Greetings Students and Parents/Guardians! Welcome to the 2016-2017 academic school year! My name is Mr. Constantino and I am the 7th grade Social Studies teacher for classes 703, 704, 705, 706, and 710. This year we will be learning about the history of America from the Age of Exploration up through the Civil War.
Overview The first unit of study will be the Colonial Era, followed by The Revolutionary Era. In this unit we will look at the events, ideas leading to the American Revolution, and also the major political figures in the War for Independence.
Following the Revolutionary Era the next unit of study will be, Creating the Constitution. This unit focus on the need for effective government and leadership, which concentrates on the historical roots of democracy and republican government, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitutional Convention and ratification debate. The most important emphasis in this unit is on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, followed by the challenges of the early Republic, such as the formation of political parties.
The next unit of study focuses on growth and change in the New Nation. The students will learn about the identity of a growing nation, and about the role of the U.S. in the world. We will study the West, Manifest Destiny and the changing world of Native Americans. The next unit focuses on the plantation economy the South and slavery. This unit also focuses on the North-east with its inventions and industry.
In the second half of the year, the seventh graders study "The Nation in Crisis,Civil War and Reconstruction." This unit concentrates on the background and causes of the Civil War, the economic, political and sectional conflict in the country, and then the growth of reform movements, with an emphasis on the anti-slavery movement. This follows a unit on the progress and consequences of the Civil War and, finally, the preservation of the Union and the effects of Reconstruction.
Supplies list( Subject to change as the year progresses and are to be replenished as needed) 1- Notebook with two sections: 1 large section for notes, and a smaller section for vocabulary 1- Two pocket folder 2- Packages of pens (blue/black only) 1- Package of looseleaf paper 1- Package of index cards 1- Bottle of whiteout, or whiteout tape 1- Pack of Post-its 1- Pack of Highlighters
Looking Ahead: Topics to be covered in the second half of the year: Trails to the West Texas Revolution Mexican American War First Industrial Revolution Southern States (Economy, Society, Slavery) Northern States (Immigrants, Industry, Abolitionist, Women's Rights) Divided Nation (Debate over Slavery, Political Division, Nation Divides) Civil War Reconstruction