Extra Credit

Extra Credit Opportunities

This is a social studies class so I want you to get out into the community and investigate all the opportunities that relate to social studies. A student may submit an extra-credit assignment each six weeks for a maximum of five points added to your final six weeks grade. Following are some of the activities approved; others may be added during the year. Remember, I must approve all extra-credit activities unless they are listed here. Museum visits must include the activities I have listed, not just visiting any museum.

April:

“For the month of April, the Houston Independent School District is celebrating National Arab American Heritage Month to recognize the historical and cultural contributions made by the people of Arabic descent.

The HISD Board of Education during the regular April Board Meeting on Thursday, April 9, will issue a proclamation designating April as a month that celebrates the history of Arab migration to America, geographic understanding of the Arab world, Arab American diversity in faith and language, interesting customs and traditions, and achievements in business, politics, education, and more.

You can also visit the Arab America webpage for daily features highlighting the culture and influences of Arab America.”

Your extra-credit assignment:

You may interview an Arab who is living here. Ask the usual questions for an interview such as what do they do, their educational background, hobbies, family, Arab culture they observe here, how they influence you, and how you know them. You also inquire when their families arrived here, from where, and why did they come. You might mention about the school district designating this as Arab American Heritage Month and their opinion of that.

This must be neatly presented in booklet form preferably which you will then take pictures and send to me or scan it. Your questions and answers must be included. If you can get a picture of the subject, include that.

The interview is not done in person; you may call the subject or interview the person online. The subject can send you a picture if possible. It is not required since this is not possible in person.

The project is due by the last day of April. It can be as much as five extra points added to your final grade of the grading period.

May is Asian Heritage Month and the same type of project may be completed for that month.

September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, February is Black History Month; March is Women's History Month; May is Asian Heritage Month. Here are extra-credit assignments you may do to recognize these special months. The teacher must be one you have had or have now. I am not included. For Women's History Month you may interview a woman teacher, physician, dentist, attorney or other woman working outside of the home asking the similar questions you asked in the other teacher interview. The woman may not be your parent. This is due by the end of March. Follow the format I explained to you for interviewing a teacher. See below.

Interview an African-American, Hispanic, or Asian teacher you had from nursery school to now. Include: Why that individual become a teacher, where did he/she go to school, who influenced that teacher, how did that teacher influence you, try to have a picture taken with that teacher. Put all this into a neat booklet you prepare and submit by the end of that special time period. See Announcements for more info ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --

Architecture Walks: Following are walking tours led b the Architecture Center of Houston and AIA. They do cost money, but they should be interesting. You will receive a student discount which will cost you $5.00. Again, take pictures and notes from the leader of what you are seeing. You must call for reservations. $10 for adults. For information or reservations, call 713-520-0155 or check "Events and News" at aiahouston.org. Saturdays 10am to Noon, September thr May. Reservations are recommended but not required for walking tours. Reservations are required for bicycle tours. Limited attendees per tour. Tours depart promptly at 10am. Please arrive early to allow time for check-in and parking. Tours will take place in moderate rain. Pets are discouraged and not permitted inside the buildings. Cash and check only at the tour. Credit card payments accepted online with advance registration. For more information contact arch@aiahouston.org or 713- 520-0155.

Asia Fest: May: Take pictures of the various exhibitions, identify what they are, describe the dances and take pictures, describe the music, sample the food and describe it. You might take a picture of what you ate. Look at the items for sale, describe. Make a list of what you bought and how much you spent. Include what you learned. All of this must be in a nice booklet.