The Age 12-14 Social Studies Curriculum offers a full year of U.S. History education, covering pivotal events from the founding of the British colonies to the modern era. Students engage deeply with history through authentic documents, extensive readings, and a hands-on approach.  For example:

• In our Revolution unit, students analyze the Declaration of Independence and participate in creative projects like crafting colonial maps and decoding secret messages.
• The Civics unit empowers students to explore the Constitution by simulating the legislative process and creating mini-books on government functions.

Students will use seven engaging books that explore both American history and civics. Carefully selected literature is at the core of this curriculum, immersing students in social studies concepts through engaging stories and diverse perspectives. These foundational texts are complemented by a variety of hands-on projects and activities, including:

• Role-Playing as Historical Figures
• Creating Personal Timeline Cards
• Curating a Time Capsule Project
• Growing a Model "Victory Garden"
• Crafting and Performing a "Living History" Presentation
• Designing a Movie Poster for a Fictional Civil War Film
• Simulating the Legislative Process
• Role-Playing an Immigrant's Voyage

Although the social studies curriculum can be used independently, it is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Beyond The Page language arts curriculum. Beyond The Page uniquely integrates social studies and science with language arts from preschool through middle school, fostering interdisciplinary learning. This approach encourages students to make cross-disciplinary connections, strengthens problem-solving abilities, and fosters a well-rounded understanding of the world. By linking subjects, students gain a deeper understanding and develop a lifelong love for learning.

NOTE: The video series America: The Story of US is required for this level and can be accessed online at various streaming sites.

This item includes free online access to Beyond the Page Online for 18 months. This includes Learning Gates, Portfolio and any curriculum or student activity pages that you have purchased.