8th Grade United States History

Teacher Bio

Hello! My name is Harrison Knight, and I will be your 8th Grade United States History teacher! I am excited for this upcoming school year and together we will dive into our nation's history to uncover the story of us and build up our knowledge of the world we live in.

A little about myself, I am a Pearland native, and a graduate from Pearland High School class of 2016. I graduated from Sam Houston State University with my bachelor's degree in education and history and I am currently obtaining a master's degree in education at Sam Houston State. My favorite subject when I was in school was my history classes. I am also a Football/Basketball coach here at Pearland JH South and growing up those were my favorite sports to play. I am an avid Oklahoma Sooners (and now Sam Houston Bearkats), Houston Astros, and Houston Texans fan.

EBDDF002-FBCE-46FD-BADC-BE94235A2E12 (2).jpeg

In this United States History course, we will discover the origins of our nation and continent, understand how the "New World" molded colonists into Revolutionaries, reveal the construction of the Constitution, and see how our young nation fought for "Liberty and Justice for All." Through the good and the bad, the history of America is the story of US and by understanding where we have been we will be better equipped to handle what lies before us.

Syllabus/Expectations:

Students will be expected to actively participate in class each day (it will make up half of their daily grade). From day one of school students will practice and learn classroom procedures and will be expected to follow them each day. In this course we will covering American History from 1492-1876 that will be split up into 9 units. Throughout each unit students will develop their reading, writing, and communication skills by regularly working in pairs and small groups to complete interactive activities. I promote open discussion and group collaboration when understanding history and I will make an effort to allot ample opportunities for the students to engage in this type of activities. Students will be expected to practice exceptional behaviors including keeping their hands/feet to themselves and refraining from talking while the teacher is giving instruction. While the students have school issued laptops, I ask that students only use them in class when prompted by the teacher.

Classroom Supply List- *Important Materials

*2-5 subject spirals

*2 packages of notebook paper, regular or college rule.

*1- pack of pencils/pens

2 boxes of Kleenex

1- pack glue sticks

1- Hand sanitizer

Everyday needs- A laptop or tablet is needed for this class when we use Canvas; phones are not an alternative. Cell phones will be in their backpacks and are not capable of the requirements needed to do online assignments. I will give a variety of different assignments, including paper assignments, creating PPT's, creating video's, projects, Canvas, and Aware for tests. It is important that every student is prepared for class, ready for instruction, and ready to work bell to bell (the entire class period). Pencils are a necessary part of this class, and you are required to bring them. Pencils are not provided by the school. If you would like, you can donate pencils to the class, so students can be given a pencil if they forget one (please make sure you have them). Students also need to bring at least one box of tissues, as we all know that students need to blow their nose etc. I also would like a box of sandwich bags so students can put cutouts into them for safe keeping instead of keeping loose in their backpack or a folder.

Grading: All tests and projects are 60% and 40% consists of daily assignments, vocabulary, homework, note taking in class/online, and other daily tasks. This applies to all learners.

Class time: Be alert and attentive, ready to learn, in-class. Each day, students will have bell work (warm up - which consists of vocabulary, multiple choice, open-ended questions, or paper. That will take 5-10 minutes at the beginning of class. (Being on time and prepared is a requirement for my class.) This class will require students to: write vocabulary content, assignments, homework, discussions, *essays*, *readings* and quizzes/tests. This is a vital part of the content and is a high priority for my classes. There will be daily assessments with independent work for all students.

Behavior Expectations Overview: The education of every student is important to me and is valued to the fullest; by myself, teachers, and administrators. Every student has the right to learn in an environment that allows learning without major disruptions from others. The following expectations are non- negotiable in my classroom. Follow directions, do not talk while I am talking, be honest, respectful to all, and responsible. Staying on task and following directions will keep students out of trouble. I will follow the campus guidelines for discipline, including student conferences, parent contact, detentions and so on.

Contact Info

Email: knighth@pearlandisd.org
School Phone: 281-727-1500

Conference Time

2nd Period (9:35 AM-10:26 AM)

Tutoring

Wednesday and Thursday morning (7:45 AM-8:30 AM)

Clubs & Activities

8th Grade Football Coach
8th Grade Basketball Coach

Quick Access (links to frequently used resources)

Skyward: Schedules and Grades
Canvas Student Guides: Answers to frequently asked Canvas questions