Grade 8 Social Studies
2016-17 Course Outline
Mr. D. Hyatt
[email protected]
twitter.com/hyattshomepage
The focus for the year is change. We will use three case studies to examine how
different cultures around the world have developed and how they changed when other
cultures interacted with them.
Grade 8 students will examine issues related to contact
between societies with differing worldviews. They
will explore elements of worldviews and how these
views are expressed by people living indifferent times
and in different places. Through this inquiry, students will
reflect on their own worldviews and assess
the influence that the past has on the present.
There are three general outcomes into which the year will be divided.
Origins of a Western Worldview: Renaissance Europe: (September – November)
Through an examination of Renaissance Europe, students will demonstrate an understanding and
appreciation of how the exchange of ideas and knowledge contributed to shaping the worldview of the
Western world.
We will examine European social structure in the medieval ages and how the
Renaissance was started, how it influenced the way in which Europe saw and interacted
with the rest of the world.
Worldviews in Conflict: The Spanish and the Aztecs (December - February)
Through an examination of Spanish and Aztec societies, students will demonstrate an understanding and
appreciation of how intercultural contact affects the worldviews of societies.
In this unit we will examine both Spanish and Aztec societies prior to contact between
the two. We will see how cultural beliefs influenced decisions and customs. We will
see the impact contact between the two cultures and worldviews had on the Aztecs.
From Isolation to Adaptation: Japan (March – June)
Through an examination of Japan, students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the
ways in which beliefs, values and knowledge shape worldviews and contribute to a society’s isolation or
adaptation.
This case study examines Japan during times of isolation and contact with the outside
world. We will see how isolation affected contact and the changes contact had on the
isolated island.
Current Events
We will look at current events and issues on an ongoing basis. Reading the newspaper
is strongly encouraged to enhance your understanding of world events.
Instructional Strategies
Students will be taught through a variety of different instructional methods and
strategies including, but not limited to: direct teaching, cooperative learning,
independent learning, brainstorming, current events, small and large group discussions,
inquiry based research assignments, technological means including the use of a
Smartboard, videos, online tools, and an interactive response system.
Assessment
Assessment will be for learning, it will include work produced by the students in a variety
of forms including assignments, tests, quizzes, projects, presentations etc.
Assignments
Chapter Tests
Unit Exams and Unit Projects
Final Exam
30%
30%
20%
20%
Final Exam
There will be a final exam worth 20% of the final mark at the end of the year that will
cover everything we cover, so do not throw anything out. It will be useful study
material for the exam.
Absences
If you away from school or anticipate being away it is your responsibility to catch up on
the work missed. Assignments will be placed in a folder in the classroom. Homework is
listed on the whiteboards in and outside of the classroom.
Attendance
The classroom experience is a critical part of our students' education. The
administration and teaching staff of Paul Rowe Jr/Sr high School firmly believe a strong
correlation exists between consistent student attendance and a successful learning
experience. This classroom attendance policy exists to promote a beneficial educational
experience for all students.
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Excused Absence: If a student must miss school due to illness or some other
valid reason, please inform the school either by phone call in the morning or by a
note.
Unexcused Lates: Three lates will result in a classroom detention after school or
at lunch, a phone call to parents and an incident report to be put on file. Chronic
tardiness will be dealt with on a case by case basis and will involve
administration.
Unexcused Absences: Any unexcused absences will result in an office referral, a
make-up period at lunch or after school, and a phone call home. Chronic
unexcused absenteeism will be dealt with by administration.
Respect for Self
Respect for Others
Respect for Learning
Respect for Environment
If you choose to break a rule
First Time: Name on board. (warning)
Second Time: One check mark. 5 minutes at lunch or after school.
Third Time: Two check marks. 10 minutes at lunch or after school.
Fourth Time: Three check marks. 30 minutes at lunch or after school and a phone call home.
Fifth Time: Four check marks. 45 minutes after school and an office referral.
Severe Disruption: teacher’s discretion
Name and checks will be erased at the end of each day.
School Homework Policy
On the day an assignment is due, teachers will collect these from students. If a student
does not turn in an assignment at this time, the teacher will notify, through email or
phone, the parents or guardians. The student will have until 9am the day after the due
date to hand in the assignment. If it is not handed in by this extended date, the student
will be expected to be in noon hour study hall until the assignment is turned in. If the
student fails to attend study hall, a meeting between the parents or guardians, the
teacher and the student will be requested.
Re-writes
If a student is unhappy with the mark they achieved on any assignment they always
have the opportunity to redo the work and hand it in again. Any student that wishes to
redo an assignment must do so on their own time.
Students may always rewrite a test they feel they can do better on. A rewrite will only
happen after a student has spent time getting extra assistance from me, typically one or
two afterschool sessions.
Cell Phones in the classroom
Cell phones can be a very useful tool in the classroom and students will have
opportunities to use their phones for educational proposes throughout the year. Cell
phones can also be an incredible distraction to not just the owner but to other students
as well. For this reason we will be working with students to understand appropriate and
inappropriate uses of this technology. Students will place their phone in a holder at the
front of the room when they walk in and only take it out for a specific teacher approved
reason or when class is over.
School - Home Communication
Communication between parents and the school is vital for the success of all
students. To this end there are several communication methods I want to draw
everyone’s attention to.
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All grade 7 and 8 students were asked to bring an agenda/day planner as part of
their school supply list. Any student that does not bring one will put one together
in the first few days of school. Students will be writing in them daily to
communicate what homework, assignments, due dates, and test are upcoming.
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A phone call home will be made in the next week to start these connections.
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I have a Twitter account (listed under my email address). I will be posting similar
information to that in the agendas. I did not use it much last year as few parents
“followed” me. If there is interest I will use it more.
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The email listed at the top of this outline is usually the best way to get a hold of
me.