Social 8

Mr. Vaughan Henning

henningv@lrsd.ab.ca
https://henningjtf.weebly.com/

Grade 8 Social Studies

​2018/19 Course Outline
Day 1 & 2 , Period 6 ( ​12:50 - 13:30​ ​/​ ​11:23 - 11:53​ )

Welcome to the class! I’m really excited to be teaching at J.T. Foster this year, and am looking
forward to helping you achieve your goals in school and learning with you!

Social Studies

Social studies provides opportunities for students to develop the attitudes, skills, and knowledge
that will enable them to become engaged, active, informed, and responsible citizens.

This year, we will be looking at ​Worldviews, and Historic Examples

Overview

Grade 8 students will examine issues related to contact between societies with differing
worldviews. They will explore elements of worldviews and how these views are expressed by
people living in different times and in different places. Through this inquiry, students will reflect
on their own worldviews and assess the influence that the past has had on the present.
Examples will be drawn from Japan, Renaissance Europe, and both Spanish and Aztec
societies.

Sections
Local and Current Affairs
In order to allow opportunities for students to engage in current affairs, issues and concerns of a local,
provincial, national or international nature will be discussed. The Program of Studies provides the
flexibility to include these topics with the time allotted for Social Studies. Throughout the year, we will take
some time in class to explore and discuss events that are happening in the news or on social media to
develop an awareness of what’s going on in the world. ​STUDENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS​ are
encouraged to discuss what they read about or hear that they may feel is significant to Canadians.

Assessments
Formative assessment​ is assessment during instruction/learning designed to provide direction for
improvement and adjustment. (observation, rough drafts, instructional questions,quizzes) Formative
marks will ​NOT​ be used for marks towards your grade. ​Summative assessment​ is designed to provide
information to be used in making judgments about student achievement at the end of a period of
instruction. (assignments, projects, and tests).

Grading During the Year Final Grade

Projects, Chapter Assignments Group Work Grade During the Year 85%
-Major Assignments = 50% 60%
-Minor Assignments = 50%
Final Exam 15%
Chapter Tests, Unit Tests
-Unit Tests = 50% 40%
-Chapter Tests = 50%

Late Assignments
It is the expectation that all assignments will be completed to the best of each student’s ability and
handed in on as per the set due date. If your work is not completed on the due date, you will be given a
grade of ​INC ​standing for ​Incomplete​. It is expected that late or incomplete assignments will still be
completed and handed in for grading. Handing in late assignments will allow for the ​INC ​to be removed
from the record.

Materials
Textbook -Worldviews: Contact and Change
One 1.5” binder
Loose Leaf Paper, or Coil Notebook for Notes
Pens, pencils, erasers, scissors, glue stick, and pencil crayons
USB memory stick –​ is optional but recommended
Duotang to hold completed assignments, creating a year end portfolio

Classroom Expectations
Students are expected to follow the rules the are outlined in the ​J.T. Foster Handbook​. To achieve
success in Social Studies students are expected to follow these guidelines:
 1. ATTENDANCE​:​ Students must make every effort to attend all classes. Regular
attendance is one of the most important factors for academic success. Lateness is a form
of disrespect. If you are late, you are still expected to attend class. Enter the room
quietly, sit down and get to work. Do not disrupt the class.

2. STUDY​: ​Regular studying and review of course material at home and preparation for
quizzes and tests is essential to succeeding in this course

3. RESPONSIBLE​: ​Students are responsible to obtain and/or make up all missed readings,
notes, materials, assignments, quizzes and/or labs during any absence. Students may
obtain missed items from other students or the instructor at an appropriate time so as not
to disturb the class.

4. QUESTION​: ​Be sure to ask questions to clarify concepts. Please make an appointment
with your teacher to ensure that you get the help that you need.

5. BEHAVIOUR​: ​Mature and considerate behaviour is expected in class. Students who do

not meet an acceptable standard of behaviour will not be permitted to continue disrupting
others.

6. RESPECT​: I expect all students to respect themselves, their peers, instructors, and the materials and
environments we learn in. Respectful discourse is very important. You may disagree, and I encourage you to
voice that, but we must always consider the sources of others’ views, and discuss our perspectives in a
respectful manner.

Technology in the Classroom

Technology is an important tool in education​. I fully expect students to utilize their technology to help
them when working on assignments, or discovering information in small group discussions. ​HOWEVER,
distracting use of technology is not acceptable.​ Students will be given​ 1 warning ​about inappropriate
technology use. Subsequent discussions will result in loss of the device for the class.

If distracting technology use is a persistent issue, conversations involving parents and

administration will take place to help resolve the issue.

You may listen to music during individual work time, but the following ​MUST​ happen
1) You have not been having issues as listed above
2) You have a pair of headphones/earbuds to use
3) You choose a playlist, and let it play through. No changing the music constantly

Communication
Communication is vital to the success of all students. If parents, or students, have questions or concerns, they should
not hesitate to contact me or schedule a meeting. I recommend that families check ​Power School​ often, utilize the
resources on the ​Classroom Website​, and sign up for ​Remind.

I am hoping for a very successful year for all students, and the opportunity for all to grow in a supportive learning
environment. My goal is for you to feel successful, confident, and enlightened by the content we cover, and ideas we
explore!