6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography<\/b><\/p>\n
Mr. Berkholz<\/b><\/p>\n
Course overview<\/b><\/p>\n
6<\/span>th<\/span> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n By studying human patterns and global issues, students will strengthen their knowledge and skills needed for history, economics, and government. \u00a0Students 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Units of Study<\/b><\/p>\n Procedures<\/b><\/p>\n Warm-up: \u00a0<\/b>Each day, students will start with a warm-up assignment. \u00a0When the students enter the room each day, there will be 2 \u2013 4 questions related to the Social Studies curriculum posted on the board that need to be answered. \u00a0Students are to respond to these questions in their binder. \u00a0I 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\u2019 knowledge and understanding of physical and political aspects of the world as these aspects relate to geography. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Agenda: <\/b>Each day, a list of activities and assignments for Social Studies will be posted on the board for students to copy into their planners. \u00a0This is an excellent way for parents to keep in touch with what is going on in the classroom on a daily basis. \u00a0Students will be expected to carry their planner home each day to share with parents. \u00a0Please check your child\u2019s planner regularly to follow-up on this procedure. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Classwork and Homework: <\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Information will be presented in a variety of ways. \u00a0Students will be taught through whole-class lessons, small group projects and activities, as well as individual projects and assignments. \u00a0In 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\u2019s material or previously assigned material is always recommended. <\/span><\/p>\n Test and Quizzes:<\/b> Tests will be given approximately every two weeks. \u00a0Study guides will be provided for each test. Quizzes will be given more frequently which will cover vocabulary, and content objectives.<\/span><\/p>\n Grading:<\/b> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Grading Distribution: <\/b>Tests, Quizzes, and Projects \u2013 80%. \u00a0Homework, Warm-Ups, and classwork \u2013 20%<\/span><\/p>\n Grading Scale<\/b> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0100-90 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0B \u00a0\u00a089-80 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0C \u00a0\u00a079-70 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0D \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a069-60 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0E \u00a0\u00a0\u00a059 and below<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Reassessment<\/b><\/p>\n Students have many, many opportunities to show that they understand a concept. \u00a0They may demonstrate their mastery in multiple different assessments (like quizzes and tests), or through group discussion, silent work time, or meetings with the teacher. \u00a0The students\u2019 understanding will evolve and they should be able to demonstrate that growing understanding. \u00a0The idea is NOT that students should retake the exact same test because they didn\u2019t 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\u2019t just take a quiz anytime they want.\u00a0 Students must complete a \u201cReassessment Application.\u201d \u00a0A 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.\u00a0 This allows students to reach understanding at their own pace, but doesn\u2019t allow them to take assessments lightly.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Absences<\/b><\/p>\n 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. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Make-Up Work<\/b><\/p>\n The assignments for each day will be located in the \u201cWhile you were out\u201d box. <\/span>If you are absent from school, it is your responsibility to check the box and retrieve any missing assignments.<\/b> \u00a0Failure to complete assignments will result in a zero grade. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Materials<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Students and parents, please feel free to ask questions if you have any concerns. \u00a0I am here to help you have a successful sixth grade year. \u00a0Remember, you must also put effort into this process to make it successful. \u00a0Please feel free to call the school or e-mail me as needed. \u00a0I will respond to calls and e-mails as quickly as possible. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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