Social Studies

The sixth grade program focuses on the history and geography of ancient civilizations. The units of study commence with early humans and the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to permanent settlements. The curricular units of study address the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Kush, Israel, India, China, and Greece. Students examine each civilization through their beliefs, culture, government, social structure and technological advances. Through their investigation of these civilizations, students will develop their skills in critical thinking and reading, argumentative writing, research, and analysis.

World History & Geography: Medieval & Early Modern Times

Studying the medieval and early modern period (500- 1500 CE) provides students with opportunities to learn about the rise and fall of empires, the diffusion of religions and languages, the vast movements of people, ideas, and products while examining how the world became more interconnected. Our approach to history not only addresses a wealth of content (such as events, people, ideas, and historical accounts), but also looks at history as an investigative discipline in which historians (our students) examine primary and secondary sources, and make interpretations based on evidence. In addition to learning about the aforementioned curriculum, students will develop their skills in critical thinking and reading, argumentative writing, research, and analysis.

The students continue the study of the political, economic, and social concepts studied in grade 7 World History and apply them to the institutions of the United States. After a review of the colonial and revolutionary periods of United States history, the students study the development and structure of the Constitution with emphasis on the separation of powers and the Bill of Rights. Students also study the development of the country, Westward Movement, events leading to the Civil War, the Civil War itself and Reconstruction. The students also examine the effect of geography on all historical events.