Welcome to Mrs. Judith Gray’s social studies classes where
the PAST meets the PRESENT to prepare for the FUTURE!

Any resources which you, the parents, can incorporate into our studies will add to the learning experience.

     All classes are actively engaged in my course “Current Events in the Media” which compares presentation of news headlines in the print media (Bergen Record’s Newspaper is classroom delivered); on the live broadcast news (C-span, CNN, CNBS, Fox), and on the internet for a “real time” experience. 

 

8^th grade Course

    The first marking period is a study of Constitutional Government by

comparing the Articles of Confederation with our present Constitution.

The students will present a Mock Constitutional Convention; each taking the position of a delegate to debate the issues of representation, structure and powers of the federal government.

     A comprehensive study of the Bill of Rights and its application today will be augmented with research on a landmark Supreme Court Case.

Copybook and two pocket folder required

Periodic quizzes and unit test will be announced.

 

7^th grade Course

     The first marking period begins with a background study of  Geography including the “Five Themes” and the Physical, Social, Economic, Cultural components of geography.  The students concentrate on North America because our study this year is American History: the Native Americans, Exploration, English Colonies, and Revolution to the Constitution.

     After studying and researching the Native Americans, the students in cooperative groups will create a power point presentation on Indian Life in the various geographic regions. Directions will be given in class.

Copybook and two pocket folder needed    

Periodic quizzes and unit tests will be announced

 

6^th grade course

     The first marking period begins with a comprehensive Geography unit including the “Five Themes” of location, place, movement, human/environmental interaction, and regions.  Also, understanding of the components of physical, economic, social, and cultural geography will be explored.  The students in cooperative groups will create a power point presentation of an imaginary community using these ideas.

     Chapter 1 of the Human Heritage text and teacher generated notes will be used.  “Quick quizzes” after each section, chapter quizzes and chapter tests will be used for assessments as well as individual and group research and projects.

     The second unit will be the Prehistoric history of man.  This is Chapter 2 in the textbook with teacher generated notes and activities.

     Copybook for notes and homework and a two pocket folder is required

 

In all classes, the textbook Web sites for Glencoe’s The American Journey and The Human Heritage are also used for reviews and activities.