History and Social Studies
Global Online Academy
The Middle School history and social studies curriculum focuses upon aspects of civilization and society as a through-line. After United States history in fifth grade, sixth graders expand their understanding of the world through the study of ancient civilizations and how they adapted politically and economically. In seventh grade, students build upon this knowledge to learn how modern civilizations are impacted by their unique human and physical geographies. In eighth grade, students practice place-based learning, using our local communities as lenses, to learn about national themes and ideals in United States history.
University Liggett School partners with Global Online Academy (GOA), a consortium of schools that enables its members to offer their students online courses that address particular academic interests and may be outside the scope of their curricula. GOA’s mission is to reimagine learning to empower students and educators to thrive in a globally networked society. GOA has over 125 member schools around the world and currently offers Middle School students the opportunity to take a computer science course: Computer Science I: Computational Thinking. Taught by faculty from the member schools, GOA classes bring together students from across the United States and around the world, creating an academic experience shaped by shared interests and multiple perspectives.
Social Studies/History 6 Full Year (Three Trimesters) Prerequisites: None This course examines the origins of human civilization, studying the characteristics that unite humanity. In sixth grade, students will explore the five characteristics of civilization: advanced cities, complex institutions, specialized workers, improved technology, and record keeping through a robust set of case studies from around the world. Students learn about ancient civilizations, such as Greece, Rome, Egypt, and China to learn about different types of government, economic systems, and culture. Students will demonstrate their understanding of civilization through a series of interactive projects, including crafting their own civilization designed around the five characteristics of civilization. Text: Savvas myWorld World History Early Ages 2019 Edition. Savvas Learning Co., 2019. ISBN: 9780328985210 + Digital resource and student workbook bundle Social Studies/History 7 Full Year (Three Trimesters) Prerequisites: Social Studies/History 6 or equivalent This course examines the interplay between physical and human geography in order to understand modern civilizations. Students will explore the five themes of geography: location, place, human-environment
interaction, movement, and regions through investigating case studies from around the world. Students will demonstrate their understanding of civilization and culture through a series of interactive projects and hands-on explorations of religion and culture including creating an immersive geographic and cultural experience. Text: Savvas myWorld World Geography Survey 2019 Edition. Savvas Learning Co., 2019. ISBN: 9780328985371 + Digital resource and student workbook bundle
Computer Science I: Computational Thinking. Taught by faculty from the member schools, GOA classes bring together students from across the United States and around the world, creating an academic experience shaped by shared interests and multiple perspectives. In Computer Science I: Computational Thinking, students will: • understand of what computational thinking is, • how it can be used to solve problems, and why it’s a useful skill for all people • be introduced to entry-level programming • learn how to write HTML and CSS to make a basic website • use a block-based language to create an app • make connections between block-based and text-based languages, • and write interactive programs using Python that culminates in a CapstoneProject that addresses one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in some way
Students will also set up an online ePortfolio where they host the digital artifacts that they create, using their new computational thinking skills, throughout the course. University Liggett School credit is awarded upon successful completion of the course.
Social Studies/History 8 Full Year (Three Trimesters)
Prerequisites: Social Studies/History 7 or equivalent In this course, students explore major themes and conflicts of United States history from the origins of North America to end the Civil War. This course will explore the enduring stories of United States history through individual case studies from our local community. This examination includes close reading of source materials, debates, and essay writing. Students practice research skills throughout the course, and develop multiple research projects throughout the school year to demonstrate their growth and understanding. Foner, Eric, Kathleen DuVal, and Lisa McGirr. Give me Liberty! An American History, Brief 8th edition, Volume 1. W.W. Norton & Company, 2026. IBSN 978-1-324-10438-4
2026-2027 ULS Curriculum Guide
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Middle School
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