Social Studies
The social studies curriculum for middle school students at St. Ignatius Parish School is both challenging and exciting. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders participate in a weekly current event assignment due each Friday. Students choose an article from a print or internet source. After reading and highlighting the main ideas, students complete a worksheet about the article, and write a summary. This ongoing assignment helps students read for content, while becoming critical thinkers and informed citizens.
Current Event Form
In January, students participate in a “Geography Bee” as part of the social studies curriculum.
SIXTH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES:
During the first trimester students study, review, and learn geography concepts and skills. Students practice using lines of latitude and longitude by planning a route around the world, and plotting their route on a large world map. Landforms were explored through the creation of a dictionary by each student. Each student recently discovered their own island and has now begun documenting their own culture of the island.
During the second the third trimesters, the focus of study is the Western Hemisphere with an emphasis on Canada and Latin America.
SEVENTH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES:
During the seventh grade year, the focus is the Eastern Hemisphere. Students investigate the geography, history, and culture of three parts of the world.
Europe and Russia: Seventh graders each developed a political map and researched the climate of a city in Europe or Russia. Masterpieces were created by students while investigating the Renaissance. Each student completed a “passport application” to receive a St. Ignatius Passport before creating a travel journal of a selected country.
Asia: Students will investigate the continent, and complete an in-depth culture project of Japan, China, or India during the second trimester. Students will have the opportunity to choose which culture they would like to study in-depth.
Africa: During the third trimester, students will study the geography, history, and culture of Africa.
EIGHTH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES:
The last year of social studies at St. Ignatius Parish School is dedicated to United States History. As part of the school-wide learning expectations, graduates are responsible citizens who:
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Have a basic understanding of our democratic society and civic responsibilities
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Show respect for others, treat others with kindness, show compassion and empathy for others
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Are aware of global issues
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Respect diverse opinions and the individuality of others
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Are able to lead or be supportive members of a group
The eighth grade students had the unique opportunity to participate in the Classroom Law Project this trimester. Students experienced democracy and free press first hand through classroom simulations and activities. Students investigated and decided what was “newsworthy” before creating their very own newscast. Students held a “classroom legislative hearing” with a guest panel of adults from the community. During the hearing, each student shared their thoughts and beliefs of democracy, free press, and what being an informed citizen actually means.
GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS:
During class, we will use the acronym CHAMPS to better understand the expectations during activities, work time, and transitions.
Conversation
Help
Activity
Movement
Participation
Success
CLASSROOM RULES:
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Arrive on time with all of your materials.
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Please be respectful when a teacher or classmate is talking.
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Listen and follow directions the first time they are given.
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Talk respectfully—no putdowns, cursing, or teasing.
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Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
Possible consequences for classroom rule violations include: seating change, verbal reminder, or time owed during break. Remember a consequence is the result of a person’s chosen action. Consequences are not punishments.
NOTES:
Your binder should be set up according to your class schedule subjects. Notes for Social Studies will be taken in a 3 ring binder during each class period. The date and topic need to be written on the top line of the page. All papers returned should be hole-punched and placed in your 3 ring binder. Save and organize all handouts and papers behind these dividers.
ASSIGNMENTS:
All homework assignments should be placed in the wire basket for your grade located at the front of the classroom. Assignments on torn-out spiral notebook paper will not be accepted with the fringe. Please remember, papers with no heading will lose 10%. Assignments (not including late work) earning less than 90% can be corrected and earn up to 89%. Corrections must be made within one week upon return of the graded assignment.
LATE WORK:
An assignment will be considered late if not turned-in during the class period it is due. Please print papers before class, and be ready to submit to the basket. Late work can be turned in up to one week late, but will not be accepted after one week. Late work receives a 15% deduction. Late work will not be accepted after one week.
ABSENCES:
It is your responsibility to find out what you missed when you are absent. If you are absent, work can be obtained from other students or by asking the teacher. Time to make up work is equal to the length of the absence. Example: If you were absent Monday and Tuesday, the assignments will be due on Friday. In the event of a prearranged absence, it is your responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher to “make up” missed work upon return.
GRADES:
Your grade will be calculated on a straight percentage scale, based on the total number of points possible. About 50% of the points will be from homework and class work assignments, 20% from tests, and 30% from projects and writing assignments.
