History & Social Sciences
Middle School
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum at HMS allows students to acquire knowledge of human endeavors and relationships, both past and present, to encourage informed participation in society. A central goal of the social studies program is to encourage effective thinking and reasoning. It is important that students learn to connect ideas and knowledge with the skills necessary for civic participation. Literacy skills are woven into the social studies curriculum to help students develop their ability to argue or explain conclusions using valid reasoning and evidence. The curriculum challenges students to develop the skills necessary to analyze the purpose and point of view of sources, distinguish opinion from fact, and evaluate the credibility of sources. Throughout the units of study, current events, social issues, and civic responsibility are incorporated in the curriculum. This enables students to experience the diversity that exists within our world and understand their greater role in society.
The Social Studies Department at HMS is continuing the process of developing and implementing curriculum to align with the recently adopted Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework. The new framework calls for a major shift in the curriculum offered at the middle school level. That shift includes a new Civics course in 8th grade and a World Geography and Ancient Civilizations course that spans 6th and 7th grades.
For information specific to each grade level, please select the “Courses” tab at the top of this page.
More details about our Middle School curricula can be found here.
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Courses
Program of Studies
Grade 6
World Geography and Ancient Civilizations I
In 6th grade, students examine how the perspectives of political science, economics, geography, history, and archaeology apply to the study of regions and countries. They study the development of prehistoric societies and then focus on area studies of Western Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, the Caribbean Islands, and South America.
Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:
The Social Sciences, Geography Basics, & Map Skills
Human origins, the Neolithic, and Paleolithic Eras
Mesopotamia
The Birth of Monotheism
Egypt and Phoenicia
Sub-Saharan African States and Societies
Central America and South America
The Caribbean
Grade 7
World Geography and Ancient Civilizations II
Grade 7 continues the sequence from grade 6, studying the development of ancient and classical civilizations and physical geography of Asia, Oceania, and Europe. Students will understand the social, political, and economic aspects of specific regions such as ancient South Asia, ancient East Asia, ancient Europe, and ancient Oceania through analysis of primary sources seen through the lens of the diverse peoples of these regions.
Curriculum Units and Learning Outcomes:
Central and South Asia
East Asia
Southeast Asia and Oceania
Europe
Grade 8
United States and Massachusetts Government and Civic Life
Students study the roots and foundations of democratic government through primary documents, such as the United States and Massachusetts Constitutions; how and why government institutions developed; how government evolves through legislation and court decisions; and how individuals exercise their rights and civic responsibilities to maintain a healthy democracy in the nation and the Commonwealth.