Our Units

8Y Social Studies

Social Studies Snapshot Historians believe that history is

about thinking, not memorizing. It

is about comparing different stories

and weighing different perspectives.

Historical thinking matters because

it prepares us for the challenges we

face as citizens in the present.

Participation in public life requires

the need to evaluate information

critically.

-Professor Sam Wineburg,

Stanford University

historicalthinkingmatters.org

Through inquiry and analysis,

students will integrate content-

based reading, writing, research,

historical thinking, and 21st century

skills.

Grading Effort 30%

HW, CW, Participation

Assessments 70%

Projects/Tests (40%) Quizzes (30%)

Civics & Service Learning Essential Questions How do societies balance the needs of

individuals and the common good?

How have economic, social, political,

and geographic decisions promoted or

prevented the growth of individual

rights and responsibilities, equality, and

respect for human dignity?

Content Origins of Government

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens

The US Constitution

The Bill of Rights

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Current Events/Social Issues

Leadership

Propaganda

History of US Essential Questions How do interpretations of history

inform our understanding of the past

and present?

How does the study of multiple

perspectives provide a context for

understanding people's words and

deeds in the past and present?

Content Many Worlds Meet (to 1620)

Colonization (1585-1763)

Revolution & the New Nation

(1754-1820)

Expansion & Reform (1801-1861)

Civil War & Reconstruction (1850-1877)

2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 2

THE LOREM IPSUMS FALL 2012

2

ABSENCES: Go to the Calendar on the class blog

for the daily list of Activities and HW. Click,

“AGENDA/HW” (top left). Use the blog to view

and complete missed work (slideshows,

handouts, videos, etc.). SUBMIT ABSENCE WORK: Write "ABSENT on

(provide the date)" next to your name. If

work is not turned in within the amount of time

equal to your absence, it will be counted as late

or receive a “0.” ABSENCES THE DAY BEFORE A TEST: Students will

take the test upon return to school. Daily review

is required and class materials are accessible on

the class blog. Therefore, extra days will NOT be

provided. It is the students' responsibility to see

the teacher for testing. Failure to make up the

test on time will result in –10 points per day.

PARTICIPATION: Participation is more than physical presence.

Participation includes meaningful contributions to class (discussions,

debates, blog comments, etc.), answering and asking questions,

offering and accepting “warm and cool” feedback, following

directions, and cooperating with the teachers and students in class.

HOMEWORK: Daily review helps students add to class discussions,

earn extra credit, and deepen understanding. HW assignments

include review activities, study tools, or preparation. Students record

HW in the AGENDA book at the beginning of class. HW is due at the

start of class. Incomplete HW is not assigned a grade. Instead,

student may submit HW 1 day late for HALF credit.

HW/CW GRADES: 1 Point = Student followed directions and completed assignment

thoroughly.

½ Point = Student submitted completed assignment 1 day late.

0 = Student did not turn in assignment.

Per school district policy, HW/CW is graded for effort, not accuracy.

CURRICULUM The 8th grade Social Studies curriculum is standards-based and requires students to transfer knowledge to real life

scenarios. Historical thinking and real world application foster rigorous, relevant, and meaningful learning. Through inquiry

and analysis, students study American Government and its origins and explore five Historical Eras. Authentic and

differentiated learning activities enhance understanding of challenging material (i.e., CSI, Choose Your Own Adventure).

Students expand thinking by making connections to text, to self, and to the world. Digital tools offer compelling

opportunities for student acquisition of 21st century skills (i.e., create, communicate, collaborate, and fact-find). HISTORICAL THINKING SKILLS Chronological Reasoning (Cause/Effect, Continuity/Change) * Spatial Thinking (Explain economic and political systems

using geographic representations)* Historical Comprehension, Analysis and Interpretation (Analyze/ Evaluate Primary and

Secondary Sources) * Research and Cross-Checking (Support interpretations with sound evidence) * ASSESSMENTS PROJECTS require students to conduct research and synthesize their learning by creating an authentic product that

communicates a thorough understanding of the content. Projects include CHOICES based on interest, talents, and/or

learning styles. CHOICES include hands on activities and technology integration. At times, students will collaborate with

their peers but may choose to complete projects independently. Project rubrics will be sent home for parent signatures.

QUIZZES assess learning on one to two lessons. Thus, quizzes are short (10-15 questions). It is EXPECTED that students

review notes daily. Students receive 1-2 days notice for quizzes.

TESTS: Study guides are provided 3-5 days in advance. Taking detailed notes, participating in discussions, and a good

work ethic are key factors in developing a deep understanding of material.