• BERNER ACADEMIC RESOURCE GUIDE

Grade 6 Social Studies is based on the geography and history of the Eastern Hemisphere, including:

• The development of cultures, civilizations, and empires
• Interactions between societies
• The comparison of trends in government and economics
• The course begins with an examination of the Eastern Hemisphere today, using geographic skills, providing the foundation for making connections between the past and the present throughout the course

Grade 7 Social Studies is arranged chronologically and incorporates:

• Geography as well as economic, social, and political trends
• The course content traces the human experience in the United States from pre-Columbian times until the Civil War, with a focus on the people, events, and places in New York State as applicable

Grade 8 Social Studies is arranged chronologically, beginning after the Civil War and ending at the present, and incorporates:

• Geography as well as economic, social and political trends.
• The course content is created to help students evaluate the human experience in the United States from Reconstruction to the end of World War II.
• Students then examine different themes in United States and New York State history from the post-War period up to the present day, which provides the opportunity to explore contemporary issues.

Social Studies Exploratory is an opportunity to have students develop and apply skills that will support their success in the social studies program, specifically skills related to research, evaluating sources, comparing and contrasting historical/current events, and presentation skills. In their core 8th grade social studies classes and in future high school social studies courses, students will then have an opportunity to successfully apply and reinforce their understanding of these skills and the concept of enduring issues.