The focus of Social Science in 6th grade is to learn about the major ancient civilizations, spanning early humans to the rise of Rome. As students follow the trajectory of human life, they will be engaged in many creative, hands-on and technology-based projects, simulations, skits and other engaging collaborative and individual activities that will help transport students’ minds back many millenia, as they learn about geography, culture, government, philosophies and human migration and movement over time, and the factors that gave rise to so many diverse and successful civilizations. The curriculum will specifically include:
We use TCI History Alive textbooks & workbooks to study about the ancient world: https://www.teachtci.com/social-studies/middle-school-social-studies/
Students will use hands-on activities and problem-solving skills as they explore the beginnings of the human story as well as the great early civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, India, China, Greece, and Rome. Using History Alive! The Ancient World and various supplemental material, students will discover the secrets of these ancient cultures that continue to influence the modern world.
Homework
Every student is required to record assignments and due dates in his/her student planner each period. A homework board in class also contains a list of homework assignments, projects, quizzes, and tests dates. You may view upcoming homework assignments on the Google Classroom calendar. Although the calendar is updated on a daily basis, the website should be used as a back-up since all students are required to record assignments in their student planners. Homework assignments will include textbook and supplemental material readings, workbook guided questions to help students clarify their reading, and research for in-depth information.
Summative Tests
Students will receive a study guide for each summative test. There will be several opportunities for students to assess their learning and receive feedback on their progress before each summative test.
Social Science Notebook
The Social Science notebook will be used in class to keep track of learning targets, supplemental material, journal writes, project planning, and note-taking. It will help to build study skills, note-taking skills, and organizational skills. Students are responsible for all entries, even if absent. (See absence protocol below).
Projects
Students will be assigned projects where they will be asked to compare and contrast what they have learned in class to the modern world or conduct in-depth research on a chosen subject. These assignments will be graded and count toward students’ quarter grades.
Grading
Grades will be heavily weighted on summative assessments (quizzes, tests, projects) , but also include homework, and class work.
Absences
In the event of illness, parents and students can check Google Classroom which is updated daily. It is each students' responsibility to check in with teachers regarding missed assignments, tests or quizzes.
Students must make arrangements with the teacher to take missed tests and quizzes upon return to school.
Parents may call the office before 9:00 am to request homework after the third day of absence. The work will be in the office for your child after school that day.
Grading
Parents and students are encouraged to keep up to date with student progress by checking the student planner daily, and reviewing corrected assignments, quizzes and tests.
California Social Science Standards: