| Social Studies |
Grade 6 Ancient History
Sixth Grade History introduces students to ancient history and the tools and applications of the study of history. Class themes encompass universals and differences of culture, the impact of geography on early civilization, the development of government, religious and economic systems, and change and continuity over time. This course covers geography, prehistory, and the ancient river civilizations. Students also develop research and analytical skills through self-directed projects and papers.
Grade 7 Geography
Seventh Grade Geography develops students’ knowledge, skills and understanding of a range of places and environments, from local to global, and in different parts of the world. They explore interactions within and between physical and human processes, and understand how these interactions create geographical patterns and help change places and environments. Students investigate the factors, including people’s values and attitudes that influence the decisions made about places and environments. Students are made aware that human actions, including their own, may have unintended environmental consequences and that change sometimes leads to conflict. Students are exposed to real examples, such as the rapid rate of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, to explore such issues. The geographical skills developed in the course include drawing accurate plans and maps to scale; presentation of evidence and information using appropriate graphical techniques, such as pie charts, choropleth maps, preferably using ICT; selection and use of secondary sources of evidence, including photographs, satellite images and evidence from ICT-based sources.
Grade 8 United States History
Eighth Grade History is the history of the United States of America, from the “discovery” and colonization of the Americas to the formation of the new nation and study of the constitution. Students examine different kinds of historical thinking (chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, historical research, historical issue-analysis, and decision making). Placing current events in a historical context and discussion of current events helps the student develop critical thinking skills and judgment. The following units are studied: exploration and early settlement, the English colonies in America, independence and revolution, the new nation, and the constitution.
