Grades 7-12 Social Studies/History
Mr. Banks
The 2021-22 school year is starting to dwindle away! Mr. Banks has been working hard in the classroom implementing college and career ready activities that make learning both relevant and rigorous for students. This past month, the Government class has been taking a deep look into the Constitution and the Amendments. Students have been sharing their learning through the Amendment project. Government has also piloted the new TCI online program, which has numerous engaging lessons.
In American History, we have been discussing the Vietnam conflict and its effect on the current world. Students are excited to get into more current information that is relevant to their modern world. They mention quite often that it appears “history is repeating itself.” These engaging conversations have allowed students to retain their learning.
Mr. Hayes
My classroom has been active during this school year! During the second semester, ninth-grade students took American History I. Students have studied units covering the Civil War, westward migration, the rise of industry, the Progressive Era, and World War I. They will be finishing the year doing a fun cooperative learning project, through which they discover a bit of information about things they will be learning in future American History courses.
In Sociology, students have studied the basics of sociology and how individuals impact others by their actions and decisions within society. One interesting unit was about personal biases and stereotypes within our personal lives. Students in this course are currently observing educational environments within the Central Lee Community School District. They are also interviewing staff members on how they build positive relationships with their students.
A new course at Central Lee this semester was Historical Perspectives on Cultural Diversity. It is vital for students to learn about the diverse makeup of our society and the history of minority struggles, and how those things impact our world today. An emphasis was placed on the African Civil Rights Movement, along with social/racial injustice in today’s society.
Mr. Bryant
Seventh graders have been busy analyzing current events and comparing them to similar historical events. Throughout the second semester, the students have looked at topics in the categories of Pollution and Climate Change, Human Health, and Economics. During the Pollution unit, the students examined causes of pollution and the impact of state, national, and global levels. Students also discovered alternative energy sources to help alleviate pollution effects, including a hydropower electricity lab.
In the Human Health Unit, students developed arguments and counterarguments on whether they believed the United States should utilize the death penalty. They identified different factors that would lower quality of life—and ways to improve it at the individual, school, and community level. Then, students discovered how difficult it is for the World Health Organization to control global health. To finish the unit, students analyzed multiple health issues, such as Covid-19, obesity, and opioid abuse.
Seventh graders are currently in the Economics unit, learning about inflation causes and effects, how supply and demand affect businesses and consumers, and how consumers go through economic decision making when purchasing a product or using a service. The students will end the year looking at issues with conflict and peace, international diplomacy, inequality and civil rights, and nuclear energy and dangers in the nuclear era.
Miss McCoy
In eighth-grade history, we focus on the history of the United States, including the American founding and establishment of democratic principles. Students analyze the powers and civic responsibilities of citizens and examine the origins, functions, and structure of the U.S. government. This year, we have been piloting new materials from Teachers Curriculum Institute (TCI). It has an online textbook, so students don’t have to carry around a physical book. The kids are enjoying the writing style and find the activities interesting. We plan to adopt it for next year.
I’ve had a great time with these kids—this year has flown by! We will end the year studying the Industrial Revolution and the differences between the North and South. We will have a final exam over the essential items we have been working on all year. I am looking forward to seeing how well students do on it.