Social Studies

About

Vision

Secondary social studies in Carroll County will prepare all students to be active, responsible citizens of a diverse, democratic society in a larger global community.

Mission

Secondary social studies will build capacity for high quality social studies instruction and learning by providing leadership, professional learning, and support to educators.

Shared Values

We believe that all students can:

Engage in studying civics, peoples of the nations and world, geography, economics, and history.
Apply historical thinking skills to develop questions, plan inquiries, and demonstrate understanding of content tools and concepts.
Evaluate primary and secondary sources, and use evidence in order to communicate and support ideas effectively to address a particular audience and purpose, or take informed action.

Development of Carroll County’s high school curriculum is guided by the state standards and frameworks set forth by the Maryland State Department of Education. These guiding standards promote access to consistent, high quality curriculum and instruction for all students.

In middle school, Carroll County's students expand their understandings of the community, nation and world and develop the essential skills established in elementary school through the study of Ancient History, Medieval History, and United States History.

Course Sequence

Grade 6

Grade 7

Medieval World History

Students have the opportunity to learn about Medieval World History. The Maryland Social Studies Standards and Framework form the basis for the study of Medieval History, including units on Developing Interpretations of the Past, Middle East and African Empires, Medieval Europe, Asia During the Middle Ages, and Complex Civilizations of the Americas.

Grade 8

United States History

Students have the opportunity to develop their understanding of American History from Colonization until the dawn of the 20th Century. In United States History students interpret historical evidence and identify significant trends and major turning points that define the first 300 years of the American experience. The study of United States History will enable students to understand the development and expansion of a market economy and the economic forces that drove the growth of a continental power. In addition, students will examine the foundational documents and democratic practices that define the growth of the American Republic. Students will analyze the processes and mechanisms that increased the body politic and the impact of different cultures on the development of an American identity. By considering events from multiple perspectives students will understand that women, African Americans, American Indians and other minorities possess historical agency. Awareness of these processes assist student comprehension of the complicated nature of the American story. The topics and outcomes of this course reflect the parameters defined by MSDE’s Middle School United States History Framework.

Extracurriculars

Carroll County Student Government Association

The Carroll County Student Government Association is composed of elected and appointed student representatives from middle and high schools who meet regularly to develop leadership skills, discuss topics related to their education and to network and share ideas.

For more information visit Carroll County Student Government Association

History Day

National History Day is a nationwide program held annually that involves more than half a million students. It provides an excellent opportunity to develop primary and secondary research skills. Students choose a historical topic related to that year’s specific theme. Students develop a thesis, and thorough analysis of sources, draw conclusions about the significance of their selected topic. Presentations may take the form of a paper, exhibit, performance, documentary, or a web site.

There are two levels (or divisions) of participation. “Junior” is for grades 6 – 8 and “Senior” is grades 9 – 12. Students can work in groups.

In addition to the National History Day, there are local and state History Days. The Carroll County History Day and History Expo typically takes place in late February, early March. Students who finish first or second in their category and division at the county competition will move on to the Maryland History Day competition which typically takes place at the end of April. The students who place at the state competition will move on to the next level will compete at the National History Day which typically takes place at the end of May, beginning of June.

For more information visit Carroll County History Day

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