 191-195, Dec 12- read 171-
173.
Students should be familiar with the following people, places and terms…
Simon Bolivar, Jose de San Martin, Tupac Amaru, Miguel Hidalgo, Moctezuma II, Atahualpa, Hernan
Cortes, Francisco Pizarro, Toussaint Louverture, Mesoamerica, Columbian Exchange, Tenochtitlan,
New Spain, Teotihuacan, Mestizos, Criollos, Mulattoes, Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Inca, Quipos,
Chinampas, Cuzco, Lima, Pachecutec, Roads, Aqueducts, Civil War.

Weekly Update for December 17th-December 20th
We have no homework in social studies this week due to final exams.
Students received their social studies final exams back today along with their world geography
quiz # 15. We went over both in class. I will have the grades recorded by Wednesday at the
latest.
Make-up work-Students should have all make-up work completed by Wednesday morning.
Only 3 days left until Christmas vacation! :-)

Monday, December 17th-
2:35 p.m.-3:45 p.m. Math Club
2:40 p.m.-4-H Meeting
Nine-weeks exams- Science & Literature
Tuesday, December 18th-
2:40 p.m.-Student Council Meeting
4 p.m.-Basketball GMS @ GTMS
Nine-weeks exams- Math & Career Connection 1
Wednesday, December 19th-
Nine-weeks exam- Writing
Thursday, December 20th-
1:35 p.m.-Behavior Incentive Parties
End of 1st Semester
Today is a regular instructional day, and attendance will be recorded as usual.
Friday, December 21st-
Holiday - Christmas 12/21-1/2
Have a wonderful Christmas Break!!!

Final Exam Information
I have posted the Final Exam Review PowerPoint on the PowerPoint link.
Students may view the slides to help them study.
World Geography Quiz # 15 will be tomorrow. Students have had the study guide for several
weeks, so they should be ready.
I am building my student wall comprised of students’ pets, travel pictures, accomplishments,
etc. If students would like to participate, they need to bring in computer printed pictures
that do not need to be returned as items sometimes fall from the wall.

Skeleton notes from our Aztec lesson (Wednesday, December 12th) (Textbook pages 171-173)

Big, Mean, Bullying Aztecs… I Hope Someone…
• I’m hungry! Where are the dogs?
• Give me chocolate!
• It’s good to be rich?
• I would love some bacon…. Why can’t I have any?
• Does your garden float?
• The sun god is unhappy….fork over your cousin!
• Learning from our captives.
• Use and abuse our captives! A double whammy!
• After all this, you actually expect me to pay taxes!
• Another day… the sun god must have won the fight!
• I’m in the military… I have power galore!
• Might makes right!
• Resentment Grows!

A note from Ms. Evans-

On my last day, I wanted to thank all of you for making my student teaching a wonderful
experience. Thank you also for all of the post it notes, cards and many other thoughtful
gestures. I will cherish each one. Your thoughtfulness and support are truly appreciated. I
could not have asked for a better class of students for my student teaching. I would also like
to take the time to thank Ms. Owen for allowing me the opportunity to learn from her. I feel
exceptionally lucky that I was able to student teach with such an outstanding and caring
educator.
Have a GREAT rest of the year!

Ms. Evans (Student Teacher)

Weekly Update for Dec. 10th-14th

Read pages 180-183 and 191-195.
Monday, Dec. 10- Review for the social studies nine weeks exam.
Students received their world geography study guides # 17,18,19,20.
Students reviewed the answers to their social studies nine weeks exam study guide (Mon.
Dec 10th.)
Due to our evacuation today, sixth period did not have an opportunity to review all of the
answers to the study guide. I will go over the remaining answers tomorrow in class.
Thank you so much for all of the cards, letters, gifts and post-it notes for Ms. Evans. I was
overwhelmed by the students’/parents’ kindness and generosity.
Thursday- World geography quiz # 15
Friday- Social studies second nine weeks final exam. (15% of the final grade)

