Week in Review

Scroll through the weeks below to see what we have learned each week.

Week 1: September 8 - September 12 

7th-Grade
We jumped right into Social Studies this week. After a brief geography review we started our investigation into the indigenous cultures of Pre-Columbian North America/ We examined four geographical regions (Eastern Woodlands, Great Plains, Southwest, and Northwest Coast). We learned about how they lived. We explored how their lifestyles (food, shelter, clothing, etc.) were determined by the geography and available natural resources.

Key Vocabulary: Indigenous, migration, culture, Pre-Columbian

8th-Grade
We are started the first few weeks reviewing key concepts from 7th-grade SS to ensure we are prepared for the more rigorous content of the 8th-grade curriculum. This week we reviewed: The indigenous peoples of Pre-Columbian North America, European exploration and the discovery of the "New World", mercantilism and the colonization of the New World by European nations, the 13 original American colonies, the rise of anger among the 13 colonies and beginning of the end of the good relationship between the 13 colonies and the King. 

Key Vocabulary: Mercantilism, Salutary Neglect, Colonialism

Week 2: September 15 - September 19 

7th-Grade
This week the 7th-graders worked on their Native American Indian essays. They wrote historical fiction. first-person narratives from the perspective of one of the Native American groups we studied in class. They had an opportunity to share what they learned about how the Native Americans adapted to their environment and used the available natura; resources for food, shelter, and clothing. They were also able to show their creative sides by writing engaging stories. We finished the week learning about some important European explorers and their contributions to the world. 

8th-Grade
This week we briefly reviewed the causes of the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence,  and the events after the war that eventually led to the writing of the US Constitution. We talked about the debates between the federalists and anti-federalists and how their disagreements led to the inclusion of 10 amendments (The Bill of Rights) to the Constitution. This week we were able to review Amendments 1-4 and the rights that they protect.

Key Vocabulary: federalism, checks and balances. separation of powers. federalist/anti-federalist

Week 3: September 22 - September 26 

7th-Grade
This week we examined the various European explorers that came and explored the lands of North and South America. We learned about notable explorers such as  Columbus, Henry Hudson, Magellan, Balboa, Ponce DeLeon. Vasco da Gama, etc. We discussed what motivated them to explore the New World and what they hoped to find. We also discussed the negative effects of their exploration on the indigenous populations of the Americas. 

8th-Grade
We spent this week discussing the Bill of Rights (The first 10 amendments to the Constitution). We examined the rights that they protect and real Supreme Court cases involving these rights. Some of the cases: Tinker v Des Moines, New Jersey v TLO. Marbury v Madison, Miranda v Arizona, etc). 

Week 4: September 29 - October 3 

7th-Grade
This week we began our discussions about the first colonies in North America. We examined Jamestown, the first permanent settlement and talked sbout their reasons for settling in the New World. We looked at how geography played a role in their choice of location. We talked about their hardships and what eventually made them successful (tobacco). This led to the discussion of indentured servants and the second colony, Plymouth. 

8th-Grade
This week we reviewed the original thirteen colonies and how their treatment by the king inspired the amendments we added to our constitution when we won our independence.

Week 5: October 6 - October 10 

7th-Grade
This week we learned about the colonies that were settled in New England. We looked at what motivated them to settle in America (freedom of religion) and what hardships they faced.  We learned about some early forms of colonial self- government (Mayflower Compact, town meetings, House of Burgesses).  We also began our discussion about chattel slavery amd why it was brought to America. We discussed, in great detail, the trans Atlantic slave trade and the horrors of the Middle Passage. 

8th-Grade
This week we had a test. We spent a few periods reviewing the content on the test as well as discussing the rights protected in the Bill or Rights. 

Week 6: October 13 - October 17 

7th-Grade
This week we discussed the growing tensions and problems that were brewing between the colonists and the Native Americans. We learned about King Philip's War and the French and Indian War. 

8th-Grade
This week we reviewed the spread of chattel slavery through the American colonies. We discussed, in great detail, the trans Atlantic slave trade and the horrors of the Middle Passage. 

Week 7: October 20 - October 24 

7th-Grade
The 7th grades had a test this week and we spent a lot of time reviewing the big concepts that will be on the test. 

8th-Grade
This week we started exploring the rise of abolitionists and the measures they took to try and end slavery. We also discussed the various compromises that were made regarding slavery (Missouri Compromise, Compromise of 1850, Kansas=Nebraska Act, etc.). We ended the week with an examination of the NYC Draft Riots. 

Week 8: October 27 - October 31 

7th-Grade
This week we started our exploration of the various reasons the 13 colonies began getting angry with the King. We looked at the effects of the French and Indian War and how it led to the end of Salutary Neglect and the rise of British interference in the colonies, especially around taxation. 

8th-Grade
This week we learned about Lincoln, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Gettysburg Address .

Week 9: November 3 - November 7 

7th-Grade
7th grade was given some extra class periods this week to catch up on missing work in advance of the ending of the first marking period. 

8th-Grade
We finished out discussion of the Civil War and began to explore the problems facing Lincoln and Congress as they start to plan for the reconstruction of the divided country. We finished the week examining Lincoln's assassination and its effect.