7th Grade - Government and Civics

Government and Civics

 

Instructions:

Throughout this course and school year you will study about several types of governments and how they have shaped many countries, economies and cultures.  You are going to research one of these types of government and “teach” the class about its structure and influences. 

Select a type of government to research.  The government must exist now or have existed in the 1900s.  You are going to research this government for the following information (but you are not limited to this):

·         Who is the head of the government?
·         What is the structure?
·         What is the economy?
·         Do people have rights?
·         What are the benefits to this type of government?
·         What are the drawbacks to this type of government?
·         What countries have this government?

Once you have done your research, select pictures that represent the aspects of the government.  The pictures should reflect what you have learned and researched.  Once the pictures have been chosen, you will cover the outside of your notebook with them, creating a visual image that depicts aspects of the government.  You must also do an oral presentation where you will tell about the pictures you have chosen and what they say about the government.  In order to receive full credit you must have the following:

·         You must cover seven out of seven of the items listed above
·         The government must be within the time parameters given above.
·         You must have NO LESS than ten pictures
·         You must be able to explain each picture and how it pertains to the topic
·         Make it neat and creative
·         Little effort means a lower grade
·         Your oral report must be clear; you should know the material.  Points will be taken off it seems   
       you are unprepared or not knowledgeable.

Points will be awarded on the following:

·         Creativity
·         Originality
·         Pictures
·         Relevancy of Pictures
·         Oral Presentation (were you knowledgeable, prepared, etc.)
·         Speaking in a clear, loud voice during oral presentation

This counts as a “Project” grade.  It is worth 125 points. 

This is due Monday, September 1, 2014. 

Submit your selection of government by Friday, August 22, 2014

No excuses or late assignments will be taken.

 

 

8th Grade - Civilizations and Societies Project and Oral Presentation

Civilizations and Societies

 

Instructions:

Throughout this course and school year you will study about several civilizations and societies that have shaped many cultures that exist today.  You are going to research one of these civilizations and “teach” the class about its culture. 

 

Select a civilization or society to research.  The civilization can be from prehistoric times up until the Renaissance.  You are going to research this civilization or society for the following themes:

• Culture
  • Traditions
  • Arts
  • Literature
  • Dress
  • Food
  • Customs
• Religion
• Government
• Military
• Family Structures

 Once you have researched the civilization, select pictures that represent these aspects of the culture.  The picture should reflect what you have learned and researched.  Once the pictures have been chosen, you will cover the outside of your notebook with them, creating a visual image that depicts aspects of the civilization.  You must also do an oral presentation where you will tell about the pictures you have chosen and what they say about the civilization.  In order to receive full credit you must have the following:

• You must cover eight out of ten of the items listed above
• The civilization must be within the time parameters given above.
• You must have NO LESS than ten pictures
• You must be able to explain each picture and how it pertains to the topic
• Make it neat and creative
• Little effort means a lower grade
• Your oral report must be clear; you should know the material.  Points will be taken off it seems you are unprepared or not knowledgeable.

Points will be awarded for the following:

• Creativity
• Originiality
• Pictures
• Relevancy of Pictures
• Oral Presentation (were you knowledgeable, prepared, etc.)
• Speaking in a clear, loud voice during oral presentation

 This counts as a “Project” grade.  It is worth 125 points. 

This is due Thursday, August 28, 2014. 

No excuses or late assignments will be taken.

Russia vs. Ukraine vs. the World

In order to complete your essay, you may want to review the videos we watched in class.

Citizen Handbook

We have been discussing the rights and responsibilities people have as a citizen of this country.  You are going to create your own citizen handbook.  Imagine you are leaving directions to people in the future about what it means to be a good citizen of the U.S.  What would you tell them? 

Write in PARAGRAPH form your directions for the national, state, city, school, and home levels.  Each section should have at least 5 GOOD and complex sentences.  Remember you are giving advice! 

1.    Write in complete sentences.

2.    Make sure to use rights and responsibilities from your pyramid.

3.   On the cover you can draw or insert a picture that represents citizenship (ex: eagle, flag, White House, or even yourself)

4.  On each blank page in your book you must insert at least three pictures for each section (nation, state, city, etc.).  The pictures must reflect what you have written about citizenship.

This will count as a project grade.  Due Monday, December 9, 2013.

 

 

Ancient China: Life of a Terra Cotta Warrior

8th Grade Extra Credit: 

 Terra Cotta Soldier Diary

  

Ancient China: The life of a Terra Cotta Soldier

We have begun learning about Ancient China and its amazing history.  Part of that history is the discovery of the Terra Cotta soldiers.  For this assignment you are to assume the identity of a soldier and tell the about life in Ancient China.

You must give your terra cotta warrior a voice.  Use the diary entry to tell about your soldier's life.  Use the information you have learned to create a story about life in Ancient China from the viewpoint of the terra cotta warrior.  Remember to use factual information and the rest is up to your imagination.

 

1.  Give your warrior a name.

 

2.  Use at least three factual events, people, or places.

 

3.  The story must be relevant and have a historical viewpoint.

 

This due Monday, March 9, 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Geography: The Epic of Gilgamesh

You have received a copy of the several stories from the Epic of Gilgamesh, an epic story from Mesopotamia.  Read the stories and complete the following:

Answer each critical thinking question in COMPLETE SENTENCES and in full detail. The answers to these questions are due Wednesday, November 13-, 2013. They MUST be typed. You must use size 12, Times New Roman Font, and double-space. Type each question out and answer the questions using information from the text as well as your notes. This will count as a Test/Project grade.   WRITE THIS IN ESSAY FORM.  You should have total of at least five paragraphs.

Questions:

1. What do these stories tell you about the role the gods played in the lives of humans?

2. Gilgamesh was a cruel ruler in the beginning. What do his stories say about the ability of humans to change?

3. What are noble qualities in Gilgamesh that the Mesopotamians found admirable? Give at least two and give at least one detail from the story to support each quality. Tell why the detail you chose supports the quality you chose.

4. Do these stories paint the gods in a favorable light? Explain your answer and use at least three details from the stories to support your answer.

5.What aspects of culture can you find in these stories? Do these stories reflect the beliefs, values, religion, etc., of the ancient Mesopotamians? Give at least three reasons to support your answer and be specific.

Civics: Should Teens Be Tried As Adults?

In the article we read in class, the author has a definite opinion about teens being tried as adults.  You are to write an argumentative essay stating what you believe.  You can use arguments the author uses and state your own.  Make sure to include the following:

• Clearly state your opinion on the topic question.  DO NOT start your essay with "Yes, I do" or "No, I don't".  Be specific.
• State at least four reasons to support your opinion.  You can only use two reasons from the article.
• Give at least two REBUTTAL reasons and state why you believe these are wrong.
• Make sure to end your essay with a conclusion sentence.

This is due Wednesday, November 13, 2013.  It MUST be typed, size 12, Times New Roman, double-spaced.  This is worth a TEST grade.