7th Grade Social Studies: World History
Mrs. Goettelman
Welcome to Social Studies for the 2017-2018 school year. We will work together this year to learn history through a series of Project Based Learning activities that will make history come alive for us all! We will begin our journey looking at Greece and Rome, which is the foundation of democracy that we use in the United States today. With the fall of Rome, we look at the rise of the feudal system in China and Europe. Our focus will then shift to Africa and the spread of Islam. Throughout this journey, we will discuss how these events in world history have shaped our planet to what it is today, covering topics of geography, economics, and even politics and government.
Class Expectations
Now that you are in Junior High, my main goal for each student this year is to help you transition into High School! The following expectations have been set to help you accomplish that goal, and it is vital that all students accept and follow through with these expectations.
- Come to class on time a prepared each day
- Students must have a hall pass to leave the room
- Active participation in all discussions and activities
- Contribute to a productive learning environment
- Take ownership and responsibility for your actions
- Have fun! I love hearing and sharing silly jokes!
- Warning
- Seminar
- Call home/ parent conference
- Office referral
Class Materials
- Plastic folder WITH PRONGS
- Pencil/ Pen (blue or black ink only)
- Planner/ hall passes
- your brain and a positive attitude!
Classroom Procedures
- Students will be in their seat and ready to learn when the bell rings, or they will be considered tardy (see tardy policy below)
- We will start the day with a bell ringer. If students are absent for a bell ringer, they will be required to make it up upon their return.
- Students will transition from each activity quietly, listening carefully to directions.
- Students will provide positive and constructive feedback during discussions
- Students will wait until they are directed to pack up and wait until the bell rings to leave their seat.
Tardy Policy
Students will be in their seat and working on the bell ringer when the bell rings. If a student is late, they must bring a signed pass or they will be marked as tardy, with the following consequences:
- 1st offense- warning
- 2nd offense- seminar and call home
- 3rd offense- office referral
Grading
Homework (10%): Homework will mostly consist of work not completed in class, but there may be an occasional assignment or task to complete at home.
Classwork (20%): This will be any assignment completed in class that does not fall into one of the other categories. This may be notes, worksheets, or participation grades. This is work that will be considered practice in preparing for assessments.
Assessments (40%): Assessments can be in the form of a test or quiz, or may be a project or group assignment. This will be anything used to assess student knowledge of the standards. ProCore assessments, vocabulary assessments, and PBL assignments will be graded in this category.
Writing (30%): All writing assignments will be in a separate graded category. Writing is an essential part of social studies skills, and requires a different level of mastery than answering test questions. For that reason, writing assignments will be separate from assessments.
Classwork (20%): This will be any assignment completed in class that does not fall into one of the other categories. This may be notes, worksheets, or participation grades. This is work that will be considered practice in preparing for assessments.
Assessments (40%): Assessments can be in the form of a test or quiz, or may be a project or group assignment. This will be anything used to assess student knowledge of the standards. ProCore assessments, vocabulary assessments, and PBL assignments will be graded in this category.
Writing (30%): All writing assignments will be in a separate graded category. Writing is an essential part of social studies skills, and requires a different level of mastery than answering test questions. For that reason, writing assignments will be separate from assessments.
Cell Phone Policy
Phones are not permitted to be used in class, unless told otherwise. If you feel your phone can be used for an educational purpose, please ask permission first! Cameras, videos, snapchat, and pone calls are not to be used in class or free time (unless permitted otherwise). Consequences for having your phone out are as follows:
- 1st offense- warning
- 2nd offense- phone taken for the rest of class
- 3rd offense- phone taken for the day and seminar to call home
- 4th offense- phone taken for the day and office referral
Absent Work
Students will have as many days as they were absent to make up work. Students can check Google Classroom for assignments they missed while they were out. They also need to check their folders when they return to school. Getting missed work is the responsibility of the student when they return, not the teacher.
Challenge Level
For the regular social studies class, I will offer an opportunity for students to participate in my challenge level assignments. These may consist of additional assignments, activities to work on at home, and special projects that students can do to challenge themselves to get more out of their Social Studies experience. Students in the challenge level must stay committed to their assignments, and show a dedication and want to participate. This is a great way to supplement your grade through extended learning, and enrichment!