History and Social Studies Department
Curricula Grades 6-8
Norwell Public Schools’ grades 6-8 history and social studies curricula follow the Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework (2018):
- Social studies prepares the nation’s young people for college, careers, and civic life.
- Inquiry is at the heart of social studies.
- Social studies involves interdisciplinary applications and welcomes the integration of the arts and humanities.
- Social studies comprises deep and enduring understanding, concepts, and skills from varied disciplines.
- Social studies contains the knowledge and skills to become thoughtful and active participants in a democratic society.
- Social studies education directly connects to the Standards for English Language Arts
The History and Social Studies Department at Norwell Middle School believes that all proficient students should develop expertise in the following History and Social Studies Standards for Literacy:
- It is critical that students, when reading a primary or secondary source, identify how an author uses words and structure to convey his/her point of view.
- It is critical that students, when reading a primary or secondary source, identify the main idea, supporting details, and examine evidence.
- It is critical that students utilize multiple formats of both primary and secondary sources to distinguish between fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment.
- It is critical that students find and use multiple sources to conduct research, gather relevant information, and draw evidence from informational texts to answer a research question.
- It is critical that students write, refine, and publish persuasive, informative, and explanatory texts.
Grade 6
Ancient Civilizations
In this course students study early man and the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia with Phoenicia, Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Rome. Students focus on how civilizations developed, what allowed civilizations to be successful, and what factors contributed to the fall of the civilizations. Noteworthy achievements from each civilization are examined and their value in our modern world is assessed.
Concepts and Skills:
● Understanding of key events, conflicts, and ideas throughout this period of ancient history
● Interpreting history through the use of a variety of primary and secondary sources, including textbooks, art, photos, videos, maps, and technological resources
● Enhancing communication skills through effective writing and discussion
Grade 7
Geography, World History, and Cultures
In this course students will be studying geography, world history, and cultures. The theme of geography not only refers to the different landforms within a region, but also how the climate, people, politics, and economics of a place related to each other. World History will be examined starting in Europe with the Byzantine Empire, rising out of the ashes of Rome, through the Middle Ages, and life in Medieval Europe. We will then move into Latin America with the study of early civilizations such as the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas. Our journey will then take us to Asia, where we will study early civilizations in India, China, and Japan. The curriculum also makes connections to 6th-grade Ancient Civilizations and 8th-grade Civics, world religions, as well as current events throughout the year.
Concepts and Skills:
● Understanding of geographic terms, constitutional democracy, world governments, key events in history, and current issues facing countries throughout the world
● Interpreting history through the use of a variety of primary and secondary sources, including textbooks, essays, speeches, art, photos, videos, maps, political cartoons, and technological resources
● Enhancing communication skills through effective writing, discussion and oral presentations
Civics
Description: Civics - The 8th Grade Civics course will focus on the responsibilities of American citizenship. Students will work to understand the purpose, structure, and functions of their government at the federal, state, and local levels by examining the U.S. Constitution and Massachusetts Constitution. The political process, the role of law, and the importance of civic participation will be discussed. In this course, students will develop their skills in the areas of comprehension, analysis, research, and evaluation.
Concepts and Skills:
- In-depth understanding of key events, conflicts, and ideas throughout different periods of United States history
- Interpreting history through the use of a variety of primary and secondary sources, including textbooks, essays, speeches, art, photos, videos, maps, political cartoons, and technological resources
- Further developing historical research methods and note-taking skills
- Enhancing communication skills through effective writing, oral presentation, and discussion
- Learning about and appreciating various perspectives throughout history, as well as listening to and considering multiple opinions in the classroom
Massachusetts 2018 History and Social Science Framework
The Norwell Middle School Program of Studies provides more detailed information about courses, expectations, and opportunities.