George Fischer Middle School

The GFMS Social Studies department is committed to helping students develop an understanding and appreciation of the past so students have the historical context to be critical thinkers and model citizens in a global society.

Course descriptions are adapted from the NY Social studies K-12 framework

Social Studies 5 - "Social Studies is based on the history and geography of the Western Hemisphere, including the development of cultures, civilizations, and empires; interaction between societies; and the comparison of the government and economic systems of modern nations."

Social studies 6 - "Social Studies is based on the geography and history of the Eastern Hemisphere, including the development of cultures, civilizations , and empires; interactions between societies; and the comparison of trends in government and economics."

Social Studies 7 - Seventh grade Social Studies is the first part of two-year course in American history which continues in 8th grade.  It begins almost 10,000 years ago with the Ice Age and continues up until the Civil War and Reconstruction period, tracing the human experience in the United States of America.

Social Studies 8 - Eighth grade Social Studies is the second part of the two-year course, started in Grade y.   Beginning with the Industrial Age, the initial content focuses on America's history through the end of World War II.  Students explore contemporary issues as they examine the different themes in Post-World War II America.