7th Grade Social Studies 2020-2021 Homeroom 300-300- Social Studies 8:45-10:15 Assignments

If Christopher Columbus DOES NOT deserve a holiday which explorer do YOU FEEL is MOST DESERVING of a holiday? Why? Give examples and explain your opinion


SHOULD BE AT LEAST ONE PARAGRAPH

Match the explorer with the correct description.

Based on your definition of a "hero" do you feel Christopher Columbus is a "hero"? Why or why not? 


YOU MUST CITE EVIDENCE AND EXPLAIN. YOU SHOULD PROVIDE EXAMPLES OF HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS OR EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS HIM NOT BEING A "HERO".  DO NOT COPY AND PASTE.


(This is part of a FINAL ESSAY- This response should be at LEAST 2 paragraphs)

AFTER watching the video clip, explain 3 MYTHS about Columbus.  You must include the piece of evidence that PROVES the myth to not be true.

“America was not discovered, it was stolen from the Native Americans”. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain.


 ***YOUR RESPONSE MUST BE AT LEAST A PARAGRAPH (5-7 sentences)

Read the article below. Should Jersey City choose not to celebrate Columbus day? why or why not? Explain. You can perform your own research but all work MUST BE IN YOUR OWN WORDS.


https://www.nj.com/hudson/2021/05/jersey-city-school-board-to-consider-canceling-columbus-in-favor-of-indigenous-peoples-day.html

Complete the assignment below by determining if the statement is a fact or an opinion.  Use the definitions of fact/opinion created during class.

Machu Picchu Travel advertisement

Directions: Create a 1 page real estate advertisement for the city of Machu Picchu. What would make a person want to visit here during the Inca’s time period? When was the city discovered? What would it cost? What would a person see if they traveled there today?


You may draw pictures or find on the internet but you must provide a written description in YOUR OWN WORDS. Be persuasive and convince me to want to travel there. You may use Google Slides or Google Docs to complete this project.

Essential Questions: What was the hidden Inca city called? How did the finding of this city help us learn more about the Inca?

Read the article below and explain how the Inca used this method to record information. What did you learn about this unique method of communication.


What was a Quipu? Why was it important to the Inca? How did this system work?









https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23931972-600-we-thought-the-incas-couldnt-write-these-knots-change-everything/

Complete the test on the Inca. The test is due by 4 p.m. today (5-5-21)

Directions: Create a poster that shows an understanding of some of the Inca laws and consequences. Use symbols to show what would happen if the laws were broken. (What were the most serious crimes in the Inca empire?) 


Pretend that this is the poster that would be displayed in the Inca’s government buildings. Be creative! You may use Microsoft Publisher and/or Google Slides to assist with the design. 

Essential Questions: Why was there such little crime in the Inca Empire? Do you agree with corporal punishment? Why or why not?

Why was there such little crime in the Inca Empire? Do you agree with the use of corporal punishment? Should N.J. have a death penalty for serious crimes? Why or why not?

How was Francisco Pizarro able to conquer the Inca Empire? Discuss the strategy of the Spanish and the Inca.


Cite evidence from the readings, discussion, and the video clip.  What was the end result of this war? 
What did you find most interesting about the war between Manco and Pizarro?

Begin writing FICTIONAL BIOGRAPHY on the Aztec

Step #1: choose an Aztec name

https://www.momjunction.com/baby-names/aztec/

Step #2: Begin writing Introduction

FIRST PARAGRAPH: Introduce your character. Where did they live? When were they born? What was their job? Did they attend school? What was their favorite food? Describe their daily life.

SECOND, THIRD, FOURTH PARAGRAPHS: Why is your character important? This is the body of your essay and should re-enforce your introduction with greater details.

CONCLUSION: Your conclusion should sum up why your character is important and what the mask represents. How will your character be remembered?

