"Anything can make me stop and look and wonder, and, sometimes, learn." -Kurt Vonnegut
Social Studies is an opportunity to examine what makes us, as human beings inhabiting the planet Earth, similar and different. It also discusses how the systems we have created for ourselves have evolved and changed over time. This includes things like government, religion, social structures, laws, and many other parts of our daily lives. By conversing about these aspects of daily life, seeking out artifacts, and reading texts in which they are described and demonstrated, we can better understand our place in the world and our impact on everything and everyone around us.
5th Grade Social Studies
5th Grade focuses on the study of cultures in the Western Hemisphere. We will examine how different cultures can exist within one area of the world by learning about the Meso-American groups of Mexico and South America, Canadian history, and the Native American tribes of North America. As a connector to our studies in 6th grade, we will end the year by looking at the early explorers who emerged in these areas and the significant changes that occurred in their respective cultures as a result. Maps skills and civic responsibility will be embedded and practiced throughout the year. The units of study include:
1. Basic Geography, Climate, and Map Studies 2. Early People of North America 3. Cultural Connections Through Empatico 4. Meso-American Culture (Incas, Mayas, and Aztecs)
6th Grade Social Studies
6th Grade focuses on the diverse groups that built the original settlements of the future United States. We will discuss the cultures that these groups interacted with upon their arrival, the challenges they faced settling in North America, the cultural differences between groups settling in different areas, and the struggles that eventually led to the colonies seeking independence. Near the end of the year, we will shift our focus specifically to our home state of Vermont and look at the characteristics that make it, and its citizens, incredibly unique. U.S. and Vermont geography as well as basic economic principles will be embedded throughout the year. The units of study include:
1. Early Exploration of the World 2. Cultural Connections Through Empatico 3. Early Settlements and Colonies of America 4. Cultural Influences on America 5. Vermont History: Settlement to Statehood & Beyond
7/8th Grade Humanities (Rotation 1) -- 2017-2018
Our Humanities program allows 7th and 8th grade students to practice the Reading and Writing skills of Language Arts while exploring the topics of Social Studies. Rotation 1 focuses on the study of cultures around the world, past and present. Therefore, our overarching theme for the year is "Culture and Conflict". We will examine the elements that make up the cultures that exist around the world, and how they are similar to, or different from, our own culture here in the United States. Our goal is to connect our cultural backgrounds to how we develop our own personal identities and the conflicts that sometimes arise from these ideological differences. We will connect with classrooms and students from other parts of the world to discuss how we can better understand and empathize with each other. The units of study include:
1. What are Identity & Culture? 2. Cultural Conflicts & Collaborations -Religious Conflict -Social Structures and Inequality -Government & Societal Conflicts 3. Utopian/Dystopian Societies
7/8th Grade Humanities (Rotation 2)
Our Humanities program allows 7th and 8th grade students to practice the Reading and Writing skills of Language Arts while exploring the topics of Social Studies. Rotation 2 focuses on American History from the era just prior to the American Revolution through the Civil War and Reconstruction. The year-long theme is "Injustice". We will discuss examples of injustices that exist in America and the rest of the world, as well as how citizens respond to the injustices imposed on them. We will also examine our roles and responsibilities as national and global citizens and how those roles have changed over time. The units of study include: 1. What is Injustice? 2. Causes of Revolution 3. Building Governments 4. Citizenship 4. Nationalism, Expansion, & Division 5. Civil Rights