Social Studies Update

Students are currently working on the first standard for trimester two: "describes major developments and achievements of Islamic history."  This year, the eighth grade Social Studies department is working on integrating more current events into this unit and how some of the issues today in the Middle East are tied to the history of the Islamic Empire.  8 Blue students have been examining current conflicts in the Middle East today and connecting them to the rise and development of the Islamic Empire in the early 700s CE.  

By doing this, students have been learning about the history and development of the Islamic Empire while also addressing misconceptions about the history behind Islam in today's world.  Working more current events into the curriculum has had a great effect on classroom discussion, as the students have been very active in asking questions and sharing relevant stories they have seen in the news.  

Along with our day to day  classwork, students have been individually researching a topic of their choice to include in an 8 Blue Magazine that we will be putting together after the break.  Their topics range from the study of algebra and the concept of zero, to calligraphy, to the history of Islamic architecture in the 8th century!  Please ask your son or daughter about the topic they have chosen to work on - their enthusiasm and curiosity has been overwhelming.  

 More info to come on the magazines as their research continues to take shape! ​
As always, please email me if you have any questions or concerns.