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Explore reading in social studies
Assessment Strategies
by participating in the class
by completing a written product on the main theme of a selected article or chapter in social studies
by submitting a critique on a political cartoons
Criteria
you enter into class discussions on navigating a social studies book or article, selecting a main theme and supporting details
you offer questions or comments during class about navigating a social studies book or article, selecting the main theme and supporting details
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
written paragraph includes an outline of the main theme of the article/chapter
written paragraph includes an outline of the supporting ideas of the main theme of the article/chapter
written paragraph exhibits correct and appropriate grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and word usage
you enter in class discussions on the content and the opinions expressed in political cartoons, graphs and charts
critique includes both positive and negative comments about the political cartoons
critique is clear and concise
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Explore writing in social studies
Assessment Strategies
by completing a research paper
in the classroom or as homework
Criteria
research paper on a social studies topic directly relevant to the project assigned and is approved by the instructor using a variety of sources
research paper contains an introductory paragraph
research paper contains one clearly written main point
the main point is supported with evidence from the research
direct quotes are documented correctly
sources are cited
research paper is based on at least three sources
research paper is at least 200 words, word processed
research paper includes a conclusion
research paper is free of plagerism
research paper evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
you submit a draft of the paper
final draft of the research paper is submitted on time
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Analyze geographic representation in maps, globes, atlases, and photographs
Assessment Strategies
by collecting, organizing and reporting data related to maps, globes, atlases and photographs
by participating in the class
Criteria
you enter into class discussions of maps for direction, topography, scale, legend, latitude and longitude and identify on a globe the major climate zones.
you enter into class discussions of on a globe the seven continents and four oceans, mountain ranges, major inland water ways, large lakes and seas and important countries.
you enter into class discussions of social studies to identify and compare the natural resource bases of different states and regions in the United States and elsewhere in the world, using a statistical atlas, aerial photographs, satellite images, and computer databases
you offer questions or comments during class on these topics
data is recorded completely and accurately from maps for direction, topography, scale, legend, latitude and longitude and identify on a globe the major climate zones.
data is recorded completely and accurately on the the seven continents and four oceans, mountain ranges, major inland water ways, large lakes and seas and important countries.
data is recorded completely and accurately to identify and compare the natural resource bases of different states and regions in the United States and elsewhere in the world, using a statistical atlas, aerial photographs, satellite images, and computer databases
data is relevant
data collection is accurate
data is current
data sources are identified
data results are organized and clearly communicated
data analysis includes a written description and analysis of the results
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Correlate events to geographic locations and their interconnections
Assessment Strategies
by participating in the class
by completing a short answer assessment
Criteria
you enter into class discussions how population growth and increased life expectancy impact the environment
you enter into class discussions on the movement of people, ideas, diseases, and products throughout the world
you enter into class discussions on the ways in which people in different regions of the world interact with their physical environments through vocational and recreational activities
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
assessment includes a description of the land surfaces of the selected geographic area
assessment includes a description of how population growth and increased life expectancy impact the environment
assessment includes a description on the movement of people, ideas, diseases, and products throughout the world
assessment includes a description on the ways in which people in different regions of the world interact with their physical environments through vocational and recreational activities
assessments exhibits correct and appropriate grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and word usage
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Interpret historical events in America
Assessment Strategies
by participating in the class in presenting research in social studies
by preparing a reflection paper on on major technology advances in the history of the United States
by creating fact tables based on events in American history
by completing a research paper in American History
by completing an essay centered around a selected topic on the history and present foreign relations status of the United States with Europe, Russia, the Pacific rim, India, the Middle East, Canada, Mexico, Central America and South America.
Criteria
you enter into class discussions about the importance of the American colonies to England and the issues leading up to the Revolutionary War.
you offer questions or comments during class about relating to the American colonies
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
you create a map with notes of the expansion and exploration of the United States after 1776 including the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the addition of Alaska.
you explore the major technology advances in the history of the United States.
reflection includes a description of learning goals
reflection includes a description new information acquired
you explore the cold war period
war fact table includes the major U.S. Wars after the establishment of the United States
war fact table includes the the identification of the populations involved in fighting these wars
war fact table includes the Native Americans involved in the wars
war fact table includes the dates of the wars
war fact table includes the locations of the wars
war fact table includes the reasons for the wars
war fact table includes the results of the wars
population fact table includes the major immigrations to United States.
population fact table includes groups of immigrants
population fact table includes the years of major immigrations
population fact table includes the major immigrations to United States. Include the groups, the years, the settlement areas, and the reasons for their immigration.
