In grades K-8 the social studies curriculum includes the study of change so that students:

• increase understanding of the relationship between technology and society-past, present, and future.
• develop a firm understanding of American culture and the relationship of past to present that has created that culture.
• develop skills to gain access to information and knowledge that aid them on a regular basis in their lives.

The fifth grade curriculum focuses on the development of our country and integrates geography and global perspectives into this study.

Essential Questions:

• What motivates people to explore, conquer, and migrate?
• What happens to people who are conquered?
• How did the United States become a nation?
• Unifying Themes:
• Diversity and Interconnectedness
• Contest/Units:
• Exploration, Encounters, Settlements and Colonization.

In sixth grade, students will explore historical aspects of civilization.

Essential Questions:

• How do civilizations originate and organize?
• How and why do civilizations innovate and evolve?

Unifying Theme: Enduring characteristics of civilizations

Context/Units: Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece/Rome, Middle Ages (with exposure to Islamic Civilization)