| 7th Grade |  |
8th Grade |
The following represents a general description of how Mr. Sheehan's 7th grade Social Studies class has been organized. Due to the rapid pace at which world events can evolve, and an attitude of freedom, choice and experimentation in the classroom, specific content within each general area of study may change.
Social Sciences Introduction Unit - Students will discuss and take notes on a presentation
of "The Five Major Social Sciences". The quiz students
attempt on these notes will contribute +/- 15%
of the 1st 6 weeks grade. A highlight of this Introduction Unit
is The National Geographic Illustration Assignment
(N.G.I.A.). Based on illustrations from National Geographic
magazine, students create paragraphs that demonstrate
comprehension of how each social science is depicted, and also
how social sciences interrelate. The "N.G.I.A." will
contribute +/- 25-30% of student's 1st 6 weeks grade.
Geography-During the first six weeks,
students will rely heavily on the assigned textbook (Prentice
Hall - World Explorer Series) Geography
Tools and
Concepts. Each of
the five chapters in this text will be accompanied by a brief
worksheet (each contributing +/- 5% of student's 1st 6 weeks
grade, totaling +/- 25% of this grading period). These worksheets
are normally assigned as homework, so that class time can be used
to reinforce several key concepts.
Though students are encouraged to learn the names and locations of nations, and selected physical landfroms and water features of the Eastern Hemisphere, emphasis in class is placed on how to use and understand an atlas. Students will practice with, and be tested from our classroom atlas - The Nystrom Desk Atlas (1994). This quiz equals +/- 15-20% of student's 1st 6 weeks grade.
The Geography Unit concludes with a study of human geography by way of construction, study and discussion of The World Population Statistics Table. Statistical data which is used to construct this table come from The World Almanac and Book of Facts. The World Population Statistics Table Quiz can contribute 15-20% of student's 1st 6 weeks grade.
Religion
- under construction
The five major religions, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, of the world are introduced to the students through videos, vocabulary quizzes, and various class activities.
Government
- under construction
By the fifth six weeks students are learning about different governments in the world. Students also read Animal Farm by George Orwell to help them understand the differences between communism and democracy.
Economics
- under construction
From communism and capitalism, students learn about the variety of economic systems used by nations around the world. Through the Free Enterprise simulation, quizzes, political cartoons and more, students become familiar with world economics.
Topics covered in 8th Grade Green Team Social Studies. This is a general reference to the activities and lessons that are covered in class. Scheduling and topics may change.
New World Summit Simulation - In
conjunction with Unit 1 of the American
Nation textbook,
students will recreate "The Age of Discovery and
Exploration" (1492-c.1650). By way of a research based
simulation, students will join national teams (Native American,
English, French, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese and Russian) and
comprise a peer jury in order to determine how and why the New
World was divided as it was among these groups. Students will
also experience how these events might have otherwise taken place
under differing imaginary and sometimes unpredictable
circumstances.
Colonial
America
As the New World turns into the United States, students participate in a mini- simulation of how America reacts to various British Acts. Through videos and chapter lessons and tests, students learn about the U.S. constititution and how the U.S. was formed into a nation.
Lewis
and Clark
By the second semester, students learn about how the United States expanded to the west using videos and chapter lessons and tests. To reinforce these concepts, students participate in the Western Migration Simulation.
Civil
War and Beyond
The final six weeks focuses on peer teaching, chapter lessons and a MEGA test. Students learn about the Civil War from the textbook but also from viewing the movie "Glory."
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Last Updated: 2-4-03
Created by: Matthew T. Sheehan
Jackson Creek Middle School