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/Geography      WEEK OF: May 5th-May 9th 2025                         

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Standard 12- Explain ways geographic features and environmental issues have influenced historical events.

Standard 12- Explain ways geographic features and environmental issues have influenced historical events.

Standard 12- Explain ways geographic features and environmental issues have influenced historical events.

Standard 12- Explain ways geographic features and environmental issues have influenced historical events.: 

Standard 12- Explain ways geographic features and environmental issues have influenced historical events.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question- What was the Age of Exploration?

Learning Targets For Students:(1) Columbian Exchange (2) Christopher Columbus and (3) The Westward Expansion

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on Europe beginning to reach out beyond its boundaries in a great age of discovery and exploration.

Essential Question- How would you explain the Pinta?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Christopher Columbus (2) Europeans and (3) Trading with the Americas.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on Columbus landing in a part of the world unknown to Europeans at that time. 

Essential Question- What was the Age of Revolution?

Learning Targets For Students: (1)  The Rule of the People. (2)  Divine Right of Kings and (3) Philosophers-John Locke, Jean Jacques, Rousseau.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on American colonies freedom from the European Countries.

Essential Question- What were some of the Revolutionary changes?

Learning Targets For Students? (1) Great Britain (2) Parliament and (3) British Democracy

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on a developed system of shared power and responsibility.

Essential Question- What was the beginning of the American Colonies?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Constitution (2) Congress and (3) British Colonies

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the new United States with its Declaration of Independence.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- The Age of Exploration

Before- Read/Write/Discuss

During- Examples of geographic features,

historical events,

environmental issues.

Outcomes of the age of exploration.

Sum-It-Up

Strategy- Write 3 predictions on Nina.

Write 3 conclusive statements.

Formative

Individual Work

Objective- Christopher Columbus  With Three Small

Ships.

Before-Quick Write

During- Inference Questions

Cause and Effect Questions

Reading Check Questions

Recalling Facts Activity

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm-Use the word COLUMBUS

After- Write 3 reactions.

Summative

Individual Work

Objective- The Age of Exploration.

Before- Quick Write

During- Outcomes of the American Revolution.

Completions

Historical Questions

Revolution Issues

What would philosophers say?

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me

After- Final thoughts on the rule of the people.

Formative

Individual Work

Objective- British Democracy

Before- Read/Write/Discuss

During- Popular Representative Body summary statement.

Terms to Know

Kings and Queens summary statement.

Explain shared power

What is Parliament?

What was Parliament’s connection to British Democracy?

Strategy- 3 facts, 2 connections, 1 question I still Have.

Summative

Whole Group

Objective- Democracy in the Americas.

Before- Quick Write

During- Defining Terms

Recalling Facts

Critical Thinking

Graphic Organizer

Applying Social Studies Skills

Strategy- Think-Pair-Share

After- Students will create a three-column chart with the headings- Renaissance, Reform, and Revolution. Students will fill in the chart with important events and people from the section on “From Renaissance to Revolution”.

Formative

Summative

Small Group

IXL Skills 

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

The World and Its People-online

The World and Its People-online

The World and Its People-online

The World and Its 

People-online

The World and Its People-online

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: May 5th - May 9th 2025                           

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question- What are Greek City-States?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) The Minoans (2) The Mycenaeans and (3) Athens and Spartans

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on special kinds of government.

Essential Question- What was so significant about the beautiful city of Rome?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Rome (2) Roman Rulers and (3) Julius Caesar.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the Roman Empire.

Essential Question- What made the Roman Empire Rise and Fall?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) A Strong Army. (2) Roman Religion and (3) Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain information on practices that made the Roman Empire strong.

Essential Question- Where is India located?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Dravidians (2) Aryans and (3) King Darius

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on groups that invaded India and changed it in some way.

Essential Question- What was the purpose of the Gupta Empire?

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 the empires that helped the Indian Rulers. 

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- Greek City-States

Before- Read/Discuss

During- Questions

Completions

Key Ideas

Summary

Drawing

Strategy- 3 Predictions

After-  Explain the city-states of Athens and Sparta.

Formative

Individual Work

Objective- The Mighty Roman Empire

Before- Quick Write

During- Terms to Know

Inferences

Critical Thinking Questions

Map Analysis

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm

Use the word ROMAN

After- Create a chart on Rome and the Roman Rulers.

Summative

Individual Work

Objective- The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire.

Before- Quick Write

During- Read Aloud/Write key ideas

Create a graphic organizer

Create a word wall describing the Roman Empire.

What made the Roman Empire strong?

Who were the legionnaires?

What were some of the accomplishments of the Romans?

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me

Summary

After- What made the Roman Empire Fall?.

Formative

Individual Work 

Objective- Early India

Before- Read/Discuss

During- Analyze the visuals and write results.

Write  information on the different groups that invaded India.

Write 3 reasons for the invaders choosing Early India.

Why did Early India need a change?

Create a chart.

Strategy- 3-2-1

3 facts, 2 connections, 1 question I still have on Early India.

Summative

Whole Group

Objective- Indian Rulers

Before- Quick Write

During- 5 key words

Sum-It-Up

What were the beliefs of the Muslims?

What did most Mughal leaders want?

Why did Great Britain Take Control of Early India?

Terms To Know

Create a Graphic Organizer

Summary

What was the Golden Age?

