Social Studies
The Social Studies department at Stephen A. Halsey will inspire our students to think like a historian. Like all historians, our students will attain the ability to think critically through the use of questioning and analyzing events. All Social Studies classes have students analyzing various primary and secondary sources such as speeches, images, documents, posters, and maps. Students will understand and appreciate how moments in history have shaped our present and future. Guided by the Next Generation Learning Standards (NGSS), students will be prepared to take the American History Regents. Not only will they leave our classroom with a love and appreciation of history, but with the confidence of all historians to wonder, question and explore the world around them.
"Study the past if you would define the future" – Confucius
6th Grade Curriculum
Theme 1: Introduction to Ancient History Timelines, Early Humans and Geography
Students will attain a strong foundation of history by being able to read and write timelines and maps. They will learn about the first people from the Paleo and Neolithic Eras.
Theme 2: Early River Valley Civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, India)
Students will learn what features make a civilization advanced. They will see the growth of early civilizations, technical innovations, impact of geography, culture, polytheistic religions, philosophies
Theme 3: Monotheism
Students will dive into the three Abrahamic Religions and how they shaped the course of history. In this unit, students will learn how each religion began as well as their holidays and traditions.
Theme 4: Classical Civilizations
Students will learn the history of Greece, Rome and China. They will dive deep into their societal improvements, technological advancements, and important leaders.
7th Grade Curriculum:
Unit 1: Exploration & Colonization of the Americas
Students will learn how the physical environment and natural resources of North America influenced the development of the first human settlements and the culture of Native Americans.
Unit 2: Colonial Development & American Revolution
Students will understand how the growing tension between the colonies and Great Britain sparked a movement for independence.
Unit 3: The Constitution & Early Government
Students will delve deep into the obstacles the newly independent states faced and how they led to the ratification, and the eventual adoption of the Bill of Rights.
Unit 4: Westward Expansion
Students will understand how political, cultural and economic motives expanded the physical boundaries of the United States to the Pacific Ocean between 1800 and 1860.
Unit 5: Civil War & Reconstruction
Students will recognize that social, political and economic inequalities will ultimately lead to an increase of slavery in the South. This will ultimately lead to the Civil War.
8th Grade Curriculum
Unit 1: Industrialization & Immigration
Unit 2: Progressive Era
Unit 3 & Unit 4: United States Imperialism 20th Century & WWI
Unit 5: Roaring Twenties & Great Depression
Unit 6: WWII
Unit 7: Post WWII – Modern Times
Helpful Websites
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/
https://www.si.edu/learn/parents-and-caregivers
https://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/
https://www.timeforkids.com/?u=