Welcome to Mr. Martin's Website!

Courses:
7th Grade World History
8th Grade United States History 

Come back regularly as the website will be updated throughout the year!


"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."
-Thomas Jefferson

Welcome to World History!

7th Graders (World History)- This year we will be continuing and building upon concepts begun in 6^th grade. Historical studies usually focus on five main parts, Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economics, and Social structure, or “GRAPES.” Below is a brief synopsis of what was covered in 6^th grade and will be covered in 7^th grade. Both grades are listed so you can see what was covered prior to entering Intermediate School. This will help make connections between the two years, and explain the focus on the medieval period in our classes.  

6^th Grade- Early modern man starts sixth grade curriculum, followed by studies centered on the civilizations of Egypt, Kush, Mesopotamia, Hebrew, Greece, India, China, and Rome.  Students have already been introduced to lands in Europe, Arabia, Asia, and the Americas. In sixth grade, students have been taught Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Polytheism, Monotheism, and Buddhism. Monarchies, democracy, dictatorships, and the birth of republican governments have also been explored. Irrigation techniques, farming, architecture, and weaponry have been taught as well.

7th Grade- We continue these studies in 7^th grade, revisiting some concepts and locations, while teaching about new civilizations and concepts not taught in 6^th grade. These include, Rome, Arabia, Africa, China, Japan, Europe, and the Americas. Christianity, Islam, Animism, Shintoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism are the religious components of these civilizations. Achievements ranging from, math and medicine, to exploration and gun powder, and printing presses to the compass, are explored.  Political thought and theory such as democracy, dictatorships, the Enlightenment, and the birth of our nation are covered.

As you can see, we get to show your child the world! This is an exciting time, and we look forward to covering all of the material required by the State of California this year. Please refer to the main standards listed below for a better understanding of where your child has been (6^th grade) in the area of History, and where your child will go this year!

Welcome to United States History! 

8th Graders (United States History): This year we will be continuing and building upon concepts begun in 7^th grade. Early exploration, Enlightenment ideas, revolutions, and the race to establish empires will be covered to start the year. We will journey through American history from the establishment of the early colonies and the fight for independence all the way up to industrialization and America’s emergence as a world power.

Our journey from Independence to 1914 will take us through many interesting events, introduce us to many unique people, and show us great inventions and ideas. We will spend time going in depth with the Constitution and the struggle to make a lasting government. The expansion of the United States by Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, and James K. Polk and the battles America faced when expanding west will be covered. The issue of slavery, and the division of the country that led to the Civil War will be discussed. After the Civil War, the rebuilding of the country known as Reconstruction, will be taught. Finally, America’s growth, industrialization, and globalization will be explored. This will be a busy year!

Please click on the tabs on the left to access specific information for the course.