Monday, Dec. 10 – Honors Chorus Sings @ Governors’ Mansion
Tuesday, Dec. 11– 4:00 Basketball Game – Home – EMS @ GMS
6:30 Parent Meeting~ Gifted DC trip
Thursday, Dec. 13– 6:30 Holiday Chorus Concert
Friday, Dec. 14- Basketball Game Away - GMS @ LMS
Nine Weeks Exams Begin ~ Social Studies & Career Connection II

Have a great week. Ms. Owen

We are starting a three week unit on Latin America.
Unit 6:Latin American Cultural Legacy
•In this unit students will work toward an understanding of the civilizations at the time of the
Columbian Exchange and the impact of European exploration on those civilizations. Through the
theme of TIME, CHANGE, and CONTINUITY students will explain the development of Latin American
and the Caribbean as colonies of European nations and on through their independence.
Time Frame: 3 weeks

Standards Taught:
SS6H1 The student will describe the civilizations at the time of the Columbian Exchange and the
impact of European exploration on those civilizations.
a. Describe Aztec and Incan societies prior to the Columbian Exchange; include religious
beliefs, origins of their empires, the astronomic and calendar developments of the Aztecs, and
the roads and aqueducts of the Incas.
b. Describe the encounter and consequences between the Spanish and the Aztec and Incan
civilizations; include how small Spanish forces defeated large empires, and the roles of Cortes,
Pizarro, Montezuma, and Atahualpa.
SS6H2 The student will explain the development of Latin America and the Caribbean and Canada as
colonies of European nations and on through their independence.
a. Describe the importance of African slavery on the development of the Americas.
b. Explain the importance of the Spanish mission system in developing Latin America.
d. Explain the Latin American independence movement; include the importance of Touissant
L’Ouverture in Haiti, and Miguel Hidalgo, Simon Bolivar, and Jose de San Martin.

Essential Questions:
•How have the achievements of the early Latin American cultures contributed to contemporary
Latin American culture?
•How did the lives of indigenous Latin Americans like the Mayans and Aztecs change after the
Spanish Conquest?
•How did civil revolutions in the 1800’s affect the culture of Latin America?
•How did the Spanish Conquistadors affect the Native Civilizations in the Caribbean and South
America?
•How did conflicts in Europe during the Colonial period and Napoleonic era affect Latin America?
•What is the Spanish Mission system and how did it impact the Latin American cultures?
•How did contributions from African culture impact Latin America?

Final Exam Information
Students will receive their final exam study guide today in class. You may download extra
copies by going to the Study Guide link on my homepage. The social studies final exam
will be on December 14th. The final exam counts for 15% of students overall grade (in all
classes). Thank you so much to everyone who donated gifts or money to make the Angel Project a
success. In my eight years at GMS, I believe this was one of the best! The families will be so
happy on Christmas. Thank you again for all of your support.
Ms. Owen

A Note from Ms. Owen
I have presented to thousands of educators across the United States to try and improve teacher
quality and education in general. When we can produce quality teachers our children have a much
more enriched educational experience. Ms. Evans understands that teaching is a profession not a
job and consequently gave up a great deal of her personal time to develop quality lessons,
design standards-based assessments, and my personal favorite… grade papers. :-) I feel
confident that she will be a credit to the teaching profession.
That being said, Monday, December 10th will be Ms. Evans last day of student teaching. If you
would be so kind as to ask your child to write a personalized card expressing their
thoughts/appreciation for her dedication and hard work, it would truly be a gift that she would
treasure. I have saved all of the parent/student letters and cards I have received over the
past 13 years of teaching because they mean so much to me. I would also like to request that
students, if possible, bring in some post-it notes for Ms. Evans. She has a slight “fixation”
with writing everything down on post-it notes, so it would be a funny and useful gift. Thank
you so much for all of your support and for your dedication to your child’s education. I am
looking forward to a wonderful remaining school year.
Ms. Owen

Week of December 3-7, 2007

Homework:
- Read, take notes and study pages 167-179.
- World Geography Quiz #14-Thursday, December 6th
Thank you to those who have brought in items for the Christmas angel. The deadline to bring in
gifts is Wednesday, December 5.
Below is the information regarding our “angel”
Pants- Ladies 18/20
Shirts-Ladies XL
Jacket- XL
Shoes- Size 10 ½
Underwear- Size 10
Deodorant
Perfume
Oil of Olay soap

There is a dance this Friday, December 7, 2007 from 6:30-9pm.

