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The Young Womens Leadership School of the Bronx

Co-Directors: Ms. Eisenberg and Ms. Laureano

Sixth Grade Social Studies Syllabus
2014-2015 School Year

Course instructors: Ms. Kapadia and Mr. Saccocio
School phone number: 718-731-2590 (Room 405)
Class Website: mskapadia2.weebly.com

Course Description:
This year in Social Studies, we will be exploring the Eastern Hemisphere, which includes: Asia,
Africa, Australia and Europe. We will be studying ancient civilizations like Rome, Greece, India,
China, and Egypt. Throughout the year we will be focusing on literacy skills such as close
reading and citing textual evidence. There will able an emphasis on current events as we are
trying to become global citizens.
Units of Study:
Unit # Unit Title Skills/ Standards Unit Description
1
Establish Classroom
Culture & Social
Studies Skills
Skills: Becoming a Close Reader and
Writing to Learn

Standards: E.1 and F.1
In this unit you well become
familiar with social studies
practices and procedures. You will
learn how to properly read a
textbook, what homework is
acceptable and what it means to
be a learner.
2
From Caves to Cities:
Early Humans to the
Neolithic Revolution
Skills: Gathering Evidence and
Speaking to Others

Standards: A.1, A.3, A.6, B.1, B.2, B.3,
B.4, B.6, C.1, C.4, D.1, and E.2
In this unit you will understand how
early humans went from nomads to
people who stayed in one place.
You will also learn about the
Neolithic Revolution, a period in
history that changed the world to
what we know it as today!
3
Were Advancing:
River Valley
Civilizations
Skills: Writing to Inform using Textual
Evidence

Standards: A.2, B.7, C.5, D.2, D.4, E.3,
E.6 and F.7

In this unit you will explore the
impacts of geography on
civilizations. You will also
understand the impact of the
Neolithic Revolution! You will get to
learn about the River Valley
Civilizations: Indus River Valley,
Yellow River Valley, Nile River
Valley and the Tigris and
Euphrates Rivers.
4 Classical Civilizations
Skills: Gathering Evidence and
Speaking to Others

Standards: B.8, C.3, E.6, F.3, F.4, F.7,
F.8

In this unit you will explore the
impact of one individual on the
destiny of an entire empire! You
will learn about the Mauryan
Empire, the Zhou and Qin
dynasties, as well as Greece and
Rome!

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5
Trade, Religion and
Conflict
Skills: Considering Perspectives and
Supporting Opinions

Standards: A.4, A.5, A.7, C.1, F.5
Does interaction with other groups
of people help us or hurt us?
Thats what we will be exploring in
this unit. Sometimes interactions
help us learn new things, while
other times we end up in conflict! In
this unit we will explore the events
like the Crusades and the Silk
Road!
6
From the Middle Ages
to the Renaissance
Skills: Gathering Evidence and
Speaking to Others

Standards: B.6, C.5, D.2, E.4
The Renaissance is a time of
change! You will learn about
Europes journey into the modern
world. There are new science
discoveries, new inventions being
made, great art being created and
new ways of thinking!
7 Contemporary Issues
Skills: Writing to Inform using Textual
Evidence

Standards: B.5, C.2, C.3, D.3
E.4, F.2, F.6

In this unit, we will explore the
problems that people face around
the world today. Well talk about
access to clean water, education
for women and genocides.

Rules and Consequences






Individual Consequences


1. Follow ALL directions.
2. Be respectful at all times.
3. Be prepared for class.
4. Stay on task.
5. Keep hands, feet and objects to self.
6. Sit up straight at all times.


1. Non-verbal warning.
2. Verbal warning.
3. Behavior Reflection sheet and 15
minute detention.
4. Phone call home.
5. Conference with parents.


Marking Periods:

You will have 6 marking periods throughout the school year. You will have progress reports
and report cards for each marking period. You must maintain an 85% overall average in
Social Studies to be on the Honor Roll. You should monitor your grade weekly on PupilPath,
the online grading book system.
https://pupilpath.skedula.com

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Grading Policy:

1) Projects, Quizzes, and Test 70 %
- This includes skills exams, vocabulary exams, research papers, essays, and independent
reading projects

2) Class Work and Participation 15%
- This includes all class work in class, the neatness and maintenance of your class work
notebook, AND participation in class discussion.

3) Homework 15%
- This includes homework assignments in notebook and on loose leaf, worksheets, journal
writing, and the neatness and maintenance of your homework notebook.

Homework Policy:

1. All homework should be completed FULLY with effort.
2. Even if you dont understand a question, you MUST try to answer it.
a. Handing in incomplete homework with result in HW detention.
b. Do not leave an answer blank!
3. If you forget to do your homework, you will receive:
a. HW detention
b. A zero until you make up the assignment
c. A No Homework Reflection Sheet
Locker Policy:

You are not allowed to go to your locker during Social Studies class. If your homework is in
your locker, you will receive HW detention. You may show it to Ms.Kapadia by the end of the
day to receive credit, but will not be taken off of HW detention.

Absent Policy:

1. You are required to get your missing homework and worksheets from your shoulder
partner the day after you were absent (We Missed You paper).
2. You are given one day to make up your assignments once you get them.

Tests and Quizzes:

1. You are allowed to submit test corrections for any tests or quizzes you take.
2. You can get points back for each question you correct.




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I should check class website for:

1. Daily homework assignments
2. Daily focuses
3. Current event updates
4. Social Studies Superstars!

How to be a Social Studies Superstar:
1. If you are seen/heard talking about current events throughout the day!
2. If you do volunteering outside of school (helped out at church, tutored students) - bring
in pictures!
3. If you connect social studies content to current event issues
4. If you read a historical fiction/ historical novel tell me!
What should I expect in Social Studies?

Homework every night
Weekly quizzes on that weeks social studies concepts
Current Event discussions
Unit Test You are encouraged to take thorough notes during class and keep your
notebooks organized
Performance tasks, such as writing pieces, projects, and presentations. You will receive
a rubric specifically designed for each performance task
Binder checks for organization

Plagiarism and Cheating Policy

If you are caught plagiarizing any work, you will automatically receive a zero for that
assignment. You will also be given a Plagiarism Letter to get signed by your parents. Your
work and the letter will be placed in your portfolio for the rest of the year.

If you are caught cheating on a homework assignment, test or quiz, you will automatically
receive a zero for that assignment. You will also be given a letter to get signed by your parents.










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Consent

As a citizen of Ms. Kapadias Social Studies class, I __________________________________,
agree to the above syllabus. I understand that above are the policies and I agree to follow
them.

______________________________________
Student Signature

__________________________
Date

As a parent/guardian of a citizen of Ms. Kapadias Social Studies class, I
______________________________, agree to the above syllabus. I understand that above
are the policies and I will help my daughter follow them and be responsible for them.

______________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature

__________________________
Date