Curriculum Night

Welcome, parents and guardians, to

7th grade social studies class

Students are creating a Greece and Rome comparison project with creative and writing components.

First Marking Period

Greece and Rome

Middle Ages•Social classes•Crusades•Bubonic Plague

Students will analyze primary source documents and maps. There will also be writing assignments given.

The Renaissance

Student will complete a Renaissance art project during this unit.

We will spend several days researching and writing about Leonardo da Vinci and his achievements.

The ReformationStudents will consider the religious conflict and diversity that fed immigration to America.

Second Marking Period

Exploration

Columbus before the Queen of Spain – Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze

Students will hold a mock trial with Columbus as the main defendant.

English Settlement of North America•Jamestown and VA: settlement and clash of cultures

Students will participate in mini-debates relating to the early Virginia settlements.

Plymouth and the Settlement of Puritan New England

A study of the Salem Witch Trials and a creative response to King Philip’s War will be part of this unit.

Atlantic Trade and British Regulations

Third Marking PeriodThe Development of the

Colonial Regions and Culture

Students will write an essay and complete a creative project on William Penn, conduct a slavery town meeting, research and write about Ben Franklin, and participate in a simulation relating to King William and Queen Mary.

Prelude to the Revolution: The French and Indian War

During this unit students will participate in a French and Indian War simulation and analyze Washington in his early military career.

Fourth Marking PeriodBritish Taxation and

the Coming of the American Revolution

Historical document and image analysis will be part of our studies.

The Revolution Begins•The Boston Massacre•Paul Revere•John Adams – A key player in the Revolution

Students will participate in a mock trial on the Boston Massacre; play and then write about an online historical game called Mission US, and hold a class debate.

Interpretation of the Declaration of Independence

Williamsburg Trip

The American Revolution Continues

Students will attempt to give advice to the British: A strategy activity.

To pull the year together, we will conclude with a culminating project that contains a writing component.

Throughout the year we will also be:•Writing in class;

•Creating and analyzing maps;

•Considering current events.

Assignments and Assessments

Homework:•Presented visually, orally, and linked to my teacher website.

“Mr. Erwin, may I still turn in my missing assignment?”

“Yes, please do so! Lateness will lose you some points, though. Remember, a 7/10 or a 5/10 is better than 0/10. Right?”

Website: Class assignments & related materials

Other Assessments

Pinnacle:Blank = nothing; not yet graded.X = ExcusedZ = Temporary zeroNumber (18/20) = gradeComments:

•Not submitted•“Not submitted; not late – absent when

collected”•“Being graded”•“Impressive use of citations.”

Extra help:

•Activity period•Support•Appointment