American History

Grade Level: Middle School (5th-8th grades)

Prerequisites: None

Text: America the Beautiful by Charlene Notgrass

Curriculum Publisher: Notgrass History

Course Description:
This course is a one-year chronological survey of American history, geography, and literature for students in grades five through eight. The weekly units cover subjects from native tribes in North America before European exploration and settlement to the 21st century. Each unit has five lessons covering these topics: Our American Story, An American Biography, God’s Wonder, An American Landmark, and Daily Life. The student reads ten works of American literature while they are studying the time period in which each book is set. The curriculum includes an anthology of original sources, a map book, and a timeline, in each of which the student completes regular assignments. Students complete a variety of other assignments, including vocabulary, creative writing, and Bible study. Hands-on activities help the student connect with the history in a personal way.

Course Content/Goals/Outline:
Native peoples of North America
European exploration and colonization
The thirteen British colonies and the American Revolution
Creation of the independent United States of America
Westward expansion (Lewis and Clark, new forms of transportation, Oregon Trail, homesteading)
Interactions between native peoples and European settlers (fur trading, Trail of Tears)
Slavery and sectional conflict
The Civil War and Reconstruction
Growth of U.S. role in the world (Spanish-American War, immigration, World War I)
Industry and technology
Great Depression and New Deal
World War II
Civil Rights
Vietnam War
Space Race and Cold War
21st Century
Many lessons highlight the contributions of individuals to American history, including William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania; Fanny Crosby, a blind hymn writer; Shirley Temple, a child star who grew up to be a U.S. Ambassador; Jackie Robinson, athlete and activist; and Fred Rogers, television neighbor to America’s children.
Other lessons highlight natural wonders that have played a role in U.S. history, including the Chesapeake Bay, the Mississippi River, Crater Lake, the Grand Canyon, and Mount Saint Helens.

Types of Assessment Used:
Creative writing assignments
Map assignments
Projects
Student Workbook: handwork sheets and tests
Lesson Review: review questions and tests