It is getting closer to the end of the second nine weeks.
Below is the Nine Week Exam Schedule.

December 14, 2007, Friday: Social Studies and Career Connection 2
December 17, 2007, Monday: Science and Literature
December 18, 2007, Tuesday: Math and Career Connection 1
December 19, 2007, Wednesday: Writing

Students will receive their Social Studies Nine Week Exam study guide by the end of this week.

As my student teaching experience at Greenbrier is coming to an end, I wanted to take the time
to thank you. I have loved being a part of the Greenbrier family, learning from Ms. Owen and
working with you and your students. Thank you.
Have a GREAT week!
Ms. Evans (Student Teacher)
Ms. Owen

Week of November 26-30 2007
Homework:
Read, study and take notes on pages 401-403, 407-408 and 419-423
World Geography Quiz #13-Thursday, November 29th.
Thank you to those who have brought in items for the Christmas angel. The deadline to bring in
gifts is Wednesday, December 5. So far we only have a few items, so if you are able to
contribute, we would be very grateful.
Below is the information regarding our “angel”
Pants- Ladies 18/20
Shirts-Ladies XL
Jacket- XL
Shoes- Size 10 ½
Underwear- Size 10
Deodorant
Perfume
Oil of Olay soap
New Unit Update:
Unit 5: Europe Today
•In this unit students will work toward an understanding of the countries of modern Europe
including their locations, their cultures, their governance, and how they produce, distribute
and consume goods in their economic systems.
Time Frame: 3 weeks
Standards Taught:
SS6H5 The student will describe major developments in Europe during the 20th century
f. Explain the origin and function of the European Union.
SS6G5 The student will be able to describe and locate the important physical and human
characteristics of Europe.
a. Describe and locate major physical features; include the Arctic Ocean, Norwegian Sea,
Baltic Sea, Volga River, Danube River, Rhine River, Elbe River, Seine River, Po River, Thames
River, the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Balkan Mountains, Ural Mountains, Strait of Gibraltar,
English Channel, Iberian Peninsula, and Scandinavian Peninsula.
b. Describe and locate the nations of Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia,
Poland, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Romania,
Netherlands, Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine.
c. Describe the geographic and cultural boundaries of Europe; include whether Turkey
should be considered part of Europe or Asia.
SS6G8 The student will describe the cultural characteristics of Europe.
a. Explain the diversity of European culture as seen in a comparison of German, Greek,
Russian, French, and Italian languages, customs, and traditions.
SS6CG2 The student will describe modern European governments.
a. Explain the parliamentary system of the United Kingdom and compare it with a
presidential system, such as the U.S., and the dual system of France.
c. Describe the purpose of the European Union and the relationship between member
nations.
SS6E5 The student will describe different economic systems (traditional, command, market, mixed)
and how they answer the basic economic questions (What to produce? How to produce? For whom to
produce?) and explain the basic types of economic systems found in England, Germany, and Russia.

Enduring Understandings:

•Modern European countries share common elements, but each country has unique aspects due to
cultural history, location, governmental organization, and economic factors.
•The culture of a society is the product of the religion, beliefs, customs, traditions, and
government of that society.
•As a society increases in complexity and interacts with other societies, the complexity of the
government also increases.
•Location affects a society’s economy, culture, and development.
•The production, distribution, and consumption of goods/services produced by the society are
affected by the location, customs, beliefs, and laws of the society.

Essential Questions:
•Why did many European nations join the European Union?
•How does the European Union function?
•How have the major physical features of Europe contributed to migration, cultural identity, and
economic development in this region?
•Why are there forty-four countries in Europe, and why are the majority of them small in area?
•How are German, Greek, Russian, French, and Italian languages, customs, and traditions
different?
•How are the customs and traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam different and why are
they practiced in certain areas of Europe?
•How is the parliamentary system of the United Kingdom different from U.S. democracy and the
dual system of France?
•How do traditional, command, market, and mixed economic systems as used in U.K., Germany, and
Russia differ from each other in deciding what to produce, how to produce, and for whom to
produce?
•How will Europe resolve the major problems it faces in the twenty-first century?

