{Mrs. Bruder in Rome!}

In this class, students will study, discuss and explore the history, land and culture of the diverse people who have contributed to our world. Students will focus in on Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China, Japan, and the Americas during the Middle Ages. Students will conclude the year learning about the impact of the Renaissance on Italy and Northern Europe. Throughout the year, students will connect the concepts they learn to their own personal lives and family history. In so doing, students will connect the past with the present and history will come alive!

This course will focus on the historical era of the development of the United States including but not limited to its geography, notable individuals and events that helped create the cultural and historical diversity we share today. Students will recognize the value of diverse ethnic groups and the role of women portrayed in U.S. history. Throughout the year, students will connect the concepts they learn to their own personal lives and family history. In so doing, students will connect the past with the present and history will come alive!

Students will complete a research report on a historical figure that lived during the period of time that is covered in 7th grade World History (476-1750). In so doing, students will become experts on the historical figure of their choosing, and will acquire research, writing, and public speaking skills. Students will take a great sense of pride in their hard work that will spread out over the first semester. A special "Historical Figure Day", in which students are required to dress up as the person they researched and learned so much about will wrap up the report. Students will participate in a "wax museum gallery walk" on this day, and give an oral presentation to their fellow peers.

Students will complete a research report on a historical figure that lived during the period of time that is covered in 8th grade U.S. History (1607-1877). In so doing, students will become experts on the historical figure of their choosing, and will acquire research, writing, and public speaking skills. Students will take a great sense of pride in their hard work that will spread out over the first semester. A special "Historical Figure Day", in which students are required to dress up as the person they researched and learned so much about will wrap up the report. Students will participate in a "wax museum gallery walk" on this day, and give an oral presentation to their fellow peers.

The current event report is an ongoing project to observe how what’s going on in the world today could shape the future. One student per week will prepare and share their report with the class. Students may choose an article that interests them from any reputable print or online newspaper or magazine.

IHMS Newspaper
The middle school newspaper is an elective offered twice a year during the 1st and 2nd semesters. The newspaper is an exciting elective headed by Mrs. Bruder that allows students full creativity as they take on the roles of investigator, reporter and journalist. Each semester the elective puts out one to two papers, and students enjoy the excitement and pride of seeing their work published and enjoyed by the students, faculty and staff of IHMS.

Mock Trial is a program provided by the Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF). As stated on the CRF Website (http://www.crf-usa.org/law_government/mock_trial.html), "The program...help[s] students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society." The program takes place after school in the Fall and is made up of a 17 member team. Two Immaculate Heart parents volunteer as coaches and Mrs. Bruder acts as coordinator. All students will be made aware of Mock Trial, and will have the opportunity to apply to the program.