The Middle School history program develops core skills in reading, writing and study techniques through courses focused on American and World History. Instructional approaches emphasize round-table discussion and student involvement through frequent simulations and activities. Study skills include note taking, highlighting, outlining and test preparation. Writing skills are fostered through largely student-directed assignments that increase in scale and sophistication, and include ample opportunity for feedback and revision. Research skills broaden through frequent exercises and a major project at each level, culminating in the Capstone Project in eighth grade.
Sixth Grade World Explorations
This course examines the influence of geography on the development of China, the Middle East, and India. A foundation in elements of geography and mapping allows students to understand how geography affects the history, culture, religion, and contemporary issues of each region. The world religions of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism are examined in the context of their birthplaces as well as their ongoing influence on world events. The study of world geography provides the vehicle for students to develop their reading comprehension, note-taking, and organizational skills while learning how to clearly articulate their ideas in writing and speech. Mapping and geography skills are applied within the Civilizations Project, in which students design a unique civilization complete with appropriate physical features, and the society and governing ideals from which these arise. A central focus of the year is the research paper, in which students conduct library and Internet research, analyze sources, and complete a detailed country study.
Texts: National Geographic Student Atlas of the World; Holt Social Studies: Southwest and Central Asia; and Holt Social Studies: South and East Asia and the Pacific.
Seventh Grade American Studies - Refer to Humanities
Eighth Grade United States and Comparative Government
Leading up to a curriculum-based trip to Washington, D.C., and using a wide-variety of projects, this class studies the structure and workings of the three branches of the United States Federal Government. Through an in-depth study of the foundations of the U.S. Government and its Constitution, students learn how the U.S. system works through both in-class study and interactive projects. Incorporating student-led discussions of current events on a daily basis, the mechanisms of our government come to life. With this firm knowledge, the students look beyond the borders of their own nation to explore how other types of governments around the world work. In addition to current events, other projects and activities integral to this course include world geography, formal and impromptu debates, mock trials, simulated elections, Mock Congresses, and Model United Nations. As in sixth and seventh grades, a research paper is a central skill-building component of this course, but is done in association with the Capstone Project (see co-curricular offerings).
Text: Magruder’s American Government, 2008.