Social Studies

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n middle school, students enrich their understanding of their place in this world with an exploration of the people and events that ushered in the major Western and non-Western Civilizations.  In 6th grade, students explore history from the dawn of humankind through the rise of the major river civilizations to the fall of the Roman Empire.  Seventh grade continues the study of world history to the European Enlightenment.  Civilizations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas are covered in this two-year period. The origins of the major world religions are explored.

After their world tour in sixth and seventh grades, eighth grade students return to the United States, where they study the origins of our nation. As a result of their coursework, students will gain the knowledge, skills, and civic values they need to become active and thoughtful citizens.

Research projects, oral and written reports, power point presentations, debates, and skits are part of the students' learning experiences. Students also learn from map work, timelines, artistic media, and simulations of historical events.

MS Social Studies News

  • Seventh Graders Use Gumdrops to Build Brunelleschi-style Domes

    Posted May 8, 2013

    Our seventh graders have been studying the history and cultural benchmarks of the Renaissance, including the achievements of Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1466), the genius architect whose dome for the Cathedral of Florence was an engineering breakthrough. Working in pairs, with only gumdrops, toothpicks, and their wits, students tried to build domes with structural integrity without employing temporary supports. The challenge was to construct a dome strong enough to support one, or several, textbooks . . .

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  • BHDS Students Test Geographic Knowledge through Geobee

    Posted January 10, 2013

    This week, 120 BHDS students in grades 4-8 met in small groups to test their knowledge of geography through the Geobee, a National Geographic Society contest designed to encourage teaching and learning aobut geography. "The top ten finishers (read on for full list) engaged in a spirited and closely-fought contest to find the last geographer standing," said teacher and contest organizer David Jefferies. First place went to David S. in fifth grade, second place to Adam T. in seventh grade, and third place honors to Jonah G-G in eighth grade...

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