8th Grade Syllabus:
This year we will be entering the world of Medieval Societies, an exciting place full of mystery and adventure. Throughout this course we will have engaging class discussions, visual presentations and thought provoking written responses that will help us not only improve as historical thinkers but writers and readers as well.
Supplies:
Much of this course will be conducted using in class power points. During these lessons I will provided basic guided questions and paper needed to complete writing assignments. however, there will be times when we do projects and other creative lessons that will require some art supplies. I will provide basic items, however it is advised that students bring their own materials for complete creative freedom.
Recommended list of supplies:
Recommended list of supplies:
- Class notebook, three ring, composition, traditional...it does not matter.
- Folder, just for Social Studies materials
- Art Supplies, colored pencils would be recommended
- Highlighter
Grading:
Grading is broken down into five different sections, each weighing differently towards your overall grade during each marking period. We will be using the "Total Points" System, meaning that all point are pooled together to find the final grade of the marking period.
- Test: 100 Points
- Quizzes: 50 Points
- Homework / Current Events: 15 Points
- Class Participation / Classwork: 50 Points
- Writing Assignments: 50 Points
Test:
Test will occur following the completion of a specialized unit. Each test will be made up of information and questions that are taken directly from classroom lessons, weekly quizzes and power point presentation. Remember each power point is available on the "Notes and Power Point" section of this website. Test will occur every 4-6 weeks.
Quizzes:
There will be weekly quizzes at the end of each week. These quizzes will be comprised of questions that are taken directly from classroom work and power point lectures. These quizzes will be no more then ten questions and will just be a way to reinforce concepts that have been taught during the week.
Homework / Current Events:
Homework will be given at random points during the week, with the exception of Current Events. Current Events will be due at the end of each and every week of class, unless otherwise stated. There is no surprise from September through June, Current Events is due every week. More information can be found under the "Homework / Current Events" section f this web site.
Class Participation:
Any work completed in class will count towards your Class Participation grade. This includes writing assignments, guided questions and worksheets that are completed in class.Bonus points will be given to students who participate in class activities.
Writing Assignments:
I want to hear students ideas and thoughts on the cultures and empires that we are learning about. I have developed two to three different writing assignments to be used on a weekly basis. Some assignments might just be a open ended response while others could be a project based assignment or traditional essay. It is important for students to express their ideas on history, to become a better historic thinker and writing lends itself very well to this process.
Extra Credit:
Students will have the option of logging onto my website during each unit we conduct and answering extra credit questions. They will be posed and changed at random points of the unit. All questions can be found on the front page of this web site.