FRELINGHUYSEN MIDDLE SCHOOL

COURSE PROFICIENCIES

COURSE: SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 6

I. COURSE OVERVIEW

Grade 6 Social Studies is a survey course, which initially focuses on geography and then moves into an inquiry on the early history of the United States from the first explorers of the 1400’s through the Civil War in the 1860’s. The textbook is Prentice Hall’s The American Nation, and the course prepares the students for the study of United States History II in grade 7. The history of the North, Central, and South Americas and their people directly affects the future of all people. It is only through studying the development of societies, religions, and governments, and through understanding the successes and failures of these, that we are able to ensure we do not make the same mistakes again. Learning the history and culture of Latin America and our neighbors to the north and south also fosters acceptance and understanding of other ways of life, which are needed in order to live successfully in our multicultural world.

Activities include traditional instruction complemented with cooperative learning activities, individual and group projects, authentic and traditional assessments. The course also focuses on reading and writing in the content area, which will culminate in a research project. Expectations of excellence are supported by the National Council for Social Studies and are aligned with national and state Core Curriculum Content Standards.

II. PROFICIENCIES

1. Students will demonstrate the ability to use the following as learning tools:

a. textbooks, maps, tables and graphs

b. special references such as almanacs, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and periodicals

c. audio-visual materials

2. The students will demonstrate the ability to present in written and oral forms the results of his/her study of a topic.

3. The students will demonstrate the ability to use an increasing number of course-specific vocabulary terms.

4. Students will be expected to ask and formulate answers to the following essential questions::

· Where is a specific country in relation to the continents, oceans, and hemispheres?

· What are the key physical and human features of a specific nation and how do they define that nation uniquely?

· Where do the people of a specific country live and why?

· What are the main characteristics of a nation’s culture and what are their origins?

· What unifying characteristics (human and physical) define the regions of a specific country?

· How does geography influence the culture regions in a country?

· How do nations build colonies and establish trade routes between one another?

· How can a difference in ideology divide a nation from its colonies?

· What basic principles was the United States founded upon?

· How can individuals influence the growth of a nation?

· How do economic factors shape political and social ideals?

· What is the impact of war on an economy?

· How do leaders use propaganda to gain support for their goals?

III. COURSE STANDARDS

METHODS OF EVALUATION

ü Class participation

ü Homework and Class Work – Completion, quality, timeliness.

ü Tests, quizzes and an organized notebook with journal entries

ü Projects.

MATIERALS NEEDED FOR CLASS

ü Covered textbooks

ü Loose-leaf notebooks and paper

ü Pen and pencils; markers, if possible

ü Assigned homework

CRITERIA FOR EXCELLENCE (Requirements for receiving and “A” in this course.)

ü An average of 90-100 on all items scored numerically (tests, quizzes and certain assignments).

ü Preparedness for class (including punctuality)

ü Frequent, thoughtful class participation, including listening and reading.

ü Regular completion of homework with evidence of thoughtfulness and effort.

MAKE-UP AND EXTRA HELP POLICIES

ü Upon return from an absence, the student must make up all homework, class work notes, tests and quizzes. A reasonable time will be established with the student.

ü Extra help is available by appointment.