Social Studies

First and second graders focus on getting to know about themselves, their family and their community. Discussion centers on their immediate family, their beliefs, and family traditions based on family history. They learn about their rights and responsibilities as good citizens. Basic map skills are introduced in first grade and continued in second grade with the addition of introductory geography skills. Current events are included in both grade levels through the use of the Weekly Reader in first grade and Time for Kids in second grade.

Third grade Social Studies focuses on local and global communities and citizenship, map skills and land forms. Time for Kids is used to supplement the program for the current events part of the Social Studies curriculum. Fourth grade students primarily cover the geography, resources and people of New York State from prehistoric time to the present day. Living in the capital of New York, a variety of local field trips are included to enhance the curriculum.

Social Studies at the fifth grade level focuses on contact and exploration of the North American continent, colonization of the 13 English Colonies through the Revolutionary War, the expansion of the young United States, and current events. Other major topics covered are slavery and emancipation, immigration and industry, world war, and the civil rights movement up through World War II. Countries of the Western Hemisphere are also studied, focusing on Canada and Latin America. Sixth grade students examine the history of civilizations in the Eastern hemisphere. Utilizing the resources of the social sciences, students study the geography, cultures and historical events of the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, China, Greece, Rome, Arabia and Europe. Students explore current events through the media and class discussion.

Seventh and eighth grade students examine the history of the United States. The seventh grade students cover the period from the first known inhabitants on the North American continent through the political events that led to the Civil War. Eighth grade students continue the study from the Civil War through the tensions of the Cold War era. Students utilize social scientific terms and various resources to better understand the history of our nation as they prepare for success on the Grade 8, New York State Social Studies Assessment.