6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography

Mr. Berkholz

Course overview

6th grade Social Studies is comprised mostly of world geography. We will explore physical and human geography of the world, including spatial perspective, migration and settlement patterns, geographic tools and maps, cultural diffusion, use of our natural resources, and global issues.

By studying human patterns and global issues, students will strengthen their knowledge and skills needed for history, economics, and government.  Students will be asked to communicate their knowledge and opinions of political and economic systems or global issues through writing, speaking and other forms of media. Students will also be required to participate in class discussions, individual/group presentations, and cooperative group activities.

Units of Study

• Foundations of World Geography
• The World in Spatial Terms
• Population and Migration
• Culture
• Human Environment Interactions
• World Trade
• Globalization

Procedures

Warm-up:  Each day, students will start with a warm-up assignment.  When the students enter the room each day, there will be 2 – 4 questions related to the Social Studies curriculum posted on the board that need to be answered.  Students are to respond to these questions in their binder.  I will review the answer to each question daily as students check and/or correct their answers. The purpose of this program is to increase students’ knowledge and understanding of physical and political aspects of the world as these aspects relate to geography.  

Agenda: Each day, a list of activities and assignments for Social Studies will be posted on the board for students to copy into their planners.  This is an excellent way for parents to keep in touch with what is going on in the classroom on a daily basis.  Students will be expected to carry their planner home each day to share with parents.  Please check your child’s planner regularly to follow-up on this procedure.  

Classwork and Homework:   Information will be presented in a variety of ways.  Students will be taught through whole-class lessons, small group projects and activities, as well as individual projects and assignments.  In addition, students may participate in audiovisual demonstrations, discussions, a possible field trip, guest speaker(s), handouts, presentations, and research projects. Written homework may be assigned Mondays through Thursdays. Even if written assignments are not given, reviewing the present day’s material or previously assigned material is always recommended.

Test and Quizzes: Tests will be given approximately every two weeks.  Study guides will be provided for each test. Quizzes will be given more frequently which will cover vocabulary, and content objectives.

Grading: Students will be expected to give 100%, always doing their very best. This class will be both demanding and challenging. It will be up to the student to complete assignments on time, keep up with his/her notes, and be able to problem solve instead of just memorizing facts. Assignments and projects will be done in class with collaborative groups, as well as students doing independent research. Class participation is a must as students will be actively engaged throughout this course.

Grading Distribution: Tests, Quizzes, and Projects – 80%.  Homework, Warm-Ups, and classwork – 20%

Grading Scale             

A     100-90          B   89-80          C   79-70          D     69-60          E    59 and below

Reassessment

Students have many, many opportunities to show that they understand a concept.  They may demonstrate their mastery in multiple different assessments (like quizzes and tests), or through group discussion, silent work time, or meetings with the teacher.  The students’ understanding will evolve and they should be able to demonstrate that growing understanding.  The idea is NOT that students should retake the exact same test because they didn’t study the first time. If a student has been demonstrating a low level of understanding of a concept on multiple assessments and wants to improve their score, they know that they can’t just take a quiz anytime they want.  Students must complete a “Reassessment Application.”  A student must reflect on their preparation and performance, specifically state which skill they think improvement is necessary, what they plan to do in order to demonstrate practice, and then meet with the teacher to discuss their plan.  This allows students to reach understanding at their own pace, but doesn’t allow them to take assessments lightly.

Absences

If a student is not at school, it is his/her responsibility for making up any missed work within two days upon returning to school. It is also their responsibility to get notes and any homework that they missed as well.

Make-Up Work

The assignments for each day will be located in the “While you were out” box. If you are absent from school, it is your responsibility to check the box and retrieve any missing assignments.  Failure to complete assignments will result in a zero grade.  

Materials

• 2 -3 inch Three Ring Binder w/dividers
• Lined  paper
• pencils, pens, and colored pencils
• Highlighter

Students and parents, please feel free to ask questions if you have any concerns.  I am here to help you have a successful sixth grade year.  Remember, you must also put effort into this process to make it successful.  Please feel free to call the school or e-mail me as needed.  I will respond to calls and e-mails as quickly as possible.   

My e-mail address is BerkhoK@dearbornschools.org