Social StudiesLevel 6Team 1Mrs. J. Evans

Textbook

World History: Ancient Civilizations andWorld History: Medieval and Early Modern Times, published by McDougal Littell. Your child will be responsible for his/her copy.

Online edition

Your child will get to use his/her textbook online. An activation code, username and password will be given to each student. “This online version of the text encourages students to explore world history through interactive features. *Animated maps and infographics *Onscreen highlighting and note taking *Audio summaries in English and Spanish”

Interactive website

Students can gain immediate access to this companion website of our texts. *Links correlated to the text *Web research guide *Self-scoring quizzes *Interactive games and reviewactivities (Flip Cards help with key terms and names) *Links to current events *Test practice

Class dynamics – During the 80+ minutes of class, we will use a variety of methods and activities to help students participate and learn. Generally, we will begin discussing current events and then by going over homework. After that, we will do a few varied activities to work on the next lesson. Since we meet every other day, homework will be given each day to practice and reinforce the concepts learned.

Grading –A grade will be given each of the four quarters. A midterm exam will be given and averaged in for the 2nd quarter grade. There will be a final exam in June covering the entire year’s curriculum. It will count for one-fifth of the final average. Each quarter average will be calculated using homework grades, quiz and test grades and projects.

Homework

All homework is due the day it is due, unless you are absent. Homework should be done neatly and completely. You may use books, notes, etc. to help you with your homework. One homework pass will be given to each student for each quarter to be used if needed. No credit will be given for missing or late homework.

Absences

If a student is absent for illness, he/she is responsible for the work they miss. A sheet is filled out for the absent student. Please pick it up from the file the day you are back (even if you don’t have class – this will help you to stay up with class). Hand in any homework in the ‘IN BOX’ as soon as possible.

Our studiesbegin with geography and map skills. We will learn what geographers, anthropologists, and historians do. This will prepare us for our study of ancient civilizations. Our studies begin with the earliest human societies around 500,000 B.C.through Feudalism, around 1500 A.D.

The book chapterhas from 3 to 4 lessons, beginning with a map and timeline,and ‘Starting with a Story’: an interesting hook to get the students involved with the lesson. Previewing the chapter is always helpful.An ELO (Evening Learning Opportunity) is given at the beginning of each chapter to have students talk to older students, siblings, parents, etc. about the chapter we will be studying. The first ELO is “The Tools of History” (What do you know about the tool and skills geographers, archaeologists, historians, and other scholars use to explore and learn about the past?)

Eachlesson is divided into 3 main ideas. A list of ‘Words to Know’ and ‘Terms and Names’ clues students in on highlighted vocabulary for the lesson. There is a lesson review at the end of each lesson. Students will be given notes on each lesson. Part of the notes is the ‘Reading Study Guide’; a summary of each lesson made up by the book publisher. Students are asked to read, highlight/underline, and answer 3 questions on this sheet (RSG). It is part of the notes and a good tool to use as a review for tests. The ‘ReTeach’, sheet or other review is given as homework to reinforce concepts learned in the lesson. A quiz will be given after each lesson. It consists of multiple choice questions and an essay. The essay question is usually given the class before the quiz. It gives students an opportunity to review and plan for the paragraph essay.

Evaluation

At the end of the chapter we will have review and a test. The test is comprised of multiple choice questions, a map/chart/or timeline and 2 essays. Essays must have an introduction, middle (with specific details) and a conclusion. A few of the tests will have a DBQ (Document Based Question). We will be reviewing ‘Test Taking Skills’, including the DBQ.Most chapters take 3 weeks to complete. All tests and quizzes require corrections and parent signatures.

Notebook

Each student is responsible for keeping his/her notebook completed and organized. The notebook pages will be numbered. There are three sections for the notebook: Notes/Homework, Quizzes, and Miscellaneous.

Hopefully, I’ve answered most questions you might have about our year in level 6 Social Studies. If there is anything I missed, please feel free to ask. On a final note I would like to stress how important it is to keep up with class/home work. Students should see me in Encore if they need help with something. Remember: Always do your homework, study for tests, participate in class and ask questions if you are confused. This will help you be successful at HMS. With a good attitude, you can learn a lot and have fun too!!

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(After reading the information, please cut on the dotted line. Sign and return the bottom of this sheet to Mrs. Evans. Keep the top in your notebook for your records.)

I, ______, have read and understand the expectations for Team 1 SS.

(student name printed)

______Date ______SS class period ______

(student signature)

I have read and understand the expectations for Team 1 SS.

______Date ______

(parent/guardian signature)