8 th Grade Social Studies: U.S. History I 8 th graders! They are so capable, so fun! (Thanks for sharing them with me this year!)

My Expectations:  Cooperate I believe in my students’ best selves.  Participate I also believe mistakes are for learning.  Be respectful (& on Task) (In the gradebook this = CPROT -- citizenship)

Ways of Learning  Discussions  Simulations  Small group activities  Partner work  Individual work  Debates  Upfront magazine reading & seminars  Research writing

U.S History Overarching Questions for the Whole Year:  To what rights are all humans entitled?  Why can’t we all just get along?  How can/do people successfully resolve their problems?

Middle Passage Colonial Fair Town Meetings (Should the colonies rebel?) Constitutional Convention & making & our own class bills JA Field Trip

Active Learning  Indian Relocation Talk Show  Debates  Westward Expansion Monopoly Game  Underground Railroad (maybe...)  Individual Projects  Mini Dramas

Research Paper  On a controversial constitutional issue of the students’ choice  Research  Debates (team, partner or solo)  Paper writing (includes proper) MLA citation

Homework & Grading Daily homework is NOT GRADED. Students maintain a Homework Log Work scoring below a 67% can (and should) be re-taken within a week for the average of the two scores. Cheating or plagiarism is a violation of our mutual trust, demonstrates a lack of integrity, and can also result in a zero in the grade book. Graded assignments (with an MAF) can be completed over the week end with no penalty.

Homework & Grading, continued Late graded work = 50% if in before the end of the unit. No extra credit. Extenuating circumstances, should be communicated to Ms. Kiemle before the due date so that together we can devise a plan for success.

PORTFOLIO Stored in the classroomGoalsEvidence of student work and growthReflectionUsed at mid-year Student Led Conferences

Service Learning How can 8 th graders use their interests and talents to help our community?