GeographyGeography Coach Marsh

Course description: Welcome! This course is 7th Grade Geography. In this one semester course, students increase their knowledge about the physical nature of the world and about the relationships between people and their environments. They also study geography in the context of economics, politics, and culture. In this world geography course, content standards focus on the cultural geography of the Eastern Hemisphere. Welcome! This course is 7th Grade Geography. In this one semester course, students increase their knowledge about the physical nature of the world and about the relationships between people and their environments. They also study geography in the context of economics, politics, and culture. In this world geography course, content standards focus on the cultural geography of the Eastern Hemisphere.

Beginning of Class  You will be expected to come to class prepared.  You will NOT be allowed to return to your locker for textbooks, paper, pencils, or assignments.  Respect yourself and others at all times. Discipline will be handled in accordance with the Shelby County Code of Conduct.

Tardies  If you are late for class you must: –Have a note from a teacher or administrator  The First Time –Sign the tardy roster  If attendance has been posted you must go to the office for a pass.

What to bring to class You will need to bring the following items to class every day.  Pencil –A small sharpener is recommended if you have wooden pencils.  Paper  Textbook –EVERYDAY!!!!  A positive attitude!

Textbooks  Textbooks are required everyday.  If you do not bring one you must use resources available in class.  Absolutely NO sharing!

Assignments The following are examples of the types of assignments you can expect in geography.  Reading is an essential ingredient of any social studies course, be prepared to read.  Writing is also a necessary component.  Review questions will be used to reinforce learned concepts.  Class activities will be used to aid lesson comprehension.  Homework will also be used to reinforce daily objectives.

Bell Ringers  When you enter the room, check for Bell Ringers (BR) on the board.  Get BR from appropriate box.  DO NOT WRITE ON BR!  Complete during roll call.

Vocabulary  Assigned at the beginning of each chapter/unit.  Vocabulary words are to be defined at turned in at the appropriate time.  A vocabulary quiz will be given for each set of vocabulary terms. (points are usually )  Definitions I use for VQ are found in the text.

Reading  Reading is a key component to any social studies course.  Most reading assignments will be completed out of class.  Taking reading notes is a great strategy to improve retention and comprehension.

Classwork  Any assignment designed to be completed during class.  Point values range from  Use own paper unless specifically told to write on it.

Homework  Any assignment designed to be completed outside of class hours.  Point values range from 5-15

Assessments Assessments will be conducted through a variety of methods.  Quizzes will be use to assess reading comprehension.  A minimum of five (5) standardized tests will be used per grading period to assess mastery of unit objectives.  One nine weeks assessment will be used to assess overall mastery of objectives for the grading period.

Assessments  Quizzes – cover smaller amounts of material and are valued between 20 and 50 points  Tests – cover larger amounts of material and are worth 100 points  Nine Weeks Assessments (Benchmarks) – cover material for entire nine weeks grading period and are worth 10 % of your nine weeks average

Tip Sheets  You will be allowed to use tip sheets on tests (not to include quizzes or Nine Weeks Assessments)  Put as much information as you want on ONE side –1 st Nine Weeks ½ page –2 nd Nine Weeks ½ page –3 rd Nine Weeks ¼ page –4 th Nine Weeks No tip sheet

Make up Work  When you are absent or miss class YOU are responsible for getting any work you miss or scheduling a time to make up tests or quizzes.  Do NOT ask for make up work in the hall.  Do NOT interrupt class for make up work, wait until I am at my desk.  You will receive full credit for work made up within 3 days with an excused absence. –After 3 days = 70%  Unexcused absence = 0

Late Assignments  I expect assignments to be turned in on time.  Late assignments will receive partial credit (see Make-up Rules).

Grading  Grading system used is the point system.  Every assignment has a point value attached. –Tests are worth more than quizzes.  Chapter test = 100 points  Vocabulary Quiz = points  Classwork = points  Homework = 5-15 points