August 31, 2005
Today in class, all students read articles in Georgia Voyager magazines about Georgia's industry and agriculture. They completed worksheets after gaining new information about Georgia's economy.
HOMEWORK1st Period - Study for Ch. 1 Test (TEST ON FRIDAY,Sept.2)
No new written homework for 1st period.
2nd-7th - No new homework. Students who were absent today should check out a magazine to take home and complete the 3 worksheets.
Students received their Ch.1 test scores today. They will be entered on icue on September 1.
Posted by Stephens at 05:14 PM
August 30, 2005
Students in 2nd - 7th periods completed Chapter 1 Test today. All students who missed class should arrange to come in early one morning for make-up test. NO HOMEWORK FOR 2nd - 7th!!
1st Period - Homework is to finish Location Worksheet (use Ch.1 in textbook) if not finished in class today.
Posted by Stephens at 05:56 PM
August 26, 2005
Thanks to all parents who attended Open House last night! If you missed it, you can view my PowerPoint presentation(open attached file).
All students turned in Location Projects today. If they did not turn them in today, they SHOULD turn in their projects on MONDAY!!
Regular Class - students had a TEST(Identifying 50 states)
Advanced Classes - took a quiz over regions on Thursday.
All students who missed these assessments should come early (before school) on Monday to take a make-up test.
Writing Assignment: Students wrote an essay on Friday. If they did not finish it, they should complete it and turn in on Monday. Topics are below:
Topic 1: Describe what you learned, what knowledge you gained from the research and Location Project. Include statements such as: the most surprising thing I learned, an interesting fact I learned was, some important information I gained was, something I’ll never forget was, …
Topic 2: Write specifically about why Georgia attracts many new residents each year ( how does the geography, climate, and tourist attractions, affect the population growth)
Posted by Stephens at 04:44 PM
Posted by Stephens at 04:41 PM
August 24, 2005
Homework: All students should be working on their Geography Projects which are DUE ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 26.
1st Period: Study for test over 50 STATES (Test Date has been moved to Friday, August 26 to allow additional time to study).
Don't forget about OPEN HOUSE on Thursday, August 25. I look forward to meeting you!
Posted by Stephens at 04:38 PM
August 23, 2005
1st Period - Complete the States Map and study for the Test on August 25th. Work on Geography Project.
2nd - 7th Per. Continue to work on GA Geography Projects(Due Aug.26)
Posted by Stephens at 05:19 PM
August 22, 2005
Posted by Stephens at 02:25 PM
A reminder to students in 2nd - 7th periods - the States/Capitals Test is on August 23rd(Tuesday). I gave all students a study guide to help them prepare for the test.
1st Period Test is on Thursday, Aug.25th.
Keep working on Geography Project - due August 26th.
Students will be given some class time for working on projects. Be sure to read information in Chapter 2 of textbook.
A rubric was given to all students for Geography Project that details criteria. A copy is also listed above as a link; some of the information is a little jumbled, but it details basics.
Posted by Stephens at 01:46 PM
August 18, 2005
All students went to the computer lab today to work on their Location, Location Activity and compared/contrasted the elevation and population of major cities in the U.S. to Atlanta. They will work in the lab tomorrow(Friday)on Georgia regions part of project.
Homework: Continue to study for the States Test - all students received their Pre-Tests today in class. A few did well, but the majority need to study!!! TEST: August 30th
Also...continue to work on project (See links on August 17 entry)
Posted by Stephens at 01:18 PM
August 17, 2005
Students should complete the Location worksheet (if not finished in class today). Use Ch.1 in textbook for answers.
Project Update: 2nd - 7th periods received the project description today in class for Location, Location, Location project. DUE DATE: Friday, August 26 All students will go to the Computer Lab on Thursday and Friday to work on the project. They should look over the choices and know what to do when they work in the lab.
