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 students are introduced to historical World Geography thinking by reviewing examples of and Cultures historians using evidence to build a The fifth grade geography hypothesis. Students then apply this curriculum is designed to develop knowledge to their own study of an understanding and a sense of artifacts from both the ancient curiosity for different places, and modern worlds. Each unit of environments, and cultures. study highlights the history of a Students begin their journey by civilization and links it to a theme observing the Earth as geographers, of study. Over the course of the year learning how to read and interpret students explore additional themes information from various types of of power, propaganda, government, maps and graphs. Students also philosophy, and religion through create their own maps and research, debate, group work, and practice identifying physical discussion. The year concludes with features, places, and environments two major projects designed to on Earth’s surface. In the first allow students agency and choice semester, research and in their own learning. In the law communication skills are introduced project, students evaluate ancient in a collaborative project between and modern law codes, consult the geography and science classes school and local leaders, and create on Earth’s main biome. During this their own rules, laws, and policies project learning is focused on the designed to improve their interactions between living things communities. In the student choice and the impact of human activities project, each student pursues an within a specific biome. During area of interest in the study of the spring semester students gain a Greece and Rome. Ultimately foundational understanding of the students develop an appreciation for relationship between geography ancient civilizations and improve and various political, cultural, their research, note taking, and and economic systems. Students public speaking skills in the process. learn about citizenship, how a market economy functions, and how geography has influenced cultures around the world. 7th Grade American History Seventh grade students explore the growth of the United States and its 6th Grade civic institutions from the nation’s Ancient History beginnings as an Enlightenment The sixth grade course engages idea to its imperfect and painful students in the study of ancient recovery following the Civil War. societies to help them understand Classes engage in primary source how the world functions. Building excavation, formal and informal upon the geographical and cultural debates, long-term project elements learned in the fifth grade, 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.