large view

Sixth Grade

December

With the conclusion of the first trimester and the completion of the group project on Ancient Egypt, we will be catching our breath in December.  In social studies, we will be studying the civilizations of Early India and Early China.  These chapters provide the perfect opportunity to compare and contrast the civilizations we have already learned about with those in Asia, including an introduction to the religions of Buddhism and Hinduism.

In global studies, we will be finishing our study of Latin America and the Caribbean, especially focusing on the issues of trade and economic development.

January

In social studies, we will be finishing our study of Early China.  The remainder of the month will focus on midterm review and preparation with midterms scheduled for January 27 and 30.

In global studies, we will be reviewing and preparing for the midterm scheduled for January 20.

Seventh Grade

December

In social studies, December begins our transition away from Europe in the Middle Ages. We will be studying the decline of feudalism, focusing on the effects that the outbreaks of plague, the Hundred Years’ War and the Wars of the Roses had on the societies of Europe.  During the week before Christmas, students will have the opportunity to create a page for the Medieval Bestiary or a coat of arms.

In global studies, we will be wrapping up our study of the Middle East with an examination of the war in and rebuilding of Iraq and the role of Iran in the region. 

January

In social studies, the class will be studying the origins and beliefs of Islam.  By conducting both an historical and religious review, students will obtain a complete picture of Islamic beliefs and culture.  Utilizing primary source documents and several additional resources, we will be looking at how Europe and the Middle East were affected by Arab expansion.  Once the chapter is complete, the class will be reviewing for the midterm exams scheduled for January 27 and 30.

In global studies, we will begin our study of Africa.  Our review of Africa will begin with an examination of the colonial division of Africa at the Berlin Conference of 1884 and the long-term effects of this division.  We will conclude our examination of the continent with an assessment of the current political, social, and religious issues facing Africa today.  Students will participate in a simulation of the Berlin Conference to gain insight into the philosophy of the colonial powers, and then in a United Nations simulation to examine current challenges facing the peoples of Africa today.

Eighth Grade

December

In December the eighth grade will be completing its study of the development of the United States Constitution.  Students will read Federalist Paper #10 and a selection from the Anti-Federalist Papers.  Students will also participate in a simulation of the debate surrounding the ratification of the Constitution, in which some students will be playing the part of the proponents of the ratification views of the time, while other students will be adopting the roles of various members of society with their own personal concerns about key issues.  Beginning on December 12, students will be making presentations for the propaganda group project.

In global studies, we will be completing our study of the Truman administration examining the application of containment to Europe and the beginnings of the Korean War.

January

January will be a busy month for the eighth grade as we study the Washington and Adams presidencies and the birth of political parties.  The remainder of the month will focus on midterm review and preparation with midterms scheduled for January 27 and February 2.

In global studies, we will be studying the spread of Cold War thinking into the daily life of Americans and the handling of the Korean War under the Truman and Eisenhower presidencies.

Teacher Websites © 2012 Edline