Elementary-Level Social Studies:
Beginning in kindergarten, the program seamlessly integrates content, concepts, and skills essential for subsequent learning and civic engagement in a democratic society. Skill development encompasses the acquisition of abilities such as information gathering, utilization, and presentation, along with the discernment of diverse perspectives and interpretations of events. Moreover, students are nurtured to engage effectively in interpersonal and group dynamics while honing personal management skills. The program facilitates students' progression from self-awareness to a comprehension of their interconnectedness with others, within familial, educational, and broader community contexts.
Throughout the elementary curriculum, students are progressively introduced to authentic primary source materials, including photographs, editorial cartoons, charts, and graphs, fostering the acquisition of skills crucial for constructing meaning and fostering understanding. By fifth grade, students cultivate a nuanced understanding of the geographical, economic, social, and political foundations of societies, with particular emphasis on those within the Western Hemisphere.
Consistently, educators underscore overarching "big ideas" that permeate the social studies curriculum, anchoring their instructional approaches to these fundamental concepts. This holistic approach enables students to transcend isolated facts, fostering conceptual thinking crucial for success in advanced social studies education. Additionally, students begin to acquire the methodological tools of historians, such as sourcing and corroboration, laying a solid foundation for their academic journey.
Social Studies at Commack Middle School:
In 6th grade, the social studies curriculum prioritizes exploration of the Eastern Hemisphere, fostering students' comprehension of the geographic, social, economic, and political facets predominantly within ancient and classical civilizations of this region. Transitioning to grades 7 and 8, the focus shifts to the United States, beginning with Colonial America and culminating in an analysis of contemporary issues and developments within our nation. Throughout this journey, students engage with the civic values in the United States and New York State Constitutions, alongside the examination of citizens' rights and responsibilities, thereby deepening their understanding of democratic principles. Moreover, the foundational skills introduced in earlier grades are further honed, while students continue to delve into primary and secondary sources, refining critical historical thinking skills like sourcing and contextualization.
Aligned with the IB Middle Years Program learner profile traits, students are encouraged to embody characteristics such as knowledge acquisition, effective communication, curiosity as inquirers, receptiveness as open-minded individuals, empathy and compassion as caring members of society, integrity as principled individuals, and willingness to take intellectual risks as adventurous learners. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students not only gain a comprehensive understanding of historical and contemporary contexts but also cultivate a holistic set of attributes essential for their academic and personal growth.
Students at Commack Middle School may also elect to take one of the social studies-related Enrichment courses such as Leaders of Tomorrow, Science-History Through Popular Cinema, or American Justice and Mock Trial.
Social Studies at Commack High School:
New York State requires students to complete four credits of social studies, culminating in Regents assessments at the conclusion of Grades 10 and 11. In 9th and 10th grades, students participate in a thorough Global History and Geography curriculum. This course adopts a chronological approach to examine significant advancements, contributions, and challenges within both Western and non-Western civilizations. Additionally, Commack High School provides a Global 9 Enriched option tailored for students aspiring to prepare for AP World in 10th grade, pursue the IB program, or engage in college-level coursework.
In 11th Grade, all students will engage in a thorough exploration of the history and government of the United States since its inception, proceeding chronologically to the present. Students in grade 11 can choose to study US History at either a Regents level or participate in the first year of IB History.
During their senior year, most IB History students continue with the second year of the course, entitled, The 20th Century, which is an in-depth examination of world events from the 1920s to the 1960s. The traditional social studies program culminates in 12th grade with half-year courses in Economics and Participation in Government or College Sociology. In all social studies courses, students learn to think like historians, examining multiple sources of information in order to build knowledge and create and defend arguments.
High School students also have the opportunity to enroll in social studies elective courses as follows:
Social Studies elective courses include:
- Holocaust and Modern World Conflict
- Psychology and You
- Global History on Film
- American History on Film
IB and College level elective courses include:
- IB Economics SL
- IB Psychology SL
- IB Global Politics SL
- College Psychology in Education
- College Foundations in Education