Social Studies 7

2013 2014

Class Description

Social Studies focuses on U.S. history from the Revolutionary War to the beginning of the Civil War. In addition, we will study geography, economics, and government. Students will gain knowledge of the people and events that have impacted our nation during the periods of time listed below. They will also work on developing a variety of skills including analyzing primary sources, interpreting maps, analyzing graphs, and communicating their knowledge both verbally and in writing.

Units of Study

Geography with emphasis on North America

Economics

Review of American Revolution and its Causes

The Constitution and American Government

The New Nation

Era of Thomas Jefferson

The War of 1812

The Age of Jackson

Westward Expansion and Manifest Destiny

Objectives

·  Throughout the eras of study in 7th grade U.S. History, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to detect trends, analyze movements and significant individuals and events.

·  Analyze primary source documents using district strategies

·  Demonstrate an understanding of the cause and effect relationships of the events leading up to the American Revolution

·  Analyze how the Bill of Rights protects the individual rights of citizens

·  Understand the structure of authority and distribution of power of the three branches of government as defined by the Constitution

·  Use geographic concepts and processes to study the North American continent

·  Students will understand how to make effective decisions as a consumer

·  Identify the causes and effects of the War of 1812

·  Analyze and Evaluate the impact of Jacksonian Democracy and Manifest Destiny

·  Identify and discuss some key events which led to the Civil War

Weighted Grades

Homework 15%

Class work and Projects 35%

Quizzes and Tests 50%

Test Retakes

Students are expected to achieve a 70% or better on all tests. Students who do not meet this expectation should plan to retake the test before school, during study hall, and after school. Any student who earns a 70% or better but still wishes to improve his or her score may also do so by arranging a time with the teacher.

Andrew Gagnon:

Judy Schieszer:

Kellie Stebbins:

Nancy Waters: