Social Studies

Grade 5 Social Studies is based on the history and geography of the Western Hemisphere, including the development of cultures, civilizations, and empires; interaction between societies; and the comparison of the government and economic systems of modern nations.  It also incorporates elements of archaeology.  The course is divided into seven Key Ideas that cover a time span from prehistory into modern times.  Teachers are encouraged to make and teach local connections throughout the course, especially in the examination of citizenship related to modern political and economic issues.   

Grade 6 Social Studies is based on the geography and history of the Eastern Hemisphere, including the development of cultures, civilizations, and empires; interactions between societies; and the comparison of trends in government and economics.  It also incorporates some elements of other social sciences.  The course begins with an examination of the Eastern Hemisphere today, using geographic skills.  This provides the foundation for making connections between the past and the present throughout the course.  The remainder of the course is divided into seven Key Ideas that cover a time span from pre-history into the 1300s.  Students are provided the opportunity to explore belief systems across time and to examine the foundations of democracy.

In Grades 7 and 8, students will examine the United States and New York State through a historical lens.  The two-year sequence is arranged chronologically, beginning with the settlement of North America by Native Americans and ending with an examination of the United States in the 21st century.  Although the courses emphasize the skill of chronological reasoning and causation, the courses also integrate the skills and content from geography, politics, economy, and culture into the study of history.

• 7th grade studies American history up through the period of Reconstruction. 
• 8th grade starts their course from post-Reconstruction and culminates in modern-day history.