Belinda Shufelt

713-295-5240 (xtn. 395)

bshufelt@houstonisd.org

I hope all of my students and their families have recovered somewhat from the hurricane.  Since the teacher does not have lights to date I thought I should go ahead and make some changes to what my expectations for the students will be over the next couple of weeks. Again, if there are any issues at home you need to get with me on please do not hesitate to contact me

WHATS DUE IN HISTORY THIS MONTH?

September 26:   History Fair (Required for GT/Optional for Honors)

                          Topic/Type/Partner Due

** Exam that was scheduled for last week over the colonies has been cancelled*** I plan to use their review packet (3.1, 3.2 & 3.3) as a quiz grade.

October 3, 2008:   A Day: Political Catoon is due. Test Chpt 4 all classes

Social Studies: Grade 8

Syllabus

In Grade 8, students study the history of the United States from early colonial period to Reconstruction.  The focus of the historical content is the political, economic, and social events and issues of the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th centuries.  Topics covered in detail are the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, the early national period, westward growth, sectionalism and Civil War and Reconstruction.  The course lays the basis for the high school course, U.S. History since Reconstruction.  Students examine the basic economic principals in all the early American history periods as well as government ideals such as limited government, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights.  This course asks students to exam and clarify the United States Constitution as well as other early political documents.  Judicial review, major reform movements and the impact of the Industrial Revolution are also examined.