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$15

weekly
Class

Middle School World History: Summer Hands-On Learning & Exploration

Completed by 55 learners
Ages 11-14
Live Group Class
Explore human history from prehistoric times to the modern era through immersive simulations & hands-on activities. Learners will uncover pivotal events, connect with historical figures & develop a deeper understanding of the world’s past.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(365 reviews)
Star Educator
Popular

Live video meetings
1x per week
3-9 learners per class
60 min

What's included

1 live meeting
1 in-class hours per week
Mastery Evaluation
Interactive Kahoot Quizzes
Certificate of Completion
included

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
Does your learner think history is just a collection of facts and dates? Or maybe they’re curious but struggle to connect with the past? This class changes all that.

Through immersive simulations and hands-on activities, learners will embark on a time-traveling journey to explore the pivotal moments that shaped our world. This course is designed to ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and make history come alive.

Starting with prehistoric settlements, learners will simulate hunting mammoths and building early civilizations. In the ancient world, they’ll dive into Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, and Greece, where they’ll uncover the secrets of pyramids, myths, and early democratic ideas. The classical age takes them to the Roman Empire and Asia’s rich cultures, exploring empires’ rise and their lasting legacies.

The journey continues into the medieval world, where learners will step into the shoes of knights, debate the Crusades, and explore the bustling trade routes that connected continents. They’ll discover the art, innovation, and daring voyages of the Renaissance and examine the transformative effects of the Reformation and global exploration during the early modern period.

Each session includes hands-on activities like reenacting historical events, solving challenges, and analyzing primary sources. Learners will simulate the challenges of building medieval societies, strategize as Renaissance explorers, and even debate political dynamics in the age of empires.

This course is more than history—it’s an adventure that connects the past to the present. With stand-alone lessons and no prior knowledge required, learners can join at any time and explore topics at their own pace. Materials and handouts are provided, ensuring every learner is prepared to dive into the past.

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*Heads-Up: This Class is NOT a Spectator Sport!
This isn’t your typical sit-back-and-zone-out history class—your learner is part of the action! Whether we’re diving into simulations, debates, or critical-thinking challenges, their participation is what makes this class engaging, exciting, and, well… not just another lecture!

That said, if participation turns into radio silence, we’ll have to shift into a lecture-style format to ensure all key material is covered. But let’s be real—that’s way less fun.

So, encourage your learner to jump in, share their thoughts, make decisions, and engage! The more they put into this experience, the more they'll get out of it (and the less likely we are to drift into Lecture Land).

**Another Heads-Up: Punctuality Matters! 
This class runs on engagement and interaction, so arriving on time is key! While late arrivals are always welcome to jump in, we won’t be able to restart simulations or backtrack on missed activities—there’s just too much to cover.

To get the most out of the experience (and avoid feeling lost mid-simulation), being on time is strongly encouraged. Help your learner hit the ground running from the start—it makes for a smoother, more immersive class for everyone!

***Be Prepared & Ready to Dive In!
Each week, all required materials will be posted in the classroom—most are digital-friendly, with a few that may need printing. If printing isn’t your thing, no worries! PDFs can be easily viewed on your device.

Bringing materials to class ensures a smooth, engaging experience—so have everything ready, and let’s make history come alive!
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***9 AM Central Thursday Tentative Schedule***

Prehistoric Societies & Ancient Civilizations
May 1: Paleolithic Societies: Early Humans 
May 8: Neolithic Societies: Villages to City-States 
May 15: Mesopotamian Civilizations: City-States to Civilizations 
May 22: Ancient Egypt, Nile River & Geography
May 29: Ancient Egypt & Mythology
Mar 27: Ancient Egypt, Nubia & Kush
June 5: Indus Valley Civilizations 
June 12: Indus Valley Civilizations
June 19: Ancient China 
June 26: Ancient China 
July 3: Mediterranean Civilizations: Ancient Israel & Phoenicia  
July 10: Mediterranean Civilizations: Minoans & Mycenaeans 
July 17: Mediterranean Civilizations: Minoans & Mycenaeans 

