Download Seventh Grade Social Studies

Seventh Grade Social Studies
Alison Brown
2010-20011
Course Overview
We will study Ancient World History in the seventh grade this year. The course begins with the
development of the earth and the rise of the human species and spans the early kingdoms of Egypt, Mesopotamia,
India, China, Mesoamerica and Africa. Along the way, students will examine the importance of language and collective
learning, the impact of domestication and agriculture, the cultural impact of nomadic people, and the rise of urban
civilization. While this course follows a chronological sequence, students will focus on examples of the human
experience from around the world. This approach will demonstrate the continuity and similarities in human
development, as well as cultural differences that arose. Through this analysis, students will develop a number of
necessary skills, including historical chronology, cause and effect, summarization, research skills, and clear and concise
writing.
We will use World History Journey Across Time curriculum for this course. Students will demonstrate their
knowledge via homework, projects, and assessments. Each student will have a World History Journey Across Time
student notebook, which is a companion to the textbook and must be kept in good order. Students will write regular
responses to current archaeological news articles and produce a research project based on their archeology news
findings. Finally, students will use their Nystrom Atlas of World History to connect history and geography.
Texts
World History Journey Across Time
World History Journey Across Time Student Workbook
Nystrom Atlas of World History
Grading
Students will be assessed regularly on a variety of activities. Points will be given for each in accordance to its
importance or difficulty.
Homework Checks (per term)
Projects
Essays
Quizzes
Tests
Preparation and Participation (per term)
100
30–100
20-50
10 – 40
50 – 100
100
Homework Policy
Students are expected to come to class prepared. Lack of class materials will result in a lower participation
grade, as materials are integral to class activities. All graded homework assignments and projects should be complete
and ready for evaluation at the beginning of the designated class period. If students submit homework late, I may
require them to complete it during recess. Assignments will receive an initial 25% deduction for a late assignment and
10% deduction for each additional day they are late. Assignments and class resources will be posted on my Sayre
portal page. Students should visit this page nightly to ensure they have completed all assignments.
Please do not hesitate to approach me with any questions or concerns as the year progresses. I have a vested
interest in each student’s success, and I believe addressing difficulties promptly alleviates anxiety for everyone. I am
looking forward to having a good year in seventh grade Social Studies!
Ms. Brown
254-7177 ext. 410
[email protected]