Grade 6 – Grade 8 Grade 6 In grade 6 social studies, students explore all the excitement of the Ancient World! Students begin by learning about the world’s earliest humans and their migrations throughout the planet. A close examination of the agricultural revolution and the world’s earliest cities shines a light on how human civilization developed. Next, students study the world’s earliest civilizations and their contributions to human society. Some of these civilizations include Ancient Sumer, India, China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Students learn how each civilization’s unique geography led to agricultural advancements, government systems and culture. Students also learn to apply what they understand about the Ancient World to modern day current events. As the year draws to a close, students put all of their skills to work by participating in the “Walk Through the Ancient World” program. In this program, students impersonate a famous figure of Ancient Greece, Egypt, or Rome. Students use their knowledge to write and direct mini plays featuring aspects of daily life from these civilizations.  Grade 7 Seventh grade social studies centers on medieval history. It begins with the fall of Rome that led to the Middle Ages in Europe and then proceeds to examine important medieval developments in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. During their study of Islam, students host a discussion panel on the relationship between Christianity and Islam with Monsignor Dennis Mikulanis and Imam Taha Hassane. The year ends with a return to Europe and a study of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The seventh grade social studies curriculum includes an emphasis on world geography as students learn the major countries on each continent, culminating with a “Where Would You Travel” project in which students take a virtual ‘journey’ to any place in the world. This year also includes a specific focus on current events as students examine issues affecting various regions of the world.  Grade 8 In eighth grade social studies, students examine U.S. History from the American Revolution through the Civil War. The year begins with a look at the roots of American government and examines the causes that compelled our founders to separate from Great Britain. During the Revolutionary War unit, students closely examine the Declaration of Independence and its philosophy of natural rights. Part of this study includes rewriting key sections of the Declaration in students’ own words. Next, students take an in-depth look at the U.S. Constitution with a specific emphasis on the Bill of Rights. Students learn the reasons for and the structure of the Constitution. Analysis of current legislation and Supreme Court cases helps students gain a greater understanding of how the U.S. government affects citizens’ daily lives. Students then study the early years of the republic and its expansion westward. A special emphasis is placed on the sectional conflicts that arose from the issue of slavery. Students end their year with an in-depth look at the Civil War. The class is divided into Union and Confederate sides and students select a historical person from whose eyes they will ‘view’ the war. Students keep a journal written from this character’s perspective as the study the major events of the Civil War. The unit culminates with a field trip to Riley’s Farm near San Bernardino to participate in a town hall debate, learn to drill like soldiers, visit a field hospital, and participate in a mock Civil War battle. Every two years, students in grades seven and eight visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. Students learn about the life and contributions of our 40th President, they are able to see and board Air Force 1 and Marine 1, view a portion of the Berlin Wall, and offer prayers at the gravesite of President and Mrs. Reagan. In addition, students participate in an interactive re-enactment of the Invasion of Grenada. They assume the roles of the President, his cabinet, members of the military, and the press corps.