Social Studies 9 - Course Outline

Social Studies 9 – Course Outline

Course Objectives & Course Description

Textbook: Nelson et al, Issues for Canadians Toronto, Ontario: Nelson Education ltd, 2008.

Course Overview (all dates are tentative and subject to change)

The delivery of instruction in this class will be based on the “Inquiry Assignment” model. The lecture component of the class has now been condensed into 2-3 lessons a week, with the majority of time given to individual and group projects. This will also allow for major projects to be worked on during class time instead of for homework - hence the term Inquiry based learning. We will also use video lectures, which allow students to review key information at any time and any place, as long as they have access to YouTube.  If a student is unable to watch a video at home, they can come to the classroom before school begins to access it (the videos are less than 10 minutes).  Of course this means that it is the student’s responsibility to carefully watch the videos to ensure they have an understanding of those basic components, and if they do not understand to ask for clarification in class the next day.

This course includes materials from the past incorporated with important events of today.  Students must read newspapers and magazines, and also watch and listen to newscasts in order to understand course material fully. Students are also encouraged to search the Internet for YouTube clips, news sources, or other videos that might relate to what we are discussing in class.  Often, music videos can do a good job of illustrating an issue.  If a student finds a good source, they should bring it/send it to the teacher for approval, and we may then share it with the class.

Assignments given in class will require some homework and there are some assignments that will have to be done entirely outside of class time (likely formative assessments used to keep the pace of the students and to make sure they are on task and constantly reviewing what has been learned) Students can go to the class website to see what we have done in class that day and access some assignments if they are absent: hendersonsocial9.weebly.com. Most assignments will be submitted through the students’ Google Drive folder that will be shared with me.  Students are responsible to ensure that the work is in their folder in order to avoid any late penalties on assignments. Questions about how this works can be discussed with me (Mr. Talen), I will do what I can to make this as smooth as possible.

Parents are encouraged to discuss current events with students and go onto the class website in order to have a better understanding of what we are studying. The class lecture videos are there to provide students with access to the key information and parents are also welcome to review these videos.  There is also the PowerSchool website which can help parents to see if assignments are being completed. If you are unsure of how to access PowerSchool, contact the office and they can assist you.

Evaluation *All marking is cumulative

Assignments/Quizzes/Projects                               35%

Writing Assignments                                               25%

Exams                                                                         20%

The Final exam will be worth 20% of the overall mark (The P.A.T. is used as the final exam for this class)

CHS Social Studies Department - Late Assignment Policy

It is essential for students to complete their assigned work within the time specified in order to demonstrate an understanding of key concepts, which allows for feedback to be provided in a timely manner. In the event that an assignment is not completed by the deadline, it is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher to work on the assignment during the Focus block. In all cases, outstanding work must be submitted before the start of the next unit.

Assignments still not received at this point will receive a code of MISSING in PowerSchool, which will be calculated as a zero. Any questions or concerns regarding this policy need to be directed to the teacher.

Classroom Expectations

• Be On Time – When the bell rings, class starts. Students who arrive after the bell habitually will have their parents contacted and will have to make up for missed work at another time with Mr. Talen.
• Be Prepared – Most days you’ll need more than just your physical body in the classroom. Always bring all of your class materials (computer, books, folder/binder, pen/pencil)
• Be Aware: Put assignment deadlines on your calendar. Check out PowerSchool regularly. Anticipate seasons of busyness.
• Ask! Be okay with asking questions and do so with confidence (at least 10% of people have the same question you do!)
• Food: In moderation and as long as you share… (leave a mess though and it will all be over…)
• Respect – Students, material, property, building, teacher, opinions
• Absent from class – you are responsible for the material you have missed, ask classmates (and Mr. Talen) for help. If you know you’ll be gone, let Mr. Talen know.
• Phones/Devices/Computers – Mr. Talen views these as incredible tools for learning! If they enhance your learning and the time is appropriate, use ‘em! If they’re asked to be put away, please respect the request.
• Your task: When in school, your job is being a full time student. Take your job seriously and find the joy in it!
• Seasonal allowances: I understand that class will continue on your good days and bad days, but I can’t accommodate for you if you don’t let me know what is going on. Talk to me, I have two ears – I’m here for you.
• Extensions: I’m okay with this once in a while, but only if you’ve planned ahead. Coming to me the day before an assignment is due generally will not cut it.
• Falling Behind:

If you fall below 60%:

• Your parent/guardian will be contacted.
• You will be given a set of questions by your teacher to work on during a set Focus block.
• If you do not finish the questions during the Focus block you will have 3 school days to complete the work on your own time – you are not to work on this during class time unless you have completed all in class work.
• Your work will be assessed, assigned a grade, and then applied as a bonus mark to a minor assignment to be decided by the teacher.
• If your work does not demonstrate concerted effort, you will be expected to re-do the work or be given more work to do.