Global Studies 8 Course Syllabus 2018-2019
Mr. Milo Allen,
8th Grade Global Studies Teacher
[email protected] 320.629.4133
Room 122
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Grade 8 Global Studies features geography as the lead discipline with a strong secondary emphasis on contemporary world history. Global Studies 8 is an introduction to world geography and world history. This course provides the student with a basic understanding of geographic terms and ideas. Content drawn from citizenship, government and economics, enriches the study of world regional geography and further develops the interdisciplinary “Studies” approach. Students will learn to read a basic road map, use a compass, navigate using GPS, and create a basic map of their own. In addition students will study the earth, its features, the distribution of life on earth, and all its variety.
II. MAJOR LEARNER OUTCOMES & STANDARDS FOCUS:
5 Themes of Geography
I. LOCATION: Students are able to identify the major geographical features of the physical environment in absolute and relative location. Students will also understand characteristics of place, region, and location in Minnesota and the world by using maps and other graphic forms.
II. PLACE: The student is able to describe the characteristics that make a place unique while requiring them to consider landforms, water bodies, climate, soils, and natural vegetation; the learner will also consider such human characteristics as the population settlement patterns, culture, political systems, and economic activities.
III. INTERACTION: Students will be able to explain the relationships between people and the environment, explaining why certain places are more advantageous for human settlement and how people have modified the environment to improve their lifestyles.
IV. MOVEMENT: Students will understand the movement and migration around the planet of humans, ideas, fads, goods and resources along with communication which all travel great distances on the earth.
V. REGIONS: The student is able to distinguish one area of the world from another by comparing climate, vegetation, location, and culture.
(A complete standards map outline for the year can be found on the class webpage under the standards tab.)
III. MAJOR TOPICS COVERED:
Intro Unit: What is geography, what does it include & why do we study it?
Unit 1: The World
Unit 8: Europe
IV. MATERIALS
Students will need: 1 notebook, 1 3 ring binder (1 "), pencils/pens
Book: Discovering World Geography: McGraw-Hill Education
Chromebook
A. Maps and various other navigation tools will be used
B. Up to date world atlases for each student to use online and on paper
C. iPad with internet access
D. Jr. Scholastic magazines and daily newspapers
E. Audiovisual materials used: The Mission , Miracle, Gorilla’s In The Mist, Globe Trekker Series-as seen on PBS, National Geographic, Discovery Channel. Materials used for current events: Channel One Student news, CNN Student News, NBC Today Show, & Twitter.
**Other various video supplements are used at appropriate times in Global Studies upon the teacher’s discretion.
***Parents: If you have any questions regarding any of the materials covered during the school year please contact the instructor so an alternative assignment can be discussed if needed***
V. ASSESSMENT / GRADING SCALE:
A. Grading: The final quarter/year grade is divided as follows:
1. Daily work (Lecture notes, readings/articles, written assignments, maps, etc.) 30% of grade
2. Weekly/unit quizzes, 30% of grade
3. Unit Tests/Projects 40% of grade
4. Grading Scale is Based on the following percentages
100 - 95 A 76 – 74 C
94 – 90 A- 73 – 70 C-
89 – 87 B+ 69 – 67 D+
83 – 80 B- 63 – 60 D-
79 – 77 C+ 59 & Below F
B. Teaching Methods Used:
1. Lectures- Includes the use of our new ebook on iPad alongside chapter outlines and various note taking methods.
2. Individual and group work (This will include some group work on projects)
3. Videos & Current Events
4. Projects on various geographic topics
V: EVALUATION OF STUDENTS
A. Students will gain a basic understanding of the five geographical themes of geography.
B. Students will better understand the world around them and learn about the world through current event issues.
C. Students will be evaluated on daily work, tests, and quizzes.
VI. Classroom Rules and Discipline Plan (8th Grade)
Classroom management/rules and procedures are an important part in an effective learning environment. The following plan lays out the expectations placed on all students in the Global Studies classroom. These rules and expectations are always available on our class web page under the syllabus. Please make sure you fully understand the plan that is implemented.
