Debra D. Mays

7th Grade Civics and Geography Teacher

Phone Number 1-334- 567-1413

BIO

Hi.  I am Debra Mays.  I attended Alabama State University, and finished with a Masters Degree in Social Studies.   I later attended Troy State University, and finished with a Masters Degree in Agency Counseling.   
I also attended Auburn University at Montgomery, and received a Certification in Reading.  I presently teach Civics and Geography at Wetumpka Middle School.

 

Courses Taught:

Contemporary Civics/Geography - Grade 7

Contemporary Issues - Grade 7 (Elective)

 

Remind Codes
Homeroom/1st Period - 7th Grade- Geography/Civics -   Text @acgd79 to 81010.
 2nd, 5th, 6th Period - 7th Grade- Geography/Civics -       Text @94393kk to 81010.
 3rd Period - 7th Grade- Contemporary Issues (Elective- Text @4cbh28d to 81010.


Debra D. Mays

 

Lesson Plan - NAME: Debra Mays   GRADE/SUBJECT: 7th Grade Civics   WEEK OF: November 3rd-November 7th 2025                         

 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Standard 7- Determine how people organize economic systems to address basic economic questions regarding which goods and services will be produced, how they will be distributed, and who will consume them.

Standard 7- Determine how people organize economic systems to address basic economic questions regarding which goods and services will be produced, how they will be distributed and who will consume them.

Standard 7- Determine how people organize economic systems to address basic economic questions regarding which goods and services will be produced, how they will be distributed and who will consume them.

Standard 7- Determine how people organize economic systems to address basic economic questions regarding which goods and services will be produced, how they will be distributed and who will consume  them.

Standard 7- Determine how people organize economic systems to address basic economic questions regarding which goods and services will be produced, how they will be distributed, and who will consume them.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question- What are goods?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Goods (2) Services and (3) Factors of Production

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on factors of production required to produce goods and services.

Essential Question- What are Natural Resources?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Fertile Fields (2) Abundant Rainfall and (3) Forests and Minerals

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the gifts of nature that make production possible

Essential Question- What is Labor?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Electricians (2) Education and (3) Support Personnel

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on physical and mental efforts that people contribute to the production of goods and services.

Essential Question-What is Capital?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Economists

(2) Consumer Goods

(3) Products

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on tools used to make other products.

Essential Question- What is Gross Domestic Product?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Economic Success (2) Overall Economy and (3) Measuring Gross Domestic Products

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on economic success by the amount of income and the ability to provide for themselves and their families.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- Producing Goods and Services

Bell-Ringer- What are services?

Before- Quick Write

During- Questions

Find the Words

Categorizing Information

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me

After- Write 3 conclusive statements. 

Whole Group

Formative

Summative

Objective- Natural Resources

Bell-Ringer- What are the factors of production?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Labor (2) Capital and (3) Entrepreneurs

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on resources necessary for goods and services.

Before- Question and Answer

During- Summary

Read to Learn

Graphic Organizer

Matching

Strategy-3-2-1

After- Write 3 reactions/opinions

Individual Work

Formative

Summative

Objective- Labor

Bell-Ringer- What are the benefits of labor?

Before- Read/Write/Discuss

During-Notes

Sum-It-Up

Cause/Effect

Open-Ended Questions

Drawing

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm

After- Drawing

Whole Group

Formative

Summative

Objective- Capital

Bell-Ringer- Who are Economists?

Before- Quick Write

During- Key Terms

Write sentences

Complete the Statements

Chart Reading Check Questions

Strategy- 3 Predictions

After- Draw a picture to illustrate capital goods.

Individual Work

Formative

Summative 

Objective- Gross Domestic Product

Bell-Ringer- What are secondhand sales?

Before- Quick Write

During- Read/Write/Discuss

Summarize Information

Organize Information

Evaluate Chart

Strategy- Turn and Talk

After- Reading Check Question

Small Group

Formative

Summative

IXL Skills 

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

Student Grouping:X  Whole Group  X Small Group  X Individual Work 

Assessments: X FormativeX Summative

ACCOMMODATIONS:     Retake Tests,     Preferential Seating,  X    Shorter Assignments,  X   Additional Time,      EL Strategies,       Language Modifications, 

          Compacting the Subject (gifted),       Less Repetition (gifted),       Alternative Assessment,       Other:                                                                       X


Lesson Plan -NAME: Debra Mays   GRADE/Subject 7th Grade/Contemporary Issues-Elective   WEEK OF: November 3rd-November 7th  2025  

 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Skill-Reading Comprehension

Skill-Reading Comprehension

Skill-Reading Comprehension

SkillReading Comprehension

Skill-Reading Comprehension

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question- How would you describe the three North American Countries..

