NYS Social Studies Framework
HS Course Progression Video
HS Social Studies Electives Video

6-8 Social Studies

Overview of the 6-8 Social Studies Program

Social studies education in grades 6-8 builds on students' foundational knowledge, helping them develop a deeper understanding of world and U.S. history, geography, economics, and civics. The curriculum encourages students to ask critical questions, analyze diverse perspectives, and make connections between historical events and current issues.

The content of the middle school social studies curriculum follows a logical progression:

  • Grade 6: A study of the Eastern Hemisphere, exploring ancient and modern civilizations, geography, cultures, and economies.

  • Grade 7: The first half of a two-year U.S. history course, covering events from pre-Columbian societies through the Civil War and Reconstruction.

  • Grade 8: The continuation of U.S. history, from Reconstruction to the present, focusing on industrialization, social change, and global conflicts.

Throughout these years, students develop essential social studies practices that help them analyze and interpret history:

  • Gathering, Interpreting, and Using Evidence – Examining primary and secondary sources, identifying bias, and constructing arguments based on historical evidence.

  • Chronological Reasoning and Causation – Understanding cause-and-effect relationships between events and how historical patterns influence the present.

  • Comparison and Contextualization – Identifying similarities and differences between societies, time periods, and global events.

  • Geographic Reasoning – Using maps and spatial thinking to analyze how geography impacts human decisions, trade, and conflicts.

  • Civic Participation – Learning how governments function and how individuals can take action in their communities and beyond.

The Importance of Social Studies Education

Social studies education in grades 6-8 is crucial for developing informed and engaged citizens. By examining historical events, geographic contexts, economic systems, and civic ideals, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the forces that shape societies. This knowledge fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a commitment to active participation in civic life, preparing students to navigate and contribute to an increasingly complex and interconnected world.