Project/ Assignment - Create and design a Food menu for a fictional Inca restaurant


Directions: Create a menu for the Inca civilization. Pretend they had restaurants. What did they eat? What did they drink? How much did it cost? (What did they use for currency?) Use pictures. Be creative. You may use Microsoft Publisher or other design tools to publish your menu. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Desserts, etc.)


Essential Questions: How did the Inca’s farm their land? What crops were they able to grow? How did their geography help them survive?




Use the example below as a model

Where was the Inca civilization located? How did the geography help their civilization grow? (What were they near?) What was the main crop of the Inca empire?


Explain. Cite information from the video clip and the article below.


https://www.worldhistory.org/article/792/inca-food--agriculture/

All students in grades 6-8 MUST submit a Women's History Project. Follow the directions attached below in the PowerPoint. All projects are due this Friday (3-19-21)

Let me know who you have chosen to do your project on by the end of today (3-15-21)

Complete the questions below and submit

Complete the test attached below and submit today (3/12/21) Use your notes from class including the assignments and discussions.

How was Cortes able to defeat the large number of Aztec warriors? What do you think was his biggest advantage and his biggest disadvantage? Cite evidence from your notes. The response should be at least 3 paragraphs.

Paragraph 1: Who was Hernan Cortes? What were his goals and accomplishments?

Paragraph 2: How was he able to invade the city of Tenochtitlan? How did he control the empire through it's emperor, Montezuma?

Paragraph 3: What help did he have in the war against the Aztec? Analyze his strategy and any mistakes he may have made.

Do you agree with Hernan Cortes's decision to conquer the Aztec Empire? How would you describe Cortes and his methods of conquering? Give examples and explain.

CURRENT EVENTS REPORT: DUE EVERY FRIDAY 2-19-21

DIRECTIONS: Students will be expected to write a current events report each week that will be due on Friday. Students will be responsible for finding an appropriate article (that is at least four paragraphs long), and writing a summary and
reflection. They will also be encouraged to look for different articles on a local,national, and international level to be displayed within the classroom.

Summary: This paragraph should highlight the main points discussed in the
article. This must be done in your own words and should be a minimum of 5
sentences. (You can have several paragraphs if you feel that it is necessary.)
Please attach a copy of your article with your summary and reflection.
Reflection: This paragraph should contain your opinion to the article you
have read. How did the article make you feel? What was your reaction to the
article? Did you like or dislike what you read? Why? This paragraph should
also be a minimum of five sentences.

you may use this link to find articles

https://www.studentnewsdaily.com/

Complete the emergency form and submit back to me

https://forms.gle/u3McdNGBMJKWhMDz8

CURRENT EVENTS REPORT: DUE EVERY FRIDAY 2-12-21

DIRECTIONS: Students will be expected to write a current events report each week that will be due on Friday. Students will be responsible for finding an appropriate article (that is at least four paragraphs long), and writing a summary and
reflection. They will also be encouraged to look for different articles on a local,national, and international level to be displayed within the classroom.

Summary: This paragraph should highlight the main points discussed in the
article. This must be done in your own words and should be a minimum of 5
sentences. (You can have several paragraphs if you feel that it is necessary.)
Please attach a copy of your article with your summary and reflection.
Reflection: This paragraph should contain your opinion to the article you
have read. How did the article make you feel? What was your reaction to the
article? Did you like or dislike what you read? Why? This paragraph should
also be a minimum of five sentences.

you may use this link to find articles

https://www.studentnewsdaily.com/

Each group must create a paragraph (5-7 sentences) on their assigned topic. A leader from each group will create a Google document and then share it with the entire group. All group members should edit the document. Each sentence should have a different color font for EACH STUDENT that participated. Include each name with color used at the end of the document.

Each student must provide supporting details related to their topic sentence.

Group #1: Focus is Geography (where are they located? What crops did they grow? etc.)
Group #2: Focus is Religion (were they polytheistic? How did they worship their gods? etc)
Group #3: Focus is Government ( How were they ruled? Were they united?)
Group #4: Focus is on “How did each civilization (Maya and Aztec) end?”


