Grades 6 and 7 form a two year sequence of studying the past and the world through the study of physical geography, nations of the world today, and selected ancient and classical civilizations before the year 1000 AD (1000 CE). As the students work through the curriculum, they begin examining the civilizations through essential questions like "How does the physical geography impact where people settle?" or "How have human societies differed from one another across time and regions?". These are just a few of the questions students will work with to help uncover other questions for discussion and research.
In grade 8, the civics curriculum focuses on helping students understand the philosophical foundations, development, and structure of the United States government, as well as the governments of Massachusetts and our local towns. Through our studies, we explore core principles such as democracy, federalism, separation of powers, and the protection of individual rights, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and key amendments. Students investigate the three branches of government, landmark Supreme Court cases, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens, including civic engagement and informed participation in the democratic process. The curriculum also emphasizes the role of the media and freedom of the press, as well as practical applications of civic knowledge through inquiry-based projects and action civics.
UNIT OVERVIEWS BY GRADE
Studying complex societies, past and present
Human Origins-the Paleolithic and Neolithic Eras
Western Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Phoenicia, Israel, Arabian Peninsula
Sub Saharan Africa
Central America, Caribbean, and South America
Refresher on complex societies, past and present
Central and South Asia-India, China, Japan, the Koreas
The Silk Routes
Ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
Examine the origins of the American government and where the Founding Fathers got the ideas for our government.
Dive into the US Constitution and the makeup of the US government (the 3 branches).
Understand key concepts including checks & balances, separation of powers, federalism, popular sovereignty, rule of law.
Explore the Bill of Rights and key amendments.
Study landmark US Supreme Court cases that have impacted citizens' rights and the structure of our government.
Understand the roles of citizens at the federal, state and local levels of government.
Discover the structure of the MA government as well as our town governments.
Examine the role of media in society and evaluate sources.
Engage in inquiry-based projects and student-led research.
World History Great Civilizations (Ancient through Early Modern Times)
We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, Level 2