Syllabus

U.S. History

8th Grade

Mr. McCallam

 

 

Goals and Objectives

 

Students will be studying the history of the United States of America from the beginning until 1862.  They will begin with a review of European exploration and discovery of the United States of America.  They then will continue with a study of how the United States was formed, how it changed and how it impacts our lives today.  Students will also be learning how to outline, find the main idea in a paragraph, take notes and use maps. 

 

Grading Policy

 

Notebook and Homework                  20%

Quizzes                                                25%

Major Papers and Test                       50%

Participation                                          5%

 

 

Homework Policy

 

Late homework is not accepted.  Homework is to be turned in at the beginning of class on the due date.  If the class does not meet, homework will be turned in the next time the class meets.  Homework not handed in on time will earn a zero.  However, late home will be corrected.  Homework missed due to illness will be made up.  The student will have the number of days they were sick to make it up (3 days sick, 3 days to make it up). 

 

Long-Term Assignments (Research Papers or Project)

 

Long term assignments turned in one day late will be graded at 50% of the earned grade.  Example:  a B- (82) paper, the student will receive a 41.  Long-term assignments turned in more than one day late will not be accepted and the student will earn a zero. 

 

Interims

 

An interim report will be given for missed homework assignments, behavior and low quiz/test scores.

 

Quizzes and Test

 

Any grades below 70% will be sent home for parent review and signature.  An interim will also be sent home for low quiz/test scores.

 

Conduct

 

This class is an open/fun environment in which students are encouraged to express themselves with the permission of the teacher.  In order to promote this environment, students must respect the class and its members.  Any acts of misconduct as stated in the class rules will be reported in an interim report.

 

Supply List

 

1.               Notebook (3 ring)

2.               Notebook Paper

3.               Folders (for handouts, quizzes and test)

4.               Pencils

 

All students are expected to come to class prepared for work.  Each student is expected to have a supply of paper and pencils as well as their book for class.  Students who come to class without their supplies will have points deducted from their participation grade.  Only pencils are required for the course. 

 

*Students are required to pay for a subscription to Up Front magazine.  See teacher for details.

 

 

Research papers

 

6th grade            4 pages            4 sources

7th grade            6 pages            5 sources

8th grade            8 p ages     8 sources (2 internet, 1 encyclopedia)

 

Research papers are due spring semester.  Details will be announced at a later date.

 

 

 

 

Scope and Sequence

U.S. History

8th Grade

Mrs. Lewter

 

Students will be studying the history of the United States of America from the beginning until 1862.  They will begin with a review of European exploration and discovery of the United States of America.  They then will continue with a study of how the United States was formed, how it changed and how it impacts our lives today.  Students will also be learning how to outline, find the main idea in a paragraph, take notes and use maps. 

 

TEXT:             Davidson, James West; Castillo, Pedro, The American Nation:  Beginning through 1877    Prentice Hall.  2002

 

 

September                                                                                           Chapters 3 and 4

 

October                                                                                               Chapters 5 and 6

 

November                                                                                           Chapters 7 and 8

 

December                                                                                            Review

 

 

January                                                                                                Midterm

Chapters 9 and 10

 

February                                                                                              Chapter 11 and 12

 

March                                                                                                  Chapters 13 and 14

 

April                                                                                                   Chapters 15 and 16

 

May                                                                                                     Review/Final Exam