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Canada (2) Mexico and (3) The United States

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the people of Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

Essential Question- How is Canada and the United States similar?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Rocky Mountains (2) England and (3) Americans

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on two countries that  are similar in many ways.

Essential Question- What is Canada’s Winter Sport?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Hockey (2) Cold Weather and (3) Canadian Towns

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on hockey that has been popular in Canada since it was invented there more than 100 years ago.

Essential Question- What about Mexico?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) It’s Neighbor-Canada and the United States (2) East Coast and (3) West Coast

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on Mexico’s population.

Essential Question- What is Mexico City famous for?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Aztec Pyramids (2) The Spanish and (3)North America

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on Mexico City- the highest city in North America.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- Three North American Countries

Bell-Ringer- Where is the United States located?

Before- Quick Write

During- Notes

sum-it-up

inferences

graphic organizer

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm

After- Write 3 positive reactions on Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Whole Group

Formative

Summative 

Objective- Comparing Canada and the United States

Bell-Ringer- Why do the United States and Canada choose leaders differently?

Before- Read/Write/Discuss

During- Create a Venn Diagram on Canada and the United States

Cause and Effect

Inferences

Reading Check Questions

Strategy- 3-2-1

After- Write 2 reactions on both Canada and the United States.

Individual Work

Formative

Summative

Objective- Canada’s Winter Sports

Bell-Ringer- What about hockey today in the United States and other countries?

Before- Quick Write

During- Create a chart

Reading Check Questions

Summary/Main Ideas

Word Wall

Strategy - Save the Last Word For Me

After- Write 2 additional facts on Canadian Hockey.

Whole Group

Formative

Summative

Objective- Mexico and Its North American Neighbors

Bell-Ringer- What language do people in the United States and Canada speak?

Before- Read/Write/Discuss

During- Create a Venn diagram including Canada and Mexico.

Write 5 descriptive words

Drawing

Strategy- 3 Predictions

After- Answer one specific question on Mexico and Canada

Individual Work

Formative

Summative 

Objective- Mexico City

Bell-Ringer- When did the Spanish arrive in North America?

Before- Write Notes

During- Venn Diagram

Graphic Organizer

Read To Learn

Sum-It-Up

Inferences

Strategy-Turn and Talk

Small Group

Formative

Summative

IXL Skills 

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

www.pearsonlearning.com

www.pearsonlearning.com

www.pearsonlearning.com

www.pearsonlearning.com

www.pearsonlearning.com

Student Grouping:X Whole Group  X Small Group X  Individual Work 

Assessments:X Formative  XSummative

ACCOMMODATIONS:     Retake Tests,     Preferential Seating,  X    Shorter Assignments,  X   Additional Time,      EL Strategies,       Language Modifications, 

          Compacting the Subject (gifted),       Less Repetition (gifted),       Alternative Assessment,       Other:                                                                       X

 

Lesson Plan: NAME: Debra Mays      GRADE/SUBJECT:  7th Grade/Civics      WEEK OF: October 27th-October 31st 2025         

 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Standard 6- Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

Standard 6- Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

Standard 6- Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

Standard 6- Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

Standard 6- Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question- What does criminal cases involve?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Crimes (2) Government Charges and (3) Violations) 

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the more serious the crime, the harsher the punishment will be.

Essential Question- What purpose does penalties for crimes serve?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Felonies (2) Penal Codes and (3) Legal Proceedings

I can(as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on types of criminal cases. 

Who are the critics?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Resolve Disputes (2) Lawsuits and (3) Arbitration

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on clarifying  differences between the two sides and preparing for the trial.

Essential Question- What are the different types of felonies? 

Learning Targets For Students: (1)  Criminal Trial (2) Lost earnings and (3) The Evidence

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on parties with no settlement will go to trial. 

Essential Question- What happens in a criminal Case? 

