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: March 31st-April 4th 2025                           

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Standard 7- Classify spatial patterns of settlement in different regions of the world, including types and sizes of settlement patterns.

Standard 7- Classify spatial patterns of settlement in different regions of the world, including types and sizes of settlement patterns. 

Standard 7- Classify spatial patterns of settlement in different regions of the world, including types and sizes of settlement patterns.

Standard 7- Classify spatial patterns of settlement in different regions of the world, including types and sizes of settlement patterns.

Standard 7- Classify spatial patterns of settlement in different regions of the world, including types and sizes of settlement patterns.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question- Where do most people settle in different regions of the world?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Globalization’s New Face. (2) Sharing Globalization’s Gains. and (3) A Wider Gap.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on world Issues.

Essential Question- What are the settlement patterns in learning about other cultures?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Preparing for a smaller world. (2) Learning About Other Cultures. and (3) Globalization  in shaping tomorrow’s job market. 

I can (as a teacher) help the gain knowledge on what the world will look like 10 years from now.

Essential Question - How can trade change lives?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) North American Free Trade Agreement. (2) The United States and Canada. and (3) Global Relationships.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on Trade changing lives. 

Essential Question- What is meant by the term “culture clash”?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Urban Areas. (2) Surrounding Regions. and (3) Location of Resources.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on settlement patterns.  

Essential Question- What are ways urban areas interact and influence surrounding regions? 

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Civic Participation. (2) Rights. and (3) Responsibilities.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on reading about people from other cultures.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- Our Shrinking World.

Before- Quick Write

During - Making Inferences.

Analyzing Information

Problem Solving

Strategy- Predictions (3)

After- Why is globalization not new?

(Formative)

(Individual Work) 

Objective- Preparing for a Smaller World: What can One Person Do?

Before- Read/Write/Draw

During- Writing to Inform.

Defining Key Terms.

Graphic Organizer

Writing to Persuade.

Analyzing Information

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me.

After - Determining Cause and Effect.

(Summative)

(Individual Work).

Objective- How Trade Changes Lives?

Before- Read/ Write 3 key ideas.

During- Interpret Maps

Global Journey

Draw pictures to show how people around the world have been affected by globalization.

Sum-It-Up

Write 3 key ideas.

Did You Know Activity

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm.

After - What can help manufacturers keep costs low?

(Formative)

(Whole Group)

Objective- Gaining Skills.

Before- Quick Write.

During- What are reasons that globalization, and settlements have not been good for everyone?

Cause and Effect

Making Inferences

Define the word Americanizing.

Write 3  examples of Americanizing.

Reading Strategy- Identifying Main Ideas.

After - Explore the issue of globalization by writing 3 key reasons for culture clash.

(Summative)

(Individual Work)

Objective- Primary Source- Globalization.

Before- Read/Write key ideas.

During- Students will use the internet to find examples that illustrate Kofi Annan’s three global issues.

Explain the development of settlements at particular  locations due to trade, political importance, or natural resources.

Create a chart to illustrate patterns of settlements.around the world.

Strategy-

Think-Pair-Share- Students will think about the information on Globalization and specific settlements, pair with a partner, then write final thoughts on the connections between globalization, settlements, and surrounding regions.

After-Present to the Class.

(Formative)

(Summative)

(Small Group)

IXL Skills 

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

Resources

The World and Its People-online

Resources

The World and Its People-online

Resources

The World and Its People-online

Resources

The World and Its People-online

Resources

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: March 31st-April 4th 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 are the three North American Countries?

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

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

Essential Question- How would you compare Canada and the U.S?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Canada and the U.S. (2) Prime Minister. and (3) Elected Representatives.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the Americans, and the Canadians.

Essential Question- What is Canada’s Winter Sports?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Hockey (2) Ice Rinks. and (3) Canadian Towns.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on professional hockey teams.

Essential Question- What language do most people in the U.S. and Canada speak?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) The West Coast. (2) The East Coast. and (3) Mexico’s Weather.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on Mexico, Canada, and the U.S.

