Salem Middle School 8-3 Aviator Team

8th grade Social Studies

Students will examine key people, events, and issues that have contributed to the unique history and culture of our state.  These people, events, and issues are examined in the context of the nation as a whole.

Key topics covered during the 8th grade year:

NC Geography

Pre-Revolutionary Period

Revolutionary Period

Constitutional Period

Early Republic

Civil War and Reconstruction

Industrial Revolution/Progressivism

Great Depression/WWII

Cold War Period

Civil Rights Movement

Rights/responsibilities of citizenship

Key Question:  How will social studies be taught?

It is often said that our curriculum is a “mile long and an inch deep.”  My main objective is to achieve all of our mandated goals by focusing on key, integral events in depth rather than trying to cover everything superficially.  

Materials needed:  

WCPSS Chromebook (charged EVERY night!)

Earbuds

Canvas access

1 Single-subject spiral notebook

1 folder

Highlighter

Pens/Pencils

Colored Pencils

Grading: There will be two categories of grades in Social Studies this year. They are weighted as follows:

• 40% - Assignments (Minor)

• 60% - Assessments (Major)

Assignments are completed throughout a unit to assist the student in developing knowledge of the Social Studies content. Assessments are an opportunity for students to “show what they know” (mastery) after a period of learning. Both Assignments and Assessments will take various forms throughout the year. Students will be informed when a task is assigned if it is an Assignment or an Assessment. Assessments should always be completed independently by the individual student.

Late Work: Work is due at the date and time specified on on the main Social Studies site.. If work is late, points may be deducted. No late work will be accepted more than 2 school days past the end of the unit that the work is for, or past the cutoff date for the quarter. If you are struggling to keep up with the work or the due dates, please reach out to me so we can work out a plan to get you back on track! 

Questions? Please feel free to email; kindly allow 48 hours for a response. 

My email address is clberger@wcpss.net

Mrs. Berger’s Class Procedures

Welcome to North Carolina Social Studies! I am looking forward to working with each of you!

Our Class Procedures are in place to ensure that our class is a place where all students can learn.

These first three are pretty important to me specifically, and interrupt the whole class generally:

1.  No cell phones.  Never.  If a student needs to get in touch with a parent, I will provide a pass for him/her to go to the office.  I will not respond to a request for this if I am in the middle of teaching the class.  Student should wait for the end of my direct teaching.

2. Wait until I am done speaking to ask to sharpen your pencil, get a drink of water, or ask to use the restroom.

3. Students need to bring in their student provided CHARGED chromebook every. single. day.

4. PLEASE bring a writing utensil every. single. day.

5. A water bottle with a lid or cap is fine to keep at your desk.

6. All work and due dates are posted on my Social Studies site and on the Board in the classroom. Be sure to write down due dates or copy to a calendar to keep yourself organized.

7. When turning in your work, be sure to double check your answers and click “submit”

8. Students should not be on the computers unless directed to do so by a teacher.

9. If I have called on someone, please do not blurt out the answer that is in your mind. 

10. Be clean – if you generate trash, throw it away. Don’t leave it on the floor, tables, etc!

11. I will keep track of time during class sessions and let you know when you can pack up. 

12. Sit in your assigned seat unless directed otherwise.

13. You must have permission to leave the room. All trips require a pass.

14. If you are absent, make sure to keep up with your assignments. You are responsible for the work even if you are absent.

15. If you miss an Assessment, plan on spending Spartan Time with me to make it up.

16. If you are struggling with the material, you need to ask questions or let me know so we can develop a study plan.

Social Studies is a class with many opinions involved. It is important that you share your opinions and respect those of your classmates. You may disagree, but you must never disrespect. Be thankful to live in a country that protects free speech!

Finally, I am here for you. If you ever have a question or concern about anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I want to work with you to make this a great year!