Have a GREAT week!

Ms. Evans (Student Teacher)
Ms. Owen

Week of November 19-20 2007
Homework: Read, study and take notes on pages 444-445: European Union and pages 460-462: Russia
Due to the short week there is no World Geography Quiz.
Thank you to those who have brought in items for the Christmas angel. The deadline to bring in
gifts is Wednesday, December 5.
Below is the information regarding our “angel”
Pants- Ladies 18/20
Shirts-Ladies XL
Jacket- XL
Shoes- Size 10 ½
Underwear- Size 10
Deodorant
Perfume
Oil of Olay soap
Have a safe and enjoyable break!

Ms. Evans (Student Teacher)
Ms. Owen

Week of November 12-16 2007
-Homework:
-Study for the Unit 3 test on Thursday, November 15, 2007.
-The study guide of the Unit 3 test is posted under the study guide link on Ms. Owen’s
webpage. We went over the answers to the study guide in class on Friday. We will be reviewing
for the test throughout the week.
-World Geography Quiz #12 will be on FRIDAY, November 16, 2007
-Thank you to all who participated in the Student Council canned food drive to benefit the
Salvation Army.
-Greenbrier Middle School sponsors “angels” from the Columbia County Foundation for Children.
Ms. Owen’s homeroom “angel” is a 16 year old girl. Columbia County Foundation for Children is
asking that the gifts not be wrapped this year. We do not have the due date for the gifts yet,
but it will be posted on the website as soon as we know. Below is the information regarding
our “angel”
Pants- Ladies 18/20
Shirts-Ladies XL
Jacket- XL
Shoes- Size 10 ½
Underwear- Size 10
Deodorant
Perfume
Oil of Olay soap
-Thank you for your support.
-The chickens have flown the coop! Clue #2 has arrived. Be ready to figure out where the
chickens are on Monday !
Have a GREAT week!

Ms. Evans (Student Teacher)
Ms. Owen

Weekly Update November 5-9, 2007
*Homework:
Read, take notes and study pages 428-429: Poland and 482-487: Ukraine
World Geography Quiz #11 is Thursday, November 8, 2007
-Student Council is sponsoring a pajama bottom day on Thursday, November 8. Donate $1 at school
to Christmas Angel and you can wear appropriate pajamas to school.
-Picture Re-Takes are on Friday, November 9, 2007
-There is a dance this Friday, November 9, 2007 from 6:30-9:00pm. PTSO raffle tickets will also
be for sale at this time.
-Student Council is sponsoring a canned food drive to benefit the Salvation Army.
Have a GREAT week!
Ms. Evans (Student Teacher)
Ms. Owen

Weekly Update October 29-November 2
-Unit 5 Test is tomorrow, Tuesday, October 30, 2007.
-Homework: Read, take notes and study pages 388-389 and 412-415.
-World Geography Quiz # 10 is Thursday, November 1, 2007
-Student Council is sponsoring a Canned Food Drive, Thursday, November 1 and Friday, November
2.
-There is a book fair from 7:30-3pm October 29- November 2.
Have a GREAT week!
Ms. Evans (Student Teacher)
Ms. Owen

Study Guide Update
The Unit 5 Test will be on Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The Unit 5 Study Guide has been posted on the website under the Study Guide link. Students
received the study guide in class on Wednesday, October 24, 2007. We have spent time in class
on
Wednesday and Thursday reviewing for the test and will continue to review for the Unit 5 test
on
Monday.
Have a GREAT weekend!
Ms. Evans (Student Teacher)
Ms. Owen

World Geography Update
World Geography Study Guides 9-12 are posted on the World Geography Quiz link.