WEBSITES FOR PROJECT:
http://www.indo.com/distance
http://www.georgia.org
http://www.netstate.com/states/geography/ga_geography.htm
Posted by Stephens at 05:39 PM
August 16, 2005
1st Period - GA T-shirts due on Wednesday 8/17
2nd - 7th periods (Adv.Social Studies)
Worksheet "Getting to Know Your Textbook" - Due Wednesday 8/17
In addition, ALL GA T-SHIRTS and Scavenger Hunts are due Wednesday (if not previously turned in).
The T-shirt designs I've seen are wonderful and very creative!
REMINDER: Test over STATES/CAPITALS will be given MONDAY, AUGUST 22.(Date has been changed from 8/19 due to computer lab availability). I will take all classes to the lab on Thursday and Friday to begin work on their Location, Location project. Students have a U.S. map in their agenda and in their GA textbook.
Pre-Tests will be returned to students on Wednesday. They can see which states they missed.
***All students who read my blog - KEEP THIS WORD SECRET!
Write the word "Chattahoochee" on your first test for 5 extra points!
DO NOT TELL OTHER STUDENTS - if word gets out, then I will not offer the extra credit. I want to REWARD you for reading my BLOG!!!
Posted by Stephens at 01:46 PM
August 11, 2005
August 15 - Students will have a Pretest over the States/Capitals. They will identify each state when given a map.
August 19 - Test over States/Capitals(Advanced Classes)
Test over States (Regular Class)
Posted by Stephens at 10:34 PM
PRETEST (SOCIAL STUDIES)
All students will finish taking the Pretest over the course content.
Homework (if not previously completed)
1. Georgia County Worksheets
Several students were not in class due to Orchestra recruitment. All students should complete the Georgia Geography/County worksheets by Monday.
2. Design Georgia T-shirt - Due Tuesday, August 16
See previous post for project description.
Posted by Stephens at 10:20 PM
August 10, 2005
Welcome to my 8th grade Social Studies Blog!
I am excited about all of the possibilities this new year holds! My main goal is TO MAXIMIZE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT through the use of cool technology applications, historical simulations, and higher-level questions which lead to thought-provoking discussions. My classroom is very interactive, and I truly strive to make history interesting and meaningful for students. I am thrilled to be in one of the new classrooms.
One of my favorite quotes describes my philosophy of teaching:
"All too often, we are giving our young people cut flowers when we should be teaching them to grow plants."
Getting Started
My introduction to Georgia Studies included a PowerPoint presentation entitled: "Why Study History?"
Quotes we discussed in class:
"History is the memory of living yesterdays and the promise of predictable tomorrows."
"Those who do not remember the past, are condemned to repeat it."
"We are tomorrow's past"
"I know of no way of judging the future but by the past." Patrick Henry
Studying history trains students to think and write clearly, to organize and interpret evidence, and to confront issues in informed and insightful ways.
Upcoming Assignments
Week of August 15
We will review geographical concepts and identify the geographical regions of Georgia (Chapters 1 and 2 in text: The Georgia Studies Book)
Students will also identify geographical factors and explain how they have influenced Georgia's exploration, settlement, and economic development.(QCC SS.8.5)
Project/Activities
"Location, Location, Location" - Due Date: Wednesday, August 24
Students will use the website http://www.indo.com/distance
to determine the latitude and longitude of various cities in Georgia and the U.S.
Students will also choose one way to present the information they have learned from a variety of choices designed for different learning styles/interests. SEE HANDOUT FOR CHOICES.
Advanced Classes: Select an additional activity.
All students will have some time in class to work on this assignment, but they should also work at home. I can't wait to see their creativity and unique products!
TESTS & ASSESSMENTS
Students will take a PRETEST over States/Capitals on Monday, August 15. THE FINAL TEST WILL BE ON FRIDAY, August 19. My advanced classes will need to know the states and capitals; my regular class will only be required to know the location of states - capitals will be extra credit. Many students have forgotten the states' location (or never learned them). It is very important for them to have a sense of location/place while studying events which occurred in U.S. history.
