Thomas Edison High School
2016-2017
Social Studies Concepts
Peter Hagenson (Mr. H)
Room 222
(952) 270-8421
[email protected]
http://edison.mpls.k12.mn.us/peter_hagenson
Please feel free to contact me by email or phone with any questions or concerns you have. I will reply
within 24 hours.
Course Description Social Studies concepts is the introductory class to social studies for new to country
students. Students will build vocabulary and content knowledge that will prepare them for success in
subsequent social studies classes. This class will also have a strong focus on language skills, aligned to
the WIDA Level 1 Entering Can-Do Descriptors.
Course Objectives (reference MN standards/MPS Learning Targets; include MYP objectives from subject
guide if applicable)
Overview of Units
As an IB World School, our units are organized around inquiry statements and questions that help focus learning, develop
curiosity, and promote critical thinking. Some of the units we will study in this class include:
Unit
Statement of Inquiry or Inquiry
Questions
Global Context
Assessments
Tools of Geography
Maps are tools that allow us to create and use
space relationships.
Where We Are in Place
and Time
Creating a map
Landforms and Bodies of
Water
Our planet has many types of classifiable
geographical features.
Where We Are in Place
and Time
Geography of my
country/home town
presentation
Cultural Geography
Our culture makes us who we are.
How We Express
Ourselves
My Culture Presentation
Graphs in the Social
Studies – Population and
Demography
Ancient Civilizations
Graphic representations help us communicate
information.
How We Organize
Ourselves
Graphing Classroom Data
Project
Ancient civilizations share common characteristics.
Where We Are in Place
and Time
Comparing and Contrasting
Ancient Civilizations
Written Assessment
U.S. States and Regions
The United States is dividend into 50 states and 5
regions that all have distinct characteristics.
Where We Are in Place
and Time
50 State Test & U.S.
Regions Group PowerPoint
Communities
Geographical, economic, and demographic factors
shape communities.
How We Organize
Ourselves
Scarcity makes individuals and firms make choices
about what to buy and produce.
How We Organize
Ourselves
The U.S. Government is a system of checks and
balances.
Sharing the Planet
Economics
U.S. Government
Understanding
Communities Graphic
Economic Concepts
Written Test
Classifying Government
Roles Poster
Grading Policy Please refer to the Thomas Edison Student Handbook for our school-wide
assessment policy. Grades will directly reflect achievement of academic standards. 80% (or 90
or 100%) of your grade in this class will be based on your academic achievement on learning
targets and MYP assessment Criteria. 20% (or 10% or just leave this out) will be based on
academic practice, such as homework and other things you do to get ready to show your
learning.
The MYP assessment criteria for this course include:
A: Knowing and Understanding
B: Investigating
C: Communicating
D: Thinking Critically
Grading Breakdown
80%
Academic Achievement
Learning targets are based on MN state standards and aligned to MYP assessment criteria. You
will have several opportunities to demonstrate your comprehension of each learning target
throughout the unit. These opportunities will include tests, quizzes, projects, class work, and
additional assessments. Learning targets will be graded using the rubric shown:
Score
MCA Terms
Description
Got it and more!
7-8
EXCEEDS
5-6
MEETS
3-4
PARTIALLY MEETS
1-2
DOES NOT MEET
Excellent, exceptional, extended
Got it!
Consistent, accurate
Kinda got it!
Basic, simple, inconsistent
Don’t get it!
Developing, limited, partial
Didn’t do it!
0
Unacceptable, inaccurate, insufficient evidence
20%
Classwork/Homework
These activities allow you to become proficient with the learning targets. These activities include
homework, group work, and individual class work. To be successful in this class, completing
homework assignments is a necessity.
Grading Scale
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
above 90 %
87 – 90 %
83 – 87 %
79 – 83 %
75 – 79 %
71 – 75 %
67 – 71 %
63 – 67 %
59 – 63 %
55 – 59 %
50 – 55 %
0 – 50 %
If you do not complete assignments, it is not possible to earn an A.
If you earn mostly 6’s, showing understanding of topics you will earn a B.
If you earn a combination of 4’s and 5’s you will earn a C.
If you show only partial understanding of topics you will earn a D.
Below 50% will result in a failing grade.
If you do not complete any of the academic achievement assessments, you will receive
an incomplete (I) for the quarter. You must show evidence of proficiency in order to
get a grade for the course. Two weeks after the end of the quarter, any unresolved
incompletes will become F’s and result in no credit.
Homework Policy I accept late work for full credit any time during the quarter. Work that is
not submitted by the last day of the quarter will receive no credit.
Attendance and Tardy Policy Being in class and on time every day is essential to success in high school.
In accordance with Edison’s Tardy Policy, I will be tracking student tardies. If students struggle getting to class
on time, they will be supported in the following ways:
5 Tardies: Mr. H will call home to discuss how the student can be supported.
8 Tardies: The student’s dean will call home to request further support.
10 Tardies: The studen’t will meet with an administrator and their weekend buss pass may be shut off.
Tommie Creed and Learner Profile:
Team: I will respect myself and others by being open-minded and a good communicator.
Opportunity: I will prepare for college and the career of my choice by being a thinker and becoming
more knowledgeable.
Make a Difference: I will honor myself, my family and my school by being principled.
Make it Right: I will restore my relationships and advocate for myself. I will be caring and try to
understand others by being an inquirer.
Integrity: I will make good decisions. I will stay balanced and be reflective about my choices.
Excellence: I will do my personal best and a positive risk-taker.