The HEMS Individuals and Societies (aka history) department is excited to continue implementing the Middle Years Programme (MYP).   We are excited to integrate MYP strategies and ideas into our classrooms.  Our department has worked hard to create MYP units that push students to delve deeper into history and look at historical and current events with a global perspective.  

 

In the 7th grade, students will focus on the Middle Age Civilizations of the Middle East, Africa, China, Japan, Europe and the Americas.  Students will have fun exploring various aspects of geography, achievements, and belief systems.  The 8th graders will focus on United States History beginning with Colonization, and then studying the Constitution, Presidents, Western Expansion, and the Civil War.  In both grade levels, MYP units will include clearly articulated statements of inquiry, key concepts and global contexts.  Students will complete various formative and summative assessments that are aligned with both California State Content Standards and Common Core State Standards.  Summative assessments may include debates, presentations, posters, Document Based Question essays, newspaper articles, etc. 

 

History students at HEMS will use the IB Learner Profile to analyze characteristics of historical figures and to reflect on their own progress as students.  Through the use of student-friendly news outlets, students will examine current events at the local, national, and global level.  Our overall goal in the HEMS history department is to help our students become internationally-minded and to investigate both historical and current events from multiple perspectives and using various techniques.  We are very excited about the start of the school year and look forward to getting to know all of our students!