Room 213

8th Grade Social Studies

This class is less about memorizing and more about constructing and applying knowledge. Memorization is good if you plan on being a professional Jeopardy player. Application of knowledge is good if you want to be successful in every possible  career.  Therefore, we will explore a limited number of topics deeply, as opposed to a vast number of topics at a surface level. The depth in which we explore various aspects of History will help us to make sense of the Present so that we may apply what we have learned in the Future. We will make history work for us. We will not work at history.

Themes we will cover include (but are not limited to):

• Human Nature: why do governments exist, and who do they serve?
• Modernization: the paradox of progress.
• Empire: don’t hate the player.
• War: diplomacy by other means, or just plain mean?
• Hard Times: It’s all about the (lack of) Benjamins.
• Beyond “good” and “evil”: the best and worst of humanity.

Materials:

Each student is expected to bring a notebook and a writing utensil to class each day. I prefer pen to pencil as sharpening pencils can be distracting. If you must use pencil, please try to have a silent sharpener at your desk. I believe they are sold at the school store. I will sometimes ask you to bring highlighters to class as well. This will not be everyday and you will be given prior notice. You must also bring your agenda, as it is your hall pass as well. We will not be taking notes everyday, but you will spend part of each class writing.

Grading:

Everything you do in my class will be assessed. Not everything will be graded. There is a difference between the two. Assessment allows me to see how you are doing with a particular aspect of the class. Assessment allows me to redirect you and help you understand. I am here to help you construct understanding of topics and ideas. I hope to inspire you to work towards personal growth, not a meaningless letter. I understand that the letter grade stands for something in your mind. You have been told so for many years. I encourage you to work hard. do your best, and strive for near perfection. But when letter grades come into the picture, doing your “best” suddenly has a ceiling. Asking, “What do I need to do to get an ‘A’?” actually limits the amount you are willing to learn. You are saying, “tell me the exact minimum I need in order to be awarded a letter, and I don’t want to learn anything more than that.” My goal for you is to aim past the ceiling. I want you to actually learn and grow instead of simply passing the class.

That said, the specific value for each assignment will be determined on a case by case basis, with your input. We will look at what is being asked of you and attempt to come to an agreement as to the weight of the assignment. If no agreement can be reached, I reserve the right to make the final decision concerning the weight of the assignment in question.

Last year I made the leap into project based learning. What that means is there will not be any multiple choice tests or quizzes in my class. My goal is for us to create actual products that demonstrate learning. Whenever possible, I would like for these products to have value outside of the walls of room 213. I want to make school and “real life” coexist and therefore be meaningful. This will be a big change for many of you. There will never be any last minute cramming of facts. Think about anything you ever truly learned that was worthwhile. Was it multiple choice? Was learning how to walk, or how to ride a bike, or land a kickflip multiple choice? Nope. Is project based learning harder? No. Is it more challenging? Yes. There is a difference. It can be challenging in a good way. A challenge that has meaning to your lives will be one worth the effort. That is my goal.

A large percentage of this class will be focused on goal setting and reflection. You will set goals for yourself, both long and short term, and provide action steps you will take to achieve those goals. You will revisit those goals on a regular basis and reflect on your performance and the process you took between the initial setting of the goal and the reflection piece.

Technology:

We will use technology as a tool for furthering our understanding and for making otherwise unattainable connections with each other, with content, with ideas, etc. We will not be using it to escape. We will not be using it because it is shiny and flashy. Technology is the new pencil. This class is virtually paperless. We will be using Google Docs to retrieve and submit assignments. I will always provide enough time for assignments so that those without immediate internet access can make any arrangements needed. I will also make a limited number of hard copies of any assignments available for students.

This blog will be your main connection to what is going on in class. I expect that you check it frequently and use it as a tool to assist you. What I mean is, if you do not understand something and need clarification, please leave a comment in the appropriate area. I check this site frequently (at least once per hour if possible) and will respond to comments as soon as I can. Please note: I am not attached to this computer at all times. If I do not respond right away, be patient. But be sure to check back.