PLEASE CHECK MY BLOG FOR NEW UPDATES - All homework will be posted on my blog each week. Contact me by email if you have any questions: julie.stephens@cobbk12.org
WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A GREAT YEAR! "Great thing are accomplished by talented people who believe they will accomplish them." Dr. Tyson is leading the way for our students to be challenged and to think "out of the box" - to stretch to new heights in learning and achievement.
Read my syllabus for more information about the course outline and expections.
8th Grade Social Studies
Advanced Content Course Syllabus
Teacher: Julie Stephens, Ed.S.
Email: julie.stephens@cobbk12.org
OBJECTIVE: To develop an understanding of our heritage, with an emphasis on the state of Georgia, and its impact on American culture, and to develop geographic, economic, research, and technological skills. The eighth grade curriculum is entitled “Georgia and the American Experience.” We will focus on how Georgia’s history fits into and influenced American history.
TEXT: The Georgia Studies Book: Our State and the Nation
Selected novels will be integrated into the curriculum. Writing will also be emphasized in social studies; research shows that writing across the curriculum strengthens written expression skills. Students will be given many opportunities to publish their work, so quality will be important. Reading assignments and writing activities will be averaged with other grades for social studies
EXPECTATIONS: I am excited to have the opportunity to challenge students at Mabry. I have set very high expectations and will try to develop each student’s individual potential by providing a differentiated curriculum. My classroom is very interactive and includes instructional activities that address varied ability levels and learning styles. Students will be given many choices for projects that provide authentic learning opportunities. Technology plays a vital role in my lesson plans, and all students will benefit from the use of the Internet for research and webquest activities. My ultimate goal is for history to become meaningful and interesting to all students! Some of the activities/projects we will do together are: John Brown’s Trial (a simulation where students become attorneys, witnesses, the jury, and the judge), mini-museums for the Civil War and other periods of history, learning contracts, and layered lessons.
ADVANCED CONTENT: This course is differentiated in content, pacing, process skills, and expectations. Curriculum content has been designed for mastery and extension of state and district standards. The district has established criteria and guidelines that identify students who will be successful with the advanced curriculum. Students must meet continuation criteria to remain in the class.
We will study the following topics during the year. However, this syllabus is a guide and is subject to change in order to accommodate student progress.
Geography of Georgia 2 weeks
Early Inhabitants of GA 1 week
European Exploration 1 week
Colonial Georgia (1732 – 1776) 1 week
Georgia and the Revolution 1 week
Early Statehood (1776 – 1787) 3 weeks
Foundations of Georgia/Govt. and Legislature 3 weeks
The Governor and Executive Branch 1 week
The Judicial Branch 1 week
Local Government in Georgia 1 week
Georgia’s Westward Movement (1787 – 1865) 3 weeks
The Civil War and Reconstruction (1865 – 1877) 4 weeks
The Rise of Modern Georgia (1877 – 1945) 5 weeks
Georgia Today (1945 – Present) 9 weeks
Grading Policy: Tests/Major Projects 50% Daily 20%
Quizzes 20% Homework 10%
Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. Three days will be allowed to make-up missed assignments or tests that are missed unless there is an extended illness. Students must schedule a time to make-up tests either before school or after school.
Students:
I have very high expectations for your work. Always strive for excellence in your projects and activities. Try to stretch yourself beyond your comfort limits! Try new things. “I would rather try great things and fail than to try nothing and succeed” is good advice.
If students are to succeed and achieve academic progress, then they must be prepared for class! All students should bring paper, pens/pencils, agenda, textbook, and homework to class each day. DO NOT bring MP3 players or iPods to my classroom. If students have them out during class, they will be taken up and kept until the end of the day.
CODE FOR SUCCESS
Bring all materials needed for class
Be respectful and courteous to teacher and classmates
Participate positively in class activities
Listen attentively to all speakers
Work quietly and enjoy LEARNING!
SUGGESTED SUPPLIES: Notebook with pockets or pocket folder with notebook paper (if using a 3ring binder), blue or black ink pens, colored pencils or markers, pencil, ruler. Work that is written with any color except blue or black ink will not be accepted!!!! Save the colored pens for posters, etc.
Posted by Stephens at 12:20 PM
