2013-2014 SouthWinds Academy Catalog 1 | Page 10

Social Science:

History & Geography 8 US History (2 semesters)

Trace the history of the United States with U.S. History. Developed for today’s technology-adept middle school students and filled with interactive learning exercises, it improves retention and facilitates understanding. This dynamic core course begins with a look at Spain’s exploration and trading expeditions across the sea, the discovery of the New World, the colonial politics of the British, and the establishment of the colonies. Discussions examine the major milestones and stumbling blocks faced by the developing nation, including the quest for independence, the Constitutional Convention, the westward expansion, the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, and the recognition of the United States as a world power. Course material gives students a broad perspective based on historical facts and political movements that shaped America. Interactive historical timelines provide a chronicle of events that shaped history.

Middle School Electives Course Curriculum

Health Quest (1 semester)

Healthy lifestyles take shape when middle school students explore their own well-being with Health Quest. This age-appropriate, media-infused class engages students with audio and video clips to illustrate key concepts and reinforce retention. Topics in this semester-long course include the human body, growth and development, mental and emotional health, basic food groups, ecology, emergency planning, and substance abuse. While students interact with the dynamic content, they also develop the skills such as critical thinking, self-directed learning, and digital proficiency to prepare them for 21st century education.

Media Studies (1 semester)

Timely and thought-provoking, this online elective course presents students with relevant content that will help them become more selective in their media consumption through evaluating sources and messages, and examining the way media shapes our culture, our politics, and our behavior. Unlike standard courses, media studies has a greater emphasis on inquiry, research, and writing, and requires more off computer grading and assessment by teachers. The course contains 31 instructional lessons and 20 projects, through which students will learn more about different communication vehicles, advertising,