Weekly Update October 22-26
Week of October 22-26, 2007
-Homework: Read, take notes and study pages 361-365 and 463-467.
-WGQ #9 is on Thursday, October 25, 2007.
-Report cards went home Monday, October 22, 2007. Report cards need to be signed and shown to
the homeroom teacher and then can be returned home.
-Students who ordered pictures received them on Monday, October 22.
-There is a dance this Friday, October 26, 2007 from 6:30-9pm.
-This week is Red Ribbon Week.
-Tuesday October 23 - Game Day- I will not let Drugs mess up my game. We will dress up as a
sports player with sports apparel.
-Wednesday October 24 - Nerd Day- Eat Nerds...Not Drugs. We will dress up nerdy and our student
council representatives for each class will bring in Nerds for the class to eat.
-Thursday October 25 - Be a hero...Say no to drugs. We will dress up as a superhero or someone
that you think of as a hero.
-Friday October 26 - Don't let drugs control you future. We will dress like we are back in the
20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's.
Have a GREAT week!
Ms. Owen
Ms. Evans (Student Teacher)

Weekly Update October 15-19
Wow! Students did an excellent job on their Final Exam for the First Nine Weeks! Great Work!
World Geography Quiz # 8 will be given on Wednesday. Read, study and take notes on pages
380-383 (Spain) and 391-393 (France).
Students will be out of school Thursday and Friday for their Fall Break.
Report Cards go home Monday, October 22nd.
Red Ribbon Week is October 23rd through 26th.
The Book Fair is October 29 through November 2nd.
Thank you for your support and participation in your child's education.
Ms. Owen
Deborah Evans (Student Teacher)

Weekly Update October 8-12
- Nine week exams are this week
- The nine week exam for social studies is on Wednesday, October 10, 2007
- The homework for this week is to study for exams.
- There will be no world geography quiz this week due to exams.
- Students received their world geography study guide # 10 today (Monday, October 8th).
- Students received a grade printout today (Monday, October 8th) which included grades 1-17.
- Students were given a federal survey form in their homeroom classes today (Monday, October
8th). The forms are due back Friday, October 12, 2007.
-Friday, October 12, 2007 is the first incentive party. Students who have earned the right to
participate received a letter asking for parent donations.
Hae a great week.
Ms. Owen
Deborah Evans (Student Teacher)

Final Exam Update 10/03/07
- Students received their Final Exam Study Guide today in class and worked on it for the entire
hour with a partner.
- Students also received a copy of the world geography study guide # 9 today.
- We will go over the information in class Monday and Tuesday.
- Please make sure that your child is ready for the big world geography quiz tomorrow.
- To download a copy of the world geography study guide, go to the world geography link.
- To download a copy of the final exam study guide go to the study guide link.

Homework update for October 1-5.
- Homework- Read, take notes and study pages 356-360 (WWII), 376-379 (Italy), 394-397 (Germany).
- World Geography Quiz # 7 is on Thursday, October 4, 2007 (This quiz contains 20 different
countries and will count for more than one quiz grade.)
- Students will receive their End-of-the-Nine-Weeks Final Exam Study Guide on Wednesday,
October
3rd.
- The Social Studies Final Exam will be administered on October 10th. This exam will count for
15% of students' final grade.
- Picture Day is Friday, October 5th.

Homework update for September 24-28th.
-Homework- Read, take notes and study pages 390-393 and 398-403.
-World Geography Quiz #6 is on Thursday, September 27, 2007
- Thank you to all of the students who have turned in their Entertainment Book and
Entertainment
Book money.
- Ms. Evans, my student teacher, is teaching throughout the day. She is very hard working,
dedicated, and driven to become an excellent teacher. She was a school counselor for three
years, so she is very familiar with the school system, FERPA and student
characteristics/interactions. She will be at GMS for the first semester.
- Please make sure your child is studying for their World Geography Quiz # 7 because there are
20 places to name on this map.
-Students received World Geography Study Guide # 8 on Wednesday, September 26th.
- I have really enjoyed getting to know your child this year. They are energetic, enthusiastic
and eager to learn. These are wonderful, challenging, and confusing years for middle school
students. Most students seem to be adjusting well, making friends and participating in the
learning experience.
- Have a great week.
Ms. Owen

Week of September 17-21, 2007
-Homework- Read, take notes and study pages 90-92 and 180-181 on colonization. Read, take notes
and study pages 347-351 on World War I and pages 352-355 on the Great Depression.
-World Geography Quiz #5 is on Thursday, September 20, 2007
- There is a dance this Friday, September 21, 2007 from 6:30-9:00 pm. The cost is $5.00 per
person.
- Please make sure that your child has turned in either their Entertainment Book or their
Entertainment Book money.
- Have a great week.

