6

th
Grade Social Studies
Cardinal Shehan School 2014-2015

Teacher: Mr. Kevin Coons Contact: kcoons@cardinalshehanschool.org
410-433-2775 ext. 237
Class Information and Resources: http://www.csshistoryclass.weebly.com

Hebrews 6:18-19 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for
God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.

We
have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

Area of Study
The study of Ancient History, including Early Humans and the civilizations of
Mesopotamia, Egypt, The Indus Valley, China, Ancient Greece and Rome, The
Americas, Africa, The Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Focus will be on the
historical, cultural, geographic, and political aspects of these ancient civilizations and time periods.
Establishing the enduring link between past and present civilizations will show the enduring
contributions of shared ideas and technology.
Skills
During our studies of these topics, various skills will be sharpened or introduced, such as reading,
writing, public speaking, the ability to interpret documents or artifacts from a time period, various
geography skills, how to analyze problems and determine solutions, study skills, time management
skills, and test-taking strategies.

Students will participate in a variety of activities designed to enhance their understanding of
material being covered. Some will be individual others will require group or partner participation
in order to develop strong teamwork, communication and collaborative skills.

Materials Needed
Separate binder with 4 dividers and blank notebook paper
Pens (blue or black ink only for assignments, tests and quizzes)
Flash drive (does not need to be separate from school issued one)

Class Expectations
1. All students must be prepared for class with the following items after
entering class daily:
A. A pen or pencil and your textbook
B. An open binder ready for note taking and class work
C. Their homework assignment from the previous day
2. All students participate openly in the discussion of the material presented to them
3. All students follow procedures and directions for various individual and group tasks
4. All students give their best effort in all of the work assigned
5. All written assignments must be completed in pen and written in cursive
6. Textbook must be covered and remain covered


Positive Classroom Behavior
The classroom is a place where information is learned and ideas are shared. The success of this
class depends largely upon whether the classroom environment is safe and caring. This simple list
of expectations will guide every student in making responsible choices
about his or her behavior. They are:
1. Follow the procedures of the class
2. Be Productive
3. Be Attentive
4. Be Respectful
5. Be Cooperative

The expectations will be discussed with the students at the beginning of the class year and will be
reinforced throughout the year. Students who are having difficulty in these areas will be warned
and repeat offenses may result in loss of recess time, writing assignments reinforcing procedures
not being followed, demerits being issued, guardian contact/conference, and/or administrative
conference.
Current Events
All students will complete one Current Events assignment every two weeks, to be handed in on the
last day of the week (usually Friday). The dates for each assignment will be posted on the
classroom calendar, assignment board, and online at csshistoryclass.weebly.com. For each
assignment the student must find a news article (in-print or online) to read and analyze. The
student must also complete the Current Event template and attach the article to the template.

Homework
Homework will be given, when necessary to review concepts or to prepare for the next class on
Monday-Thursday. Occasionally a weekend assignment may be required or this time will be used
to work on projects. Students are required to record their homework assignments in their
planners each day. The teacher will initial the recorded homework assignment. It is the
responsibility of the student to have the assignment recorded when the teacher is ready to
initial. Homework assignments that are not turned in will be completed during recess time.

It is imperative that students stay organized, remain on task, meet deadlines, seek extra help, and
pay attention. It is essential to keep up with what is happening in class, as falling behind will make
it difficult for one to catch up and succeed.

Project
ANCIENT CIVILIZATION PROJECT
DUE: Week of January 19
th
Part of 2
nd
Trimester grade
A separate handout with project description and requirements will be given to students.