You’re probably thinking history is boring. I know, but it’s not. It’s actually a fascinating class. Students get the chance to unpack some of the big events that shaped the world we have today. From the great upheaval of Middle Ages to the American Revolution when the US flipped-out and unfriended the British!
What should you expect in middle school history classes? What big events are covered? Why do students need to learn about it in the first place? This article answers those questions.
Here are five things you should know about middle school history:
- The curriculum is broken up into time periods – such as ancient civilizations, medieval and early modern times, colonial America, 19th century America and 20th century America.
- Middle school students typically study two or three time periods each year. A few extra weeks at the end of each grade level are devoted to studying one specific topic in greater detail (e.g., women’s history).
- Students may spend more than half of their class time learning about American history. They also study other parts of the world during related topics rather than as separate units in themselves (e.g., World War II).
- Most schools have adopted a standards-based approach to teaching history. This approach focuses on core content instead of specific textbooks.
- History is a really important subject, understanding the past helps with understanding the now and also helps with how we think about the future.
What topics are covered in Middle school History?
- Neolithic period
The Neolithic period was a time when humans first began to settle down and farm. They started growing crops and raising animals, which led to more permanent settlements.
- Middle Ages
The Middle Ages were a time of great upheaval in Western Europe. Many wars being fought over land and religion. But it was also a time when great artists like Leonardo da Vinci were born, along with Michelangelo and Botticelli.
- Renaissance
The Renaissance was a period of history that stretched from the 14th century to the 17th century. It was characterized by a renewed interest in classical culture, which included mathematics and art.
- Scientific Revolution
The Scientific Revolution is a period that took place in Europe between the mid-15th century and the end of the 17th century. It was a time when many great minds began to question the nature of the world around them and how it worked. This led to many new discoveries, including the invention of the microscope and telescope.
- The American Revolution
The American Revolution was a time of great change in the United States. It was also a time of great conflict, with the Patriots fighting against the British for their freedom.
- The Cold War
The Cold War was one of the most important events in 20th century history. It shaped our world and made us who we are today.
The Cold War began with World War II and ended with the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe in 1989. It was an ideological conflict between two superpowers — the United States and its NATO allies on one side, and the Soviet Union on the other — that lasted nearly half a century.
The Wrap Up
So, there you have it. Now you know what to expect from middle school history. It’s a fascinating class – You will get the chance to unpack some of the big events that shaped the world we have today – From the great upheaval of Middle Ages to the American Revolution when the US kicked out the Brits!
You should probably go check out our guide to middle school math now: What You Will Learn About In Middle School Math – How to Blitz Math Class