Social Studies

In the 1st Grade Interactive Humanities class, Origins, students take on the roles of paleontologists and archaeologists to examine the fossil records via “dig sites”, then travel back in history to find out where they originated, how they came to be, and what they reveal about the origins and evolution of life on Earth.

The 2nd Grade River Valley class transports students to the time of the earliest human settlements which demonstrate the transition from cave life to permanent settlements. The students begin as nomads who are searching for food, water and shelter to create a rudimentary village. Slowly the village transforms into a functioning community in which all members play a significant role.

The 3rd Grade Interactive Humanities class explores the myths and legends of Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Students take on roles of the legendary gods and goddesses of each culture which captures their imagination and sparks their enthusiasm. Throughout the year, students study the history, geography, languages, civics, literature, performing arts, philosophy, religion and visual arts of these three influential empires.

In 4th Grade, the students travel back in time to the Middle Ages. This class covers European and Middle Eastern history from the fall of the Roman Empire through medieval times. Students take on roles of influential people in the feudal system as they follow history’s timeline and move through the “Dark Ages”. The 4th Grade Interactive Humanities class addresses specific history, geography and civics topics and targets speaking and listening skills.

In 5th Grade students transform into great thinkers of the Italian Renaissance, joining together as members of an artisan's guild in 16th century Florence. Under the tutelage of their patron, students discover the accomplishments of each luminary in the guild and examine how each individual contributed to this exciting era of rebirth and enlightenment.