Step #1: Create a brief topic sentence or main idea focused ONLY on your groups assigned topic.

Example of a topic sentence for GEOGRAPHY: The Mayan and Aztec civilizations BOTH developed near the Gulf of Mexico but developed DIFFERENTLY due to environmental factors.

STEP #2: Look through the Power-points posted on Google Classroom and your previous assignments to create sentences that support your analysis. Support with evidence related ONLY to your topic. DO NOT go off topic. You must show evidence of comparing and contrasting the 2 civilizations.

* You may include images but they are not required

JOURNAL #1: Pretend you are a European explorer visiting the city of Tenochtitlan during the time of the Aztec Empire, how would you describe the city to the people back in Europe? (Think about the Middle Ages)

USE DESCRIPTIVE WORDS- WHAT IS DIFFERENT?

Read the following article about Aztec religion and sacrifice. After reading the article complete the graphic organizer.


https://www.historyextra.com/period/medieval/human-sacrifice-aztecs-why-how-ritual-common/

ASSIGNMENT/ GRAPHIC ORGANIZER: Describe an Aztec human sacrifice. Be as descriptive as possible. Your answer must cover who, what, when, where, why, and how.

WHO:
WHAT:
WHEN:
WHERE:
WHY:
HOW:

CURRENT EVENTS REPORT: DUE EVERY FRIDAY

DIRECTIONS: Students will be expected to write a current events report each week that will
be due on Friday. Students will be responsible for finding an appropriate
article (that is at least four paragraphs long), and writing a summary and
reflection. They will also be encouraged to look for different articles on a local,
national, and international level to be displayed within the classroom.
Summary: This paragraph should highlight the main points discussed in the
article. This must be done in your own words and should be a minimum of 5
sentences. (You can have several paragraphs if you feel that it is necessary.)
Please attach a copy of your article with your summary and reflection.
Reflection: This paragraph should contain your opinion to the article you
have read. How did the article make you feel? What was your reaction to the
article? Did you like or dislike what you read? Why? This paragraph should
also be a minimum of five sentences.

you may use this link to find articles

https://www.studentnewsdaily.com/

Write a paragraph comparing and contrasting Mayan and Egyptian religion. What is similar and what is different? (ONLY FOCUS ON RELIGION FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT)

Using your notes and the assignments on the Maya complete the test below. The test must be completed by 4:00 P.M. today 1/14/21.

Step 1: Choose a Mayan God or Goddess from the following website:

https://www.godchecker.com/maya-mythology/

Step 2: Create a google slide presentation about your chosen God or Goddess. Some things to include in the presentation are:



1) What did they look like? Include images and art of your god or goddess along with a description

2) Why were they important to Mayan culture?

3) How were they worshiped? ex. Human sacrifice, offerings

4) Re-tell any stories or myths they are associated with

CURRENT EVENTS REPORT: DUE EVERY FRIDAY

DIRECTIONS: Students will be expected to write a current events report each week that will
be due on Friday. Students will be responsible for finding an appropriate
article (that is at least four paragraphs long), and writing a summary and
reflection. They will also be encouraged to look for different articles on a local,
national, and international level to be displayed within the classroom.
Summary: This paragraph should highlight the main points discussed in the
article. This must be done in your own words and should be a minimum of 5
sentences. (You can have several paragraphs if you feel that it is necessary.)
Please attach a copy of your article with your summary and reflection.
Reflection: This paragraph should contain your opinion to the article you
have read. How did the article make you feel? What was your reaction to the
article? Did you like or dislike what you read? Why? This paragraph should
also be a minimum of five sentences.

you may use this link to find articles

https://www.studentnewsdaily.com/

DO NOW: What are some of the ways the Mayans showed their devotion to their gods? How did they worship them? Give specific examples. Explain and describe.

Describe the Mayan game of "Pok ta Pok" by explaining the rules for the game. Why did the Mayans play this game? What "equipment" did they need? Describe

Read the article about the origins of the game

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mesoamerican-ball-game-might-be-mountains-not-coast-180974422/

This is the project for the first marking period. You are creating a fictional character that would have lived during a time period of the Middle Ages. After creating your character you will write a diary for that character writing entirely in "first person".

