8 TH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES With Mr. Corbett

Topics we will studies this year: Fall semester Georgia Geography Prehistory of the southeastern U.S. DeSoto and European exploration of North America 13 Colonies and the Colonial period Founding of the GA Colony The American Revolution and it’s causes Creation of our Constitution and Bill of Rights Georgia government, all three branches Winter/spring semester: ◦ Growth of the new nation which covers early US history, like the War of 1812, the Industrial Revolution and the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and their effect on this young country ◦ Antebellum period which overlaps with the above topic ◦ The Civil War and the Reconstruction period ◦ The New South and turn of the century ◦ Early 20 th Century which includes WWI, the Great Depression and WWII ◦ Modern Georgia and the Modern Civil Rights Movement

Students should be reading their textbook on a regular basis We will also use the workbook for reinforcement and review

◦ Map identification activities ◦ Reading textbook and Articles for content and information ◦ Word of the day and vocabulary activities ◦ Activation and Wrap discussions ◦ Researching specific topics for presentations or writing responses ◦ BYOD quizlet ◦ Powerpoint ◦ Video clips and History movies/documentaries ◦ Graphic organizers to help keep information in visual format ◦ Debate and socratic seminars ◦ Oral presentations and role play activities ◦ Group presentation ◦ Primary source document analysis Learning activities and types of assignments we will be doing in the classroom, for homework, in the computer lab and byod:

Grading: ◦ Classwork 25% ◦ Homework 10% ◦ Quizzes 25% ◦ Test and major assignments 40%

Expectations: ◦ Be on time for class ◦ Finish all assignments when they are due ◦ Check the blog on a daily basis ◦ Check work with directions and/or rubrics to ensure work is complete and accurate ◦ If you are absent it is the student’s responsibility to get the missed work

AC Expectations ◦ Students will be required to work independently or in groups to complete assignments. It is extremely important that students use class time wisely and be responsible ◦ Time management is necessary to ensure timely completion of assignments. Multiple AC classes increase stress levels. A calendar (we use their agenda) can be a great way to help plan ahead. ◦ We expect students to perform at a high level and produce quality work