7th Grade Social Studies
In 7th grade students study topics in relation to geography. Students begin the year studying the geography of their hometowns and the county of Maine that they live in. Students then learn about the different regions of Maine, followed by the different regions of the United States. The year concludes with students learning about world geography, specifically focusing on current world issues in relation to geography.
In 7th grade students study topics in relation to geography. Students begin the year studying the geography of their hometowns and the county of Maine that they live in. Students then learn about the different regions of Maine, followed by the different regions of the United States. The year concludes with students learning about world geography, specifically focusing on current world issues in relation to geography.
8th Grade Social Studies
8th grade social studies focuses on United States history. Through out this year long course we will focus on the formation of government and the conflicts that have been fought to form and preserve our government. We will also look at the impact of other conflicts through out our countries history such as WW I, WWII and the Cold War. We will not only focus on the reasons for the conflict, important events of the conflict and outcomes of the conflict but also the impact on the United States while the wars were being fought and afterwards. The course will look at different groups through out US history that have been discriminated against.
8th grade social studies focuses on United States history. Through out this year long course we will focus on the formation of government and the conflicts that have been fought to form and preserve our government. We will also look at the impact of other conflicts through out our countries history such as WW I, WWII and the Cold War. We will not only focus on the reasons for the conflict, important events of the conflict and outcomes of the conflict but also the impact on the United States while the wars were being fought and afterwards. The course will look at different groups through out US history that have been discriminated against.
Classroom Procedures and Rules
Absences, Tardies, Class Time, and Makeup Work:
General Guidelines:
Class time has different meanings for each person in the room. Everyone has the right to receive the instruction given; therefore if you are disruptive in the class you are violating the rights of others. You will be given reminders verbally if your behavior begins to infringe on others. One or two friendly reminders is the limit. Three reminders will lead to removal from the room and automatic detention for bothering the principal. Outright rude or otherwise uncivilized behavior will not be tolerated and may cause removal from class. You will be asked to leave the room if you cannot conduct yourself well. Detention is again automatic if you must be sent to the office.
Grading:
Homework: 10%
Self Check Quizzes: 25%
Test: 30%
Projects: 35%
Homework:
There will not be homework everyday. Some days you will need to finish your independent practice from class by the next day. Some days you will have long term projects to be working on. I will try hard to let you know what the assignments are for the week so you can plan your time in case you are busy after school. It is expected that assignments are done by the due date when you come to class.
Self Check Quizzes (SCQ):
These are very short quizzes (usually less than 10 questions) to make sure you are understanding what is happening in class. If you do not do well on these quizzes (earn a grade of 80% or less) or do not meet mastery than you need to retake the quiz. We will go over the topics again to make sure that we clear up confusion of the information or topics.
Tests:
At the end of each chapter/unit there will be an assessment. Test will consist of multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essays.
Projects:
These assignments will allow you to have some voice and choice in how you show your knowledge. I will always offer suggestions of how a project is completed but you are also welcome to come up with your own idea. Your final product must demonstrate your knowledge of the standards. Please discuss you choice of projects with the teacher before starting.
Notebooks and Textbook:
It is essential that you keep a notebook for this class. You need to keep your notes, worksheets and assignments organized to help you study for tests or complete projects. You will also have a notebook that is for class ( I will provide this) for you to put all your notes in and to use for in class work.
Your textbook will be on your IPad. Each unit we will download it to your App called iBooks. Within this book will be the readings that you need to complete to gain a basic understanding of the information and videos to expand your knowledge within the unit. It is your responsibility to bring both of these things to class everyday along with other needed class supplies (pencil, pen, homework). If there is a technology issue please try to solve this before class time.
Absences, Tardies, Class Time, and Makeup Work:
- If you arrive in class after the “bell” you will be marked as tardy.
- First period tardiness means you must go to the office for a tardy slip.
- If you are absent from class, make sure you check with the me for missing work before the next class.
- It is your responsibility to make up any assignments due to absence.
- Work needs to be made up within a reasonable tie period. (3 days per absent)
- Cell phones are not allowed in the classroom.
- Upon entering the class you are not allowed to open your IPads. If we are going to use IPads during the class period I will indicate so.
- Games are not allowed to be played on the IPad unless they are connected to the course material we are studying. (I will determine this)
- You are allowed to bring water to class.
- You are not allowed to listen to music in class. You will need headphones for class (these will be provided in the room if you need them) to watch movies of class content on your IPad.
General Guidelines:
Class time has different meanings for each person in the room. Everyone has the right to receive the instruction given; therefore if you are disruptive in the class you are violating the rights of others. You will be given reminders verbally if your behavior begins to infringe on others. One or two friendly reminders is the limit. Three reminders will lead to removal from the room and automatic detention for bothering the principal. Outright rude or otherwise uncivilized behavior will not be tolerated and may cause removal from class. You will be asked to leave the room if you cannot conduct yourself well. Detention is again automatic if you must be sent to the office.
Grading:
Homework: 10%
Self Check Quizzes: 25%
Test: 30%
Projects: 35%
Homework:
There will not be homework everyday. Some days you will need to finish your independent practice from class by the next day. Some days you will have long term projects to be working on. I will try hard to let you know what the assignments are for the week so you can plan your time in case you are busy after school. It is expected that assignments are done by the due date when you come to class.
Self Check Quizzes (SCQ):
These are very short quizzes (usually less than 10 questions) to make sure you are understanding what is happening in class. If you do not do well on these quizzes (earn a grade of 80% or less) or do not meet mastery than you need to retake the quiz. We will go over the topics again to make sure that we clear up confusion of the information or topics.
Tests:
At the end of each chapter/unit there will be an assessment. Test will consist of multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essays.
Projects:
These assignments will allow you to have some voice and choice in how you show your knowledge. I will always offer suggestions of how a project is completed but you are also welcome to come up with your own idea. Your final product must demonstrate your knowledge of the standards. Please discuss you choice of projects with the teacher before starting.
Notebooks and Textbook:
It is essential that you keep a notebook for this class. You need to keep your notes, worksheets and assignments organized to help you study for tests or complete projects. You will also have a notebook that is for class ( I will provide this) for you to put all your notes in and to use for in class work.
Your textbook will be on your IPad. Each unit we will download it to your App called iBooks. Within this book will be the readings that you need to complete to gain a basic understanding of the information and videos to expand your knowledge within the unit. It is your responsibility to bring both of these things to class everyday along with other needed class supplies (pencil, pen, homework). If there is a technology issue please try to solve this before class time.