Social Studies 8 Course Outline Mrs. Sekulich [email protected] Room 154
“Grade 8 students will learn how intercultural contact between societies leads to significant change and alters each society’s worldview.” (Program of Studies, pg. 13) During this year, “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 in different times and in different places. Through this inquiry, students will reflect on their own worldviews and assess the influence that the past has had on the present. Examples may be drawn from Japan, Renaissance Europe and Spanish and Aztec societies.” (Alberta Program of Studies) Alberta Program of Studies Social Studies 8 Learning Outcomes:
• 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. • Through an examination of Spanish and Aztec societies, students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of how intercultural contact affects the worldviews of societies. • 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. Resources: Worldviews textbook, internet sources, reference books, etc Skill Development: • develop skills of critical thinking and creative thinking • develop skills of historical thinking • develop skills of geographic thinking • demonstrate skills of decision making and problem solving • demonstrate skills of cooperation, conflict resolution and consensus building • develop age-­‐appropriate behaviour for social involvement as responsible citizens contributing to their community • apply the research process • demonstrate skills of oral, written and visual literacy • develop skills of media literacy During the course of this year, students will engage in a number of individual and small group inquiry projects that will allow them to gain a strong understanding of the grade 8 Social curriculum.
Activities and Assignments over the course of the year: • Individual, small group, and class work • Projects: posters, presentations, pod casts, debates, models (student choice in many cases) • Active daily participation involving both listening and speaking • Mapping and Current Event critical thinking exercises • Tests, quizzes, inquiry projects and writing assignments Course Content: Unit 1: Renaissance Worldview -­‐> September -­‐ December Unit 2: Aztecs/Spanish -­‐> January -­‐ March Unit 3: Historical Japan -­‐> April -­‐ June Current events will also be tied in throughout the whole year with discussions, booklets, and assignments. Assessment: Report card marks will be made up of summative assessments, such as assignments, projects, and quizzes / tests, weighted as follows: Daily Assignments -­‐ 30% Projects -­‐ 40% Tests/Quizzes -­‐ 30% Grades will be updated regularly on PowerSchool, and parents and students are encouraged to check regularly for grade accuracy and for assignment completion. Students will be provided with rubrics for written assignments and projects, and are encouraged to consult them during the completion process. Re-­‐Writes: Students are provided with adequate ‘practice time’ prior to evaluations, as well as the resources and time required to successfully complete each task. Assignments and tests should be completed with due care, attention and 100% effort every time. Re-­‐Writes are on REQUEST only. The teacher and student will make a plan and decide on a re-­‐write date. Homework: •
•
•
•
•
•
•
Homework will be daily work not completed in class and is due the following class It is the student’s responsibility to record all necessary information regarding homework Use agendas or POD’s to record homework assignments Digital copies of most handouts are available on the MOODLE for printing at home Students are to have 2 buddies in class to call for homework assistance Specific homework assignments will be found on the in-­‐class homework board Plone/MOODLE calendar: due dates and upcoming tests are found here Students are also responsible for missed work while they are away -­‐ always remember to check the “What’d I miss??” binder if you were away or look on MOODLE. Remember, even if you miss a class, you are still responsible for your work and assignments. Late Assignments: Assignments will be given a due date; students may be detained at lunch or after school to complete missing / late assignments. Student Expectations: 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Be on time for class with all of your materials ready. Complete all work to the best of your ability and hand it in on time. Catch up on any work missed when absent. Be an active participant in the class – ask questions, comment, answer questions. Challenge yourself to do your best. Check your grades on PowerSchool regularly to chart your progress and catch errors. Come and see me for extra help if needed. Remember: Work hard, and be nice to people. Required Materials: •
•
•
•
•
A Computer A binder, preferably with dividers so that you can keep your notes organized. pencils and pens. Please make it a legible color. pencil crayons, markers, etc. WE WILL USE THEM memory stick -­‐ to transfer work to and from school or computers Tips For Parents/Student •
•
•
•
•
•
•
Study guides will be given for every test -­‐ encourage your child to use them! Ask your child to bring his / her binder home occasionally to assist with organization or check assignments on his/her computer Not seeing homework? Have your child bring home texts / assignments and show you what he / she worked on that day. Encourage regular review of day-­‐to-­‐day work when there is no homework. Check the PLONE or MOODLE calendar for upcoming due dates and weekly outlines of course content Check PowerSchool to see grades and missing work Any other questions? I can be reached at [email protected] Please keep this sheet at the front of your Social Studies section for future reference.