Welcome to 7th Grade CIVICS! Mrs. Cheryl Bynum

About Mrs. Bynum Bachelors of Business Administration- Music Business Masters of Arts in Teaching- Middle School Social Studies (Grades 5-9) Teaching Certificate- Middle School Social Studies (Grades 5-9) Apple Certified Educator Over a decade of classroom teaching experience Real world application of history: travel to historical sites, local Titanic “expert,” etc.

Class Information https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=zTbuFN8_D_s

Class Information Hands-on learning environment: table work, online activities via classroom laptops, virtual field trips, webquests, skits, and simulations. Students are evaluated through a variety of projects, writing assignments, quizzes, tests, and activities. Grades are assigned as follows: Tests: 50% Quizzes: 30% Homework/Classwork: 20% {Pre-AP classes are as follows: Assessments (60%) and Classwork/Homework (40%)} Grades can be checked through Progress Book. “Homework” is usually in the form of completing class work that didn’t get finished in class, studying for upcoming tests/quizzes, or working on extended projects. Additional homework will be given occasionally throughout each quarter. Projects will be both individual and group projects. Group projects foster healthy collaboration and responsibility, but students are graded individually for their contribution to and completion of a project. There is a State EOC for 7th Grade Civics, so our curriculum perfectly aligns with state standards in preparation for this exam.

Class Information Class Websites: Class Textbook: www.connected.mcgraw-hill.com Online access to complete textbook, page by page Additional practice resources Account login created by teacher USA Test Prep: www.usatestprep.com Subscription purchased by school Aligned with standards: excellent resource for EOC practice Useful for in-class assessments and out of class practice (games and activities) Account login created by school iCivics: www.icivics.org Variety of games, practice activities, and videos Tasks digitally assigned by teacher, accessible by student Account login created by student

Curriculum Goals Topics Covered in this Course (to name a few): Citizenship: roles, rights, and responsibilities of citizens Immigration and its impact on the United States How the American colonies were formed, leading to the development of the American government The voting and election process Organization and function of government Government policies and political processes Geography and its influence on our nation and its development Economics: personal finance, banking, business, and trade

Curriculum Standards Civics and Government- Demonstrate an understanding of the origins and purposes of government, law, and the American political system. Evaluate the roles, rights, and responsibilities of United States citizens, and determine methods of active participation in society, government, and the political system. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles, functions, and organization of government. Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary issues in world affairs, and evaluate the role and impact of United States foreign policy.

Curriculum Standards Geography- Understand how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technology to report information. Understand physical and cultural characteristics of a place. Understand the characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations. Understand how to apply geography to interpret the past and present and plan for the future.

Curriculum Standards Economics- Understand the fundamental concepts relevant to the development of a market economy. Understand the fundamental concepts relevant to the institutions, structure, and functions of a national economy. Understand the fundamental concepts and interrelationships of the United States economy in the international marketplace.

Classroom Expectations Students are expected to adhere to the following class rules: No cell phones – they are to remain off and unseen. Raise your hand to ask a question. Refrain from talking with your friends. Don’t be afraid to ask a question or for help. When provided with an electronic device, use it wisely and responsibly. You should only be accessing what you’ve been instructed to access. Off Limits: Please do not touch any technical equipment, items on Mrs. Bynum’s desk or in desk area, or anything that belongs to someone else. Leave the classroom in better shape than you found it! Be respectful – to the teacher, to your classmates, and to yourself. Bring all materials to class. Complete all assignments on time. Follow directions the first time without complaint. Always try your best. Have fun learning! Take pride in your work – remember, you are awesome!

Items Needed in Classroom Packs of printer paper Boxes of tissues

Wings. Final Thoughts There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is Wings. -Hodding Carter Jr.