U.S. History I Course Syllabus
Mike Fischer
8th Grade U.S. History
House 8B
Rm. 116


Welcome to U.S. History! It is my pleasure to teach this standards-based course and important time in the development of American history. This year I look forward to working with each and every student with the goal of making them proficient with the standards of the U.S. History curriculum.

According to the course description, U.S. History I is meant to be a bridge between Middle School and High School by being the first of a two-year sequence required of all 8th and 9th graders. The organization of the
8th grade course is a combination of chronological and thematic approaches which expect students to make connections between the past and present wherever possible. Students are exposed to many primary sources in order to enrich their historical thinking and understanding. A hands-on approach is stressed throughout the course by way of re-enactments, projects, group work, and simulations while also mixing in technology and direct instruction.

The following events outline the general framework of U.S. History I:

• A constant emphasis on geographical concepts, along with frequent testing on states, capitals, and physical features which are integrated for the better understanding of the development of the United States.
• European Colonization
• The American Revolution
• The Constitution
• Expansion and Indian Removal
• Slavery and the Civil War
• Reconstruction, Immigration, Industrialization, and the Rise of Cities
  
  Please feel free to contact me at any time regarding questions or concerns about the course itself or your child’s progress. Again, I look forward to teaching this class.
  
   Michael Fischer
  (414) 773-2485