Essential Question - Where is Mexico City located?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Mexico City. (2) The Aztecs. and (3) North America.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the oldest city in North America.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- Three North American Countries.

Before-Quick Write

During- Summary

Write 5 key ideas

Create a chart

Graphic organizer

Strategy- Predictions

After - Write 3 conclusive statements.

(Formative)

(Individual Work)

Objective- Comparing Canada and the United States.

Before- Read/ Write/Discuss

During- Summary

Write 5 key ideas.

Create a chart

Graphic Organizer

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me.

After- Write 3 reactions.

(Summative)

(Whole Group)

Objective- Canada’s Winter Sports.

Before- Quick Write

During- What takes place in small Northern Canadian towns?

Write 3 facts.

Write 3 reactions.

Write 3 conclusive statements.

Draw a picture.

Strategy- 3-2-1.

After- Write 3 words to describe the sport Hockey.

(Formative)

(Individual Work)

Objective- Mexico and Its North American Neighbors.

Before- Quick Write

During- Summary

Word Wall- 10 words

Write 5 descriptive words.

Create a chart.

Strategy-ABC Brainstorm

After - Visual Learning Activity.

(Summative)

(Individual Work)

Objective- Mexico City

Before- Read/Write/Discuss

During- Write 3 facts.

What is Mexico known for?

Write 3 words to describe Mexico.

Why do visitors come to Mexico City?

Drawing

Strategy- Think-Pair-Share-

Students will think about the information on Mexico City, pair with a partner, then write their final results on the highest city in North America.

After- When did the Spanish arrive in North America?

(Formative)

(Summative)

(Small Group) 

IXL Skills 

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

Resources

www.pearsonlearning.com

Resources

www.pearsonlearning.com

Resources

www.pearsonlearning.com

Resources

www.pearsonlearning.com

Resources

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,  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: March 17th-March 21st 2025                       

 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Standard 6- Illustrate how primary, secondary, and tertiary economic activities have specific functions and spatial patterns.

Standard 6- Illustrate how primary, secondary, and tertiary economic activities have specific functions and spatial patterns.

Standard 6- Illustrate how primary, secondary, and tertiary economic activities have specific functions and spatial patterns.

Standard 6- Illustrate how primary, secondary, and tertiary economic activities have specific functions and spatial patterns.

Standard 6- Illustrate how primary, secondary, and tertiary economic activities have specific functions and spatial patterns.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question- How has the government affected the economy in China?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) China’s Economy. (2) Foreign Trade. and (3) Results of Growth.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on ancient and modern China.

Essential Question- What about China’s Landscape?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Rivers. (2) An Unsteady Land. and (3)Earthquakes .

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on China’s land and new economy. 

Essential Question- What about China’s History?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Beliefs and Inventions. (2) Communist China. and (3) The Great Wall of China.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on forestry, and agriculture. 

Essential Question- What about China’s Culture?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Traditional Arts. (2) Chinese Foods. and (3) Statues of Buddha in China.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on China’s painting, sculpture, and architecture.

Essential Question- What is economic interdependence?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Globalization. (2) Populations. and (3) Manufacturing.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the structure of China.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- A New Economy.

Before- Read/Quick Write.

During- Main Idea Activity.

Questions

Summary

Inferring

Notes

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me.

After- Matching

(Formative)

(Individual Work)

Objective- China- Leading Rice-Producing Country.

Before- Read/ discuss

During-Defining Terms.

Recalling Facts.

Critical Thinking.

Graphic Organizer

Strategy- 3-2-1

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

After- Reading Check Question- To what does “one country, two systems” refer?

(Summative)

(Individual Work)

Objective- China’s Economic Growth.

Before- Read

During- Labor Costs Activity.

Create a chart to analyze the growth of China.

Connections foreign companies have with China.

Why are the cities of Hong Kong and Macau an important part of economic changes taking place in China?

Drawing Conclusions on the communist state of China and consumer goods.

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm- Students will use the word China to illustrate their New Economy.

After - Why have some Chinese become very rich, while others remain poor.

