1. COURSE EXPECTATIONS 2014-2015

2.  I. COURSE SCOPE AND GOALS   This is a one year eighth grade course that is designed to offer a comprehensive, yet specified study of World Geography. Good writing habits, critical thinking, attention to detail, and application of principles and theories to real life events will all be emphasized.

3.  The content of this course will include, but is not limited to the following:  1) Physical geography.  2) Climate and weather.  3) Cartography and map reading.  4) Land forms.  5) Study of the world's countries, cities, principle waterways, and unique landmarks.  6) How land, climate, history and resources influence a country's economic and political strength.  7) Culture - How it changes, and how it causes conflict between and within nations.

4.  Upon completion of this course, each student will:  1) Know how to use chapter and unit headings, glossaries, indexes, bold print and paragraph topic sentences as information locators and study aids.  2) Recall with reasonable efficiency, the proper spellings and meanings of new words studied throughout the year.  3) Interpret maps, globes and charts, understanding their symbolic representation.  4) Possess a basic understanding of the spatial relationships of the world, its geographical features and geopolitical boundaries.  5) Recognize the factors that contribute to climate/weather and understand effects weather has on landforms.  6) Compare countries and identify their unique geographical characteristics.  7) Understand the importance of resources in determining a country's political and economic status.  8) Know the characteristics of various cultures and therefore be able to compare and contrast those cultures.  9) Recognize the interdependence of the world's countries.  10) Be aware of present global conflicts and reasons for the conflicts.  11) Understand the various physical elements involved in the dynamics of weather.  12) Have instilled in him/her an interest in the world around us and a basis for understanding past and  current news events, while also developing an informed citizenry in decisions involving foreign policy.

5.  THIS CLASS IS DESIGNED TO:  HELP STUDENTS UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THEIR WORLD  SPARK CURIOSITY ABOUT EARTHS WIDE DIVERSITY OF ENVIRONMENTS AND CULTURE

6.  Each student is required to keep an Interactive Geography notebook. This notebook must be brought to class daily. Scheduled and unannounced notebook checks will occur throughout the year. The Geography notebook must include the following: Table of Contents, Unit Covers, Class notes, And all applicable assignments.

7.  A= 100-90%  B= 89-80%  C = 79-70%  D = 69-60%  F = 59 or below  Classwork/Homework = 30%  Assessments = 70%

8.  Citizenship grades are based upon participation and contribution, punctuality and regular attendance, initiative and dependability, cooperation and willingness to perform assigned tasks, and the ability to work with other students and the teacher. Infractions of these appropriate behaviors will result in lowering of the citizenship grade from “O” to “S.” A citizenship grade of “N” or “U” may be given if identified misbehavior continues, but only if a parent contact and/or Deans’ Referral have been made. However, if a student is caught cheating on a test or homework, the student may automatically earn a “U” on his/her report card.

9.  1 ST Offense: A verbal warning  2 nd Offense: Student/Teacher Conference  3 rd Offense: Home Contact  4 th Offense: Counselors Referral/Second Home Contact  5 th Offense: Deans Involvement  *The teacher reserves the right to bypass any step with more severe instances of misbehavior.

10.  Following CCSD regulations, teachers shall provide an opportunity for a student to make up missed work due to any absence, and students shall be accountable for the work. When a student is absent, however, the educational experiences lost during that absence might be irretrievable because the instruction and interaction in the instructional setting cannot be duplicated through makeup work.

11.  After any absence, a secondary student is required to initiate contact with the teacher to obtain appropriate makeup work within three school days following the absence. Once contact has been made with the teacher, specific makeup work must be completed and returned to the teacher within a reasonable length of time, to be determined by the teacher and communicated to the student/parent or legal guardian. The makeup work must be returned to the teacher by the specified due date if it is to be acknowledged. Students shall be allowed a minimum of three (3) days to complete makeup work. 

12.  Please e-mail newebster@interact.ccsd.net if you have any questions.newebster@interact.ccsd.net  Phone: 799-4260 Ext: 3301  Infinite Campus: Parent/student access in October  Website: http://www.hydeparkms.org/http://www.hydeparkms.org/  Go to teachers and click my name  Here you will find resources, announcements and assignments for your classroom uploaded weekly.