Harrisburg Academy
6th Grade – U.S. History
Miss Bowman

Course Overview:
The students in 6th grade will study the origins of the Unites States out of Europe and Africa and the people indigenous to land that is now North and South America. The goal of this course is to study and learn the content of American history from its origin up to and including the Civil War. Students will interpret significant historical documents, research independent topics on American history, and participate in activities outside the classroom.

Required Materials: Laptop, charger, headphones/earbuds, online textbook (Creating America), folder (provided by teacher), agenda, pen/pencil

Grading:Tests – 40%
Homework – 20%
Projects/Papers – 20%
Quizzes – 10%
Effort/Participation – 10%

Homework Policy:
All homework must be kept on your laptop or in your HW folder. It must be labeled with your name and the date. You must write in complete sentenceswhen instructed.

Homework is due at the beginning of the class period to be considered on time.

Homework that is handed in at the end of the day is considered late, and is subject to point deduction (see below).

Homework that is not turned in on the day that it is due should be completed for your benefit, and shown to me, but will not receive credit after three days.

Each homework assignment will be graded as follows:
4 – completely done, on time
3 – partially done, on time
3 – late, but completely done (received on due date by end of day)
2 – late, but completely done (received on the 2nd or 3rd day of lateness)
1 – late, partially done
0/M – not done

Classroom Rules and Expectations
(please also see attached sheet for additional expectations):

  • Preparation – Come to class on time, with necessary materials, prepared to get started and have assignments and notes organized
  • Participation – Pay attention, take notes, ask questions, share ideas
  • Positive Attitude – Complete all homework using complete sentences, get help when needed, take pride in your work, take tests with confidence!

Teacher Contact

  • The best way to reach me is by email – .
  • All class assignments are posted on Net Classroom. All class materials are posted on Net Classroom and on my mini-page.
  • I am available Monday – Thursday from 3:00-3:45pm in Room 302 for extra help.
  • The phone number for the school is 717-763-7811; my classroom is extension 1302.

Websites and Resources:
Harrisburg Academy MS/US Library Online Resources:
McDougal Littell –
Resources for the textbook can be found under “Class Zone”
Library of Congress -

National Archives -

Gilder Lehrman – Primary Sources:

National Geographic for Kids -

CIA World Factbook –

Discovery Education –

Kids.gov -
The U.S. Government's Official Web Portal for Kids
findingDulcinea - - The “librarian of the internet”
Atomic Learning -