6th Grade Social Studies

Syllabus

Welcome to Sixth Grade Social Studies! This year, students will embark on an exciting journey to learn about the world's diverse cultures, geography, and historical events that have shaped our modern world. Here's what you can expect: 

Course Description 

Sixth Grade Social Studies is designed to enhance students' understanding of today's world by exploring how history and geography influence modern events. We'll delve into world cultures, types of governments, and economic systems. Starting with basic geography skills, we'll travel around the globe examining the past and present of various regions. This adventure will help students appreciate different cultures through in-depth studies of their social, political, economic, historical, and geographical influences, often relating them to the historical development of the United States. Current events will be an ongoing discussion, helping students connect what they learn to the world around them. We'll use a variety of teaching methods to develop self-help and critical thinking skills, with a special unit on conflict resolution taught by counselors. Throughout the year, students will apply and expand their knowledge through higher-level reasoning activities, fostering independence and responsibility. 

Units/Topics Covered 

First Nine Weeks: Geography Essentials, North America & Civics, Government, Economics 

• Intro: Geography Focus, Social Studies Basics 

• North America:  Including Central America and the Caribbean 

• (History, Economics, Government, Citizenship, Culture, Science, Technology & Society) 

Second Nine Weeks: South America, Africa & Middle East 

• South America 

• Africa 

• Middle East Region 

• (History, Economics, Government, Citizenship, Culture, Science, Technology & Society) 

Third Nine Weeks: Europe 

• Europe: Ancient, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Revolutions & World Wars 

• (History, Economics, Government, Citizenship, Culture, Science, Technology & Society) 

Fourth Nine Weeks: South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia & Oceania 

• South Asia 

• East Asia 

• Southeast Asia 

• Oceania 

•  (History, Economics, Government, Citizenship, Culture, Science, Technology & Society) 

TEKS Overview 

The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Grade 6 focus on studying people, places, and societies from regions around the world, including Europe, Russia, North America, Central America, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific realm. Students will explore the influence of individuals and groups on historical and contemporary events, different economic and governmental systems, and the nature of citizenship in various societies. They'll also learn about technology's impact on societal development and how different points of view shape our understanding of events. 

Materials Needed 

• Class notebook/binder 

• Notebook paper 

• Pens (blue, black, red) 

• Pencils 

• Map pencils 

• Yellow highlighter 

Grading Expecations

• Major Grades:  60% 

• Skill Development:  40% 

Our grading and assessment philosophy emphasizes communicating content knowledge, guiding instruction, and identifying opportunities for enrichment and intervention. 

Retest and Late Work Policies 

Retest Policy 

• Eligible if the original test grade is under 70, with a maximum retest grade of 70. 

• Students may retest any failing test grade once. 

• Retests must be completed within 5 days of receiving the graded test. 

• Daily assignments are not eligible for redo. 

Late Work Policy 

• 10-point deduction for assignments turned in after the due date, as long as they are submitted before the next unit starts. 

• A “1” will be entered if the work is not turned in and updated if submitted by the end of the unit. 

• Persistent missing work will result in a referral to the assistant principal. 

Make-Up Policy 

• Students have one day for every missed day to turn in make-up work. 

District AI Policy

"Eanes ISD supports the thoughtful and responsible use of AI tools to enhance teaching and learning. In this class, approved AI tools may be used to support instruction, provide practice opportunities, and offer feedback. Students will be clearly informed when AI use is allowed on an assignment. All AI use must follow district policies, including protecting personal information and using only district-approved tools."

Classroom Procedures

1. Student/teacher discussion of behavior concerns. 

2. Parent contact regarding behavior concerns. 

3. Office referral if behavior concerns persist. (Serious infractions lead to immediate office referral.) 

Textbook 

We'll use the "National Geographic World Cultures and Geography" textbook, partnered with Cengage Learning. Hard copies are available as class sets, with an iPad/online version for student use. 

Tutoring 

• Thursdays:  8:00-8:15 a.m. – Email the teacher if you are coming!

We look forward to a fantastic year of exploration and learning in Sixth Grade Social Studies! Get ready to travel the world from your classroom and discover the fascinating stories that have shaped our global society. 

Required Materials/Class Supplies

• Pens (Blue/Black/Red - At least 5 of each to start.)

• Pencils (20 - You can never have enough!)

• Map/Colored Pencils (10 - 20 Different Colors - any brand.)

• Yellow Highlighter

• 1.5 inch 3 ring binder

• Charged IPAD