Learning Targets For Students: (1) the Judge (2) The Verdict and (3)The Winning Plaintiff

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on a winning plaintiff that may have to wait years before seeing any of the money the court awarded, and may even end up with nothing.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- Criminal Cases

Bell-Ringer- What are the penalties for misdemeanors?

Before- Read-Write- Draw

During- Questions

Key Terms

Read to Learn Questions

Main Idea

Open-ended questions

Strategy- Predictions

After- Create a chart.

Whole Group

Formative

Summative  

Objective- Penalties For Crimes

Bell-Ringer- what is the purpose of criminal penalties?

Before- Read

During- Write Notes

Complete Graphic Organizer

Analyze Graph

Key Terms

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me.

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm

After- Write two facts on serious law violations.

Individual Work

Formative

Summative

 

Objective- What about critics of the parole system?

Bell-Ringer- What is arbitration?

Before- Read/Discuss

During- Compare

Identify

Draw Conclusions

Sequence Information

Analyze Visual

Strategy- 3-2-1

After- Evaluate Chart

Whole Group

Formative

Summative

Objective- The Trial in Criminal Cases.

Bell-Ringer- What takes place if the defendant wins?

Before- Quick Write

During- Summary

Chart

Examples of civil cases

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me

After- Sequential Graphic Organizer

Individual Work

Formative

Summative

Objective- The Appeal

Bell-Ringer- What is the arrest phase?

Before- Quick Write

During- Direct Expenditures

Main Ideas

Checking For Understanding

Graphic Organizer

Strategy- Turn and Talk

After- Write 3 positive reactions on the Criminal Court System

Small Group

Formative

Summative

IXL Skills 

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

Student Grouping:X  Whole Group  X Small Group X  Individual Work 

Assessments:X  Formative X Summative

ACCOMMODATIONS:     Retake Tests,     Preferential Seating,  X    Shorter Assignments,   X  Additional Time,      EL Strategies,       Language Modifications, 

          Compacting the Subject (gifted),       Less Repetition (gifted),       Alternative Assessment,       Other:                                                                       X

 

Lesson Plan:NAME:  Debra Mays  GRADE/SUBJECT: 7th Grade Contemporary Issues-Elective  WEEK OF:October 27th-October 31st 2025                   

 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Skill-Reading Comprehension

Skill- Reading Comprehension

Skill-Reading Comprehension

Skill-Reading Comprehension

Skill- Reading Comprehension

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question- What is a Natural Resource?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Natural Resources (2) Graphite and (3) Plants and Animals

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on materials found on Earth that people use.

Essential Question- How are natural resources used?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Natural Resources (2) A country’s economy and (3) Products and Services

I can (as a teacher ) help the students gain knowledge on resources used to make products.

Essential Question- What are the Three North American Countries?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Canada (2) New Mexico and (3) The United States 

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on North American Countries

Essential Question-What is one similarity between Canada and the United States?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Canada (2) The United States and (3) The Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on similarities between Canada and the United States.

Essential Question- What is Canada’s Winter Sport?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Hockey

(2) Canada and (3) California

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on Canada’s popular sports.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- What is a Natural Resource?

Bell-Ringer- What does water provide?

Before-Quick Write

During-Graphic Organizer

Word Wall

Chart

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm

After- Write 3 examples of natural resources.

Individual Work

Formative

Summative

.

Objective- Using Natural Resources

Bell-Ringer- What type of sweater do most people buy?

Before- Read/ Write/Discuss

During- Completions

Matching

Find the Words

Strategy- 3-2-1

After- Reading Check Question

Whole Group

Formative

Summative 

Objective- Three North American Countries

Bell-Ringer- How can Canada be described?

Before- Quick Write

During- Discussions

Sum-It-Up

Inferences

Cause and Effect

Main Idea

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me

After- Write 3 conclusive statements.

Individual Work

Formative 

Summative

Objective- Comparing Canada and the United States

Bell-Ringer- What language do most people in Canada and the United States speak?

Before- Read/Write Facts

During- Read to Learn Questions

Completions

Sum-It-Up

Strategy- Predictions

After- Drawing

Whole  Group

Formative

Summative

Objective- Canada’s Winter Sports

Bell-Ringer- What did professional hockey players on specific teams learn to do?

Before- Read  and write facts.

During- Matching

Graphic Organizer

Complete the words

Strategy- Turn and Talk

After- Write 3 reactions.

