8th grade United States History Social Science Course Overview Ms. Whorrall

Room #7

Welcome 8th grade students!

Content: Eighth grade social science deals with United States history. We will first study early America and continue with the causes and effects of the American Revolution and how it led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence, which was greatly influenced by Europe. We will study various political documents and events that launched our new nation and new Constitution, and the ideals and principles people had of the new nation. Furthermore, the challenges faced by the people of the new nation will be analyzed as well as regional differences between the northeast, south and western lands. Also, historical time periods such as Westward Expansion, Civil War, Reconstruction and Industrial Revolution will be studied.

Homework: Social Science homework will be given mainly as a way to review or extend a lesson. Students should expect homework assignments on a regular basis. All homework assignments will be written in the student’s agenda everyday. Also, students and parents can look up daily assignments on Parents are expected to monitor student’s agenda and assignment completion. A homework assignment is considered late when it is handed in after it has been reviewed in class or anytime after the class session. Half credit may be given for assignments handed in late, within the trimester. When a student is missing three or more homework or class assignments an after school intervention will be assigned until the work is made up.

If a student is absent they are responsible for checking the “While You Were Out” classroom section, located in the back of the classroom. Students are responsible for checking a peer’s agenda, writing down missed homework assignments in their own agenda, and locating the day’s work that was missed. Assignments will be saved for 1 week and posted on

Current Events: Students will be assigned a current events assignment at least one time per month. These assignments are equivalent to a quiz grade, and must be completed.

Folder: Your folder will be a 2 pocket folder with 3 clasps containing binder paper. Folders can be collected at anytime for a quiz grade. The folder must be labeled with Trimester work (on the left pocket),and homework (on the right pocket). All work for each trimester must be kept and will be collected at the end of each trimester, for a grade.

Classwork: This includes any independent, partner or group work on daily assignments to long-term projects. Student’s daily work ethic is observed and graded. This work ethic grade could impact a student’s overall trimester grade. Students must be on task for the entire class period. If students miss class due to absences such as band events, sporting events, health issues, family vacations etc., it is the STUDENT’S responsibility for getting their missed work. Again, missed assignments/worksheets will be in the “While You Were Out” section of the classroom or Ms. Whorrall’s website:

Participation: I know it may be difficult for some students to raise their hand and participate, but participation is part of a student’s grade. Respect will be given to every student! Try to participate at least once a class session.

Projects: Projects will be assigned throughout the school year. Although every effort will be made by the teacher to provide class time, some projects may be completed at home. Requirements, known as a rubric, for some projects will be given to each student outlining the description, expectations, grading requirements etc. of the project. The rubric will be discussed in class, prior to starting each project. Parents should read over each project rubric with their child, however, parent assistance in completing projects is appreciated but should be limited. Please note that home computer/printer problems will not be accepted as excuses for turning in assignments late. Late points will still be deducted. Therefore, please make sure your computer and/or printer are working as soon as you receive the assignment.

Tests/Quizzes: At least one school week (five days) notice will be given for quizzes. At least 2 school weeks (10 days) notice will be given for tests. Occasional “pop quizzes” may be used as a quick class assessment.

End of trimester work: I collect and grade all work from the previous trimester. It is a large part of your trimester grade, therefore, please do not throw away any work including worksheets, notes, tests, quizzes, maps etc.

Daily Materials Needed:

  • Pens and pencils (pencils should be sharpened before class starts; mechanical pencils are allowed)
  • 2 pocket folder
  • Loose notebook, lined paper
  • Colored pencils (brought to class everyday)
  • Positive attitude towards social science, teacher and peers

Grading Policy: The grading policy for each trimester will be based on the following percentages/points:

CategoryAverage # of Points

Tests/Projects30

Quizzes/folder15

Homework20

Current Events20

Participation15

Total 100

Behavior: Ms. Whorrall follows all C.A. Jacob school rules. The students and parents are expected to know and follow the school rules as well. Please read all school rules that are located in the agenda book. However, Ms. Whorrall would like to emphasize the following rules:

1. Disrespect and defiance is not acceptable behavior. All students are to follow all directions and rules the first time given.

2. Students must raise their hand and wait to be called upon. This includes restroom requests; which are not encouraged. The restroom should be used during break time (after 2nd period) and during lunch time.

3. All cell phones are to be completely turned off and inside backpacks. Cell phones should not be kept in pockets.Please see the school’s cell phone policy in the student’s agenda book. Parents – please do not call or text your child during school hours. If an emergency arises, please contact the school office at 707-678-9222. Thank you for your cooperation.

Daily Routine: Students will line up at the door and wait to be let into the classroom. Students will enter the classroom quietly. Students will take out their agenda and write down the homework. One student from each group will collect the Learning Log packets and hand them out to their group members. Once the homework is written down in the agenda, students will complete the warm-up task. After completing the warm-up task students should sit quietly or work on other school-related assignments.

Your future starts here at C.A. Jacobs!

Please read carefully, sign and date below. The class syllabus should be kept in the student’s folder for the entire school year.

I have read/discussed with my parent/child the 8th grade United States History Course Overview and assume responsibility for this information. Please sign, date, include your email, and thenreturn to school.

Student name (print name) ______Date ______

Student name (signature) ______

Parent/Guardian (signature) ______Date ______

Parent/Guardian cell phone: ______

Parent/Guardian email address: ______

Cougars have HEART!