This course seeks to promote the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of seventh grade students in a setting that is responsive to individual educational needs. Our study of the social sciences is organized around a standards-driven curriculum, and covers six units of study. Throughout the year, students will be asked to reflect on nine overarching questions.  This year students will engage in six units of study. Each unit focuses on a different aspect of U.S. History.

If you would like an outline of the content for the entire year, please click here.

Unit 0: Understanding History

The written story of important events is known as history. 

• What procedures will you need to know to become successful in this class?

• What type of mindset you have when dealing with history?

• How do enduring issues and bias influence what stories we tell?

Unit 1: Indigenous America & First Contact

Formation of self is the result of one's perspective, history, and culture.

• How did early man arrive in the Americas?

• How does geography influence the political, economic, and social aspects of culture?

• Can identity formation be controlled or influenced?

Unit 2: Early American Identity: Colonies, Wealth, & Tradition (Ch 3, 4)

American colonists shared many similarities in their ideologies, yet developed unique cultures based on their geographic locations.

• How do differences and assumptions create misconception and stereotypes?

• How do individuals influence society?

• What key ideas, experiences, and traditions define and unite all Americans?

• How do people & nations satisfy their basic needs?

• How does economics influence decision-making?

Unit 3: Revolution: Taxes, Tyranny, and Terrorism (Ch 5, 6, 7, & 8)

Colonial anger at perceived abuses let Americans to break away in both body and spirit. 

• What is the difference between being a "child" and being an "adult?"

• What were the economic, political, and social circumstances that led to the American Revolution?

• Which individuals influenced the Revolutionary Period?

• How do the actions in one place often lead to change in another?

• Should people do "bad" things for "good" reasons?

Unit 4: Our Constitution: Utopia, Ideals, & Compromise (Constitution Handbook, Ch 9, 10, & 11)

The creators of the American Constitution attempted to create a fair democratic government and civil society.

• What is the purpose of government?

• What is the best form of government?

• What are the costs of creating a good society?

• Are good/bad leaders always good/bad people?

• What is more important; the person or the position?

Unit 5: A Changing Nation: Jackson, Destiny, and Reform (Ch 12, 13, 14)

As America grew as a new nation, the culture and practice of democracy had to be interpreted to deal with new and changing issues.

• Who matters more: the individual or the society?

• How did the ideas of democracy change in the first decades of the United States?

• Is destiny unavoidable, or is it created?

• What should be the relationship be between the states and Federal Government?

Unit 6: And Justice for All: Breaking Barriers (Ch 15, 16, 17 & 18)

• Should barriers be broken?

• Does technology help or hinder barriers?

• How does the past shape the present?

• Can the past ever be rebuilt?

• What matters more; forgiveness or punishment?