Small Group

Formative

Summative

IXL Skills 

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

www.pearsonlearning.com

www.pearsonlearning.com

www.pearsonlearning.com

www.pearsonlearning.com

www.pearsonlearning.com

Student Grouping:X  Whole Group   XSmall Group X  Individual Work 

Assessments:X  Formative X Summative

ACCOMMODATIONS:     Retake Tests,   X  Preferential Seating,  X    Shorter Assignments,     Additional Time,      EL Strategies,       Language Modifications, 

          Compacting the Subject (gifted),       Less Repetition (gifted),       Alternative Assessment,       Other:                                                                       X

Lesson Plan NAME: Debra Mays      GRADE/SUBJECT: 7th Grade/Civics         WEEK OF: October 15th-October 17th, 2025

 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Fall Break

Fall Break

Standard 6- Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

Parent Report Card Day

Standard 6- Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

  

Essential Question- What are the causes of juvenile delinquency?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Juvenile (2) Juvenile Delinquents and (3) Serious Crimes

I can (as a teacher) gain knowledge on a certain age at which people become adults in the eyes of the criminal justice system. 

 

Essential Question- What role does rehabilitation play in the juvenile justice system?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Juvenile Courts (2) Parents Responsibilities and (3) Rehabilitation

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on juvenile  delinquency.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

  

Objective- Young People and the Courts

Bell-Ringer- What is allowed by the courts for older juveniles who are charged with very serious crimes or already have criminal records?

Before- Quick Write

During- Write Notes

Graphic Organizer

Questions

Key Terms

Strategy- 3-2-1

After- Making Judgements

Whole Group

Formative

Summative.

 

Objective- Young People and the Courts.

Bell-Ringer- What types of cases does the juvenile court system handle?

Before- Read/Write/Discuss

During- Summary Statements

Chart

Read to Learn Questions

Main Ideas

Word Wall

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm

After-List types of crimes that children and teenagers commit.

Individual Work

Formative

Summative

IXL Skills 

  

Social Studies

 

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

  

civ.glencoe.com

 

civ.glrncoe.com

Student Grouping:  XWhole Group   XSmall Group  X Individual Work 

Assessments:X Formative XSummative

ACCOMMODATIONS:     Retake Tests,     Preferential Seating,   X   Shorter Assignments,  X   Additional Time,      EL Strategies,       Language Modifications, 

          Compacting the Subject (gifted),       Less Repetition (gifted),       Alternative Assessment,       Other:                                                                       X

Lesson Plan -NAME: Debra Mays  GRADE/SUBJECT: 7th Grade/Contemporary Issues-Elective   WEEK OF: October 15th-October 17th 2025

 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

  

Reading Comprehension

 

Reading Comprehension

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Fall Break

Fall Break

Essential Question-Who was King Chandra Gupta?

Learning Targets For Students.: (1) The Gupta Empire (2) The Mughal Empire. and (3) Great Britain Takes Control.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on Indian Rulers.

Parent Report Day

Essential Question-Who were the Magnificent Mayas?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Mesoamerican Empires 92) The Mayas and (3) City-States

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the piece of land that joins the North American and South American continents.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

  

Objective- Indian Rulers

Bell-Ringer- How long did the Gupta Empire last?

Before- Quick Write

During- Write 5 notes.

Word Wall

Find the Words

Write 3 descriptive words

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm

After- Reading Check Question- How long did the Great Conflict last?

Whole Group

Formative

Summative

 

Objective- Mesoamerican Empires

Bell-Ringer- What were the Mayas known for?

Before- Quick Write

During- Graphic Organizer

Read to Learn

Sum-It-Up

Inferences

Fact/Opinion

Drawing

Strategy- Turn and Talk

After- Main Idea Question

Small Group

Formative

Summative

IXL Skills 

  

Social Studies

 

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

  

www.shelleducation.com

 

www.shelleducation

Student Grouping:X  Whole Group  X Small Group  X Individual Work 

Assessments:X  Formative  XSummative

ACCOMMODATIONS:     Retake Tests,     Preferential Seating,  X    Shorter Assignments,  X   Additional Time,      EL Strategies,       Language Modifications, 

          Compacting the Subject (gifted),       Less Repetition (gifted),       Alternative Assessment,       Other:                                                                       X


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