This Newsflash was sent to parents on Tuesday, September 18th.
Week of September 17-21, 2007
-Homework- Read, take notes and study pages 90-92 and 180-181 on colonization. Read, take notes
and study pages 347-351 on World War I and pages 352-355 on the Great Depression.
-World Geography Quiz #5 is on Thursday, September 20, 2007
- There is a dance this Friday, September 21, 2007 from 6:30-9:00 pm. The cost is $5.00 per
person.
- Please make sure that your child has turned in either their Entertainment Book or their
Entertainment Book money.
- Have a great week.

New Unit Update!
We have started Unit 5-Historical Influence of Europe and Russia. This is a six week unit.
We will also have a final exam on October 10th which will count for 15% of students' final
grade.
Please remind your child to study for their weekly World Geography Quiz. Due to our Early
Release/Parent Conference day on Thursday, September 13th, we will have World Geography Quiz #
4
on Friday (Meseta is number 3 on this map).
Students now have World Geography Study Guides 1-7.
Progress Reports go home today, September 12th.

Unit 5: Historical Influence of Europe
The students will work toward an understanding of the historical events in Europe between 1400
C.E. and the present, which have shaped the present countries of Europe and its former colonies
in Latin America, North America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Oceania.
Time frame: 6 weeks

Standards Taught:
SS6H4 The student will describe the important developments in Europe between 1400 CE and 1800
CE.
d. Explain the importance of exploration in the development of Europe; include the work
of Prince Henry the Navigator, Columbus, and Hudson.
e. Trace the empires of Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, England, and France in Africa,
the Americas, and Asia.
g. Describe the impact Peter the Great and Catherine the Great had on Russia.
SS6H5 The student will describe major developments in Europe during the 20th century.
a. Describe major developments of World War I; include the reasons for the War, the
Russian Revolution, the collapse of empires, and the consequences of making Germany pay for
World War I.
b. Describe the impact of the world-wide depression on Europe, especially Germany.
c. Describe World War II; include the ideas of Nazism and Fascism, the Allied and Axis
powers, the Holocaust, D-Day, Stalingrad, and the roles of Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini,
Churchill,
Roosevelt, and Truman.
d. Explain the collapse of the Soviet Union; include the failure of communism, the rise
of the desire for freedom (Solidarity in Poland), and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
e. Explain the significance of the reunification of Germany after the collapse of the
Soviet Union.

SS6CG2 The student will describe modern European governments.
b. Describe the transition of central European countries, such as Poland, from
authoritarian systems to democratic systems.
SS6E6 The student will give examples of how voluntary trade benefits buyers and sellers in
Europe.
a. Explain how countries such as England, France, and the Netherlands developed
extensive colonial empires as an important aspect of their economies.

Enduring Understandings:
• When there is conflict between or within societies, change is the result.
• While change occurs over time, there is continuity to the basic structure of that society.
• As a society increases in complexity and interacts with other societies, the complexity of
the
government also increases.
• Movement or migration of people and ideas affects all societies involved.

Essential Questions:
• How did the absolute power of European leaders create a desire for freedom expressed in the
Enlightenment principals?
• How did the aim of country leaders (power and influence) lead to conflicting government
styles?
• How did the growth of the Russian Czar’s power lead to revolution and Communism in Russia?
• How did the ambitions of the leaders of European countries contribute to the rise and fall of
empires in Europe and in other areas of the world?
• How did the desire of European countries to expand their territory and increase their power
lead to World War I and World War II?

