8th History

History

QUIZZES/TESTS & PROJECTS:

There will be a series of quizzes, a test, or major project for each unit of study and perhaps a semester final.  This year we will be studying Geography of the Americas, Colonial Life, American Revolution, Constitution, Manifest Destiny, Civil War, and Reconstruction & Industrialization. Please pay attention to the planner for updates on projects, quizzes, and test dates.

Quizzes/Tests can, and often do, follow readings and lectures.  I try to impress upon students that paying attention the first time (whether in reading or listening) is essential to long-term success.  Being purposeful, rather than just getting the task done as soon as possible, lends itself to better understanding or, at the very least, asking good questions that can help lead to better understanding.  Quizzes are normally short and sweet—ten or less simple questions.

There are two versions of each test available for students.  One test will have vocabulary, multiple choice, a map, and identification questions.  The other version will have vocabulary, a map, and short answer questions.  Those students who desire a challenge (or who I deem need a challenge) will take the test with the short answer questions.  I am not an easy evaluator so the short answer test will be difficult.

ASSIGNMENTS:

We will be doing a lot of map work, some note taking, answer reflective questions, and a host of other various tasks.  The shape, form, and due date of the assignments is wide-ranging, so please pay close attention to the planner sheet.

Additionally, the quantity, breadth, and depth of assignments vary from unit to unit.  Student diligence in the completion of the assignments in a timely manner will help their grade immensely.

Geography of the Americas
"The Native Americans" (chapter 1: pages 1-15)

North America Physical: landforms & bodies of water assignment [PDF]
*assignment due 9/9 at the beginning of class
South America Physical: landforms & bodies of water assignment [PDF]
*assignment due 9/12 at the beginning of class

Americas: Physical map to use for North & South America assignment [PDF]
Americas blank map for reference [PDF]
USA: Physical map for reference [PDF]

Americas Political: North, South, Central (reference), and United States assignment [PDF]
*due 9/17 at the beginning of class
North and South America political maps for the "Americas Political assignment [PDF]

World Latitude and Longitude map assignment [PDF]
*due 9/27 at the beginning of class
Latitude and Longitude introduction maps [PDF]

Latitude and Longitude video tutorial [opens in a separate browser window]

Exploration of the Americas
Explorers Project instructions
Historical Fiction guidelines
Historical Fiction rubric

Historical Fiction Persona character biography sheet
Outline Basics
How to Create a Bibliography

websites for creating a bibliography:

EasyBib (http://www.easybib.com/)
Citation Machine (http://www.citationmachine.net/)
Cite this for Me (https://www.citethisforme.com/)

"European Exploration and Settlement" (chapter 2: pages 16-33)

"Columbus and the Indians" (Zinn chapter 1: pages 1-17)
Zinn chapter 1 guided notes assignment for "Columbus and the Indians" (Zinn chapter 1: pages 1-17)

"Exploration of America" research packet [PDF]

Colonial Life
"The English Colonies in America" (chapter 3: pages 34-47)
English Colonies assignment

"Life in the Colonies" (chapter 4: pages 48-61)

"Black and White" (Zinn chapter 2: pages 18-33)
Zinner chapter 2 guided notes assignment for "Black and White" (Zinn chapter 2: pages 18-33)

"Who Were the Colonists?" (Zinn chapter 3: pages 34-51)
Zinner chapter 2 guided notes assignment for "Who Were the Colonists?" (Zinn chapter 3: pages 34-51)

"The 13 British Colonies" map (labeled)
"The 13 British Colonies" map (not labeled)
13 Colonies terms to identify on map

Links to online map quizzes of colonies:

American Revolution
"Toward Independence" (chapter 5: pages 62-77)
"Declaration of Independence" (chapter 6: pages 78-85)
"American Revolution" (chapter 7: pages 86-101)

"Tyranny is Tyranny" (Zinn chapter 4: 52-66)

"Colonial America: 1776" map (not labeled)
"Colonial North America" map (not labeled)
"US 1775" image (JPEG file)

Constitution
"Creating the Constitution" (chapter 8: pages 102-117)
"Constitution: A More Perfect Union" (chapter 9: pages 118-131)
"The Bill of Rights" (chapter 10: pages 132-143)

Early America
"Political Developments in the Early Republic" (chapter 11: pages 144-159)
"Foreign Affairs in the Young Nation" (chapter 12: pages 160-173)
"A Growing Sense of Nationhood" (chapter 13: pages 174-183)

Manifest Destiny

Storyline
The following were used to help students create their character biography:

This is the sheet for the finalized character biography: