The fifth grade social studies curriculum includes history, geography, civics, and economics which are taught while exploring ancient cultures around the world. These include Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, China, Rome, and the Middle Ages.

Historylessons link the past and the present. Critical thinking skills are interwoven into these units of study. Each class period begins with Daily Oral Geography which reviews skills. Children also research, investigate, and report on different topics throughout the year. Each child also participates in the social studies fair.

During the year long study of world geography, the focus is on learning and applying geography skills and concepts. The units cover the major regions of the United States and the world, map and globe skills, geographic themes and the ancient Mayan civilization. Each unit uses the location, landform, climate, agriculture, industry, resources, and important cities as a thematic outline. Students also use various types of research and study methods to understand the material, reveal their knowledge and apply their skills. Understanding and using geographic vocabulary is also emphasized. Creative projects, group activities and field trips enhance the students’ enjoyment and understanding of the material.

The year long study of American history centers around 10 themes: culture and traditions, continuity and change, geography and history, individual action, groups and institutions, government and democracy, economic factors, science and technology, global connection and finally civic rights and responsibilities. Special attention is given to each of these themes as students progress through their developmental study of the United States. Emphasis is placed on the classroom environment to provide students with a long lasting knowledge base of our nation’s history. American history is presented as an adventure and students take that journey by way of group project, discussion, writing, role play, research, art & literature.

Eighth Grade Social Studies is the study of Louisiana history. Eighth graders begin their Louisiana studies by first becoming familiar with the culture, geography, resources and government. This background sets the stage for Louisiana’s historical movements, which include the French and Spanish colonies, the Louisiana Purchase, Civil War era, reconstruction, Huey Long, World War II, and Louisiana’s civil rights era. Throughout the year, special emphasis is continually placed on Louisiana’s unique elements of culture. Students are immersed in the literature, music, theater, religion, cuisine and celebrations that make up the state history, both past and present. Students create a scrapbook throughout the year which contains examples of all lessons, field trips, group and individual projects and hands-on activities. This study culminates with a four-day trip to South Louisiana which includes visits to many of the places studied in the classroom. Museum and plantation tours, hands-on activities, Cajun cuisine and music are only a few of the many experiences on the trip that enhances the students’ knowledge and makes the history come alive.