Second Trimester Major Assignments in the Social Sciences
 

United States Constitution Test:  This is the test everyone dreads and nearly everyone comes through it just fine.  To clarify what has been a traditional question . . . the answer is no, this test will not determine whether you graduate from eighth grade.  Technically, no one graduates from eighth grade in this school district because we are a unit district.  As a unit we only graduate students once, after completing high school.  There is a constitution test in high school that must be passed prior to graduation.  You can worry about that later, however.
    This test in eighth grade covers the ideas contained within the Constitution of the U.S.  The students will have studied the Constitution not as a collection of articles and amendments, but from the standpoint of problem solving.  What beliefs did the Framers have about government and people, and how did these beliefs shape the decisions they made?   Further, we will be examining particular stumbling blocks in the creation of this government, and attempt to find our own solutions to these puzzles.  A critical activity that helps frame the issues of the unit is the simulation game "Star Power."  The dates of this experience will be published well in advance and students are urged to be present for the simulation.  Additionally, the students will be exposed to people such as John Locke, Montesquieu, and Cincinnatus, concepts like natural rights, civic virtue, and common welfare, and students will explore landmark Supreme Court cases dealing with the rights students enjoy (or don't) in school.

The U.S. Constitution Test is worth 100 points.  It MUST be retaken if the student does not achieve a passing grade on the test.  It is entirely objective in structure, namely multiple-choice questions.

U.S. Continental Expansion Maps and Test:  The unit of study after the Constitution details the growth and expansion of the United States during the first half of the 19th century.  To illustrate the belief and vision of Manifest Destiny, the students will complete three maps, outlining the acquisition of land in phases.  The first phase takes students up through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the second phase details the growth shortly after the War of 1812 and up to 1821.  The final phase takes up through the War for Texas' Independence and the Mexican War, not to mention the California Gold Rush, and up to 1853.  While all of the expansionist aims of the U.S. are not completed by this point, the elements that account for the 48 contiguous states have been acquired, and basic Manifest Destiny, claiming the land from the Atlantic to the Pacific, has been achieved.  Granted, native American Indians will still have some issues with the U.S. government after the Civil War, but those will be broached at a later date.
    These maps require a basic colored pencil set (8 piece minimum) for proper completion.  Maps will not be done concurrently, but one per week for a three week unit study period.

Map phase #1 is worth 55 points, phase #2 is worth 70 points, and phase #3 is worth 85 points.  Criteria for the points include correct labeling, identification, color shading, and neatness.  Individual maps also detail specific tasks such as trails, roads, cities, and historical sites, which will also be evaluated.

At the conclusion of the unit there will also be a test of U.S. Continental Expansion.  The test will be worth 100 points and will be objective.

"Roots" and Test:  During the same period as the study of Continental Expansion, the nation began to reflect more seriously on the matter of slavery.  While it had for quite some time been a issue for some people, the nation as a whole had not made any attempt at abolishing this ugly institution.  To assist the students in understanding the attitudes and world views of all of the significant players in this story, they will watch a major portion of the miniseries, "Roots."  While this series is now over 30 years old, it continues to poignantly communicate to each generation.  We will watch together almost 5 hours of this 9-hour series.

At the conclusion of the viewing, the students will take an "interactive" test over the movie.  It is worth 90 points and is entirely short answer questions.

Civil War Projects and Test:  The Slavery Unit takes us directly to the Civil War and during this unit the students will again create a project to demonstrate their learning.  This time the students have 5 assignments to choose from, allowing for a range of interests and skills.  The options are listed below:

1.  Memorize and present Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.  Perhaps one of the finest and most eloquent short addresses in history, the Gettysburg Address may be presented in class by any student who wishes to make the preparations.

2.  Create two newspaper front pages, one from the North and one from the South, during the Civil War.  Both front pages will be published on the same day, concerning the same main event, but from vastly different points of view.  Also to be included on these front pages are editorials and pictures to round out the work.  Research is expected to support your writing.  Grammar and mechanics will be part of the evaluation.

3.  Build models of the famous ironclads, the Monitor and the Merrimack (Virginia).  Using appropriate materials and research, design models of the ironclads as they might have appeared in battle in 1862.  To be included with the models are short descriptions of the two ships, a retelling of the battle between them, and how each ship met its end.

4.  Research and report on POW camps during the Civil War.  this report should be approximately 1500 words, typed, double-spaced, and should provide insight into life in both Northern and Southern camps.  Include sanitary conditions, food, medical treatment, shelter provided, treatment of POWs, and populations of the camps.

5.  Research and report on at least four Civil War women. Women chosen should represent both the North and the South, and you should attempt to find women with a variety of activities.  In other words, four nurses would not be satisfactory.  Women performed as spies, nurses, soldiers, doctors, conspirators, and any other wartime role you might imagine.  This report may be presented orally (5 minutes), visually (should stand in its own merits), or in written form (1500 words, typed, double-spaced).

Each of these projects has separate and disparate requirements but all are worth 100 points.

Students will take a 100 point test over the Civil War Unit at the conclusion of the study.  It is an objective test with a mixture of matching, true/false, and multiple choice questions included.