Social Studies

UNITED STATES HISTORY TO 1865 (Grade 6)
U.S. History to 1865 is an introductory course in the history of the United States from early Native American settlement through the Civil War. This course is the first of a two-year focus on U.S. History designed to give students a solid American history foundation. The course will focus on fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography in the context of United States history through simulations, class debates, projects, or other innovative techniques to make the students’ learning experiences lively and memorable. Students will review and strengthen map and globe skills, skills in interpreting and using information, and historical thinking skills.

ADVANCED UNITED STATES HISTORY TO 1865 (Grade 6)
Advanced U.S. History to 1865 is an advanced course in the history of the United States from early Native American settlement through the Civil War. The course will focus on fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography in the context of United States history through simulations, class debates, projects, or other innovative techniques to make the students’ learning experiences lively and memorable. Students will review and strengthen map and globe skills, skills interpreting and using information, and historical thinking skills. This will be students’ first exposure to Advanced social studies techniques designed to equip students with the skills necessary to be successful in high school AP courses. Techniques for technical essay writing and use of document-based questions are a focus in this challenging course.

UNITED STATES HISTORY: 1865 TO THE PRESENT (Grade 7)
The seventh-grade social studies curriculum will focus on the history of the United States from the end of the Civil War to the present day. Students will continue to learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography in the context of United States history through simulations, class debates, projects, or other innovative techniques to make the students’ learning experiences lively and memorable. Students will review and strengthen map and globe skills, skills in interpreting and using information, and historical thinking skills.

ADVANCED UNITED STATES HISTORY: 1865 TO THE PRESENT (Grade 7)
Advanced U.S. History from 1865 is an advanced course in the study of the United States from the end of the Civil War to the present time. The course will focus on fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography in the context of United States history through simulations, class debates, projects, or other innovative techniques to make the students’ learning experiences lively and memorable. Students will review and strengthen map and globe skills, skills in interpreting and using information, and historical thinking skills. Students will be exposed to Advanced social studies techniques designed to equip them with the skills necessary to be successful in high school AP courses. Techniques for technical essay writing and use of document-based questions are a focus in this challenging course.

CIVICS AND ECONOMICS (Grade 8)
The eighth grade social studies curriculum focuses on the role of the citizen in the American political and economic systems. The emphasis is on gaining essential knowledge of the U. S. and Virginia Constitutions and the structure and functions of government institutions at the national, state, and local levels. Students also learn the basic principles, structure, and operation of the American economy. These standards are intended to foster patriotism, respect for the law, a sense of civic duty, and informed economic decision making. Social science skill development extends into quantitative data organization, interpretation, and the use of technology in presenting information.

ADVANCED CIVICS AND ECONOMICS (Grade 8)
Advanced Civics and Economics is an advanced course which will provide an in-depth focus on the role of the citizen in the American political and economic systems. Students will master and go beyond essential knowledge regarding the structure of the various levels of government as well as the principles, structure, and operation of the American economy. The standards of this course are intended to foster patriotism, respect for the law, a sense of civic duty, and informed decision making. In this rigorous course students will begin to develop the skills necessary to succeed in high school AP courses. Higher level thinking skills and essay writing techniques will be extensively practiced.