“Traveling” the World in Middle School Social Studies

“This year has been a very good year with the Middle School students from OMPH. As much as they have learned in the classroom, I may have learned more from them,” expressed Middle School Social Studies teacher Mr. Tom Blaszczyk.

The goal this year, as it will be every year, is to prepare the students for the next level: high school. Mr. Blaszczyk feels the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students have risen to the challenge. In 6th grade Geography, Mr. Blaszczyk has found it to be a pleasure to “travel” the world with this class. The students have an eagerness to learn more, as they continue to ask great questions.

In February, they traveled virtually to Peru while Mr. Blaszczyk was physically in Peru! The lesson plan included showing the class how people in other parts of the world live. In real time, they explored the physical geography, employment, and the human geography of a very poor region in Peru. The 6th grade class was able to see what third world poverty really looks like. Video was sent into class with the assignment being a reflection of what they observed. Their reflections were carefully thought out, and many students added their insight on the video.

Once Mr. Blaszczyk returned, the class had many questions and they were excited to learn more. “Several students asked me what they can do to help. That thoughtfulness came from you, the parents, and OMPH School,” shared Mr. Blaszczyk. The students are becoming global citizens, and still have a lot of “traveling” left until the end of the school year!

OMPH School’s 7th grade United States history class has been exploring the story of the United States from the beginning of the migration to the Americas. This is a class of serious and inquisitive students. The goal in this class is for the students to have a better grasp of who we are as a country and a people, along with a better awareness of how we have stood on the shoulders of those before us.

During the third trimester, students will be preparing a final project on the concept of Manifest Destiny. Critical thinking skills will apply! Parents will be welcome to come in and view the projects at a later date.

Our 8th grade recently submitted projects for National History Day. Work on the projects began in early December, with an event taking place at Messiah University against some very challenging competitors from other schools. The theme of NHD was Revolution, Reaction, and Reform. Students chose their own topics, with many of our students choosing “outside of the box” topics. Although OMPH School did not place, we had several projects that were very well done. “We are looking forward to Trimester 3 to wrap up their K - 8 education. Then it is off to the next level,” exclaimed Mr. Blaszczyk.