population fact table includes the settlement areas for immigrants
population fact table includes the reasons for their immigration
fact tables are prepared using the given format
fact tables are written in clear phrases or sentences
research paper includes on a description of the economic conditions in a selected decade in American History since 1776
research paper includes on a description of the major events in a selected decade in American History since 1776
research paper includes on a description of the political issues in a selected decade in American History since 1776
research paper includes a cover page
research paper contains an introductory paragraph
each main point is supported with evidence that is researched
direct quotes are documented correctly
research paper includes a conclusion
research paper is based on at least three sources
sources are cited properly
research paper evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
research paper is word processed
you submit a draft of the paper
second draft of paper evidences suggestions taken from peer editing process
final draft of the research paper is submitted on time
essay includes a description of the history of the United States' relationships with a selected area of the world
essay includes a description of the present foreign relations of the United States with the selected area of the world
introduction includes a clearly stated thesis
introduction introduces the main ideas
main ideas are relevant, appropriate, and accurate
each main idea is developed in a paragraph
each main idea is developed using supporting material
essay arguments are based on logical assumptions
essay arguments are to the point
essay includes an interesting and thoughtful closing statement
essay evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
essay is neat and presentable
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Use evidence from American history to determine and support a position
Assessment Strategies
by writing a position paper, based on research, showing why your side (your position) is the better choice
Criteria
write a paper position that uses historical evidence to determine and support a position about important political values, such as freedom, democracy, equality, or justice, and express the position coherently
paper includes the errors or holes in the reasoning for each of the opposing positions
paper includes the description of your position
paper includes a rationale for your position
paper is well organized and formatted
paper evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
works cited page is included
works cited page includes a minimum of least five sources
works cited page is properly formatted
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Explore historical settlements in North and South America
Assessment Strategies
by participating in the class
by completing an essay question written assessment
Criteria
you enter into class discussions about a handout on native settlements in North and South America
you offer questions or comments during class on native settlements in North and South America
assessment includes information relating to the native settlements in North and South America
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Explore an important historical leader
Assessment Strategies
by completing a research paper about an important leader in world history
Criteria
you explore how world history studies can be organized and analyzed using various criteria to group people and events
research paper includes facts about an important leader in world history
research paper topic is approved by the instructor
research paper includes an evaluation of the credibility of sources used
research paper includes a cover page
research paper contains an introductory paragraph
each main point is supported with evidence that is researched
direct quotes are documented correctly
research paper is based on at least three sources
research paper includes a conclusion
sources are cited properly
research paper evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
research paper is word processed
you submit a draft of the paper
second draft of paper evidences suggestions taken from peer editing process
final draft of the research paper is submitted on time
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Use evidence from world history to determine and support a position
Assessment Strategies
by participating in the class
by writing a position paper, based on research, showing why your side (your position) is the better choice
Criteria
you enter into class discussions on the relationships between and among significant events, such as the causes and consequences of wars in United States and world history
you offer questions or comments during class relating to the relationships between and among significant events
you listen attentively during class
position paper includes an explanation of how world history events can be interpreted differently depending on the perspective of the human source
position paper is centered around a topic on which there is a disagreement
paper includes the description of two or more opposing positions
works cited page is included, cites at least five sources, and is properly formatted
paper includes the errors or holes in the reasoning for each of the opposing positions
paper includes the description of your position
paper includes a rationale for your position
paper is well organized and formatted
paper includes a cover page
paper contains an introductory paragraph
each main point is supported with evidence that is researched
direct quotes are documented correctly
paper is based on at least three sources
paper includes a conclusion
sources are cited properly
paper evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
paper is word processed
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Identify significant ideas, values and policies in world history
Assessment Strategies
by presenting arguments related to a position in world history in a class debate
Criteria
you use historical evidence to determine and support a position about important political values, such as the usefulness of a world court, the place of religion in government, the value of the United Nations, and express the position coherently
you state your position
you present complete, relevant evidence needed to support the position
you present accurate information
you present the information in an organized manner
your rebuttal is specific to arguments made by the opposing side
you use relevant evidence in the rebuttal
you cite all references appropriately
you speak loudly and clearly enough to be heard
you show respect for the opposing side throughout the debate
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Explain basic United States economic issues and concepts
Assessment Strategies
by participating in the class
by completing a short answer assessment
Criteria
you enter into class discussions on the rise of labor unions and their relationship to corporate ownership.
you offer questions or comments during class about on the rise of labor unions and their relationship to corporate ownership.