Describe the Mayan Temple of Kukulkan located in the city of Chichen Itza. What did it look like? Why was it important? How does this temple reveal secrets about the Mayan culture? Use information from the video clip and your notes. DO NOT COPY AND PASTE FROM INTERNET.

Create a poster that demonstrates how the Mayans used Slash and Burn farming to grow their crops. Use complete sentences with transition words (ex. First, Next, and then, Finally) to show the process. You should also include small pictures showing the step by step directions.

CURRENT EVENTS REPORT:

DIRECTIONS: Students will be expected to write a current events report each week that will
be due on Friday. Students will be responsible for finding an appropriate
article (that is at least four paragraphs long), and writing a summary and
reflection. They will also be encouraged to look for different articles on a local,
national, and international level to be displayed within the classroom.
Summary: This paragraph should highlight the main points discussed in the
article. This must be done in your own words and should be a minimum of 5
sentences. (You can have several paragraphs if you feel that it is necessary.)
Please attach a copy of your article with your summary and reflection.
Reflection: This paragraph should contain your opinion to the article you
have read. How did the article make you feel? What was your reaction to the
article? Did you like or dislike what you read? Why? This paragraph should
also be a minimum of five sentences.

you may use this link to find articles

https://www.studentnewsdaily.com/

Complete the quiz on the Renaissance posted below. YOU MUST CREATE YOUR OWN GOOGLE DOCUMENT.

Create a google slide presentation for the Renaissance showing art, literature, and inventions of the time period

You must use the following format:

SLIDE 1: Introduction: Include your name / Define "renaissance" / List the years the Renaissance began and ended

SLIDES 2-5: Find 4 paintings created during the Renaissance. (Include images of the painting) List the artist and the year the painting was completed. IN YOUR OWN WORDS describe the painting. How are these paintings an example of Renaissance art?

SLIDE 6: List a famous author of the Renaissance. What literature did they write? Provide a small background about your chosen author.

Slide 7: What was an important invention or discovery (Science) of the Renaissance. Describe the invention and explain how or if it is still used today.

Slide 8: Define "Humanism" and explain why it was important to the Renaissance.

CURRENT EVENTS REPORT:

DIRECTIONS: Students will be expected to write a current events report each week that will
be due on Friday. Students will be responsible for finding an appropriate
article (that is at least four paragraphs long), and writing a summary and
reflection. They will also be encouraged to look for different articles on a local,
national, and international level to be displayed within the classroom.
Summary: This paragraph should highlight the main points discussed in the
article. This must be done in your own words and should be a minimum of 5
sentences. (You can have several paragraphs if you feel that it is necessary.)
Please attach a copy of your article with your summary and reflection.
Reflection: This paragraph should contain your opinion to the article you
have read. How did the article make you feel? What was your reaction to the
article? Did you like or dislike what you read? Why? This paragraph should
also be a minimum of five sentences.

you may use this link to find articles

https://www.studentnewsdaily.com/

Complete test and submit TODAY

After watching the video complete the worksheet below. THIS IS A QUIZ GRADE

Attach your Homework assignment here

Homework Assignment

CURRENT EVENTS REPORT: (due every Friday)

DIRECTIONS: Students will be expected to write a current events report each week that will
be due on Friday. Students will be responsible for finding an appropriate
article (that is at least four paragraphs long), and writing a summary and
reflection. They will also be encouraged to look for different articles on a local,
national, and international level to be displayed within the classroom.
Summary: This paragraph should highlight the main points discussed in the
article. This must be done in your own words and should be a minimum of 5
sentences. (You can have several paragraphs if you feel that it is necessary.)
Please attach a copy of your article with your summary and reflection.
Reflection: This paragraph should contain your opinion to the article you
have read. How did the article make you feel? What was your reaction to the
article? Did you like or dislike what you read? Why? This paragraph should
also be a minimum of five sentences.

you may use this link to find articles

https://www.studentnewsdaily.com/

What would happen if 2/3 of the population of Jersey City was wiped out by a Plague? Describe in a diary entry.

