United States History - Mrs. Brennan


Welcome to Mrs. Brennan’s eighth grade U.S. History class.  This year’s curriculum will consist of a chronological study of American history from its beginning through Reconstruction. Throughout the year, students should develop an enhanced, multi-faceted understanding of how the country in which we live came to be.


Everyday Must Have Materials
3 to 5 subject notebook (designated for history class only)
pencils and pen
glue stick

Eighth Grade U.S. History Essential Questions and Curricular Content 2008-2009

Quarter 1: The Road to Independence
Essential Question: What factors influenced the original thirteen colonies to sever ties with the British Empire?

Content
13 colonies: Geographical, economical, cultural and political characteristics.
French and Indian War- Outcome and relevance
British economic and political policies- Colonial resistance and action
Declaration of Independence- rationale for revolution and statement of American principles of government.

Quarter 2: Forging a New Nation
Essential Question: Was the American Revolution truly revolutionary?

Content:
Revolutionary War- Contributions, rationale and resolution
Framework for new government: Articles of Confederation, Constitution, Bill of Rights
Emergence of new government policies and structure: Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson  

Quarter 3: Growth of a Nation
Essential Questions:  What factors led to the evolution of American democracy?
How did the United States establish its national identity in the first half of the 19th century?

Content:   
Era of Jeffersonian policies
War of 1812 – cause and effect
Industrial and transportation revolution- social, political and economic factors.
Era of Jacksonian policies
Sectionalism and Nationalism
Westward Expansion and Manifest Destiny

Quarter 4: A Union in Disunion
Essential Question: Did the Civil War and Reconstruction accomplish the goals established by the Lincoln Administration?

Content:
Slavery and abolition
Events and people leading to the Civil War
Civil War – Cause and effects
Reconstruction- rebuilding and reuniting the nation under specific conditions.

Homework 2008-2009

Color Code
        All Classes: Blue
        REG: Red
        GT: Green

Date Assigned

Date Due
Assignment
8/25/08
8/27/08
All Classes:
1. Bring in U.S. History Notebook (Spiral bound - 180+ pages).  

2. Get parent signature on Classroom Requirements  and Expectations.


8/25/08
8/29/08
All Classes:

1.  Personalized folder with Color Me Wonderful Activity glued inside.
9/2/08
9/5/08
All Classes: Historiography Quiz

Pd. 1,6,8,9-  Worksheet "Life in the Colonies"

Pd. 2- Historical Quotes Project
9/15/08
9/17/08
All Classes: 13 Colonies Map Quiz Wednesday.
9/18/08
9/23/08
Pd. 1,6,8,9- Quarter 1 Vocabulary Sheet - All of Page 1 and Triangular Trade on Page 2.  Complete all parts.  

Pd. 2- What Happened at Roanoke? Theory Assignment
9/26/08
Pd. 1,6,8,9- Test- Colonial America - Use blue study guide and notebook to prepare.  

Pd. 2- Test - Exploration to Colonization- Use verabl study guide and notes to prepare.
10/10/08
Updates
Pd. 1,6,8,9- Organize History Notebook -- Reminder that your quarterly notebook will be evaluated at the end of the quarter.  Selected assignments will be graded based on completion and accuracy.    

Pd. 2- Johnny Tremain: Part 1- due October 20.  Follow guidelines.  

Reminder that your quarterly notebook will be evaluated at the end of the quarter.  Selected assignments will be graded based on completion and accuracy.

Johnny Tremain- Part 2 and assessment on Nov. 10.
10/20/08
10/21/08
All Classes: If you did not complete the Lexington and Concord activity in class, you need to finish it for homework.  

Pd. 2- Johnny Tremain: Part 2- due November 10.  Follow guidelines.  Johnny Tremain Assessment Nov. 10.
10/28/08
Notebook collection was Monday! Ask your child how they did.

Wednesday: Quareterly assessment.  Study guide and vocabulary sheet was given out in August ... preparetion has been ongoing.  In class review on Tuesday.


SECOND QUARTER


Date Assigned

Date Due
Assignment
All Classes:: TEST ON MONDAY.  REVOLUTIONARY WAR

STUDY GUIDE HANDED OUT ON MONDAY 11/10.  
11/20/08
11/24/08
AOC- worksheet -- due 11/24.  
12/01/08
12/04/08
All Classes:: TEST ON Thursday.  Articles of Confederation/Constitutional Convention

Study Guide for test on Thursday

Articles of Confederation – all 8 features
Strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Land Ordinances
Shay’s Rebellion
Constitutional Convention
Vocabulary discussed in class
12/05/08
All Classes:: Test scores were announced today. Parents: Ask your child how they did.

GT: Get tests signed

HEADS UP: Constitution Test on 12/18.  Study guide to come!
01/06/09
QUIZ Friday
Bill of Rights Quiz Friday -- Open notes (Pd. 1,6,8,9--song lyrics and BOR note sheet).  You may also download the BOR song and listen to it on your ipod if you would like.This is simply an option and not essential for success on the quiz, as you will have the amendments in front of you.

GT(pd. 1): You will be allowed to use the ipod (song) and the notes I give you the day of the test. NOTE: As mentioned in class, I will give you the amendment number and briefing, but you will need to fully understand the amendment and how to apply it to given scenarios.  STUDY!  (10 minutes at least each night).

LINK FOR SONG
01/06/09
01/08/09
Worksheet: Supreme Court Scenarios

UPCOMING DATES
01/12 - Review for quarterly -- use study guide to prepare
01/13- Second Quarter Assessment
01/14 - Second Quarter Notebook Check - NBC sheet handed out 1/8.  Prepare and follow directions carefully.  Parents/guardians -- review the notebook and requirements with your child to see what they have been doing this quarter!

02/09/09
02/11/09
Hamilton/Jefferson Letter

GT: Hamilton/Jefferon Quotes

A LL CLASSES: WASHINGTON/ADAMS TEST 2/1 7
2/25/09
03/02/09
A LL CLASSES: Babary Pirates and Terrorism assignment -- DUE Monday

Heads up:
March 6- Jefferson test

March17/18: Children's Book and Informative Speech due

March 30- Quarter 3 Assessment
03/03/09
03/13/09
All Classes: QUIZ on War of 1812, Monroe Doctrine, Sectionalism and Industrial Revolution.

March17/18: Children's Book and Informative Speech due
03/12/09
03/20/09
ALL CLASSES: Andrew Jackson Essay due March 20.  Use link below and class notes.

Webquest:

03/23/09
03/27/09
3rd Qt. Vocabulary Sheet

HEADS UP:
3/30 -- Quarterly Exam
3/31 -- Notebook Check -- Assignement sheet given out 3/23 and 3/34.  REVIEW YOUR NOTEBOOK!! Parents, review the interactive notebook with your child.  


QUARTER 4
04/30/09
05/04/09
Acrostic Poem - ABOLITIONIST

GT: Primary Source Worksheet





05/08/09
ALL CLASSES STUDY FOR TEST! CONTENT BASED ON THE ROAD TO THE CIVIL WAR.  BE SURE YOU REVIEW YOUR NOTES.

CHANGE: TEST WILL BE ON TUESDAY 5/12.


05/19/09
05/22/09
ALL CLASSES: Homework -- Bring in textbook.  
05/26/09
05/29/09
ALL CLASSES: 4th Qt. Vocab

05/26/09
ALL CLASSES UPCOMING DATES:

1.  5/29: Civil War Test and Vocab

2.  6/1/09: Notebook Check - List distributed on 5/27

3. 6/10/09: 4th QT Assessment