Welcome to Social Studies
Welcome to the Middle School Social Studies! We’re excited to have you join us on a journey through time and across the globe. In middle school Social Studies, students will explore the rich tapestry of our world and how it came to be. Sixth and seventh graders will delve into ancient civilizations and the cultures of the Middle Ages, while eighth graders will focus on the history of the United States. But Social Studies is more than just names and dates—it’s about understanding people, their customs, world religions, and the geography that shapes societies. We look forward to a year of discovery, discussion, and deepening our understanding of the world around us.
Ms. Cara Ihde, Social Studies Teacher
Curriculum Approach and Philosophy
Our curriculum approach and philosophy for middle school Social Studies at Riviera Hall Lutheran School is centered on building critical thinking and inquiry-based learning skills. Students are guided to become active learners who not only absorb information but also question and analyze it. Through reading, note-taking, and comprehension activities, they develop the foundational academic skills necessary for success across all subjects. We emphasize inquiry as a key component, encouraging students to explore historical events, cultural practices, and global issues with curiosity and purpose. Our goal is to help students make meaningful connections between the past and present while developing the tools they need to be informed and thoughtful citizens.
6th Grade: Ancient Civilizations
In sixth grade Social Studies at Riviera Hall Lutheran School, students embark on an exciting journey through the earliest periods of human history using the textbook Journey Across Time: The Early Ages. They begin by exploring the lives of nomadic hunting tribes during the Stone Age, Ice Age, and Bronze Age, then move into the development of agriculture and the rise of early civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Israel. From there, students delve into the rich cultural legacies of ancient Greece and Rome, followed by the complex societies of ancient India and China. A highlight of the year is the Walk Through the Ancient World program, a hands-on learning experience where students role-play figures from ancient civilizations, bringing history to life. Throughout the year, students will reflect on the common thread that ties all these civilizations together—their dependence on water sources for survival and growth.
7th Grade: Medieval and Early Modern Times
In seventh grade Social Studies at Riviera Hall Lutheran School, students continue their exploration of world history by studying how ancient civilizations evolved, advanced, and changed from the end of antiquity through the early modern era, approximately 300 AD to 1600 AD. Using the textbook Savvas: My World Interactive Medieval and Early Modern Times, students examine key historical developments across Medieval Europe, including the rise of the Holy Roman Empire, the impact of the Crusades, and the devastating effects of the Black Death. Beyond Europe, students also study the rich histories and cultural achievements of medieval civilizations in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. A major focus of the year includes understanding the world’s major religions—Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and Shintoism—and how they shaped the values, traditions, and daily lives of the people in these regions. Through this global and multicultural lens, students gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diversity of the medieval world. To culminate the year, students engage in a group lesson to become experts on the Renaissance and Reformation. Working in collaborative groups, they take on the role of teachers to present their findings from the textbook to their peers. This interactive approach not only reinforces their understanding of the material but also builds skills in research, critical thinking, and public speaking.
8th Grade:
In eighth grade Social Studies at Riviera Hall Lutheran School, students build upon their seventh-grade understanding of global civilizations to explore how major historical developments—such as the Age of Exploration—paved the way for the founding of the thirteen American colonies. Using the textbook Savvas: My World Interactive Growth and Conflict, students trace the journey from early European exploration through the formation and growth of the United States, covering key events up to the 20th century. They examine how British rule over the colonies sparked revolutionary ideas and ultimately led to the American Revolution, followed by the complex task of building a new nation. Through the study of the Constitution and the vision of the Founding Fathers, students analyze how America’s government was formed and challenged in its early years. As the course progresses, students explore westward expansion, the conflicts and consequences of that growth, and the emergence of sectionalism that divided the nation. They also study the Industrial Revolution and its transformative impact on society and the economy. Finally, students investigate the causes of the Civil War and reflect on its lasting effects on the country, gaining a deeper understanding of how conflict, compromise, and change have shaped the United States.
Special Projects
A few times throughout the year, students in Social Studies have the opportunity to bring their learning to life through hands-on projects and interactive activities that connect directly to their history lessons. Whether it’s creating visual presentations, building models, participating in simulations, or engaging in group research, these projects allow students to deepen their understanding of historical events, cultures, and figures in meaningful and creative ways. These activities not only enhance engagement but also help students develop important skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and communication.
6th Grade
- Cuniform tablets
- Hammirabi’s Code class debate
- Writing names in hieroglyphics
- Life size egyptian deities paintings
- Mozaic
7th Grade
- Cherry blossom
- “Medieval free choice” project
- Interactive digital timeline
8th Grade
- Class debate on the topic “Is war justified” three times throughout the year with the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War.
- East Coast Trip research report and constructing a model
8th Grade Trip: East Coast & Washington D.C.
Each year, eighth grade students at Riviera Hall Lutheran School embark on a memorable week-long field trip to our nation’s capital and several surrounding states, including Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York. In Washington, D.C., students deepen their understanding of American history and government by visiting the U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, the Holocaust Museum, various Smithsonian museums, and numerous iconic memorials and monuments. In Pennsylvania, they explore the historic Gettysburg battlefield and gain insight into a different way of life through a visit to an Amish community in Lancaster. The journey continues in New York City, where students experience the powerful 9/11 Memorial and Museum, enjoy a boat ride around the harbor with views of the Statue of Liberty, explore the bright lights of Times Square, and attend a Broadway show. This enriching trip offers students a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, creating lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the nation’s history and culture.
Homework policy
Assignments are designed to reinforce in-class learning and build responsibility. Assignments are given daily and may include reading comprehension, vocabulary development, lab reflections, and project work. If an assignment is not completed during the class period it becomes homework, due the next day. Each class period has assignment-homework time built in so that students do not go home with a ton of homework. General assignments include outlining, Edpuzzles, Quizizz review questions, end-of-section questions, and Review & Reinforce section handouts.
Technology
Technology is integrated into the social studies curriculum. Students use Chromebooks for online digital textbooks, simulations, virtual labs, note-taking, Edpuzzles, assignments, and collaborative work in Google Workspace. Some assignments are distributed and submitted through Google Classroom. Other platforms used include Edpuzzle, Formative, Kahoot, Quizizz, Blooket, Canva, to name a few. Teachers also have a live-online digital agenda for assignments which is referenced daily for what’s happening each day during class and what assignments are to be completed.