8-1 Social Studies
Course Description
Welcome to 8th Grade Social Studies Mr. Mayo
The 8th Grade Social Studies course is a survey of American history beginning with the Civil War and ending with Vietnam. It is designed to help students understand how and why particular events and patterns of events occurred in our society. The course will enable students to understand the geographic, political and economic developments that affect currents events.
Course Expectations: Students are expected to develop their writing skills, to complete all reading assignments, and to begin the process of historical analysis critical to understanding and interpreting the past. Students are expected to come to class prepared and to complete assignments on time.
Curriculum:
- The Civil War
- Reconstruction and the New South
- Opening the West
- The Industrial Age
- The Urban Society
- Progressive Era
- Rise to World Power
- World War One
- Jazz Age
- The Depression and the New Deal
- America and World War Two
- The Cold War Era
- The Civil Rights Era
- The Vietnam Era
Textbook: The American Journey published by Glencoe. We will also use a variety of other resources including slides, videos, games, simulations, guest speakers, plays, novels and songs.
The following list represents some of the skills that will be incorporated into the study of American History this year:
- Reading political cartoons
- Using eyewitness accounts
- Reading and interpreting maps
- Constructing and interpreting a timeline
- Identifying immediate and long-range causes
- Making generalizations based on facts
- Understanding cause and effect
- Identifying a point of view
- Recognizing and interpreting propaganda
- Organizing and presenting an oral report
Class Rules:
- Respect all members of our school community
- Respect school and classroom property
- Please raise your hand to speak
- Be on time
- Come to class prepared with all needed materials
- Complete your homework every night
Homework is assigned every night and is due the next day. Students will earn full credit for assignments that are complete and on time. The grade on an assignment handed in in the next class period will be lowered by 50%. Any homework handed in after that time will earn no credit.
Extra Help: By appointment ( Generally After School)
My grading policy is: 40% for Tests/Projects
20% for Quizzes
20% for Homework
15% for Classwork
5% for Participation/Preparedness
I look forward to the many challenges and learning experiences that lay ahead of us as we journey through a fun filled school year. Please come to this class with a positive attitude along with a hunger for learning. I will challenge you to do your best and be there to help you when you need guidance. I’m the type of teacher that will always welcome questions from my students, so never be afraid to ask for help, and or to get clarification on something that you may not fully understand. Remember I’m here to gladly assist and help!
In closing, I’m extremely excited to get back into the classroom after enjoying my summer vacation because I love to teach. We are going to have a challenging productive school year with a lot of learning taking place through your effort and hard work. This success that you will achieve based on this effort and hard work, will enable you to feel good about yourself along with making your parents very proud.
Once again, welcome to social studies. Let’s work together to make this the best year ever!
Sincerely,
Mr. Mayo
Upcoming Assignments See all
Could not find any upcoming assignments due.
Posts
Outline Graphic Organizer
Expository Essay Structure
Essay based on factual information
- Usually 5 paragraphs or more
- Introduction
- Lead
- Background info (define what your topic is)
- Thesis statement (include all main ideas in 1 sentence)
- Main idea #1
- Topic sentence
- Detail sentences (at least 4)
- Summary/transition sentence
- Main idea #2
- Topic sentence
- Detail sentences (at least 4)
- Summary/transition sentence
- Main idea #3
- Topic sentence
- Detail sentences (at least 4)
- Summary/transition sentence
- Conclusion
- Restated thesis (list main ideas again but say w/ different words)
- So what? Why is it important?
- Call to action (piece of advice)
Introduction Organizer
Introduction Help
Introductions
- Lead (quote, amazing fact, ?, bold opinion, statistic, descriptive segment)
- Choose one type!!
- Background Info (Give a brief definition of your topic—what is it??)
- 1-2 sentences
- Thesis Statement (Put your 3 main ideas into one sentence)
- (ex: sports, teachers, classes)
We are selling the required reading books for 8 and 7 graders at our Bookstore for your convenience. We will be open tomorrow from 7:30 am to 8:30 am and every Thursday. Please send CASH ONLY to purchase them.
2 Books for 8th Grade:
Milkweed and Uprising $6.99 each
1 Book for 7th Grade:
My Brother Sam is Dead $6.99.
Email to Mr. Mayo included: (THE NIGHT BEFORE)
A link to the article
2 multiple choice questions
Digital image to project to the class
Graphic Organizer: Summary/Reaction