***12 PM Central Tuesday Tentative Schedule***

Medieval Europe & Islamic World
May 7: From Rome's Fall to Viking Raids: A Changing Empire 
May 14: From Rome's Fall to Viking Raids: A Changing Empire
May 21: Medieval Life
May 28: Medieval Life
June 4: Golden Age of Islam & West African Empires
June 11: Golden Age of Islam & West African Empires
June 18: Feudalism's Legacy & the Shaping of Nations
June 25: Byzantine Empire
July 2: The Black Plague
July 9: Wars of the Roses
July 16: Wars of the Roses

Learning Goals

Explore early human tool creation, societal evolution, and the impacts of the agricultural revolution while tracing migrations, adaptations, and the origins of Homo sapiens.
Explore Mesopotamia's geography, civilizations, and the GRAPES framework while investigating the achievements of the Sumerians, Akkadians, and Babylonians, along with Mesopotamian legal systems.

Other Details

Parental Guidance
The study of world history encompasses a wide range of topics, including sensitive subjects such as war, slavery, racism, religion, and genocide. It is important to note that religion will only be discussed in a historical context, focusing on its impact and influence throughout different time periods. Throughout the course, learners will be exposed to various perspectives by utilizing peer-reviewed and scholarly sources. They will be actively encouraged to engage in critical and reflective thinking, particularly when it comes to topics related to classical conflicts, security issues, religion, and economics. These discussions will be carefully moderated, fostering an environment where all viewpoints are respected and ensuring that the discussions remain unbiased and secular. I am committed to presenting the content in an age-appropriate manner, considering the maturity and readiness of the learners. I understand the importance of providing historical information in a sensitive and responsible way, ensuring that the material is presented accurately and thoughtfully. By approaching these topics with care and providing a balanced perspective, learners will have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of world history while fostering critical thinking skills and a broader worldview.
Supply List
To participate effectively in this course, students will need the following materials:

Paper: It is recommended to have both construction or colored paper for creative projects and regular paper for written assignments.
Pen/Pencil: Essential tools for note-taking, completing assignments, and engaging in activities.
Crayons/Markers/Colored Pencils: These coloring tools will be useful for visual projects and adding creativity to assignments.
Printer*: Access to a printer is required for printing out resources provided by the teacher or accessing digital documents.
*For digital worksheets, please refer to the 'Materials' section, which contains a list of third-party websites where they can be accessed.
Note: If using hard copy printouts, it is strongly suggested to have a folder or binder for organization.
Dice: A physical set of dice, an app that allows for dice rolls, or access to a virtual dice roller online will be used for specific activities and simulations.
For digital worksheets, please refer to the 'Materials' section, which contains a list of third-party websites where they can be accessed.

Make sure to have these supplies ready to fully participate in the course activities and projects.
 1 file available upon enrollment
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Marr, Andrew. A History of the World. Lewis, Bernard. The Middle East: A Brief History of the Last 2000 Years. Richardson, Hazel. Life in the Ancient Indus River Valley (Peoples of the Ancient World). Bauer, Susan. The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome. Stearns, Peter. The Encyclopedia of World History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern. Frankopan, Peter. The Silk Roads: A New History of the World. Zinn, Howard. The Twentieth Century: A People's History. Primary and secondary texts, writings and works of various early religious scholars.

Meet the teacher

4.9
365reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Alabama Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Master's Degree in Education from University of Montevallo
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in Comparative Politics. My academic journey included a wide range of courses focusing on various political and historical aspects of civilizations from different time periods and regions around the world. This comprehensive study allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the complexities of past and present societies.

Furthermore, I pursued a Master of Education degree specializing in Secondary Social Sciences, which provided me with advanced knowledge in teaching history, political science, and related subjects. I obtained certification from the state of Alabama, qualifying me to teach social sciences to students in grades 7-12.

Over the course of my teaching career, I have gained extensive experience instructing students in US and World history; dedicated to delivering engaging and informative lessons in these subjects. Additionally, I have conducted extensive research in both history and politics for over 20+ years, allowing me to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments in these fields.

My educational background, teaching experience, and research expertise have equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. I am committed to fostering a deeper understanding of historical events and political dynamics while encouraging critical thinking and a passion for learning in my learners.

Reviews

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