This Newsflash was sent to parents on Monday, September 10, 2007
• Read, take notes and study pages 324-336 (Exploration/Enlightenment/Monarchies) and pages 463-
468 (Russian History).
• World Geography Quiz # 4 is this Friday, September 14, 2007
• Tuesday, September 11, 2007 is a Patriotic Spirit Day.
• Wednesday, September 12, 2007 is Progress Reports Day.
• Thursday, September 13, 2007 is an Early Release Day for Parent Conferences.
• Please make sure your child has returned their Entertainment book or Entertainment book money.
• Grades 1-7 have been posted on IParent.

This Newsflash was sent to parents on Friday, August 31st.
The Unit 4-Development of European Culture-Study Guide has been posted on my homepage under the
study guide link. Students should have a copy of the study guide. The Unit 4-Development of
European Culture Test will be administered on Thursday, September 6. We will review Tuesday
and
Wednesday.
The World Geography Quiz # 3 will be postponed until Friday due to the test.
Students have World Geography Study Guides 1-6 (posted under the world geography link).
Homework for August 27-31.
Read pages 323 and pages 337-343 for homework. Take notes over the information and study over
class notes.
With the GPS, we may not be reading entire chapters and we will be skipping around in the book

Reminders-
Subscribe to the school calendar (see link on GMS homepage-www.gmswolfpack.com)
Entertainment Book Fundraiser- Books cost $20 each. Out of town family/friends can purchase a
book for their area online and students receive credit for the sale. If a student sells 5
books
they will receive a free Entertainment book.

Homework for September 3-7.
September 3- Labor Day Holiday.
Read page(s)….
373-374 (Greek Culture)
376-378 (Italy)
382 (Spanish Culture)
392-393 (French Culture)
396 (German Culture)
399-400 (Benelux Countries-Culture)
402-403 (Alpine Countries- Culture)
412-414 (Irish Culture)
417 (Irish Culture)
431-432 (Northeastern Europe- Culture)

***Study for your Unit 4-Development of European Culture- Test (Thursday, Sept. 6***
**Study for your WGQ#3 (Friday, Sept. 7**)

This Newsflash was sent to parents on Friday, August 24th.
Grades have been updates. Students have two grades- Classroom Procedures Quiz and their weekly
World Geography Quiz # 1. Students were given their graded quizzes in class and they should
have these papers in the Graded Papers section of their notebook. If students are absent, they
have two days for each day they are absent (excused) to make up their work. Teachers will not
track down students to give them make-up work. Students are responsible for getting their
assignments from teachers and for making up tests and quizzes. Students should make up tests
and quizzes before homeroom (7:00-7:25). Assignments/Quizzes/Tests that are not made up will
be
counted as a zero. Social Studies textbooks should be kept at home for the remainder of the
year.
Reminders-
First Dance- Friday, 6:30-9:00. Wear soft soled shoes because students will be dancing on the
gym floor. Please have rides here by 9:00.
The sixth grade orientation is Tuesday, August 28th from 6:30-7:30.
The seventh grade orientation is Thursday, August 30th from 6:30-7:30.
For reminders, subscribe to the school calendar (see link on GMS homepage-www.gmswolfpack.com)
Entertainment Book Fundraiser- Books cost $20 each. Out of town family/friends can purchase a
book for their area online and students receive credit for the sale. If a student sells 5
books
they will receive a free Entertainment book.

Homework for August 27-31.
Read pages 323 and pages 337-343 for homework. Take notes over the information and study over
class notes.
With the GPS, we may not be reading entire chapters and we will be skipping around in the book
because we are teaching units rather than chapters.
See the information below to help your child study for their unit quizzes and tests.

Social Studies: Sixth Grade
Unit 4: Development of European Culture
• In this unit students will work toward an understanding of how conflict sparked change,
revolutions, and rebirth of interest in classical thinking, art, music, and literature.
Time Frame: 2 weeks

Standards Taught:
SS6H4 The student will describe the important developments in Europe between 1400 CE and 1800
CE.
a. Explain how artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci contributed to the
Renaissance.
b. Explain the role of Martin Luther in the Reformation.
c. Explain how scientists such as Galileo and Newton changed our knowledge of science and why
the Scientific Revolution is important.
f. Describe the Industrial Revolution; include its impact on cities, life styles, and
agriculture.

