8th Grade U.S. History Extra Credit
Extra Credit
In my class I offer a few Extra Credit assignments. These assignments are not required, but may be done to earn some extra points. Any assignment may be done at any time during the year. However, you may only do each assignment once for extra credit points.
Extra Credit can have a maximum of a 5% increase in your grade per semester. If you earn 100 points, you will reach the full 5% increase. Most assignments are 5-10 points.
Movies-
Due to the limited amount of class time, I am unable to show many films that do a good job capturing conflicts, life, and events in history. Since history is not always pleasant, most of these films have violence, and some harsh imagery. Please feel free to look up information about the film to be sure that you feel comfortable watching it, and that it is deemed appropriate by your parents. If you are interested in watching one of these films, be sure to ask for permission from your parents. A PARENT SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED ON YOUR WRITE UP IN ORDER TO RECEIVE CREDIT! The signature indicates that your parent was aware of what you watched, and granted permission for you to do so.
In order to receive extra credit points, watch one of the films below and write a 100+ word summary of the film. I have seen each of these films and know them well. Be sure to include specific examples and thoughts that clearly show that you saw the film. YOUR SUMMARY MUST BE TYPED AND MUST HAVE A PARENT SIGNATURE ON IT!
Below is the list of movies you may watch for extra credit. Click on the movie to be taken to IMDB for previews, pictures, reviews, and more details about each movie.
Last of the Mohicans
Tombstone
Lincoln
Glory
The Alamo
Hamilton
The Current War
Games-
In Unit 3, "The New Republic," we cover the Oregon Trail and expanding west. When I was young, we played the classic "Oregon Trail" game at school. The same game is available online. You may access it by clicking on the link below.
Play the "Oregon Trail"
In order to receive extra credit for this game, you must play it until you reach your destination in Oregon. Take a screen shot of your accomplishment.
Now, write a 100+ word summary of your experiences with the game and how they relate to what you learned in class. Be sure to include specific examples and thoughts that clearly show what you did, and learned from the game. YOUR SUMMARY MUST BE TYPED AND MUST HAVE A SCREENSHOT OF YOUR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE GAME!
In Unit 6, "A Growing America," we cover the railroads, big business, and monopolies. Two great family games, that are fun to play, and can help "experience" a little history, are Ticket to Ride and Monopoly (Classic Edition). Take some time and play one of these games with your family or friends.
When you play, you need to think like a historian and look for concepts we learned about in class. You also need to be sure to play the game to completion.
Now, write a 100+ word summary of your experiences with the game and how they relate to what you learned in class. Be sure to include specific examples and thoughts that clearly show what you did, and learned from the game. YOUR SUMMARY MUST BE TYPED AND MUST HAVE A PICTURE OF YOUR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE GAME!
Field Trips-
"Travel makes you speechless, then it turns you into a storyteller." Ibn Battuta
Sometimes we get opportunities to see amazing historical places on our vacations, or when we visit friends and family. If you go somewhere that meets this description (a museum, a play, or a historical site) take a picture of yourself there, and/or bring a copy of the ticket or program. If you are unsure if where you went counts as a "historical place," feel free to e-mail me, or ask me in person, and I will let you know!
After you go on your outing, complete a 100+ word write up that explains what the experience was and how it relates to our class.
Many historical places are all around us, inexpensive, or even free! For example, Knott's Berry Farm has a replica of Independence Hall with free admission! If you attend, be sure to watch the show and take a picture.
For more information on this and other unique experiences offered at Knott's Berry Farm, click on the link below.
Knott's Berry Farm- Independence Hall And Other Unique Experiences
Articles-
I enjoy reading historical and archaeological journals, magazines, and books. I find some interesting articles in them that are changing our understanding of the past. From time to time I will be adding articles that can be read and responded to for Extra Credit. Simply click on the link below for a copy of the article. Once you have read the article, complete a 100+ word write up that explains your thoughts on the article. You may want to write about how the article relates to what we have learned in class, or what you think the information means for the future.
The Bison Returns to the Great American Plains (Smithsonian Article- Extra Credit)
Inside the 18th-century Contest to Build the White House (National Geographic History Article- Extra Credit)
Books-
There are many books and collections of essays written about the people and events covered in class. If you are interested, read a book about one of the people or events from our class. Since there are sop many, please let me know what you are thinking of reading so I can verify that it is appropriate, accurate, and at the correct level for our class. Uncle Tom's Cabin, Little House on the Prairie (series) by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow or Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving, My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier,Johnny Tremain by Esther Hoskins Forbes, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, Grant, or Hamilton (Both Grant and Hamilton are by Ron Chernow) are some possibilities. The book size and complexity will determine the total number of Extra Credit points you may earn. As with all of the Extra Credit assignments, be sure that your parents approve of what you are considering as well.
Once you have read the the book, complete a 100+ word write up that explains your thoughts on the book. You may want to write about how the book relates to what we have learned in class, or how it affected people in the United States.
Music-
I have been honored to see many of you perform in choir and band. You have amazing talent! Mr. Betts will often use historical music in band and choir for instruction. A great way to earn extra credit is to play or sing historical songs with your friends. I know you may be embarrassed to play in person (Don't be- you are talented!), so feel free to record your "performance" and e-mail it to me. I appreciate the work you do with your music, I too played in a band at your age, and know it is not easy! If you need help finding good songs that relate to the class, ask Mr. Betts for some ideas! He may even be able to provide you with the music. (Maybe "The Star Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key, and written during the War of 1812...?)
Once you have selected your music, complete a 100+ word write up that explains how the music relates to the class. You may want to write about the history of the time period, or the history of the song, or how it affected people in the United States.