Social Studies

Philosophy

The philosophy of the AISJ Social Studies program is to have students acquire both core knowledge and a firm grasp of reasoning and practice in inquiry and research. Students should become concerned and committed global citizens, and appreciate the contributions various groups have made to advance civilization. Students should develop an understanding and appreciation of the uniqueness of social sciences.

AISJ SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS:

 

STANDARD 1: TIME, CONTINUITY AND CHANGE

Learners understand patterns of change and continuity, relationships between people and events through time, and various interpretations of these relationships.

STANDARD 2: CONNECTIONS AND CONFLICT

Learners understand the causes and effects of interaction among societies, including trade, systems of international exchange, war, and diplomacy

STANDARD 3: PEOPLE, PLACES AND ENVIRONMENT

Learners will understand the interactions and relationship between human societies and their physical environment

STANDARD 4: CULTURE

Learners understand cultural and intellectual developments and interactions among and within societies.

STANDARD 5: SOCIETY AND IDENTIFY

Learners understand social systems and structures and how these influence individuals.

STANDARD 6: GOVERNANCE AND CITIZENSHIP

Learners understand why societies create and adopt systems of governance and how these systems address human needs, rights, and citizen responsibilities.

STANDARD 7: PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION, AND CONSUMPTION

Learners understand fundamental economic principles and ways in which economies are shaped by geographic and human factors

STANDARD 8: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Learners understand how societies have influenced and been influenced by scientific developments and technological developments

Program Overview:

The Middle School Social Studies program is committed to providing students with access to a conceptual, rigorous curriculum built on research and communication skills, the goal of which is for students to become informed, concerned, and committed global citizens. Given the diverse nature of our student body, learning in Social Studies will afford students opportunities to make the learning relevant and personal to them through choice-based explorations and flexible content. In this way, it is the students who own their learning. It is our belief that this approach to Social Studies best prepares students to be engaged, empowered, and empathetic individuals who will seek to positively impact their communities, countries, and world.

Grade 6 Social Studies:

The Grade 6 Social Studies course focuses on the overall concept of “change”. Students explore ongoing changes that have occurred throughout human history and the relationship between people, their environment, and events through time. Course topics include the News & Digital Literacy, 5 Themes of Geographic Inquiry, the rise of Early Humans, Refugees and Migration, and how the environment and humans are adapting to Changes in our Climate.

 

 A variety of skills will be developed and practised as students are introduced to the Research Process and learn to think critically through inquiry, analysis, observation, and inference. Students will learn to locate, organize, and process information as well as document sources. Students will also continue developing their reading, writing and oral communication skills as well as explore a range of media options to investigate and present their ideas and information. Technology is integrated throughout the course through lessons, investigations and presentations.

 
 
 
 
Grade 7 Social Studies: 

The 7th grade social studies course will explore how the past influences who we are, and how we respond to issues in our world today. Our year long essential question is: “How can historical legacies influence how we understand and respond to our world today?” This question will be used to shape the exploration for each unit. Students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their learning in a variety of authentic ways. They will come to understand the significance of their place in the world and their social impact. In all units, research and communication skills, the use of technology, collaborative study and problem solving will be stressed. Students will be assessed on the following reporting outcomes: knowledge and understanding, research and investigation, communication and presentation.

Grade 8 Social Studies: 

The 8th grade Social Studies course increases the depth of understanding of global issues and addresses the essential question: “What does it mean to be a global citizen?” This question will be used to shape the exploration for each unit. The year begins with the study of Government and Citizenship followed by Conflict.  The second semester begins with the study of Human Rights and ends with the study of Trade.  In each of the units students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their learning in a variety of authentic ways. They will come to understand the significance of global issues and the role they can play in addressing them. In all units, research and communication skills, the use of technology, collaborative study and problem solving skills.  Students will be assessed on the following reporting outcomes: knowledge and understanding, research and investigation, communication and presentation.