Welcome to American History!
7th Grade Social Studies2017/18 School Year
Course Overview
Seventh grade Social Studies is an overview of American history beginning with “pre-discovery” Native-Americans and continuing through the Civil War. There are a total of seven units. The length of unit will vary. The sequence of units for Social Studies is as follows:
❖NATIVE AMERICANS: The physical environment and natural resources of North America encouraged the development of the first human settlements and the culture of Native Americans. Native Americans societies varied across North America.
❖COLONIAL DEVELOPMENTS: European exploration of the New World resulted in various interactions with Native Americans and in colonization. The American colonies were established for a variety of reasons, and developed differently based on economic, social, and geographic factors. Colonial America had a variety of social structures under which not all people were treated equally.
❖AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE: Growing tensions over political power and economic issues sparked a movement for independence from Great Britain. New York played a critical role in the course and outcome of the American Revolution.
❖HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION: The newly independent states faced political and economic struggles under the Articles of Confederation. These challenges resulted in a Constitutional Convention, a debate over ratification, and the eventual adoption of the Bill of Rights & THE CONSTITUTION IN PRACTICE: The United States Constitution serves as a foundation of the United States government and outlines the rights of citizens. The Constitution is considered a “living document” that can respond to political and social changes.
❖WESTWARD EXPANSION: Driven by political and economic motives, the United States expanded its physical boundaries to the Pacific Ocean between 1800 and 1860. This settlement displaced Native Americans as the frontier was pushed westward.
❖REFORM MOVEMENTS: Social, political, and economic inequalities sparked various reform movements and resistance efforts. Influenced by the Second Great Awakening, New York played a key role in major reform efforts.
❖A NATION DIVIDED: Westward expansion, the industrialization of the North, and the growth of slavery in the South contributed to the growth of sectionalism. Constitutional conflicts between advocates of states’ rights and supporters of federal power increased tensions in the nation; attempts to compromise ultimately failed to keep the nation together, leading to the Civil War.
At the beginning of each unit each student receives a “unit outline”. This outline provides includes daily objectives, textbook pages and questions aligned with topics, essential and supplementary vocabulary, activities, and the outcomes for the unit – what students will understand and be able to do by the end.
Assessments
Every unit will conclude with at least one summative assessment. This is your opportunity “show what you know”. These generally include things like a unit test and/or long term projects. In addition, there will be multiple formative in-class assessments which are opportunities to acquire and refine skills and knowledge. Of course, all units include homework.
Summative Assessments = 50% grade
In-class work (formative) = 35%Homework = 15%
Supplies
Students are not allowed to go to their lockers during class. The following items should be brought to class every day:
❖Subject folder
❖Notebook
❖Planner
❖Blue/black pens
❖Water bottle
❖Pencils/markers
Supplies available in the room:
❖A stapler/ a 3 hole punch/ a pencil sharpener
❖Scotch tape/ masking tape
❖Kleenex
❖Loose leaf paper
❖Textbooks (in general this will stay in the classroom, but if it’s taken home for an assignment it should return to school the next day and be placed back on the shelf in numerical order)
❖Bibles
Absences
When a student is absent a written note for any reason, should be brought to me the first dayreturning to school. Also, a written note is required when a student has any change in dismissal (riding a different bus, being picked up from school, after-school activity, etc.).
Making Up Missing Work
All work must be completed in a timely manner. A student will have the equivalent of the amount of days missed to make up the assignments.
Homework turned in a day late will receive a 20% deduction, and will not be accepted any later.
If any work was due on the day a student is absent, the assignment is due the first day the student returns to school. A grace period will be given under certain serious circumstances (ie. family/medical emergencies).
Assignments must include all required elements per Middle School policy (ie. proper heading, legible writing, etc.). Assignments missing any of these required elements will receive “no credit”.
Contact & Website Information
Phone: 585.394.4300
Email: → I generally check my email before and after school