Social Studies Seven

Students systematically learn geography around the world – continent by continent.  They also learn about the early development of the river valley civilizations.  Comparisons will be made between the eastern and western cultures, and parallels between ancient and modern civilizations will be explored through the study of current events.  To facilitate these comparisons, students are expected to follow the world, national, regional and local news on a daily basis.  An introduction to the major world religions is included in Asian Studies.

Social Studies Eight- American History

This course reviews the Age of Exploration, early settlements, and the American Revolution.  Classroom instruction focuses on the writing of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, on Expansion, Reform and Economic Growth, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the advent of modern America from social, political, and economic perspectives.  An emphasis is placed on the development of writing skills where students respond to historical information using original theses.

Historical Documents

According to the Massachusetts Department of Education's History and Social Studies Curriculum Framework, students are expected to read and become familiar with a number of "seminal primary documents."  Tantasqua Junior High provides access to these primary source documents at its Historical Documents link.

A Research Project is an important aspect of the eighth grade curriculum.  Students and parents who wish to know more about National History Day may view the following Internet site: http://www.nationalhistoryday.org.