3 Year Curriculum Guide
Our social studies curriculum travels through a three year cycle. Each year, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders study the same subject matter. This year (2009-2010) we are studying American History. The next year will be ancient civilizations. The next year we will study Rome, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The following is an overview of topics covered as well as key texts, videos or assignments.
American History - Text: History Alive: The United States Through Industrialism
- Native American Cultural Regions
- European Exploration: Columbus on Trial
- Important Colonial Figures: The Mini-Research Paper
- The Path to Independence: John Adams
- The Constitution: Constitutional Convention Simulation and Supreme Court Cases
- The rest of the year is in progress!
Ancient History - Text: History Alive: The Ancient World
- Human Ancestors: The "Big Dig" Archaeological Excavation
- The Neolithic Revolution: Cartoon History of the Universe; "The Mind's Big Bang" NOVA
- Mesopotamia: The Epic of Gilgamesh; Hammurabi's Code; Echoes of Mesopotamian Myth in the Judeo- Christian Tradition
- Egypt: The Social Pyramid Debate; Isis and Osiris; Beliefs in the Afterlife through Art
- The Ancient Hebrews: "Walking the Bible"
- Hinduism and Buddhism: Religious Beliefs
- Greece: City-States, Myth, and Drama - GREEK FESTIVAL
Rome/Medieval/Renaissance - Text: History Alive: The Medieval World and Beyond
- Rome: Julius Caesar on Trial; Roman Art and Architecture
- Jesus: Parables
- The Byzantines: Istanbul not Constantinople Virtual Field trip
- Comparing Feudalism in Europe and Japan: Medieval Tournament Project/Mini-Research Papers
- Medieval Europe: "Cathedral"; Pilgrimage Simulation
- Islam: Geography of the Arabian Peninsula; Life of Muhammad Manuscript; Five Pillars of Islam Posters; Islam Today Videos
- Renaissance: Geography, Art and Politics - RENAISSANCE FAIRE
Search This Site:
Useful Links
- See fabulous photos at our Tableau Blog
- Visit Mac's Objectives Page - An explanation of what I hope you'll get out of my class!
- Get an idea of the kinds of activities that go on in my class: My Favorite Learning Experiences: A Presentation Given in Mrs. Kelly's Intro to Ed Class at SYVUHS
- Peruse the California State Standards - Content
- Discover our text: History Alive! The United States Through Industrialism
Visit past web sites:
Rome Medieval Renaissance 2008 - 2009
Links for Teachers
- Visit the Class Calendar and Lesson Plan Pages. (Some lessons may involve SURPRISES for students, hence the password protection!)
