Social Studies The Middle School social studies program is designed to cultivate a foundational awareness of complex global connections and the knowledge that a student’s actions can, and should, make a positive change in her world. Through a study of geography, history, civics, and current issues, each student learns to listen to the ideas of others as she learns to shape and clearly express her own. 5th Grade
World Geography and Cultures
The fifth grade geography curriculum is designed to develop an understanding and a sense of curiosity for different places, environments, and cultures. Students begin their journey by observing the Earth as geographers, learning how to read and interpret information from various types of maps and graphs. Students also create their own maps and practice identifying physical features, places, and environments on Earth’s surface. In the first semester, research and communication skills are introduced in a collaborative project between the geography and science classes on Earth’s main biome. During this project learning is focused on the interactions between living things and the impact of human activities within a specific biome. During the spring semester students gain a foundational understanding of the relationship between geography and various political, cultural, and economic systems. Students learn about citizenship, how a market economy functions, and how geography has influenced cultures around the world. 6th Grade
Ancient History
The sixth grade course engages students in the study of ancient societies to help them understand how the world functions. Building upon the geographical and cultural elements learned in the fifth grade,
students are introduced to historical thinking by reviewing examples of historians using evidence to build a hypothesis. Students then apply this knowledge to their own study of artifacts from both the ancient and modern worlds. Each unit of study highlights the history of a civilization and links it to a theme of study. Over the course of the year students explore additional themes of power, propaganda, government, philosophy, and religion through research, debate, group work, and discussion. The year concludes with two major projects designed to allow students agency and choice in their own learning. In the law project, students evaluate ancient and modern law codes, consult school and local leaders, and create their own rules, laws, and policies designed to improve their communities. In the student choice project, each student pursues an area of interest in the study of Greece and Rome. Ultimately students develop an appreciation for ancient civilizations and improve their research, note taking, and public speaking skills in the process. 7th Grade
American History
Seventh grade students explore the growth of the United States and its civic institutions from the nation’s beginnings as an Enlightenment idea to its imperfect and painful recovery following the Civil War. Classes engage in primary source excavation, formal and informal debates, long-term project creation, simulations, student-led
discussions, and more traditional lectures in order to see the varied perspectives and experiences within the American story. Throughout the course of the year, students will work to understand U.S. government structures, recognize the connection between current political debates and debates of the past, and explore the connection between the choices people made and the values they prioritized. The american history curriculum provides the foundation for understanding and discussing the history of race, class, and identity in America, the theory of civil disobedience, and the impact of this history on the American people. 8th Grade
U.S. and the World in the 20th Century
Throughout the eighth grade social studies curriculum, students hone collaboration strategies and independent research skills as they explore the 20th century. Three global themes drive their study: 1) the relationship between the government and the economy 2) social interactions and how groups of people challenge injustice and 3) global interactions and conflicts. In order to provide historical context to contemporary events, we look deeply at the continuous efforts of various marginalized groups to gain rights and dismantle Jim Crow in the 20th century. Through this lens, we intentionally build upon the efforts from previous courses in fostering an appreciation of differences in people, evaluation of effective leadership, and understanding the legacy of race in America. 2021-22
9
