I had a semster of Iowa history when I was in 7th grade. I can even remember the text books and getting to watch videos about settlers doing plowing, and having to locate which Native Amercian tribes resided in what part of the state. I liked it, but then again, history was one of my majors in college.
I thought it was a requirement for all Iowa schools, but I think the grade varies, or they could have just told us it was required.