Social Studies Syllabus
Mrs. Keller
The sixth grade social studies curriculum introduces students to cultures of the Western World.
My Social Studies class will incorporate expository textbooks, discussions, guest speakers, arts & crafts, and many other activities to teach the concepts presented. I will also introduce many cooperative learning activities and give the students several opportunities to speak both in small groups and individually in front of the entire class. While teaching your child social studies, I will encourage and model good study habits and organizational techniques. I believe that my job is to equip students to be responsible citizens who make informed decisions and take an active role in society. We will begin each unit with focus questions to drive our investigation into the area of study and give us a reason to learn about these topics.
I expect all students to be prepared for class with their social studies textbook, pencil, journal, folder, planner and any assigned work that is due. I expect all projects and homework to be done on time. Late work will be accepted the following day only for ½ credit. After one day, the late work becomes a zero and con no longer be turned in for credit.
Grades are based on:
40% Tests
20% Quizzes
25% Projects
15% Homework
Units of Study
Unit 1: Foundations of Social Studies
How does a geographer organize and analyze information?
How does an economist organize and analyze information?
How does a political scientist organize and analyze information?
Unit 2: Fundamental Themes of Geography
How has geography influenced the way people live in the Western Hemisphere?
What are some different ways the Western Hemisphere can be divided into regions?
How have humans use, adapted to, and modified different environments in North America?
Unit 3: North America: People, Places and Issues
In what ways are the countries and cultures of North America alike and different?
How do modifications to the environments of North America affect economic and social systems?
What global patterns exist between the past and the present in North America?
How does economic activity lead to the exchange of cultural and political ideas in North America?
Unit 4: South America: People, Places, and Issues
In what ways are the countries and cultures of South America alike and different?
What global patterns exist between the past and the present in South America?
How does migration contribute to conflict and cooperation in North and South America?
How does economic activity lead to the exchange of cultural and political ideas in South America?
Unit 5: Geography of Europe and Russia
What are the significant physical and human characteristics of Europe?
How have humans used, adapted to, and modified different environments in Europe?
What are some of the historical, cultural, political and economic connections between Europe and the Western Hemisphere?
Unit 6: Europe & Russia: People, Places, and Issues
What are some important connections between the past and the present in Europe and Russia?
What is the role of government in fostering economic prosperity?
Why do some people and places suffer at the hands of those in power?
Unit 7: Australia and Oceania
How has the geography of Australia and Oceana affected the way people live in this region?
How are the countries of this region connected to each other and the world?
How does human interaction with the environment impact this and other regions of the world?
