Middle School Social Studies

The C3 Social Studies framework (College, Career, and Civic Life) provides the anchor for the Social Studies curriculum.  Inquiry is a key component of the shifts and priorities in the curriculum. Additionally, developing claims and using evidence, clearly communicating, determining and using helpful sources of information, common set of questions that focus student research and analytic thinking, and taking informed action are tenets of the Social Studies curriculum.

Middle School Science Content/Unit Overview

Grade 7

This curriculum utilizes the geography, economy, history and civic standards presented in the Connecticut Elementary and Secondary Social Studies Frameworks.  Unit design was modeled after the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) College, Career and Civic Life Framework (C3).Each unit fosters students’ developing questions, planning inquiries, applying concepts and tools, choosing sources, and using evidence to communicate conclusions and take informed actions. There is an emphasis on geography in the curriculum. Unit themes include: Environmental Changes, Human Population, Movements of People and Cultural Diffusion. Global regional focus includes East Asia, Western Europe, and the Middle East, and North Africa. Each unit embraces personalized learning by the inclusion of inquiries, case studies, and opportunities for students to communicate conclusions and take informed action. In addition, curriculum design incorporates student complex thinking and meets the social-emotional needs of all learners.

Grade 8

This curriculum prioritizes United States history beginning with the fight for U.S. independence through the end of the 19th Century.  Eighth-grade students study the American Revolution, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, various themes regarding expansion in the 1800s, the Civil War, and Reconstruction.  At the end of each unit, students complete a performance-based assessment which requires them to take a position on a topic, gather and utilize evidence to create an effective argument, and creatively communicate their learning.