Social Studies

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.

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

Learners understand social systems and structures and how these influence individuals

 

 

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

 

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

 

The Grade 6 Social Studies course focuses on the overall concept of Change. Students study about ongoing changes that have occurred throughout human history and the relationship between people, their environment, and events through time. Course topics include the rise of Early Humans, Early Human Migration Patterns, the Development of Early Civilizations, and how humans are adapting to Changes in our Climate.
 
A variety of skills will be developed 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 to develop their writing, reading, and oral communication skills and explore a range of media options to present their ideas and information. Technology is integrated throughout the course through lessons, research, and presentations.

 

The 7th Grade Social Studies focuses on the Middle Ages, the world today, and our connections to it. In developing our skills in inquiry, research, and communication, the topics we study include the Rise of Islam in the Middle East, the impact of trade on the spread of technology and culture, Innovation and Invention in Medieval China, and the issues and potential for Africa in the 21st century. Throughout the year we discuss current events and, in the second half, we develop action plans within Service Learning projects to raise awareness about a global social issue. 7th grade Social Studies is intended to broaden perspectives, improve 21st-century skills, and to prepare students for a life of global citizenship.

 

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 responsible global citizen?”  This question is posed in order to shape the exploration of the concept of government and citizenship and its connection to global citizenship; the history and application of human rights with a focus on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the study of conflict and connections examining the origins of conflict and the application of transitional justice methods; and the study of trade with an emphasis on free trade and fair trade.  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 will be incorporated.