Social Studies

Middle History and Social Studies Overview

The goal of the middle school history program is to cultivate global citizens by ensuring our students have knowledge of history, governmental systems, economics, culture, geography and religion. This is achieved through learning content and skills. As a learner of history, students are exposed different types of text and media. This provides opportunities to enhance note-taking skills and identify key points. Students are also expected to analyze primary and secondary sources. In studying history, students must apply the concepts of "cause and effect" as well as "comparison and contrast". While studying different time periods and events, students must incorporate critical thinking skills and problem solving in order to show understanding and deeper connections. Simulations, debates, and presentations are also part of the program. These speaking opportunities allow students to gain confidence in the classroom and showcase what they have learned. Finally, students develop research and information literacy skills. These skills provide a strong foundation for upper school history courses and prepare students for the challenges ahead.

Middle School History Course Offerings

The Grade 6 history course begins the year by focusing on the early civilizations of Mesoamerica and South America. Students will understand how geography and cultural change influenced the rise and fall of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations. We then move into the European Age of Exploration by analyzing the economic, political, and religious motives for this movement, as well as the positive and negatives outcomes of European encounters with native populations. This topic dovetails into a close study of the colonization of the New World, particularly the thirteen English Colonies. We end the year by looking at the causes and outcomes of the American Revolutionary War. This particular sequence of study will prepare students for continued success in Grade 7 U.S. History.

This Grade 7 history course is designed to familiarize students with the history of the United States of America, beginning with the writing of the Constitution and spanning to the 21^st Century. Along the way, students will learn about America's westward expansion, civil war, participation in global conflicts, and development into an economic superpower. In addition to historical content, students will develop their research skills, analysis, and argumentative writing. Through discussion, debate, independent research, and primary source analysis, students will gain insight into the construction of historical narratives and glean a more sophisticated understanding of how America's past continues to shape its present.

The Grade 8 ancient civilizations course examines the rise and fall of civilizations and the interaction between people and their environment in early and ancient history through Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe (Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome). Students will learn how human interaction with the environment, the development of technology, and the exchange of people, goods, and ideas were all conduits of cultural and political change. Students will also learn how values and belief systems are reflected in language, literature, and the arts, and how they drive historical accomplishments. Finally, students will recognize how the rich history and culture of these civilizations affects the world today.