Social Studies

As a discipline, the social studies department strives to offer students the opportunities necessary to develop into 21st Century citizens of Tennessee, the United States, the Western Hemisphere, and the world. Specific focus is directed to teaching skills incrementally in a developmentally appropriate method at each grade level.

Fifth grade curriculum encompasses a study of the Western Hemisphere and the unique role the United States plays there. Emphasis is given to understanding the history, geography, and culture of each of our neighboring countries. Study of Latin America is integrated with Spanish classes and is developed in the Cool Country Project that is a cornerstone of humanities integration in fifth grade.

Sixth grade social studies is divided by semester into Tennessee history and civics. Tennessee history emphasizes the history and geography that are unique to Tennessee and endeavors to create pride in being a Tennessean in each student. The study of civics is directed to an understanding of the process of the government of the United States and an appreciation for the process of decision-making in government. A class trip to Washington, D.C. is a culminating event in the study of civics.

Seventh graders study world history and how the culture of a people affects the development of a civilization. Students employ the Cornell Note system to take notes and respond to critical thinking questions in a discussion format. A significant focus of seventh grade is a map skills strand in which students are able to label, identify, and spell correctly the names and capitals of 120 countries in the world. Attention is given to world events in weekly news journal assignments when students select a published news story and summarize it in written form. Frequent class discussion about issues discovered in news journal assignments are a significant part of developing students into citizens of a shrinking 21st Century world.

Eighth grade social studies is a survey of United States history. Students participate in discussions and lectures that are supported by preparation with content notes in the Cornell Note system. Project based learning units in each quarter are heavily supported by technology and give students opportunities to work in groups and individually to develop deeper understanding of key periods and issues. Fully integrated with literature and English classes, the study of United States history is humanities based and broad in scope. Weekly current news assignments focus on news specific to the government, economy, and social issues pertinent to the study of United States history.