History

History

In the Middle School students study world civilizations and United States history. There is a strong emphasis on learning and refining essential reading, writing and analytical skills. Each grade level builds on the previous year’s progress.

History – 5 

The 5th grade history curriculum begins with the study of world geography. It continues with the lifestyles of prehistoric peoples during the Paleolithic and Neolithic times and explores the major civilizations of the ancient world.  Throughout the course, students learn the characteristics of a civilization by examining its historical, political, economic, sociological, geographical and cultural development.  Accompanying the study of these ancient cultures is a brief overview of the modern history of the region in which the civilization once existed. Modern world geography and current events are also important themes. The discussion of geography and current events helps the students to develop an understanding of global issues.

The course emphasizes development of skills.  During the year, students learn map skills and develop study skills.  They analyze information and apply critical thinking skills by making inferences and drawing conclusions.  In class, they learn how to take notes, and how to read a textbook.  Students are expected to participate in discussions and class activities.   Students have many opportunities to develop their expository and creative writing abilities.  Throughout the year students complete research projects and oral presentations. 

Texts:

Carnine, Douglas, et al. World History

Greenblatt, Miriam, et al. Human Heritage

Knowledge Unlimited, Read to Know, www.news currents.com

History – 6

6th grade history begins with a cross-cultural study of world societies coexisting in the year 1492, followed by the origins and the creation of the United States. The year concludes with a study of western expansion in 19th-century America. Through the study of the United States, the course examines geographic, social, political, and economic themes. The discussion of current events helps the students develop an understanding of global issues.

The course emphasizes the development of skills. Students analyze information and learn to apply critical thinking skills, such as making inferences and drawing conclusions. Students are expected to participate in discussions and class activities. Major assignments include research papers, presentations, position papers, and tests. They have many opportunities to develop their expository and creative writing abilities as well as their oral presentation skills.

Texts:

Appleby, Joyce, et al. The American Republic to 1877

Bliven, Bruce. The American Revolution

Carnine, Douglas, et al. World History

Mcdougal, Holt. United States History

History – 7 

7th grade history explores social, political, and economic themes in United States history from the mid-Nineteenth Century to the present. The course has three focuses: the Constitution as a living document, the relationship between Americans and their government, and the changing definition of who is an American. The course also explores how these themes develop and change as the role of United States in the world expands.

The course emphasizes the development of skills. Students are asked to read from a variety of resources to gain perspective on major issues. Students are expected to participate in discussions and class activities. Major assignments include research papers, presentations, essays analyzing primary sources, and tests. Students are expected to take notes in class and on readings. The ultimate goal is for students to become independent and critical thinkers.

United States History by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

History – 8

History 8 is a comparative and thematic examination of global history from the beginning of agriculture up until 1500. In addition to a study of specific societies, we examine dynamics and structures common to different cultures, as well as how those cultures interact. The class will look at the subject matter from a number of perspectives, including social, political, cultural, economic, religious, and environmental history. Special attention will be given to primary sources and the way historians interpret them.

The 8th grade curriculum continues to stress the development of academic skills. Students are expected to listen attentively to and participate actively in class discussions. They read from a variety of sources and write analytical essays, and within research projects, students continue to practice the skills of synthesizing information, organizing it, and assessing and citing sources. The course encourages a curiosity and appreciation of the past, purposefully relates the present to the past, and develops critical thinking and writing skills.

Text:

Strayer, Robert W. and Eric W. Nelson. Ways of the World: A Brief Global History.  Bedford/St Martin’s, 2019.

The library strives to be a welcoming space that serves the entire learning community and aims to represent the very best of participatory culture, while providing a space for both independent and collaborative work. The love of reading, lifelong learning, inspiring critical thinking and ethical thinkers and effective users of ideas and information are cornerstones of the library program. Members of the IVY Road community are welcome and encouraged to engage in their personal and academic learning pursuits in the library.

 

The Middle School students have access to IVY ROAD School Library’s approximately 52,000 circulating book collection, eBook collection, and 65 subscription on-line databases. The periodical collection includes many titles in hard copy and on-line databases that provide access to over 5,000 magazines and newspapers.
 

The online catalog and research tools can be accessed from any web enabled device, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. Twenty library computers, laptops, a scanner, and a printer are available for the production of written or digital work. In addition, librarians are always available to help students with research projects that are assigned by the Middle School Faculty.