Civics Social Studies Gifted and Talented
The 7th grade social studies curriculum for the state of Delaware is in its fourth year. We are breaking new ground with this exciting program as we modify it to meet the unique needs of gifted and talented students. This course introduces students to two major disciplines of social science: civics and economics. The first half of the year will focus on Civics
CIVICS COURSE TOPICS
Civics and American Government Course topics:
“If men were angels…”
“Four legs good, two legs bad.”
philosophers. Students will review the different types of government that have exited over time
“The worst form of government …..except all those others.”
Declaration of Independence, and US Constitution. We will also look at the writings of great political thinkers who influenced
the framers of our democracy.
“….where the other man's nose begins.”
cases that have shaped our interaction with our government and each other. Students will draw their own conclusions
about issues facing the courts by applying their knowledge of the Bill of Rights to recent court cases and writing their own
opinions.
“Two wolves and a lamb…”
**Topics may be added or subtracted to fit time constraints
Unit topics are created with respect to the Delaware Recommended Curriculum for Social Studies.
The format for unit and lesson design is in line with the Parallel Curriculum for Gifted Education, a district initiative for our gifted program.
Disclaimer: The nature of gifted education is to provide a combination of acceleration and deep, meaningful extensions into course content to achieve high levels of motivation while unlocking a student’s curiosity. To that end, topics may be added or subtracted to fit time constraints or to respond to the needs of gifted students with appropriate challenges.
RESOURCES
A helpful adjunct to this course is the website www.mrprokop.com
Students and parents can refer to this site for:
Learning resources utilized during this year will include:
GRADING
Grading in the class reflects new district protocols of 70% summative vs 30% formative grading. The grade will be determined by the following components and appropriate weights:
summative assessment of the portfolio project (20%)
mean average of all student formative quizzes (30%)
mean average of all summative unit examinations (50%)
The 7th grade social studies curriculum for the state of Delaware is in its fourth year. We are breaking new ground with this exciting program as we modify it to meet the unique needs of gifted and talented students. This course introduces students to two major disciplines of social science: civics and economics. The first half of the year will focus on Civics
CIVICS COURSE TOPICS
Civics and American Government Course topics:
“If men were angels…”
- Why do we have or need government?
“Four legs good, two legs bad.”
- How have theories of government evolved?
- What types of government have existed over time?
philosophers. Students will review the different types of government that have exited over time
“The worst form of government …..except all those others.”
- What are the origins of our democracy?
Declaration of Independence, and US Constitution. We will also look at the writings of great political thinkers who influenced
the framers of our democracy.
“….where the other man's nose begins.”
- What protections are citizens of this country afforded in our society?
cases that have shaped our interaction with our government and each other. Students will draw their own conclusions
about issues facing the courts by applying their knowledge of the Bill of Rights to recent court cases and writing their own
opinions.
“Two wolves and a lamb…”
- What is a minority and what are the issues facing minorities today?
**Topics may be added or subtracted to fit time constraints
Unit topics are created with respect to the Delaware Recommended Curriculum for Social Studies.
The format for unit and lesson design is in line with the Parallel Curriculum for Gifted Education, a district initiative for our gifted program.
Disclaimer: The nature of gifted education is to provide a combination of acceleration and deep, meaningful extensions into course content to achieve high levels of motivation while unlocking a student’s curiosity. To that end, topics may be added or subtracted to fit time constraints or to respond to the needs of gifted students with appropriate challenges.
RESOURCES
A helpful adjunct to this course is the website www.mrprokop.com
Students and parents can refer to this site for:
- Following classroom deadlines
- Completing evening or long term assignments
- Taking practice quizzes and exams
- Viewing power points or videos
- Referencing formal class notes
- Reviewing all classroom policies.
Learning resources utilized during this year will include:
- Primary documents
- Short Stories
- Power point presentations
- Class discussion
- Simulations and role playing
GRADING
Grading in the class reflects new district protocols of 70% summative vs 30% formative grading. The grade will be determined by the following components and appropriate weights:
summative assessment of the portfolio project (20%)
mean average of all student formative quizzes (30%)
mean average of all summative unit examinations (50%)