This course seeks to promote the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of seventh grade students in a setting that is responsive to individual educational needs. Our study of the social sciences is organized around a standards-driven curriculum, and covers six units of study. Throughout the year, students will be asked to reflect on nine overarching questions. These questions include:
- How do individuals influence society? (Civics)
- Is conflict inevitable? (Conflict)
- What does it mean to be American? (Culture)
- What role does economics play in decision making? (Economics)
- Why is "where" important? (Geography)
- What is the purpose of government? (Government)
- How is history interpreted from different perspectives? (Individuals)
- Do the ends justify the means? (Power)
- How do technological developments change society? (Technology)
The six unit include:
Unit 1: Pieces of Me: Identity, Geography and Culture
- What makes me, me?
- How do geographical factors influence the political, economic, and social aspects of culture?
- How do differences and assumptions create misconception and stereotypes?
Unit 2: Early American Identity: Colonies, Wealth, & Tradition (Ch 3, 4, & 5 (Section1-3))
- How does environment create culture?
- What key ideas, experiences, and traditions define and unite all Americans?
- How do people & nations satisfy their basic needs?
Unit 3: Towards Independence: Taxes, Tyranny, and Terrorism (Ch 5.4, 6, 7, & 8)
- Do some have to fail for others to succeed?
- Does an individual's actions make a difference in a society?
- What is worthy of struggle or sacrifice?
- Is struggle and sacrifice necessary in a society?
- Is sacrifice necessary to achieve a goal?
Unit 4: Fight for Your Rights: Laws, Love, and Loss (Constitution Handbook, Ch 9, 10, & 11)
- What is the purpose of government?
- What is the best form of government?
- What are the costs of creating a good society?
- Are good/bad leaders always good/bad people?
- What is more important; the person or the position?
Unit 5: A Changing Nation: Jackson, Destiny, and Reform (Ch 12, 13, 14)
- Can one person really make a difference in a society
- Who matters more: the individual or the society?
- Is destiny unavoidable, or is it created?
- Why do people (and societies) change?
Unit 6: And Justice for All: Breaking Barriers (Ch 15, 16, 17 & 18)
- Should barriers be broken?
- Does technology help or hinder barriers?
- How does the past shape the present?
- Can the past ever be rebuilt?
- What matters more; forgiveness or punishment?
If you would like an outline of the content for the entire year, please click here.
