MS History/ Literature

MIDDLE SCHOOL HISTORY/LITERATURE

Ancient World History

Grade 6 History:

Sixth Grade History begins with an extensive study of Map Skills that will be utilized continually through Middle School grades. The class then begins a study of early civilizations of the world, including but not limited to Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome. The year continues with a study of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance years. The concept that there is a definite connection between ancient history and current events is introduced and explored. Students learn note taking skills from lectures, and complete group and individual projects.

Skills utilized in class:

Analyzing Primary and Secondary Resources

Using Timelines

Reading Tables

Making Valid Generalizations

Drawing Conclusions

Comparing and Contrasting

Identifying Cause and Effect

Textbook Used: History of Our World - Early Ages

Publisher -Pearson/ Prentice Hall

American History Part I

Grade 7 History:

Seventh Grade History begins a two year comprehensive study of American History. The class also completes an in-depth study of the Constitution. It is the intent of this class to continue to examine the concept that there is a relationship between events of the past and the present. This curriculum is presented through class lectures, role-playing, panel discussions, debates, research projects, and individual and group projects.

The topics covered in seventh grade are:

Great Migration

Native American Cultures

Exploration and Colonization

French and Indian War

Colonial Unrest and the Revolutionary War

Forming a New Republic

Constitution and Government

War of 1812

Westward Expansion

Reform during the 19th Century

Skills studied:

Analyzing Primary and Secondary Sources

Charts, Timelines, Graphs

Fact and Opinion

Distinguishing Between Cause and Effect

Identifying Main Ideas and Supporting Details

Synthesizing Information

Summarizing and Drawing Inferences

Comparing and Contrasting

Textbook used: The American Nation - Beginning to 1877

Publisher: Pearson / Prentice Hall

American History Part II

Grade 8 History:

Eighth Grade History complete the two-year comprehensive study of American History. In addition Map Skills are continuously reviewed and Current Events are discussed and studied on a regular basis. It is important for students to identify and understand the connection between events of the past with events occurring in the world today.

Topics covered in eighth grade:

Civil War and Reconstruction

Westward Expansion

Industrialization

The Growth of American Cities

Immigration Patterns

Populist and Progressive Era

Imperialism

World War I

The Roaring Twenties

The Great Depression and New Deal

World War II

Postwar Years and Era of Prosperity

Interdependence of World Countries

Korean Conflict

Civil Rights

Vietnam War

Skills Studied:

Analyzing Primary and Secondary Sources

Timelines, Charts and Graphs

Evaluating Written Sources and Internet Sources for Validity

Recognizing Propaganda

Identifying Historical Trends

Evaluating Long-Term Effects

Predicting Consequences

Determining Relevance

Analyzing Political Cartoons

Textbook used: The American Nation - Civil War to Present

Publisher: Pearson / Prentice Hall

Middle School Literature Grades 6,7,& 8

The Middle School Literature Program continues reading skills necessary to become a successful learner. A study of the elements and skills related to the understanding of literature is included. The elements of literature in short stories are introduced, developed, and mastered. The seventh grade also completes a study of non-fiction. All grades read novels to complement their studies, applying the skills learned from the text. Monthly book reports in various genres are also required.

Skills studied:

Plot development

Characterization

Theme

Point of View

Figurative language

Critical Thinking skills

Biography, Autobiography

Narrative, Reflective, Expository, Persuasive Essays

Climax / Resolution

Conflict

Irony

Novels read in Sixth Grade:

• The Egypt Game
• The Incredible Journey
• The Door in the Wall

Novels read in Seventh Grade:

• The Pearl
• Johnny Tremain
• Lyddie
• Homecoming

Novels read in Eighth Grade:

• Across Five Aprils
• Dicey’s Song
• Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
• The Diary of Anne Frank
• To Kill a Mockingbird

Textbooks used:

Grade 6: Literature Copper edition

Publisher: Pearson/ Prentice Hall

Grades 7-8: Literature Silver Edition

Publisher: Pearson/ Prentice Hall