8th Grade Social Studies
Mr. Brown III
Arth.brown@nsbsd.org
2015-2016
U.S. History 8 Course Description:
In this course, students are introduced to historiography, which is the use of
chronological thinking in conjunction with historical comprehension, historical
analysis, and interpretation to conduct historical research for decision-making and
the analysis of historical issues. This course provides a foundation of American
historical Era 1 - Three Worlds Meet (1400s) through the Era 3 – Civil War &
Reconstruction (1860s) and civics. Geography, economics, government, and the
humanities are used a basis for examining the United States during these historical
time periods.
Adopted textbooks, The American Journey, will be used as we write our own history.
We will use our textbooks as a guide to assist us in the learning process. In class we
will have individual and partner projects, and activities. We will have open
discussions, worksheets, vocabulary, projects, quizzes and tests. The teacher will
facilitate discussion, lecture, and reading/assignments from the relevant resources.
The students will utilize their computers to assist them in producing various
projects. The Internet will also help facilitate our exploration of various
government concepts. The learning process will encompass a wide spectrum of
learning styles in an attempt to reach all students best learning methods.
There will be 1 to 2 tests, 4 to 8 quizzes per quarter, and weekly chair challenge
exercises. Current Events will be a part of the grade and may count as a daily grade.
Students will be responsible for taking notes in class, reading assignments with
study guides, and individual projects.
There will be ten days allotted to complete make-up work for each day of excused
absence (as per board policy). It is the student’s responsibility to contact the
teacher to collect assignments from days absent.
Teachers planning time is 3rd period.
8th Grade History will be graded on a percentage basis:
Letter Grades will be assigned as follows:
Grading Scale
A90%-100%
B80%-89%
C70%-79%
D60%-69%
Below a 60% is a Failing Grade
Classroom Rules
*Classroom rules are student created and will ensure safety and respect in
the classroom and in compliance with district, state, and federal policies.
*Exhibit a courteous and respectful attitude.
*Arrive in class on time and ready to work.
*NEVER leave the classroom without permission.
Consequences
1st infraction – Verbal warning and request for rationale
2nd infraction – Firm verbal warning, sign the behavior log, possibly alternate seat
assignment
3rd infraction – Lunch Detention, Night Rec privilege revoked for the day, studentteacher conference, and time to explain and cool down.
4th infraction – Any further disturbances will result in an office discipline referral
U.S. History 8 Units of Study:
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Historiography
Different Worlds Meet
Colonization and Settlement
Revolution and New Nation
Civics
Expansion and Reform
Civil War