|
Course:
Social Studies: 7th and 8th Grade in Ohio
Instructor:
Mr. Fields
7th & 8th Grade
Room 208
Email address: 73.pfields@heritageacademies.com
Website: http://coachfields.wikispaces.com (you will need permission to enter) and
http://paulfields.edublogs.org
(330) 792-4806 ext. 153
Planning Hours:
Monday-Friday, 3:30-4:15 (Meetings/Conferences by Appt. only)
Course Text:
7th Grade: The World and Its People and Human Heritage: A World History
8th Grade: The American Journal
Course Supplies:
To ensure success, come to class each day prepared with:
ü Notebook paper
ü Notebook
ü Pencils/Pens/Colored Pencils* (I will give you advanced notice)
ü Assignments (when applicable)
ü A positive & open mind, willing to participate and try new things!
Course Description:
Social Studies in the 7th and 8th grade consists of examining the roles within the history of the American Nation (8th Grade) and World History (7th). Students will examine the roles of people, events, and issues in history that have contributed to the unique character of America today, with an emphasis on colonial to contemporary times.
Course Expectations:
R emember to listen when others are speaking.
E veryone has a right to respectfully state their opinion.
S trive to form a safe, caring, and focused classroom community.
P articipate, give every activity a chance, and have fun!
E ncourage one another by being a positive leader.
C hallenge yourself and others to do the best work possible.
T ake responsibility for your actions.
Evaluation:
Quizzes/Notebook Checks..…………………………….25%
EOG Reading Selections/Warm-up……….…………… 15%
Individual Tasks/HW……………………………………..15%
Tests/Projects………………………………..…………..45%
TOTAL 100%
Evaluation Details:
ü The goal of this course is to make the study of history more interactive, exploratory, and intriguing. Therefore, the foundation of assessment is based in creative projects and papers that require independent study/research and higher order thinking. Written rubrics and presentation/due dates will be provided in writing and should be followed closely.
ü Each class will begin with an independent journal or warm up activity displayed on the Elmo/board. Students are expected to enter class quietly, bringing their notebook each day, and immediately follow the instructions provided. What is not completed in class should be finished and proofed at home. Journals/Warm Up’s will be collected at the end of the week for grading. Parents are encouraged to read through journals/warm-ups and discuss issues being learned in class with students.
ü Tests will be given with notice. There will be around 4 Test every 9 weeks, which equals around 1 Test every 2 weeks. Students desiring tutoring should schedule time with me in advance.
ü Homework will be assigned everyday. Students are required to bring their agenda book to class each day and copy their assignment down, or write “No Homework” when applicable, which will be very rare. Parents are encouraged to read through the agenda book to ensure this procedure is being followed, and to ensure homework is being completed after school hours. I take assignments late for 50% of grade
ü Students are required to bring their Social Studies notebook to class every day, unless instructed otherwise. In order to build organizational skills, a table of contents is to be maintained in the front of the notebook, with each handout numbered and logged in. Notebook checks will be given with and without notice several times each grading period. Parents are encouraged to consistently browse through student notebooks to see what is being studied, and inquire about skills being learned.
ü Participation is key to having a successful experience in this class. Coming on time and being prepared are expected each day. Further, discussions, debates, group activities, and Socratic seminars form the basis of this learning environment, thus it is imperative for students to challenge themselves to try new things and speak up. Parents are encouraged to ask students to further discuss themes from class discussions at home.
ü Part of a successful middle school education involves students learning to build positive relationships with peers and adults through character education. Students are expected to follow all classroom rules, focusing on maintaining our safe, supportive and focused learning environment. Students will receive points for exhibiting positive behavior towards one another, as well as for respecting the space of our new facility.
Rubric for Social Studies’ Project’s:
A: A project that receives an “A” will consist of the six pieces of information asked for in the instructions, including a picture (drawn, printed, or cut-out) for each requested piece of information, sub titles for each picture, and a one paragraph (minimum 5 sentences) description or explanation. The “A” projects will also be carefully done with neatness and aesthetics given a priority. Also the information written about each item will show apparent research. Essentially the “A” project is one where ALL directions have been followed, research has been done to collect the information conveyed and care has been give to how the project looks.
B: A project that receives a “B” will consist of the six pieces of information asked for in the instructions, including a picture (drawn, printed, or cut-out) for each requested piece of information, sub titles for each picture, and a one paragraph (minimum 5 sentences) description or explanation. The “B” projects will have not been as carefully done, neatness maybe an issue in this category. Poor handwriting and the appearance of rushing through or apathy toward the project is suggested in the finished product. Essentially the “B” project is one where ALL directions have been followed but the projects looks thrown together as if the student was moving to fast or didn’t particularly care about the project.
C: A project that receives a “C” will consist of at least five pieces of the information asked for in the instructions, including a picture (drawn, printed, or cut-out) for each requested piece of information, sub titles for each picture, and a one paragraph (minimum 5 sentences) description or explanation. The “C” projects will be those missing very little information or short in the required responses (i.e. paragraphs are slightly less than 5 sentences). These papers will show that the student did not take the time and or effort to complete the project as it is outlined in the instructions.
D: A project that receives a “D” will consist of at least four pieces of the information asked for in the instructions, including a picture (drawn, printed, or cut out) for each requested piece of information, sub titles for each picture, and a one paragraph (minimum 5 sentences) description or explanation. The “D” projects will be those missing significant amounts of information or severely lacking in the required response (i.e. paragraph is one to three sentences). These papers will show that the student does not desire or care to receive a decent grade in the fact that the instructions have been completely abandoned in substitution for a lower standard product.
F: Does not even meet the minimum requirements for a “D”.
Parents please read, sign, and return this to school with your child for a homework grade.
Parent signature:___________________________________________________
Student signature:__________________________________________________
Date:_____________________
Parent E-mail:_________________________
Parent Phone Number:____________________
