Yesenia Guevara-Padilla

578-5030 ext. 2370

yguevara@blaineschools.org

 

 

Social Studies

6th grade

Wood River Middle School Social Studies Grade 6 course covers the geography, history, government, citizenship, economics, and current events of the Western Hemisphere.   Students will learn and apply research, decision-making, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.

Unit Title	Themes/Skills	Activities
Geography: map skills & 5 themes	Learning about people, places and environments will lead to a deeper understanding of our world.	Mapping Labs Create Google Drawing illustrating and applying the 5 themes of geography to the chosen country.
Economies and Governments	Different governments and economic systems affect societies around the world	Participate in economic simulations. Make an illustrated mini-book including vocabulary and descriptions of different forms of governments
Canada	Our neighbors to the north can teach us that being open-minded and multicultural helps a country to thrive.	Provincial and territorial research paper Design a political map with territories, provinces, and capitals.
Early Civilizations	Organization and distribution of power can affect how societies grow and change.	Create a presentation comparing two early civilizations and orally present. Aztec flag project
Mexico	Different perspectives can cause conflict and hinder equity.	Analyze social injustices through reading "Esperanza Rising" and watching Cesar Chavez documentary. Analyze Mexico’s murals as art form and way to communicate history.
Central America and the Caribbean Islands	Learning about different cultures will help students be open-minded and appreciate differences.	Create a postcard describing the culture of a country

Textbook & Website:

 

• TCI Geography Alive! Regions and People

 

•  Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

 

• Fatty Legs by Margaret Pokiak-Fenton

 

• www.teachtci.com

 

Homework:

Anything not done during class time will be homework.  Points might be taken off for turning in late.

 

Supplies needed for class:  

• looseleaf paper, pencil, colored correcting pen, a highlighter
• a folder designated to Social Studies and labeled as such
• color pencils and/or markers
• Agenda at all times

 

If a student is absent:

• Always have parents request a “pre-excuse” from the office if you know you will be absent more than two days.
• Check Google Classroom
• Check the board and write in agenda
• Ask classmates and at the end check with me before class starts (before school, during lunch, and after school works perfectly)

Evaluation & Grading:

Classwork 25%

Projects 35%

Assessments 40%

 

Extra Credit:

Extra credit is offered each semester. Students are at an age where they need to start understanding that they are part of a community and can make a difference.  They are  to do community service for local non-profit organizations. Students must bring a signed note from the organization with a brief description of service performed, time worked, and it must be signed by the person in charge (preferably not a parent).

 

Students should strive to develop the following character traits:

  Inquirers       Knowledgeable         Thinkers        Communicators         Principled

Open-minded           Caring              Risk-takers          Balanced Reflective

****Feed your brain by reading every night!  Don’t leave it hungry!****