Welcome to Civics

Welcome to Civics.

This class is designed to help you learn about the government and learn how to make it work for you. We will be discussing local, state, and national government. You will learn how bills become laws, who decides if laws are Constitutional, and how to change laws you don't like.

You will learn the background of why the government works the way it does, and how to cause change when necessary.

This Civics class will be a "how to" type of class. You will learn the background information necessary, but you will also be connecting that information to interesting things that you, personally, care about.

The grades:
-Homework 20%
-Classwork 20%
-Assessments (projects, tests) 40%
-Notebook 20%

I may give a quiz at any time just to make sure you're paying attention. I may check your agenda to make sure you have it correctly filled out--that could be a notebook grade. I may give a quiz or a test where you can use your notebook. The possibilities are endless.

We will do some individual projects and some projects in groups. We will have debates, discussions, and many other activities.

The Rules:
--Everyone must be on time and ready for class--bring your book every day, your notebook, agenda, pen/pencil, etc...
--Everyone must be respectful of everyone else in the class. We will discuss many things about which you have strong beliefs. You may disagree, but you must always do so respectfully.
--You must respect the classroom. Do not leave garbage, stick stuff under the desks, write on desks...
--Use classroom materials with respect. In the past people have ruined a lot of the materials I have supplied to the class, so I stopped supplying materials. I am feeling generous again, thanks to the back to school sales I found this year. Please use and return the classroom colored pencils, rulers, scissors, and other materials and return them where they go. I have supplied you with a bulletin board near the door for notices, and a pile of recyclable scrap paper. If you use these supplies nicely, they'll last the year. If not, you will have to supply your own things.

I am looking forward to this class!