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    Social Studies

     

    Grade 6

    The purpose of 6th grade Social Studies is to convey a body of knowledge that integrates economics, geography, civics, and culture while equipping our students with specific skills that help them become involved, informed global citizens. This course explores the Prehistoric Era, the Classical World, the Middle Ages and the Age of Global Encounters, cultivating geographic and historic literacy with a view on cultivating an understanding of our world--past and present. Along with the text, Social Studies: The World, students will develop this understanding through the use of Internet resources, computer software, visuals, and hands-on projects, as well as through a variety of assessments.

     

    Grade 7

    The seventh grade social studies curriculum focuses on recent world geography, history and culture. five major units of study: Europe, Africa, Asia , Australia, North and Latin America in the modern age. Research, map and chart reading, social and citizenship skills are integrated through the text, World Explorer, and activities that are part of the curriculum guide. This is done so that students recognize these skills/tools in the context of acquiring and processing social studies information for the purpose of incorporating them into real world actions and endeavors.

    The philosophy of this course is to convey a body of knowledge in a practical, hands-on related manner. This course integrates the geography, history, economics, and civics of any area with the skills that help students become informed involved citizens.

     

    Grade 8

    The eighth grade social studies curriculum provides a basis for understanding the rights and responsibilities of citizens in our American Constitutional democracy. Laying a historical foundation, students begin the year by studying the roots of democracy that were planted during colonization and tracing the forces that sparked the revolutionary movement. A careful study of the documents that forged the nation ensues, including the Articles of Confederation, Bill of Rights and the New Jersey and United States Constitutions. Students will create digital presentations, participate in simulations, apply critical thinking skills, conduct online research, and complete projects, reading assignments and civics journals to assist them in experiencing the democratic principles cherished by our society. Throughout the year students will study the system of elections, the divisions of our government and their functions, our economic system, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and current events. The philosophy of this course is to augment the formal curriculum with related learning experiences in both the school and community that prepare students for their future role as citizens in our democracy.