The focus for 7th grade social studies will be on modern world history, starting with the world before the Age of European Exploration and ending with the modern world. We will take time learning about various cultures, focusing on their geography, culture, and history.
Studying world history is important because it helps us understand how countries interact with each other, gives insight into the decisions that people make, and helps us understand how we as a culture fit into the world.
Beyond learning about history, we will also focus on some skills that will help you throughout your life, regardless of the path that you take.
Looking for bias - Seeing how people's thoughts impact how they present information.
Note taking - Pulling the main idea out of a large body of information so you can easily access it.
Arguing and discussion - How to present your thoughts in a logical way so people can understand what you are trying to say.
Using multiple sources in writing - We are used to using one source of information to present our ideas; now we will use a variety of sources, including primary and secondary, to support our ideas.
The social studies department uses World History and Geography from McGraw Hill. This curriculum includes three components:
Physical Textbook: This is the book we will use in class. Each student will be assigned a textbook which will be shared with students in other class periods. Students must be responsible for maintaining their textbook and reporting damage to the teacher.
Student Inquiry Journal: This is the companion to our textbook and contains additional lessons and primary sources to evaluate.
Online Program: Here you will find a digital copy of the textbook and assignments.
Google Classroom
I use Google Classroom as an online resource for my students. I break down each section into the topic and lesson or project that we are currently working on. If you're missing work due to an absence from school, this is the first place you should check.
Binder
Pencil or pen (blue or black for work that will be turned in)
Chromebook
Your notebook must be divided into three sections:
Notes and Vocabulary
Homework
Research
Each section should stay neat and organized and have lined paper. This will help you study for quizzes, tests, and gathering materials for research projects. If you remove materials from your notebook, then you should take the time to put it back in the correct place. Only social studies work should be in your social studies notebook. Putting your work in the correct section ensures that you can find your information when you need it. Take the 3 seconds to put the work back where it belongs.
When class begins, I should have your attention, and you should be ready to take notes or discuss. If there was a homework assignment the night before, it should be out so I can check it for completion.
If students need to use the bathroom, they should do so before the start of class. Use of the bathroom during class is restricted to emergencies only. Students who abuse bathroom privileges will not be allowed to leave. Students are not permitted to return to their locker to get a water bottle once class has begun.
Students should always conduct themselves in a mature way. Offensive language and immature behavior will result in removal from class and a message home.
This class involves whole-class discussions; I encourage students to make connections between the subject and their lives. Connections should be on-topic. Private conversations between students are not permitted.
Any inappropriate behavior not mentioned falls under the “Common Sense Rule.” You have been a student for 7 years and know what is expected of you.
I try to keep my grade book as current as possible. Homework is entered as I see it in class. quizzes and tests are entered as soon as they are completely graded.
If you are absent when I enter an assignment grade I will record it as a zero but make a note that you were absent. This is for “bookkeeping” purposes; it is not your grade for the assignment. Any assignments that are marked as zero with a missing or absent note can be made up. As soon as you do the grade will be changed from a zero to the grade you received.
All homework assignments will be written on the homework whiteboard in the front of the class. You should copy the assignment into the appropriate section of your agenda. Make sure you copy it exactly as it is written on the board.
Homework is graded for completion, but it may be collected. Although homework is not graded for accuracy, you still should do your best to answer correctly.
To produce a quality homework assignment, you must complete it at home. Homework should not be completed on the bus or in the cafeteria before school. You will not be producing a quality piece of work.
Copying homework from another student is considered cheating and will result in a zero.
Your grade is based on 4 points
5 points: Homework is complete; all questions have been answered to the best of the student’s ability.
4 points: Homework is missing a few questions but is more than half complete.
3 Points: Homework is half complete.
2 Point: Homework is less than half complete.
1 Point: Homework has only one question complete.
Vocabulary homework is assigned at the beginning of each section. Every chapter has about five vocabulary words. Vocabulary homework should be completed using the two-column method; if you do not follow this format, you will receive half credit on the assignment. All vocabulary homework should have an appropriate heading, so you can tell where it belongs.
Quizzes and tests will be assigned periodically throughout the year.
Quizzes: Given at the end of a section, quizzes always include vocabulary from the section along with important information from the section. The format of the quiz constantly changes but may include multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, or a short answer. Students will be notified of quizzes at least 4 days before the assessment; however, I maintain the right to assign a “pop quiz”.
Tests: Given at the end of a chapter, tests are cumulative from the sections covered by each quiz. Students should use the quizzes to review for the test. There will be a review day before each test and a review sheet will be given to students. Students will be notified a week before every test. The format for tests, like quizzes, is constantly changing, but almost always contains a matching vocabulary section and an essay section.
Projects are a way to assess students in a format that is different from quizzes and tests.
Projects must be completed by the assigned due date if a student expects to receive full credit.
Projects completed after the deadline will result in a 10 point/1 letter grade deduction each day it is late. Students should put their best effort into completing assignments and leave plenty of time for emergencies or fix-ups.
The same rules apply to writing assignments.
If you are out of school for an emergency or planned absence, you should check Google Classroom for any homework assignments or class materials that you may be missing. Hard copies of assignments will be available when requested.
It is the responsibility of the student to make sure they have a copy of all materials and notes when they return from their absence.
My email address is jonathan.dunne@scituateschoolsri.net
I do not check my email after school hours. Please do not ask me questions about homework or requests to proofread something. Most of the time I will talk to you about your question at school the next day. It's a good skill to build.