Social Studies Department

The Social Studies department goal is for students to gain knowledge of history, geography, economics, cultures, political systems, constitutional heritage, and our changing world. Our hope is that all students will use this knowledge to become responsible citizens.

The Social Studies department recognizes the importance of implementing Common Core standards and teaching practices. Our focus this year is on incorporating the 4 “C’s”: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. Another focus is on incorporating primary source documents to improve student literacy.

7^th Grade Course Description

This year, 7th grade students will learn about the growth and expansion of various empires and cultures around the world during the Middle Ages.  Student will start with the expansion and fall of the Roman Empire.  They will then take a look at the rise and spread of Islam throughout the Middle East and Africa.  Next, students will journey throughout China and Japan, exploring the contributions of a variety of dynasties.  After China and Japan, students will move to the Americas and learn about the rise, fall, and contributions of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca Empires. Students will then turn their attention to Europe and study feudalism, the power of the popes and kings, and the Crusades.  Finally, students will learn about the end of the Middle Ages and the renewal of thought and science in Europe through the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Scientific Revolution, the Age of Exploration, and the Enlightenment.

8^th Grade Course Description

This year, 8th grade students will learn about the development of America starting at the Revolutionary War and ending at the Civil War and Reconstruction. Students will trace the development of our country from its colonial heritage through the fight to gain independence. They will learn about early forms of government and the struggle to create a working constitution. Students will investigate early conflicts, internal and external, as the newly formed government tries to lead the nation. Students will discover how early pioneers moved west in search of new land and how that movement led to conflicts between American Indians and settlers. Students will come to understand that the Northern states industrialized and the Southern states remained agricultural. These differences led to conflict between the states, which resulted in the Civil War. Finally, students will study the Civil War and learn how the divided nation reunited. Students will discover that Reconstruction was not perfect and the failure of Reconstruction led to future conflict in our nation.