Pretend you are a reporter sent to cover the "Crusades". What were the Crusades? When did they occur? Who was fighting and why? You can conduct an "interview" with whoever is involved. What was the result of this event? What were the long and short term effects of the war? Include pictures and information from the video and your class notes. Summarize in your OWN words.

Pretend you are about to attack "Chateau Gaillard", the famous castle of Richard the Lionheart. Write a journal entry describing your attack. What technology would you have had access to? What would your plan have been to invade the castle? (Do you attack from the front?) Study the layout of the castle and develop your plans.

You may re- watch the video below to help you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AesgRREuCQI





**AFTER COMPLETING THE ASSIGNMENT READ HOW THE CASTLE WAS TAKEN OVER

http://medievalcastles.stormthecastle.com/essays/the-siege-of-chateau-gaillard.htm

Attach your Homework assignment here

Homework Assignment

CURRENT EVENTS REPORT: (due every Friday)

DIRECTIONS: Students will be expected to write a current events report each week that will
be due on Friday. Students will be responsible for finding an appropriate
article (that is at least four paragraphs long), and writing a summary and
reflection. They will also be encouraged to look for different articles on a local,
national, and international level to be displayed within the classroom.
Summary: This paragraph should highlight the main points discussed in the
article. This must be done in your own words and should be a minimum of 5
sentences. (You can have several paragraphs if you feel that it is necessary.)
Please attach a copy of your article with your summary and reflection.
Reflection: This paragraph should contain your opinion to the article you
have read. How did the article make you feel? What was your reaction to the
article? Did you like or dislike what you read? Why? This paragraph should
also be a minimum of five sentences.

you may use this link to find articles

https://www.studentnewsdaily.com/

PROJECT # 1 NJ Travel Guide

Directions: Create a travel guide of New Jersey with an introduction (1 paragraph) and apply the five themes of geography.
Students should select at least 5 places in New Jersey. For each place, students are to write 1-2 descriptive paragraphs. Travel Guide must include pictures. Pictures may be drawings or printed images.

Important information to include: Place, Location (Absolute/ Relative), county, geographical boundaries, interaction, plants, animals, wildlife, etc. Would you recommend visiting this place? Why or why not?


You may use this template for your first paragraph:

Introductory Paragraph
Have you ever dreamed of enjoying a hot summer on Wildwood Beach? If so, New Jersey is the place for you. New Jersey is located on the eastern shore by the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to many beaches and parks. New Jersey relies on industry in the north and agriculture in the South. It is a great place to live because… (Complete this sentence) This paper will focus on these 5 places: (List your places)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Complete the attached Quiz by creating a NEW GOOGLE DOCUMENT.

When you are done submit the quiz. You do NOT have to do the extra credit and you will not lose any points for answering an extra credit question incorrectly. Good luck!

Please answer the following questions based on last weeks lesson in a newly created document. You may use the Powerpoint attached below to help you.

1) When was New Jersey discovered?

2) What explorer found New Jersey?

3) What group of Native Americans were the first to live in New Jersey?

4) How many counties are in New Jersey?

5) Name 5 counties in New Jersey

Step 1: Create a new Google document, Name the document "My Journal: Marking Period 1". All Journal entries will be typed into THIS DOCUMENT. You will use this document for every journal entry this marking period.

JOURNAL #1: Do you agree with the decision to have rebuilt the World Trade Center after the terrorist attack on September 11th, 2001? Why or Why not? Explain. Provide evidence from the video clip/s you watched during class. Cite examples. Your goal is to provide a strong argument. Make sure you pick only one side to argue.

Complete the writing prompt assigned. ONLY CHOOSE 1 prompt to respond to. This is a rough draft. Please do not stress over this.