Sixth Grade Social Studies

         

2008-2009 Syllabus
World History and Geography: Ancient Civilizations
Ms. Erin Diaz ** (323) 828-2081 ** ediaz@kippkao.org
 
Social Studies Goals
 
      The goals for 6th Grade Social Studies in the 2008-2009 school year will be for students to:
  • Analyze the political, economic, religious, geographic, intellectual, cultural, and social structures of ancient civilizations.
  • Understand that history affects our world today through cause and effect relationships.
  • Make connections between different civilizations and between ancient times and our own society today.
  • Develop their own theories about what causes civilizations to succeed or fail, and what institutions promote justice, freedom, and equality.
 
In addition, students will be working to improve their reading comprehension and analysis skills by reading the class text and by analyzing maps, timelines, charts, and other historical documents. Through discussions and writing assignments, students will work to develop as critical thinkers and learn to order their thoughts logically. 
 
Our class goal for the year is for the class of 2015 will achieve 80% mastery of each state standard that we cover and ALL sophomores to be proficient or advanced on the CST on their 8th grade CST which includes 6th grade materials. 
 
 
Topics of Study
Geography:
Students will learn about maps, the globe, and how geography affects societies.
Early Human Civilizations:
In this unit students will learn about early hominids, hunters and gatherers, and early civilizations like Mesopotamia.
Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt and Kush:
In this unit students will learn about three civilizations: the Egyptians, the Kushites, and the Hebrews. Students will study geography of those civilizations, the Egyptian pharaohs, and the class structure of Egypt. Students will also study the relationship of Kush and Egypt, as well as the foundations and lasting impacts of Judaism.
Ancient Hebrews:
In this unit students will learn about the figures, geography, culture, and history of Ancient Hebrews.
Ancient Greece:
In this unit students will learn about the figures, battles, accomplishments, and legacy of Ancient Greece.
Ancient Rome:
In this unit students will learn about the Roman Republic. They will also learn about the origins and spread of Christianity.
Ancient India:
In this unit students will learn about the geography of India, and about two major religions: Hinduism and Buddhism.
Ancient China:
In this unit students will learn about early Chinese philosophies, and about the accomplishments of the Qin and Han dynasties.
 
 
 
Expectations
 
ALL of us WILL learn!
 
My expectations for students in 6th grade social studies are that students will:
  • Adhere to the homework policy and school rules.
  • Arrive to class each day with their completed homework, sharpened pencils, and 20 pieces of blank paper.
  • Immediately sit down upon entering the class, take out their previous night’s homework, write down their assignment for the next day EXACTLY as the teacher has worded it on the board, and then work on the quick questions.
  • Spend at least twenty minutes on each homework assignment, and will give their best effort and critical thought to all homework and class-work assignments. 
  • Always write in complete sentences unless instructed to do otherwise.
  • Call Ms. Diaz with any question they cannot find the answer to independently or from speaking with a teammate.
 
My expectations for students in 6th grade social studies are that parents/guardians will:
  • Check student homework completion each day.
  • Sign student agendas each night.
  • Review and sign any graded quizzes, tests, and student work.
  • Call or email Ms. Diaz with any questions or ideas about the student’s success.
 
WORLDs
 
Most of the students’ classwork and homework will be completed in an interactive journal/notebook called their “WORLD.” Guardians can look through students’ WORLDs regularly to get an idea of the quality and quantity of students’ classwork and homework completion. Keeping the WORLD up to date is crucial, as is organization. Ms. Diaz will spot check WORLDs on a regular basis in addition to formal grading every few weeks.
             
 
Grading Policy
 
40%     WORLD Notebooks (this includes Daily Classwork and Homework)
20%     Tests
20%     Quizzes
10%     Projects
10%     Participation