Recently, our 8th grade Humanities students proudly presented their first trimester Independent Studies Projects (ISP) — a showcase of curiosity, creativity, and deep historical thinking.

For this project, students could choose any topic connected to American history from the colonial period through 1860. From there, they became historians in their own right as they researched, analyzed, and taught their classmates about a subject that sparked their personal interest.

These projects are more than just presentations; they’re opportunities for students to see that history is everywhere — from food to fashion to sports — and that the past connects to the world around us in fascinating ways. Along the way, students strengthened their research, organization, and long-term planning skills. Each project required a timeline, a primary source analysis, relevant images or maps, and a works cited page.

The final presentations reflected both depth and creativity. Students shared their findings through slideshows, videos, and even websites, bringing their chosen topics to life.

This trimester’s topics included a wide array of exciting themes, such as:

• First Wave Feminism
• The Salem Witch Trials
• The Culper Spy Ring
• Piracy in Colonial America
• The culinary history of early American desserts
• Weapons of the American Revolution
• Victorian-era fashion
  …and many more!

Each student stepped into the role of historian and storyteller, making the past engaging and relevant for their peers. Congratulations to our 8th graders for their impressive work and thoughtful exploration of early American history — we’re excited to see which topics you select for your 2nd trimester ISPs!