WELCOME! Mrs. Brooke Bernardini 8 th grade American history

About Me 12 th year teaching history at Penndale 12 th year teaching history at Penndale B.A. Social Studies Education from Temple University B.A. Social Studies Education from Temple University M.A. History Villanova University M.A. History Villanova University Post Masters certificate in Education from Colorado State University Post Masters certificate in Education from Colorado State University 2 young daughters (4 and 2) 2 young daughters (4 and 2)

In history we will challenge students to… Learn to “do history” Learn to “do history” –Analyze primary sources using the APPARTS method (author, place and time, prior knowledge, audience, reason, the main idea, significance) –Focus on POV and its role in understanding the past –Build critical and analytical thinking and writing skills

Thesis driven RESEARCH PAPER -During second half of the year -Worth about half of the marking period grade -Multi-step process – thesis statement, outline, rough draft, research cards, final copy with works cited and parenthetical citations -About 3 weeks spent in class/library, but work will need to be done at home too

Textbook American Nation, Discovery Tech book American Nation, Discovery Tech book Readings and Documents book Readings and Documents book

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Class information Class website – Recap of the day’s activities, Power Point links, web links, research paper info, homework, etc Class website – Recap of the day’s activities, Power Point links, web links, research paper info, homework, etc Class website Class website Edmodo site – Video links, additional resources, student resources, etc Edmodo site – Video links, additional resources, student resources, etc Edmodo site Edmodo site

Topics this Year include… Exploration and Colonization

American Revolution

Early Republic

Age of Jackson

Expansion

Slavery and Abolition

Sectionalism

Civil War

Final Grade Each marking period worth 21% Each marking period worth 21% Cumulative Final worth 16% Cumulative Final worth 16% Plus grades are now given (88% = B+) Plus grades are now given (88% = B+) –Factors into GPA (grade point average) Final Grade (as well as teacher and parent input) decides placement for following year Final Grade (as well as teacher and parent input) decides placement for following year High School GPA calculated beginning in 9 th grade – (HP weighted more than honors class) High School GPA calculated beginning in 9 th grade – (HP weighted more than honors class)

HP Expectations: Academic Maturity Academic Maturity –Drive for academics, wants to read materials –Strong work ethic –Completes work thoroughly and, above all, on time Natural Ability Natural Ability –Can do more than simple memorization –Demonstrates critical and analytical thinking skills –Strong academic performance throughout the year Attitude Attitude –Exhibits motivation, self direction, and the ability to work independently and in a group

Grading Policies -HW assignments are 5-10 points each, HW is written on the side board in the same spot each day -Late HW is accepted for ½ credit -Quiz/Tests are given every few weeks, multiple choice, true/false, short essays (one paragraph with main idea, details and conclusion sentence) -Extra Credit Bernie Bucks = one raw point -Home Access Center – Get sign in info. from guidance, students and parents can see assignments and grades -Interims - Issued at midpoint of marking period – C or below a detailed interim will be issued

Absences - Students should check websitewebsite - Handouts given each day are kept on shelf, example binder -Students are responsible for making up missing work – that includes showing me their homework and scheduling quizzes and test make-ups