Welcome to Mr Carlin's seventh grade social studies class !! The Livingston seventh grade social studies curriculum focuses on American History and Civics. The school year is broken up into nine major units:

 

 

1. What it means to be an American -Introduction Unit

2. Settlement and Colonization

3.The American Revolution-The fight for representitive government

4.The Genesis of the American Constitution

5.The three branches of government-Checks and Balances

6.Challenges to the Constitution-Slavery and Civil Rights

7.Test of American Democracy-The Civil War

8.Local Government-Livingston and you(an in depth look at the 2009 Gubernatorial campaign)

9.The rights and responsibilities of citizens

 

We will also focus on how major events taking place today nationally and locally are impacting the lives of adults and students.During our ten month adventure, students will participate  in a number of interesting and engaging activities. For example, in October students will "become" a major historical figure from the Revolution time period in a individual five minute presentation. In January, all students will create and debate legislation as they  become United States Senators in the 2010 Model Congress. In March, all students must be prepared for trial as the 2010 MockTrial is held.In April, Student law firms vie for the buisness of a fictional customer as they learn about the state and judicial court system. The tragedy of the American Civil War is explored in the "Matthew Brady " project in May when students will research a photograph from famed Civil War photographer Matthew Brady and create a five minute play taking on the role of various characters from that time period while background music from the Civil War time period plays.

 

When the school year concludes in June it is my hope that all students have a greater understanding and appreciation of what it means to be an American citizen and the rights and responsibilities associated with that title. I look forward to a great year !!

 

MC

 

Welcome to my class!         Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year     {LIBERTY } Teacher Name:Michael Carlin Email:mcarlin@livingston.org Room(s):121 Grade(s):7 Subject:Social Studies     Upcoming Events:To Be American Project due Tuesday September 15