SS6G8 The student will describe the cultural characteristics of Europe.
d. Describe major contributions to literature (e.g., Nobel Prize winning authors), art (e.g.,
Van Gogh, Picasso), and music (e.g., classical, opera, Andrew Lloyd Webber).

Enduring Understandings:
• When there is a conflict between or within societies, change is the result.
• While changes occur over time, there is continuity to the basic structure of a society.
• The culture of a society is the product of the religion, beliefs, customs, traditions, and
government of that society.

Essential Questions:
• How did scientists such as Galileo and Newton change our knowledge of science?
• What role did Martin Luther play in the Reformation and why was the Roman Catholic Church
unable to stop Martin Luther from creating Protestant Christianity?
• How did artists such as Michelangelo and da Vinci contribute to the Renaissance?
• How did Renaissance contributions to literature, art, and music change the cultural
characteristics of Europe?
• Why is the scientific revolution important?
• How did the Industrial Revolution impact cities, life styles, and agriculture?

This Newsflash was sent to parents on Monday, August 20th.

* Update for the week of August 20-24 2007
• Thank you to all those parents who have signed up for the flash updates
• This week we will start a unit on Europe beginning with the Renaissance and the Reformation.
• Homework for the week of August 20-August 24- Read pages 295-296, “The Accomplishments of the
Greeks,” pages 306-307, pages 316-322. This information should be written in student’s agenda
in pen.
• There will be a quiz over Classroom Procedures on Wednesday, August 22, 2007
• Students will need to bring their social studies textbook to class on Wednesday, August 22,
2007. Students should note any textbook damage so they do not incur unnecessary charges at the
end of the year. After I sign the book and note the condition students can keep the book at
home for the remainder of the school year.
• The first World Geography quiz over Study Guide 1 will be on Thursday, August 23, 2007.
• Additional copies of the study guides can be downloaded from the world geography study link.
• Students will have a World Geography quiz every Thursday
• Parent Orientation is Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 6:30 in the media center.
• Students should bring their agenda book to every class and write their homework in the book
(in pen only)
• There is a dance this Friday, August 24, 2007 from 6:30-9:00pm. The cost is $5.00 a person
and
is for GMS students only. Students must follow the dress code at the dance.

This Newsflash was sent to parents on Tuesday, August 14th.

* Updates for August 13th-17th, 2007.
* Welcome parents and students to a fantastic year at GMS.
* Thank you to all of the parents who have signed up for the Flash Updates.
* Students received their lockers today, Tuesday, August 14th. Students were allowed to
practice opening their lockers throughout the day and we will allow extra time throughout the
week. Several lockers did not open and administration worked at the end of the day to correct
the problem.
* Students will receive their textbooks Wednesday, August 15th.
*** Students should keep their social studies textbooks at home all year as we
have a class set.***
* Students can access their social studies and science textbooks online.
***Students received their first three world geography study guides today. Please make sure
that they put these in their three ring binder as students are only given one copy. If you
wish
to have additional practice copies, you can download the worksheets on the world geography quiz
link.
* Students took a Europe Pre-Test today in class.
*** This week students should study for the world geography quiz # 1 which will be next
Thursday.
* Students have a world geography quiz every Thursday.
*** Students will also have a classroom procedures quiz next week.
* Students should write their homework in their agenda (in pen only).
* Students are allowed to bring a healthy snack for third period each day.
* Parent Orientation is Tuesday, August 28th, in the media center at 6:30 pm.

*** Please make sure your child has turned in the following 5 documents...
1. Columbia County Code of Conduct Sheet. (Tear out the last page of the
blue book and complete).
2. Network Responsibility Agreement. (Either grant or deny permission to
use the internet.)
3. Team Letter Sheet. (This two page yellow document includes our discipline
policy and notes to the parents.)
4. Student Information Sheet. (Includes contact and medical information.)
5. Emergency Early Dismissal Sheet. (Light blue or purple form.)
* Thank you for the classroom supply donations.

*** I am looking forward to a tremendous year full of growth and learning!


	Printable Version

Last Modified: Monday May 19 2008

Shaun Owen

Homework & Updates

© 2003-2008 TeacherWeb, Inc.