Rules of the American Journey
1. Each table group of "pioneers" will create their pioneer characters at the beginning of the six week period. This group of pioneers will sit and work together for six weeks to make their way through a portion of the American Journey. Weekly they will receive "pioneer points" for work that is completed on time during the given period of time and will receive extra "pioneer points" for work well done. The "pioneer points" are not part of students semester grades but rather for friendly competition and prizes within the class.
* Each student is responsible for turning in their own work unless work is assigned as group work.
* Students semester grades will be a reflection of their work on the tasks (assignments) completed and turned in to Mrs. Swift.
2. Students must complete all tasks (assignments) in the order in which they are presented before they can move on to the next task (assignment).
3. At the end of each expedition (part of a unit) there will be a quiz to verify knowledge allowing movement onto the next expedition in order to complete the mission(unit).
4. At the end of each mission(unit) there will be a culminating test or project allowing the students to demonstrate knowledge of the content.
5. Each assignment is worth a specific amount of coins (points).
6. There will be “unknown” elements of the game that will appear throughout the year to enhance and challenge the students in the curriculum.
7. Tasks (assignments) will have a window of time in which they are to be completed. If they are not completed within the given time, they can be turned in for late work until the end of the six week grading period. If they have not been completed by the end of the six week grading period they will receive no coins (0 points).
8. In Infinite Campus “m” means the task (assignment) has yet to be completed but can still be turned in and receive full coins or late credit (points). “0” means the task was not completed and is now closed.
9. Within most expeditions (part of a unit) there is an opportunity to collect extra coins through an additional task once ALL required tasks have been completed (ie. extra credit assignments are not available until all other assignments are completed). These extra coins are available for a limited amount of time.
10. Extra coins allow students a “first class ticket” to the next mission (first class tickets may be redeemed for homework passes, treats, partner work, etc.).
Meanings of the terminology:
American Journey = 8th grade Social Studies (Early U.S. History)
Mission = A Unit of study
Expedition = A part of a unit of study
Task = Class work/ Homework / Quiz
Coins = Points
American Journey = 8th grade Social Studies class for the year
Mission = Missions/Units (one represented by states within United States)
Expedition = 1 or more expeditions/parts in a Mission (each represented by cities within the state)
Task = 4 or more assignments/quizzes in an Expedition