Social studies
The middle school social studies program is designed to foster global citizens who think critically, communicate clearly, and act responsibly by building conceptual understandings using an inquiry-based approach.
In the Middle School, we use the AERO Social Studies Standards, which present students with the themes of:
- Time, continuity and change
- Connections and conflict
- Geography
- Culture
- Society and identity
- Government
- Production, distribution and consumption
- Science, technology and society
These standards and themes are presented in a developmentally appropriate way using a variety of content that students encounter across Grades 5-8.
Students begin their study of social studies in Grade 5 by learning about ancient cultures, including Mesopotamia and ancient Greece. Grade 6 furthers the story by studying ancient China, ancient Rome and medieval Islam, allowing students to explore the connections between these societies through the exchange of goods and ideas along the Silk Roads. In Grade 7, students’ learning deepens as they analyze the connections between empire, migration, and revolution through case studies of the Mexica (Aztec) Empire, the Transatlantic Slave Trade, post-war migration to Britain, and the Irish War of Independence, among others. Grade 8 Social Studies offers an exploration of governance, rights, and conflict—from the US Bill of Rights to human rights investigations and the two World Wars.
At ASL, we believe in standards-based learning, where students’ work in social studies is evaluated across three key areas: investigation, knowledge and understanding, and communication. Guided by these standards, students hone their analytical skills throughout their middle school years. As readers, they tackle non-fiction texts and learn to critically evaluate primary and secondary sources. As writers, they craft well-reasoned arguments and clear informational pieces to demonstrate historical understanding. Furthermore, communication extends well beyond the written page as students actively share their learning and exchange ideas through collaborative discussions, presentations, and creative projects. Finally, as researchers, students practice developing inquiry questions, extracting relevant data, and properly attributing their sources.