“The form of government which communicates ease, comfort, security, or, in one word, happiness, to the greatest number of persons, and in the greatest degree, is the best.”

– John Adams

Blog:

Welcome to Mr. Brunner's Social Studies class! Students often ask "why do we study history?". I tell them that it is more complex than just studying past events and historical figures. We study history to prepare our youth to be contributing members of society once they enter adulthood. My goal is to help each student gain a better understanding of government and economic systems, social structures of a variety of civilizations throughout history, culture and heritage, and major events that have shaped the world we live in today. Furthermore, students will develop critical thinking skills and the knowledge they need to know in order to become active citizens within a democracy, as well as a growing interdependent world.

Course Outline:

The general outline for middle school social studies at Notre Dame Academy of Buffalo is very structured, routine, and designed to foster learning at all levels. Students will complete a new vocabulary list every week (between 15-20 terms), work on short readings, audio/visual, and class discussions, as well as complete a weekly vocab quiz, followed by a class activity after the quiz. Students will have weekly homework assignments, as well as a weekly participation grade. Tests will be given periodically to assess learning.

40%
Tests - 100 pts - End of Unit
Projects - 100 pts - Anytime

30%
Activities - 30 pts - Every Friday
Participation - 20 pts - Weekly total (4 points per day)
 
20% 
Quiz - 20 pts - Every Friday
Worksheets - 10 pts - Anytime

10%
Homework - 10 pts - Every Tuesday

Classroom Rules and Expectations:

 1) No card games, electronics, inappropriate materials, fidget spinners, toys, etc. will be allowed in the classroom. If students in my homeroom bring in these items, they will be required to store them in the appropriate area for the day. If any of these items are seen out during class it will be taken away.

2) There will be zero tolerance for any physical contact (horseplay or aggression). 

3) Students are expected to use their agendas to record homework assignments, as well as to leave class.

4) Students are expected to come prepared for class and arrive on time. This means that students have all their materials and are seated when class begins.

5) Any students who are unprepared will lose all participation points for the day.

6) Students are expected to ask about work missed when they are absent.

7) Students are expected to be ACTIVE participants in class.  This can be demonstrated by being on task, paying attention and taking notes, working cooperatively with their classmates, asking questions, and completely their homework.

8) Students are expected to respect everyone in the classroom, and follow ALL class rules posted in the classroom.

Units to be Covered

6th Grade
1) Geography Regions, Cultures, & Archaeology
2) Mesopotamia and Sumer
3) Ancient Egypt
4) Ancient India & the Indus River Valley
5) Ancient China
6) Ancient Greece
7) Ancient Rome
8) Ancient Arabia
9) Middle Ages

7th Grade
1) 1st Americans
2) Exploring the Americas
3) Colonial America
4) Growth of the 13 Colonies
5) The French & Indian War
6) The Spirit of Independence
7)  The American Revolution
8) A More Perfect Union
9) The Federalist Era
10) The Jefferson Era
11) Growth & Expansion 1790-1825
12) The Jackson Era
13) Manifest Destiny
14) The Reform Movements
15) The Road to the Civil War
16) The American Civil War

8th Grade
1) Reconstruction & the New South
2) Opening the West 
3) The Industrial Age 
4) Urban Society 
5) The Spanish-American War 
6) The Progressive Era 
7) The Rise to World Power 
8) World War I
9) The Roaring 20’s  
10) The Great Depression
11) World War II 
12) The Korean and Cold War
13) The Civil Rights Era
14) The Vietnam Era 
15) America in the 70’s 
16) New Challenges: 80’s & 90’s
17) Sept. 11, 2001 & G.W.O.T.

---

---

---

---

Supplies

HOMEROOM
1) 1 box of #2 pencils-sharpened, at least 12
2) 2 boxes of tissues
3) 1 pack of 4 dry erase markers (girls only)
4) 1 box of ziplock bags (boys only)
5) 1 roll of paper towels (girls only)
6) 1 package of disinfectant wipes-such as Clorox or other brand (boys only)
7) 1 take home folder (any style)
8) 1 highlighter
9) 1 pack of black or blue pens
10) 1 pack of red pens
11) 1 color pencils, crayons or markers
12) 1 pair of scissors
13) 1 pack of glue sticks
14) 1 pack of loose leaf paper 

Social Studies
1) 2 3-Subject notebooks (Red)
2) 1 1-inch binder with pockets
3) 1 Pocket folder (Red)

---

​
HOMEWORK:

​6th Grade: 
End of Year Project due 5/31

7th Grade:
​End of Year Project due 5/31
​

8th Grade:
​8th Grade US History Reflective Essay due 6/1
​