Minnesota Studies Course Syllabus
Sixth Grade, Hidden Oaks/Twin Oaks Middle Schools
Welcome to MN Studies!
This semester-long course includes the study of famous people, places, events and topics such as Minnesota road maps, fur trading, the Dakota and the Ojibwe, immigration, tourist sites, agriculture, lumber, and mining industries. We use the 2013 revised second edition of the Northern Lights curriculum which is developed by the Minnesota Historical Society.
We expect our students to follow L.A.K.E.R.S. behavior expectations. For other general expectations and policies, please consult your student handbook.
The Textbook
- Students will get a physical book which must be covered with a brown paper bag.
- The text is also available as a .pdf in Schoology, so if you have access, students don't have to bring the book home.
Homework
- Homework assignments are weighted at 10% of the total grade.
- Students have assignments due a few times a week; most of the time students get started on them in class and need to finish outside of class.
- If nothing is "due" - there is still homework - STUDY!
- All homework assignments are posted in Schoology - both parents and students need to join and check.
- Extra copies of assignments are generally posted in Schoology.
- Late homework is accepted for full credit until the end of each chapter.
Assessments
- Assessments are weighted at 90% of the total grade.
- Chapters are fast and assessments come up every two weeks or so.
- Reminders are sent to parents for upcoming assessments via email (whatever you have posted in Infinite Campus), in addition to posts on Schoology.
- Any section of any test can be retaken for full credit if the student scores 75% or lower in that section. In addition, the student must have all work for that chapter completed to class expectations.
- Students wishing to retake will have a form to bring home, get signed, and return to the teacher the day before the retake - if this is not done, the student can't retake the assessment.
Study Guides
- Students receive one for almost every chapter.
- They help students focus on the important information to know for assessments.
- Most answers can be found in the text - re-read to find them.
- These are very helpful for adults to use in helping their child prepare for tests.
Study for Success!
- Studying should happen daily, not just the night before the test. This is a new habit to work on in middle school.
- Students have the following tools: study guide, textbook, vocab study tools from class, and the Quizlet site: https://quizlet.com/PLMNStudies
- Most sixth graders still need adult support in studying for tests.
How to Keep on Top of Things
Schoology
Students are given a code to join in class.
Parents join differently; check the guidance department if you need info.
Check daily!
Planner
Infinite Campus
Mrs. Christie Bauer
Email: cbauer@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Location: 15860 Fish Point Road, Prior Lake, MN, United States
Phone: (952)-226-0550