Overall Guidelines and Expectations
Entering Class: Students should be in their seat and working on the bell ringer when the bell rings. Video games, music/head phones and cell phones should be put away before entering the classroom (Use these in the hallway).
-Backpacks will remain in lockers except on an individual basis
-There is plenty of time to go to your locker in between classes
-As a member of a 1:1 program, it is your responsibility to bring your device to class each day charged and ready for use. Failure to do so will result in your being sent to the Media Center to receive a violation. If your device is in need of charging it will be kept and charged for the remainder of the class hour or until it reaches 50%. It is your responsibility to pick it up between classes. Loaner devices are available only for devices that are mailed in for repair.
In global studies we use the REFOCUS program to correct negative and distracting behaviors. This program is aimed at stopping the little behaviors before they escalate. The following is an outline of using the REFOCUS system of discipline.
Bathroom Passes
Each student will get 2 passes per quarter. These will be given out in class.
Ending Class
Students are dismissed by the teacher….not the bell.
Teaching responsibilities
8th Grade Global Studies Teacher
[email protected] 320.629.4133
Room 122
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Grade 8 Global Studies features geography as the lead discipline with a strong secondary emphasis on contemporary world history. Global Studies 8 is an introduction to world geography and world history. This course provides the student with a basic understanding of geographic terms and ideas. Content drawn from citizenship, government and economics, enriches the study of world regional geography and further develops the interdisciplinary “Studies” approach. Students will learn to read a basic road map, use a compass, navigate using GPS, and create a basic map of their own. In addition students will study the earth, its features, the distribution of life on earth, and all its variety.
II. MAJOR LEARNER OUTCOMES & STANDARDS FOCUS:
5 Themes of Geography
I. LOCATION: Students are able to identify the major geographical features of the physical environment in absolute and relative location. Students will also understand characteristics of place, region, and location in Minnesota and the world by using maps and other graphic forms.
II. PLACE: The student is able to describe the characteristics that make a place unique while requiring them to consider landforms, water bodies, climate, soils, and natural vegetation; the learner will also consider such human characteristics as the population settlement patterns, culture, political systems, and economic activities.
III. INTERACTION: Students will be able to explain the relationships between people and the environment, explaining why certain places are more advantageous for human settlement and how people have modified the environment to improve their lifestyles.
IV. MOVEMENT: Students will understand the movement and migration around the planet of humans, ideas, fads, goods and resources along with communication which all travel great distances on the earth.
V. REGIONS: The student is able to distinguish one area of the world from another by comparing climate, vegetation, location, and culture.
(A complete standards map outline for the year can be found on the class webpage under the standards tab.)
III. MAJOR TOPICS COVERED:
Intro Unit: What is geography, what does it include & why do we study it?
Unit 1: The World
- The Geographer's World
- Physical Geography
- Human Geography
- Australia and New Zealand
- Oceania
- China
- Japan
- Canada
- Mexico,
- Central America, and the Caribbean Islands
- Brazil
- The Tropical North
- Andes & Midlatitude Countries
Unit 8: Europe
- Western Europe
- Northern & Southern Europe
- Eastern Europe & Western Russia
- Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Siberian Russia
- Southwest Asia
- India
IV. MATERIALS
Students will need: 1 notebook, 1 3 ring binder (1 "), pencils/pens
Book: Discovering World Geography: McGraw-Hill Education
Chromebook
A. Maps and various other navigation tools will be used
B. Up to date world atlases for each student to use online and on paper
C. iPad with internet access
D. Jr. Scholastic magazines and daily newspapers
E. Audiovisual materials used: The Mission , Miracle, Gorilla’s In The Mist, Globe Trekker Series-as seen on PBS, National Geographic, Discovery Channel. Materials used for current events: Channel One Student news, CNN Student News, NBC Today Show, & Twitter.
