Social Studies Grade 7: Per. 1, 3, 5 Grade 8: Per. 2, 7 Mr. Robinson - Room 1

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 – 7 th 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: Tests/Quizzes 35% Classwork/Projects 50% Very important to turn work in on time! Homework 15%

Class Syllabus – 8 th Grade Extra Copies near sign-in sheet Course Description - United States History: Independence to 1914 Students in grade eight study the ideas, issues, and events from the framing of the Constitution up to World War I, with an emphasis on America’s role in the war. After reviewing the development of America’s democratic institutions founded on the Judeo-Christian heritage and English parliamentary traditions, particularly the shaping of the Constitution, students trace the development of American politics, society, culture, and economy and relate them to the emergence of major regional differences. They learn about the challenges facing the new nation, with an emphasis on the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War. They make connections between the rise of industrialization and contemporary social and economic conditions. 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: Tests/Quizzes 35% Classwork/Projects 50% Very important to turn work in on time! Homework 15%

8 th Grade Project: ‘Your Family Tree’ Students begin the year by 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 for additional information. Due Date for the project is Monday, November 30 th !

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 **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 me at: [I try to respond my s within a day, 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: 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