6th Grade Social Studies6th Grade Computer Technology7th Grade World Studies
National Board Certified Teacher-Early Adolescence Social Studies440-729-5922 (ex 4410)jeff.baker@westg.org
West Geauga Middle School8611 Cedar RoadChesterland, OH 44026

Parents, you may access our Google Classroom guardian summaries by sending a request to Mr. Baker.

Classroom Rules

(based on Benjamin Franklin's Thirteen Virtues)

  • Silence - Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

  • Order - Let all things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

  • Resolution - Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

  • Frugality - Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; waste nothing.

  • Industry - Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

  • Sincerity - Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

  • Cleanliness - Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.


The Secret to Straight A’s
1) Set prioritiesStudying is business. Treat it as such.

2) Study anywhere

3) Get organized4) Learn how to read

Be an active reader

Ask lots of questions

5) Schedule your time

6) Take good notes7) Clean-up your act8) Speak up

If you don’t understand something, ask! If you are afraid to ask me in person, email me.

9) Study with others

10) Treat yourself11) Do more than what is asked

The 6 Phases of a Project

  1. Enthusiasm

  2. Frustration

  3. Panic

  4. Assigning blame

  5. Punish the innocent

  6. Rewarding the non-contributors!

7th Grade World Studies


750 B.C. to 1600 A.D.


Ancient Greece to the First Global Age, the seventh-grade year is an integrated study of world history, beginning with ancient Greece and continuing through global exploration. All four social studies strands are used to illustrate how historic events are shaped by geographic, social, cultural, economic, and political factors. Students develop their understanding of how ideas and events from the past have shaped the world today.

Our problem-based approach will center around classroom discussions and student presentations. I hope you will have many lively discussions involving history and current events in your home every night!


The Year-at-a-Glance:

  • Introduction: Geography, Historical, Civic, and Spatial awareness

  • Cultural Diffusion

  • Ancient Greece

  • Ancient Rome

  • Middle Ages

  • Renaissance & Reformation

  • Scientific Revolution

  • Islamic Achievements

  • Mongol Invasions

  • African Empires

  • Trans Saharan Slave Trade

  • European Exploration & Columbian Exchange

  • Economic Decision

6th Grade Social Studies

Regions and People of the Eastern Hemisphere


In grade six, students study the Eastern Hemisphere (Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe), its geographic features, early history, cultural development, and economic change. Students learn about the development of river civilizations in Africa and Asia, including their governments, cultures, and economic systems. The geographic focus includes the study of contemporary regional characteristics, the movement of people, products and ideas, and cultural diversity. Students develop their understanding of the role of consumers and the interaction of markets, resources, and competition.


6th Grade Computer


Materials needed: Headphones/earbuds


One quarter in length

Pass/Fail

70% or higher = P


Classwork - work completed in class (must be completed by deadlines, otherwise considered late = 50% credit)


  • Do more than what is expected

  • Learn creativity and workarounds


Students will be exposed to apps and applications that will improve their productivity as a student in all their classrooms.


Topics/Apps including but not limited to:

  • Digital Citizenship

  • Using Google Classroom

  • Gmail

  • Google Slides

  • Prezi

  • Screencastify

  • Google Jamboard

  • Adobe Spark

  • Google Drawings

  • Google Sites

  • Google Sketchup