7th GRADE   HISTORY PROJECTS  FOR  MR. CARLTON

Dear Parents,
During this 7th grade school year your student will be asked to turn in several projects in connection with their History instruction.
1.  THE RATIONALE : History does not have to be a boring list of dates, places, and events. Along with traditional methods of learning ( text work, vocabulary lists, notetaking) , I also use video, slide/filmstrips, literature, drama, music, and art in an attempt to bring History to life. Homework is rare to give quality time for the projects. Many students enjoy the projects and the chance to be creative with a topic they find interesting.
The best teaching strategies are those actively engaging our students. Projects allow students to reflect on material learned in class, to experiment, to become critical thinkers, and to work with parents or other adults researching and working creatively and cooperatively. Projects move the student’s understanding of History beyond basic knowledge to application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Because people learn in different ways, projects allow students to be successful using their special  gifts.  Also, the state of California requires teachers to use multiple forms of  grading methods, so that students with differing learning methods have the opportunity to succeed. Lastly, we want to create lifelong learners with the interest and tools to continue to enjoy learning.
2.  THE PROJECTS  : Students will receive handouts showing choices and requirements.
     Some of these also have an Alternate Project available - check with the teacher.

1st semester –Rome project (examples include: a Roman building, ship, or mask) due in October
2nd semester - Medieval project – make a castle - due in late January
2nd semester- Japan project ( make a Ninja or Sumo dolls, samurai helmet, mask ,or  poster) due in April

3.  THE COST:  In every project you can expect choices which can alter the costs from ZERO to $30- $40  . Students consistently meet every requirement for an A+ grade telling me their project cost them NOTHING.  It is NOT required to purchase expensive supplies for these projects. Frequent supplies used may be poster board , colored pencils, magic markers, construction paper, ruler, scissors, magazines, and access to research ( encyclopedias or computers) . Since these are also used in other classes, they could be used all year. Parents may have difficulty coming up with supplies at all. In those cases, students are welcome to come into my room at lunch and use my supplies as long as they last. It isn’t the materials that matter, it’s what you do with the materials that gets you the good grade.
4.  EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS : I have many  student -made projects from previous years to show students what I am looking for . I usually spend  one day explaining the requirements and showing  examples.  My web site also gives them information they need or cannot remember from class. This  is especially useful for parents to see what is expected from their child. My address is www.sbceo.org/~vms/carlton/  . Lastly, you are welcome to make an appointment and come in to look at the examples  kept in our building.
5. GRADING OF PROJECTS  - Full credit on the date due,C minus  maximum grade if turned in late. Parents will want to help their students do well on projects. I encourage that help as long as the following is observed : You may guide and advise, but at least 75% of the project must be entirely the work of the student. I have been excited each year to see the quality of student work when we show them what we expect, give enough time & access to materials, and work with them to excite their imaginations.I hope you too will enjoy HISTORY PROJECTS !!
 I will give this letter back to your student so that you may have it available throughout the year.
 
 Parents: Please sign here that you have read and understood this material .

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