Middle School Curriculum

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Social Studies

The purpose of any social studies curriculum is the development of a reflective, active responsible citizenry who may contribute to and co-exist in both this democratic society and the global community. The Middle School Social Studies Department focuses on developing the knowledge, skills, and empathy necessary for our students to meet this goal through a rigorous study of United States history, world history, and global issues.  Students learn to evaluate how individuals and societies have resolved problems, as well as how to examine the consequences of having arrived at those resolutions. While the history curriculum is focused on content, it is also focused on building the  skills essential to the historian such as the ability to take notes,to study efficiently, to research, to implement technology in one’s research, and to think and read critically.  Having completed the Middle School History course of study, students will find themselves more ready to face the challenges of today and make choices with a deeper understanding of the consequences of their decisions.

Seamless intersections between the literature studied in English and the history curriculum lead to fruitful joint projects between these two disciplines. In the past students have  delighted in being part of The History Mystery, an interactive multi discipline mystery designed for and implemented exclusively by The Benjamin School which each year, involves the entire Middle School and immerses them in the history and culture of an historical era.

In past years, for instance, students’ study of leadership  was enhanced, not only by a Middle School wide trip to see Steven Spielberg’s film, Lincoln, but also by engaging in a Middle School wide three part election season debate, complete with town hall meeting, moderators from local news stations, and pressing foreign and domestic debate questions.  This year the History Department formed a partnership with the Center for Creative Education in order to both infuse History lessons with art related activities and to integrate even more this discipline with other disciplines such as English and Art and Science, helping students to note the interconnectedness of the various curricula they study. As a result of this partnership, 8th grade History students studied the concept of the hero and the significance of monuments, and erected monuments to historical personages who up until now did not have monuments to celebrate them.  The 7th grade created an evening performance for parents featuring civil rights plays and artwork and a student made film (the latter made in conjunction with English class). The 6th grade hosted a reception to show off the clay figures and dioramas they created depicting Colonial life.

  • Geography/US Hist 6

    This social studies course is the beginning of a two-year survey of United States history.  Drawing on and briefly reviewing the 5th grade’s study of Native American culture, the course begins by examining exploration and its cultural and economic repercussions on the New World and then continues on to the drafting of the Bill of Rights.  

    While basic geography and efficient utilization of maps are crucial skills that are taught comprehensively, the Benjamin School history department goes one step further in implementing Historical Geography in this curriculum. Historical Geography is, in essence, the study of how the lay of a land determines the events and cultures which emerge from settling that land.  Such examination helps students to contextualize their geographical skills and recognize their relevance to their study of history.  

    The teachers usecooperative learning activities, current events, and research projects to enhance student learning.  The course places a strong emphasis on discovering and evaluating the ideas of commonality and diversity, conflict and cooperation, continuity and change, government and the citizen, economics science and technology, and individualism and interdependence.

  • United States History 7

    This social studies course is the second part of a two-year survey of United States history.  It focuses on the period from 1800 to the present.  The course explores the changing economic and social structure of the United States in the twentieth century.  Special emphasis is placed on the evolving role of America as a global, military and economic power and the effect of this development on our domestic political agenda.  Cooperative learning activities, hands on projects, and research writing enhance student learning.  

    In addition, students will recognize the relevance of studying America’s history when they are required to compare and contrast the global and economic trends of the past with the most pressing current events affecting our globalized world today.  To this end, the course will continuously and intentionally make connections between the history curriculum and the political, economic and cultural issues of the present day.  In this way, students will sharpen their critical thinking about both past and present global issues and will be both prepared and inspired to solve the problems of the world that they inherit as adults. Drawing on the geography skills imbued in 6th grade, 7th grade history is also committed to examining the implications of geography on history (see Historical Geography above in 6th grade description), and such examinations play an integral and intentional role in each unit of the curriculum.

    At the conclusion of this course, students gain valuable insights and understandings regarding how events have shaped and continue to influence the course of American history.

  • World Civilizations 8

    This course examines the political, social, cultural and economic developments around the world from approximately 500 A.D. through the 1600’s. Students examine the history and cultures of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and medieval Europe through the Renaissance. This course is the first in a world history sequence that continues in the ninth grade World History II.   Drawing on the geography skills imbued in 6th grade and 7 grade history, 8th grade world history is also committed to examining the implications of geography on history (see Historical Geography above in 6th grade description) and such examinations play an integral and intentional role in each unit of the curriculum.

    But 8th grade history goes a step further; not only are students increasingly aware of history from a worldwide perspective, but they now are old enough to begin to recognize that they may have a role in shaping the next chapter of our history.  To this end, leadership—how to lead and the implications of leading—is a key component of 8th grade history which is included intentionally and substantively in each curricular unit.  Finally, the very title of the course “world history” begs the question that 8th grade history students must during this last year of middle school develop a keen awareness of their place and role in a multicultural society. Thus, world history lessons will self- consciously explore oppression, the homogenization of self, and the valiant efforts over time to thwart such homogenization so that students can apply these lessons to the present  by examining current events

Department Faculty

Main Address & Lower/Middle School

11000 Ellison Wilson Road
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Ph: 561.626.3747

Upper School

4875 Grandiflora Road 
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 
Ph: 561.472.5998
A premier PK3 - Grade 12 independent, coeducational day school with campuses in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Since 1960, The Benjamin School has provided a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment.
 
After hours emergency contact:
Leslie Downs/Chief Operating Officer
Ph:  561.657.0075 or 561.747.0585