Social Studies 8

Social Studies 8 explores world history between 600 and 1750 CE. We will look at a variety of time periods, places, people and events to help us understand the following Big Ideas:
  • BIG IDEA 1: Contact and conflict between different groups can cause important changes.
  • BIG IDEA 2: Both the natural environment and human activities influence where people will live and their quality of life.
  • BIG IDEA 3: The exploration and the colonization of other territories had different consequences for different groups.
  • BIG IDEA 4: Changing ideas about the world create tension between people who want to adopt new ideas and those who want to hold on to tradition.

Throughout the year students will also continue to develop their abilities within the 3 Social Studies Skill Sets.

Marks

Marks in SS8 are cumulative, which means your grade will carry through from September to June, constantly being updated as new activities are completed. The grade on your report card each term is a "snapshot" of your level of understanding so far, but these grades will not be averaged to determine your final mark. Your final mark in SS8 will be based on what you have been able to achieve by June. 

To help us focus on learning and self-improvement in this course, I will not be using traditional percentages or letter grades. Instead, I will use standards-based grading to provide clear feedback to you on what you do well and where you can improve. SBG allows us to properly engage in the learning process because it encourages a growth mindset, early struggles aren't punished and improvement is rewarded. 

Students will receive a letter grade on their final report card.

Required Materials

  • Pathways textbook and other assigned readings (hard copies are provided in class and electronic copies are provided for at-home use)
  • Organized binder
  • Agenda or other system for keeping track of assignments
  • Lined paper
  • Blue or black pen for written assignments
  • Pencil & eraser for rough work, mapping, etc.