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.