Social Studies/History

The History department believes that students need to understand the history and traditions of their own and other cultures, so that as adults and as citizens they will be able to make wise decisions on matters affecting themselves, the nation, and the world. We invite students to participate in the doing of history by encouraging independent thinking and questioning. We hope to find a balance between presenting what we believe students need to know and inviting students to ask questions of their own. We aim to teach the skills necessary for good citizenship and lifelong learning.

For a complete listing of Upper School History courses, view the Curriculum Guide.

Philosophy:

We teach kids to think critically through writing about History because both History and Education are fundamentally about people and how they think.

Mission:

• Skills-based approach to content-heavy courses
• Build critical thinking skills from Bloom’s Taxonomy through essential questions: “what, how and why?”
• Emphasize 3 C’s: content (what), connections (how), causation (why)
• Pre-write and/or Rewrite (prewriteà writeà  rewrite)
• Exam prep (World History SAT II & AP) as a means to achieve our pedagogical ends: enhancing critical thinking through writing
• Clarity and Consistency in grading and instruction
  

Sixth Grade

Early American History: Starting with the geography of the Americas, this early American history course continues with the study of the first Americans, their collision with the Europeans, and the colonization of the Americas with special attention to the 13 English colonies and the roots of American government. The course concludes with an examination of the events leading to the American Revolution and the individual experience of the war through historical fiction. During the year students participate in a three-day group interdisciplinary project, and later they develop and present their own multimedia project. Skills taught include organizing information, reading for the main idea, analyzing primary sources, geographical interpretation, developing research and presentation skills, and report writing.

Seventh Grade

A republican democracy – with its many variables – is one of the most difficult governments for any country to maintain. More than with any other type of government, it can be said of our democracy that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In an age when the youth of America are increasingly called upon to make judgments concerning the rule of their nation, it is essential that they know the composition of their government and how its various segments function. The purpose of this course is to bring about this familiarization and to provide the student with the skills necessary to handle the “reading content” courses which are subsequently offered at the Academy.

Eighth Grade

The Developing World: Students explore the causes of poverty in the world through an introduction to developmental economics. They then examine important historic, political, and geographic aspects of the developing regions of South Asia and the Middle East as case studies. Essay writing is further developed and a short research paper is required using resources in the Library and on the Internet. Students also prepare a “briefing” on a particular developing nation using a multimedia computer program. Current events and the role of geography are an integral part of the course.

Prekindergarten

The Social Studies curriculum is centered on the child’s immediate and expanded world. Children are given opportunities to interact in small and large groups during work and play and to practice conflict resolution skills. Learning to be a productive, positive, and cooperative member of a group is part of the ongoing work of Social Studies. Beyond the classroom, the children begin to develop an understanding of cultural diversity, historic and religious holidays, and an awareness of belonging to larger groups and communities.

Kindergarten

In Social Studies, Kindergarten students explore a wide variety of concepts and themes, which reflect their questions and curiosities about the world around them. Respect and understanding for each other and other world cultures is an integral part of their learning. The curriculum provides a rich variety of experiences that includes classroom visitors, art projects, map study, music, drama, and field trips. These activities enlighten and enrich Kindergarten learners as they play and work together.

First Grade

Social Studies expands the student’s awareness of the world through the themes of transportation and exploration. The children become explorers in a study of their school and its surroundings. They learn about past and present explorers. They study the development of transportation from walking to space exploration. American ‘tall tales’ provide a literary dimension to the child’s understanding of the changes that occurred in their own country with the exploration, exploitation, and settling of lands in the west. The children are encouraged to consider the bravery and risk-taking involved in exploration as well as the impact of discovery on the environment.

Second Grade

Students continue to learn about their immediate environment while reaching out across the globe to learn about other cultures and countries. After creating a list of basic cultural elements the students investigate the regions of North America and the indigenous peoples of those regions, past and present. Learning about how and why people celebrate moves the focus outward from North America to other parts of the world. The children learn about celebrations as a reflection of the traditions and values of a culture. Units of study may include the continent of Africa, the contributions of African American heroes to history, famous environmentalists, and the National Parks. The culminating activity is a study of either Korea or Japan. While we learn about how people differ, we stress the similarities which we share. In addition to geographic and historical perspectives, we use the literature of each culture when appropriate. Field trips and art projects are integrated into each unit of study. Map skills are practiced throughout the year as students expand their knowledge of human interaction with the environment.

Third Grade

The theme is titled, “Freedom: Seeking a Better Life.”

Projects and hands-on activities are used throughout the units of study. The students begin by exploring geography and developing skills to read and create maps. Next students study the United States and participate in the States Challenge. This is followed by an in-depth study of Pennsylvania and its history. Colonial Life, Immigration and research into family ancestors bring Social Studies to a close. This curriculum is enhanced by many field trips and hands-on experiences, including the benchmark trip for the class, a visit to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Fourth Grade

Ancient Civilizations are explored during fourth grade social studies. The curriculum, Windows into the World of Ancient Civilizations, incorporates geography skills throughout the year. The cultures studied are Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. Students learn how to read for information from numerous materials, including books, magazines, and web sites. Children also are introduced to highlighting important information, note-taking techniques, citing sources, and using other research tools. Students will use critical thinking, reading, writing and research skills to complete their work. A myriad of projects are enjoyed, including oral presentations, completing culture charts, and creating reports, posters, and class newspapers.

Fifth Grade

Ancient Civilizations are explored during fourth grade social studies. The curriculum, Windows into the World of Ancient Civilizations, incorporates geography skills throughout the year. The cultures studied are Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. Students learn how to read for information from numerous materials, including books, magazines, and web sites. Children also are introduced to highlighting important information, note-taking techniques, citing sources, and using other research tools. Students will use critical thinking, reading, writing and research skills to complete their work. A myriad of projects are enjoyed, including oral presentations, completing culture charts, and creating reports, posters, and class newspapers.