Instructor Location Room Phone E mail Class Title Age Level Website Course Description:

Ms. Jennifer Miller Emerald Coast Middle School, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 4-210 622-5026 millerj@walton.k12.fl.us American History 8th Grade http://millerjhistory.weebly.com/ or www.schoolnotes.com
In Grade 8, students study the history of the United States from the early native-America through "Age of Exploration" to the Colonial Period ending through Reconstruction. The content builds upon that from 5th Grade but provides more depth and breadth. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, challenges of the early Republic, westward expansion, sectionalism, Civil War, and Reconstruction. Students describe the physical characteristics of the United States and their impact on population distribution and settlement patterns in the past and present. Students analyze the various economic factors that influenced the development of colonial America and the early years of the Republic and identify the origins of the free enterprise system. Students examine the American beliefs and principles, including limited government, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights, reflected in the U.S. Constitution and other historical documents. Students evaluate the impact of Supreme Court cases and major reform movements of the 19th century and examine the rights and responsibilities of citizens of the United States as well as the importance of effective leadership in a democratic society. Students evaluate the impact of scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the development of the United States. Students use criticalthinking skills, including the identification of bias in written, oral, and visual material. - Florida Sunshine State Standards.

Course Objectives:

1. Students will understand and show examples of how their lives are linked to past occurrences in history. 2. Students will develop an awareness of the methods and tools used to learn about past events. 3. Students will understand and demonstrate the meaning of time and chronology. 4. Students will understand cause and effect relationships as, both purposeful and accidental, as they relate to historical happening.

All objectives will be taught through the study of past civilizations.

5. Students will recognize the interrelatedness of geography, economics, culture, belief systems, and political systems within history. 6. Students will comprehend the role of various cultural groups and women in the development of history. 7. Students will gain a basic knowledge of past cultures and be able to compare and contrast each, noting their specific contributions to current society. 8. Students will develop locational skills and understanding. 9. Students will develop an awareness of their locality in the world and how that relates to the entire earth. 10. Students will understand why people move from place to place, and the effects of such movements.

Course Content:

Ms. Miller's American History Class is a year-long course , and is broken up into two semesters. The curriculum is divided up in the following manner: Semester #1 First Explorers, Colonial America, American Revolution, A New Nation The Jefferson & Jackson Eras, Manifest Destiny, Semester #2 Road to the Civil War, Civil War, Reconstruction, Western Frontier, Industrial Growth, WWI, The Great Depression, and time allowing WWII

Course Format:

This class is designed to allow students to learn at their own pace while still being involved in daily classroom learning activities. Students will have access to computers to work on their individual assignments. Most of the in-class instruction will come in the form of cooperative and collaborative learning. If you cannot work well with others, this class will help you learn how! In-class sessions will also include some lecture and discussion. Students are expected to be in class every day to achieve the highest level of learning. I am committed as a teacher to be a facilitator of learning for students. For a student to be successful in my class, there must be at least some level of self-motivation.

What Students Will Do:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Students will work cooperatively in groups Students will complete hand outs, maps, and diagrams. Students will write and reflect weekly on historical topics. Students will create PowerPoint presentations for their class. Students will read textbook material weekly. Students will read curriculum-related online material weekly. Students will take tests, quizzes, and maintain a notebook. Students will create a hands-on projects. Students will build a history-related vocabulary.

Class Materials:

Textbook: The American Journey, as needed Other Supplies: Three ringed binder/folder with notebook paper A pencil and a pen Colored pencils Ruler Thumb/jump drive for PowerPoint/Prezi presentations Email address

Grading Policy:

All assignments will be weighted equally. Students are reminded that all work must be turned in the day that it is due! Any late work turned in during the course of the quarter will be given a 20 percent deduction per day. No late work is accepted for unexcused absences.

Class Policies:

As a student, you are expected to:

Be seated and begin board assignment before class begins Maintain respect for yourself and others Be cooperative and attentive Follow all policies and procedures as outlined in the student handbookincluding no gum Dress Code Honesty Code

Tardy/Absence Policies

As a teacher, I am expected to:

Provide a safe environment conducive to learning Prepare and deliver quality instruction aligned to standards Be consistent

Interaction Steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. Verbal warning/ seat change/lunch detention Parent Contact Meet with all 8th grade teachers Office referral

Rewards:

With NO INFRACTIONS, rewards will vary from game day to other voted on activities.

Other Please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions you may have! Good Luck! Ms. Miller