Academics
Social Studies Department

Social Studies classes at Lorena Middle School involve both the study of History and Geography with activities that include the study of politics, law, economics, and current events. Grade 5 studies American History, Grade 6 explores World History, Grade 7 analyzes Texas History, and Grade 8 examines American History.

Enrichment and product type activities are incorporated as a major portion of the study, as well as daily work and testing. Grading systems will be uniform across the four grades in social studies, with DAILY WORK WORTH 40%, TESTS WORTH 40%, AND ACTIVITIES WORTH 20% of the six weeks grade. The one exception will be the third six weeks when the major history fair project will be due. That particular six weeks, grades will be awarded on the basis of DAILY WORK - 40%, TESTS - 20%, AND HISTORY FAIR PROJECT WORTH - 40%.

Testing will be either by chapter and/or units. Teachers will inform students as to the value of these tests in the makeup of the 40%.ie. one six weeks there may be 4 or 5 tests, whereas another six weeks may have just 2 or 3 tests. There will be semester exams at the end of each semester as described in the student policy handbook.

History Fair information will be sent home within the next few weeks. Information can also be found on the web at: "www.NationalHistoryDay.com

Every student at LMS takes part in some phase of the History Fair,with all sixth, seventh, and eighth graders participating in the local History Fair in December. Besides the History Fair Project, other enrichment activities are at the teachers discretion.

Students will also participate in the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY BEE. The local contest will be held in class during National Geography Week, usually the first or second week of January.