Mrs. Bernardini
8th Grade American History
Room 302 - bernarb@npenn.org
215- 368-2700 Ext.5163
History is……
an argument without an end
the stories we remember, and the lessons we can learn
a record of the struggle of the human mind, of the human spirit
History teaches us about the past and the present, where we have come from and where we are going. Where
our families are from, how they got here, what language(s) they speak, what traditions they follow - each one
of our stories is unique - but they intersect and combine to create our shared past. Where do your roots go?
What do you know about them?
History can be seen as a collection of stories with a multitude of authors, characters and conflicts. It traverses
every genre from drama, action, adventure, romance, mystery, horror, and even science fiction (think Ancient
Aliens), but history is even better because it actually happened. There is never just one story to be told, and
history is never as simple as “winners and losers” or “heroes and villains.” We can think of historians like
detectives searching out and carefully selecting evidence to build their case. What “really happened” is often
times a matter of point of view, therefore students will learn many new skills related to analyzing and
interpreting primary source materials and will be using historical evidence (text-dependent analysis) to build a
case for the big questions: What happened and why does it matter?
Some sources we will look at this year include Las Casas’s journal of Christopher Columbus, Paine's
revolutionary pamphlet Common Sense, the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, Narrative
of the Life of Frederick Douglass an American Slave, and letters from Civil War soldiers (just to name a few).
This year begins your first journey into academic study of our nation’s past, the skills you will learn will not
only help you better understand the past, but will also guide you in becoming an active and informed citizen
in today’s world.
Topic Overview:
"Doing History" Secondary v. Primary sources (APPARTS method of analysis)
Geography(review) - continents/oceans, United States political/physical geography
America before Columbus
Exploration and Colonization
American Revolution
Constitution & New Republic (Washington, Adams, Jefferson)
Westward Expansion
Slavery and Fight to End Slavery (Abolition)
Civil War
Supplies Needed:
1) Binder (minimum 1 ½ inch for history work) KEEP ALL YEAR (Cumulative Final in June)
2) Supply of pens/pencils, highlighter, colored pens
3) 150 sheets of loose leaf paper or notepad for class notes
4) post-it notes (small size pack - any color)
5) note-cards (lined)
6) Removable storage drive (for projects, research, etc)
Classroom Rules:
1. Be on time and on task - Please be in your seat by the time the bell rings. Bell work will be posted daily
and it is expected that you begin work on it immediately. (Factors into participation grade)
2. Be prepared - Bring your book, binder, paper, post-its and writing utensils to class each day.
3. Be respectful - Our classroom is our community and for it to function properly you must show respect!
This means: one person speaks at a time, no put-downs, verbal or nonverbal, listen respectfully, and agree to
disagree. Treat classroom materials with care and pick up after yourself every day. Mrs. Bernardini
dismisses you, not the bell, you are not a robot who walks away the moment it rings, wait for my “have a
good day” before you proceed to exit.
Classroom Procedures/Information:
1. Homework - It is expected that you review classwork materials weekly in addition to any other
assignments that are given. If you are absent you may submit work late - but it must be in a timely manner.
Late homework unexcused will be awarded partial points at the teacher’s discretion.
2. Attendance - When you are absent you are still responsible for all assignments and assessments.. What
this means: you need to be sure to check my website to see what’s happening and complete what was missed.
Come see me during Penntime to get the notes/handouts that are needed and make sure if you have questions
you come SEE ME ASAP!
3. Binder Requirements
- Class work/HW/notes should arranged chronologically (in the order you received them!)
- Date and label all assignments in upper right or left hand corner
- Keep all work done this year in your binder (do not clean out each quarter)
- Binder will be collected and graded (usually during mid year)
4. Grading - Cumulative point system, your grade = points you earned ÷ points possible.
Rough estimate of grade breakdown:
Quizzes/ Tests/Projects – 45%
Classwork – 20%
Participation – 20%
Homework – 15%
Year end grade – Each marking period is worth 21% of your final grade; your final exam is worth 16% of
your grade. Letter grades follow this point breakdown:
97-100
89.5-96
87-89
79.5-86
A+
A
B+
B
77-79
C+
69.5-76
C
64.5-69
D
64 and Below F
5. Bernie Bucks – Coupons given at teacher discretion for participation in class (answering and asking good
questions), MVP of group tasks, winning group challenges, etc. PUT YOUR NAME ON THE BACK AND
CLASS PERIOD! You can turn these in at the end of class for a treat or bonus points to add to your quarter
score (cannot exceed points possible).
6. Class website and EDMODO – Check our class website for a review of what was covered each day, links
to class PowerPoints, web links and other helpful resources. Most videos and clips seen in class are available
for review on our class Edmodo site. Please check my website for details on how to create your account.
Please feel free to contact me via email (bernarb@npenn.org) if you ever have any questions or concerns
about assignments or grades.
I have read and understand the guidelines and procedures for Mrs. Bernardini’s class and have shared them
with a parent or guardian.
Student name:______________________
Signature___________________
Date______
**ATTENTION PARENTS/GUARDIANS**
Keeping an open line of communication between home and school is a critical component of your child’s
educational success. I send class updates and reminders through Home Access Center, so please provide
guidance with your most up to date email. HAC can also be used to check your child’s progress and missing
assignments at any time. A welcome email will be sent this week through HAC - if you do not receive it,
please let me know so we can update your account in guidance.
Please contact me via email (bernarb@npenn.org) or voicemail (215- 368-2700 Ext. 5163) if you ever have
questions or concerns.
Let’s make this a great year!