Looking forward to meeting a new group of 8th grade students ready to work hard and explore American History!!!

Cycle 1 kicks off with a BRIEF review of basic geography skills then we are off!! In 8th grade Social Studies we cover about 300 years worth of American History by April in order to be ready for TAKS and High school, that means we move very quickly.
8th grade is a big change from 7th in both pacing and content. Expectations for success are high.

Cycle 1 focuses on causes for exploration and colonization. We will spend a significant amount of time investigating the original 13 colonies. We will investigate the economic, social, and political aspects for each colonial region.

After learning about the reasons for European exploration and the first successful English colonies, students will gain an understanding of the 13 original British colonies, the three regions, the economy of each region, and the religions that dominate each region. Students should understand the link between the geography of the region and how it effects the economy of a region.

To close out the 6 weeks, students will learn how colonial government provides the foundation for laws followed in America today.
Students will have several quizzes, essays, a project, and a DCA every 6 weeks.

With the amount of information we have to cover students can expect to have HOMEWORK on a DAILY basis. Students and parents can check the "links" page on the left of the screen for the online textbook. All class assignments are posted in the classroom AND online on the daily calendar tab to the left. Ensure that you keep up with what is required! If a student is struggling, please seek assistance. I am available for tutoring most mornings by 8:15 am, just let me know ahead of time. After school help is available Thursday's, however if this doesn't work just set up a time with me. Don't let yourself fail, don't give yourself the excuse "I didn't get it". We are here to help, in 8th grade it is the student's responsibility to seek the help they need. Take care of business.

This site allows you to access common software programs so you can view powerpoints, etc. if you don't have the programs on your home computer. Follow the directions on this Klein site: www.kleinisd.net/default.aspx?name=iss.itc.viewer

Simply go to twitter.com, type cgoemans1 into the search and follow class happenings, assignments, etc!