COURSE DESCRIPTION
United States History 8 is designed to place major emphasis on the nation’s
history, from pre-Columbian civilizations to the Civil War and
Reconstruction. Geography of the United States and social studies skills
also receives emphasis. Map skills, reading and interpreting charts and
graphs, and the utilization of reference books and materials are implemented
throughout the program. In U.S. History 8, students participate in role
playing, group activities, documentation examination, quizzes and tests, and
organized lecture/discussion activities.
DAILY REQUIRED MATERIALS
Agenda (planner)
Social Studies textbook
Social Studies notebook
Pocket folder for daily handouts
Pens / pencils
Red pen
Thumb Drive
Students who come to class without these items will be at risk of
interrupting learning and/or teaching.
Every nine weeks students will be issued three locker pass coupons. If they
can manage to avoid going to their locker for the quarter and turn in all
three coupons at the end of the quarter, students will earn 15 extra credit
points.
SEMESTER 1 TOPICS
Different Worlds Meet
Colonial Settlement
Creating a Nation
SEMESTER 2 TOPICS
The New Republic
Civil War and Reconstruction
SPECIAL PROJECTS
American Revolution Web Quest
Indiana Stock Market Simulation
U.S. President Biography Research Paper/Power Point Presentation
*The teacher reserves the right to make changes in the schedule, assignments,
tests, quizzes, and projects as needed. In the event of a major changes,
students will be given due notice.
CLASSROOM RULES
1. Do your personal best
2. Always do what is right
3. Do to others as you would want them to do to you (The Golden Rule)
CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE
1st Incident: Teacher/Student Conference – Verbal Warning issued and recorded
2nd Incident: Behavior Notice will be sent home (Parents this is your
notification not your son or daughter’s. They already know my opinions about
their behavior)
3rd Incident: Student will be sent to the office with a referral which will
result in an automatic detention.
4th Incident Parent Teacher Conference either in person or by phone.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE TEACHER
• A structured class that challenges each student to do his or her best
• Updated teacher web-site that will have many needed and useful tools for
students and parents
• Student grades posted to school master every week
• Most importantly your child’s best interests at heart
WHAT THE TEACHER EXPECTS FROM STUDENTS
• A positive attitude
• Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.
GRADING POLICY
Students’ grades are based on points earned for tasks completed in and out of
class. The points are all added together for the final quarter grade.
Points are earned for class work and homework (50pts each), quizzes (75 pts.
each), and tests and projects (100 pts. each). Extra credit opportunities
are offered throughout each quarter.
HOMEWORK POLICY
1. Just do it.
2. Bring it to school.
3. Turn it in during class.
• Failing to do one of these will result in zero points and an academic
notice. If the completed assignment is turned in the next day, half credit
(25pts.) will be given.
• If a student is sick, I will work out an arrangement with that individual
so that he or she has ample time to get their work done.
• In the event of a prearranged absence, it is the responsibility of the
student to make arrangements with the teacher to “makeup” missed work.
GRADING SCALE
94-100 A
86-93 B
78-85 C
70-77 D
0-69 F