Mrs. Helmer's Home Page
course outline
by Kelly Helmer
August 18, 2008
Andover Middle School
8th Grade Social Studies
Mrs. Kelly Helmer
American History * Geography * Economics * Current Events * Sociology
Time Period Studied: The focus of study will be the American Revolution to the Western Frontier in the 1890�s.
Enterprise in Action: Students will learn fundamental economic ideas and discover how businesses operate in the U.S. and in international markets. They also explore career interest and opportunities. For one class period a week, for eight weeks, business consultants serve as role models, they lead discussions and engaging activities, and they enrich the program with their own experiences and business knowledge. Junior Achievement, a not-for-profit organization, financed by businesses, foundations, and individuals sponsors this program. The purpose of J.A. is to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, business, and economics to improve the quality of their lives.
Veteran's Unit: In this unit students will have the opportunity to interview a veteran from any American war. They will create questions for the interview and prepare a presentation. This project will fulfill the district's requirement for the Kansas State Performance Assessment.
Historical Readings: Five A.R. points will be required each semester. The book must be historical fiction or historical nonfiction. We will be reading the novel My Brother Sam is Dead and Walks in the Sun aloud in class during 1st and 4th quarters. If you would like to read a book that does not have an A.R. test available see me about written or oral book reports.
Presidential Unit: Students will research the life and times of the Presidents. It will be used as both a review and a preview of things to come in their study of American History.
Research Project:Students will have the opportunity to research events and people surrounding World War II. This will be a collaborative project in both social studies and English classes. Students will receive a grade in both classes for the one project. This research project will be assigned 4th quarter.
Grading Policy: All grading will be done on a total points basis using the traditional scale.
Late Work: One of the most important goals of education is to teach responsibility. I will happily grade any assignment for full credit when it is turned in on the due date. Late work is not acceptable. If it is a major assignment and arrangements are made in advance then a 10% deduction per day could apply.
Textbook: The American Journey, 2005 The text book is online at
www.taj.glencoe.com. username: taj 2005 password: xadrav7b