1. Welcome to Ms. McLeod’s Social Studies Class for 2014-2015

2. What is 8th grade social studies?
Course Description and Goals
We will investigate the events and issues that have formed our state and nation.
We will also analyze the issue of human rights and civil rights as the nation and state have evolved.

3. What is 8th grade social studies?
First Quarter
Theme: Origins/Heritage
Why study history?
Reading Critically/perspective
Cultures
Exploration
Colonial America
Causes of American Revolution
Human Rights
Writing responses to questions
Third Quarter
Theme: Injustice/Conflict
Civil War
Reconstruction
Jim Crow
Industrialization
Immigration
WWI
Develop a plan for service project and implement
Second Quarter
Theme: Rights
American Revolution
Constitution
Expansion
Reform
Activists
Define Activism
Choose 1 area for social reform and research
Fourth Quarter
Theme: Struggle for Justice
Roaring 20s
Great Depression
WWII
Cold War
Civil Rights
Contemporary America and NC
Implement plan and reflect on service project

4. Number 1 Rule: RESPECT
RESPECT for others is the prevailing rule in this class. Any behavior that interferes with learning in this classroom is unacceptable.

5. Getting assignments
1. Assignments are posted daily in the classroom and weekly on my web page.
2. Only work that is missed because of an excused absence can be made up without a penalty. All work is due within a week of that assignment. It is your child’s responsibility to makeup assignments when absent.
3. I am available every morning at 8 and at lunch to assist your child.

6. How can parents help? Check HW
Help organize the book bag and notebooks.
Make sure your child makes up work when absent
Get your child to school on time
Check the teacher websites and newsletters
Read with your child and talk about what they are reading.
Provide your child access to computer use, if not at home, through the public library, school media center, or other community resources

7. What are the goals? Comprehend and interpret key concepts and events
Think critically
Write complete responses using supporting facts
Analyze, interpret, and evaluate primary sources.
Actively engage in their roles as citizens.
Increase reading fluency and comprehension
Apply decision making and problem solving techniques
Become more independent learners