Strategy- Think-Pair-Share

After- Visual Analysis

Formative

Summative

Small Group

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  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/ Geography       WEEK OF: April 28th-May 2nd 2025                        

 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Standard 9- Explain how human actions modify the physical environment within and between places, including how human-induced changes affect the environment.

Standard 9- Explain how human actions modify the physical environment within and between places, including how human-induced changes affect the environment.

Standard 9- Explain how human actions modify the physical environment within and between places, including how human-induced changes affect the environment.

Standard 9- Explain how human actions modify the physical environment within and between places, including how human-induced changes affect the environment.

Standard 9- Explain how human actions modify the physical environment within and between places, including how human-induced changes affect the environment.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question- What are Natural Resources?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Renewable Resources (2) Nonrenewable Resources and (3) Natural Resources

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on countries trading for goods.

Essential Question- What are economic systems?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Traditional Economies (2) Command Economies and (3) Market Economies.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the use of natural resources used to produce and exchange goods and services.

Essential Question- What is World Trade?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Manufacturing (2) Distribution of Resources and (3) Perfect Soil and Climate.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the economies of the world’s countries.

Essential Question- What are barriers to trade?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Tariff (2) Quota and (3) Free Trade

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on trade benefits to help their country’s economy.

Essential Question- What are some differences in development?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Developed Countries (2) Developing Countries and (3) Industrialized Countries

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the spread of industry among developed and developing countries.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- Resources and World Trade

Before- Quick Write

During- Chart Activity

Drawing

Questions

Believe It or Not 

Critical Thinking Conclusions

What makes renewable resources different from nonrenewable resources?

Strategy- Predictions- Write 3 predictions on Exploring Our World.

After - Write 3 reactions

Formative

Individual Work 

Objective- Economic Systems

Before- Read/Write/Discuss

During- Terms to Know

What are similarities between the different types of economic systems?

What are some differences between the economic systems?

Completions

Questions 

Sum-It-Up

Write 3 conclusive statements.

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm- Use the word ECONOMIC

Summative

Individual Work

Objective- World Trade

Before- Quick Write

During- Write 5 facts

Write 5 examples on each fact.

Create a word wall on words describing world trade.

Create a graphic organizer

Applying Map Skills

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me

After- How has World Trade affected the U.S. ?

Formative

Individual Work

Objective- Barriers to Trade

Before- Quick Write

During- Write 3 key ideas.

List 5 words to describe trading among the different countries.

Map Activity on Land Use.

What resources were beneficial to World Trade?

Summary

Strategy- 3-2-1

3 facts, 2 connections, 1 question I still Have

Summative

Whole Group

Objective- Differences in Development.

Define Terms

Recalling Facts-Questions

Critical Thinking-Questions

Graphic Organizer

Applying Social  Studies Skills

Strategy- Think-Pair-Share

Students will think about the information on both developed and developing countries, pair with a partner, then share their final results on differences in development among the countries.

IXL Skills 

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

The World and Its People-online

The World and Its People-online

The World and Its People-online

The World and Its People-online

The World and Its People-online

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: April 28th- May 2nd 2025                           

 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question- Where is Ancient Greece located?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Ancient Greece  (2) Art and Theater and (3) The Beautiful Temples.

I can (as a teacher)  help the students gain knowledge on the country of Greece..

Essential Question- What do most clocks show?

Learning Targets For Students: (1)Clocks (2) Letters and (3) Latin Phrases

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on A.M. and P.M.

Essential Question- What is the fertile crescent known as?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Sumer (2) Babylonia and (3) The Code of Hammurabi.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on why many people came to the fertile crescent?

Essential Question- What were the additional Mesopotamian Empires?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Crops (2) The Persian Empire and (3) The Tolerant Persians

I can (s a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on more Mesopotamian Empires.

Essential Question- Who were the nomads?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Pharaohs (2) Lower Egypt and (3) Rich Soil

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the ruler of Egypt.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- Ancient Greece

Before-Read

During- Write 5 facts.

Create a word wall

Graphic Organizer

Examples of  Art and Theater

Strategy- Write 3 predictions 

After- 3 conclusive statements

Formative

Individual Work

Objective- A.M. and P.M.

Before-Read/Write/Discuss

During- Write 2 questions on your own about A.M. and P.M.

Create a chart

Write 5 words to describe clocks

Drawing

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me

After - Write 3 reactions on clocks.

Summative

Individual Work

Objective- Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent.

Before- Quick Write

During- Questions

Inferences

Summary

5 facts

What is the connection between Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent?

Graphic Organizer

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm-Use the word CRESCENT

After- Write 3 opinions

Formative

Individual Work

Objective- More Mesopotamian Empires.

Before- Read

During - Write how the Mosopotamian Empire became effective?

Questions- 3

Examples-3

Reactions- 3

Strategy- 3-2-1

3 facts, 2 connections, 1 question I still Have

After- Explain what made the Persians tolerant?

Summative

Whole Group

Objective- Ancient Egypt

During- Read/Quick Write

During- 5 facts

2 reactions

Summary

Drawing 

Questions

Examples of the culture of  Egypt - 3

Strategy- Think-Pair-Share

Students will think about the information on Ancient Egypt, Pair with a partner, then write their final thoughts on nomads, pharaohs, and the expectations of Ancient Egypt.

Formative

Summative

Small Group

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 X  Summative

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

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

 

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