Social Studies Grade 8: Per. 2 Grade 7: Per. 3,4,6,7 Mr. Robinson – Room 8

WELCOME!!!!! I am so honored to be your student’s Social Studies teacher this year, and I look forward to guiding each and every student through a year of academic curiosity and success as we discover how the lessons of the past affect our lives today and prepare us for the future.

Class Mission Mr. Robinson’s Social Studies class is a respectful classroom established to build a foundation for excellence in social studies through academic, behavioral, and social success. A positive attitude is the key to success. Students need to remember that only they can be in charge of their attitude, and are encouraged to always make positive choices! Introduce Common Core in Social Studies emphasizing reading informational texts, interpreting and analyzing information, and using examples and evidence from texts [ both Primary & secondary sources] in expository writing assignments.

Class Syllabus – 7th Grade Extra Copies near sign-in sheet Course Description: This course will study world history and geography during the medieval and early modern eras. Students will study the development and changes of complex civilizations such as the Ancient Roman Empire, China in the Middle Ages, the Meso-American and Andean Civilizations and Medieval Europe. They will identify and explore the similarities and patterns of these civilizations. All units include an examination of the impact of religion, economics, politics, and social history on the medieval and early modern eras. Homework: Students are expected to turn in homework assignments at the beginning of class. Students who have an excused absence may have one day for every day that they were absent to turn in late work to receive full credit.  After School TLC: Students are welcome to come after school on Wednesdays (Homework Club) to get extra help!   Grading Scale: HW: 15% Daily/Classwork:15% Quizzes: 20% Tests: 25% Projects/Major Writing Assignments: 25% Very important to turn work in on time!

7th Grade Project

Class Syllabus – 8th Grade Extra Copies near sign-in sheet Course Description - United States History: Independence to 1914 The goal of this class is to enable students in grade eight to understand the development of the United States by examining connections to the past in order to prepare for the future as participating members of a democratic society. Students will examine political, economic, technological, and social developments of the United States and relate them to the emergence of major regional differences from the exploration period through Reconstruction. This includes the impact of expansion on the country’s development; political, social, and economics conflicts; influence of diverse groups on cultural development of the U.S.; and key concepts of the U.S. Constitution and other historical documents.  Homework: Students are expected to turn in homework assignments at the beginning of class. Students who have an excused absence may have one day for every day that they were absent to turn in late work to receive full credit.  After School TLC: Students are welcome to come after school on Wednesdays (Homework Club) to get extra help!   Grading Scale: HW: 15% Daily/Classwork:15% Quizzes: 20% Tests: 25% Projects/Major Writing Assignments: 25% Very important to turn work in on time!

8th Grade Project: ‘Your Family Tree’ Students will be researching their family history and recording what they learn on a "family tree."  The goal of the project is for students to work with their parents, grandparents, and other relatives to document their family's past and see how it fits into the broader American story. The product is a chart, but for additional credit, students can also create a video, or website. Note: A “family” is the people you love and the people who love you. It is not restricted to genealogy. It can include anyone who has cared for you and helped you develop the knowledge, skills, and values that made you who you are today. Anyone in your life you fits this description is welcome on your family tree. Go to www.robinsonrockshistory.com for additional information. Due Date will be announced in November and the project will be due after Winter Break!

Supplies Needed Everyday For This Class Binder with 3 Tabs (Social Studies, I.D. – Intellectual Diary, and Glossary) Paper A sharpened pencil and eraser A Blue or Black pen Colored Pencils for map work and projects Binder Reminder [Parents check nightly!]   **Students should 3-hole punch all returned graded work and keep sectioned in their binder until the end of a unit so that they can use to study for Quizzes and Tests!

Class Expectations Class Expectations for a Positive Learning Community (3 R’s): Be Ready, Be Responsible, and Be Respectful to yourself and everybody in the classroom. **Follow all school & district rules & policies.

Communication You can email me at: crobinson@ovsd.org [I try to respond my emails within a day or two, but sometimes due to meetings, etc. it may be a bit longer.] I post most of my Handouts and PowerPoint Presentations to my class website: www.robinsonrockshistory.com. Students can download assignments if they were absent, or go back over PowerPoints to add to their notes, or study for tests! The website also has many links, interactive quizzes, and other resources for your student to go beyond and challenge their intellectual curiosity in the areas of social studies that we will be exploring!

Final Thought… “Learning without reasoning leads to confusion; thinking without learning is wasted effort.”  ~Confucius