Social Studies Department

Sixth Grade: ancient civilizations

Teachers: Mr. Johnson & Mr. Schwartz

Seventh Grade: us History

Teachers: Mr. Berardi & Mr. Laurie

Eighth Grade: us History

Teachers: Mr. Berezovsky & Mr. Laurie

The investigation of Social Studies is driven by an essential question. An essential question is a question.

Every unit is guided by an essential question.

An essential question is defined as “questions that are not answerable with finality in a brief sentence… Their aim is to stimulate thought, to provoke inquiry, and to spark more questions — including thoughtful student questions — not just pat answers" - Wiggins and McTighe.

Wiggins, Grant, and Jay McTighe. Understanding by Design. Expanded 2nd Edition. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 2005.