Social Studies
Developing a Global Perspective
Our goal is for students to see themselves as responsible citizens locally, nationally, and globally. Explorer West’s Social Studies program explores various aspects of human and geographic history. Our curriculum enriches students’ historical understanding and connects their lives to the past, present, and future.
Program Overview
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Lifelong Skills
History and social studies help students develop essential skills for life. Using a scaffolded approach, students build these skills step-by-step over three years.
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Writing Process
Supported by rubrics and tracking tools, students improve their writing quality through personalized feedback. By graduation they will have exceptional writing skills.
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Real-World Understanding
Our Social Studies curriculum prepares students to be leaders and ambassadors who understand current global realities and take sustainable actions to address challenges.
8th Grade "Change the World" Project
For this project, groups of students focus on one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and research an innovative solution to a local problem.
Here you can see some of our eighth graders canvassing in the community. Other "Change the World" projects have addressed factory farming, human trafficking, stormwater pollution, the fentanyl crisis, and the gender pay gap.
Growing Leadership and Confidence
Throughout our three-year program, students participate in projects that empower them to improve their communities and the world. They work individually and in groups to enhance expository writing and presentation skills.
Our Social Studies program prepares students for future academic success and responsible citizenship. They leave Explorer West ready to make a positive impact on the world.
Curriculum Focus
6th: Geography and ancient civilizations
7th: US history; WA state history
8th: Global studies; Sustainability
Study Skills
Note taking with/without visual aids
Primary and secondary reading
Test preparation
Class discussion and debate
Expository Writing
Paragraph structure
Essay structure
Expository essays with bibliography and citations
MLA formatting
In-Depth Projects
6th: Fair Trade project
7th: Constitutional Research project
8th: Change the World project
Presentations
At least two formal individual presentations per year
Variety of group presentations
8th graders present their Change the World project to a panel of experts
Cross-Curricular work
With Art/Music: Civil Rights Movement
With Drama: Analysis of gender identity in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night
With Outdoor Ed: Sustainability and environment
Like most graduates of EW, my children are leaders. They are activists. They are moving forward with courage, strength, and curiosity. "Thank you" does not begin to express my gratitude.