Clay Middle School
Carmel, Indiana
7th Grade Social Studies – Mr. Ryan Snyder
rsnyder1@ccs.k12.in.us
(317) 844-7251 ext. 6879
http://rsnyderclay.weebly.com
Room Number: 708
About This Course
Course Description:
7th Grade Social Studies at Clay Middle School is designed to enable students to understand the
basic principles of Geography and connect them to the Eastern part of this world. Throughout the
year students will gain map reading skills, examine the different components of physical and human
geography in the Eastern Hemisphere, and discuss current events.
Textbook:
National Geographic World Cultures and Geography: Eastern Hemisphere
Online access: http://www.myngconnect.com
Units
First Quarter
-Geography Review
(from 6th grade)
-Ancient Southwest Asia
(Middle East)
-SW Asian Religions
Second Quarter
-Modern Southwest
Asia (Middle East)
-Central Asia
-Ancient Egypt
-Africa
Third Quarter
Ancient and Modern:
-India
-China
-Japan/Koreas
Fourth Quarter
Ancient and Modern:
-Japan/Koreas
-SE Asia
-Australia/New Zealand
Materials
A WRITING UTENSIL (pen or pencil everyday)
3 ring binder
Binder tabs
Loose leaf paper
Clay Connections
How to Succeed in This Course:
● Ask questions and follow directions. No question is a bad question.
● Try to find out why something works and why some examples don't work. Explore, inquire!
● Effective communication is the key to success! Come talk to me if you have an issue.
● Search out other resources to supplement classroom materials.
Grades
- Projects (groups/individual)
- Assessments (Quizzes and Tests)
- Homework
- Writing Assessments
-Classwork
Classroom Rules
● You must be on time to class. This means you are in the classroom when the bell rings.
● You also need to have a pen or pencil with you to get into class.
● Cell phones are to be kept out of sight unless otherwise stated.
● Must keep hands and feet to yourself at all times.
● Students are expected to have all assignments completed on time. ANY homework assignment is “fair
game” to be included on Homework Check Quizzes, so it is certainly in student’s best interest to
complete them as they are assigned.
● Speak respectfully to your peers and adults.
● Follow expectations
All school rules will be followed according to the student handbook.
Clay Middle School Social Studies Department: 2015-2016 Assessment Retake policy
Students who score a 70% or lower are highly encouraged to retake the assessment. At the discretion of the
teacher, a student may retake an assessment after meeting the following conditions:
1. Establish a learning plan for content mastery (form available from teacher)
2. Obtain Parent Signature on learning plan after approved by teacher
3. Upon satisfactory completion of the learning plan the teacher will offer a time for the retake
All students may submit a learning plan for an opportunity to earn the right for a retake.
Students CAN receive up to FULL credit on retake
assessments!!
Please email me with any questions, comments, or concerns.
I look forward to a great year!!!
I have read and understand the contents of this syllabus.
_________________________________________
Student name (print)
_________________________________________
Student Signature
_______________________
Date
_________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
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Date
SIGNATURES ARE DUE: Monday, August 17, 2015