PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Social Studies Department at the Junior High School continually works to develop an engaging and rigorous curriculum that will help transition students from elementary school to high school. Our goal is to make sure our students are ready for the academic rigor expected in high school and Advanced Placement courses. Our Junior High School curriculum continues to evolve to include major current events topics and to align to the new N.Y.S. Social Studies Framework.
IMPORTANT LINKS
1. New York State Social Studies Framework
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
Social Studies 6: The Eastern Hemisphere
The grade 6 program focuses on a social science perspective emphasizing the interaction of geography and economics in the Eastern Hemisphere. The core disciplines of geography and economics are used to develop and draw relationships and understandings about social/cultural, political, and historic aspects of life in the Eastern Hemisphere. Students will study the history of the Eastern Hemisphere from Antiquity through the Age of Discovery (ca. 1450). Students will also strengthen their critical thinking skills by reading and analyzing primary and secondary sources.
Social Studies 7: United States and New York State History to 1860
Social Studies 7 is the first of a two-year course that studies the history of the United States and New York State from the Pre-Columbian Age through the Antebellum period . Students will examine major political, social and economic events that helped define early American history. Students will also strengthen their critical thinking skills by reading and analyzing primary and secondary sources.
Social Studies 8: United States and New York State History from 1860
Social Studies 8 covers the history of United States and New York State from the Civil War through the present day. Students will study major political, social and economic events that helped shape the United States into the major world power it is today. Students will also strengthen their critical thinking skills by reading and analyzing primary and secondary sources.
Pre-AP Social Studies 8: United States and New York State History from 1860
Prerequisite: Recommendation from the Pre-AP SS selection committee based on an evaluation rubric including the successful completion of a qualifying exam.
Pre-AP Social Studies 8 is an advanced course designed to prepare selected students for entrance into Advanced Placement World History in 9th grade. Using college-level resources, students will study the history of the United States and New York State from the Civil War through the present day. Activities and assignments are designed to prepare students for the expectations of working with college-level materials in 9th grade. Heavy emphasis is placed on the use of primary and secondary sources to provide students with multiple perspectives on historical events. At the conclusion of this course, all students will take the Pre-AP SS Final Examination.
For any additional questions regarding the Junior High School Social Studies program contact:
Ms. Jillian DiPreta
6-8 Social Studies Chairperson
631-376-7272