Social Studies 6 Course Overview

Ertola,Malsam,Stoddart

2019- 2020

6th Grade Social Studies:Ancient Civilizations

The focus of 6th grade social studies is on various regions of the world as major civilizations develop. Students will study human society from its origin to the development of the Roman Empire. Students will explore patterns of change by focusing on the expansion and decline of civilizations, patterns of geography and the development of political, economic and societal systems. The course will begin with a study of world geography and terms, prehistory and the development of the early societies of Mesopotamia. The second trimester will cover Egypt, China and India with the third trimester covering ancient Israel, early Christianity, ancient and classical Greece and the rise of Rome. Magnolia has begun the implementation of the Common Core State Standards in Reading and Writing Standards for Literacy as well as the Curriculum Framework for History and Social Science Content.  In addition to focusing on reading and writing standards for literacy in social studies, the class will also include an integration of geography, study skills, art, music and technology into the content area.

Grades

Grades will consist of class work (including discussion), projects and tests. Testing will comprise 60% of a student’s overall grade and will involve quizzes, unit tests and trimester finals. Summative tests (unit and trimester finals) will not be allowed to be retaken. Students will have an opportunity to prove proficiency on trimester finals which will include skills and information taken from unit tests. Students are expected to keep a notebook  (3 ring binder) of work throughout the year. This will consist of notes, classwork and tests.

Projects and writing assignments may be rewritten or resubmitted throughout a trimester for more credit.                           

Extra credit is available. Students may submit two assignments throughout the trimester, but these may not be done in place of a major assignment or project. Extra credit will not exceed 3% of the  overall points for the trimester. Extra assignments are available under “Extra Credit Assignment” on the web page menu.

Homework Policy:

Attempts are being made to keep homework to a minimum and to provide meaningful experiences.  Some homework, however, is inevitable. Students may be expected to finish class work at home if they are unable to finish in class. They also may need to work on a project or study for a test.

All assigned work should be completed with care and turned in on time. Late work will be accepted for partial credit only, unless a parent or guardian provides a written excuse or in the case of an excused absence. Upon returning from an absence, it is a student’s responsibility to contact the teacher regarding make-up work. Students are encouraged to have a study buddy in class and to reference the weekly agenda at the class website on the Magnolia homepage (magnolia.prsd.us). Individual teacher websites may be found under “Parents” at the top toolbar.

Assignments are corrected and recorded as soon as possible. Each week, current cumulative grades for that trimester are posted in the back of the classroom according to student identification numbers. Parents and students are encouraged to check grades online. If a student is in danger of failing, parents will be notified. Please feel free to email.

Supplies:

3 ring binder with dividers or folder (may be shared with other classes)

notebook paper

pencils

pens

Behavior: Kindness, Respect, Responsibility

Warning, Refocus Form (2), Referral (parent notified), Severe Disruption/Referral to office (parent notified)