M/J Civics and Digital Technologies   (#2106029)

General Notes

The primary content for the course pertains to the principles, functions, and organization of government; the origins of the American political system; the roles, rights, responsibilities of United States citizens; and methods of active participation in our political system. The course is embedded with strong geographic and economic components to support civic education instruction.

Mathematics Benchmark Guidance - Social Studies instruction should include opportunities for students to interpret and create representations of historical events and concepts using mathematical tables, charts, and graphs.

Digital Technologies - The digital curriculum required by Section 1003.4203 (3), Florida Statutes, has been integrated into this course. Listed below are the competencies that must be met to satisfy the requirements of (Section 1003.4203 (3), Florida Statutes):

Multimedia Technologies
01.0 Demonstrate proficiency in using presentation software and equipment.

01.01 Produce a presentation that includes music, animation, and digital photography and present it using a projection system.
01.02 Using presentation software, create a multimedia presentation that incorporates shot and edited video, animation, music, narration and adheres to good design principles, use of transitions, and effective message conveyance.
01.03 Collaborate with team members to plan, edit, evaluate, and present a multimedia presentation where individuals on the team function in specific production roles.

02.0 Demonstrate proficiency in using digital photography and digital imaging.

02.01 Demonstrate knowledge of ethics related to digital imaging, and legal and consent issues.
02.02 Apply effective design principles in digital photography compositions.
02.03 Illustrate the essence of an event, quote, or slogan through digital photography/imaging.
02.04 Demonstrate skill in using digital imaging software for image manipulation, color correction, and special effects to creatively convey a message or literary interpretation.
02.05 Demonstrate skill in scanning and cropping photographs.

03.0 Demonstrate proficiency in basic video production equipment.

03.01 Operate video camera (e.g., Flip video camera) in studio and location (field) production environments.
03.02 Demonstrate understanding of digital video storage media and file types.
03.03 Identify and select microphones for production needs.
03.04 Determine appropriate lighting needs for production settings.
03.05 Create a short video for publishing on the web.

04.0 Demonstrate skill in using video production software.

04.01 Demonstrate knowledge of the digital video software interface.
04.02 Demonstrate ability to edit, cut, erase, and insert video.
04.03 Edit video as needed to achieve desired message and length.
04.04 Demonstrate skill in using video effects and plug-ins.
04.05 Describe a first complete run-through of the video production process
04.06 Characterize the qualities of effective communication in a completed video
04.07 Prepare a video project for final compositing and export.
04.08 Upload finished video files to a website.

05.0 Demonstrate proficiency gathering and preparing textual, graphical, and image-based web content.

05.01 Characterize effective writing styles and conventions for the web.
05.02 Use word processing software to create effective written content for the web.
05.03 Use graphics software to create and prepare various types of graphical content for use on a webpage.
05.04 Access and digitize graphics through various resources (e.g., scanner, digital cameras, on-line graphics, clip art, CD-ROMs).
05.05 Create and edit images using image or graphic design software.

Special Notes:
Additional content that may be included in the Grade 8 NAEP Civics assessment includes:

• Distinctive characteristics of American society
• Unity/diversity in American society
• Civil society: nongovernmental associations, groups
• Nation-states
• Interaction among nation-states
• Major governmental, nongovernmental international organizations

The NAEP frameworks for Civics may be accessed at http://www.nagb.org/publications/frameworks/civicsframework.pdf

Instructional Practices
Teaching from well-written, grade-level instructional materials enhances students' content area knowledge and also strengthens their ability to comprehend longer, complex reading passages on any topic for any reason. Using the following instructional practices also helps student learning:

1. Reading assignments from longer text passages as well as shorter ones when text is extremely complex.
2. Making close reading and rereading of texts central to lessons.
3. Asking high-level, text-specific questions and requiring high-level, complex tasks and assignments.
4. Requiring students to support answers with evidence from the text.
5. Providing extensive text-based research and writing opportunities (claims and evidence).