Social Studies Overview and Requirements
Course Description:
The Grade 6 social studies curriculum emphasizes the interdependence of all people, keying in on the Eastern Hemisphere. Using the focus of geography and economics, we develop and draw relationships and understandings about social, cultural, political and historic aspects of life in the Eastern Hemisphere.
Skills Outcomes*
• Master geography and map skills; interpret timelines, charts, and graphs
• Understand primary and secondary sources
• Continue to develop vocabulary and writing skills, research and technical skills
Content Outcomes, covering the Political, Economic, Social and Geographical aspects of each area*:
Beginnings of Human Society
• Geography and History, Prehistory, Beginnings of Civilization
The Fertile Crescent
• Babylonia and Assyria, Legacy of Mesopotamia
• Mediterranean Civilizations
• Judaism
Ancient Egypt and Nubia
• Geography of the Nile
• Rulers of Egypt
• Egyptian Religion, Ancient Egyptian and Nubian Culture
Ancient India
• Indus and Ganges River Valleys
• Hinduism in Ancient India
• Beginnings of Buddhism
Ancient China
• Geography of China’s River Valleys
• Confucius and His Teachings
• Warring Kingdoms Unite
The Rise of Ancient Greece
• Rise of Greek Civilization; Religion, Philosophy and the Arts
• The Spread of Greek Culture
The Rise of Ancient Rome
• The Roman Republic, the Roman Empire
• Christianity and the Roman Empire
• The Fall of Rome
Byzantine and Muslim Civilization
• The Byzantine Empire
• Beginnings of Islam, the Golden Age of Muslim Civilization
Europe: the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Reformation
• Feudalism and the Manor System
• The Church and the Rise of Cities, the Crusades, the Power of Kings
• The Renaissance Begins, the Renaissance Moves North
• Martin Luther and the Reformation, Reformation Ideas Spread
Assessment: No NYS assessment is used. Teacher-created tests and performance activities are used to assess students’ level of mastery throughout the year. There is a district created final exam at the end of the year.
Text book: History of Our World, The Early Ages, Prentice Hall
Classroom expectations and procedures:
We are delighted that your child is on Team G. With your encouragement your child will participate in and enjoy many exciting and rewarding experiences this academic year. Your child deserves the most positive educational climate possible for his/her growth, and we know that together we will make a difference in this process. The plan below outlines our rules and possible rewards and consequences for appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
RULES:
1. Follow Directions.
2. Pay attention--listen and make eye contact.
3. Be prepared with all required materials and be in your seat before the bell rings.
4. Act and speak respectfully at all times. (no name calling, teasing, loud voices, cursing, or touching others or their property)
POSITIVE RECOGNITION:
To encourage students to follow these classroom rules, teachers will recognize appropriate behavior with special team rewards.
CONSEQUENCES:
If a student chooses to break a rule, one or more of the following steps will be taken:
1. Warning is given
2. See teacher after class
3. Note home
4. Phone call home
5. Referral to Assistant Principal
SEVERE DISRUPTION:
Immediate referral to Assistant Principal
Be assured that our goal is to work with you to ensure the success of your child this year. Please review this classroom discipline plan with your child. Thank you for your anticipated support!
Homework:
You may expect to receive homework on most nights. It is checked for quality, effort and understanding. Homework is viewed as an opportunity for you to see if you can independently do on your own what was learned and practiced in class.
Homework Must:
· Be neat and well-organized
· Be complete (do all assigned problems)
Quality homework must be turned in on the day and time that it is due. Any missing homework will receive a zero. If the work is done but left in your locker, it is still considered missing and you will receive a zero, as you are not allowed to visit your locker during class time. This of course does not apply if you have been absent. I keep a homework log sheet to record homework assignments. It is your responsibility on a regular basis to find out if you owe any work.
Extra Help:
Extra help can be given to students who seek the teacher out during independent class work time or during study hall time. As there are about 80 students on the team, it is always your responsibility to initiate any extra help you feel you need.
Absent policy:
It is your responsibility to see me for any work that you owe. If you are out for one day, you may call a friend to see what you missed. If you are out for more than one day, you must call the Guidance Office (227-1700) to request work from the teacher that you may pick up at the end of the school day or have sent home with a classmate. Remember, any missing work results in a zero which will affect your overall grade.
Evaluations:
A short quiz is given several times during each unit to assess your independent progress. Tests are given at the end of each unit. All quizzes and tests will be sent home for your parents/guardians to see and sign regardless of the grade (NO EXCEPTIONS). This way they will be continually updated on your progress. There will also be periodic projects.
Grading:
Report card grades will be based on an average of performance on tests and projects, quizzes and homework (50%, 25% and 25% respectively)
I am very excited to be beginning this school year with you…and expect you to do your best at all times. Please fell free to talk to me if you have any questions or problems, as I am always here for you!!
Sincerely,
Mr. Heinke