Course Syllabus

News and Notes from Mr. Ashcraft/Georgia Studies

Dear Parents,

            I wanted to send a quick note to communicate some topics about class, assignments, and grades.  I apologize that a lot of grades were put in late.  My wife and I had a family emergency out of town; I was gone for four days and missed two days of school. The following are some quick points concerning grading and assignments:

  • Smart Starts (bell ringer/do now) are checked once a week. I keep a running list on the board in class of what I am looking for when these are checked.  These consist of no more than five questions each day and cover the exact information we are working on.  Students receive 100 classwork points for this assignment.  We go over each question.  Questions from these assignments are used for quizzes and test.
  • Choice Board Assignments: This is usually 4-5 assignments and students can do them in any order they choose.  Sometimes depending on class behavior I allow students to choose a partner or small group to work with during work time.  The main point is to be able to complete the assignments in a responsible manner.  Students receive 100 classwork points for these assignments; they even have the opportunity come to ILT to complete these assignments.  I usually give one week for this assignment so this is plenty of time if students are working at an average pace and not playing or talking excessively.  Late work receives a 70; starting in the second semester/third nine weeks I will no longer accept late assignments and students will receive a 0 if these assignments are not turned in by the due date.
  • Class participation grades: This is an important grade because it includes work ethic, discussions, excessive talking, and behavior. 
  • Research paper: By now students should have talked with you about their research paper.  The completed paper is due Dec. 5th.  They should have an orange checklist for due dates including bibliography cards, notes, rough draft, etc.  Thursdays are research days and students may use the entire class period to work on their research and/or choice board assignments.  I will give points for the different parts of the paper leading up to the completed paper.  For example, I will give 100 classwork points for bibliography/notes and 100 points for the rough draft.  Students will receive up to 300 points (test grade) for the completed paper. 
  • Study guides: At the beginning of each unit I give students a study guide. This contains information for the entire unit in one place!  Students can read over this each day for homework; especially if they need extra help with reading within content areas.—(hint: READ!)
  • I hope this note was informative. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me; I won’t be able to reply during the day but I will reply within 24 hours:

Ashcraft.Lance.A@muscogee.k12.ga.us

Andy Ashcraft/8th Grade Georgia Studies/Week of:  Oct. 30-Nov. 9, 2017

Georgia Standards of

Excellence

SS8H3 Analyze the role of Georgia in the American Revolutionary Era.

a. Explain the causes of the American Revolution as they impacted Georgia; include the French and Indian War, Proclamation of 1763, and the Stamp Act.

b. Interpret the three parts of the Declaration of Independence (preamble, grievances, and declaration) and identify the three Georgia signers of the document.

c. Analyze the significance of the Loyalists and Patriots as a part of Georgia’s role in the Revolutionary War; include the Battle of Kettle Creek and Siege of Savannah.

d. Analyze the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and explain how those

weaknesses led to the writing of a new federal Constitution.

Opening

·         Today in Georgia History:  http://www.todayingeorgiahistory.org/

 

Learning

Targets

·         Georgia Virtual Textbook

·         Timeline

·         Choice Boards

·         Research

·         Achieve 3000

·         USA Test Prep

Work Session

Choice Boards – ALL of these assignments are due Monday Nov. 6th Do these assignments in any order that you choose.  When you finish you may work on your research paper.  Wasting time and not working will result in a deduction in points.   Late assignments will receive the grade of 70.

Choice A:

Computers:

·         Computers:  Look up Georgia Studies Digital Textbook (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

·         Scroll down and click on   Unit 4 – The Pioneer Spirit (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

·         Click on “Launch”

·         Read this information all the way to page 177.

·         Briefly, answers the questions on page 177 in your note book—this will be graded with the next Smart Start!

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Choice B:

Poster:

Illustrate a poster declaring if you are for or against Independence!  Write a paragraph explaining your choice and include at least FOUR FACTS.  The paragraph needs to be neatly written on the poster.

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Choice C:

Compare the Patriots and the Loyalist

·         Fold a piece of copy paper in half.

·         Cut and glue the two pictures of a patriot and a loyalist on each side; label.

·         Find and write ten facts of each on the corresponding side of the page.

 

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Choice D:

Time Line Activity:

·         Fold the piece of construction paper in half (hot dog style.

·         Using the textbook and/or your study guide create a time line.

·         Start at the charter of 1732 and go all the way through the Revolutionary War period. 

 

Differentiation:

·         Small groups will be pulled to participate in discussions.

·         Some classes will prepare presentations; (student guided)

·         Gifted: Will complete an assignment “Analyzing the Declaration of Independence.

Closing

Whole group wrap up on choice boards.

 

Assessment

Open notes quiz on Tuesday Nov. 7th.

UNIT TEST ON TUESDAY NOV. 14.

 

Homework

Students need to reread the study guide daily; Work on their research paper (Due 12/5)

 



Course Summary:

Date Details Due