by newschoolsyr | Jun 16, 2020 | 2019 - 2020, Community, grades 4 - 8, Social Studies
This unit began soon after we switched to distance learning and we had to adjust and modify the curriculum accordingly. Instead of taking the students to visit the three branches of local government in Syracuse, we invited representatives of each to be interviewed via...
by newschoolsyr | Jun 8, 2020 | 2019 - 2020, grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, Kindergarten, Social Studies
This December we wrapped up a unit on Explorers from all different time periods and people going to all different places (space, underwater, to the arctic), and we moved to just learning about the “New World” that was “discovered” by Europeans. To kick off this unit,...
by newschoolsyr | Dec 24, 2019 | 2019 - 2020, grades 6-8, grades 7-8, middle school, Social Studies
Students in the upper grades this fall started a unit on the Civil War. Before we delved into this history topic they were asked three questions to respond to individually and then discuss as a group. They were asked: What is history? Who Cares? Why study it?...
by newschoolsyr | Nov 24, 2019 | 2019 - 2020, grades 4 - 6, Social Studies
In the fall of 2019, students in grades 4 and 5 were part of a social studies unit studying the Declaration of Independence. First they reviewed the 13 colonies and read books about the Boston Tea Party, Lexington and Concord and the ride of Paul Revere. They...
by newschoolsyr | Nov 8, 2019 | 2019 - 2020, grade 3, language arts, Social Studies, Social Studies grades K-2
The explorer’s unit required students to first examine the difference between nomadic and settled homes. Students also examined nomadic lifestyles and how they are similar/different to an explorer. Students discussed why explorers choose to explore (to find new...
by newschoolsyr | May 25, 2019 | 2018 - 2019, language arts, middle school, Social Studies, writing workshop
Three of our middle school students participated in a four-session workshop designed to enhance the skills of developing writers. In preparation, the students read “War Horse” by Michael Morpurgo — a story of World War I told through the eyes of a horse....
