Quick Message!

I know some of my students are waiting to receive their map tests back. I will get their maps back this week. I apologize for any delay!
Thank you for your patience,

Ms. Van Borkulo

7th and 8th Grade Books!

This is a general message to all students and parents. Several of my students have checked out books, and where this is something I allow and encourage, I am now in a place where I have up to 15 books out that have not been returned or are missing. Please, check your homes, bags, and other classrooms, and get the Social Studies books back to their home.

Thank you,

Ms. Van Borkulo

7th and 8th Grade Homework!

7th Grade: The 7th grade students have a few things due tomorrow that they have been working on for the past two weeks:

1. Answer the following Question: How did Imperialism give countries access to power, money resources, and land? (Just an aside, I went over this question in class last week so the students would be able to answer the question with some conviction!
2. Answer the following Question: How did the following four key concepts lead to the outbreak of a World War: Imperialism, Nationalism, Militarism, and Alliances? (The students need to define each word and then do their best to answer the question using critical thinking skills.)
3. Chapter 5 needs to be completed in full! Lessons and the chapter 5 review!
4. Finally, in class the students are starting chapter 6.

8th Grade: The 8th Grade students are finishing their Government Unit. I had hoped to have this done by last week however, things took a little longer in class then expected. The students will have a government test this week on Thursday! I will post the material necessary to study later this week.

7th and 8th Grade Update!

7th Grade: 7th Grade students are starting their unit on Imperialism. This Unit will cover what Imperialism is and how it affected the world. The students will develop an understanding of what countries were heavily impacted by imperialism and why the developed countries of the world practiced taking over land in third world countries. Included in their studies will be several map tests of the continents involved in this process. The students have already begun their study of Africa. Furthermore, by the end of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate their mastery of the reasons for Imperialism, such as access to resources, land, money, and of course an increase in power. We will follow this unit with a transition into World War I. I look forward to the discussions and work produced by my students.

8th Grade: 8th Grade students are continuing their Government Unit, which will end with a final Government test on January 21st. The next step will be a short review on the rise of totalitarianism in Europe following World War I. From here we will begin our Unit on World War II. The students will analyze the major causes of World War II, trace the series of invasions and conquests in the European and Pacific Theaters in WWII, describe the events leading to the Allied victory, as well as take an in depth look at how racism and intolerance contributed to the Holocaust. In addition to their studies they will also be required to take map tests of the major areas of the world impacted by this horrific War. Finally, the students will be required to do a project on WWII, however this will take place towards the end of third quarter and finish at the beginning of fourth quarter. I am excited to introduce them to this period of our history and review the work they produce covering this topic.

Welcome Back and Happy New Year!

Hello parents, students, and co-workers
I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday and Happy New Year to all!