ABOUT THE CLASS

The study of History and Geography through a biblical lens help to lay a solid foundation of knowledge that is extremely useful to orient us throughout our lives.

During the middle school years, students are ready to engage in their learning at a new level, so it is a good time to solidify key events, people and dates on a timeline that can provide a solid framework for future reference and study of history, while also giving them new insights into events they may already have learned about at the elementary stage.

In this class, students will also be asked to discuss and report on what they are learning, so it gives them practice in shaping and expressing their own views along with practicing public speaking skills in a setting of peers. Our studies will take us back over the last 800 plus years of European history, including kingdoms, cultures and events involving Africa and Asia as well.

To aid us in this study, we will also review basic world geography, focusing on the Eastern Hemisphere, which will reinforce what students have learned in their elementary years. To this end, we will revisit the major countries and important cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific Rim, and the major geographic features that shape these areas.

Homework

Will include weekly reading assignments, short answer responses to discussion questions, geography exercises and maps; all of which will require about 30-45 minutes, 3-4 days a week. There will be occasional short quizzes in class on the reading assignments and a take at home test after each Unit.

As part of our studies, we will read 1-2 middle school level books that are about a specific person or time period. The students will also be asked to share several short reports in class over the course of the school year (including a poster and/or a PowerPoint).

REQUIRED MATERIALS

1. Text: World Studies (Grade 7 Student Text), 5th Edition (2023), by BJU Press. (about $75)

2. World Atlas & Geography Studies of the Eastern Hemisphere, by A Beka Book, 5th Edition. (about $16)

3. A small binder (1” should be fine) with pockets on the inside for handouts and 5 tabs for organization

4. Loose-leaf paper

5. Pen or pencil

6. Colored pencils for maps.

​

If your student is an audio learner, I also recommend the following CD set (especially if you have younger siblings at home that will also be covering this material at some point).  I will have this CD available for students to check out one week at a time, but depending on how many end up taking the class, you may have to wait several weeks for your turn with the CD.

​

It's called:  History Revealed, Volume 3 - World Empires, World Missions, World Wars, by Diana Waring.  (about $22)