(Formative)

(Whole Group)

Objective- China’s Culture.

Before- Read/Write/Discuss.

During- DefiningTerms

Historical Facts Questions.

Cultural Facts Questions.

Making Predictions Questions.

Graphic Organizer- Organizing Information using a timeline.

List the key people discussed in China’s culture. Students will identify each person and explain their significance in history and their influence today.

Strategy-  Quick Write explaining the importance of China’s culture.

After- Explain China’s traditional arts to the class.

(Summative)

(Individual Work)

Objective- China: A Nation on the Move.

Before- Read/Write/Draw

During- Exploring the Issue.

Summary

Identifying Main Ideas.

What makes China on the Move?

Why are Democracies not the same?

Why is China freer than North Korea?

Graphic Organizer- North Korea and South Korea.

Strategy- Think-Pair-Share-

Students will think about the information on North Korea and South Korea, pair with a partner, then research differences and similarities between North Korea and South
Korea.

After- Present to the class their findings.

(Formative)

(Summative)

(Small Group)

IXL Skills 

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

Resources

The World and Its People-online

Resources

The World and Its People-online

Resources

The World and Its People-online

Resources

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,  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: March 17th-March 21st 2025                          

 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Skill- Reading Comprehension

Skill-Reading Comprehension

Skill- Reading Comprehension

Skill-Reading Comprehension

Skill-Reading 

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question-What is a Natural Resource?

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

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on Natural Resources.

Essential Question -What are Renewable Resources?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Renewable Resources. (2)  Rivers and Lakes. and (3) Growing too many Crops.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on resources such as trees, water, and animals.

Essential Question- What are Non-Renewable Resources?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Coal, Oil, and Natural Gas. (2) New Inventions. and (3) The remains of Plants and Animals.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on resources that cannot be replaced.

Essential Question- What are natural resources used to make?

Learning Targets For Students: (1)A Country’s Economy. (2) Products and Services. and (3) Buying and Selling Products.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on resources used to make products such as sweaters, toys, and thousands of other materials.

Essential Question- What does trading bring to different countries?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) The U.S. (2) China. and (3) Japan.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on trading and the economy. 

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- What is a Natural Resource?

Before- Quick Write.

During- Summary

Graphic Organizer

5 descriptive words

Word Wall

Strategy- Predictions

After - Write 5 opinions.

(Formative)

(Individual Work)

Objective- Renewable Resources.

Before- Quick Write.

During- Matching.

3 key ideas.

Chart

Write examples of Renewable Resources.

Strategy- 3-2-1

Write 3 facts, 2 connections, 1 question I still Have.

After- Write 3 conclusive statements.

(Summative)

(Individual Work)

Objective- Non-Renewable Resources.

Before- Quick Write.

During- Reviewing Facts. 

Critical Thinking Questions.

Sum-It-Up Activity

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm.

After- What are some non-renewable resources used in your household?

(Formative)

(Whole Group)

Objective- Using Natural Resources.

Before- Quick Write.

During- Summary

Descriptive Words. (3)

Word Wall. (5)

What benefits come with people selling or buying products such as sweaters?

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me.

After - Complete a drawing to illustrate natural resources.

(Summative)

(Individual Work)

Objective- Trading and the Economy

Before- Quick Write

During- Matching

Recalling Facts

Defining Terms

Graphic Organizer

Strategy- Think-Pair-Share

Students will think about the information on trading and the economy, pair with a partner, then write final results on imports and exports on thousands of products every year.

(Formative)

(Summative)

(Small Group)

IXL Skills 

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

Resources

www.pearsonlearning.com

Quick Reads-A Research-Based Fluency Program

Resources

www.pearsonlearning.com

Quick Reads-A Research-Based Fluency Program

Resources

www.pearsonlearning.com

Quick Reads-A Research-Based Fluency Program

Resources

www.pearsonlearning.com

Quick Reads-A Research-Based Fluency Program

Resources

www.pearsonlearning.com

Quick Reads-A Research-Based Fluency Program

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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