<p> 7th Grade Civics Curriculum</p><p>This course is divided into three sections. The first section will focus on geography, examining both cultural and physical factors. The second section will explore the foundation of our government and the many skills and activities we must experience in order to become a productive and active citizen. Our third and final focus will consist of comparing our government and lifestyles with other countries in our WORLD. </p><p>We will examine several themes, including the history of our government, its structure, and the various responsibilities required of a citizen living in a successful democracy. A strong emphasis will be placed on critical thinking skills and problem solving techniques. The students will be introduced to and offered numerous opportunities to develop inquiry and research skills as well as experience cooperative learning. </p><p>Texts: </p><p>Primary and Secondary sources in Google Drive</p><p>Civics: Participating in Government. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2003.</p><p>“Physical/Political Maps.” Nystrom Desk Atlas. 2012. </p><p>We the People. Calabasas, CA: Center for Civic Education, 2012.</p><p>Content Goals:</p><p>Examine the basic principles of both physical and cultural world geography.</p><p>Enhance global literacy through games, maps, current events and participation in school wide geography bee.</p><p>Explore the creation, development and application of the US Constitution. </p><p>Investigate the similarities and differences between the government of the United States of America and the governments of the World. Skill Goals:</p><p>Develop the ability to make inferences and ask questions</p><p>Heighten cooperative skills by frequent group work on projects as well as class work</p><p>Develop the ability to write essays / create thesis statements and use proper five- paragraph format</p><p>Demonstrate knowledge of proper study skills and techniques for reading chapters in history text, primary sources, related articles, note taking and outlining</p><p>Employ research techniques including the use of primary sources and successful completion of a work cited page</p><p>Develop the ability to deliver oral presentations, debate, to employ technology, and become geographically literate</p><p>Develop an appreciation for the six facets of understanding, most importantly that of self knowledge-How do I learn best? Grading:</p><p>My grading policy for Marking Periods is as follows:  The average for the marking period is the average of all the tests, projects, quizzes, and in class work given that marking period.  The average is broken into Formative and Summative assessments as per the GCMS grading policy  There is no separate homework grade</p><p>Summative Assessments: Unit tests and Projects, Multi-unit Exams Formative Assessments: Current Events/Content Quizzes, Chrome Book/Notebook, Class Discussion and Research</p><p>The overall grade for the year is an average of the four marking periods.</p><p>Contact information Email [email protected] email is preferred for quick response Phone 973 228 9115 ext 2114</p><p>Homework/project website http://www.cwcboe.org/200020514115330163/site/default.asp This is my section of the CWCBOE website. You can also access it by going to the staff bar and selecting my name.</p>