7th Grade United States History I
United States History I Exploration to the Civil War (pre 1492-1861)
Mr. O'Connell
Welcome Back!
Welcome back to Lincoln Middle School and welcome to the Blue Team! I am excited to work with you and introduce you to American history and build upon your social studies skills that you learned last year.
The 7th Grade United States History class will build upon the skills that students learned in their 6th Grade year. For most students, social studies in the 6th Grade is the first time they on a daily basis. Students were introduced to many skills and ways of thinking using a variety of information from maps, charts, graphs and texts.
This year we will build upon that foundation and begin to explore the beginning of our nation up to the momentous events that led to the American Civil War. The course will focus on the various heroes and peoples that set up our Republic that has brought hope to many people around the world.
Seventh grade is truly a bridge year for students at the middle school. Although we will building upon skills already learned, students will be challenged to think, question, read, discuss and write about historical events. Being curious, empathizing for others, and wanting to learn is tremendously helpful in this course. Students will begin challenged by some of the activities including DBQs and Socratic Seminars that will begin to prepare them for high school a few years away.
Units of Study
1st Quarter: Native American Civilization; European Exploration and Colonization
2nd Quarter: Revolution
3rd Quarter: Early Republic
4th Quarter: Early 19th Century America leading toward the Civil War
Synopsis
Students will be taught using both traditional and blended learning strategies in the classroom in order to best engage them in group discussions and to improve their use of technology. During this pandemic and hybrid model of learning, most major assignments will be completed digitally. Although students often work in small groups virtually, students must submit their own work for credit.
Seventh Grade U.S. History covers a large span of history that will be divided into several major themes. As often as possible, I attempt to link the story of the past with the world today to help students develop a better understanding of how the topic is still important today. The first quarter begins with the Native American civilization prior to European exploration and colonization. In the second quarter, we shift to history and cover how the United States grew from an agricultural society to an industrial world power in the late 19th Century.
Classroom Resources:
Clever: A new single sign on (SSO) digital platform that will help students get to all the digital resources easily. When students log in to Clever using their Google Account, everything is ready for them at a click. They do not have to worry about different passwords or different sign in procedures. Makes life easier!!!
Google Classroom: Your child will be assigned a classroom code and will complete some assignments electronically using their Gmail and/or Clever account. Students will be able to access classroom agendas, teacher video recordings, notes/slideshows, and other resources. Most major assignments will be assigned and submitted digitally on this platform.
Skyward: The grading system allows students and parents to keep track of student progress. Most assignments will be added in advance of the due date in order for everyone to see what is currently being done in the classroom and when assignments are due. This is helpful especially for tests, essays and projects.
Textbook: Your child has access to a new textbook titled Discovery Education Techbook via the Clever portal
EdPuzzle: A video watching platform resource that provides interactive questions to check comprehension.
Quizlet: An app that provides pre-made study guides on important terms and people. Students have fun using it.
Kahoot! : A fun game to help students review facts and main ideas. Kids love it!
Team Website: The team website provides an introduction to the Blue Team and highlights some of the fun on the team through photographs and updates.
