Social Studies with Mr. Berry

Mr. Berry - berryc@cusd.org - (707) 894-1959

The best way to contact me is through email. I will check my voicemail at school at least once/week.

ABOUT THIS CLASS:

Welcome to 8th grade Social Studies! This year is going to be different, exciting, challenging, and rewarding! Even though we won't see each other in person to start, I am looking forward to getting to know each of you. In 8th grade, you will have a chance to learn about the history of your country's humble beginnings. The first quarter we will be learning about European explorers, the native people that inhabited this land first, the 13 British Colonies, and the American Revolution! From there we will learn about our system of government, the Constitution, and our early republic. The second half of the year will be focused on industrialization, westward expansion, the Civil War, and life into the early 1900's. In this class you will be asked tough questions as well as encouraged to ask your own questions about the history of the United States. As historians our mission is to uncover the truth, even if the truth is uncomfortable. Along with the great achievements of our country, we will also look at the injustices that plagued our country from the start such as slavery and Indian removal from their homelands. It is important to keep an open mind, and understand that learning the truth can ultimately help us continue on the path towards creating a "more perfect union."

Quarter 1 (August 18-October 16th) :

2. The 13 Colonies

  • Jamestown (John Smith and Pocahontas)

  • New England/Middle/Southern Colonies

  • Slavery and Indentured Servitude

3. Revolution

  • French and Indian War

  • Troubles and Rebellion

  • The Revolutionary War

Quarter 2 (October 19-January 15):

4. Our System of Government

  • The Articles of Confederation

  • The Constitutional Convention

  • The Constitution / Bill of Rights

5. The Early Republic

  • The First Political Parties

  • The Age of Jefferson / Lewis and Clark

  • The War of 1812

Quarter 3 (January 19-March 26):

6. Indian Removal

  • Andrew Jackson

  • The 5 Civilized Tribes

  • The Trail of Tears

7. Manifest Destiny

  • The Alamo/ Texas Independence

  • The Mexican American War

  • The California Gold Rush

8.Reform Movements

  • Abolitionism/ The Underground Railroad

  • Reformers and Reforms

Quarter 4 (April 12-June 10):

9. The Civil War

  • Road to the Civil War

  • Southern Secession

  • Major Battles

10. Reconstruction

  • Plans for Reconstruction

  • Jim Crow Era

  • Civil Rights

11. Western Frontier

  • American Settlements in the West

  • The Growth of Industry

About Me:

My name is Mr. Berry and this is my 6th year teaching at Washington School. I grew up in Cloverdale and graduated from CHS. I studied history at UC Davis, and I have a Master's of Science in Educational Leadership along with a Single Subject Credential in Social Sciences. In my spare time I like to hike, swim, travel, hang out with my dog, and spend time with family.