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7th Grade World Geography Cherry Hill Middle School

Have your passport out and ready to go! We will study various regions of the world and investigate the landforms, people, economy, and special issues related to that region through readings, class discussions, activities, and projects. This course has a special focus on current events around the world as well. The textbook we will be using is entitled, Geography: The World and Its People. Students will need a three ring binder with four dividers (labeled Warm Ups, Graded Work, Maps, and Class Notes), pencils, a blue or black pen, and loose leaf paper. Markers, colored pencils or crayons and a ruler are also recommended. 1. Geographic concepts – focus on map skills, landforms, and natural disasters 2. Western Hemisphere – focus on cooperation and conflict between various countries and special issues facing North and South America 3. Europe – focus on factors uniting and dividing the continent 4. Africa – focus on special issues facing the continent including diversity and disparity 5. Asia – focus on cultural traditions and change 6. The Middle East – focus on current conflicts 7. Australia and Antarctica – focus on climate changes
 * Course Overview**
 * Required Materials**
 * A donation of a box of tissues would also be greatly appreciated!
 * Units of Study**

The number of grades an assignment is worth will be based on length and complexity. In general, quizzes will be worth one grade and tests will be worth two grades. I expect all assignments to be completed neatly and ready to be turned in on the day that the assignment is due. Papers may be typed in a readable 12-point font or carefully handwritten and proofread.
 * Grading:** Students will complete a variety of activities and assignments to earn their grade. //Summative assignments// carry a weight of approximately 60% toward the final marking period grade. These assignments may include unit tests, quizzes, response papers, and projects. //Formative assignments// provide a check for understanding and are weighted at approximately 40% towards the final marking period grade. These assignments may include warm up checks, class work, and homework.


 * Late or Missing Work:** If the student fails to turn in an assignment during his or her class period on the day that it is due, the assignment will be considered late. Each day that an assignment is late, points will be subtracted from the total, resulting in a lower grade. Students needing extra time on assignments must contact me prior to the day the assignment is due.

An absent folder is located in the room and will contain any handouts with the student’s name at the top. All students should have a helping classmate (listed below) who can be contacted to help get missing notes and work from class, or to help study for tests and quizzes. Students should check with their helping classmate for notes or special instructions on missed work.
 * Absent from Class:** Students who are absent from class are responsible for getting all missed assignments and completing all class work. Upon returning to school, students should contact the teacher regarding due dates for missed work.

You can check for homework, tests and quizzes, or other assignments by logging onto schoolnotes.com or by accessing the CHMS web page. Grades can also be checked using Grades Online. Please check the students’ planner as well for upcoming assignments.
 * Communication:** Please feel free to call me between 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at school (410-996-5020) or email me at clwhalen@ccps.org. I am also available after school for any questions or help on assignments. Please contact me before hand to set up a date and time.