**Other various video supplements are used at appropriate times in Global Studies upon the teacher’s discretion.
***Parents: If you have any questions regarding any of the materials covered during the school year please contact the instructor so an alternative assignment can be discussed if needed***
V. ASSESSMENT / GRADING SCALE:
A. Grading: The final quarter/year grade is divided as follows:
1. Daily work (Lecture notes, readings/articles, written assignments, maps, etc.) 30% of grade
2. Weekly/unit quizzes, 30% of grade
3. Unit Tests/Projects 40% of grade
4. Grading Scale is Based on the following percentages
100 - 95 A 76 – 74 C
94 – 90 A- 73 – 70 C-
89 – 87 B+ 69 – 67 D+
83 – 80 B- 63 – 60 D-
79 – 77 C+ 59 & Below F
B. Teaching Methods Used:
1. Lectures- Includes the use of our new ebook on iPad alongside chapter outlines and various note taking methods.
2. Individual and group work (This will include some group work on projects)
3. Videos & Current Events
4. Projects on various geographic topics
V: EVALUATION OF STUDENTS
A. Students will gain a basic understanding of the five geographical themes of geography.
B. Students will better understand the world around them and learn about the world through current event issues.
C. Students will be evaluated on daily work, tests, and quizzes.
VI. Classroom Rules and Discipline Plan (8th Grade)
Classroom management/rules and procedures are an important part in an effective learning environment. The following plan lays out the expectations placed on all students in the Global Studies classroom. These rules and expectations are always available on our class web page under the syllabus. Please make sure you fully understand the plan that is implemented.
Overall Guidelines and Expectations
- Be Prompt (Class begins at the bell, be in your seat and ready for class).
Entering Class: Students should be in their seat and working on the bell ringer when the bell rings. Video games, music/head phones and cell phones should be put away before entering the classroom (Use these in the hallway).
- Be Responsible (Pencil, iPad, Comp. notebook, folder/3 ring binder & any assignments).
-Backpacks will remain in lockers except on an individual basis
-There is plenty of time to go to your locker in between classes
-As a member of a 1:1 program, it is your responsibility to bring your device to class each day charged and ready for use. Failure to do so will result in your being sent to the Media Center to receive a violation. If your device is in need of charging it will be kept and charged for the remainder of the class hour or until it reaches 50%. It is your responsibility to pick it up between classes. Loaner devices are available only for devices that are mailed in for repair.
- Violation #1 - Warning
- Violation #2 - Detention
- Violation #3 - Detention and loss of privilege to take device home for the period of 20 school days.
- GLOBAL STUDIES Late Work Policy: 10% deduction each day an assignment is late until the work reaches half credit.
- INCOMPLETES: Student must make arrangements with the teacher to complete the missing work.
- Be Attentive (Work hard in class, complete assignments, study for tests and quizzes & bring a positive attitude).
- Be Considerate (I give you my respect you give me yours. Treat your peers with respect as well).
In global studies we use the REFOCUS program to correct negative and distracting behaviors. This program is aimed at stopping the little behaviors before they escalate. The following is an outline of using the REFOCUS system of discipline.
- Verbal Reminder to stay on task
- Teacher will ask student to refocus (refocus desk and form – Level 1)
- Removal to the BLC room (Level 2)
- Removal from class to principals office (Level 3)
- Any and all dangerous, illegal or insubordinate acts will be immediately directed to the office.
Bathroom Passes
Each student will get 2 passes per quarter. These will be given out in class.
Ending Class
Students are dismissed by the teacher….not the bell.
Teaching responsibilities
- Teacher will teach and model positive behavior as stated in the student handbook along with the course outline at the beginning of the year.
- Teacher will teach and model daily routines and classroom practices.
- Teacher will supply students and parents with progress in class.
- Teacher will notify students and parents of any academic or behavioral problems that arise in class through: