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Start of the year links: Mr. Hurd's Welcome Letter U.S. History syllabus and grading policy
Welcome to eighth grade Social Studies!
This is an excellent time to learn about the history of the United States. Please refer to this site each week to see what we will be doing in class and at home.
It is my hope that you succeed this year. If, at any time, you need further help or assistance, please do not hesitate to email me at bhurd@walnutcreeksd.org. I will try to get back to you that day. Parents can schedule an appointment with me after school or during 1st period. I check my e-mail daily and will return messages as soon as possible.
Course Outline / Curriculum:
My goal is to create units that are predictable and clear. Our class time will involve group work, class discussion and interactive activities along with time for quiet individual work. Students will learn to take notes using note guides. Eventually students will write their own notes. While we are reading online I will use short written assessments and quizzes to measure their learning.
Our year will include the study of primary and secondary sources covering United States History from the founding of the colonies to the turn of the century. We will be using a thematic approach and may jump around the textbook. We will be using an online textbook and activities. Learn more about our textbook at https://www.teachtci.com/social-studies-CA/
Focus questions will be presented at the beginning of each unit and then shall be addressed in writing or with a debate at the end of the unit.
Our Units:
Our Beginnings- colonies
Forming a New Nation- Constitution and Bill of Rights
Westward Expansion
Economics
Reform- Women’s Rights, Abolition and Progressives
Conflict and Civil War- The Causes of the Civil War, the important battles and Reconstruction
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