Civics
I am your child's 8th grade Social Studies teacher. I take great pride in being able to guide these students in their study of our history. I am a graduate of Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics. In addition, I have a Masters Degree from Rutgers University in American History and have won an award for writing about local history. I am highly qualified in American History and have been teaching for over 15 years. I teach with great enthusiasm and make it my primary goal, that your children want to learn about our country.
This course concentrates on the US government, it's laws and rights. The emphasis is on how we got to where we are today as a country and a people. By linking the past to the present, I believe that the students will more easily understand the importance of civics. We will complete a variety of assignments. We will not be just reading about civics we will be involved in it. This way, the students will be able to understand not just what has happened in the past, but what is happening now and how they can influence the future.
Please keep in touch with me so that we can work together to make this the best year of your child's life. You can contact me by email at
PROFICIENCY AND CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
Course Name: 8th Grade Social Studies
Instructor(s): W. Bartle & D. Percy
Course Description: Using current and historical events this course will focus on local and global issues that affect students’ everyday lives, such as economics, government, and conflict. Students will work collaboratively as well as individually with primary and secondary source materials and opinion pieces in order to better understand the world around them.
Course Objectives/Curriculum:
Distinguish between fact and opinion.
Analyze information to determine point of view and author/creator’s purpose.
Understand the factors that account for patterns in trade and human migration.
Understand how changes in the physical environment may reduce the capacity of the environment to support human activity.
Identify major patterns and issues with regard to population distribution, demographics, settlements, migrations, and cultures in the US.
Recognize how technology has expanded people’s capacity to modify the physical environment.
Examine the roles of trade, treaties, and international organizations in the global economy.
Understand the functions and effects of major economic institutions on the United States economy.
Predict the consequences that can occur when:
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Institutions fail to meet the needs of individuals and groups
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Individuals fail to carry out their personal responsibilities
Identify and evaluate policies and programs related to the use of resources
Compare and contrast societal issues and historical concepts.
Determine causes and effects of historical events.
Unit 1: Constitution
Unit 2:Civil War
Unit 3: The New Amendments
Unit 4: Participation in government
Grading Scale
Performance Assessment & Project-Based Assessments 25%
Teacher Made Assessments (Tests) 25%
Quizzes 20%
End of Cycle Assessments 15%
Homework 5%
Class Participation/Classwork 10%
Course Policies:
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Student Work: Students will be expected to complete assignments during and outside of class time on a regular basis. All students are expected to read class material, think critically and write effectively. Students are expected to use complete sentences, proper grammar and correct spelling in every written performance.
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Group Activities: You will be working in groups. Your group will be given cooperative learning activities to complete. You will be expected to be an active member of your group and participation points will be assessed accordingly. You will always be graded as an individual; however your group may earn points together that will lead to a reward.
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Extra Credit: Opportunities for extra credit will be offered from time to time. Extra credit is extra work above and beyond the usual homework, not work used to cover up missing work.
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Absences: If a student is absent, it is HIS/HER responsibility to get all late work from the teacher and return it in a timely manner.
Questions about the course? Please feel free to contact your child’s instructor.
Statement for Academic Honesty:
Academic honesty is expected in this class. Cheating will not be tolerated. Consequences may include: reduction in grade on assignment, repeat assignment, no grade on assignment or others as deemed appropriate. Academic dishonesty will be reported to a school counselor and/or administrator, and a parent/guardian will be notified