Course Overview: 7th grade social studies is a sequential exploration of United States history from the post-Civil War Reconstruction era through World War II. Students begin with United States government as an introduction to the principles and processes that have shaped the United States since its conception. As students progress through the history of the United States, they will investigate how cultural, geographic, and economic influences over time have led to a shift in the country’s position on a worldwide scale.
Also integrated into this class are activities and tasks that encourage students to develop strong research, critical thinking, and analysis skills. Throughout the year students will utilize technology, engage in research and investigation, make connections between the content and current events, and participate in collaborative projects and discussions that help them grow as individuals and responsible citizens.
Essential Questions (designed to stimulate thought, provoke inquiry, and spark more questions):
All units
- What is the influence of geography on world events?
- How has history impacted current events?
- Why do we study history?
- What makes an effective argument?
- What makes an effective explanation?
Unit 1: U.S. Government
- What are the checks in place to limit the government from getting too powerful?
- Explain how our laws can change overtime as the society of the United States changes.
- What are the roles and relationships of the different levels of government?
Unit 2: Reconstruction
- How does a country put itself back together again after a civil war?
- What should be done to incorporate the Freedmen into American society and would block this progress?
- Were African Americans “free” during Reconstruction?
Unit 3: Westward Expansion
- What drives a country to discover/claim new territory?
- In what ways can change/progress/growth be both positive and negative?
Unit 4: American Imperialism
- What drives a country to discover/claim new territory outside North America?
- In what ways can change/progress/growth be both positive and negative?
Unit 5: Industrialization
- What is the impact of cultural diffusion and immigration on the landscape of America?
- In what ways can change/progress/growth be both positive and negative?
Unit 6: World War I
- What drives countries to seek war?
- What changes in post war Europe set the stage for future wars?
Unit 7: The Roaring Twenties
- How did groups of people experience their newfound freedoms during the Roaring Twenties?
Unit 8: The Great Depression
- What elements were present and how did they lead to the greatest economic disaster in American history?
Unit 9: World War II
- What were the circumstances that lead the United States to enter into World War II?
- What was America’s role on the home front and in the European and Pacific theaters?
- Under what conditions did the war end?
Grading: Each reporting period will include a mix of quizzes, projects, presentations and performance based assessments. All assessments are based on unit objectives, which are covered in detail and applied throughout the course. In addition, I will make every effort to provide rapid feedback on all assigned work. I am available before school, at lunch, and after school (except when coaching) each day for additional assistance. Also, remember academic assistance on late start Wednesday.
Absences: If you miss class, consult my website (Daily Lesson Plans) to see what you missed and to download any handouts we used in class.
Objectives: I will provide you with specific objectives on the first day of each unit. We will focus our reading, discussions and activities on those objectives. Study the objectives for all assessments!
Projects and presentations: You will complete several projects or presentations. I will provide very detailed instructions for each of these assignments.
Literacy Skills: Writing and speaking skills are vitally important for your future success as a student and beyond. Therefore, I will emphasize both skills throughout the course. You may have a bag full of great ideas, but you need to be able to communicate these great ideas to other people. When this school year ends, you will be a better communicator!
Technology Skills: We will use technology where appropriate to further our understanding of historical events, develop research skills, collaborate with fellow students, and enhance the overall learning experience.
Deep Learning Proficiencies: We will make every effort to learn, practice, and apply a range of skills (citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, and systems thinking) that are vital to success in education and the job market.
Self-Regulation and Reflection: A sign of maturity is the ability to develop a growth mindset toward learning and to constantly reflect on our own performance. The journey is more important than the grade or score on a particular product. We will be highlighting a growth mindset throughout the year.
Personal and Social Responsibility (PSR): The three elements of are class participation, work completion and effort, and behavior. These are all important life skills in education and in your chosen career.
Our journey through life is sustained by the power of our knowledge. I look forward to a fabulous year of learning and growing!
Also integrated into this class are activities and tasks that encourage students to develop strong research, critical thinking, and analysis skills. Throughout the year students will utilize technology, engage in research and investigation, make connections between the content and current events, and participate in collaborative projects and discussions that help them grow as individuals and responsible citizens.
Essential Questions (designed to stimulate thought, provoke inquiry, and spark more questions):
All units
- What is the influence of geography on world events?
- How has history impacted current events?
- Why do we study history?
- What makes an effective argument?
- What makes an effective explanation?
Unit 1: U.S. Government
- What are the checks in place to limit the government from getting too powerful?
- Explain how our laws can change overtime as the society of the United States changes.
- What are the roles and relationships of the different levels of government?
Unit 2: Reconstruction
- How does a country put itself back together again after a civil war?
- What should be done to incorporate the Freedmen into American society and would block this progress?
- Were African Americans “free” during Reconstruction?
Unit 3: Westward Expansion
- What drives a country to discover/claim new territory?
- In what ways can change/progress/growth be both positive and negative?
Unit 4: American Imperialism
- What drives a country to discover/claim new territory outside North America?
- In what ways can change/progress/growth be both positive and negative?
Unit 5: Industrialization
- What is the impact of cultural diffusion and immigration on the landscape of America?
- In what ways can change/progress/growth be both positive and negative?
Unit 6: World War I
- What drives countries to seek war?
- What changes in post war Europe set the stage for future wars?
Unit 7: The Roaring Twenties
- How did groups of people experience their newfound freedoms during the Roaring Twenties?
Unit 8: The Great Depression
- What elements were present and how did they lead to the greatest economic disaster in American history?
Unit 9: World War II
- What were the circumstances that lead the United States to enter into World War II?
- What was America’s role on the home front and in the European and Pacific theaters?
- Under what conditions did the war end?
Grading: Each reporting period will include a mix of quizzes, projects, presentations and performance based assessments. All assessments are based on unit objectives, which are covered in detail and applied throughout the course. In addition, I will make every effort to provide rapid feedback on all assigned work. I am available before school, at lunch, and after school (except when coaching) each day for additional assistance. Also, remember academic assistance on late start Wednesday.
Absences: If you miss class, consult my website (Daily Lesson Plans) to see what you missed and to download any handouts we used in class.
Objectives: I will provide you with specific objectives on the first day of each unit. We will focus our reading, discussions and activities on those objectives. Study the objectives for all assessments!
Projects and presentations: You will complete several projects or presentations. I will provide very detailed instructions for each of these assignments.
Literacy Skills: Writing and speaking skills are vitally important for your future success as a student and beyond. Therefore, I will emphasize both skills throughout the course. You may have a bag full of great ideas, but you need to be able to communicate these great ideas to other people. When this school year ends, you will be a better communicator!
Technology Skills: We will use technology where appropriate to further our understanding of historical events, develop research skills, collaborate with fellow students, and enhance the overall learning experience.
Deep Learning Proficiencies: We will make every effort to learn, practice, and apply a range of skills (citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, and systems thinking) that are vital to success in education and the job market.
Self-Regulation and Reflection: A sign of maturity is the ability to develop a growth mindset toward learning and to constantly reflect on our own performance. The journey is more important than the grade or score on a particular product. We will be highlighting a growth mindset throughout the year.
Personal and Social Responsibility (PSR): The three elements of are class participation, work completion and effort, and behavior. These are all important life skills in education and in your chosen career.
Our journey through life is sustained by the power of our knowledge. I look forward to a fabulous year of learning and growing!