Welcome to the Social Studies Department at Butler Junior High School
Department Philosophy
The primary purpose of social studies is to analyze political, economic, cultural and environmental aspects of the past and the present. This background provides a framework for productive, lifelong participation in the community by helping young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions in a culturally diverse, democratic society.
The social studies curriculum begins with 6th grade learners examining ancient civilizations with an emphasis on culture and geography. Knowledge is expanded with an intense study of United States history where, 7th and 8th grade students, critically examine primary sources, process the U.S. Constitution, and analyze multiple historical perspectives. The department seeks to foster an understanding of the development of civilizations and the imperial advancements of the United States through the use of various instructional strategies, the incorporation of technology, and the utilization of cross-curricular competencies.
About the Faculty
Mr. Steve Ryan joined the Butler staff in 2008. His Butler involvement includes: faculty sponsor for intramural sports, Chess Club, fall play sounds and lights, Geography Bee, and 8th Grade Washington, D.C. chaperone. Mr. Ryan also serves as a member of the District Technology Committee. Mr. Ryan graduated Magna Cum Laude from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education. He additionally received a Masters Degree in Educational Technology from the University of Illinois.
Contact Mr. Ryan – (630) 573-2760 ext. 112 or via email.
Mr. Ted Krillies has recently joined the Butler staff in November 2010. Previously, he has worked for 4 years at Spring Wood Junior High in Hanover Park as a 7th grade Social Studies teacher. Mr. Krillies is married with four great kids. He hopes to coach and also contribute in other extra-curriculars. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education-social sciences from Elmhurst College, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Administration from Concordia University-Chicago.
Contact Mr. Krillies - (630) 573 2760 ext. 110 or via email.
Course Overviews
| Grade Level |
Content Overview |
| 6th Grade |
Prehistory, Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient China, Ancient India and Persia, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Middle Ages, Renaissance |
| 7th Grade |
Early Republic, U.S. Constitution, Jeffersonian Era, Industrial Revolution, Jacksonian Era, Civil War, Reconstruction, New West |
| 8th Grade |
Industrialization, Immigration, Urbanization, Progressive Era, Imperialism, World War I, 1920s, Great Depression, World War II, Post World War II World |