In 6th grade social studies, students learn about ancient civilizations, from early humans to the Middle Ages. The focus is on the Eastern hemisphere. Throughout the units, students acquire basic geography skills as well as build their knowledge of what happened in these areas with present day connections. Some of these connections include project-based learning and mini-inquiries related to the global water crisis, refugees, globalization and current events. Furthermore, the students work on reading and writing skills that align to what they are currently learning in their ELA classes.  

Students will:  

• Learn to differentiate between primary and secondary sources 

• Closely read a text to cite evidence.  

• Develop critical thinking skills to access the reliability and credibility of sources 

• Support a claim with evidence from the text and construct well-developed arguments  

• Examine multiple perspectives of historical and current events  

• Engage in class discussions and debates using active listening skills 

7th grade social studies covers eight key ideas, tracing the human experience in the United States from pre-Columbian times until the Civil War, with a focus on the people, events, and places in New York State. During these 8 units students will be introduced to skills for historical thinking, geographical analysis, and responsible citizenship as they learn the foundations of US democracy. Students will view historical events from multiple perspectives, including marginalized groups.  

Students will:  

• Learn to differentiate between fact and opinion  

• Begin practicing the construction of basic, well-supported arguments and claims based on simplified historical evidence. Emphasize clear reasoning and the use of historical facts.  

• Explore the importance of using primary and secondary sources to support their viewpoints, starting with more accessible sources and gradually introducing more complex ones.  

• Engage in discussions and written reflection where students synthesize their understanding with age-appropriate prompts and encourage the formation of simple, informed opinions on historical events and issues.  

• Participate in group projects, debates, and discussions that foster collaboration and the exchange of ideas  

In 8th-grade social studies, students learn American history, focusing on the critical period from Reconstruction following the Civil War to the dynamic era of domestic and foreign policies post-World War II. This curriculum is designed to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to understand and engage with the complexities of American history. Emphasis will be placed on understanding historical events from various perspectives, including those of marginalized groups.  

Students will:  

• develop critical thinking skills to assess the reliability, bias, and credibility of historical sources, including primary and secondary documents 

• learn to differentiate between fact and opinion in historical narratives 

• practice constructing well-supported arguments and claims based on historical evidence  

• explore the importance of using primary and secondary sources to substantiate their viewpoints  

• engage in discussions and written reflections to synthesize their understanding and be encouraged to form informed opinions on historical events and issues.  

•  engage in group projects, debates, and discussions to foster collaboration and the exchange of ideas