Curriculum Overview and
Classroom Guidelines
6th Grade Social Studies- Ms. Mills
The lens through which we will view our curriculum this year has two parts. First, we will use the acronym GRAPES as a framework to explore each topic. Second, we will use our four essential questions, which will push us to think deeply about our world.
GRAPES:
· Geography, Religion, Accomplishments, Politics, Economics, Social Structures
Essential Questions:
· How does where you live affect how you live?
· How does physical geography affect the growth of a civilization?
· What accomplishments of people of the ancient civilizations impact our lives today?
· To what extent do belief systems shape and or reflect culture and society?
Goals of 6th grade Social Studies:
· Build a foundation of knowledge on the topics of world geography, ancient civilizations, belief systems, and current events
· Use primary sources to think critically about the past and present
· Support a position with evidence
· Consider multiple perspectives
Curriculum Outline:
· Continental drift and continents and oceans
· Physical geography- land and water features, longitude and latitude
· Development of civilizations post Ice Age
· Ancient civilizations- Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, India
· Religion and belief systems
· Geography, culture and history of Africa with a focus on trade, the ancient civilizations of West Africa, and colonialism
· Geography, culture, and history of Asia with a focus on the Middle East, China, India, and Japan
· Current events starting with Election 2012
Assignments and Grading:
· In class, we will research topics, explore maps, watch videos, read short texts, and have discussions about what we are learning.
· Assignments include homework, map work, quizzes and tests, projects, Question of the Day book, portfolio, written reflections, and written research.
· Class participation is graded. I require that you come to class prepared and ready to work and you maintain a positive and respectful attitude in our work together as a class.
· Grading is based on completion of assignments, punctuality of assignments, and quality of work.
· Mastery is key to our work together. You may revise any of your assignments in social studies class until you have mastered skills and concepts. I will record your highest grade.
· Extra- if you are interested in an additional challenge, go to my web site and explore the many links to interesting topics! Come see me about books you can read and movies you can watch about our various topics!
Classroom expectations:
· Come to class prepared with your materials
· Respect yourself, others, and property
· Have a positive attitude
· Always try your best
· Be prepared to work individually, with partners, in small groups, and as a class
· Be prepared to read and write every day
· Work on organization- I will help you with this!
What you will need for class:
· Pencil
· Black or blue pen
· Color pencils
· Highlighter
· Index cards
Your name: ____________________________________________
Your signature:______________________________________
Parent/Guardian signature:_____________________________
*Please keep this sheet in the front section of your social studies binder or in one of the pockets in your folder.
Top 10 list of how to be successful in social studies class:
10. Challenge yourself- push yourself in your thinking and work.
9. Be persistent when the work is challenging or frustrating.
8. Stay organized.
7. Participate in class discussions and listen to what your peers have to say.
6. Complete homework and projects on time! You will lose one point a day for late assignments, so don’t let them be late!
5. Use the worksheets and study guides I give you- they will help you focus your study time.
4. Work on BERT- it is extraordinary what the qualities of Belonging, Empathy, Respect and Trust can add to a learning environment
3. Come to class with a positive attitude and be ready to learn.
2. Work on the quality of your assignments. Always try your best.
1. Ask questions when you are confused. Everyone needs help sometimes!