Social studies
World Cultures Offers Students Unique Experiences
Integral to understanding the world around you is knowledge of culture, place, and historical context. The scope and sequence of our social studies program embraces and extends this idea so that students leave Headwaters with a strong foundation to understand their world, its culture, and history.
6th Grade - World Cultures
The study of culture and our world is not only enriching and exciting, it is also crucial to a more peaceful and harmonious existence for all of humanity. By learning about cultures outside of our own and putting oneself in another person's contextual framework, we hopefully become more compassionate, empathetic human beings and see that we truly are all part of one larger human family. In 6th grade World Cultures, we will examine and define culture, discuss why intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity are important, and write a vision statement for what we want our world to look like. We will dive deep into Ancient Greek and Roman culture and mythology and look at the aspects of how those ancient cultures have shaped our own culture today. We will also immerse ourselves into French history and culture, and finish our year studying the diverse and dynamic culture of India. We will bring these cultures to life through guest speakers, cultural food, music, and the use of technology such as Google Earth to explore ancient landmarks.
7th Grade - World Geography
With continual advances in technology, people and events throughout the world increasingly affect our lives. To be ready to face the challenges of the future, students need to acquire a solid understanding of the Earth from different perspectives. In this class, we will look at the Earth using five geographic themes: location, place, human interaction with the environment, movement, and regions. Our goal is to appreciate the interrelationships between these themes. Diverse topics such as climate, natural resources, political systems, topography, culture, and history have all combined to create the world we live in today.
8th Grade - US History
US History begins with the prehistory of North America through the birth and evolution of our country. The purpose, structure, and function of the government, as well as the role of its citizens in a democracy come to life as students discover what it means to be a true leader and learn to have their own historical perspective. Particular attention is given to major and recurrent themes in American history, as well as the foundation of modern culture. Students explore the history of their country through primary documents, literature, art, as well as research, projects, games, social media, and storytelling.
6th Grade - World Cultures
The study of culture and our world is not only enriching and exciting, it is also crucial to a more peaceful and harmonious existence for all of humanity. By learning about cultures outside of our own and putting oneself in another person's contextual framework, we hopefully become more compassionate, empathetic human beings and see that we truly are all part of one larger human family. In 6th grade World Cultures, we will examine and define culture, discuss why intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity are important, and write a vision statement for what we want our world to look like. We will dive deep into Ancient Greek and Roman culture and mythology and look at the aspects of how those ancient cultures have shaped our own culture today. We will also immerse ourselves into French history and culture, and finish our year studying the diverse and dynamic culture of India. We will bring these cultures to life through guest speakers, cultural food, music, and the use of technology such as Google Earth to explore ancient landmarks.
7th Grade - World Geography
With continual advances in technology, people and events throughout the world increasingly affect our lives. To be ready to face the challenges of the future, students need to acquire a solid understanding of the Earth from different perspectives. In this class, we will look at the Earth using five geographic themes: location, place, human interaction with the environment, movement, and regions. Our goal is to appreciate the interrelationships between these themes. Diverse topics such as climate, natural resources, political systems, topography, culture, and history have all combined to create the world we live in today.
8th Grade - US History
US History begins with the prehistory of North America through the birth and evolution of our country. The purpose, structure, and function of the government, as well as the role of its citizens in a democracy come to life as students discover what it means to be a true leader and learn to have their own historical perspective. Particular attention is given to major and recurrent themes in American history, as well as the foundation of modern culture. Students explore the history of their country through primary documents, literature, art, as well as research, projects, games, social media, and storytelling.