5

5^th Grade History builds profiles of past civilizations by examining geography; basic beliefs and values; government and economic systems; social structure, intellectual achievement and arts/architecture.  It addresses  Prehistory, comparing the Old and New Stone Ages; the beginnings of history at Sumer; Ancient Civilizations in the Mideast with a focus on Egypt; Minoans; Mycenaeans; the Classical Greeks; Romans, both Republic and Empire; Islam and the Medieval Arab Empire; and the first half of the Middle Ages in Europe.  This includes the beginnings and development of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The broad themes offer students patterns for making rational judgments. Students examine myth and fact; build listening and note-taking skills; learn to read and construct maps; and develop sequence out of facts.  They construct databases of information and conduct research, beginning to evaluate the validity of their sources. 

6

6^th Grade History helps students understand historical cause and effect. It begins with the end of the Medieval period in Europe and runs through the Renaissance period. Students examine the Scientific Revolution; inventions and art of Renaissance Europe; the Protestant Reformation; the development of nationalism in England and Spain; the Age of Exploration; and Inca, Aztec and Mayan cultures; and a comparison of feudalism in Japan and Europe. 

Note-taking and map reading skills are practiced.  Students write two research papers, introducing the thesis statement and reinforcing other research and writing skills. 

7

7^th Grade History covers the United States.  Units include American colonization and government; the Declaration of Independence and the uniqueness of the Constitution; Texas, beginning with Spanish colonization and going through the fight for Texas independence; the Civil War; the Roaring Twenties; and WWII.  Studying current events connects the past to the present. 

Students write several research papers from beginning to end.  This includes examining the topic, writing a thesis, doing the actual research, and writing the paper.

8

8^th Grade History introduces non-Western cultures, with Africa, China, and India as the focal points.  The course focuses on various themes, including geography, ancient civilizations, traditional belief systems, European colonization, and modernization.

Students refine note-taking skills, develop analytical thinking skills, and enhance reading and writing proficiency.   Research skills are emphasized.  Students gain experience in choosing and narrowing a topic; writing a thesis statement; taking notes; organizing an outline; and writing, proofreading and revising a research paper with in-text citations.