Eighth Grade Explores History Through Books
Eighth grade students launched an independent historical research project on Monday, March 9 at IDEA Space with a group read-in. Each student received a book they had selected from a curated list, covering a wide range of topics and time periods, allowing them to explore history in greater depth.
Teachers directed the book selection process to guarantee a variety and an appropriate challenge for each student. The eighth grade team compiled a list of over 100 books, organized by genre, historical period and reading level. Students selected their top five books, and teachers cross-referenced selections to make sure each student chose a different book.
Students’ book choices reflect their curiosity and interests about different time periods. Topics range from the 19th Amendment, westward expansion and influential figures like Alexander Hamilton, Benedict Arnold, Helen Keller and Nellie Bly. Students were also interested in learning about 20th-century technology during wartime and women’s roles on the home front, particularly inspired by D.W Gregory’s play “Radium Girls,” recently performed by the upper school theatre department.
While each student will complete their own independent project, they will have opportunities to discuss ideas and learn from one another as they work. Each student will develop a historical research question based on their book and gather information to answer it. Their final product will be an infographic designed to teach a fifth grader about their chosen topic.
The projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of April, with presentations where students will share what they’ve learned with their fifth-grade audience.
