Author: bdavidson

7th Grade Social Studies

Contact Info:
Ben Davidson

Washington State and the Pacific Rim

Email:
BDavidson@be.wednet.edu
Phone:
757-3375 ext. 117

First Quarter: Washington Geography and Statehood

7th Grade Social Studies will begin with a review of Washington’s Geography. We’ll look at the five distinct regions of Washington and explore what makes each so unique. We’ll spend a significant amount of time creating a comprehensive map of the state and it’s regions. We’ll then move on to talk about early exploration and settlement of the region leading up to it’s admittance as the 42nd state in the Union in 1889.

Grading Scale
93-100 A
90-92 A-
88-89 B+
83-87 B
80-82 B-
78-79 C+
73-77 C
70-72 C-
68-69 D+
63-67 D
60-62 D-
59 and Below F

Second Quarter: Native Americans and 20th Century/
Contemporary Washington

During second quarter we will continue our journey through Washington’s history into the 20th and 21st Centuries. We’ll look at Washington during the wars, the Seattle world’s fair and the burgeoning population and industry in the region. We’ll also look at the role that the natural environment had on growth as well as the impact that growth has had on the environment. We will also examine the Native American experience in Washington with regard to treaties, lifestyle changes and the current issue of whaling.

Third Quarter: Civics, Economics and the Pacific Rim

We’ll talk about the composition and roles of our local, state and federal government as well as the citizens role in it. We’ll also look at economics, the stock market and the theory of supply and demand. We will discuss our states roll in the Pacific Rim Economy culminating with a major research project.

Fourth Quarter: China and the Far East

To finish out the year, we will take a close look at the history of China and the far east. We’ll look at how their histories have had a major impact on today’s society.
Major inventions and personalities will be discussed.

Social Studies Materials and Resources

We us a variety of resources for 7th Grade Social Studies. We have a set of classroom textbooks for student use, but students will not be required to carry a textbook with them in their backpack. Students may check out a book from the room for overnight use. There are a limited number of class texts available for checkout from the school library for extended home use. We will also use the internet extensively for research. While the computers in the lab are a great benefit, their use brings with it great responsibility and the district computer policy will be strictly enforced.

Homework Policy

Now that you are 7th Graders, you have a new system to learn. We recognize that you desire to be independent and strongly encourage you to take the responsibility that goes along with that independence. Please remember that you are responsible for you! That means that you need to know when assignments, projects, quizzes , and/ or tests are due. Use your planner diligently to help you! I understand that life will occasionally throw you a “curve ball”, so I encourage you to let me know if this is the case, and we will often be able to work around that. All of your 7/8th grade teachers take their jobs very seriously, and one of the most important parts of our job is to prepare you for success in high school. Turning work in on time is one of the most basic expectations of high school students. Meeting deadlines is also an extremely valuable skill that will be utilized for the rest of your lives.
For Social Studies, work is expected to be turned in on time! With that being said, I want you to complete the work for it’s inherent educational value. In order to encourage you to do this, you may earn 50% credit for one week following the due date.
All assignments are graded on a point system. It is absolutely critical that every assignment is turned in, whether for full or partial credit! Please make sure that you keep the lines of communication open! If you are experiencing problems or frustration, please let me know BEFORE an assignment is due!
Feel free to contact me anytime you have a question or concern! That goes for Mom and Dad too!

Student Signature: _____________________________ Date:_________________
Parent Signature: ______________________________ Date: ________________