8th Grade Social Studies:

U.S. HistoryI 8th graders! They are so capable, so fun!

(Thanks for sharing them with me this year!)

My Expectations:

Cooperate I believe in my students’ best selves.Participate I also believe mistakes are for learning.Be respectful (& on Task) (In the gradebook this = CPROT -- citizenship)

Ways of Learning

Discussions Simulations Small group activities Partner work Individual work Debates Upfront magazine reading & seminars Research writing

U.S History Overarching Questions for the Whole Year:

To what rights are all humans entitled?

Why can’t we all just get along?

How can/do people successfully resolve their problems?

SIMULATIONS!!!!

• Middle Passage• Colonial Fair • Town Meetings (Should the colonies rebel?)

• Constitutional Convention & making & our own class bills

• JA Field Trip

Active Learning

Indian Relocation Talk Show DebatesWestward Expansion Monopoly Game Underground Railroad (maybe . . .)Individual ProjectsMini Dramas

Research Paper

On a controversial constitutional issue of the students’ choice

ResearchDebates (team, partner or solo)Paper writing (includes proper) MLA citation

Homework & Grading

• Daily homework is NOT GRADED.• Students maintain a Homework Log • Work scoring below a 67% can (and should) be re-taken

within a week for the average of the two scores. • Cheating or plagiarism is a violation of our

mutual trust, demonstrates a lack of integrity, and can also result in a zero in the grade book.

• Graded assignments (with an MAF) can be completed over the week end with no penalty.

Homework & Grading , continued

• Late graded work = 50% if in before the end of the unit.

• No extra credit.

• Extenuating circumstances, should be communicated to Ms. Kiemle before the due date so that together we can devise a plan for success.

PORTFOLIO

Stored in the classroom

Goals

Evidence of student work and growth

Reflection

Used at mid-year Student Led Conferences

Service Learning

How can 8th graders use their interests and talents to help our community?