Thursday, May 31, 2012

End of the Year

Well, the time has come, little ones. You have finished 9th grade! Congratulations!

Because nothing in life is ever as fun as learning, I have made up a list of activities to keep your brains engaged in some historical activities through the summer months. Expect an assignment on the first day of school that will have to do with this!

You may also access the document here: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/36870779/2012%20Summer%20History%20Assignment.pages

Summer History Assignment
Being a well-informed citizen will help you have an informed perspective when looking into events of the past and how they have shaped today. It will also help build curiosity for what you will be studying. Below are ways you can increase your historical perspective and knowledge of current events over the summer to better prepare yourself for next year. Expect a follow-up assignment on the first day of school!
Listen to news on the radio: I recommend a non-biased radio station like 91.5 KJZZ. This will give you a broad perspective on current events in Arizona, in the United States, and around the world. Their Saturday programs are especially fun (Car Talk from 10-11am and Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me from 11am-12pm). If you’re especially interested, you can go to NPR.org and find the article you were listening to and more information about it!
Watch PBS: If you’re going to avoid the summer sun watching TV, watch Channel 8! PBS has lots of excellent programming, especially any documentary by Ken Burns. Seriously, this guy makes the Civil War a nail-biter!
Read books: Another way to avoid the summer heat is to read a book! These books tackle a variety of world and American history topics, fiction and non-fiction. Select at least one book from the titles below:
A Little History of the World by E.H. Gombrich
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond
Any other book from the College-Bound Reading List from Ms. Kasel
As you read, practice those strategies you’ve learned this year. When you stop reading, ask yourself questions to clarify what you have read. Tell a friend or family member about what you just read. Look up words you don’t understand. Start a blog to share what you’ve learned!
Go to a museum: Check out the Phoenix area’s many museums to broaden your world-view. 
    • Phoenix Art Museum is free on Wednesday from 3pm-9pm and from 6pm-10pm on First Fridays. 
    • Heard Museum showcases American Indian Art and History; you can get in with your student ID for $7.50. 
    • Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale is $10 and showcases the history of musical instruments throughout the world. 
    • African American Multicultural Museum in Scottsdale is free for all.
    • Arizona Capitol Museum documents Arizona’s story and is free for all.
    • Check this website for more information about free museums in the area: 
Check mrsanzursclass.blogspot.com all summer for fun updates and activities!

Have a smart and safe summer! Make Mrs. Anzur proud!

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