Mrs. Andrea J. Shepard

 Social Studies

Seventh Grade

Class Description:  Social Studies addresses 5 State Standards.  Topics included are Government, Political Systems, Economic Systems, History, Geography and Social Systems. We will be using 3 different textbooks as well as doing projects, activities and map work.

I am also teaching one of the 7th grade science classes this year.  It's been a fun change for me.

I've had the opportunity to meet some of the 6th graders this year, as well, since I am teaching one of the skills classes. 

Grading Scale:  We will be using the same grading scale for every class. It is as follows, and can also be found in the student handbook.

• A+             99-100
• A               96-98
• A-              94-95
• B+             92-93
• B               88-91
• B-              86-87
• C+             84-85
• C               77-83
• C-              75-76
• D+             73-74
• D               67-72
• D-              65-66
• F               0-64
• ( * )           Indicates modifications were made

Curriculum:  The topic(s) and the time frames for each quarter are as follows:

          First Quarter:  Geography, Social Systems

• Geography Skills ( 10 class periods)
• Mayas, Aztecs and Incas ( 35-40 class periods)

Second Quarter:  World, U.S., Illinois History, Political Systems

• Economics (10-12 class periods)
• World Geography (25-30 class periods)

Third Quarter:  World, U.S., Illinois History, Social Systems

• Colonial Life in America and Revolution ( 15-20 class periods)
• The Civil War and Slavery (15-20 class periods)

Fourth Quarter:  World War I, U.S./Illinois History

• World War I ( 7-10 class periods)
• U.S. History/Elections (7-10 class periods)
• Illinois History ( 7-10 class periods)
• DBQ ( 7-10 class periods)

ISAT-Seventh grade students take ISAT tests in Language Arts, Math and Science.  All teachers will do ISAT preparation activities throughout the school year.

Notes:  As you can see, we will be covering a wide variety of topics in social studies this year.  The 3 textbooks will be kept in the classroom and used mainly as resources.  Other resources include atlases, maps, Internet and teacher created materials.  Each student is asked to come prepared with pencil/pen and a notebook/paper each day.  Important vocabulary will be posted on the word wall in the classroom.

Have a great year!

Thank you, Andrea Shepard

                                                          MAMS, Room 201

                                                          876-6409, ex. 3201