Social Studies
Grades 2 & 3
The social studies curriculum for grades 2-3 is based on the Vermont Framework and designed to: broaden the students' knowledge and skills base in areas of geography and history, while exploring, comparing and contrasting our rich and varied cultural history with that of other peoples. Recognition and appreciation of cultural variables are inclusive. Grade level and above expectations are a built-in component, with ongoing standardized and individualized, formal and informal evaluation administered. It is to be noted that an interdisciplinary crossover is a significant component of the courses particularly with language arts.
Teacher: Nancy Phillips
Grades 4 & 5
The fourth and fifth grade social studies course begins with a study of the local community at Riverside. The remainder of the course consists of in-depth investigations into a sampling of world cultures, including those from many different geographic and chronological categories. The purpose of the course is to provide students with a framework within which they can locate future detailed historical study.
Teacher: Nancy Phillips
Grade 6
The ultimate goal of the course is for students to understand social studies as a multi-level experience incorporating not only historical data but also geography, politics, economics, art, language, and literature. Students begin their study of ancient history by studying archaeology, human origins, early civilization, Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, and the Ancient Mediterranean, with an emphasis on Greece. The course material combines both primary and secondary sources, as well as the study of material remains such as cultural artifacts and works of art to help students gain a broader perspective of what constitutes history.
Instructor: Ellie Monserud
Grade 7
The social studies program for seventh and eighth grade is designed to teach students about the history of the United States and to heighten their awareness of the world in which we live. In addition, students study the geography of both the United States and the world. By synthesizing these areas of study, students gain a better understanding of the links between cultures, between people and the land, and between the past and the present.
Instructor: Peter Sahlin
Grade 8
The 8th Grade Social Studies class is titled World Issues and Current Events. Over the course of the year students investigate the history of various world regions and connect those themes to current events. We answer questions like “How do the Pillars of Islam support or contradict current violence in the Middle East?” “How are traditional African cultures divided by modern political trends?” Students report and discuss current events weekly. They read for understanding from various resources, organize information in notes and other graphic organizers, and practice supporting their opinions with evidence. Class discussions encourage debate and develop curiosity for further investigation.
Riverside 8th grade students also participate in the One World Youth Project: a youth-led international service organization that sets up international sister-school relationships to work together and design service projects that address the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. This year the 8th graders are working with students from Lagos, Nigeria to combat HIV/AIDS.
Instructor: Nelia Dwyer
