Social Studies – Essays and Exhibitions

Middle school students have been hard at work on their social studies research essays. Classes have been studying the Stone Age. While there is a lot of content to sift through, this period of history can be a challenge. Students have had to think creatively and critically when it comes to doing research. 

A student working on adding citations to their essay.

Information about the Stone Age comes in many different forms. Because there are no written accounts middle schoolers needed to analyze a variety of sources. Some students have been studying the meaning and purpose of cave paintings. Others have focused on learning what they can from old tools and fossilized remains.

Students have been studying other Hominid Species.

The process started with each student picking an area of interest to investigate. Some of the chosen topics were stone age tools, early communication and language, diet, migration, and comparisons of different hominid species. 

This group studied Homo Rudolfensis. They noted some similarities and key differences with other species.

Once they gathered sufficient evidence, students crafted a thesis they could support with evidence. Students are now working to develop an essay discussing the information found and connecting it back to their main idea. 

Students have been practicing formal essay writing.

The 7th Graders will go one step further and present their findings in the history exhibition. Using a TED Talk-style, the 7th grade will walk through the main ideas of their essay, share the evidence they found, and prepare some visuals. 

Some 6th graders editing their essays.

6th Grade is using the information gathered to develop a research outline. They can use the skills they practice this year to help them for next year’s exhibition. The 8th grade (already experts at writing essays and already having completed an exhibition) will complete a full written research essay.