Class Syllabus for 5th/6th Grade Highly Capable

Meadow Brook - 2006-2007 - Mr. Knauft

Description:

              This course will emphasize social studies, in particular the 6th grade will look at geography and the 5th grade will study U.S. History.    6th grade will look at the specifics of settlements of peoples and cultures from around the globe.   5th grade will look at the period of time in the Americas from early settlement to the Civil War.   Both classes will have experiences with economics, geography and map skills, governments, and current events.   Extension studies will also include but are not limited to:   Electiricity, producing a play, Salmon in the Classroom, A Case of Red Herrings (Critical Thinking), SOMA cubes, AMC 8 (National Math Test), and several state math tests.

Learning Objectives:

              1.  6th - Develop an understanding of the five themes of geography.

                   5th - Develop an understanding of the flow of history in the Americas.  

              2.  Develop and demonstrate the ability to interpret maps and globes, with

                            emphasis on understanding relationships between geography and the

                            development of society.

              3.  Develop a foundational understanding of Economics and its impact on

                            daily living.

              4.  Create a foundation of government and different types of government.  

                   Develop civic mindedness and the understanding of what it means

                            to be a citizen.

              5.  Development of public speaking skills through oral presentations,

                            drama, and small group activities.

              6.  Development of listening skills through dictation, spontaneous

                            problems, and listening games.

              7.  Develop critical thinking through discovery, daily thought provokers,

                            and providing reasoned answers to today's issues.

Student Responsibilities:

              1.   Attend regularly.

              2.   Participate actively in small groups and in class discussions.

              3.   Bring materials to class.

              4.   Observe classroom behavior guidelines.

Grading:

              1.   Graded assignments will carry different weights according to complexity.

              2.   Number and letter grades follow the all-school policy.

              3.   Approximate topic weights:

                            Projects              25%  (personal and class)

                            Journal                15%  (daily critical thinking, writing prompts)

                            Assignments        25%  (daily work)

                            Quizzes/Tests      25%

                            Participation        10%