short answer assessment includes an identification of basic economic concepts (supply, demand, production, exchange, and consumption; labor, wages, and capital; inflation and deflation; market economy and command economy; public and private goods and services)
short answer assessment includes an explanation of basic economic concepts (supply, demand, production, exchange, and consumption; labor, wages, and capital; inflation and deflation; market economy and command economy; public and private goods and services)
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Illustrate basic economic processes
Assessment Strategies
by participating in the class
by completing a short answer assessment in economics
by writing a position paper, based on research, showing why your side (your position) is the better choice
Criteria
you enter into class discussion on taxes, national debt and distribution of income
you offer questions or comments during class relating to taxes, national debt and distribution of income
you listen attentively during class
assessment includes information relating to taxes, national debt and distribution of income
position paper includes a personal stance on how investments in research and technology affect standard of living and quality of life
position paper shows evidence of logical critical thinking
position paper contains an introductory paragraph
position paper contains one clearly written main point
the main point is supported with evidence from the research
direct quotes are documented correctly
sources are cited
position paper is based on at least three sources
position paper exhibits correct and appropriate grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and word usage
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Analyze basic political issues and principles
Assessment Strategies
by participating in the class
by writing a summary of political issues identified by the instructor
Criteria
you enter into class discussions about the positions of the Democrats and the Republicans based on their platforms
you offer questions or comments during class relating to the positions of the Democrats and the Republicans based on their platforms
you listen attentively during class
summary includes a comparison of the government in the colonies to the government under the U.S. Constitution
summary includes only relevant and necessary details
summary is concise without being sketchy
summary evidences correct grammar, punctuation and spelling
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Compare the roles of professionals and "the people" in the political process
Assessment Strategies
by writing an essay on the role of professionals and "the people" in the political process
Criteria
short essay includes a description of the roles of professionals in the political process
short essay includes a description of the roles of "the people" in the political process
introduction includes a clearly stated thesis
main ideas are relevant, appropriate, and accurate
introduction introduces the main ideas
each main idea is developed in a paragraph
each main idea is developed using supporting material
essay arguments are based on logical assumptions
essay arguments are to the point
essay includes an interesting and thoughtful closing statement
essay evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
essay is neat and presentable
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Explain how specified political systems function
Assessment Strategies
by participating in the class
by preparing a reflection paper on democracy's basic principles
by completing a short answer assessment on the U. S. Constitution and how it differs from the the Articles of Confederation with at least an 80% mastery
by completing a written product on comparing two political systems from different countries
Criteria
you enter into class discussions on the the U.S. Constitution and how it differs from the the Articles of Confederation
you offer questions or comments during class relating to the U.S.
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
assessment includes information on the U. S. Constitution and the basic principles of democracy.
reflection includes a description of learning goals
reflection includes a description new information acquired
reflection shows evidence of logical critical thinking
reflection includes a cover page
reflection contains an introductory paragraph
each main point is supported with evidence that is researched
direct quotes are documented correctly
reflection includes a conclusion
reflection evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
reflection is word processed
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Explore the psychology of learning
Assessment Strategies
by participating in the class
Criteria
you enter into class discussions about the psychology of learning
you offer questions or comments during class relating to the psychology of learning
you attend class regularly
you arrive for class on time
you listen attentively during class
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Explain what factors contribute to individual identity and development
Assessment Strategies
by writing a biography about an interesting person
Criteria
biography includes the person's full name and date of birth
biography includes information about the person's childhood and his/her family
biography includes a description of his/her most notable accomplishments and how they were achieved
biography includes an explanation of how factors such as family, gender, and socioeconomic status contribute to individual identity and development
biography includes details about difficulties he/she had to overcome and how he/she overcame the difficulties
biography includes a clear rationale as to why you chose the person
biography includes your personal feelings about the person
biography includes a variety of information; all facts are correct; facts and opinions are clearly stated
biography includes a cover page
biography contains an introductory paragraph
each main point is supported with evidence that is researched
direct quotes are documented correctly
biography includes a conclusion
biography evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
biography is word processed
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Explain how individuals participate in cultural and social groups
Assessment Strategies
by completing an exemplification paper on a topic in sociology
by creating a cyberography of web sites related to sociology
Criteria
exemplification paper includes a clear explanation of a principle by which you live
exemplification paper includes sufficient examples demonstrating how the principle guides you related to bias, prejudice, stereotyping
exemplification paper shows evidence of logical critical thinking
exemplification paper includes a cover page
exemplification paper contains an introductory paragraph
each main point is supported with evidence that is researched
direct quotes are documented correctly
exemplification paper includes a conclusion
exemplification paper evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
exemplification paper is word processed
cyberography includes at least ten relevant sites about information and supporting materials for a writing task on the influence of status, ethnic origin, race, gender and age on interactions of individuals
cyberography includes web address (URL)
cyberography includes the type of site
cyberography includes the date for each site researched
cyberography includes a description for each site
cyberography includes an evaluation of each site based on content, focus and relevancy to the topic
cyberography is neat and attractive
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Explain how culture affects individuals
Assessment Strategies
by planning, creating, and evaluating a poster on art as a part of culture
by completing a short answer written assessment
Criteria
assessment includes the components of culture and how they affect individuals
assessment includes information about why cultures respond similarly or differently to their physical and social environment
your answers indicate similarities and differences in the development and components of various cultures
poster evidences the theme about a culture through their contribution in art
poster information is accurate
poster information is appropriate to theme and audience
poster elements work together--the poster isn't just a collection of information
pictures, photographs, drawings, diagrams, graphs or other visual items add interest and meaning to the poster
poster is neat and attractive
poster is creative and interesting