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2008 - 2009
(approved 8/28/08)
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Social Studies |
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The great record of human experience becomes the laboratory of the social studies program where students study the achievements and conflicts that have faced societies throughout history. The students also study the geographic conditions and social environments that influence past and present decisions. Students examine the decision making process and design solutions for problems confronting the United States and the world today with a focus on understanding the consequences of those choices.
The primary focus in sixth grade is on world geography. The students explore how physical geography (location and place) and human geography (culture and region) interact to shape the political, economic, social, and cultural features of the world's major regions (Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas). Management and allocation of resources and preservation of the natural environment are central to the course. Investigation of the first human civilizations, dispersed throughout the world, demonstrate how history and geography are intertwined, and allows students to learn about why civilizations succeed or fail when challenged by the physical world and human relations. Students develop skills that include the interpretation of maps, globes, databases, and charts. They engage in research and develop analytical reports. Through public speaking, multimedia presentations, classroom discussion, and simulations, they explore issues including world hunger, pollution, population density, and energy needs. Students use technology to gather and exchange information with other students studying geographic concerns.
The seventh grade social studies program is a study of the development of the United States from the Revolutionary period through the Civil War Era. Although history is the core subject, the program integrates the disciplines of political science, economics, sociology, geography, and humanities to give students an understanding and appreciation of the major movements and concepts that characterized the American nation. This course is presented in topical units within a chronological framework and includes an in-depth study of the United States Constitution and the operations of federal and state government today. In addition, there are specialized units on major political and social issues, which include current and landmark elections, presidential leadership and achievement, immigrants' experiences, racism, and genocide. Besides studying factual content, there is an emphasis on reading appropriate literary works and primary source material. There are numerous opportunities for research and the development of expository and analytical writing. Teaching strategies include cooperative learning, journal writing, inquiry approach to discussions of current issues, and the integration of technology.
The eighth grade program in social studies builds on students' knowledge of world history and regional cultures through a chronological and thematic study of Ancient Greece through the Age of Revolutions. Students examine the historical roots of the political, social, cultural, and economic systems that pervade the ten cultural regions of the world. Beginning with a survey of geography of the regions, the students explore the development of governments and law, monetary and commercial organizations, religious and cultural customs, social classes and organized communities, literary and philosophical traditions, and scientific and technological progress. Students use primary source documents and secondary sources to interpret and evaluate the decisions of the past. They frequently relate the developments in the ancient and middle ages to the political, economic and cultural organizations of today. Emphasis is placed on understanding the contributions of various cultures by studying the literary, philosophical, and artistic traditions throughout the ages and how these contributions shape our own multicultural society. Students develop research, written and oral communication, and critical thinking skills.
Other Middle School
Programs
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