Hello parents, students and co-workers. Here is a quick update on the current
happenings in Ms. Van's social Studies class!
First: The 7th and 8th graders both have a test tomorrow, March 30, 2010, in my class. The 7th graders exam will focus on chapter 4 and the topics we discussed in class regarding the Industrial Revolution and its effects on city life, the movement of immigrants into the country, the rise in discrimination with laws to enforce the prejudice, and how factory life impacted the lives of families including child labor. The 8th graders will be tested on their government unit. This unit focused on the Constitution, what it is comprised of, and from its creation how our government functions. Students will be asked about federalism, direct v. representative democracy, the three branches of government and their functions, as well as items within each of these topics. I am looking forward to receiving these tests as there have been a few issues with inside class work and homework. The tests should demonstrate the students mastery of their topics in ways I have not seen in this quarters class work.
Second: Both classes have received homework assignments over the past week and a half. The 7th graders were required to write a few paragraphs on how the Industrial Era affected the growth of cities both positively and Negatively. Also, they were asked to write a paper discussing their life when they were 7 & 8 years old and then compare and contrast their experiences to the experiences of the students they read about in chapter 4 and child labor. Furthermore, they had to complete all four lessons in chapter 4 and the chapter review. All of these assignments were due last week. I am sad to report not all the students met the requirements. As for the 8th graders they also have had work due to turn in as of last week. One assignment asked them to compare a Direct Democracy to a Representative Democracy. then tell what type of democracy the United States has, and finish by explaining how things would change if the country were to switch to the other type of Democracy. In addition, The students had several pages to finish in their government books which they had an entire week to finish. I am sad to report, that only a very few accomplished the assignments.
Third: On Wednesday I will be passing out their 4th quarter projects. 7th graders will focus on the World War I time period, 1914 - 1918. 8th graders will focus on the World War II time period, 1939 - 1945. I will post more about this project once we get started.
Finally: I have offered my time to my students on several different occasions. They are welcome to talk to me after school or before school, and I even am willing to set up appointments with them. Not many have taken me up on my offer, however, it is an open invitation.
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