Elementary Social Studies Syllabi 1st and 2nd Quarter (08-09)
Name: ______________________
Elementary Social Studies
Quarters 1 and 2, 2008-2009
The New School of Northern Virginia
Tanja Gaal Instructors
Tanja@newschoolva.com
http://www.schoolrack.com/tanjaquinn/
Focus Skills:
1. Appreciating and Understanding Different Perspectives
2. Working Collaboratively
Course Description:
Welcome to Elementary Social Studies. We will be covering the basic structure of US Government, the current presidential election, US Geography, and US presidents. Geography will be covered on an ongoing basis and therefore not included in the schedule. Information and due dates of projects will be sent home separately as needed. Letters describing upcoming events will be sent home via e-mail. Homework will mostly be completing assigned classwork or working on longer-term projects and following the election as assigned.
Materials: You will need one section in your 3-ring binder for your history pages. You will have one main textbook that will stay at school and go home at the end of the semester. Come to class with your own sharpened pencil, and loose leaf paper (no spiral notebook!)
Spirit of the Classroom: Do your best work and be your best self. Treat others respectfully and with kindness. Collaborate and cooperate. Follow the behavior guidelines posted in our classroom. If you are absent, be sure to check with one of your teachers for the assignments you missed and get caught up quickly.
Course Schedule:
First Quarter
Week 1 – What is Government?
Week 2 – Our Constitutional Foundation
Week 3 – Bill of Rights
Week 4 – Legislative Branch
Week 5 – Judicial Branch
Week 6 – Executive Branch
Week 7 – Elections and Political Parties
Second Quarter
Week 1-4 - Learn US Presidents; Their order, names, major accomplishments, etc.
Week 5-8 – Complete US Geography and begin president reports and role-playing
Grading Rubric:
Participation: 40%
Participation grades will include: coming to class prepared, completing assignments correctly and on time, being focused on your work, participating fully, and upholding the spirit of the classroom,
Quizzes: 30%
Quizzes will be given periodically both with and without notice. These will cover vocabulary, and other key facts.
Reports/Assignments: 30%
Reports and assignments will vary by quarter:
First quarter we will be documenting the election by a scrapbook, holding our own election at The New School, and holding our own debates in class.
Second quarter each student will choose a president to research and present. We will also be doing role playing as those presidents.
I have read this syllabus at home with my parent or guardian and agree to uphold the Spirit of the Classroom. I will cooperate and collaborate with my classmates and teacher, and I will work hard and do my best work!
_____________________ _______________________________
Student Signature Parent or Guardian’s Signature
